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8-K - TYSON FOODS, INC. FORM 8-K 11/23/09 - TYSON FOODS, INC.form8k_112309.htm



Media Contact:  Gary Mickelson, 479-290-6111
Investor Contact:  Ruth Ann Wisener, 479-290-4235


TYSON REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2009 RESULTS

 
4th quarter 2009 EPS was ($1.22), which included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge in our Beef segment of $560 million, or $1.50 per share.
 
4th quarter 2009 EPS excluding the goodwill impairment charge was $0.28, as compared to $0.13 last year
 
Excluding the goodwill impairment charge, all operating segments were profitable for the quarter:
   
Chicken operating income $32 million, or 1.2% of sales
   
Beef operating income $120 million, or 4.0% of sales
   
Pork operating income $48 million, or 5.5% of sales
   
Prepared Foods operating income $39 million, or 5.3% of sales
 
Operations generated more than $1.0 billion of cash flows in fiscal 2009

Springdale, Arkansas – November 23, 2009 - Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), today reported the following results:

(in millions, except per share data)
 
Fourth Quarter
   
12 Months
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Sales
  $ 7,214     $ 7,201     $ 26,704     $ 26,862  
Operating Income (Loss)
    (322 )     138       (215 )     331  
                                 
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
    (455 )     45       (536 )     86  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation
    -       3       (1 )     -  
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (455 )   $ 48     $ (537 )   $ 86  
                                 
Earnings (Loss) Per Diluted Share:
                               
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations
  $ (1.22 )   $ 0.12     $ (1.44 )   $ 0.24  
Earnings from Discontinued Operation
    -       0.01       -       -  
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (1.22 )   $ 0.13     $ (1.44 )   $ 0.24  
                                 
Goodwill Impairment Charge
    (1.50 )     -       (1.50 )     -  
Net Income excluding Goodwill Impairment Charge
  $ 0.28     $ 0.13     $ 0.06     $ 0.24  

 
Fourth Quarter and 12 Months Fiscal 2009 – Included $560 million, or $1.50 per share, related to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in our Beef segment. The recent disruptions in global credit and other financial markets and deterioration of economic conditions resulted in a significant increase in our discount rate used in the goodwill valuation, which led to partial impairment of our Beef segment’s goodwill.
 
12 Months Fiscal 2009 – Included $15 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, of pretax charges related to a plant closing.
 
12 Months Fiscal 2009 – Loss from discontinued operation included a $10 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, of pretax loss on sale of Lakeside Farm Industries.

“We have made tremendous progress in a relatively short period of time,” said Leland Tollett, who on Thursday stepped down after serving 11 months as interim president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods.  “I have complete confidence that the new management team will have a positive impact as the company moves forward.”

 “Our operating cash flow exceeded $1 billion in fiscal 2009, which helped us make progress on our debt level,” said Donnie Smith, Tyson’s new president and chief executive officer.  “All operating segments were profitable in the fourth quarter, with Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods within or above historical operating margin ranges, excluding the goodwill impairment.  These three segments are operating very well, and measures are in place for more improvement in our Chicken segment.  The team knows what to do, and now it’s a matter of execution.”

“Fiscal 2010 should be a much better year,” according to Jim Lochner, Tyson’s new chief operating officer.  “We think Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods will continue with a solid performance, and we expect the steps we’ve taken to improve Chicken will manifest themselves.  Also, USDA data point to lower overall protein supplies, and there is potential for good demand improvement as the global economy recovers.”

Our accounting cycle resulted in a 14-week fourth quarter and 53-week year in fiscal 2009, as compared to a 13-week fourth quarter and 52-week year in fiscal 2008.

 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 2 of 10

Segment Performance Overview (in millions)

Sales
 
(for the fourth quarter and 12 months ended October 3, 2009, and September 27, 2008)
 
   
Fourth Quarter
   
12 Months
 
               
Volume
   
Avg. Price
               
Volume
   
Avg. Price
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
Change
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
Change
 
Chicken
  $ 2,649     $ 2,383       10.4 %     0.6 %     9,660     $ 8,900       8.8 %     (0.2 )%
Beef
    2,967       3,101       14.0 %     (16.0 )%     10,782       11,664       0.5 %     (8.0 )%
Pork
    865       1,000       13.4 %     (23.8 )%     3,426       3,587       1.7 %     (6.1 )%
Prepared Foods
    733       717       11.7 %     (8.4 )%     2,836       2,711       5.2 %     (0.6 )%
Total
  $ 7,214     $ 7,201       12.2 %     (10.7 )%   $ 26,704     $ 26,862       4.4 %     (4.8 )%
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
(for the fourth quarter and 12 months ended October 3, 2009, and September 27, 2008)
 
