UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 1, 2000
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________to_________________
Commission File Number 0-3400
TYSON FOODS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 71-0225165
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
2210 West Oaklawn Drive, Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(501) 290-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding January 29, 2000
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------
Class A Common Stock, $.10 Par Value 123,740,540 Shares
Class B Common Stock, $.10 Par Value 102,645,423 Shares
Page 1
TYSON FOODS, INC.
INDEX
PAGE
----
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
January 1, 2000 and October 2, 1999 3
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
for the Three Months Ended
January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999 4
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended
January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999 5
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 6-10
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 10-13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About
Market Risks 13
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 14-15
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds 15
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 15
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 16
Item 5. Other Information 16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 16
EXHIBIT INDEX 17
SIGNATURES 18
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
January 1, October 2,
2000 1999
ASSETS ________ _________
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 59.0 $ 30.3
Accounts receivable 579.8 602.5
Inventories 1,028.9 989.4
Assets held for sale 2.4 74.5
Other current assets 13.8 30.2
_______ _______
Total Current Assets 1,683.9 1,726.9
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment 2,180.0 2,184.5
Excess of Investments over Net Assets Acquired 954.9 962.5
Investments and Other Assets 212.5 208.8
________ ________
Total Assets $5,031.3 $5,082.7
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable $ 63.7 $ 65.9
Current portion of long-term debt 272.4 222.7
Trade accounts payable 347.6 351.9
Other accrued liabilities 367.6 346.5
_______ _______
Total Current Liabilities 1,051.3 987.0
Long-Term Debt 1,387.4 1,515.2
Deferred Income Taxes 394.9 398.0
Other Liabilities 55.6 54.5
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock ($.10 par value):
Class A-Authorized 900 million shares;
issued 137.9 million shares at
1-1-00 and 10-2-99 13.8 13.8
Class B-Authorized 900 million shares;
issued 102.7 million shares at
1-1-00 and 10-2-99 10.3 10.3
Capital in excess of par value 739.9 740.0
Retained earnings 1,647.2 1,599.0
Other accumulated comprehensive income (3.8) (1.5)
_______ _______
2,407.4 2,361.6
Less treasury stock, at cost-
14 million shares at 1-1-00 and
12 million shares at 10-2-99 263.8 232.0
Less unamortized deferred compensation 1.5 1.6
________ ________
Total Shareholders' Equity 2,142.1 2,128.0
________ ________
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $5,031.3 $5,082.7
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
__________________
January 1, January 2,
2000 1999
__________ __________
Sales $1,778.7 $1,824.7
Cost of Sales 1,465.6 1,519.4
------- --------
Gross Profit 313.1 305.3
Expenses:
Selling 146.0 145.7
General and administrative 35.7 32.6
Amortization 8.5 8.6
------- -------
Operating Income 122.9 118.4
Other Expense (Income):
Interest 28.7 31.3
Foreign currency exchange 0.6 (1.7)
Other 1.6 (2.8)
------- -------
Income Before Taxes on Income 92.0 91.6
Provision for Income Taxes 32.8 32.8
Minority Interest 2.2 3.0
------- -------
Net Income $ 57.0 $ 55.8
======= =======
Basic Average Shares Outstanding 227.8 230.8
===== =====
Basic Earnings Per Share $0.25 $0.24
===== =====
Diluted Average Shares Outstanding 228.4 232.1
===== =====
Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.25 $0.24
===== =====
Cash Dividends Per Share:
Class A $0.0400 $0.0250
Class B $0.0360 $0.0225
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
__________________
January 1, January 2,
2000 1999
_________ ___________
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income $ 57.0 $ 55.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 63.0 64.9
Amortization 8.5 8.6
Foreign currency exchange 0.6 (1.7)
Minority interest 2.2 3.0
Deferred income taxes (3.1) (23.3)
(Gain)loss on dispositions of assets 2.1 (0.9)
Decrease in accounts receivable 22.7 43.9
(Increase)decrease in inventories 19.1 (24.8)
Increase(decrease) in trade accounts payable (4.3) 54.4
Net change in other current assets
and liabilities 37.5 41.1
_____ ______
Cash Provided by Operating Activities 205.3 221.0
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment (49.0) (107.8)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 0.9 19.1
Net change in other assets and liabilities (5.7) (3.6)
_____ ______
Cash Used for Investing Activities (53.8) (92.3)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net change in notes payable (2.2) 34.9
Proceeds from long-term debt - 14.2
Repayments of long-term debt (78.7) (160.8)
Purchases of treasury shares (33.2) (6.1)
Other (7.5) (2.2)
_____ ______
Cash Used for Financing Activities (121.6) (120.0)
Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash (1.2) (1.6)
_____ ______
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 28.7 7.1
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 30.3 46.5
______ ______
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 59.0 $ 53.6
====== ======
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $25.2 $29.9
Income taxes $0.9 $27.7
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
5
TYSON FOODS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1: Accounting Policies
The consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared by Tyson
