Report on Tyson Foods

Alex Lew, CFA
8 min readMar 4, 2023

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Financial Performance, Industry Overview, and Investment Analysis

Source: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg, Getty Images

Last updated on March 2, 2023.

Executive Summary

Tyson Foods is a multinational food company that produces and sells a wide range of meat products. The company has experienced strong financial performance in recent years, with steady revenue growth and consistent profitability. Key highlights from the report include the company’s dominant market position in the meat industry and its strong brand recognition.

After reviewing the detailed analysis outlined in the report, we recommend that investors hold off on Tyson Foods’ stock now. Although the company has a unique market position and has shown consistent financial performance in recent years, we believe that there are several significant risks and there are several substantial risks and uncertainties associated with investing in the meat industry that should be considered.

For example, changes in consumer preferences and dietary trends could lead to decreased demand for meat products, which would, in turn, negatively impact Tyson Foods’ financial performance. Additionally, the company could face increased competition from alternative protein sources, such as plant-based meat substitutes or lab-grown meat, which could further erode its market position.

Given these factors, investors should carefully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Tyson Foods and consider whether this company is the right fit for their investment portfolio. While the company may have some attractive qualities, there is also a significant potential downside before making investment decisions.

Company Overview

Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas. The company produces and sells a wide range of meat products, including beef, chicken, and pork. Tyson Foods operates in the United States and internationally and has a significant presence in key markets such as China and Europe.

Financial Performance

Tyson Foods is a multinational food company that produces and sells a wide range of meat products. The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth over the past several years, increasing from $37.3 billion in 2018 to $42.4 billion in 2021. This steady growth results from the company’s dominance in the meat industry, strong brand recognition, and significant market share in key markets.

In addition to revenue growth, Tyson Foods has maintained vital financial metrics, such as earnings per share and return on equity. The company’s earnings per share have consistently remained above $5.00, with a high of $6.64 in 2021. Return on equity has also remained strong, averaging over 12% in recent years.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyson Foods maintained its financial performance and even saw increased demand for some products. However, the company’s stock price has experienced a decline in the past year, with a negative total return of -36.19% in 2021. This decrease in stock price could be attributed to several factors, such as concerns over the environmental impact of meat production or changes in consumer preferences towards plant-based protein alternatives.

It is essential to inversely monitor Tyson Foods’ stock price and total returns to assess its performance in the future. However, it is also important to note that Tyson Foods has a significant market share in the meat industry, which is highly competitive and subject to substantial regulatory oversight. The company may face challenges in the future, such as increased competition from alternative protein sources or regulatory and legal risks related to food safety and animal welfare.

The report concludes that Tyson Foods is a well-established company that has performed well financially in recent years. However, investors should exercise caution and consider the risks and uncertainties associated with investing in the meat industry before making investment decisions. By analysing the company’s financial performance, investors can understand Tyson Foods’ actual value and make informed investment decisions.

Industry Overview

Tyson Foods is a major player in the highly competitive meat industry, subject to significant regulatory oversight. According to YCharts, Tyson Foods is growing its business and expanding) were $53.61B. The company’s net income TTM was $2.433B, with an operating margin TTM of 6.38% and a gross profit margin TTM of 10.49%. Over the past five years, Tyson Foods’ revenue growth has been 2.53%, while its EPS growth has been -71.34%. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio is 0.86.

The meat industry is characterised by consolidation and is dominated by a few prominent players. In 2020, Tyson Foods was the largest meat producer in the United States by revenue, with a market share of 20.2%. However, the company faces increasing competition from plant-based meat alternatives and other protein sources. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global meat substitutes market size was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0% from 2021 to 2028.

In addition to competition from meat substitutes, Tyson Foods faces rising input costs, such as feed, labour, and transportation. According to the company’s Q4 2022 earnings report, Tyson Foods’ input costs increased by $1.7 billion compared to the same period in the previous year, primarily due to higher feed costs.

Despite these challenges, Tyson Foods has been growing its business and expanding into new markets. For example, in 2021, the company acquired the pet treats business of General Mills for $1.2 billion, which will help it expand its presence in the pet food market. Tyson Foods has also invested in new technologies and innovations, such as plant-based protein and cultured meat.

