Sanderson Farms, Inc. has reported results for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended 30 April 2013.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 were $621.2 million compared with $595.0 million for the same period a year ago. For the quarter, net income was $24.4 million, or $1.06 per share, compared with net income of $23.9 million, or $1.04 per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2013 were $1,217.0 million compared with $1,112.9 million for the same period of fiscal 2012. Net income for the first half of the year totalled $17.4 million, or $0.76 per share, compared with net income of $15.9 million, or $0.69 per share, for the first six months of last year.

Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, Inc. commented: "The results for our second quarter of fiscal 2013 reflect improved market conditions driven primarily by an overall increase in demand for poultry products.

"Our net sales were 4.4 per cent higher compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2012, reflecting higher average sales prices of chicken. While our volumes reflect the production cuts we put in place last fall, demand for chicken remains strong from our retail grocery store and export customers. In addition, while customer traffic through food service establishments remains challenged by macroeconomic factors, several new chicken items on quick-serve menus and chicken promotions in casual dining restaurants, coupled with relatively high priced beef, contributed to better market prices during the quarter for products produced at our food service plants.

"Our profitability for the second quarter continued to be adversely affected by relatively high feed costs. Feed costs in flocks processed increased 14.3 per cent compared with last year's second fiscal quarter, and remain high relative to historical costs. Because of the tight supply of both corn and soybeans, we expect grain prices to remain high and volatile at least until markets get some visibility on the quantity and quality of this year's corn and soybean crops. The late planting season caused by cold and wet weather across much of the corn belt is contributing to price volatility. That said, we have priced most all of our grain needs through July at levels that will allow us to slightly reduce our feed costs per pound each successive month through July," added Mr Sanderson

Overall market prices for poultry products were higher during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 compared with the same quarter a year ago, according to Mr Sanderson. As measured by a simple average of the Georgia dock price for whole chickens, prices increased approximately 9.9 per cent in the Company's second fiscal quarter compared with the same period in 2012 and remain at record levels. Bulk leg quarter market prices were flat with last year's second quarter, and continue to reflect strong export demand. Boneless breast meat prices during the second quarter were 14.2 per cent higher than the prior year period, and have continued to move higher in May. Jumbo wing prices were down 4.4 per cent for the second quarter of 2013 compared with the same period last year. Prices paid for corn and soybean meal, the Company's primary feed ingredients, increased 15.9 per cent and 37.2 per cent, respectively, compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

"Looking ahead, we are reasonably optimistic as we head into the summer months and what is typically a period of better demand for chicken. While grain costs remain above historical levels, demand for chicken products is strong. Weekly broiler egg sets continue to run slightly above last year's numbers, but breeder placements remain lower and it appears the reduced size of the breeder flock will constrain production over the short term despite higher industry returns. While macroeconomic conditions have continued to affect consumer behaviour, market prices for boneless breast meat sold to our food service customers improved through April and May, and market prices for retail grocery store products have also moved higher. Regardless of market conditions, however, we will maintain our focus on our operating performance and sales execution," Mr Sanderson concluded.