Foods, Inc. (the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information
and accounting policies and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules
and regulations. Although the management of the Company believes that the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading,
these consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company's latest annual report for the fiscal year ended
October 2, 1999. The preparation of consolidated condensed financial
statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These
estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates. In the opinion of the management of the
Company, the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements
contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary
to present fairly the financial position as of January 1, 2000 and
October 2, 1999 and the results of operations for the three months ended
January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999 and cash flows for the three months
ended January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999. The results of operations and
cash flows for the three months ended January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full
year.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement No. 133 ("FAS No. 133"), Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities. In May 1999, the FASB voted to delay the effective
date of FAS No. 133 by one year. The Company will be required to adopt FAS
No. 133 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2001. This statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards which requires that all
derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. This
statement also establishes "special accounting" for fair value hedges, cash
flow hedges, and hedges of foreign currency exposures of net investments in
foreign operations. The Company has not completed its determination of the
impact of the adoption of this new accounting standard on its financial
position and results of operations.
The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year
ended October 2, 1999, reflect the significant accounting policies, debt
provisions, borrowing arrangements, dividend restrictions, contingencies
and commitments of the Company. There were no material changes in such
items during the three months ended January 1, 2000, except as disclosed in
these notes.
6
Note 2: Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share for the three months ended:
Quarter Ended
(In millions except per share amounts)
January 1, January 2,
2000 1999
--------- ----------
Numerator:
Net Income $57.0 $55.8
===== =====
Denominator:
Denominator for basic
earnings per share-
weighted average shares 227.8 230.8
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options 0.6 1.3
----- -----
Denominator for diluted
earnings per share-
adjusted weighted average
shares and assumed conversions 228.4 232.1
===== =====
Basic earnings per share $0.25 $0.24
===== =====
Diluted earnings per share $0.25 $0.24
===== =====
The Company had approximately 3.5 million option shares outstanding at
January 1, 2000, that were not included in the dilutive earnings per share
calculation because they would have been antidilutive.
Note 3: Inventories
Inventories, valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market,
consist of the following:
(In millions)
January 1, October 2,
2000 1999
---------- ----------
Finished and work-in-process $ 530.2 $549.2
Live poultry 296.7 290.8
Hogs 58.4 -
Hatchery eggs and feed 66.9 67.4
Supplies 76.7 82.0
_________ ______
Total $1,028.9 $989.4
========= ======
7
Note 4: Assets held for sale
On September 28, 1999, the Company signed a letter of intent to sell its
wholly-owned subsidiary, The Pork Group, Inc. ("Pork Group") to Smithfield
Foods, Inc. ("Smithfield"). As a result, the Pork Group's swine assets
valued at approximately $70 million were included in assets held for sale
at October 2, 1999. On December 6, 1999, the Company and Smithfield ceased
negotiations for the sale of the Pork Group. Therefore, the swine assets at
January 1, 2000, have been reclassified to inventory and net property,
plant and equipment. At this time, the Company has not developed a formal
alternative plan to actively market the Pork Group and/or its assets. The
balance of assets held for sale at January 1, 2000, relates to facilities
identified for closing under the Company's restructuring program which are
expected to be disposed of within the next twelve months.
Note 5: Segments
The Company is a fully integrated producer, processor and marketer of a
variety of food products. The Company identifies segments based on the
products offered and the nature of customers which results in four reported
business segments: Food Service, Consumer Products, International and
Swine. Food Service includes fresh, frozen and value-enhanced poultry
products sold through foodservice and specialty distributors who deliver to
restaurants, schools and other accounts. Consumer Products include fresh,
frozen and value-enhanced poultry products sold through retail markets for
at-home consumption and through wholesale club markets targeted to small
foodservice operators, individuals and small businesses. International
markets and sells the full line of Tyson chicken products throughout the
world. Swine includes feeder pig finishing and marketing of swine to
regional and national packers. The Company's seafood business, which was
sold on July 17, 1999, is also listed as a business segment for fiscal
1999. The majority of revenue included in the Other category is derived
from the Company's Specialty Products and Prepared Foods groups, the
Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries involved in supplying poultry breeding
stock and trading agricultural goods worldwide, as well as the Company's
turkey and egg products facilities which were sold on December 31, 1998.
