CPI read: Egg prices remain elevated amid avian influenza battles

[a collection of chicken eggs in boxes ready to be sold at the local market]
Restu Ariyadi/iStock via Getty Images

Egg prices rose 10.9% in August on a year-over-year basis and were flat compared to the level seen in July. Overall, core inflation was up 2.9% year over year during the month.

The egg industry continues to be impacted by recurring avian influenza outbreaks that have resulted in the culling of tens of millions of hens, reducing supply and driving up costs over the past year

Prices are down nearly 50% from the March 2025 peak but are still above year-ago levels, largely due to the effects of the avian flu, supply chain adjustments, and lingering supply constraints. The price of a dozen eggs in the U.S. reached historic peaks in early 2025, hitting as high as $8.17 per dozen in March due to widespread bird flu losses and supply shortages

Egg prices are very relevant to producer Cal-Maine Foods (NASDAQ:CALM [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CALM]), which has seen a 35% share price rally over the last six months. Other companies that have mentioned egg prices on recent earnings conference calls include Tractor Supply (TSCO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TSCO]), Vital Farms (VITL [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/VITL]), McDonald's (MCD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MCD]), Grocery Outlet (GO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GO]), Performance Food Group (PFGC [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PFGC]), Denny's (DENN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DENN]), First Watch Restaurant Group (FWRG [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/FWRG]), and Post Holdings (POST [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/POST]).

MORE ON CAL-MAINE FOODS

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* Cal-Maine Foods: Extremely Undervalued After A Great Year [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4817914-cal-maine-foods-extremely-undervalued-after-a-great-year]
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* Cal-Maine Foods declares $2.35 dividend [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4470269-cal-maine-foods-declares-2_35-dividend]
* Cal-Maine rallies after higher egg prices boost FQ4 results [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4470201-cal-maine-rallies-after-higher-egg-prices-boost-fq4-results]