Perdigao's Sales Grow 59.5% in the First Quarter

Incorporation of new businesses drives performance in the domestic and export markets

SAO PAULO, Brazil, April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Perdigao ended the first quarter of 2008 with gross sales of R$ 2.85 billion, 59.5% greater than for the same period last year, and an overall growth of 64.5% in volumes of meat, dairy products and other processed products. The results reflect the good performance in both domestic and export markets with the strengthening of the Company's sales bases both in Brazil and overseas following the mergers of the Eleva and Plusfood businesses.

Domestic market sales amounted to R$ 1.74 billion, an increase of 68.8% against the same period in 2007, meats rising by 31% in sales volume and dairy products by 197%. The Elege brand leadership in UHT milk and the diversified Batavo brand portfolio were critical to the company's performance in the dairy product business.

Exports reported revenues of R$ 1.1 billion, 46.7% more than the first quarter of 2007, reflecting growth rates in key markets, notably the Middle East and Far East. Total sales volume in export markets was 31.9% up for meats and 16.3% for other processed products such as pastas, pizzas and margarines.

Perdigao posted a gross profit of R$ 536.4 million, corresponding to an increase of 30.5%. However, in spite of the good sales performance, gross margin was off by 520 basis points due to cost pressures from the principal raw materials (particularly corn, soybean meal and milk), as well as other inputs, which increased selling costs by 73%.

NUMBERS FOR THE QUARTER

R$ million
1Q08 1Q07 % Change
Gross Sales 2,846.7 1,784.7 59.5
Domestic Market 1,742.7 1,032.3 68.8
Exports 1,104.0 752.4 46.7
Net Sales 2,461.7 1,523.1 61.6
Gross Profits 536.4 411.1 30.5
EBIT 91.0 94.7 (3.9)
Net Income 51.0 62.7 (18.7)
EBITDA 186.4 168.3 10.7
Capex 1,862.8 125.0
Earnings per share R$* 0.25 0.38 (34.2)
*Consolidated Earnings per Share (in R$), excluding treasury shares.

For more information, contact:
Investor Relations Department
acoes@perdigao.com.br
(55) (11) 3718-5465

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: suz@perdigao.com.br

Source: Perdigao S.A.

Contact: Perdigao Investor Relations Department, +011-5511-3718-5465,
acoes@perdigao.com.br

Web site: http://www.perdigao.com.br/

2008-04-24 18:17:45 0345037 PRNEWSWIRE