Sales between reportable segments are recorded at cost. Total assets for
each segment at January 1, 2000 approximate those at October 2, 1999.
Net Sales by operating segment were as follows: (in millions)
Three Months Ended
January 1, January 2,
2000 1999
---------- ----------
Food Service $ 824.8 $ 824.9
Consumer Products 537.7 521.4
International 187.6 151.0
Swine 32.1 21.6
Seafood - 60.7
Other 196.5 245.1
________ ________
Total Net Sales $1,778.7 $1,824.7
======== ========
8
The Company measures segment profit as gross profit less selling expenses.
Segment profit and a reconciliation to income before taxes on income and
minority interest are as follows: (in millions)
Three Months Ended
January 1, January 2,
2000 1999
---------- ----------
Food Service $ 69.6 $ 95.6
Consumer Products 53.1 60.1
International 24.3 5.9
Swine (1.0) (21.9)
Seafood - 3.8
Other 21.1 16.1
______ ______
Total Gross Profit less Selling Expense 167.1 159.6
Other Operating Expenses 44.2 41.2
Other Expense (Income) 30.9 26.8
_____ _____
Income Before Taxes on Income
and Minority Interest $ 92.0 $ 91.6
====== ======
Note 6: Comprehensive Income
The only difference between total comprehensive income and net income
reported on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income arises from
foreign currency translation adjustment. The Company's total comprehensive
income for the three months ended January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999 was
$54.7 million and $56.8 million, respectively.
Note 7: Subsequent Event
On January 31, 2000, AmeriServe Food Distribution, Inc. ("AmeriServe")
filed for reorganization in Delaware under Chapter 11 of the federal
Bankruptcy Code. AmeriServe is the nation's largest supplier to
restaurants. Currently, the Company has approximately $25 million in trade
credit extended to AmeriServe, with approximately $3.9 million resulting
from sales prior to January 1, 2000. At January 1, 2000, the Company had
approximately $21.9 million in trade credit extended to AmeriServe, of
which approximately $18 million has been collected to date. Management
believes the allowance for doubtful accounts reserve at January 1, 2000 is
sufficient to cover the remaining $3.9 million uncollected receivable
balance at January 1, 2000. The Company is evaluating the impact of this
event on results of operations and financial condition and cannot estimate
at the date of this filing if a partial amount or any of the $25 million
receivable will be collected.
9
Subsequent to quarter end, weather related conditions have temporarily shut
down 403 of the Company's 19,185 independent contract grower breeder and
broiler houses. The Company estimates total losses, not including the cost
of lost production (which can not currently be determined), of
approximately $4.5 million due to this weather related incident.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
FINANCIAL CONDITION
For the three months ended January 1, 2000, net cash totaling $205.3
million was provided by operating activities. Operations provided $130.3
million in cash and $75 million was provided by net changes in receivables,
inventories, payables and other items. The Company used cash from
operations to fund $49 million of property, plant and equipment additions,
to pay down total debt by $78.7 million and to repurchase $33.2 million of
the Company's Class A common stock in the open market. The expenditures for
property, plant and equipment were related to acquiring new equipment and
upgrading facilities in order to maintain competitive standing and position
the Company for future opportunities.
On January 31, 2000, AmeriServe Food Distribution, Inc. ("AmeriServe")
filed for reorganization in Delaware under Chapter 11 of the federal
Bankruptcy Code. AmeriServe is the nation's largest supplier to
restaurants. Currently, the Company has approximately $25 million in trade
credit extended to AmeriServe, with approximately $3.9 million resulting
from sales prior to January 1, 2000. At January 1, 2000, the Company had
approximately $21.9 million in trade credit extended to AmeriServe, of
which approximately $18 million has been collected to date. Management
believes the allowance for doubtful accounts reserve at January 1, 2000 is
sufficient to cover the remaining $3.9 million uncollected receivable
balance at January 1, 2000. The Company is evaluating the impact of this
event on results of operations and financial condition and cannot estimate
at the date of this filing if a partial amount or any of the $25 million
receivable will be collected.
