PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP - Quarter Report: 2004 July (Form 10-Q)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File number 1-9273

PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		75-1285071
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)

110 South Texas, Pittsburg, TX		75686-0093
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip code)

(903) 855-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No ¨

Number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, as of August 13, 2004, was 66,555,733.

Table of Contents

INDEX PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

	Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
		Consolidated balance sheets July 3, 2004 and September 27, 2003
		Consolidated income statements Three months and nine months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003
		Consolidated statements of cash flows Nine months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003
		Notes to consolidated financial statements as of July 3, 2004
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings
	Item 6.	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


SIGNATURES

EXHIBIT INDEX


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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets
	July 3, 2004			September 27, 2003

	(Unaudited)
Assets	(in thousands except share data)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	36,839		$	16,606
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts		214,812			127,020
Inventories		625,208			340,881
Other current assets		57,758			6,201

Total Current Assets		934,617			490,708

Other Assets		48,831			31,302

Property, Plant and Equipment:
Land		51,247			38,708
Buildings, machinery and equipment		1,532,973			1,085,281
Autos and trucks		60,948			55,239
Construction-in-progress		33,018			21,209

		1,678,186			1,200,437
Less accumulated depreciation		(527,405	)		(464,963	)

		1,150,781			735,474

	$	2,134,229		$	1,257,484

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	298,431		$	159,164
Accrued expenses		251,866			107,503
Current deferred income tax		10,242			10,242
Current maturities of long-term debt		8,175			2,680

Total Current Liabilities		568,714			279,589

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities		591,297			415,965
Deferred Income Taxes		123,104			113,988
Minority Interest in Subsidiary		1,252			1,246
Commitments and Contingencies		--			--

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 authorized shares; none issued		--			--
Common stock – $.01 par value, 160,000,000 authorized shares; 66,826,833 and 41,383,779 issued, respectively		668			414
Additional paid-in capital		431,662			79,625
Retained earnings		418,246			368,195
Accumulated other comprehensive income		854			30
Less treasury stock, 271,100 shares		(1,568	)		(1,568	)

Total Stockholders’ Equity		849,862			446,696

	$	2,134,229		$	1,257,484

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004		June 28, 2003			July 3, 2004 (40 Weeks)			June 28, 2003 (39 Weeks)

	(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Net Sales	$	1,447,995	$	651,877		$	3,877,269		$	1,909,874
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales		1,268,764		600,932			3,493,844			1,805,257
Cost of sales-restructuring		55,982		--			55,982			--
Non-recurring recoveries		--		(10,302	)		(76	)		(36,002	)
Selling, general and administrative		78,209		35,107			190,160			102,728
Other restructuring charges	7,923			--			7,923			--

		1,410,878		625,737			3,747,833			1,871,983

Operating income		37,117		26,140			129,436			37,891

Other Expense (Income):
Interest expense, net		14,690		9,417			40,658			28,835
Foreign exchange (gain) loss		65		(334	)		328			(466	)
Miscellaneous, net		285		(8,124	)		1,222			(36,787	)

		15,040		959			42,208			(8,418	)

Income before income taxes		22,077		25,181			87,228			46,309
Income tax expense		12,263		7,740			34,178			15,346

Net income	$	9,814	$	17,441		$	53,050		$	30,963

Net income per common share– basic and diluted		$ 0.15		$ 0.42			$ 0.86			$ 0.75

Dividends per common share	$	0.015	$	0.015		$	0.045		$	0.045

Weighted average shares outstanding		66,555,733		41,112,679			61,376,254			41,112,679


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004 (40 Weeks)			June 28, 2003 (39 Weeks)

	(in thousands)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	53,050		$	30,963
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		88,120			54,253
Non-cash restructuring charges		44,279			--
Loss on property disposals		1,631			(277	)
Deferred income taxes		9,117			17,318
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables		38,639			(33,265	)
Inventories		(90,158	)		(31,509	)
Other current assets		(15,520	)		1,566
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		96,525			(22,997	)
Other		64			(1,357	)

Cash provided by operating activities		225,747			14,695

Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment		(55,837	)		(36,146	)
Business acquisition, net of equity consideration		(304,592	)		--
Proceeds from property disposals		1,079			923
Other, net		820			(4,284	)

Cash used in investing activities		(358,530	)		(39,507	)

Financing Activities:
Borrowing for acquisition		300,767			--
Proceeds from notes payable to banks		70,000			255,500
Repayments of notes payable to banks		(70,000	)		(255,500	)
Proceeds from long-term debt		294,345			108,133
Payments on long-term debt		(430,285	)		(78,992	)
Equity and debt issue cost		(8,991	)		(366	)
Cash dividends paid		(2,999	)		(1,858	)

Cash provided by financing activities		152,837			26,917

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		179			(351	)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents		20,233			1,754
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		16,606			14,913

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	36,839		$	16,667


Supplemental Non-cash Disclosure Information:
Business acquisition, equity consideration (before cost of issuance)		$ 357,475			$ --

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE A—BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (referred to herein as “Pilgrim’s,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar terms) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the period ended July 3, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending October 2, 2004. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Pilgrim’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2003.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pilgrim’s and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated at end-of-period exchange rates, except for any non-monetary assets, which are translated at equivalent dollar costs at dates of acquisition using historical rates. Operations of foreign subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the period.

Total comprehensive income was $10.7 million and $17.4 million for the three months and $53.9 million and $29.7 million for the nine months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, respectively.

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“Interpretation No. 46”). On June 29, 1999, the Camp County Industrial Development Corporation issued $25.0 million of variable-rate environmental facilities revenue bonds supported by letters of credit we obtained. We may draw from these proceeds over the construction period for new sewage and solid waste disposal facilities at a poultry by-products plant to be built in Camp County, Texas. We are not required to borrow the full amount of the proceeds from the revenue bonds. All amounts borrowed from these funds will be due in 2029. The adoption of Interpretation No. 46 did not result in the consolidation of the Camp County Industrial Development Corporation, as variable interest entities created by governmental entities are specifically excluded from consolidation under Interpretation 46. We will record as debt only amounts ultimately spent on construction of the sewage and solid waste disposal facility as proceeds are drawn by the Company in reimbursement of such construction. The Company has no other interest in variable interest entities.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to current presentations.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

NOTE B—BUSINESS ACQUISITION

On November 23, 2003, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of the corporations represented as the ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra”) chicken division (“ConAgra chicken division”). The acquired business has been included in our results of operations since the date of the acquisition. The acquisition provides us with additional lines of specialty prepared chicken products, well-known brands, well-established distributor relationships and Southeastern United States processing facilities. The acquisition also includes the largest distributor of chicken products in Puerto Rico. This allows us to provide customers at every point in the distribution chain with the broadest range of quality value-added chicken products and services available in the market today.