   
Fourth Quarter
   
12 Months
 
               
Operating Margin
               
Operating Margin
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Chicken
  $ 32     $ (91 )     1.2 %     (3.8 )%   $ (157 )   $ (118 )     (1.6 )%     (1.3 )%
Beef
    (440 )     159       (14.8 )%     5.1 %     (346 )     106       (3.2 )%     0.9 %
Pork
    48       75       5.5 %     7.5 %     160       280       4.7 %     7.8 %
Prepared Foods
    39       (5 )     5.3 %     (0.7 )%     133       63       4.7 %     2.3 %
Other
    (1 )     -       n/a       n/a       (5 )     -       n/a       n/a  
Total
  $ (322 )   $ 138       (4.5 )%     1.9 %   $ (215 )   $ 331       (0.8 )%     1.2 %
 
Operating results excluding $560 million goodwill impairment charge:
Beef
  $ 120     $ 159       4.0 %     5.1 %   $ 214     $ 106       2.0 %     0.9 %
Total
  $ 238     $ 138       3.3 %     1.9 %   $ 345     $ 331       1.3 %     1.2 %

Fiscal 2010 Outlook

Segments:
Chicken – At the end of fiscal 2009, industry pullet placements were down 5-6% as a result of weaker demand. However, we expect demand will improve as we get further into fiscal 2010, and we expect the pricing environment to improve aided by cold storage inventories which are down relative to the levels we have seen over the last several years. We also currently expect to see grain costs down as compared to fiscal 2009. Additionally, we will continue to focus on making operational improvements to help maximize our margins.
Beef – While we expect a reduction in cattle supplies of 1-2% in fiscal 2010, we do not expect a significant change in the fundamentals of our Beef business as it relates to fiscal 2009. We expect adequate supplies to operate our plants. We will manage our spreads by maximizing our revenues through product mix, minimizing our operating costs, while keeping our focus on quality and customer service.
Pork – We expect to see a gradual decline in hog supplies through the first half of fiscal 2010, which will accelerate into the second half of fiscal 2010, resulting in industry slaughter slightly higher than 2007 (or roughly 4% less than fiscal 2009). However, we still believe we will have adequate supplies in the regions in which we operate. We will manage our spreads by continuing to control our costs and maximizing our revenues.
Prepared Foods – Raw material costs will likely increase in fiscal 2010, but we have made some changes in our sales contracts that move us further away from fixed price contracts toward formula pricing, which will better enable us to absorb rising raw material costs. With the changes we have made with our sales contracts and the operational efficiencies we made during fiscal 2009, we expect strong results in fiscal 2010.
 
Interest Expense – approximately $320 million
Effective Tax Rate – approximately 38%
Capital Spending – approximately $600 million
 
 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 3 of 10


Segment Performance Review

Chicken
in millions
                                   
   
Three Months Ended
   
12 Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
         
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Sales
  $ 2,649     $ 2,383     $ 266     $ 9,660     $ 8,900     $ 760  
Sales Volume Change
                    10.4 %                     8.8 %
Avg. Sales Price Change
                    0.6 %                     (0.2 )%
                                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
  $ 32     $ (91 )   $ 123     $ (157 )   $ (118 )   $ (39 )
Operating Margin
    1.2 %     (3.8 )%             (1.6 )%     (1.3 )%        


12 months of fiscal 2008
 
Included $26 million of charges related to: plant closings; impairments of unimproved real property and software; and severance.

 
Fourth quarter and 12 months – Fiscal 2009 vs Fiscal 2008
 
Sales Volume – The increase in sales volume for both the fourth quarter and 12 months of fiscal 2009 was due to the extra week in fiscal 2009, as well as inventory reductions and sales volume related to recent acquisitions.
 
Average Sales Price – The inventory reductions and recent acquisitions lowered the average sales price, as most of the inventory reduction related to commodity products shipped internationally and sales volume from recent acquisitions was on lower priced products.
 
Operating Income (Loss) –
   
Operational Improvements – Operating results were positively impacted by operational improvements, which included: yield, mix and live production performance improvements; additional processing flexibility; and reduced interplant product movement.
   
