The world's largest processor of chicken, beef and pork, US-based Tyson Foods, Inc. has reported second quarter 2007 sales of $6.5 billion compared with the $6.3 billion posted for the same period in 2006. Operating income reached $158 million from an operating loss of $142 million, whilst net income improved to $68 million from a net loss of $127 million in the comparable period of the prior year.

For the first six months, sales were $13.1 billion compared with $12.7 billion. Operating income improved to $303 million from an operating loss of $32 million, and net income reached $125 million compared with a net loss of $88 million.

Commenting on the results, president and CEO, Richard Bond, said: “All segments were profitable, and it was our strongest performance since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Our beef segment is back in the black, and our pork business is well within our target margin objectives.”

Beef segment sales reached $3 billion and $6.1 billion in the second quarter and six month periods, respectively, whilst operating income improved to $24 million and $1 million. Operating results were impacted positively by higher average sales prices, increased sales volumes and improved conversion costs due to prior year plant rationalisations and operating efficiencies.