Based on the estimated closing balance sheet delivered prior to closing, and our common stock data through five days prior to closing, the acquisition has been preliminarily valued at approximately $667.2 million. This was funded by (1) $100.0 million of 9 1/4% senior subordinated notes due 2013, issued on November 21, 2003, (2) $100.0 million of 9 5/8% senior unsecured notes due 2011, issued August 18, 2003 at a price of 103.5% of the principal amount thereof, the net proceeds of which were used to pay down existing borrowings under the Company’s revolving/term credit facility pending the closing of the acquisition and as a result at closing the amount was re-borrowed from our revolving/term credit facility, (3) $100.0 million of secured notes sold to an insurance company, which have an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.2075%, $80.0 million of which has a maturity date in 2013 and $20.0 million of which has a maturity date in 2010 and (4) the issuance of 25,443,054 shares of our common stock valued at $14.05 per share, the closing price of our common stock on November 17, 2003, the day on which final stock consideration was determined, less costs associated with the issuance of the equity. In addition, the Company assumed certain long-term debt and paid transaction costs.

The final purchase price is subject to adjustment based on determination of the final adjusted net book value of the assets purchased. On July 28, 2004, the Company reached an agreement with ConAgra on the final purchase price and on July 29, 2004, the Company received payment from ConAgra for $32.5 million (the “Overpayment”) plus interest of $1.5 million which will be recorded as Interest Income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. ConAgra has also reassumed the risk of liability on certain litigation arising prior to the acquisition. The Overpayment has been classified as “Other current assets”.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

Purchase consideration:

(In thousands):

Common stock	$	357,475
Long-term debt		300,767
Transaction costs		9,475

Total purchase price	$	667,717

The following table summarizes the Company's estimates of fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. A preliminary estimate of the intangible assets acquired, which relate primarily to tradenames and customer relationships, is being amortized over fifteen years and is included in "Other Assets." The purchase price allocation is preliminary and will be finalized after completion of the Company's final evaluation of the operations acquired from ConAgra.

Purchase price allocation:

(In thousands):

Current assets	$	357,588
Property, plant and equipment		489,165
Other assets		24,591

Total assets acquired		871,344

Current liabilities		187,627
Long-term debt		16,000

Total liabilities assumed	$	203,627

Total purchase price	$	667,717

The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented as if the acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division had occurred as of the beginning of each period presented. For the three and nine month periods ended June 28, 2003, the ConAgra chicken division information has been included with a one-month lag to the Pilgrim’s Pride reporting period in order to maintain their existing quarterly period.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

Pro Forma Financial Information:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
In thousands except for share data	July 3, 2004		June 28, 2003		July 3, 2004 (40 Weeks)		June 28,2003 (39 Weeks)

Net sales	$	1,447,995	$	1,251,241	$	4,338,717	$	3,650,744
Depreciation and amortization	$	29,303	$	35,900	$	94,055	$	101,964
Operating income	$	37,117	$	18,920	$	154,542	$	12,694
Interest expense, net	$	14,690	$	18,313	$	45,029	$	53,500
Income(loss) before taxes	$	22,077	$	9,065	$	108,654	$	(2,041	)
Net Income (loss)	$	9,814	$	5,620	$	66,335	$	(1,120	)
Net income (loss) per common share	$	0.15	$	0.08	$	1.00	$	(0.02	)
Weighted average shares outstanding		66,555,733		66,555,733		66,555,733		66,555,733

NOTE C—RESTRUCTURING AND NON-RECURRING RECOVERIES

On April 26, 2004, the Company announced a plan to restructure its turkey division, including the sale or closure of some facilities in Virginia. The Company immediately placed the facility and related property and equipment for sale. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, (SFAS 144), as of the announcement date the Company classified these facilities as held for sale on its balance sheet. The Company recorded, as cost of sales-restructuring, charges of approximately $56.0 million representing a non-cash asset impairment charge of $44.3 million to write down the facility and related property and equipment to its fair value less selling cost which is estimated at approximately $2 million along with approximately $11.7 million in related charges, primarily inventory losses on discontinued products. The Company also recorded as other restructuring charges, approximately $7.9 million related to exit and severance costs in connection with the restructuring. Approximately 1,300 employees will be affected by this restructuring. If the facilities are not sold by October 2004, the Company intends to cease production and liquidate the assets on an individual basis.

Non-recurring recoveries, which is a component of gross profit and operating income, include reimbursements received from the U.S. federal government under a relief plan related to the avian influenza outbreak in the Commonwealth of Virginia (“Virginia”) on March 12, 2002 and proceeds received from litigation initiated by the Company in antitrust lawsuits alleging a world-wide conspiracy to control production capacity and raise prices of vitamins and methionine. Proceeds received by the Company as successor to WLR Foods in connection with the lawsuits described above are recorded as Other Expense (Income); Miscellaneous, Net. The Company received no reimbursements in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 in connection with the litigation settlements. The Company anticipates no significant future relief from the federal government or from the lawsuits discussed above.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

The following table summarizes the impact of the restructuring and non-recurring recoveries on each of the periods presented (in millions):

	Three Months Ended
	July 3, 2004

	Cost of Goods-Restructuring		Non-recurring Recoveries		Other Restructuring Charges		Miscellaneous Net		Total

Avian Influenza	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--	$	--
Vitamin		--		--		--		--		--
Methionine		--		--		--		--		--
Restructuring and Related charges		56.0		--		7.9		--		63.9

Total	$	56.0	$	--	$	7.9	$	--	$	63.9

	Three Months Ended
	June 28, 2003

	Cost of Goods-Restructuring		Non-recurring Recoveries			Other Restructuring Charges		Miscellaneous Net			Total

Avian Influenza	$	--	$	(0.1	)	$	--	$	--		$	(0.1	)
Vitamin		--		--			--		(0.4	)		(0.4	)
Methionine		--		( 10.2	)		--		(7.0	)		(17.2	)
Restructuring and Related charges		--		--			--		--			--

Total	$	--	$	(10.3	)	$	--	$	(7.4	)	$	(17.7	)

	Nine Months Ended
	July 3, 2004

	Cost of Goods-Restructuring		Non-recurring Recoveries			Other Restructuring Charges		Miscellaneous Net			Total

Avian Influenza	$	--	$	--		$	--	$	--		$	--
Vitamin		--		(0.1	)		--		(0.9	)		(1.0	)
Methionine		--		--			--		--			--
Restructuring and Related charges		56.0		--			7.9		--			63.9

Total	$	56.0	$	(0.1	)	$	7.9	$	(0.9	)	$	62.9

	Nine Months Ended
	June 28, 2003

	Cost of Goods-Restructuring		Non-recurring Recoveries			Other Restructuring Charges		Miscellaneous Net			Total

Avian Influenza	$	--	$	(16.1	)	$	--	$	--		$	(16.1	)
Vitamin		--		(1.6	)		--		(22.8	)		(24.4	)
Methionine		--		(18.3	)		--		(12.6	)		(30.9	)
Restructuring and Related charges		--		--			--		--			--

Total	$	--	$	(36.0	)	$	--	$	(35.4	)	$	(71.4	)


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

NOTE D—ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Under our Receivables Purchase Agreement, we sell on a revolving basis, up to $125.0 million of certain trade receivables (the “Pooled Receivables”) to a special purpose corporation wholly owned by us, which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest to third parties. At July 3, 2004 and September 27, 2003, an interest in these Pooled Receivables of $125.0 million and $58.5 million, respectively, had been sold to third parties and was reflected as a reduction to accounts receivable. The gross proceeds resulting from the sale are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Gross proceeds of $66.5 million were received during the nine month period ended July 3, 2004. Losses on these sales were immaterial. As of the fiscal month ended July 3, 2004, no additional Pooled Receivables were available for sale.