Derivative Activities – Operating results included the following amounts for commodity risk management activities related to grain and energy purchases. These amounts exclude the impact from related physical purchase transactions, which impact current and future period operating results.

Income/(Loss) - in millions
 
Qtr
   
YTD
 
2009
  $ (9 )   $ (257 )
2008
    65       206  
Decline
  $ (74 )   $ (463 )

   
Grain Costs – As compared to the same periods of fiscal 2008, operating results were positively impacted in the fourth quarter and 12 months of fiscal 2009 by a decrease in grain costs of $109 million and $28 million, respectively.
   
SG&A Expenses – We reduced our selling, general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2009 by approximately $37 million.

 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 4 of 10


Beef
in millions
                                   
   
Three Months Ended
   
12 Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
         
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Sales
  $ 2,967     $ 3,101     $ (134 )   $ 10,782     $ 11,664     $ (882 )
Sales Volume Change
                    14.0 %                     0.5 %
Avg. Sales Price Change
                    (16.0 )%                     (8.0 )%
                                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
  $ (440 )   $ 159     $ (599 )   $ (346 )   $ 106     $ (452 )
Operating Margin
    (14.8 )%     5.1 %             (3.2 )%     0.9 %        

Operating results excluding $560 million goodwill impairment charge:
 
Operating Income
  $ 120     $ 159     $ (39 )   $ 214     $ 106     $ 108  
Operating Margin
    4.0 %     5.1 %             2.0 %     0.9 %        


Fourth quarter and 12 months of fiscal 2009
 
Included $560 million non-cash charge related to the impairment of goodwill.
Fourth quarter of fiscal 2008
 
Included $8 million charge related to the impairment of an intangible asset.
12 months of fiscal 2008
 
Included $35 million of charges related to: plant restructuring, impairments of packaging equipment and intangible assets, and severance.


Fourth quarter and 12 months – Fiscal 2009 vs Fiscal 2008
 
Sales and Operating Income (Loss) –
   
While our average sales prices have decreased as compared to the same periods in 2008, we have still maintained a margin as the average live costs decreased in line with the drop in our average sales price. Excluding the $560 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, our operating margins were 4.0% and 2.0%, respectively, for the fourth quarter and 12 months of fiscal 2009. The fourth quarter operating margin exceeded our historical normalized operating margin range, while the 12 months of fiscal 2009 was within the historical normalized operating margin range, which is 1.5-3.0%.
   
Derivative Activities – Operating results included the following amounts for commodity risk management activities related to forward futures contracts for live cattle. These amounts exclude the impact from related physical sale and purchase transactions, which impact current and future period operating results.

Income - in millions
 
Qtr
   
YTD
 
2009
  $ 5     $ 102  
2008
    73       53  
Improvement / (Decline)
  $ (68 )   $ 49  
                 


 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 5 of 10

Pork
in millions
                                   
   
Three Months Ended
   
12 Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
         
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Sales
  $ 865     $ 1,000     $ (135 )   $ 3,426     $ 3,587     $ (161 )
Sales Volume Change
                    13.4 %                     1.7 %
Avg. Sales Price Change
                    (23.8 )%                     (6.1 )%
                                                 
Operating Income
  $ 48     $ 75     $ (27 )   $ 160     $ 280     $ (120 )
Operating Margin
    5.5 %     7.5 %             4.7 %     7.8 %        


12 months of fiscal 2008
 
Included $5 million of charges related to impairment of packaging equipment and severance.


Fourth quarter and 12 months – Fiscal 2009 vs Fiscal 2008
 
Sales and Operating Income –
   
Operating results for fiscal 2009 were strong, but down when compared to the record year we had in fiscal 2008. While sales volume increased compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and were relatively flat versus the 12 months of fiscal 2008, results were negatively impacted by a decrease in our average sales prices, which were only partially offset by the decrease in average live costs. Our operating margins were 5.5% and 4.7%, respectively, for the fourth quarter and 12 months of fiscal 2009. The fourth quarter operating margin exceeded our historical normalized operating margin range, while the 12 months of fiscal 2009 was within the historical normalized operating margin range, which is 3.0-5.0%.
   
Derivative Activities – Operating results included the following amounts for commodity risk management activities related to forward futures contracts for live hogs. These amounts exclude the impact from related physical sale and purchase transactions, which impact current and future period operating results.

