SPRINGDALE, ARK. — For the fourth consecutive quarter, Tyson Foods Inc. delivered year-over-year growth across sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share.

While the company navigated a challenging beef environment, another impressive quarter for its Chicken business along with overall strong demand for animal protein helped offset any losses.

“We delivered another solid quarter with growth in both sales and adjusted operating income, driven by strong execution across the business,” said Donnie King, president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods. “Our consistent focus on operational excellence, winning with customer and consumers, leveraging data and digital, and enhancing our financial strength has resulted in four consecutive quarters of year-over-year improvements in our top and adjusted bottom lines. Looking ahead, our diversified multi-channel, multi-protein portfolio positions us well to capitalize on consumer demand for high-quality protein and deliver continued value to our shareholders.”

During the second quarter fiscal year 2025, for the period ended March 29, Tyson reported $13.1 billion in sales, flat compared with 2024 results. Adjusted operating income was $515 million, up 27% year-over-year, and adjusted earnings per share rose 48% to 92¢ compared to last year.

Net income amounted to $7 million, equal to 2¢ per share on the common stock, versus $145 million, equal to 42¢ per share, the year prior. 

Demand delivers

Tyson’s Chicken segment drove much of the company’s second quarter performance, with volume growth for the second consecutive quarter and the best second quarter adjusted operating income in nine years.

Compared to the same period last year, adjusted operating income nearly doubled to $312 million from $160 million in 2024. King attributed the boom in growth to strong operational execution across the business and the best order fill rates the company has seen in years along with lower grain costs. Chicken sales remained relatively flat year-over-year, amounting to $4.1 billion.

Tyson’s Pork business delivered the second-best adjusted operating income in three years with $55 million, up from $33 million last year. However, sales dipped year-over-year to $1.2 billion from $1.5 billion.

Prepared Foods sales remained flat compared to the same period last year at $2.4 billion. Adjusted operating income was $244 million, up from $233 million the previous year.

Beef was the only Tyson Foods business segment to report an adjusted operating loss, which amounted to $149 million, compared to a loss of $34 million last year. Sales increased year-over-year from $5 billion to $5.2 billion.

“In Beef, we’re navigating a challenging environment with discipline,” explained King in the earnings call on May 5. “We’re managing costs and enhancing mix for more value-added offerings. While limited cattle availability is pressuring spreads, consumer demand has remained resilient. Our teams are executing well across procurement, production and distribution to meet customer needs and stay on price.”

King pointed out that, according to the Power of Meat study, US meat sales at retail hit an all-time high in 2024.

“Even with a dynamic backdrop, it is evident that consumers continue to prioritize protein, especially from animal sources, underscoring robust sustained demand across the category,” King said. “As a world class food company and recognized leader in protein, Tyson is well positioned. Our multi-protein, multi-channel portfolio allows us to serve a wide range of consumer protein needs across eating occasions and values.”

Changes in leadership

During the call, King introduced Kristina Lambert as the new chief growth officer at Tyson Foods.

With nearly three decades of experience in the protein industry, Lambert first joined the company in 1996 as an intern. Earlier this year, she was named executive vice president of strategic initiatives.

“Prior to her most recent role, Kristina led our retail frozen value-added business within the poultry organization, where she maintained full P&L responsibility, expanded our innovation pipeline and managed the relaunch of the iconic Tyson brand,” King said.

Lambert succeeds Melanie Bolden, chief growth officer and former group president of Prepared Foods, who is retiring from Tyson.

“I want to thank [Melanie] for the results she has delivered and the team she has built,” King said. “We’re sad to see her go, but we wish her the best in the future. Melanie will remain a consultant for Tyson Foods, ensuring a seamless transition with Kristina.”