In Chicken Wars, Take Sanderson's Side

This column was originally published on RealMoney on Aug. 21 at 10:14 a.m. EDT. It's being republished as a bonus for TheStreet.com readers.

Don't overlook Sanderson Farms(SAFM Quote) off this Gold Kist(GKIS Quote) bid. The hostile attempt to rationalize the industry -- one that really needs rationalizing -- from Pilgrim's Pride(PPC Quote) cries out for a move by Sanderson to get involved with Gold Kist as a defense.

But if it doesn't, you have a good opportunity to buy a high-quality chicken supplier that has taken a ton of steps to expand its distribution and take market share, something that should shine if Pilgrim's gets Gold Kist.

The cutthroat chicken industry needed this bid badly. These guys really go at it, and there is no oligopoly pricing. This bid could change that. Which makes Sanderson extremely valuable.

I bet the stock trades to $28 and change over this move. It's the best way to play Gold Kist now that Gold Kist is in play.