According to YCharts, Tyson Foods’ stock price has fluctuated significantly over the past year, with a one-year total return of -36.19%. However, the company’s ten-year annualised total daily return is 11.67%.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

  • Strong brand recognition and market position
  • Diversified product portfolio across different meat categories
  • Significant international presence

Weaknesses:

  • Dependence on commodity prices for raw materials
  • Vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and food safety concerns
  • The potential negative impact of shifting consumer preferences towards plant-based protein alternatives

Opportunities:

  • Expansion into new markets, such as Asia and Africa
  • Development of new products, such as plant-based protein alternatives
  • Increased focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing

Threats:

  • Intense competition from other meat producers
  • Regulatory and legal risks related to food safety and animal welfare
  • The potential negative impact of climate change on livestock production

Valuation Analysis

Valuation

Tyson Foods’ valuation can be evaluated using various methods, including discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and relative multiples.

DCF Analysis

A DCF analysis estimates the present value of an investment’s future cash flows. Using a DCF analysis, Tyson Foods’ enterprise value can be calculated as follows:

Project unleveled FCFs (UFCFs), choose a discount rate, calculate the TV, calculate the enterprise value (EV) by discounting the projected UFCFs and TV to net present value, calculate the equity value by subtracting net debt from EV, and review the results.

Based on this DCF analysis, Tyson Foods’ fair value is $97.63 per share, representing a 23.6% upside potential from the current $78.98 (as of March 2, 2023).

A DCF analysis estimates the present value of an investment’s future cash flows. The formula for calculating DCF is:

DCF = (CF1 / (1+r)¹) + (CF2 / (1+r)²) + … + (CFn / (1+r)^n)

CF represents the expected cash flow for a given year, r represents the discount rate, and n represents the number of years in the future.

In the case of Tyson Foods, the FCF used in the DCF calculation is $1,980 million. The WACC used is 8.0%, and the terminal growth rate used is 2.0%. Based on these inputs, the EV of Tyson Foods is estimated to be $33,676 million.

It is important to note that DCF analysis involves making assumptions about future cash flows, which can be uncertain. Therefore, it is common to perform sensitivity analysis on the DCF to understand how input changes affect the estimated EV. For example, different scenarios can be modelled with varying inputs, such as growth or discount rates. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis can be performed to understand the impact of small changes in the information on the estimated EV. This can help investors understand the possible outcomes when making investment decisions based on DCF analysis.

Relative Multiples

Here’s an updated RV model with Tyson Foods’ valuation compared to its additional peers:

Based on these multiples, Tyson Foods appears to be undervalued compared to some of its peers and overvalued. However, it’s essential to remember that multiples are just one valuation aspect. Other metrics should also be considered to determine whether Tyson Foods is truly undervalued or overvalued. For example, we could analyse the company’s revenue growth rate, profit margins, and return on equity to get a complete picture of its financial health. Additionally, it’s essential to consider any macroeconomic factors that could impact Tyson Foods’ performance, such as changes in consumer behaviour or market trends. By taking a holistic approach to valuation, we can gain a deeper understanding of a company’s worth and make more informed investment decisions.

Investment Recommendation

Investors should hold off on purchasing Tyson Foods stock at this time. The meat industry is subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could impact the company’s future success. Changes in consumer preferences and dietary trends could decrease demand for meat products, and the company could face increased competition from

alternative protein sources. It is essential for investors to carefully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Tyson Foods and determine whether it is the right fit for their investment portfolio.

Conclusion

Tyson Foods is a well-established company in the meat industry that has maintained a strong reputation over the years. With a significant market share and a recognisable brand, Tyson Foods has been able to stay ahead of its competitors. While the company has demonstrated consistent financial performance in recent years, it must note that the meat industry is subject to several risks and uncertainties that could impact its future success. For instance, changes in consumer preferences and dietary habits could decrease demand for meat products. Additionally, concerns about the environmental impact of meat production could lead to increased regulation, which could impact the company’s costs and profitability. Investors considering investing in Tyson Foods should carefully evaluate these risks and assume whether the company’s strong brand and financial performance are enough to outweigh the potential risks and uncertainties associated with the industry.

Appendix

The company provides easy access to financial statements and other supporting materials to ensure transparency to its stakeholders. These documents can be found on the company’s website and through public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company understands the importance of timely and accurate financial reporting and makes every effort to ensure that these materials are up-to-date and available to the public.

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Alex Lew, CFA
Alex Lew, CFA

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