Income - in millions
 
Qtr
   
YTD
 
2009
  $ 8     $ 55  
2008
    13       95  
Decline
  $ (5 )   $ (40 )


 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 6 of 10

Prepared Foods
in millions
                                   
   
Three Months Ended
   
12 Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
         
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Sales
  $ 733     $ 717     $ 16     $ 2,836     $ 2,711     $ 125  
Sales Volume Change
                    11.7 %                     5.2 %
Avg. Sales Price Change
                    (8.4 )%                     (0.6 )%
                                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
  $ 39     $ (5 )   $ 44     $ 133     $ 63     $ 70  
Operating Margin
    5.3 %     (0.7 )%             4.7 %     2.3 %        


12 months of fiscal 2009
 
Included $15 million charge related to closing our Ponca City, Oklahoma, processed meats plant.
12 months of fiscal 2008
 
Included $10 million of charges related to flood damage, an intangible asset impairment and severance.


Fourth quarter and 12 months – Fiscal 2009 vs Fiscal 2008
 
Sales and operating income improved due to an increase in sales volume, as well as a reduction in raw material costs that exceeded the decrease in our average sales prices. In addition, we made several operational improvements in fiscal 2009 that allow us to run our plants more efficiently. We began realizing the majority of these improvements in our operating results during the fourth quarter fiscal 2009.


 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 7 of 10
 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
   
12 Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
   
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Sales
  $ 7,214     $ 7,201     $ 26,704     $ 26,862  
Cost of Sales
    6,752       6,844       25,501       25,616  
      462       357       1,203       1,246  
Selling, General and Administrative
    224       219       841       879  
Goodwill impairment
    560       -       560       -  
Other Charges
    -       -       17       36  
                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
    (322 )     138       (215 )     331  
Other (Income) Expense:
                               
Interest income
    (3 )     (2 )     (17 )     (9 )
Interest expense
    85       56       310       215  
Other, net
    -       (5 )     18       (29 )
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before
                               
Income Taxes and Minority Interest
    (404 )     89       (526 )     154  
Income Tax Expense
    52       44       14       68  
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Minority Interest
    (456 )     45       (540 )     86  
Minority Interest
    (1 )     -       (4 )     -  
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
    (455 )     45       (536 )     86  
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation
    -       3       (1 )     -  
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (455 )   $ 48     $ (537 )   $ 86  
                                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
                               
Class A Basic
    302       283       302       281  
Class B Basic
    70       70       70       70  
Diluted
    372       358       372       356  
Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations:
                               
Class A Basic
  $ (1.25 )   $ 0.13     $ (1.47 )   $ 0.25  
Class B Basic
  $ (1.12 )   $ 0.11     $ (1.32 )   $ 0.22  
Diluted
  $ (1.22 )   $ 0.12     $ (1.44 )   $ 0.24  
Earnings Per Share from Discontinued Operation:
                               
Class A Basic
  $ -     $ 0.01     $ -     $ -  
Class B Basic
  $ -     $ 0.01     $ -     $ -  
Diluted
  $ -     $ 0.01     $ -     $ -  
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
                               
Class A Basic
  $ (1.25 )   $ 0.14     $ (1.47 )   $ 0.25  
Class B Basic
  $ (1.12 )   $ 0.12     $ (1.32 )   $ 0.22  
Diluted
  $ (1.22 )   $ 0.13     $ (1.44 )   $ 0.24  
Cash Dividends Per Share:
                               
Class A
  $ 0.040     $ 0.040     $ 0.160     $ 0.160  
Class B
  $ 0.036     $ 0.036     $ 0.144     $ 0.144  
                                 
Sales Growth (Decline)
    0.2 %             (0.6 )%        
Margins: (Percent of Sales)
                               
Gross Profit
    6.4 %     5.0 %     4.5 %     4.6 %
Operating Income (Loss)
    (4.5 )%     1.9 %     (0.8 )%     1.2 %
Net Income (Loss)
    (6.3 )%     0.7 %     (2.0 )%     0.3 %
Effective Tax Rate from Continuing Operations
    (13.0 )%     50.1 %     (2.7 )%     44.6 %

 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 8 of 10
 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

   
October 3, 2009
   
Sept. 27, 2008
 
Assets
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,004     $ 250  
Restricted cash
    140       -  
Accounts receivable, net
    1,100       1,271  
Inventories
    2,009       2,538  
Other current assets
    122       143  
Assets of discontinued operation held for sale
    -       159  
Total Current Assets
    4,375       4,361  
Restricted cash
    43       -  
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    3,576       3,519  
Goodwill
    1,917       2,511  
Intangible Assets
    187       128  
Other Assets
    497       331  
Total Assets
  $ 10,595     $ 10,850  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Current debt
  $ 219     $ 8  
Trade accounts payable
    1,013       1,217  
Other current liabilities
    761       878  
Total Current Liabilities
    1,993       2,103  
Long-Term Debt
    3,333       2,888  
Deferred Income Taxes
    280       291  
Other Liabilities
    539       525  
Minority Interest
    98       29  
Shareholders’ Equity
    4,352       5,014  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 10,595     $ 10,850  