At the time of the recall of certain deli meats in October 2002, the Company had a separate insurance contract for product recall coverage with an insurance company that specifically provides for reimbursement of direct recall related expenses, product restoration expenses and loss of business income. The Company has recorded receivables related to direct recall related expense, specifically related to the write-off of inventory, third party shipping and freight costs, payments made for outside labor, internal hourly labor, third party warehouse storage costs and payments to customers. The Company has recorded $10.2 million in recall related expenses, net of the deductible amount of $0.5 million and the $16.0 million advance payment from the Company's insurer, as a component of "Current Assets – Trade accounts and other receivables." The Company has recorded as a receivable only the readily, objectively determinable amounts of direct product recall costs reimbursable under its insurance policy. The Company has filed claims, to date, under this insurance contract totaling approximately $98 million; although, the policy limit is $50 million. On February 24, 2004, we filed suit against our insurer, Ace American Insurance Company (“Ace”), in the District Court of the State of Texas for Dallas County seeking judgment for the remaining $34.0 million owed under the policy, consequential and punitive damages, costs and interest. On March 19, 2004, Ace filed a general denial answer to our suit filed against them. We continue to believe, however, that we will recover the remaining amounts owed to us by our insurer under the policy and specifically that the portion of the policy currently recorded as a receivable is probable of collection. However, no assurances can be given that we will ultimately recover to the full extent of the policy.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

NOTE E—INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:	July 3, 2004		September 27, 2003

	(in thousands)
Chicken:
Live chicken and hens	$	232,189	$	102,796
Feed, eggs and other		117,687		70,245
Finished chicken products		176,921		83,264

		526,797		256,305
Turkey:
Live turkey and hens		21,115		30,505
Feed, eggs and other		15,302		12,405
Finished turkey products		61,994		41,666

		98,411		84,576

Total Inventories	$	625,208	$	340,881

NOTE F—LONG TERM DEBT

We maintain $180.0 million in revolving credit facilities, $30.0 million of which relates to our Mexico operations, and $500.0 million in a secured revolving/term borrowing facility. Borrowings under the revolving/term borrowing facility are available on a revolving basis until April 7, 2008 at which time the outstanding borrowings will be converted to a term loan. Approximately one-half of the converted term loan principal balance outstanding as of April 7, 2008 will be payable in quarterly installments through August 31, 2011 with all remaining principal and interest due on August 31, 2011. The $500.0 million revolving/term borrowing facility provides for interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus one percent to LIBOR plus two and five-eighths percent depending upon our total debt to capitalization ratio. Borrowings under the revolving/term borrowing facility were $25.0 million at July 3, 2004. The $25.0 million of outstanding borrowings on the $500.0 million revolving/term borrowing facility was repaid in July 2004. As a result, $417.1 million, which was available for borrowings at July 29, 2004, is secured by certain fixed assets. The $150.0 million domestic revolving credit facility provides for interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus seven-eighths percent to LIBOR plus three and three-eighths percent depending upon our total debt to capitalization ratio. The $150.0 million domestic revolving credit facility, $101.5 million of which was available for borrowings at July 29, 2004, is secured by domestic chicken inventories. The $30.0 million facility in Mexico is secured by the accounts receivable, inventories and certain fixed assets of the Company's Mexico operations. Borrowings against these facilities are subject to the availability of eligible collateral and no material adverse change provisions.

In November 2003, the Company borrowed approximately $299.5 million in additional long-term debt to fund the closing of the ConAgra chicken division acquisition. The specific borrowings are discussed in Note B and consisted of a combination of subordinated debt, senior notes and asset based borrowings.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

The following table presents our long-term debt as of July 3, 2004 and September 27, 2003 (in thousands):

	Final Maturity		July 3, 2004			September 27, 2003


Senior unsecured notes, interest at 9 5/8%		2011	$	303,128		$	303,500
Senior subordinated unsecured notes, interest at 9 1/4%		2013		100,000			--
Note payable to an insurance company at 6.68%		2012		56,567			58,512
Notes payable to an insurance company at LIBOR plus 2.2075%		2013		77,329			--
Note payable to a lender at LIBOR plus 2.2075%		2010		19,000			--
Revolving term/credit facility at LIBOR plus 1.50%, payable monthly		2011		25,000			--
Revolving term/credit facility – 10 year tranche at LIBOR plus 1.75%, payable monthly		2010		--			39,188
Revolving term/credit facility – 7 year tranche at LIBOR plus 1.50%, payable monthly		2007		--			15,813
Industrial revenue bond at variable rate		2012		9,500			--
Industrial revenue bond at variable rate		2019		4,700			--
Other notes payable		Various		4,248			1,632

				599,472			418,645
Less current maturities				(8,175	)		(2,680	)

Total			$	591,297		$	415,965

Annual maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to September 27, 2003 are: Remainder of fiscal 2004 -- $2.0 million, 2005 -- $9.4 million, 2006 -- $9.6 million, 2007 -- $9.9 million and 2008 -- $11.4 million.

NOTE G—COMMON STOCK

Prior to November 22, 2003, the Company had two classes of authorized common stock, Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The shares had substantially the same rights, powers and limitations, except that each share of Class B common stock entitled the holder thereof to 20 votes per share, except as otherwise provided by law, on any matter submitted for a stockholder vote, while each share of Class A common stock entitled the holder thereof to one vote per share on any such matter.

The Company’s stockholders adopted, at a special meeting of stockholders on November 20, 2003, a proposal to amend our certificate of incorporation to reclassify our Class A common stock and Class B common stock into a single class of common stock.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

After the New York Stock Exchange closed on November 21, 2003, each share of Class A common stock and each share of Class B common stock was reclassified into one share of new common stock. The new common stock is our only class of authorized common stock. Following the reclassification, the Class A common stock and Class B common stock were no longer listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The new common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PPC” and registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. There were 13,794,529 shares of Class A common stock and 27,589,250 shares of Class B common stock outstanding prior to the reclassification. Immediately after giving effect to the reclassification, there were 41,383,779 shares of our new common stock outstanding, all of which were held by our then current stockholders.

Following the reclassification, our certificate of incorporation contains no provisions for Class A common stock or Class B common stock. In connection with the elimination of the dual class capital structure, our certificate of incorporation now authorizes 160 million shares of common stock instead of 100 million shares of Class A common stock and 60 million shares of Class B common stock.

Except as to voting rights, the rights of the new common stock are substantially identical to the rights of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Each share of Class A common stock or Class B common stock that was reclassified into our new common stock is entitled to cast twenty votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders until there is a change in the beneficial ownership of such share, as determined by us or our transfer agent based upon criteria specified in the certificate of amendment to our certificate of incorporation and written procedures we may adopt from time to time.

Subject to certain exceptions specified in the certificate of amendment to our certificate of incorporation, following a change in beneficial ownership of a share that is reclassified, the share will be entitled to only one vote. Shares of new common stock issued after the reclassification will also only be entitled to one vote per share, including the shares issued to ConAgra in the ConAgra chicken division acquisition on November 23, 2003. Shares held in street name or by a broker or nominee will be presumed to have been acquired after the reclassification and to therefore have one vote per share. This presumption is rebuttable by the holder’s showing that such share was subject to the reclassification and that no change in beneficial ownership of such share has occurred since the reclassification.