At January 1, 2000, working capital was $632.6 million compared to $739.9
million at 1999 fiscal year-end, a decrease of $107.3 million. The current
ratio at January 1, 2000 was 1.6 to 1 compared to 1.7 to 1 at October 2,
1999. Working capital has decreased since year-end primarily due to a
decrease in other current assets and an increase in the current portion of
long-term debt. The decrease in other current assets is due to the timing
of certain prepaid assets. The increase in current portion of long-term
debt relates to the timing of debt payments. Total debt, including current
portion of long-term debt, has decreased since fiscal year end. At January
1, 2000, total debt was 44.6% of total capitalization compared to 45.9% at
October 2, 1999. The Company's foreseeable cash needs for operations and
capital expenditures will continue to be met through cash flows from
operations and borrowings supported by existing credit facilities as well
as additional credit facilities which the Company believes are available.
10
The Company has an unsecured revolving credit agreement totaling $1 billion
which supports the Company's commercial paper program. This $1 billion
facility expires in May 2002. At January 1, 2000, $230.5 million in
commercial paper was outstanding under this $1 billion facility. Additional
outstanding long-term debt at January 1, 2000 consisted of $830.0 million
of public debt, $107.3 million of institutional notes, $150.2 million in
leveraged equipment loans and $69.4 million of other indebtedness. The
Company may use funds borrowed under its revolving credit facilities,
commercial paper program or through the issuance of additional debt
securities from time to time in the future to finance acquisitions as
opportunities may arise, to refinance other indebtedness or capital leases
of the Company and for other general corporate purposes.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 decreased 2.5% from the same
period of fiscal 1999. This decrease is mainly due to the sale of the
seafood group on July 17, 1999 and other divested businesses which were a
part of Hudson Foods, Inc. ("Hudson"). Comparable sales for the quarter
increased 4.1% on a volume increase of 5.2% compared to the same period
last year. The oversupply of chicken in the market has negatively impacted
sales prices. The Company has initiated a 3% reduction in future
production in an attempt to reduce some of the oversupply of chicken.
Additionally, subsequent to quarter end, weather related conditions have
temporarily shut down 403 of the Company's 19,185 independent contract
grower breeder and broiler houses. The Company estimates total losses, not
including the cost of lost production (which can not currently be
determined), of approximately $4.5 million due to this weather related
incident.
Food Service first quarter sales were comparable to the same period last
year, with a 3.5% increase in volume offset by a 3.4% decrease in average
sales prices. Segment profit for Food Service, defined as gross profit less
selling expenses, decreased $26 million from the same period last year due
primarily to lower market prices resulting from an oversupply of chicken.
Consumer Products first quarter sales increased 3.1% over the same period
last year, with a 0.7% increase in volume and a 2.5% increase in average
sales prices. Consumer Products segment profit decreased $7 million from
the same period last year, as product mix improvements were offset by low
market prices.
International first quarter sales increased 24.2% over the same period last
year, with a 23.1% increase in volume and a 1% increase in average sales
prices. International segment profit increased $18.4 million over the same
period last year due to the increase in volume as well as a shift in the
product sales mix toward value added products.
Swine first quarter sales increased 48.6% over the same period last year,
with a 75.7% increase in average sales prices offset somewhat by a 15.5%
decrease in volume. Swine segment loss improved $20.9 million over the same
period last year due to the increase in average sales prices.
Other first quarter sales decreased 19.8% from the same period last year
mostly due to the sale of certain non-core businesses at the end of the
first quarter of fiscal year 1999. Other segment profit increased $5
million over the same period last year.
11
Cost of goods sold decreased 3.5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 as
compared to the same period last year. This decrease is mainly the result
of the decrease in sales. As a percent of sales, cost of sales was 82.4%
for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 compared to 83.3% for the same period
last year.
Operating expenses increased 1.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 over
the same period last year. Selling expense, as a percent of sales, was 8.2%
for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 and 8.0% for the first quarter of
fiscal 1999. Total selling expense dollars were comparable to the same
period last year. General and administrative expense, as a percent of
sales, was 2.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2000 and 1.8% in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999. The increase in general and administrative expenses
is mostly due to professional fees related to litigation costs.
Amortization expense, as a percent of sales, was 0.5% in the first quarter
of fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999.
Interest expense decreased 8.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2000
compared to the same period last year primarily as a result of an 11.8%
decrease in the Company's average indebtedness over the same period last
year. Although short-term rates were slightly higher than last year, the
overall weighted average borrowing rate decreased to 6.7% compared to 6.8%
primarily as a result of paying off more expensive long-term debt.
