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8-K - TYSON FOODS, INC. FORM 8-K - TYSON FOODS, INC.tsn2012q38k.htm

Media Contact: Gary Mickelson, 479-290-6111
Investor Contact: Jon Kathol, 479-290-4235


TYSON REPORTS THIRD QUARTER
AND NINE MONTHS FISCAL 2012 RESULTS

3rd quarter EPS was $0.21, which included a charge for the early extinguishment of debt totaling $167 million, or $0.29 per diluted share
Excluding the early extinguishment charge, 3rd quarter EPS was $0.50, as compared to $0.51 last year
Overall operating margin was 4.0%
Chicken operating income $153 million, or 5.3% of sales
Beef operating income $71 million, or 2.0% of sales
Pork operating income $69 million, or 5.1% of sales
Prepared Foods operating income $47 million, or 6.2% of sales
Successfully completed the refinancing of high yield debt
Proceeds from issuance of $1.0 billion 4.50% Notes due 2022 used for extinguishment of $810 million 10.50% Notes due 2014
Will reduce annualized interest expense by approximately $55 million
Liquidity totaled $1.8 billion at June 30, 2012

Springdale, Arkansas – August 6, 2012Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), today reported the following results:

(in millions, except per share data)
Third Quarter
 
Nine Months
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Sales
$
8,308

 
$
8,247

 
$
24,905

 
$
23,862

Operating Income
336

 
312

 
916

 
1,113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
73

 
188

 
395

 
638

Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(3
)
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
 
(15
)
Net Income Attributable to Tyson
$
76

 
$
196

 
$
398

 
$
653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson
$
0.21

 
$
0.51

 
$
1.07

 
$
1.71


Third Quarter and Nine Months Fiscal 2012 - Included pretax charge of $167 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, from the early extinguishment of debt

“We produced solid results in our fiscal third quarter despite softer than expected domestic demand for protein,” said Donnie Smith, president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods. “I am especially pleased with the performance of our Chicken and Prepared Foods segments. Our Beef and Pork segments have been operating in very difficult market conditions that will result in our earnings for fiscal 2012 coming in lower than we previously projected.
“Grain costs have been increasing significantly and rapidly, largely as a result of the on-going U.S. drought. While we ultimately expect to pass along rising input costs, these costs, coupled with continued soft demand, are likely to pressure earnings in 2013. However, we still anticipate solid earnings for the year, and we are performing well during challenging circumstances. With our strong balance sheet, customer relationships, new product development capabilities, and efficient operations, we believe Tyson Foods is in the best position in our industry to succeed now and in the future.
“We're often faced with challenges in our business, but our strategy will allow us to manage through trying times for continued success. We are focused on growing our prepared foods, international poultry and value-added poultry businesses. We can't make it rain, but we can execute against our strategy by producing high quality foods using innovative and cost effective processes. It's tough right now, but I'm confident we will come out of this in even better shape than we are in today.”



Segment Performance Review (in millions)

Sales
(for the third quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2012, and July 2, 2011)
 
Third Quarter
Nine Months
 
 
 
Volume
Avg. Price
 
 
Volume
Avg. Price
 
2012
2011
Change
Change
2012
2011
Change
Change
Chicken
$
2,902

$
2,800

(4.1
)%
8.0
 %
$
8,575

$
8,158

(3.6
)%
9.1
%
Beef
3,487

3,515

(13.9
)%
15.2
 %
10,323

10,033

(10.9
)%
15.4
%
Pork
1,344

1,408

2.5
 %
(6.9
)%
4,191

4,030

1.6
 %
2.3
%
Prepared Foods
764

804

(0.9
)%
(4.2
)%
2,432

2,388

(1.2
)%
3.0
%
Other
24

30

n/a

n/a

124

63

n/a

n/a

Intersegment Sales
(213
)
(310
)
n/a

n/a

(740
)
(810
)
n/a

n/a

Total
$
8,308

$
8,247

(4.3
)%
5.4
 %
$
24,905

$
23,862

(4.5
)%
9.0
%

Operating Income (Loss)
(for the third quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2012, and July 2, 2011)
 