The reclassification had no significant effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, as the combination of the Class A and Class B shares into a new class of common stock did not affect the overall shares of common stock outstanding. Prior year balances reflect this reclassification as if it had occurred as of the earliest period presented.

As of July 3, 2004, we estimate that approximately 28.0 million shares of our common stock carry 20 votes per share, of which 25.4 million shares are beneficially owned by our Chairman, Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, or certain related entities.


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NOTE H—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, the Chairman and, through certain related entities, the major stockholder of the Company (collectively, the “major stockholder”), owns an egg laying and a chicken growing operation. In addition, at certain times during the year, the major stockholder purchases from the Company live chickens and hens and certain feed inventories during the grow-out process and then contracts with the Company to resell the birds at maturity using a market-based formula, with price subject to a ceiling price calculated at his cost plus two percent. Purchases made by the Company under this agreement resulted in an operating margin to the major stockholder of $9,259 and $8,992 during the quarters, and $1,044,747 and $338,592 during the nine months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, respectively, on gross amounts paid by the Company to the major stockholder as described below in “Live chicken purchases from major stockholder.”

Transactions with related parties are summarized as follows:

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004	June 28, 2003	July 3, 2004	June 28, 2003

	(in thousands)
Lease payments on commercial egg property	187	187	563	563
Chick, feed and other sales to major stockholder	366	338	52,960	47,799
Live chicken purchases from major stockholder	793	118	54,217	47,444
Loan guaranty fees	443	845	1,928	2,614
Lease payments on airplane	99	99	297	297

NOTE I—COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

The Company’s future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows: remainder of fiscal 2004 -- $8.5 million, 2005 -- $27.1 million, 2006 -- $22.5 million, 2007 -- $18.0 million, 2008 -- $13.1 million and thereafter $19.5 million.

At July 3, 2004, the Company had $33.6 million in letters of credit outstanding relating to normal business transactions.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

On December 31, 2003, we were served with a purported class action complaint styled "Angela Goodwin, et al. v. ConAgra Poultry Company and Pilgrim's Pride" in the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, El Dorado Division, alleging racial and age discrimination at one of the facilities we acquired from ConAgra. We are evaluating the defense and materiality of the claim. Neither the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome nor the ultimate liability, if any, can be determined at this time.

We are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

We also maintain operating leases for various types of equipment, some of which contain residual value guarantees for the market value of assets at the end of the term of the lease. The terms of the lease maturities range from one to seven years. The maximum potential amount of the residual value guarantees is approximately $14.7 million; however, the actual amount is based on an undeterminable recoverable amount based on the fair market value of the underlying leased assets. The likelihood of payments under these guarantees is not considered to be probable, and accordingly no liabilities have been recorded. The Company historically has not experienced significant payments under similar residual guarantees.


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NOTE J – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We operate in two reportable business segments as a producer of chicken and other products and a producer of turkey products.

Our chicken and other products segment primarily includes sales of chicken products and by-products we produce and purchase for resale in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and in Mexico. This segment also includes the sale of table eggs, feed and other items. Our chicken and other products segment conducts separate operations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and in Mexico and is reported as two separate geographical areas. Substantially all of the assets and operations of the recently acquired ConAgra chicken division are included in our U.S. chicken and other products segment since the date of acquisition.

Our turkey segment includes sales of turkey products produced in our turkey operations, which operates exclusively in the U.S.

Inter-area sales and inter-segment sales, which are not material, are accounted for at prices comparable to normal trade customer sales. Corporate expenses are allocated to Mexico based upon various apportionment methods for specific expenditures incurred related thereto with the remaining amounts allocated to the U.S. portions of the segments based on number of employees.

Non-recurring recoveries, which represent settlements for vitamin and methionine litigation covering several periods, as well as federal compensation for avian influenza losses, have not been allocated to any segment because the proper allocation cannot be readily determined


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The following table presents certain information regarding our segments (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004^(a)			June 28, 2003			July 3, 2004^(a)			June 28, 2003

							(40 Weeks)			(39 Weeks)
Net Sales to Customers:
Chicken and Other Products:
United States ^(b)	$	1,284,740		$	485,667		$	3,377,176		$	1,399,518
Mexico		96,969			93,921			286,373			281,281

Sub-total		1,381,709			579,588			3,663,549			1,680,799
Turkey		66,286			72,289			213,720			229,075

Total	$	1,447,995		$	651,877		$	3,877,269		$	1,909,874

Operating Income:
Chicken and Other Products:
United States ^(b)	$	109,952		$	26,734		$	231,745		$	32,368
Mexico		(1,692	)		8,830			(4,141	)		18,917

Sub-total		108,260			35,564			227,604			51,285
Turkey^(c)		(71,143	)		(19,726	)		(98,244	)		(49,396	)

Sub-total		37,117			15,838			129,360			1,889
Non-recurring recoveries^(d)		--			10,302			76			36,002

Total	$	37,117		$	26,140		$	129,436		$	37,891

Depreciation and Amortization^(e)
Chicken and Other Products:
United States ^(b)	$	24,342		$	13,985		$	73,146		$	39,473
Mexico		3,063			2,939			9,308			9,006

Sub-total		27,405			16,924			82,454			48,479
Turkey		1,898			2,017			5,847			5,774

Total	$	29,303		$	18,941		$	88,301		$	54,253

(a)	The acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division has been accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations for this acquisition have been included in our consolidated results of operations since November 23, 2003, the acquisition date.
(b)	Includes our Puerto Rico operations.

(c)	Includes $56.0 million of restructuring charges included in cost of sales-restructuring and $7.9 million in related exit and severance costs included in other restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended July 3, 2004 associated with the announced sale or closure of the Hinton, Virginia turkey production facilities.
(d)	Non-recurring recoveries are as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004		June 28, 2003		July 3, 2004		June 28,2003

Avian influenza	$	--	$	0.1	$	--	$	16.1
Vitamin/Methionine		--		10.2		0.1		19.9

Total	$	--	$	10.3	$	0.1	$	36.0

(e)	Includes amortization of capitalized financing costs of approximately $0.4 million and $1.4 million, and $0.3 million and $1.1 million for the three and nine month periods ending July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, respectively.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Business Acquisition

We are in the process of fully integrating the operations of the ConAgra chicken division into the Company. We expect the acquisition will result in significant cost saving opportunities and enhanced growth. We are currently preparing an optimization plan for all production and distribution facilities and determining and implementing a “best practices” approach across all operations. We believe we have realized important synergies at this time from the acquisition and there will be significant synergies identified in the future.

