The world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork US-based Tyson Foods, Inc has reported sales of $6.5 billion for the first quarter of fiscal year 2006 ended December 31, 2005, equal to those reported for the comparable period in 2005. Operating income was $114 million compared with $129 million and net income was $39 million compared to $48 million for the same period last year.

Restated earnings for the fiscal 2005 were $372 million compared with $403 million in fiscal 2004.

Operating margins for chicken improved 1% from the first quarter of fiscal 2005, despite lower average sales prices; for beef higher average sales prices resulted in increased sales, which were more than offset by reduced margins at the company's Canadian operation and increased operating costs and higher live prices; and lower live costs for pork and increased sales volumes were more than offset by decreased average sales prices and higher per head operating costs.