Tyson Foods
TSN
#1068
Rank
$22.51 B
Marketcap
$63.94
Share price
1.00%
Change (1 day)
14.00%
Change (1 year)
Categories
Tyson Foods Inc. is an American company that produces a range of different foods, including beef, pork and chicken.

Tyson Foods - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 1998

OR

( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from__________________to_________________

Commission File Number 0-3400


TYSON FOODS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 71-0225165
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

2210 West Oaklawn Drive, Springdale, Arkansas 72762-6999
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(501) 290-4000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X No
--- ---

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class Outstanding March 28, 1998
- ------------------------------------ --------------------------
Class A Common Stock, $.10 Par Value 128,749,411 Shares
Class B Common Stock, $.10 Par Value 102,645,513 Shares








Page 1
TYSON FOODS, INC.
INDEX

PAGE

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
March 28, 1998 and September 27, 1997 3

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
for the Three Months and Six Months Ended
March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997 4

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
for the Six Months Ended
March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997 5

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 6-8

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 8-13

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About
Market Risks 13-15

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings 16

Item 2. Changes in Securities 16

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 16

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 17

Item 5. Other Information 17

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17-18

SIGNATURES 19















2
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
March 28, September 27,
ASSETS 1998 1997
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $34.4 $23.6
Accounts receivable 769.9 617.8
Inventories 1,151.6 886.1
Assets held for sale 125.2 6.2
Other current assets 53.8 38.8
_______ _______
Total Current Assets 2,134.9 1,572.5
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment 2,389.5 1,924.8
Excess of Investments over Net Assets Acquired 1,032.2 731.1
Investments and Other Assets 238.2 182.6
________ ________
Total Assets $5,794.8 $4,411.0
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable $56.3 $37.3
Current portion of long-term debt 57.9 94.6
Trade accounts payable 342.6 290.3
Other accrued liabilities 467.4 298.8
_______ _______
Total Current Liabilities 924.2 721.0
Long-Term Debt 2,249.9 1,558.2
Deferred Income Taxes 553.1 506.1
Other Liabilities 33.6 4.2
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock ($.10 par value):
Class A-Authorized 900 million shares;
issued 138.0 million shares at 3-28-98
and 119.5 million shares at 9-27-97 13.8 11.9
Class B-Authorized 900 million shares;
issued 102.6 million shares at 3-28-98
and 102.7 million shares at 9-27-97 10.3 10.3
Capital in excess of par value 740.7 379.1
Retained earnings 1,448.3 1,390.8
Currency translation adjustment (2.1) (2.5)
_______ _______
2,211.0 1,789.6
Less treasury stock, at cost-
9.2 million shares at 3-28-98 and
8.8 million shares at 9-27-97 174.7 165.6
Less unamortized deferred compensation 2.3 2.5
________ ________
Total Shareholders' Equity 2,034.0 1,621.5
________ ________
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $5,794.8 $4,411.0
======== ========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
__________________ ________________

March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29,
1998 1997 1998 1997
________ ________ ________ ________

Sales $1,870.8 $1,574.3 $3,391.6 $3,102.2
Cost of Sales 1,602.0 1,312.1 2,862.1 2,591.6
------- ------- ------- -------
Gross Profit 268.8 262.2 529.5 510.6
Expenses:
Selling 155.2 125.2 280.8 250.3
General and administrative 33.6 25.3 64.9 48.8
Amortization 8.3 6.9 14.2 13.7
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating Income 71.7 104.8 169.6 197.8
Other Expense (Income):
Interest 38.0 26.2 65.2 55.1
Other (3.2) 2.1 (3.8) (39.4)
------- ------- ------- -------

Income Before Taxes on Income 36.9 76.5 108.2 182.1
Provision for Income Taxes 13.6 28.3 40.0 89.3
------- ------- ------- -------
Net Income $23.3 $48.2 $68.2 $92.8
======= ======= ======= =======

Basic Average
Shares Outstanding 231.5 216.9 222.4 217.2
===== ===== ===== =====
Basic Earnings Per Share $0.10 $0.22 $0.31 $0.43
===== ===== ===== =====
Diluted Average
Shares Outstanding 232.4 219.0 223.4 219.2
===== ===== ===== =====
Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.10 $0.22 $0.31 $0.42
===== ===== ===== =====
Cash Dividends Per Share:

Class A $0.0250 $0.0250 $0.0500 $0.0450
Class B $0.0225 $0.0225 $0.0450 $0.0405









The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

4
TYSON FOODS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
________________
March 28, March 29,
1998 1997
_________ _________
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income $68.2 $92.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 114.0 101.5
Amortization 14.2 13.7
Deferred income taxes (23.9) (3.7)
Gain on dispositions of assets (4.0) (39.0)
(Increase)decrease in accounts receivable (48.3) 39.6
Increase in inventories (56.2) (7.9)
Increase in trade accounts payable 1.6 8.2
Net change in other current assets
and liabilities 88.9 47.9
_____ ______
Cash Provided by Operating Activities 154.5 253.1
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net cash paid for acquisitions (257.4)
Additions to property, plant and equipment (150.5) (121.9)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 12.1 189.1
Net change in other assets and liabilities (23.1) (36.9)
_____ ______
Cash (Used for)Provided by Investing Activities (418.9) 30.3
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net change in notes payable (66.0) (38.5)
Proceeds from long-term debt 780.2 79.4
Repayments of long-term debt (419.6) (226.4)
Purchases of treasury shares (9.8) (25.8)
Other (9.4) (8.5)
_____ ______
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities 275.4 (219.8)
Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash (0.2) 0.2
_____ ______
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 10.8 63.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 23.6 36.6
______ ______
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $34.4 $100.4
====== ======
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $67.2 $64.4
Income taxes $26.8 $72.4






The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5
TYSON FOODS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


1. Accounting Policies

The consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared by Tyson
Foods, Inc. (the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information
and accounting policies and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules
and regulations. Although the management of the Company believes that the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading,
these consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company's latest annual report for the fiscal year ended
September 27, 1997. The preparation of consolidated condensed financial
statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These
estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates. In the opinion of the management of the
Company, the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements
contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary
to present fairly the financial position as of March 28, 1998 and
September 27, 1997 and the results of operations for the three and six
months ended March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997, and cash flows for the six
months ended March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997. The results of operations
for the three and six months ended March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997, and
cash flows for the six months ended March 28, 1998 and March 29, 1997, are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share". Statement 128
replaced the previously reported primary and fully diluted earnings per
share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary earnings
per share, basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effects of
options, warrants, and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share
is very similar to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per
share. All earnings per share amounts for all periods have been presented,
and where necessary, restated to conform to the Statement 128 requirements.

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year
ended September 27, 1997, reflect the significant accounting policies, debt
provisions, borrowing arrangements, dividend restrictions, contingencies
and commitments of the Company. There were no material changes in such
items during the six months ended March 28, 1998, except as disclosed in
these notes.







6
2.   Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share for the three and six months ended:

(In millions)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 28, March 29, March 28, March 29,
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------- --------
Numerator:
Net Income $23.3 $48.2 $68.2 $92.8
===== ===== ===== =====
Denominator:
Denominator for basic
earnings per share-
weighted average shares 231.5 216.9 222.4 217.2

Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options 0.9 2.1 1.0 2.0
----- ----- ----- -----
Denominator for diluted
earnings per share-
adjusted weighted average
shares and assumed conversions 232.4 219.0 223.4 219.2
===== ===== ===== =====
Basic earnings per share $0.10 $0.22 $0.31 $0.43
===== ===== ===== =====
Diluted earnings per share $0.10 $0.22 $0.31 $0.42
===== ===== ===== =====

3. Inventories

Inventories, valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market,
consist of the following:
(In millions)
March 28, September 27,
1998 1997
--------- ------------
Finished and work-in-process $ 526.5 $366.1
Live poultry and hogs 413.6 353.4
Seafood related products 49.5 39.5
Hatchery eggs and feed 80.7 57.8
Supplies 81.3 69.3
________ ______
Total $1,151.6 $886.1
======== ======

4. Acquisitions and Dispositions

On January 9, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Hudson Foods,
Inc. ("Hudson") pursuant to which Hudson merged with and into a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Hudson Acquisition"). At the
effective time of merger the Class A and Class B shareholders of Hudson
received an aggregate of approximately 18.4 million shares of the Company's
Class A common stock and approximately $257.4 million in cash. On
January 9, 1998, the Company borrowed $318 million under its commercial

7
paper  program  to  finance  the  $257.4  million  cash  portion   of   the
Hudson Acquisition and repay approximately $61 million under Hudson's
revolving credit facilities. Reference is made to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated January 15, 1998 for a more detailed description
of Hudson and the Hudson Acquisition, including certain pro forma financial
information giving effect to the Hudson Acquisition. The Hudson Acquisition
has been accounted for as a purchase and the excess of investment over net
assets acquired is being amortized straight-line over forty years. The
Company's consolidated results of operations include the operations of
Hudson since the acquisition date. The following unaudited pro forma
information shows the results of operations as though the purchase of
Hudson had been made at the beginning of fiscal 1997.