The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2000 was
35.7% compared to 35.8% for the same period last year. The Company's
foreign subsidiary earnings are taxed at the applicable foreign rate.
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000
The Company has completed its Year 2000 Project as scheduled. As of
February 15, 2000, the Company's products, computing, and communications
infrastructure systems have operated without Year 2000 related problems and
appear to be Year 2000 ready. The Company is not aware that any of its
major customers or third-party suppliers have experienced significant Year
2000 related problems.
The Company believes all its critical systems are Year 2000 ready. However,
there is no guarantee that the Company has discovered all possible failure
points including all systems, non-ready third parties whose systems and
operations impact the Company, and other uncertainties.
Because many of the systems were already compliant, did not require
significant modifications to make them compliant, or were replaced for
other business reasons, the costs incurred specifically to address Year
2000 readiness are not material to the Company. Since 1996, the expenses
that resulted from Year 2000 readiness activities have been absorbed
through the annual Management Information Systems operational budget and
funded from internally generated funds. These costs can be primarily
described as personnel costs and have increased each year since 1996
because of increased activity from testing. The costs incurred since 1996
are approximately $1.5 million. No projects under consideration by the
Company have been deferred because of Year 2000 efforts. In certain
instances, software was purchased to provide new functionality for the
Company replacing software that was not compliant. An example of this is
the implementation of new accounting software from SAP that the Company
installed at the beginning of fiscal year 1999. These purchases were not
12
predicated by the Year 2000 issue; however, the result is that the new
systems are compliant and non-compliant systems were ultimately retired.
FUTURE ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement No. 133 ("FAS No. 133"), Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities. In May 1999, the FASB voted to delay the effective
date of FAS No. 133 by one year. The Company will be required to adopt FAS
No. 133 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2001. This statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards which requires that all
derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. This
statement also establishes "special accounting" for fair value hedges, cash
flow hedges, and hedges of foreign currency exposures of net investments in
foreign operations. The Company has not completed its determination of the
impact of the adoption of this new accounting standard on its financial
position and results of operations.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE
PURPOSE OF "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT OF 1995
The Company and its representatives may from time to time make written or
oral forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements made
in this report, with respect to their current views and estimates of
future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and
financial results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number
of factors and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results
and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results and
expectations, expressed in such forward-looking statements. The Company
wishes 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 affect the operating results of the Company are the following:
(i) fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, such as
feed grain costs in relation to historical levels; (ii) changes in the
availability and relative costs of labor and contract growers; (iii)
market conditions for finished products, including the supply and pricing
of alternative proteins, all of which may impact the Company's pricing
power; (iv) effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs; (v) the
ability of the Company to make effective acquisitions and successfully
integrate newly acquired businesses into existing operations; (vi) risks
associated with leverage, including cost increases due to rising
interest rates; (vii) changes in regulations and laws, including changes
in accounting standards, environmental laws, occupational, health and
safety laws; (viii) issues related to food safety, including costs
resulting from product recalls, regulatory compliance and any related
claims or litigation; (ix) access to foreign markets together with foreign
economic conditions, including currency fluctuations; and (x) the effect
of, or changes in, general economic conditions.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks
There have been no significant changes in market risk or market risk
factors since the 1999 annual report to shareholders.
13
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On June 22, 1999, eleven current and/or former employees of the Company
filed the case of "M.H. Fox, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc." in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Fox v. Tyson)
claiming the Company violated requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The suit alleges the Company failed to pay employees for all hours worked
and/or improperly paid them for overtime hours. The suit generally alleges
that (i) employees should be paid for time taken to put on and take off
certain working supplies at the beginning and end of their shifts and
breaks and (ii) the use of "mastercard" or "line" time fails to pay
employees for all time actually worked. Plaintiffs seek to represent
themselves and all similarly situated current and former employees of the
Company. At filing 159 current and/or former employees consented to join
the lawsuit and, to date, approximately 4,500 consents have been filed with
the court. Discovery in this case is in initial stages. A hearing is set
for March 6, 2000 to consider the plaintiff's request for collective action
certification and court-supervised notice. The Company believes it has
substantial defenses to the claims made and intends to vigorously defend
the case. However, neither the likelihood of unfavorable outcome nor the
amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to this case can be
determined at this time.
Substantially similar suits have been filed against three other integrated
poultry companies. In addition, organizing activity conducted by
representatives or affiliates of the United Food and Commercial Workers
Union against the poultry industry has encouraged worker participation in
Fox v. Tyson and the other lawsuits.