Restructuring of Turkey Operations

On April 26, 2004, we announced a plan to restructure our turkey business to significantly reduce our production of commodity turkey meat and strengthen our focus on value-added turkey products. As part of our restructuring effort, we intend to sell or close our Hinton, Virginia turkey commodity meat operations. We expect the restructuring to have a positive impact on pre-tax earnings of approximately $25-$30 million per year, reduce working capital employed in the turkey business by approximately $50 million and decrease commodity sales in our turkey division by approximately $70 million per year. We recorded, as cost of sales-restructuring, approximately $56.0 million and, as other restructuring charges, $7.9 million related to exit and severance costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. We expect that our turkey division will have an operating loss of as much as $11–$16 million for the remaining three months of fiscal 2004. We expect the continuing turkey operations to be profitable in fiscal 2005. The restructuring will significantly reduce our production of commodity turkey meat and strengthen our focus on value-added turkey products, such as cooked deli breast, turkey sausages, turkey burgers, ground turkey, salads and ready to cook roasts.


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General

Profitability in the poultry industry is materially affected by the commodity prices of feed ingredients, chicken and turkey, which are determined by supply and demand factors. As a result, the chicken and turkey industries are subject to cyclical earnings fluctuations. Cyclical earnings fluctuations can be mitigated somewhat by:

- Business strategy;

- Product mix;

- Sales and marketing plans; and

- Operating efficiencies.

In an effort to reduce price volatility and to generate higher, more consistent profit margins, we have concentrated on the production and marketing of prepared foods products. Prepared foods products generally have higher profit margins than our other products. Feed ingredient purchases are the single largest component of our cost of goods sold, representing approximately 33% of our cost of goods sold in the first nine months of fiscal year 2004. The production of feed ingredients is positively or negatively affected primarily by weather patterns throughout the world, the global level of supply inventories, demand for feed ingredients and the agricultural policies of the United States and foreign governments. As further processing is performed, feed ingredient costs become a decreasing percentage of a product’s total production costs. Products sold in this form enable us to charge a premium, reduce the impact of feed ingredient costs on our profitability and improve and stabilize our profit margins.

As a significant portion of U.S. poultry production is exported, the commodity prices of chicken and turkey can be, and in recent periods have been, adversely affected by disruptions in poultry export markets. These disruptions are often caused by restrictions on imports of U.S.-produced poultry products imposed by foreign governments for a variety of reasons, including the protection of their domestic poultry producers and allegations of consumer health issues. For example, Russia, China, Japan and Mexico have restricted the importation of U.S.-produced poultry for these reasons in recent periods. Because these disruptions in poultry export markets are often political, no assurances can be given as to when the existing disruptions will be alleviated or that new ones will not arise. In July 2003, the United States and Mexico entered into a safeguard agreement with regard to imports into Mexico of chicken leg quarters from the United States. Under this agreement, an initial tariff rate for chicken leg quarters of 98.8% on the sales prices was established. This tariff rate was reduced on January 1, 2004 to 79.04%, and is to be reduced in each of the following four years in equal increments so that the final tariff rate at January 1, 2008 will be zero. The tariff was imposed due to concerns that the duty-free importation of such products, as provided by the North American Free Trade Agreement, would injure Mexico’s poultry industry. As such tariffs are reduced, we expect greater amounts of chicken to be imported into Mexico from the United States, which could negatively affect the profitability of Mexico chicken producers and positively affect the profitability of U.S. exporters of chicken to Mexico. Although this could have a negative impact on our Mexico chicken operations, we believe that this will be mitigated somewhat by the close proximity of our U.S. operations to the Mexico border and our extensive distribution network in Mexico. We believe we have one of the largest U.S. production and distribution capacities near the Mexico border, which gives us a strategic advantage to capitalize on exports of U.S. chicken to Mexico.


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The following table presents certain information regarding our segments (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004^(a)			June 28, 2003			July 3, 2004^(a)			June 28, 2003

							(40 Weeks)			(39 Weeks)
N et Sales to Customers:
Chicken and Other Products:
United States ^(b)	$	1,284,740		$	485,667		$	3,377,176		$	1,399,518
Mexico		96,969			93,921			286,373			281,281

Sub-total		1,381,709			579,588			3,663,549			1,680,799
Turkey		66,286			72,289			213,720			229,075

Total	$	1,447,995		$	651,877		$	3,877,269		$	1,909,874

Operating Income:
Chicken and Other Products:
United States ^(b)	$	109,952		$	26,734		$	231,745		$	32,368
Mexico		(1,692	)		8,830			(4,141	)		18,917

Sub-total		108,260			35,564			227,604			51,285
Turkey^(c)		(71,143	)		(19,726	)		(98,244	)		(49,396	)

Sub-total		37,117			15,838			129,360			1,889
Non-recurring recoveries^(d)		--			10,302			76			36,002

Total	$	37,117		$	26,140		$	129,436		$	37,891

Depreciation and Amortization^(e)
Chicken and Other Products:
United States ^(b)	$	24,342		$	13,985		$	73,146		$	39,473
Mexico		3,063			2,939			9,308			9,006

Sub-total		27,405			16,924			82,454			48,479
Turkey		1,898			2,017			5,847			5,774

Total	$	29,303		$	18,941		$	88,301		$	54,253

a)	The acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division has been accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations for this acquisition have been included in our consolidated results of operations since November 23, 2003, the acquisition date.
(b)	Includes our Puerto Rico operations.

(c)	Includes $56.0 million of restructuring charges included in cost of sales-restructuring and $7.9 million in related exit and severance costs included in other restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended July 3, 2004 associated with the announced sale or closure of the Hinton, Virginia turkey production facilities.
(d)	Non-recurring recoveries are as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004		June 28, 2003		July 3, 2004		June 28,2003

Avian influenza	$	--	$	0.1	$	--	$	16.1
Vitamin/Methionine		--		10.2		0.1		19.9

Total	$	--	$	10.3	$	0.1	$	36.0

(e)	Includes amortization of capitalized financing costs of approximately $0.4 million and $1.4 million, and $0.3 million and $1.1 million for the three and nine month periods ending July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, respectively.


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The following table presents certain items as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

	Percentage of Net Sales

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended

	July 3, 2004			June 28, 2003			July 3, 2004			June 28, 2003

Net Sales		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales		87.6	%		92.2	%		90.1	%		94.5	%
Cost of sales-restructuring		3.9	%		0.0	%		1.5	%		0.0	%
Non-recurring recoveries		0.0	%		(1.6)	%		0.0	%		(1.9)	%
Gross profit		8.5	%		9.4	%		8.4	%		7.4	%
Selling, general and administrative		5.4	%		5.4	%		4.9	%		5.4	%
Other restructuring charges		0.5	%		0.0	%		0.2	%		0.0	%
Operating Income		2.6	%		4.0	%		3.3	%		2.0	%
Interest Expense		1.0	%		1.4	%		1.1	%		1.5	%
Other Expense (Income)		0.0	%		(1.3)	%		0.0	%		(1.9)	%
Income before Income Taxes		1.5	%		3.9	%		2.2	%		2.4	%
Net Income		0.7	%		2.7	%		1.4	%		1.6	%

Results of Operations

The change in our results of operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2003 is impacted by a number of significant items. The following is a brief description of these items and the nature of their effect in each of the periods being presented. As discussed in Note B to the financial statements above, on November 23, 2003, we completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of the corporations represented as ConAgra Foods, Inc. (“ConAgra”) chicken division (“ConAgra chicken division”). This acquisition has resulted in significant increases in net sales and related costs, as well as, assets, liabilities, interest and outstanding debt. The acquired business has been included in our results of operations for 32 of the 40 weeks in the first nine months of fiscal 2004.