(In millions, except per share data)
Six Months Ended

March 28, March 29,
1998 1997
--------------------------
Net sales $3,808.5 $3,898.6
Net income 60.4 97.5
Basic Earnings Per Share 0.26 0.41
Diluted Earnings Per Share 0.26 0.41


The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the
actual results of operations that would have occurred had the purchase
actually been made at the beginning of 1997, or the results which may occur
in the future.

On April 10, 1998, Hudson, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and
Fresh Foods of North Carolina, LLC ("Fresh Foods"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of WSMP, Inc., signed a definitive asset purchase agreement for
Fresh Foods to acquire the core business of Pierre Foods from Hudson.
Pierre Foods, based in Cincinnati, Ohio and part of the Hudson Acquisition,
is primarily engaged in producing and distributing packaged, precooked food
products to the foodservice industry. The terms of the purchase agreement
call for WSMP to pay $122 million in cash and to assume Pierre Foods'
liabilities. The transaction is expected to be finalized by mid-June. The
related net assets of Pierre Foods have been classified as "assets held for
sale" in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations

FINANCIAL CONDITION

For the six months ended March 28, 1998, net cash totaling $154.5 million
was provided by all operating activities. Operations provided $168.5
million in cash and $14.0 million was used by net changes in receivables,
inventories, payables and other items. The Company used cash from
operations to fund $150.5 million of property, plant and equipment
additions. The expenditures for property, plant and equipment were related
to acquiring new equipment, upgrading facilities in order to maintain
competitive standing and position the Company for future opportunities.

8
At  March 28, 1998, working capital was $1,210.7 million compared to $851.5
million at 1997 fiscal year-end, an increase of $359.2 million. The
current ratio at March 28, 1998 was 2.3 to 1 compared to 2.2 to 1 at
September 27, 1997. Working capital has increased since year-end primarily
due to increases in accounts receivable, inventories and assets held for
sale, offset slightly by an increase in notes payable, accounts payable
and other current liabilities primarily due to the Hudson Acquisition. The
increase in assets held for sale consists of Pierre Foods' core business
net assets (See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial
Statements). At March 28, 1998, total debt was 53.8% of total
capitalization compared to 51.0% at September 27, 1997. The Company's
foreseeable cash needs for operations and capital expenditures will
continue to be met through cash flows from operations and borrowings
supported by existing credit facilities as well as additional credit
facilities which the Company believes are available.

The Company has an unsecured revolving credit agreement totaling $1 billion
which supports the Company's commercial paper program. This $1 billion
facility expires in May 2002. At March 28, 1998, $981.6 million was
outstanding under this $1 billion facility consisting of $812.6 million in
commercial paper and $169.0 million drawn under the revolver. The Company's
$250 million facility was terminated effective May 4, 1998. Additional
outstanding long-term debt at March 28, 1998 consisted of $790.6 million of
public debt, $221.6 million of institutional notes, $181.9 million in
leveraged equipment loans and $74.2 million of other indebtedness. On
January 9, 1998, the Company borrowed approximately $318 million under its
commercial paper program, the proceeds of which were used to (i) finance
the $257.4 million cash portion of the Hudson Acquisition and (ii) repay
approximately $61 million under Hudson's revolving credit facilities.
Subsequent to the Hudson Acquisition, the Company refinanced $269.7 million
in outstanding long-term debt assumed pursuant to the Hudson Acquisition
with commercial paper. On January 21, 1998 the Company issued, in two
separate series, $150 million 6% Notes due January 15, 2003 and $150
million 7% Notes due January 15, 2028. On February 4, 1998, the Company
issued $100 million 6.08% Mandatory Par Put Remarketed SecuritiesSM
("MOPPRSSM") due February 1, 2010 and $50 million Floating Rate MOPPRSSM
due February 1, 2010. On April 28, 1998, the Company issued debt securities
in the form of $240 million 7% Notes due May 1, 2018. The net proceeds from
these debt offerings were used by the Company to repay a portion of the
borrowings under its commercial paper program. The Company may use funds
borrowed under its revolving credit facilities, commercial paper program
or through the issuance of additional debt securities from time to time in
the future to repay additional indebtedness of Hudson assumed by the
Company as a result of the Hudson Acquisition, to finance acquisitions as
opportunities may arise, to refinance other indebtedness or capital leases
of the Company, and for other general corporate purposes.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The operating results for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 were impacted
by the excess supply of all meat proteins, weakness in the export markets
and the quality of the Hudson Foods sales mix the Company inherited. Sales
for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 increased 18.8% from the same quarter
of fiscal 1997. This increase is mainly due to a 27.3% increase in total
volume partially offset by a 6.7% decrease in average sales prices.
Consumer poultry sales, excluding turkey, accounted for an increase of

