UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
__________________________________________________

FORM 8-K
__________________________________________________

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): April 30, 2014
 

PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 1-9273 75-1285071
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

1770 Promontory Circle
Greeley, CO 80634-9038
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (970) 506-8000

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
__________________________________________________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨       Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))



Item 2.02.     Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On April 30, 2014 the Registrant issued a press release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.

Exhibit 99.1     Press release dated April 30, 2014

SIGNATURE

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 hereunto duly authorized.

      PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
 
       
Date:  April 30, 2014   By:  /s/ Fabio Sandri  
        Fabio Sandri
        Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit Index

Exhibit 99.1     Press release dated April 30, 2014



Pilgrim’s Pride Reports EBITDA of $203.5 Million and 10.1% EBITDA Margin for the
First Quarter of 2014, An EBITDA Improvement of 87% Compared to 2013

GREELEY, Colo., April 30, 2014 – Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (NASDAQ: PPC) reported first quarter 2014 earnings with Net Sales of $2.0 billion, Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) of $203.5 million, and Net Income of $98.1 million, resulting in Earnings Per Share of $0.38 for the quarter. These results compare to $2.0 billion in net sales, $116.9 million of EBITDA, and Net Income of $54.6 million, or Earnings Per Share of $0.21 for the same quarter in 2013.

“Consistent with the progress we’ve made for the past three years, we remain committed to operational improvement year after year,” stated Bill Lovette, Pilgrim’s Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to execute against our strategy that combines focusing on key customers, relentless pursuit of operational excellence and growing value added exports while rapidly adapting to changing market conditions.”

“Our teams continue to raise the standard and drive accountability deeper into the organization, from cost control through the implementation of zero based budgets to gains in efficiency and superior mix management, providing us with a competitive advantage in the market.

The strong results, combined with effective management of our working capital, have enabled us to pay off the balance of our exit credit facility, reducing our cost of capital and freeing up cash flow to support investments directed at growing our business. We already started our growth project in Mexico, and with a strong balance sheet, we are prepared to deploy resources where we see a complement to our existing portfolio.

The current environment for the chicken industry indicates robust prospects for 2014, and with the improvements we’ve implemented, Pilgrim’s is well positioned to reap the benefits.”

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss Pilgrim’s quarterly results will be held tomorrow, May 1, at 7:00 a.m. MDT (9 a.m. EDT). Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the conference call using the link below. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

To pre-register, go to:
http://services.choruscall.com/links/ppc140501.html

You may also reach the pre-registration link by logging in through the investor section of our website at www.pilgrims.com and clicking on the link under “Upcoming Events.”



For those who would like to join the call but have not pre-registered, access is available by dialing +1 (877) 270-2148 within the US or +1 (412) 902-6510 internationally and requesting the “Pilgrim’s Pride Conference.” Please note that to submit a question to management during the call, you must be logged in via telephone.

Replays of the conference call will be available on Pilgrim’s website approximately two hours after the call concludes and can be accessed through the “Investor” section of www.pilgrims.com. The webcast will be available for replay through July 31, 2014.

About Pilgrim’s Pride

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation employs approximately 35,700 people and operates chicken processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 12 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. The Company’s primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, plans, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and its management are considered forward-looking statements. It is important to note that actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: matters affecting the poultry industry generally; the ability to execute the Company’s business plan to achieve desired cost savings and profitability; future pricing for feed ingredients and the Company’s products; outbreaks of avian influenza or other diseases, either in Pilgrim’s Pride’s flocks or elsewhere, affecting its ability to conduct its operations and/or demand for its poultry products; contamination of Pilgrim’s Pride’s products, which has previously and can in the future 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 cash resources; restrictions imposed by, and as a result of, Pilgrim’s Pride’s leverage; changes in laws or regulations affecting Pilgrim’s Pride’s operations or the application thereof; new immigration legislation or increased enforcement efforts in connection with existing immigration legislation that cause the costs of doing business to increase, cause Pilgrim’s Pride to change the way in which it does business, or otherwise disrupt its operations; competitive factors and pricing pressures or the loss of one or more of Pilgrim’s Pride’s largest customers; currency exchange rate fluctuations, trade barriers, exchange controls, expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; disruptions in international markets and distribution channel, including anti-dumping proceedings and countervailing duty proceedings; and the impact of uncertainties of litigation as well as other risks described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:         Rosemary Raysor
    Pilgrim’s Pride Corp Investor Relations
    Rosemary.raysor@pilgrims.com
    (970)506-8192
    www.pilgrims.com



PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 30, December 29,
2014 2013
(In thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
Cash and cash equivalents $         514,975       $         508,206
Investment in available-for-sale securities 37,005 96,902
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance
       for doubtful accounts 373,609 376,678
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC 3,220 2,388
Inventories 793,516 808,832
Income taxes receivable 20,635 64,868
Current deferred tax assets 2,227 2,227
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 72,914 61,848
Assets held for sale 5,849 7,033
              Total current assets 1,823,950 1,928,982
Deferred tax assets 16,049 18,921
Other long-lived assets 33,895 40,163
Identified intangible assets, net 31,089 32,525
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,165,434 1,151,811
                     Total assets $ 3,070,417 $ 3,172,402
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 205,357 $ 410,234
Accounts payable 381,745 370,360
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC 6,144 3,934
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 275,730 283,355
Current deferred tax liabilities 15,495 15,515
              Total current liabilities 884,471 1,083,398
Long-term debt, less current maturities 502,077 501,999
Deferred tax liabilities 10,452 13,944
Other long-term liabilities 87,428 80,459
              Total liabilities 1,484,428 1,679,800
Common stock 2,590 2,590
Additional paid-in capital 1,654,141 1,653,119
Accumulated deficit (22,039 ) (120,156 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (51,557 ) (45,735 )
              Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity 1,583,135 1,489,818
Noncontrolling interest 2,854 2,784
              Total stockholders’ equity 1,585,989 1,492,602
                     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,070,417 $ 3,172,402



PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Thirteen
Ended Weeks Ended
March 30, March 31,
2014       2013
(In thousands, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales $              2,018,065 $              2,036,929
Cost of sales 1,802,959 1,918,495
              Gross profit 215,106 118,434
 
Selling, general and administrative expense 45,201 43,992
Administrative restructuring charges, net 1,713 484
              Operating income 168,192 73,958
 
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 19,473 24,821
Interest income (811 ) (216 )
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) 337 (7,624 )
Miscellaneous, net (1,006 ) (5 )
 
              Income before income taxes 150,199 56,982
Income tax expense 52,012 2,754
              Net income 98,187 54,228
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to
       noncontrolling interests 70 (354 )
              Net income attributable to
                     Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation $ 98,117 $ 54,582
 
Weighted average shares of common stock
       outstanding:
              Basic 258,923 258,823
              Diluted 259,446 258,953
 
Net income per share of common
       stock outstanding:
              Basic $ 0.38 $ 0.21
              Diluted $ 0.38 $ 0.21



PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 30, March 31,
2014       2013
UNAUDITED
Cash flows from operating activities:
       Net income $       98,187 $       54,228
       Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
       provided by operating activities:
              Depreciation and amortization 38,260 37,790
              Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) 941 (7,753 )
              Accretion of bond discount 114 114
              Loss (gain) on property disposals 570 (1,139 )
              Gain on investment securities (53 ) -
              Share-based compensation 1,022 548
              Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                     Trade accounts and other receivables 2,145 (5,183 )
                     Inventories 14,310 (17,061 )
                     Prepaid expenses and other current assets (11,099 ) (6,819 )
                     Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities 5,833 (30,629 )
                     Income taxes 43,662 (3,381 )
                     Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations 995 (421 )
                     Other operating assets and liabilities 814 345
                            Cash provided by operating activities 195,701 20,639
Cash flows from investing activities:
       Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment (47,760 ) (25,778 )
       Purchases of investment securities (37,000 ) -
       Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities 96,950 -
       Proceeds from property disposals 1,511 1,660
                            Cash used in investing activities 13,701 (24,118 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
       Proceeds from revolving line of credit - 288,500
       Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and
       capital lease obligations (204,913 ) (311,005 )
                            Cash used in financing activities (204,913 ) (22,505 )
       Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 2,280 1,364
       Increase in cash and cash equivalents 6,769 (24,620 )
       Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 508,206 68,180
       Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 514,975 43,560



PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
Selected Financial Information
(Unaudited)