As discussed above under “-Restructuring of Turkey Operations” and in “Note C-Restructuring and Non-Recurring Recoveries” to the financial statements included in “Item 1. Financial Statements” above, on April 26, 2004, we announced a plan to restructure our turkey business and recorded, as cost of sales-restructuring $56.0 million, primarily due to asset impairments, and, as other restructuring charges, related exit and severance costs of $7.9 million.

Our first nine months ended July 3, 2004 included 40 weeks versus the first nine months of fiscal 2003, which included 39 weeks, resulting in an increase in each of the categories discussed in our results of operations by approximately 2.6%, as compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year. As this change impacted all the Income Statement categories in a reasonably consistent manner, no separate discussion of this factor is included in our results of operations discussion, unless the impact of the applicable category varied from the increase described above.


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In October 2002, one product sample produced in our Franconia, Pennsylvania facility that had not been shipped to customers tested positive for Listeria. We later received information from the USDA suggesting environmental samples taken at the facility had tested positive for both the strain of Listeria identified in the product and a strain having characteristics similar to those of the strain identified in a Northeastern Listeria outbreak. As a result, we voluntarily recalled all cooked deli products produced at the plant from May 1, 2002 through October 11, 2002. We carried insurance designed to cover the direct recall related expenses and certain aspects of the related business interruption caused by the recall. We estimate that the sales in our turkey division were negatively affected by approximately $82.0 million, $73.0 million and $63.0 million during fiscal 2003 and for the first nine months of fiscal 2003 and 2004, respectively. For those same periods, we estimate that operating margins were negatively affected by approximately $65.0 to $70.0 million, $35.0 to $40.0 million and $20 to $25 million, respectively. As a result of these losses, the Company’s insurance claim for business interruption and certain product re-establishment costs amounts to approximately $74.0 million for the period from the date of the recall through October 11, 2003, the 1-year anniversary of the recall and the insurance policy time limitation period for business interruption loss recovery. Aggregating the direct recall expense claim with the anticipated business interruption and product re-establishment costs, our total insurance claim is expected to be approximately $100 million, although our policy limit is $50 million, $16 million of which has been received as of July 3, 2004 and $10.2 million of which has been recorded as a receivable from our insurance carriers.

On February 24, 2004, we filed suit against our insurer, Ace American Insurance Company (“Ace”), in the District Court of the State of Texas for Dallas County seeking judgment for the remaining $34.0 million owing under the policy, consequential and punitive damages, costs and interest. On March 19, 2004, Ace filed a general denial answer to our suit filed against them. We continue to believe, however, that we will recover the remaining amounts owed to us by our insurer under the policy. However, no assurances can be given that we will recover such amounts. Regardless of the outcome of this litigation, the continuing effects of the recall on our business will not be covered by insurance.

Fiscal Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Fiscal Third Quarter 2003

Consolidated Net Sales. Consolidated net sales were $1,448.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, an increase of $796.1 million, or 122.1%, from the third quarter of fiscal 2003. The increase in consolidated net sales resulted from a $685.3 million increase in U.S. chicken sales to $1,121.1 million and a $114.7 million increase in sales of other products to $169.9 million, and a $2.1 million increase in Mexico chicken sales to $90.7 million, offset partially by a $6.0 million decrease in turkey sales to $66.3 million. The increase in U.S. chicken sales was primarily due to the acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division, which contributed $546.2 million to U.S. chicken sales. Also affecting U.S. chicken sales was a 21.6% increase in total revenue per dressed pound produced, primarily due to significant commodity price improvement during the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The decrease in turkey sales was due primarily to a 16.8% decrease in turkey production, offset partially by a 10.2% increase in total revenue per dressed pound produced. The $2.1 million increase in Mexico chicken sales was primarily due to an 8.0% increase in pounds produced, offset by a 5.2% decrease in total revenue per pound produced. The $114.7 million increase in sales of other products was due to a $113.8 million increase in U.S. other sales to $163.7 million, of which $81.5 million was contributed by the ConAgra chicken division, and a $0.9 million increase in Mexico’s other sales to $6.2 million.


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Cost of Sales. Consolidated cost of sales was $1,268.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, an increase of $667.9 million, or 111.1%, when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2003. The U.S. operations had an increase in cost of sales of $654.1 million, which was primarily due to the acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division as well as significantly higher grain costs experienced in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to the same period in the prior year. Our Mexico operations had a $13.8 million increase in cost of sales primarily due to higher grain costs.

Cost of Sales-Restructuring. Cost of sales-restructuring of $56.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 primarily represents $44.3 million to impair the Hinton, Virginia facilities along with inventory losses on discontinued products.

Non-recurring recoveries. Non-recurring recoveries were $10.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2003. There are none in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $123.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, an increase of $62.0 million, or 101.3% from the gross profit of $61.2 million in the same period last year, due to the ConAgra acquisition and improvements in U.S. operations, partially offset by higher grain costs, the restructuring and weaker results in our Mexico operations. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased to 8.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, from 9.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2003. Included in Gross Profit in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 was $56.0 million of cost of sales-restructuring charges associated with the turkey restructuring. Included in Gross Profit in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 was $10.3 million of non-recurring recoveries. See Note C to the financial statements included in “Item 1. Financial Statements”, above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses were $78.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 and $35.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2003. The $43.1 million increase was due primarily to our November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division. As a percentage of sales, consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses remained constant at 5.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

Other Restructuring Charges. Other restructuring charges were $7.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 representing exit and severance costs associated with the turkey restructuring.

Operating Income. Consolidated operating income was $37.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, increasing by approximately $11.0 million when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2003, which included $10.3 million of non-recurring recoveries. The increase was due primarily to higher margins on our U.S. chicken products and the ConAgra acquisition, offset by the $56.0 million in cost of sales-restructuring charges and the related other restructuring charges of $7.9 million and weaker results in our Mexico operations. See Note C to the financial statements included in “Item 1. Financial Statements”, above.


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Interest Expense. Consolidated net interest expense increased 56.4% to $14.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, when compared to $9.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2003, due primarily to debt issued in connection with the November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division. As a percentage of sales, interest expense in the third quarter in fiscal 2004 decreased to 1.0% from 1.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2003.

Miscellaneous, Net. Consolidated miscellaneous, net expense (income) decreased $7.8 million to $0.3 million, primarily due to $7.4 million of methionine and vitamin litigation settlements received in the third quarter of fiscal 2003.