On February 9, 2000 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) began a nationwide
audit of wage and hour practices in the poultry industry. The DOL began
this audit at 17 poultry plants, five of which are Company owned
facilities, and expects to audit 51 poultry plants in total. The DOL audit
is examining pay practices relating to both processing plant and catching
crew employees and includes practices which are the subject of Fox v. Tyson
discussed above.
On February 20, 1998, the Company and others were named as defendants in a
putative class action suit brought on behalf of all individuals who sold
beef cattle to beef packers for processing between certain dates in 1993
and 1998. This action, captioned "Wayne Newton, et al. v. Tyson Foods,
Inc., et al.", U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa, Civil
Action No. 98-30, asserts claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt
Organizations statute as well as a common-law claim for intentional
interference with prospective economic advantage. Plaintiffs allege that
the gratuities which were the subject of a prior plea agreement by the
Company resulted in a competitive advantage for poultry products vis-a-vis
beef products. Plaintiffs' request trebled damages in excess of $3 billion,
plus attorney's fees and costs. The U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Iowa granted the Company's Motion to Dismiss on March 26, 1999,
holding that plaintiffs lacked standing to sue. Plaintiffs timely appealed
to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth circuit. The Company is
vigorously contesting the case. Briefing of the appeal was completed in
August 1999, oral argument was completed in January 2000 and the Company is
currently awaiting the ruling of the Court of Appeals. Based on the
14
current status of the matter, the Company does not believe any significant
exposure exists.
On January 20, 2000, McCarty Farms, Inc. (McCarty), a former subsidiary of
the Company which has been merged into the Company, was indicted in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi,
Jackson Division, for conspiracy to violate the federal Clean Water Act.
The alleged conspiracy arises out of McCarty's partial ownership of Central
Industries, Inc. (Central), which operates a rendering plant in Forest,
Mississippi. Also indicted were Central, the other shareholders of Central
and a former chairman of Central. In addition to the conspiracy count,
the indictment alleges (although not with respect to McCarty) (i) knowing
violations of Central's wastewater discharge permit, (ii) negligent
discharge of pollutants and (iii) knowing violations of Central's permitted
wastewater volumes. All allegations arose from the operation of Central's
rendering plant during the summer of 1995, prior to the Company's purchase
of McCarty in September of 1995. Neither the likelihood of unfavorable
outcome nor the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to this
case can be determined at this time.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not Applicable
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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The following directors were elected at the annual meeting of shareholders
held January 14, 2000:
DIRECTORS VOTES FOR VOTES WITHHELD
_________ _________ ______________
Wayne Britt 1,126,827,308 2,549,572
Neely Cassady 1,126,862,994 2,560,255
Lloyd V. Hackley 1,126,876,477 2,546,772
Gerald M. Johnston 1,126,851,869 2,571,380
Jim Kever 1,126,754,541 2,668,708
Shelby Massey 1,126,869,974 2,553,275
Joe F. Starr 1,126,834,574 2,588,675
Leland Tollett 1,126,871,539 2,551,710
Barbara Tyson 1,126,825,833 2,597,416
Don Tyson 1,126,836.894 2,586,355
John Tyson 1,126,827,308 2,595,941
Fred S. Vorsanger 1,126,859,787 2,563,462
Donald E. Wray 1,126,855,765 2,567,484
A shareholder proposal to recapitalize the Company's equity structure to
result in one share, one vote for all outstanding stock failed by a vote of
54,729,451 votes for the proposal, 1,052,383,619 votes against the proposal
and 21,814,369 non-votes.
No other items were voted on at the annual meeting of shareholders or
during the quarter ended January 1, 2000.
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
The exhibits filed with this report are listed in the exhibit index at the
end of this Item 6.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
On December 15, 1999, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K
related to the termination of negotiations on the sale of the Pork Group
with Smithfield Foods, Inc.
On February 7, 2000, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K related
to the bankruptcy filing of the Company's customer, AmeriServe Food
Distribution, Inc.
16
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are filed with this report.
Exhibit No. Page
- ----------- ----
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
(previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
October 3, 1998, Commission File No. 0-3400, and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company 19-31
27 Financial Data Schedule
17
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
TYSON FOODS, INC.
Date: February 15, 2000 /s/ Steven Hankins
----------------- ----------------------------
Steven Hankins
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: February 15, 2000 /s/ James G. Ennis
----------------- ----------------------------
James G. Ennis
Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
18