Third Quarter
Nine Months
 
 
 
Operating Margin
 
 
Operating Margin
 
2012
2011
2012
2011
2012
2011
2012
2011
Chicken
$
153

$
28

5.3
%
1.0
%
$
330

$
246

3.8
%
3.0
%
Beef
71

140

2.0
%
4.0
%
101

350

1.0
%
3.5
%
Pork
69

124

5.1
%
8.8
%
349

447

8.3
%
11.1
%
Prepared Foods
47

30

6.2
%
3.7
%
142

89

5.8
%
3.7
%
Other
(4
)
(10
)
n/a

n/a

(6
)
(19
)
n/a

n/a

Total
$
336

$
312

4.0
%
3.8
%
$
916

$
1,113

3.7
%
4.7
%

Outlook
Our continued capital investment in our businesses, strong liquidity and reduced interest expense will help us finish fiscal 2012 strong and put us in a good position as we begin fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2013, we expect overall domestic protein production (chicken, beef, pork and turkey) to decrease slightly from fiscal 2012 levels. The recent drought conditions have reduced expected grain supplies, which will result in higher input costs as well as increased costs for cattle and hog producers. The following is a summary of the fiscal 2013 outlook for each of our segments:
Chicken - Current USDA data shows U.S. chicken production to be relatively flat in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. However, changing crop conditions and pricing could change this estimate. The capital investment and significant operational improvements we have made in our Chicken segment have better positioned us to adjust to rising grain prices and remain profitable. Due to the current run up in grain prices, we will be challenged in fiscal 2013, but anticipate our Chicken segment will remain profitable.
Beef - We expect to see a reduction of industry fed cattle supplies of 1-2% in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012, with the reduction predominately in the second half of fiscal 2013. Although we generally expect adequate supplies in regions we operate our plants, there may be periods of imbalance of fed cattle supply and demand. We anticipate beef exports will remain strong in fiscal 2013. For fiscal 2013, we believe our Beef segment will remain profitable, but could be below our normalized range of 2.5%-4.5%.
Pork - We expect industry hog supplies in fiscal 2013 to be up 1-2% compared to fiscal 2012 and we expect pork exports to remain strong in fiscal 2013. For fiscal 2013, we believe our Pork segment should remain at or above our normalized range of 6.0%-8.0%.
Prepared Foods - We expect operational improvements and increased pricing to offset increased raw material costs. Because many of our sales contracts are formula based or shorter-term in nature, we are typically able to offset rising input costs through increased pricing. For fiscal 2013, we believe our Prepared Foods segment should remain in its normalized range of 4.0%-6.0%.

2


Outlook Continued
Through the first nine months of fiscal 2012, we used cash and cash flows from operations to reinvest over $700 million back into our business through capital expenditures and share repurchases. The following is a summary of the outlook for the balance of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 for sales, capital expenditures, net interest expense, debt and liquidity and share repurchases:
Sales - We expect fiscal 2012 sales to approximate $33 billion, down $1 billion from our previous estimate due to weak domestic protein demand. We expect fiscal 2013 sales to approximate $35 billion mostly resulting from price increases related to expected decreases in domestic availability of protein and increased raw material costs.
Capital Expenditures - We expect total capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 to approximate $700 million. While this is down from our previous estimate, the anticipated projects are still ongoing, but will not be completed in fiscal 2012. We expect fiscal 2013 capital expenditures to approximate $500-$550 million. The reduction in planned capital expenditures from fiscal 2012 is primarily a result of an anticipated rise in working capital needs in fiscal 2013. Once we gain more visibility into our working capital needs, or should forecasted conditions change, we may raise our capital expenditures target.
Net Interest Expense - We expect net interest expense for fiscal 2012 to approximate $340 million, which includes the $167 million charge from the early extinguishment of debt during the third quarter fiscal 2012. We expect fiscal 2013 net interest expense will approximate $130-$140 million.
Debt and Liquidity - We do not have any significant scheduled maturities of debt due until October 2013 and may use our available cash to repurchase notes when available at attractive rates. Total liquidity at June 30, 2012, was $1.8 billion, well above our goal to maintain liquidity in excess of $1.2 billion.
Share Repurchases - We currently expect to reduce repurchases under our share repurchase program as a result of an anticipated rise in working capital needs. Once we gain more visibility into our working capital needs, or should forecasted conditions change, we may increase our share repurchases. As of June 30, 2012, 38.4 million shares remain available for repurchase under this program. The timing and extent to which we repurchase shares will depend upon, among other things, markets, industry conditions, liquidity targets, our debt obligations and regulatory requirements.