Income Tax Expense. Consolidated income tax expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 was $12.3 million, compared to an income tax expense of $7.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2003. This increase in consolidated income tax expense was primarily caused by higher pretax earnings in the U.S. for the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2004 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2003

Consolidated Net Sales. Consolidated net sales were $3,877.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, an increase of $1,967.4 million, or 103.0%, from the first nine months of fiscal 2003. The increase in consolidated net sales resulted from a $1,684.8 million increase in U.S. chicken sales to $2,933.2 million, and a $296.3 million increase in sales of other products to $461.8 and a $1.7 million increase in Mexico chicken sales to $268.6 million, offset partially by a $15.4 million decrease in turkey sales to $213.7 million. The increase in U.S. chicken sales was primarily due to the acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division, which contributed $1,280.5 million of U.S. chicken sales and $233.1 million of sales of other products. Also affecting U.S. chicken sales was an 18.7% increase in total revenue per dressed pound produced, primarily due to significantly higher commodity chicken prices. The decrease in turkey sales was due primarily to an 11.3% decrease in turkey production, offset by a 5.1% increase in revenue per pound. The $1.7 million increase in Mexico chicken sales was primarily due to an 8.0% increase in pounds produced, offset by a 6.8% decrease in revenue per pound produced. We expect that industry production levels for the foreseeable future in Mexico will remain higher when compared to the prior year; however, we anticipate our Mexico operations will improve somewhat over the remainder of the year. The $296.2 million increase in sales of other products was due to a $292.8 million increase in U.S. other sales to $443.9 million, of which $233.1 million was contributed by the ConAgra chicken division, and by a $3.4 million increase in Mexico’s other sales to $17.7 million.

Cost of Sales. Consolidated cost of sales was $3,493.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, an increase of $1,688.5 million, or 93.5%, when compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2003. The U.S. operations had an increase in cost of sales of $1,659.7 million, which was primarily due to the acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division, as well as significantly higher grain costs experienced in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 compared to the same period in the prior year. Our Mexico operations had a $28.8 million increase in cost of sales primarily due to higher grain costs.


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Cost of Sales-Restructuring. Cost of sales-restructuring of $56.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 primarily represents $44.3 million to impair the Hinton, Virginia facilities along with inventory losses on discontinued products.

Non-recurring recoveries. Non-recurring recoveries were $0.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, consisting of litigation settlements. This is a $35.9 million decrease from the $36.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2003, consisting of $16.1 million of avian influenza reimbursements and $19.9 million of litigation settlements.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $327.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, an increase of $186.9 million, or 132.9% from the gross profit of $140.6 million in the same period last year, due to the ConAgra acquisition and improvements in U.S. operations, partially offset by the turkey restructuring discussed above and weak results in our Mexico and turkey operations. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 8.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, from 7.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 2003. Included in Gross Profit in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 was $56.0 million of cost of sales-restructuring charges associated with the turkey restructuring. Included in Gross Profit in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 was $36.0 million of non-recurring recoveries. See Note C to the financial statements included in “Item 1. Financial Statements”, above.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses were $190.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 and $102.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2003. The $87.5 million increase was due primarily to our November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division. As a percentage of sales, consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses decreased in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 to 4.9%, from 5.4% in the same period of fiscal 2003.

Other Restructuring Charges. Other restructuring charges were $7.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 representing exit and severance costs associated with the turkey restructuring.

Operating Income. Consolidated operating income was $129.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, increasing by approximately $91.5 million when compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2003, which included $36.0 million of non-recurring recoveries. The increase was due primarily to higher margins on our U.S. chicken products and the ConAgra acquisition, offset partially by the above mentioned restructuring charges and other related charges and weaker results in our Mexico operations. See Note C to the financial statements included in “Item 1. Financial Statements”, above.

Interest Expense. Consolidated net interest expense increased 41.3% to $40.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, when compared to $28.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2003, due primarily to debt issued in connection with the November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division.

Miscellaneous, Net. Consolidated miscellaneous, net expense (income) decreased $38.0 million to $1.2 million, primarily due to $35.4 million of methionine and vitamin litigation settlements received in the first nine months of fiscal 2003.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

Income Tax Expense.

Consolidated income tax expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 was $34.2 million, compared to an income tax expense of $15.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2003. This increase in consolidated income tax expense was primarily caused by higher pretax earnings in the U.S. for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, offset by a tax benefit from Mexico operations in the first nine months of fiscal 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The final purchase price is subject to adjustment based on determination of the final adjusted net book value of the assets purchased. On July 28, 2004, the Company reached an agreement with ConAgra on the final purchase price and on July 29, 2004, the Company received payment from ConAgra for $32.5 million (the “Overpayment”) plus interest of $1.5 million which will be recorded as Interest Income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. ConAgra has also reassumed the risk of liability on certain litigation arising prior to the acquisition. The overpayment has been classified as “Other current assets”.


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Purchase consideration:

(In thousands)

Common stock	$	357,475
Long-term debt		300,767
Transaction costs		9,475

Total purchase price	$	667,717


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

Obligations under long-term debt, guarantee fees and operating leases at July 3, 2004 are as follows (in millions):

	Payments Due By Period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Last Quarter FY 2004		FY 2005- FY 2006		FY 2007- FY 2008		Thereafter


Long-term Debt^(a)	$	598.5	$	2.0	$	19.1	$	21.3	$	556.1
Guarantee Fees		13.4		2.3		4.3		3.9		2.9
Operating Leases		108.7		8.5		49.6		31.1		19.5
Total	$	720.6	$	12.8	$	73.0	$	56.3	$	578.5

(a) Excludes $33.6 million in letters of credit outstanding related to normal business transactions.

At July 3, 2004, our working capital increased to $365.9 million and our current ratio decreased to 1.64 to 1, compared with working capital of $211.1 million and a current ratio of 1.76 to 1 at September 27, 2003, primarily due to the working capital changes discussed below.

Trade accounts and other receivables were $214.8 million at July 3, 2004, compared to $127.0 million at September 27, 2003. The $87.8 million, or 69.1%, increase in trade accounts and other receivables was primarily due to the November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division, offset by the sale of $66.5 million of trade receivables under the Receivables Purchase Agreement.

Inventories were $625.2 million at July 3, 2004, compared to $340.9 million at September 27, 2003. The $284.3 million, or 83.4%, increase in inventories was primarily due to the November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division.

Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $283.6 million to $550.3 million at July 3, 2004, compared to $266.7 million at September 27, 2003, primarily due to the November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division.

Capital expenditures of $55.8 million and $36.1 million for the nine months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, respectively, were primarily incurred to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and for the routine replacement of equipment. We anticipate spending approximately $85.0 million to $95.0 million in fiscal 2004 and $150 to $175 million in fiscal 2005 to improve efficiencies, expand capacities and for the routine replacement of equipment. We expect to finance such expenditures with available operating cash flows and existing revolving/term and revolving credit facilities.

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $225.7 million and $14.7 million, for the nine months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, respectively. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, when compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2003, was due primarily to improvements in profitability and the November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division, as well as the significant changes in working capital items described above.


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Cash flows provided by financing activities were $152.8 million and $26.9 million for the nine months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, respectively. The increase in cash provided by financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, when compared to the first nine months fiscal 2003, was due primarily to the debt issued to finance the November 23, 2003 acquisition of the ConAgra chicken division.

We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. We have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities, as the likelihood of payment in each case is considered remote.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Feed Ingredients

We purchase certain commodities, primarily corn and soybean meal. As a result, our earnings are affected by changes in the price and availability of such feed ingredients. As market conditions dictate, we will from time to time lock-in future feed ingredient prices using various hedging techniques, including forward purchase agreements with suppliers and futures contracts. We do not use such financial instruments for trading purposes and are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. Market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% increase in the weighted-average cost of our primary feed ingredients as of July 3, 2004. Based on our feed consumption during the three and nine months ended July 3, 2004, such an increase would have resulted in an increase to cost of sales of approximately $42.2 million and $111.6 million, respectively, excluding the impact of any hedging in that period.

