Egg Prices Drop but Producers Face New Challenges
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 22 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Egg Price Decline: In March 2026, egg prices fell by 44.7% year-over-year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marking a shift from last year's avian flu-induced shortages to a current oversupply situation, which benefits consumers but pressures producers' margins.
- Rising Production Costs: Thomas Flocco, CEO of Pete & Gerry's, highlighted that rising feed and fuel costs are squeezing producers, with about half of the cost of premium eggs attributed to feed, exacerbated by elevated input costs over the past years.
- Strong Demand: Despite the oversupply, a survey indicates that over 40% of Americans are more focused on protein than five years ago, showing eggs' continued appeal as a nutritious food, yet this strong demand has not alleviated producers' oversupply challenges.
- Market Dynamics Shift: Sherman Miller, CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, noted that the current price weakness reflects a supply recovery outpacing demand absorption, indicating that while consumer demand is rebounding, producers still face challenges from the oversupply resulting from flock recovery post-avian influenza.
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Analyst Views on CALM
Wall Street analysts forecast CALM stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 76.490
Low
85.00
Averages
90.00
High
100.00
Current: 76.490
Low
85.00
Averages
90.00
High
100.00
About CALM
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is primarily engaged in the production, packaging, marketing and distribution of fresh shell eggs, including conventional, cage-free, organic, brown, free-range, pasture-raised and nutritionally enhanced eggs, as well as a variety of ready-to-eat egg products. The Company’s integrated operations consist of hatching chicks, growing and maintaining flocks of pullets, layers and breeders, manufacturing feed, and producing, processing, packaging, and distributing shell eggs. The Company provides specialty and conventional eggs. Specialty eggs encompass a broad range of products, such as cage-free, organic, brown, free-range, pasture-raised and nutritionally enhanced eggs. Its Farmhouse Eggs brand eggs are produced at its facilities by hens that are provided with a vegetarian diet. It markets organic, vegetarian and omega-3 eggs under its 4-Grain brand, which consists of conventional and cage-free eggs. Its Sunups and Sunny Meadow brands are sold as conventional eggs.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Egg Prices Drop but Producers Face New Challenges
- Egg Price Decline: In March 2026, egg prices fell by 44.7% year-over-year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marking a shift from last year's avian flu-induced shortages to a current oversupply situation, which benefits consumers but pressures producers' margins.
- Rising Production Costs: Thomas Flocco, CEO of Pete & Gerry's, highlighted that rising feed and fuel costs are squeezing producers, with about half of the cost of premium eggs attributed to feed, exacerbated by elevated input costs over the past years.
- Strong Demand: Despite the oversupply, a survey indicates that over 40% of Americans are more focused on protein than five years ago, showing eggs' continued appeal as a nutritious food, yet this strong demand has not alleviated producers' oversupply challenges.
- Market Dynamics Shift: Sherman Miller, CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, noted that the current price weakness reflects a supply recovery outpacing demand absorption, indicating that while consumer demand is rebounding, producers still face challenges from the oversupply resulting from flock recovery post-avian influenza.
See More
Cal-Maine Acquires Van's Foods Assets to Diversify
- Strategic Diversification: Cal-Maine Foods announced the acquisition of certain assets from Sara Lee Frozen Bakery's Van's Foods, marking a significant step in the company's diversification strategy aimed at enhancing its market position in prepared foods.
- Sales Growth Expectations: The acquisition is expected to increase Cal-Maine Foods' prepared foods annual sales by approximately 10% and volume by about 6%, thereby driving overall company performance.
- Enhanced Market Adaptability: With Van's Foods leading in gluten-free waffles, the acquisition will bolster Cal-Maine Foods' ability to meet evolving consumer preferences while expanding its influence across retail and e-commerce channels.
- Operational Synergies: Post-acquisition, Cal-Maine Foods will leverage its existing distribution network to optimize logistics, improve cost efficiency, and enhance quality control, with prepared foods capacity expected to increase by over 30% in the next 18 to 24 months.
See More
River Road Asset Management Acquires Stake in Cal-Maine Foods
- New Investment Disclosure: On April 30, 2026, River Road Asset Management disclosed a new position by acquiring 1,369,522 shares of Cal-Maine Foods, with an estimated transaction value of $112.5 million, signaling optimism in this consumer staples stock.
- Asset Management Proportion: This acquisition represents 1.23% of River Road's reportable assets under management as of March 31, 2026, indicating an increasing focus on Cal-Maine Foods.
