Pilgrim's(US:PPC)2025-05-01 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, net revenues were $4.5 billion, a 2.3% increase year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA was $533 million, up 62% compared to Q1 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12% compared to 8.5% last year [6][31][36] - U.S. net revenues increased by 6.2% to $2.74 billion, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $392.5 million from $242.9 million in Q1 2024 [31][33] - European EBITDA margins improved to 8.1% from 6.4% year-over-year, while Mexico's EBITDA margins decreased to 8.4% from 9.2% [32][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Big Bird segment benefited from improved commodity values and production efficiencies, leading to significant profitability growth [7][21] - Prepared foods grew over 20% year-over-year, driven by increased distribution across retail and food service [22] - Sales of core branded offerings rose over 50%, with notable growth in the Just Bare and Pilgrim's brands [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. chicken production grew by 1.1% year-over-year, with USDA projecting a 1.7% growth for 2025 [10][11] - Retail demand for chicken increased, particularly for boneless skinless breasts and dark meat, with double-digit growth noted in the dark meat category [12][48] - Export volumes were impacted by winter weather disruptions and increased domestic demand, but pricing momentum is expected to strengthen in Q2 [13][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its portfolio and expanding capacity in fresh and prepared foods, with ongoing investments in Mexico and the U.S. [9][29] - Sustainability initiatives are being prioritized, with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resiliency [30] - The company aims to maintain operational excellence and drive differentiation through quality and service for key customers [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer concerns about inflation are shifting spending from food service to retail, leading to strong demand in the retail segment [47][50] - The company anticipates continued growth in Mexico, supported by expanding operations and increasing consumer spending [60][64] - Challenges remain in the U.S. market due to respiratory diseases affecting production, but improvements in live operations are expected to support volume growth [70][85] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong liquidity position with over $1.6 billion in cash and available credit, even after a $1.5 billion special dividend [36][37] - Capital expenditures for the year are estimated at approximately $750 million, with a focus on disciplined investment in high-return projects [40][96] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the lower level of CapEx in Q1? - Management indicated that the lower CapEx was timing-related, with expectations for a ramp-up in capital spending in the coming quarters [42][43] Question: Are there any impacts from consumer softness or geopolitical issues? - Management noted a shift from food service to retail due to consumer concerns about high prices and inflation, which is positively impacting chicken demand [46][50] Question: What is the outlook for the EU and UK business margins? - Management expects continued margin expansion due to operational integration and improved consumer confidence in Europe [55][57] Question: How is the company addressing mortality issues in production? - Management explained that higher mortality rates are linked to diseases and genetics, with ongoing efforts to improve management practices [98][100] Question: What is the strategy for working capital and bond purchases? - Management acknowledged that working capital changes are typically negative in Q1 but anticipate a turnaround, while bond purchases were opportunistic [104][106]