Foreign Currency

Our earnings are affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to the Mexico peso net monetary position of our Mexico subsidiaries. We manage this exposure primarily by attempting to minimize our Mexico peso net monetary position, but from time to time, we have considered executing hedges to help minimize this exposure. Such instruments, however, have historically not been economically feasible. We are also exposed to the effect of potential exchange rate fluctuations to the extent that amounts are repatriated from Mexico to the United States. However, we currently anticipate that the cash flows of our Mexico subsidiaries will continue to be reinvested in our Mexico operations. In addition, the Mexico peso exchange rate can directly and indirectly impact our results of operations and financial position in several ways, including potential economic recession in Mexico resulting from a devalued peso. The impact on our financial position and results of operations resulting from a hypothetical change in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexico peso cannot be reasonably estimated. Foreign currency exchange gains and losses, representing the change in the U.S. dollar value of the net monetary assets of our Mexico subsidiaries denominated in Mexico pesos, was a loss of $0.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 compared to a loss of $0.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2003. On July 3, 2004, the Mexico peso closed at 11.47 to 1 U.S. dollar, compared to 11.03 at September 27, 2003. No assurance can be given as to how future movements in the peso could affect our future earnings.

There have been no material changes from the information provided in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2003, other than as described above.


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Forward Looking Statements

Statements of our intentions, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future, denoted by the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "project," "imply," "intend," "foresee" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the following:

Matters affecting the poultry industry generally, including fluctuations in the commodity prices of feed ingredients, chicken and turkey;
Disease outbreaks affecting the production performance and/or marketability of the Company's poultry products;
Contamination of our products, which can lead to product liability claims and product recalls;
Exposure to risks related to product liability, product recalls, property damage and injuries to persons, for which insurance coverage is expensive, limited and potentially inadequate;
Management of our cash resources, particularly in light of our substantial leverage;
Restrictions imposed by, and as a result of, our substantial leverage;
Currency exchange rate fluctuations, trade barriers, exchange controls, expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations;
Changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as competitive factors and pricing pressures;
Inability to effectively integrate any acquisitions, including our recently completed acquisition of ConAgra’s chicken division, or realize the associated anticipated cost savings and operating synergies;
Inability to recognize the anticipated cost savings and anticipated benefits in connection with our recent turkey division restructuring; and
The impact of uncertainties of litigation as well as other risks described herein and under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements as a result of these factors, among others, many of which are beyond our control.

In making these statements, we are not undertaking, and specifically decline to undertake, any obligation to address or update each or any factor in future filings or communications regarding our business or results, and we are not undertaking to address how any of these factors may have caused changes to information contained in previous filings or communications. Although we have attempted to list comprehensively these important cautionary risk factors, we must caution investors and others that other factors may in the future prove to be important and affecting our business or results of operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chairman (the Company’s Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chairman and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In October 2002, a limited number of USDA environmental samples from our Franconia, Pennsylvania plant tested positive for Listeria. As a result, we voluntarily recalled all cooked deli products produced at the plant from May 1, 2002 through October 11, 2002. No illnesses have been linked to any of our recalled products, and none of such products have tested positive for the strain of Listeria associated with an outbreak in the Northeastern U.S. that occurred during the summer of 2002. However, following this recall, a number of demands and cases have been made and filed alleging injuries purportedly arising from the consumption of products produced at this facility. These cases include: “Lawese Drayton, Individually and as Personal Representative of the Estate of Raymond Drayton, deceased, Plaintiff, v. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, Jack Lambersky Poultry Company, Inc. DBA JL Foods Co, Inc., Defendants,” which was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on April 15, 2003; “Laron Harvey, by his mother and natural guardian, Shakandra Hampton, and Shakandra Hampton in her own right v. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, et al.,” which was filed in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas on May 5, 2003, and has since been removed to the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; “Ryan and Dana Patterson v. Pilgrim's Pride Corp., et al.” which was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Passaic County, on August 12, 2003; “Jamar Clarke, a minor, and Wanda Multrie Clarke v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation et al.” which was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens on August 1, 2003; “Roselle v. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and Jack Lambersky Poultry Company, Inc.” which was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Union County, on June 14, 2004; and "Levonchuk v. Pilgrim's Pride Corp., et al." which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on July 28, 2004. Neither the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome nor the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to any of these cases can be determined at this time. These cases are in various stages of litigation, and we believe we have meritorious defenses to each of the claims, which we intend to vigorously defend. After considering our available insurance coverage, we do not expect any of these matters to have a material impact on our financial position, operations or liquidity.

We are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect our financial position or results of operations.


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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


(a)		Exhibit Number


3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, as amended (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 001-09273) filed on May 4, 2004).

3.2		Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-111929) filed on January 15, 2004).

4.1		Certificate of Incorporation of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, as amended (included as Exhibit 3.1).

4.2		Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (included as Exhibit 3.2).

10.1		2004 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2004, between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and CoBank, ACB, as lead arranger and book manager, and as administrative, documentation and collateral agent and the lenders from time to time parties thereto as lenders (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 001-09273) filed on May 4, 2004).

10.2		Third Amended and Restated Secured Credit Agreement, dated April 7, 2004, between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, individually and as agent, and the lenders from time to time parties thereto as lenders (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 001-09273) filed on May 4, 2004).

12.1		Statement regarding Computation of Ratios*

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

* Filed herewith


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(b)		Reports on Form 8-K

		The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on April 26, 2004, to provide certain supplemental historical financial information, including quarterly information regarding net sales by primary market line, pursuant to "Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure."

		The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on April 28, 2004, to furnish a press release issued by the Company with a transcript of the earnings conference call discussing its results of operations for the second fiscal quarter of 2004, pursuant to "Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition," in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8216.

		The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on May 3, 2004, to furnish a press release issued by the Company announcing its results of operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, pursuant to "Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition," in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8216. In the press release, the Company also announced a restructuring of its turkey business to significantly reduce its production of commodity turkey meat and strengthen its focus on value-added turkey products.


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION



		/s/ Richard A. Cogdill

Date:	August 13, 2004	Richard A. Cogdill
		Executive Vice President,
		Chief Financial Officer,
		Secretary and Treasurer
		(Principal Financial Officer,
		Chief Accounting Officer and
		Authorized Signatory)


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Table of Contents PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES July 3, 2004

EXHIBIT INDEX


3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, as amended (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 001-09273) filed on May 4, 2004).

3.2		Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-111929) filed on January 15, 2004).

4.1		Certificate of Incorporation of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, as amended (included as Exhibit 3.1).

4.2		Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (included as Exhibit 3.2).

10.1		2004 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2004, between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and CoBank, ACB, as lead arranger and book manager, and as administrative, documentation and collateral agent and the lenders from time to time parties thereto as lenders (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 001-09273) filed on May 4, 2004).

10.2		Third Amended and Restated Secured Credit Agreement, dated April 7, 2004, between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, individually and as agent, and the lenders from time to time parties thereto as lenders (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 001-09273) filed on May 4, 2004).

12.1		Statement regarding Computation of Ratios *

31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
* Filed herewith