Segment Performance Review

Chicken Segment Results
in millions
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
Sales
$
2,902

 
$
2,800

 
$
102

 
$
8,575

 
$
8,158

 
$
417

Sales Volume Change
 
 
 
 
(4.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
(3.6
)%
Average Sales Price Change
 
 
 
 
8.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
9.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
$
153

 
$
28

 
$
125

 
$
330

 
$
246

 
$
84

Operating Margin
5.3
%
 
1.0
%
 
 
 
3.8
%
 
3.0
%
 
 
Third quarter and nine months – Fiscal 2012 vs Fiscal 2011
Sales and Operating Income –
Sales Volume – The decrease in sales volumes in the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2012 was primarily attributable to a decrease in domestic production pounds as a result of balancing our supply with forecasted customer demand, partially offset by increases in international sales volumes and open-market meat purchases.
Average Sales Price – The increase in average sales price is primarily due to mix changes and price increases associated with reduced industry supply and increased input costs.
Operating Income – Operating income was positively impacted by increases in average sales price, improved mix and operational improvements. These increases were partially offset by increased grain and feed ingredients costs of $25 million and $310 million for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2012, respectively. Increases in other growout operating costs of $55 million also negatively impacted operating income for the nine months of fiscal 2012. Additionally, our foreign start-up businesses in Brazil and China incurred operating losses of $30 million and $60 million for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2012, respectively.
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

2012
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(22
)
2011
 
(2
)
 
72

Decline in operating results
 
$
(14
)
 
$
(94
)

3


Beef Segment Results
in millions
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
Sales
$
3,487

 
$
3,515

 
$
(28
)
 
$
10,323

 
$
10,033

 
$
290

Sales Volume Change
 
 
 
 
(13.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
(10.9
)%
Average Sales Price Change
 
 
 
 
15.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
15.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
$
71

 
$
140

 
$
(69
)
 
$
101

 
$
350

 
$
(249
)
Operating Margin
2.0
%
 
4.0
%
 
 
 
1.0
%
 
3.5
%
 
 
Third quarter and nine months – Fiscal 2012 vs Fiscal 2011
Sales and Operating Income –
Average sales price increased due to price increases associated with increased livestock costs. Sales volumes decreased due to a reduction in live cattle processed and outside tallow purchases. Operating income decreased in the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2012 as the result of higher fed cattle costs and reduced demand for beef products, which made it difficult to pass along increased input costs, as well as lower sales volumes and increased employee-related operating costs.
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/(Loss) - in millions
 
Qtr

 
YTD

2012
 
$
13

 
$
21

2011
 
(1
)
 
(40
)
Improvement in operating results
 
$
14

 
$
61


Pork Segment Results
in millions
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
Sales
$
1,344

 
$
1,408

 
$
(64
)
 
$
4,191

 
$
4,030

 
$
161

Sales Volume Change
 
 
 
 
2.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
1.6
%
Average Sales Price Change
 
 
 
 
(6.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
2.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
$
69

 
$
124

 
$
(55
)
 
$
349

 
$
447

 
$
(98
)
Operating Margin
5.1
%
 
8.8
%
 
 
 