“EBITDA” is defined as the sum of net income (loss) plus interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined as the sum of EBITDA plus restructuring charges, reorganization items and loss on early extinguishment of debt less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. EBITDA is presented because it is used by management and we believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties, in addition to and not in lieu of results prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the US (“GAAP”), to compare the performance of companies. We believe investors would be interested in our Adjusted EBITDA because this is how our management analyzes EBITDA. The Company also believes that Adjusted EBITDA, in combination with the Company’s financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP, provides investors with additional perspective regarding the impact of certain significant items on EBITDA and facilitates a more direct comparison of its performance with its competitors. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP. They should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity or an alternative to net income as indicators of our operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with GAAP.

(UNAUDITED) Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 30, March 31,
2014       2013
(In thousands)
Net income from continuing operations $       98,187 $       54,228
Add:
       Interest expense, net 18,662 24,605
       Income tax expense (benefit) 52,012 2,754
       Depreciation and amortization 38,260 37,790
       Asset impairments -
Minus:
       Amortization of capitalized financing costs 3,586 2,516
EBITDA 203,535 116,861
Add:
       Restructuring charges 1,713 484
Minus:
       Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 70 (354 )
       Adjusted EBITDA $ 205,178 $ 117,699



The summary unaudited consolidated income statement data for the twelve months ended March 30, 2014 (the LTM Period) have been calculated by subtracting the applicable unaudited consolidated income statement data for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from the sum of (1) the applicable audited consolidated income statement data for the year ended December 29, 2013 and (2) the applicable unaudited consolidated income statement data for the three months ended March 30, 2014.

(UNAUDITED) Thirteen Weeks Thirteen Weeks Thirteen Weeks Thirteen Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended LTM Ended
June 30, September 29, December 29, March 30, March 30,
2013       2013       2013       2014       2014
(In thousands)
Net income from continuing operations $       190,791 $       161,024 $       143,670 $       98,187 $       593,672
Add:
       Interest expense, net 22,258 19,842 18,176 18,662 78,938
       Income tax expense (benefit) 15,884 5,578 11 52,012 73,485
       Depreciation and amortization 38,149 37,914 36,670 38,260 150,993
       Asset impairments 361 - - 361
Minus: -
       Amortization of capitalized financing costs 2,518 2,204 2,069 3,586 10,377
EBITDA 264,564 222,515 196,458 203,535 887,072
Add:
       Restructuring charges 480 3,658 1,039 1,713 6,890
Minus:
       Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 86 107 319 70 582
       Adjusted EBITDA $ 264,958 $ 226,066 $ 197,178 $ 205,178 $ 893,380

Net debt is defined as total long term debt, less current maturities, plus current maturities of long term debt minus cash and cash equivalents. Net debt is presented because it is used by us, and we believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other parties, in addition to and not in lieu of debt as presented under GAAP, to compare the indebtedness of companies. A reconciliation of net debt is as follows:

PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
Reconciliation of Net Debt
(UNAUDITED)

Thirteen Weeks Ended
2011    2012    2013    March 30, 2014    March 31, 2013
(in Thousands)
Long term debt, less current maturities $       1,458,001 $       1,148,870 $       501,999 $       502,077 $       1,126,477
Add: Current maturities of long term debt 15,611 15,886 410,234 205,357 15,888
Minus: Cash and cash equivalents 49,289 68,180 508,206 514,975 43,560
Minus: Available-for-sale Securities 157 - 96,902 37,005 -
Net debt $ 1,424,166 $ 1,096,576 $ 307,125 $ 155,454 $ 1,098,805



PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION
Supplementary Selected Segment and Geographic Data

Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 30, March 31,
2014 2013
(In thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
Sources of net sales by country of origin:      
       US: $       1,794,677 $       1,808,486
       Mexico: 223,388 228,443
              Total net sales: $ 2,018,065 $ 2,036,929
 
Sources of cost of sales by country of origin:
       US: $ 1,621,977 $ 1,729,836
       Mexico: 180,982 188,659
       Elimination: - -
              Total cost of sales: $ 1,802,959 $ 1,918,495
 
Sources of gross profit by country of origin:
       US: $ 172,700 $ 78,650
       Mexico: 42,406 39,784
       Elimination: - -
              Total gross profit: $ 215,106 $ 118,434