 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 9 of 10
 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

   
12 Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
Sept. 27,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ (537 )   $ 86  
Depreciation and amortization
    496       493  
Deferred income taxes
    (26 )     35  
Impairment of goodwill
    560       -  
Other, net
    100       83  
Net changes in working capital
    432       (409 )
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    1,025       288  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (368 )     (425 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    9       26  
Proceeds from sale of investments
    15       22  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (37 )     (115 )
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    56       112  
Change in restricted cash to be used for investing activities
    (43 )     -  
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (93 )     (17 )
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation
    75       -  
Other, net
    (41 )     (2 )
Cash Used for Investing Activities
    (427 )     (399 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit facilities
    15       (213 )
Payments of debt
    (380 )     (147 )
Net proceeds from borrowings of debt
    852       449  
Net proceeds from Class A Stock offering
    -       274  
Convertible note hedge transactions
    -       (94 )
Warrant transactions
    -       44  
Debt issuance costs
    (59 )     -  
Purchases of treasury shares
    (19 )     (30 )
Dividends
    (60 )     (56 )
Change in negative book cash balances
    (65 )     67  
Change in restricted cash to be used for financing activities
    (140 )     -  
Stock options exercised and other, net
    6       27  
Cash Provided by Financing Activities
    150       321  
                 
Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash
    6       (2 )
                 
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    754       208  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
    250       42  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
  $ 1,004     $ 250  


 
 

 
TYSON FOODS, INC.
News Release
November 23, 2009
Page 10 of 10

Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves.  Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries.  The company has approximately 117,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world.  Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

A conference call to discuss the Company’s financial results will be held at 9 a.m. Eastern Monday, November 23, 2009. To listen live via telephone, call 888-324-8506. A pass code and the leader’s name will be required to join the call. The pass code is Tyson Foods and the leader’s name is Ruth Ann Wisener.  International callers dial 517-308-9399. The call also will be webcast live on the Internet at http://ir.tyson.com. Financial information, such as this news release, as well as other supplemental data, including Company distribution channel information, can be accessed from the Company’s web site at http://ir.tyson.com. A telephone replay will be available through December 23 at 800-873-2049. International callers dial 402-220-5369.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in the press release may constitute forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to expected earnings and results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations, expressed in such forward-looking statements. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Among the factors that may cause actual results and experiences to differ from anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are the following: (i) the effect of, or changes in, general economic conditions; (ii) fluctuations in the cost and availability of inputs and raw materials, such as live cattle, live swine, feed grains (including corn and soybean meal) and energy; (iii) market conditions for finished products, including competition from other global and domestic food processors, supply and pricing of competing products and alternative proteins and demand for alternative proteins; (iv) successful rationalization of existing facilities and operating efficiencies of the facilities; (v) risks associated with our commodity trading risk management activities; (vi) access to foreign markets together with foreign economic conditions, including currency fluctuations, import/export restrictions and foreign politics; (vii) outbreak of a livestock disease (such as avian influenza (AI) or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)), which could have an effect on livestock we own, the availability of livestock we purchase, consumer perception of certain protein products or our ability to access certain domestic and foreign markets; (viii) changes in availability and relative costs of labor and contract growers and our ability to maintain good relationships with employees, labor unions, contract growers and independent producers providing us livestock; (ix) issues related to food safety, including costs resulting from product recalls, regulatory compliance and any related claims or litigation; (x) changes in consumer preference and diets and our ability to identify and react to consumer trends; (xi) significant marketing plan changes by large customers or loss of one or more large customers; (xii) adverse results from litigation; (xiii) risks associated with leverage, including cost increases due to rising interest rates or changes in debt ratings or outlook; (xiv) compliance with and changes to regulations and laws (both domestic and foreign), including changes in accounting standards, tax laws, environmental laws and occupational, health and safety laws; (xv) our ability to make effective acquisitions or joint ventures and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into existing operations; (xvi) effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs; and (xvii) those factors listed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” included in our October 3, 2009, Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.