- Market Performance Analysis: As of April 29, 2026, Cal-Maine Foods' stock price stood at $75.07, reflecting a 15.4% decline over the past year, particularly concerning given the ongoing DOJ investigation into egg pricing.
- Earnings Outlook: Despite facing pricing pressures and declining net income, Cal-Maine's ultra-low P/E ratio of just 5 may attract investors, especially as rising global food prices could enhance the company's profitability.
See More
Consumer Staples Stocks Yielding Up to 11.3% Amid Market Turmoil
- Yield Comparison: Consumer staples stocks are yielding between 5.2% and 11.3%, indicating a significant appeal for certain stocks amidst market turmoil, especially when compared to the average yield across the consumer staples sector, which enhances their return potential.
- Kimberly-Clark's Acquisition Plan: Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is set to acquire Kenvue for $48.7 billion, which is expected to make it the second-largest health and wellness company globally; despite potential dilution for existing shareholders, this presents an opportunity to invest at a 5.2% yield.
- Nomad Foods' Restructuring: Nomad Foods (NOMD) is expected to undergo restructuring in 2026 after facing volume declines and rising costs, yet its 7% yield remains attractive, demonstrating the company's determination to seek growth in adversity.
- Flowers Foods' High Risk: Flowers Foods (FLO) offers a high yield of 11.3%, but with significant debt and declining profits, future dividends may be at risk, prompting investors to closely monitor the upcoming annual performance announcement to assess the company's financial health.
See More
Cal-Maine Foods Stock Volatility Analysis
- Stock Price Fluctuation: Cal-Maine Foods experienced a 4.5% drop within the first five minutes of trading, but by 10:10 AM ET, it had recovered to a 1.5% decline, indicating market sensitivity and investor responsiveness to short-term volatility.
- Increased Legal Risks: The U.S. Department of Justice may sue Cal-Maine and other major egg producers for alleged price-fixing through a service called 'Expana', which, if proven, could significantly harm the company's reputation and stock price.
- Changing Market Conditions: Although egg prices surged over $6 last year due to avian flu, they have since decreased by 45%, suggesting an improving supply-demand balance that may alleviate pressure on Cal-Maine's future profitability.
- Profit Forecast Downgrade: Cal-Maine's net profits are projected to fall from $1.2 billion last year to below $200 million over the next two years, reflecting challenges in profitability and increasing market competition risks.
See More
Cal-Maine Foods Recognized Among Fastest Growing Dividend Stocks
- Dividend Growth Potential: Cal-Maine Foods is recognized as one of the 10 fastest growing dividend stocks, indicating strong performance in dividend payments that attracts investor interest and may drive stock price appreciation.
- Price Target Increase: Goldman Sachs raised Cal-Maine's price target from $79 to $82 while maintaining a Neutral rating, reflecting market recognition of the company's financial performance, which could enhance investor confidence.
- Portfolio Transformation: CEO Sherman Miller highlighted that specialty egg sales accounted for 50.5% of total shell egg sales, a significant increase from last year, indicating successful product diversification that enhances market competitiveness.
- Improved Market Stability: Market conditions appear more stable than last year, with retail volumes rising approximately 3% year-to-date; although wholesale prices remain under pressure, overall supply improvements and inventory normalization will support the company's future profitability.
See More
Egg Prices Drop but Producers Face New Challenges
- Egg Price Decline: In March 2026, egg prices fell by 44.7% year-over-year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marking a shift from last year's avian flu-induced shortages to a current oversupply situation, which benefits consumers but pressures producers' margins.
- Rising Production Costs: Thomas Flocco, CEO of Pete & Gerry's, highlighted that rising feed and fuel costs are squeezing producers, with about half of the cost of premium eggs attributed to feed, exacerbated by elevated input costs over the past years.
- Strong Demand: Despite the oversupply, a survey indicates that over 40% of Americans are more focused on protein than five years ago, showing eggs' continued appeal as a nutritious food, yet this strong demand has not alleviated producers' oversupply challenges.
- Market Dynamics Shift: Sherman Miller, CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, noted that the current price weakness reflects a supply recovery outpacing demand absorption, indicating that while consumer demand is rebounding, producers still face challenges from the oversupply resulting from flock recovery post-avian influenza.
See More
Cal-Maine Acquires Van's Foods Assets to Diversify
- Strategic Diversification: Cal-Maine Foods announced the acquisition of certain assets from Sara Lee Frozen Bakery's Van's Foods, marking a significant step in the company's diversification strategy aimed at enhancing its market position in prepared foods.
