The Dallas-based processor now expects profit of at least 41 cents per share, up from a prior forecast of 38 cents per share. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters predict first-quarter net income of 40 cents per share, AP reported.
Dean Foods Chief Financial Officer Jack Callahan said in a statement that the company looks to benefit from declining milk prices, with the Class I Mover milk price set to drop to $9.43 per hundredweight in March.