January 18, 2008

Pilgrim's Pride, one of Forbes' 400 best big companies  

Pilgrim's Pride was named one of Forbes' 400 Best Big Companies in America, the sixth time it has appeared on the Platinum 400 list.

The company placed fifth on Forbes' list of 19 food, drink and tobacco companies and ranked 148th in the five-year total return category.

Ken Pilgrim, chairman and interim president of Pilgrim's Pride, said they were pleased to be included in the prestigious list and that it reflects the company's strong efforts to generating long-term value for shareholders

To be named to the Platinum 400, firms must pass Forbes' benchmarks for financial growth rates and returns, and must meet Forbes' approval for corporate governance, accounting standards and background checks.

Forbes disclosed that 165 companies from last year's 400 did not make the cut for 2008.

Pilgrim's Pride operations include breeding, hatching, raising, processing, distributing, and marketing of chicken and turkey.

Poultry products are sold under the Pilgrim's Pride, Pierce, Easy-Entree, EatWellStayHealthy, and Wing-Dings brands to restaurants, grocery stores, and frozen-food makers. It also sells fresh whole and cut-up chicken under the Pilgrim's Pride, Pilgrim's Signature, and Country Pride names.