Tyson Foods, Inc. Class A (TSN)

Tyson Foods' stock has experienced a challenging period in the past six months, with the stock price falling to a new 52-week low. This decline was impacted by losses in its beef segment due to low cattle availability and high prices. The company announced several plant closures as part of a cost-cutting drive. Despite these challenges, Tyson Foods reported a strong finish to its fiscal year 2024, with Q4 earnings showing an increase in adjusted operating income and EPS, and better-than-expected revenue. The company also reported beating analyst estimates for Q1 fiscal 2025 earnings and sales, driven by strong protein demand. Tyson Foods declared a quarterly dividend and announced a buyback plan, but several analysts have downgraded the stock due to concerns over margin pressures.

Tyson Foods' diverse product offerings help mitigate significant seasonal demand swings in its overall revenue. Pork and other prepared foods generally see higher demand in winter and lower demand in summer. Certain sandwich categories, particularly breaded chicken sandwiches, tend to peak in sales from March through June. Burger sales are strongest from January to May. Pizza and chicken wings experience a consistent spike in demand in January or February.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) is a multinational corporation in the food industry, specifically the Consumer Non-Cyclical sector and Food Processing industry. It is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef, and pork, and the largest meat company in America, producing approximately 20% of the beef, pork, and chicken in the United States. Its product portfolio includes fresh, frozen, and value-added meat products, as well as prepared foods under brands like Jimmy Dean and Hillshire Farm. Tyson Foods has also entered the plant-based protein market with its Raised & Rooted brand.

Tyson Foods has a significant global presence, operating in over 100 countries and exporting to approximately 130 countries. While its headquarters are in Springdale, Arkansas, its U.S. locations are concentrated in the Midwest and South, particularly in states like Arkansas, Texas, and Iowa. The company maintains operations in four countries and has sales offices across the globe.

Tyson Foods has faced scrutiny regarding its brand reputation, with past controversies related to the environment, animal welfare, and employee welfare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company was accused of failing to implement recommended protections. Historically, Tyson has also faced issues with antibiotic labeling and fines for accidental anhydrous ammonia releases. In a positive move, Tyson Foods announced an initiative to remove high fructose corn syrup and other additives from its U.S. branded products by the end of 2025. The company has also engaged in corporate social responsibility efforts, including donating protein to food banks and pledging investments to fight food insecurity.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN) has a diverse ownership structure, with approximately 58.45% of the company's stock owned by institutional investors. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., State Street Corp, Pzena Investment Management Llc, and Price T Rowe Associates Inc /md/. Tyson Limited Partnership is also a significant institutional holder.