8.3
%
 
11.1
%
 
 
Third quarter and nine months – Fiscal 2012 vs Fiscal 2011
Sales and Operating Income –
Average sales price decreased for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 due to a decrease in domestic demand for pork products and lower live hog costs. Average sales price increased for the nine months of fiscal 2012 due to price increases associated with increased live hog costs. Operating income decreased in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 due to the decrease in average sales prices and compressed pork margins caused by reduced domestic pork demand without a commensurate decrease in live hog costs. For the nine months of fiscal 2012, we maintained strong operating income by maximizing our revenues relative to the live hog markets, partially attributable to strong export sales and operational and mix performance.
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/(Loss) - in millions
 
Qtr

 
YTD

2012
 
$
18

 
$
51

2011
 
(6
)
 
(15
)
Improvement in operating results
 
$
24

 
$
66


4


Prepared Foods Segment Results
in millions
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
Change
Sales
$
764

 
$
804

 
$
(40
)
 
$
2,432

 
$
2,388

 
$
44

Sales Volume Change
 
 
 
 
(0.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
(1.2
)%
Average Sales Price Change
 
 
 
 
(4.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
3.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
$
47

 
$
30

 
$
17

 
$
142

 
$
89

 
$
53

Operating Margin
6.2
%
 
3.7
%
 
 
 
5.8
%
 
3.7
%
 
 
Third quarter and nine months – Fiscal 2012 vs Fiscal 2011
Sales and Operating Income –
We increased operating income, despite lower sales volumes for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2012, due to mix changes and lower raw material costs. Because many of our sales contracts are formula based or shorter-term in nature, we typically offset changing input costs through pricing. However, there is a lag time for price changes to take effect, which is what we experienced during fiscal 2011.




5


TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
$
8,308

 
$
8,247

 
$
24,905

 
$
23,862

Cost of Sales
7,746

 
7,716

 
23,315

 
22,054

Gross Profit
562

 
531

 
1,590

 
1,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative
226

 
219

 
674

 
695

Operating Income
336

 
312

 
916

 
1,113

Other (Income) Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(9
)
 
(8
)
Interest expense
215

 
58

 
316

 
187

Other, net
(3
)
 
(7
)
 
(17
)
 
(15
)
Total Other (Income) Expense
210

 
49

 
290

 
164

Income before Income Taxes
126

 
263

 
626

 
949

Income Tax Expense
53

 
75

 
231

 
311

Net Income
73

 
188

 
395

 
638

Less: Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(3
)
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
 
(15
)
Net Income Attributable to Tyson
$
76

 
$
196

 
$
398

 
$
653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Basic
291

 
304

 
294

 
305

Class B Basic
70

 
70

 
70

 
70

Diluted
369

 
383

 
373

 
382

Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Basic
$
0.21

 
$
0.53

 
$
1.11

 
$
1.77

Class B Basic
$
0.19

 
$
0.48

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.60

Diluted
$
0.21

 
$
0.51

 
$
1.07

 
$
1.71

Cash Dividends Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A
$
0.040

 
$
0.040

 
$
0.120

 
$
0.120

Class B
$
0.036

 
$
0.036

 
$
0.108

 
$
0.108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales Growth
0.7
%
 
 
 
4.4
%
 
 
Margins: (Percent of Sales)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Profit
6.8
%
 
6.4
%
 
6.4
%
 
7.6
%
Operating Income
4.0
%
 
3.8
%
 
3.7
%
 
4.7
%
Net Income
0.9
%
 
2.3
%
 
1.6
%
 
2.7
%
Effective Tax Rate
42.4
%
 
28.7
%
 
36.9
%
 
32.8
%



6


TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

 
June 30, 2012
 
October 1, 2011
Assets
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
828

 
$
716

Accounts receivable, net
1,350

 
1,321

Inventories
2,672

 
2,587

Other current assets
155

 
156

Total Current Assets
5,005

 
4,780

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
3,992

 
3,823

Goodwill
1,891

 
1,892

Intangible Assets
136

 
149

Other Assets
437

 
427

Total Assets
$
11,461

 
$
11,071

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current debt
$
119

 
$
70

Accounts payable
1,189

 
1,264

Other current liabilities
913

 
1,040

Total Current Liabilities
2,221

 
2,374

Long-Term Debt
2,345

 
2,112

Deferred Income Taxes
473

 
424

Other Liabilities
517

 
476

 
 
