Tyson Foods Positioned for Continued Success

Donnie Smith, president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, Inc. TSN, today told the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch 2011 Consumer Conference that Tyson is well positioned to handle challenging economic times. Smith said the company's strong balance sheet, focus on execution and recent operational improvements have allowed the company to compete effectively, even in the face of rising input costs.

Smith, who was accompanied at the conference by Dennis Leatherby, Tyson's executive vice president and chief financial officer, said Tyson's Beef and Pork segments are extremely efficient and competitive, while its Chicken segment has improved significantly.

"In the past three years, our chicken business achieved $600 million in performance improvements, and we expect an additional $200 million in fiscal 2011," Smith said.

The company also is benefitting from an increased demand for U.S. exports of beef, pork and chicken. More export volume means less protein is available in the domestic market, which typically is supportive of price.