PPC
Consumer DefensivePilgrim's Pride Corporation · Packaged Foods · $7B
What is Pilgrim's Pride Corporation?
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation is one of the largest chicken producers in the world, supplying fresh, frozen, and value-added poultry and pork products to retailers, foodservice operators, and distributors across multiple continents.
Pilgrim's Pride generates revenue by raising, processing, and selling chicken and pork under a broad portfolio of branded and private-label offerings. The company serves grocery retailers, quick-service restaurants, and foodservice distributors. Its product mix ranges from fresh whole birds and case-ready cuts to prepared items like nuggets, strips, and deli meats. International operations — particularly through its Moy Park and Richmond brands in Europe — add meaningful geographic diversification to its largely commodity-driven business.
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, Pilgrim's Pride has grown into a global protein company with operations spanning the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, and beyond.
- Fresh and frozen chicken cuts, including marinated and case-ready formats
- Value-added prepared products such as nuggets, patties, and tenderloins
- Processed pork including sausages, bacon, and smoked meats
- Branded deli and sandwich meats sold under Richmond, Fridge Raiders, and Denny
- Export-grade whole chickens and pork cuts for international distribution
Is PPC a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates PPC as Below Average overall, reflecting meaningful structural challenges across several key pillars.
The Quality pillar stands out as the relative bright spot, suggesting the underlying business generates reasonably consistent operational results. Valuation is rated Attractive, meaning the stock may not be pricing in a premium relative to its fundamentals — a consideration for value-oriented investors.
Both the Moat and Growth pillars are rated Weak, pointing to limited competitive differentiation in a commodity-driven industry and constrained prospects for meaningful earnings expansion. Risk is rated Neutral, offering little buffer against these structural headwinds.
See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does PPC pay dividends?
Yes — Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pays a dividend.
Pilgrim's Pride pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among protein processors of its scale. The dividend reflects a degree of financial discipline, though investors should weigh it against the company's Weak Growth and Moat ratings. In a commodity-sensitive business, dividend sustainability can be tied closely to commodity cycle conditions and operational efficiency.
When does PPC report earnings?
Pilgrim's Pride reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for US-listed equities.
Results in the protein sector tend to fluctuate with feed costs, consumer demand shifts, and pricing dynamics across retail and foodservice channels. Pilgrim's Pride's Quality pillar rating suggests the business has maintained reasonable operational consistency, though Growth remains a challenge.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's official investor relations page.
PPC Price History
+55.4% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Pilgrim's Pride Corporation?
Based on Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
PPC Long-term Outlook
The fundamental outlook for Pilgrim's Pride reflects the tension between an Attractive valuation and Weak Growth prospects. The company operates in a mature, commodity-driven industry where volume growth is difficult to sustain and margin expansion is constrained by input cost volatility. A Neutral Risk rating suggests the balance sheet and operational profile are not under acute stress, but the path to meaningful value creation remains narrow without a structural improvement in competitive positioning.
Growth drivers
- International expansion through established European brands like Moy Park and Richmond
- Premiumization of value-added and prepared product lines to reduce commodity exposure
- Foodservice channel recovery and volume growth in key export markets
Key risks
- Persistent commodity cost volatility in feed grains squeezing processing margins
- Weak Moat rating signals limited pricing power relative to retail and foodservice customers
- Valuation re-rating risk if Growth remains subdued over multiple quarters
PPC vs Peers
Pilgrim's Pride operates in the broader Consumer Defensive sector alongside companies with different business models and competitive profiles.
Magnum Ice Cream focuses on premium frozen dessert products, giving it a more brand-driven, higher-margin positioning compared to Pilgrim's commodity-oriented protein business.
Ingredion is an ingredient solutions company serving food and beverage manufacturers, operating further upstream in the supply chain than Pilgrim's consumer-facing protein products.
Conagra competes across a wide range of branded packaged foods, giving it broader category diversification and stronger brand equity than Pilgrim's largely protein-focused portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pilgrim's Pride do?
Pilgrim's Pride produces, processes, and distributes chicken and pork products to retailers, foodservice operators, and distributors in the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, and international markets. Its portfolio spans fresh cuts, prepared foods, and branded deli meats sold under names including Pilgrim's, Richmond, Just BARE, and Moy Park.
Does PPC pay dividends?
Yes, Pilgrim's Pride pays a regular dividend. This is notable for a protein processor operating in a commodity-sensitive industry. Investors should review the company's investor relations page for the current dividend rate and payment schedule, as these can change with business conditions.