9
12.8% of the total change in sales for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 as
compared to the same quarter of fiscal 1997. This increase was due to a
31.8% increase in tonnage offset by a 12.4% decrease in average sales
prices. A significant portion of the increase in total sales and consumer
poultry sales for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to the second
quarter of fiscal 1997 is due to the Hudson Acquisition.

Mexican Original, Culinary Foods and Mallards Food sales as a group
accounted for an increase of 0.7% of the total change in sales for the
second quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal
1997. This increase was primarily due to a 17.7% increase in average sales
prices and a 4.1% increase in tonnage, largely due to the acquisition of
Mallards Food in August 1997. Seafood sales accounted for a decrease of
1.8% of the change in total sales for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 as
compared to the same quarter of fiscal 1997. This decrease was due to a
34.7% decrease in tonnage slightly offset by a 0.1% increase in average
sales prices. The seafood operations continue to be affected by the
availability of some species of fish as well as reduced pricing on some
products and other regulations which limit its source of supply. Sales of
Hudson's Pierre Foods, turkey and miscellaneous as a group accounted for an
increase of 6.2% of the change in total sales for the second quarter of
fiscal 1998 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal 1997. Sales of live
swine, animal foods, by-products, and other, as a group accounted for an
increase of 0.9% of the change in total sales for the second quarter of
fiscal 1998 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal 1997.

Sales for the first six months of fiscal 1998 increased 9.3% over the same
period of fiscal 1997. This increase was largely due to consumer poultry
sales, excluding turkey, which accounted for an increase of 5.9% of the
change in total sales for the first six months of fiscal 1998 as compared
to the same period of fiscal 1997. This increase in consumer poultry sales
was primarily due to an increase in tonnage of 19.0% offset somewhat by a
decrease in average sales prices of 10.0%. A significant portion of the
increase in total sales and consumer poultry sales for the first six months
of fiscal 1998 compared to the same period of fiscal 1997 is due to the
Hudson Acquisition.

Mexican Original, Culinary Foods and Mallards Food sales as a group
accounted for an increase of 0.6% of the change in total sales for the
first six months of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same period of fiscal
1997. This increase was primarily due to a 16.1% increase in average sales
prices as well as a 0.6% increase in tonnage, largely due to the
acquisition of Mallards Food in August 1997. Seafood sales accounted for a
decrease of 1.3% of the change in total sales for the first six months of
fiscal 1998 as compared to the same period of fiscal 1997. This decrease
was due to a 32.7% decrease in tonnage partially offset by a 5.3% increase
in average sales prices. Sales of Hudson's Pierre Foods, turkey and
miscellaneous as a group accounted for an increase of 3.1% of the change in
total sales for the first six months of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same
period of last year. Sales of live swine, animal foods, by-products, and
other as a group accounted for an increase of 1.0% of the change in total
sales for the first six months of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same
period of last year.





10
The Company recognizes that conducting business in or selling products into
foreign countries, including but not limited to Russia and certain Asian
countries, entails inherent risks including various political, credit,
inventory and currency risks. The Company, however, is continually
monitoring its international business practices and, whenever possible,
will attempt to minimize the Company's financial exposure to these risks.

Cost of goods sold increased 22.1% for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 as
compared to the same quarter of fiscal 1997. This increase is mainly the
result of the increase in sales. The cost of ingredients used in feed for
poultry and swine and the ingredients used in Mexican Original operations
during the second quarter of fiscal 1998 decreased in comparison with the
same quarter of fiscal 1997. As a percent of sales, cost of sales was 85.6%
for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to 83.3% in the second
quarter of fiscal 1997.

Cost of goods sold increased 10.4% for the first six months of fiscal 1998
compared to the same period of fiscal 1997. This increase is mainly the
result of the increase in sales. As a percent of sales, cost of sales
was 84.4% for the first six months of fiscal 1998 compared to 83.5% in the
same period of fiscal 1997.

