Tyson Foods, Inc. - TSN STOCK NEWS

Tyson Foods is selling its pet treats business, including the Nudges, True Chews, and Top Chews brands, to General Mills for approximately $1.2 billion. The transaction is expected to finalize by the end of the 2021 fiscal year, pending regulatory approval. Tyson's pet treat division generated over $240 million in sales for the 12 months ending April 3, 2021. The sale reflects Tyson's strategy to focus on core protein offerings while continuing to supply ingredients to General Mills post-acquisition.

General Mills (NYSE: GIS) has agreed to acquire Tyson Foods’ (NYSE: TSN) pet treats business for $1.2 billion cash, effectively costing $975 million after a $225 million tax benefit. This acquisition includes brands like Nudges, Top Chews, and True Chews, and is aimed at strengthening General Mills' pet platform. The business generated over $240 million in net sales in the past year. Funding will come from cash reserves and short-term borrowings, with expected earnings benefits after the deal closes in Q1 FY 2022.

Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) reported strong financial results for Q2 2021 and the first half of the fiscal year. Sales reached $11.3 billion, a 3.8% increase compared to the previous year, while operating income surged 40% to $720 million. Key segments, particularly Prepared Foods and Beef, showed significant growth despite challenges from COVID-19, resulting in a GAAP EPS of $1.30, up 26% year-over-year. However, the company anticipates margin pressures from rising input costs and COVID-19 related expenses totaling approximately $365 million for the fiscal year.

Tyson Foods partners with Marathon Health to open seven "Bright Blue" health centers, enhancing healthcare access for employees and their families. The pilot aims to address health concerns among frontline workers, ensuring access to primary and preventive care at little to no cost. The first center opened on April 28 in Dyersburg, Tennessee, with further locations set for May and Summer 2021, serving nearly 38,000 team members. This initiative reflects Tyson's commitment to promoting employee wellness, backed by extensive investments in health services since 2020.

Tyson Foods' Raised & Rooted brand is expanding its plant-based product line with new burger patties, Bratwurst, Italian sausages, and ground options to cater to rising consumer demand. The new products, featuring pea protein and soy-free ingredients, offer 17g to 24g of protein per serving with 75% less saturated fat than traditional meat. Sales of plant-based proteins surged by 148% year-over-year, highlighting a shift towards healthier eating. The Raised & Rooted brand is now available in over 10,000 stores nationwide, priced between $4.99 and $7.99 per package.

Tyson Foods is investing $48 million in a project to expand its poultry operations at the Pine Bluff plant, which is set to create nearly 70 jobs upon completion in late 2021. This investment aims to enhance capacity for fully cooked chicken products, including tenders and wings, and to integrate automated processes. The facility, employing over 1,100 workers, has raised starting wages to at least $15 per hour and significantly contributes to Arkansas's economy, with an annual impact of $2.1 billion.

Tyson Foods has become the first beef processor to support U.S. CattleTrace, an initiative aimed at establishing a national infrastructure for animal disease traceability. This program is crucial for quick disease response and maintaining access to export markets in case of foreign animal diseases. Through the use of advanced ear tags, CattleTrace collects essential data to track cattle during outbreaks. Tyson's involvement is a significant step towards enhancing animal health and safeguarding the U.S. cattle supply chain amid rising concerns over disease management.

Tyson Foods is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination initiative by offering free, onsite vaccinations to family members of employees at select plants across the U.S. This program, one of the first of its kind, is now available at vaccination events in states including Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia. Approximately 40,000 employees have been vaccinated at over 100 events. The initiative aims to promote public health and community safety, with support from the UFCW union.

Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) will conduct its fiscal 2021 second quarter earnings call on May 10, 2021, starting at 9 a.m. ET. A press release detailing the quarterly results will be issued earlier that day. Participants can pre-register for the call online to receive a unique passcode for immediate access. Those who miss the live event can access a replay of the webcast until June 10, 2021. Tyson Foods remains a leading global food company, with a commitment to sustainable protein production and strong corporate values.