Agro Perspectiva

Tyson Management Optimistic About Remainder of 2010 and Outlook for 2011

17.03.2010 12:20 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) — Speaking at the CLSA AsiaUSA investor conference, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) Chief Operating Officer Jim Lochner and Chief Financial Officer Dennis Leatherby told investors that Tyson has improved its chicken business over the past year and believe the changes the company has made, along with favorable market conditions, should bring good returns in the 2010 and 2011 fiscal years. The key is declining domestic availability of protein, according to Lochner. For the first time in 40 years, forecasters predict a reduction of available protein (chicken, beef, pork and turkey) in two consecutive years. «U.S. per capita consumption is projected down due in part to reduced supplies, which should mean higher prices,» Lochner said. «Long-term protein supplies are driven by profitability — or the lack of profitability. Beginning with the 2006–2007 crop, corn and soybean prices became extremely volatile, coupled with a supply-demand imbalance. Most livestock and poultry producers lost money in ’08 and ’09, which led to cutbacks in the herds and flocks and less protein available in the marketplace.» Tyson is well positioned to benefit from these market circumstances. Its Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods segments are operating well and produced returns above their normalized operating margin ranges in the first fiscal quarter of 2010. Although Tyson’s Chicken segment has underperformed in recent years, Lochner and Leatherby are confident the on-going operational improvements will lead to long-term success. «We expect our chicken segment to be in the 5–7% normalized operating margin range for fiscal 2010,» Leatherby said. «Strong cash flow has enabled the company to reduce its net debt level significantly,» Leatherby said. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and through February 5, Tyson used cash and restricted cash on hand on hand to repurchase and retire $510 million of the company’s debt. Tyson potentially could bring incremental profitability in the long-term with renewable products initiatives such as renewable diesel made from non-food grade fats, greases and oils. Dynamic Fuels, Tyson’s joint venture with Syntroleum, Inc., is set to open its first plant this summer. Tyson also launched a line of 100% natural premium pet treats under the True Chews™ brand in February. Tyson was able to open its idled plant in Independence, Iowa to produce True Chews™. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), 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 services 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.