When does PPC report earnings?
Pilgrim's Pride reports earnings quarterly, in line with standard US-listed company practice. For exact dates and upcoming reporting schedules, check the investor relations section of the company's official website.
Is PPC a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates PPC as Below Average overall. While the Valuation pillar is Attractive and Quality is rated Good, the Weak Moat and Weak Growth ratings highlight real structural limitations. Whether PPC fits your portfolio depends on your risk tolerance and investment goals — the full pillar breakdown is available to Pro members.
Is PPC overvalued?
Based on the UQS Valuation pillar, PPC is rated Attractive, suggesting the stock is not trading at a premium relative to its fundamentals. However, an attractive price alone does not offset concerns around limited competitive moat and constrained growth prospects.
How does PPC compare to its competitors?
Compared to peers like Conagra Brands and Ingredion, Pilgrim's Pride is more narrowly focused on protein processing, which limits diversification but keeps the business model straightforward. Conagra benefits from broader brand equity, while Ingredion operates in ingredient solutions — a different part of the food supply chain.
What is PPC's market cap bracket?
Pilgrim's Pride is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a range that typically offers more liquidity than small-caps while remaining more nimble than mega-cap consumer staples peers.
Who founded Pilgrim's Pride?
Pilgrim's Pride was founded by Lonnie 'Bo' Pilgrim, whose family built the company from a small feed store in Texas into one of the largest poultry producers in the world. The company was established in 1987 in its current corporate form, though its roots trace back further.
Is PPC a long-term quality investment?
As a long-term quality indicator, PPC's UQS profile presents a mixed picture. The Good Quality rating reflects reasonable operational consistency, but Weak Moat and Weak Growth ratings suggest the company may struggle to compound value over time without meaningful strategic improvements. Pro members can view the complete analysis.
What is the main competitive advantage of Pilgrim's Pride?
Pilgrim's Pride benefits from scale in chicken processing and a diversified brand portfolio spanning multiple geographies. However, the UQS Moat pillar is rated Weak, indicating that these advantages do not translate into durable pricing power or structural barriers that clearly differentiate it from competitors.
What sector does PPC belong to?
Pilgrim's Pride is classified in the Consumer Defensive sector. Companies in this sector tend to produce essential goods with relatively stable demand, though protein processors like PPC are still exposed to commodity cost cycles that can create earnings volatility.
Is PPC a growth stock or value stock?
Based on UQS pillar labels, PPC leans toward value territory — the Valuation pillar is Attractive while the Growth pillar is Weak. This profile may appeal to investors seeking a lower-priced entry into a defensive sector, but growth-focused investors may find the outlook less compelling.
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Pro Analysis
PPC — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2026 | 45.4 | 58.8 | 27.0 | 8.1 | 48.9 | 99.7 | -1.3 |
| May 4, 2026 | 46.7 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 8.6 | 51.7 | 99.0 | 0.0 |
| May 3, 2026 | 46.7 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 8.8 | 51.7 | 99.0 | 0.0 |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 46.7 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 8.9 | 51.7 | 98.5 | 0.0 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | 46.7 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 9.1 | 51.7 | 98.5 | +0.1 |
| Apr 18, 2026 | 46.6 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 9.1 | 51.7 | 98.1 | +0.1 |
| Apr 15, 2026 | 46.5 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 9.1 | 51.7 | 97.4 | -0.1 |
| Apr 12, 2026 | 46.6 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 9.2 | 51.7 | 97.5 | +0.1 |
| Apr 9, 2026 | 46.5 | 62.4 | 27.0 | 9.2 | 51.7 | 96.9 | +0.2 |
| Apr 4, 2026 | 46.3 | 61.8 | 27.0 | 9.2 | 51.7 | 96.9 | 0.0 |
PPC — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 59.1/100 (25%)Pilgrim's Pride Corporation shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 8.1/100 (20%)Pilgrim's Pride Corporation faces growth headwinds with declining or stagnant revenue trends.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 48.9/100 (15%)Pilgrim's Pride Corporation has some risk factors including moderate leverage or solvency concerns.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 99.8/100 (15%)Pilgrim's Pride Corporation appears attractively valued relative to its earnings, cash flows, and sector peers.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 27/100 (25%)Pilgrim's Pride Corporation operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for PPC.
Score Composition
Financial Data
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How is the PPC UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Pilgrim's Pride Corporation is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Pilgrim's Pride Corporation is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.