 
 
Total Tyson Shareholders’ Equity
5,871

 
5,657

Noncontrolling Interest
34

 
28

Total Shareholders’ Equity
5,905

 
5,685

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
11,461

 
$
11,071




7


TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

 
Nine Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
395

 
$
638

Depreciation and amortization
369

 
384

Deferred income taxes
75

 
51

Loss on early extinguishment of debt
167

 

Other, net
(1
)
 
34

Net changes in working capital
(286
)
 
(421
)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
719

 
686

 
 
 
 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(530
)
 
(469
)
Purchases of marketable securities
(45
)
 
(121
)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
36

 
42

Proceeds from notes receivable

 
51

Other, net
19

 
26

Cash Used for Investing Activities
(520
)
 
(471
)
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Payments on debt
(919
)
 
(197
)
Net proceeds from borrowings
1,082

 
83

Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock
(209
)
 
(110
)
Dividends
(44
)
 
(45
)
Other, net
6

 
52

Cash Used for Financing Activities
(84
)
 
(217
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash
(3
)
 
5

 
 
 
 
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
112

 
3

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
716

 
978

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
828

 
$
981




8


TYSON FOODS, INC.
EBITDA Reconciliations
(In millions)
(Unaudited)

 
Nine Months Ended
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
 
July 2, 2011
 
October 1, 2011
 
June 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
395

 
$
638

 
$
733

 
$
490

Less: Interest income
(9
)
 
(8
)
 
(11
)
 
(12
)
Add: Interest expense
316

 
187

 
242

 
371

Add: Income tax expense
231

 
311

 
341

 
261

Add: Depreciation
327

 
327

 
433

 
433

Add: Amortization (a)
13

 
24

 
29

 
18

EBITDA
$
1,273

 
$
1,479

 
$
1,767

 
$
1,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gross debt
 
 
 
 
$
2,182

 
$
2,464

Less: Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
(716
)
 
(828
)
Total net debt
 
 
 
 
$
1,466

 
$
1,636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio Calculations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross debt/EBITDA
 
 
 
 
1.2x

 
1.6x

Net debt/EBITDA
 
 
 
 
0.8x

 
1.0x

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a)
Excludes the amortization of debt discount expense of $29 million and $33 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2012, and July 2, 2011, respectively, and $44 million for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011, as it is included in Interest expense.

EBITDA represents net income, net of interest, income tax and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of our business. We believe the presentation of this financial measure helps investors to assess our operating performance from period to period and enhances understanding of our financial performance and highlights operational trends. This measure is widely used by investors and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies. However, the measurement of EBITDA may not be comparable to those of other companies in our industry, which limits its usefulness as a comparative measure. EBITDA is not a measure required by or calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for net income or any other measure of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of operating cash flow or liquidity. EBITDA is a useful tool for assessing, but is not a reliable indicator of, our ability to generate cash to service our debt obligations because certain of the items added to net income to determine EBITDA involve outlays of cash. As a result, actual cash available to service our debt obligations will be different from EBITDA. Investors should rely primarily on our GAAP results, and use non-GAAP financial measures only supplementally, in making investment decisions.
 



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Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers 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 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 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, August 6, 2012. To listen live via telephone, call 888-455-8283. International callers dial 1-210-839-8865. The pass code "Tyson Foods" will be required to join the call. A telephone replay will be available through September 7, 2012, at 800-685-6061. International callers may access the replay at 1-203-369-3604. The live webcast, as well as the replay, will be available 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.


Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in the press release may constitute forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to expected performance, and including, but not limited to, statements appearing in the “Outlook” section. 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 purchasing 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 adverse 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, agricultural 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 1, 2011, Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.




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