OME Omega Protein Corp.

Omega Protein Reports Break-Even Results for 2005 First Quarter HOUSTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Omega Protein Corporation (NYSE:OME), the world's largest manufacturer of heart-healthy fish oils containing long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids, today reported that the first quarter of 2005 was essentially break-even with the Company recording net income for the first quarter of 2005 of $107,000 (0 cents per share), compared with net income of $646,000, or 3 cents a share, for the first quarter of the previous year. Revenues for the first quarter of 2005, which ended March 31, were $23.8 million, versus revenues of $25.1 million for the year-earlier quarter. Omega Protein had operating income of $278,000 for the first quarter of 2005, compared with operating income of $1.2 million in the comparable quarter of the previous year. First quarter 2005 margins were reduced from the prior year's comparable quarter due to higher cost inventory being carried forward into 2005. Omega Protein Corporation is the nation's largest manufacturer of heart- healthy fish oils containing Omega-3 fatty acids for human consumption, as well as specialty fish meals and fish oil used as value-added ingredients in aquaculture, swine and other livestock feeds. Omega Protein makes its products from menhaden, an Omega-3 rich fish that is not utilized as seafood, but which is abundantly available along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts. SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward- looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual results of future events described in any of these forward-looking statements could differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from those forward-looking statements include, among others, (1) the Company's ability to meet its raw material requirements through its annual menhaden harvest, which is subject to fluctuations due to natural conditions over which the Company has no control, such as varying fish population, fish oil yields, adverse weather conditions and disease; (2) the impact of worldwide supply and demand relationships on prices for the Company's products; (3) Omega Protein's expectations regarding demand for OmegaPure(R) proving to be incorrect; and (4) fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results due to the seasonality of the Company's business and its deferral of inventory sales based on worldwide prices for competing products. These and other factors are described in further detail in Omega's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its 2004 Annual Report on Form 10K under the headings, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risk Factors and Significant Factors That May Affect Forward-Looking Statements" and "- Seasonality and Quarterly Results." OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 2004 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues $23,831 $25,056 Cost of sales 20,775 21,382 Gross profit 3,056 3,674 Selling, general and administrative expenses 2,778 2,462 Operating income 278 1,212 Interest expense, net (123) (187) Other income (expense), net (39) (56) Income before income taxes 116 969 Provision for income taxes 9 323 Net income $ 107 $ 646 Basic earnings per share $ 0.00 $ 0.03 Average common shares outstanding 24,906 24,405 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.00 $ 0.02 Average common shares and potential common shares outstanding 26,985 27,002 OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) March 31, December 31 2005 2004 (in thousands, except per share amounts) ASSETS Current assets $ 85,373 $ 88,844 Property and equipment, net 100,391 97,766 Deferred tax assets, net 1,973 1,754 Other assets 1,915 1,798 Total Assets $189,652 $190,162 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities $ 14,903 $ 15,707 Long-term debt, less current maturities 15,511 15,943 Pension liabilities 9,049 8,845 Stockholders' equity 150,189 149,667 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $189,652 $190,162 BOOK VALUE PER SHARE OUTSTANDING $ 6.02 $ 6.02 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030516/OMEGALOGO DATASOURCE: Omega Protein Corporation CONTACT: Robert W. Stockton of Omega Protein Corporation, +1-713-623-0060, or

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