- Sales Growth Expectations: The acquisition is expected to increase Cal-Maine Foods' prepared foods annual sales by approximately 10% and volume by about 6%, thereby driving overall company performance.
- Enhanced Market Adaptability: With Van's Foods leading in gluten-free waffles, the acquisition will bolster Cal-Maine Foods' ability to meet evolving consumer preferences while expanding its influence across retail and e-commerce channels.
- Operational Synergies: Post-acquisition, Cal-Maine Foods will leverage its existing distribution network to optimize logistics, improve cost efficiency, and enhance quality control, with prepared foods capacity expected to increase by over 30% in the next 18 to 24 months.
See More
River Road Asset Management Acquires Stake in Cal-Maine Foods
- New Investment Disclosure: On April 30, 2026, River Road Asset Management disclosed a new position by acquiring 1,369,522 shares of Cal-Maine Foods, with an estimated transaction value of $112.5 million, signaling optimism in this consumer staples stock.
- Asset Management Proportion: This acquisition represents 1.23% of River Road's reportable assets under management as of March 31, 2026, indicating an increasing focus on Cal-Maine Foods.
- Market Performance Analysis: As of April 29, 2026, Cal-Maine Foods' stock price stood at $75.07, reflecting a 15.4% decline over the past year, particularly concerning given the ongoing DOJ investigation into egg pricing.
- Earnings Outlook: Despite facing pricing pressures and declining net income, Cal-Maine's ultra-low P/E ratio of just 5 may attract investors, especially as rising global food prices could enhance the company's profitability.
See More
Consumer Staples Stocks Yielding Up to 11.3% Amid Market Turmoil
- Yield Comparison: Consumer staples stocks are yielding between 5.2% and 11.3%, indicating a significant appeal for certain stocks amidst market turmoil, especially when compared to the average yield across the consumer staples sector, which enhances their return potential.
- Kimberly-Clark's Acquisition Plan: Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is set to acquire Kenvue for $48.7 billion, which is expected to make it the second-largest health and wellness company globally; despite potential dilution for existing shareholders, this presents an opportunity to invest at a 5.2% yield.
- Nomad Foods' Restructuring: Nomad Foods (NOMD) is expected to undergo restructuring in 2026 after facing volume declines and rising costs, yet its 7% yield remains attractive, demonstrating the company's determination to seek growth in adversity.
- Flowers Foods' High Risk: Flowers Foods (FLO) offers a high yield of 11.3%, but with significant debt and declining profits, future dividends may be at risk, prompting investors to closely monitor the upcoming annual performance announcement to assess the company's financial health.
See More
Cal-Maine Foods Stock Volatility Analysis
- Stock Price Fluctuation: Cal-Maine Foods experienced a 4.5% drop within the first five minutes of trading, but by 10:10 AM ET, it had recovered to a 1.5% decline, indicating market sensitivity and investor responsiveness to short-term volatility.
- Increased Legal Risks: The U.S. Department of Justice may sue Cal-Maine and other major egg producers for alleged price-fixing through a service called 'Expana', which, if proven, could significantly harm the company's reputation and stock price.
- Changing Market Conditions: Although egg prices surged over $6 last year due to avian flu, they have since decreased by 45%, suggesting an improving supply-demand balance that may alleviate pressure on Cal-Maine's future profitability.
- Profit Forecast Downgrade: Cal-Maine's net profits are projected to fall from $1.2 billion last year to below $200 million over the next two years, reflecting challenges in profitability and increasing market competition risks.
See More
Cal-Maine Foods Recognized Among Fastest Growing Dividend Stocks
- Dividend Growth Potential: Cal-Maine Foods is recognized as one of the 10 fastest growing dividend stocks, indicating strong performance in dividend payments that attracts investor interest and may drive stock price appreciation.
- Price Target Increase: Goldman Sachs raised Cal-Maine's price target from $79 to $82 while maintaining a Neutral rating, reflecting market recognition of the company's financial performance, which could enhance investor confidence.
- Portfolio Transformation: CEO Sherman Miller highlighted that specialty egg sales accounted for 50.5% of total shell egg sales, a significant increase from last year, indicating successful product diversification that enhances market competitiveness.
- Improved Market Stability: Market conditions appear more stable than last year, with retail volumes rising approximately 3% year-to-date; although wholesale prices remain under pressure, overall supply improvements and inventory normalization will support the company's future profitability.
See More