Operating expenses increased 25.2% for the second quarter of fiscal 1998
over the same quarter of fiscal 1997 mostly due to the Hudson Acquisition.
Selling expense, as a percent of sales, increased to 8.3% for the second
quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to 8.0% for the second quarter of fiscal
1997. General and administrative expense, as a percent of sales, was 1.8%
in the second quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to 1.6% in the same period
last year. Amortization expense, as a percent of sales, was 0.4% in the
second quarter of fiscal 1998 and 1997.

Operating expenses increased 15.1% for the first six months of fiscal 1998
from the same period of fiscal 1997 mostly due to the Hudson Acquisition.
Selling expense, as a percent of sales, increased to 8.3% for the first six
months of fiscal 1998 as compared to 8.1% for the same period of fiscal
1997. General and administrative expense, as a percent of sales, was 1.9%
in the first six months of fiscal 1998 compared to 1.6% in the same period
last year. Included in general and administrative expense for the first six
months of fiscal 1998 is a charge of $6 million for penalties and costs
associated with the plea agreement by the Company with respect to the
investigation by the Office of Independent Counsel in connection with
former Secretary of Agriculture Michael Espy. (See Part II. Item 1- Legal
Proceedings.) Amortization expense, as a percent of sales, was 0.4% in the
first six months of fiscal 1998 and 1997.

Interest expense increased 45.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 1998
compared to the same quarter of fiscal 1997 primarily as a result of a
28.4% increase in the Company's average indebtedness over the same period
last year. The weighted average interest rate of all Company debt
increased to 6.7% compared to 5.9% for the same period last year.

Interest expense increased 18.3% in the first six months of fiscal 1998
compared to the same period of fiscal 1997. The Company had a higher level
of borrowing which increased the Company's average indebtedness by 8.8%
from the same period last year. The weighted average interest rate of all
Company debt increased to 6.6% compared to 6.0% for the same period last
year.

11
The  effective income tax rate for the second quarter and first six  months
of fiscal 1998 was 36.9% and 37.0%, respectively compared to 37.0% and
49.0% for the same periods of fiscal 1997. The first six months of fiscal
1997 effective tax rate was impacted by the taxes on the gain from the sale
of the beef division assets. Certain costs were allocated to the beef
division which are not deductible for tax purposes, resulting in a higher
effective tax rate.

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000

The Year 2000 Issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the
Company's computer programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize
a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could
result in a system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of
operations, including among other things, a temporary inability to process
transactions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal business
activities.

Based on a recent assessment, the Company determined that it will be
required to modify or replace limited portions of its software so that its
computer systems will function properly with respect to dates in the year
2000 and thereafter. The Company presently believes that with modifications
to existing software and conversions to new software, the Year 2000 Issue
will not pose significant operational problems for its computer systems.

The Company has initiated formal communications with all of its significant
suppliers and large customers to determine the extent to which the
Company's interface systems are vulnerable to those third parties' failure
to remediate their own Year 2000 Issues. The Company's total Year 2000
project cost and estimates to complete include the estimated costs and time
associated with the impact of third party Year 2000 Issues based upon
presently available information. However, there can be no guarantee that
the systems of other companies on which the Company's systems rely will be
timely converted and would not have an adverse effect on the Company's
systems.

The Company will utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram,
or replace, and test the software for Year 2000 modifications. The Company
anticipates completing the Year 2000 project by December 31, 1998, which is
prior to any anticipated impact on its operating systems. The total cost of
the Year 2000 project is not expected to have a material effect on the
Company's results of operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company has a strong financial commitment to environmental matters.
During the first six months of fiscal 1998 the Company invested
approximately $20.2 million in water quality facilities, including capital
outlays to build and upgrade facilities and day-to-day operations of waste-
water facilities.







12
CAUTIONARY  STATEMENTS  RELEVANT  TO FORWARD-LOOKING  INFORMATION  FOR  THE
PURPOSE OF "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT OF 1995

The Company and its representatives may from time to time make written or
oral forward-looking statements with respect to their current views and
estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company
performance and financial results. These forward-looking statements are
subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, including those related
to the Company's ability to effectively assimilate Hudson, which could
cause the Company's actual results and experiences to differ materially
from the anticipated results and expectations, expressed in such forward-
looking statements. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place
undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of
the date made. Among the factors that may affect the operating results of
the Company are the following: (i) fluctuations in the cost and
availability of raw materials, such as feed grain costs in relation to
historical levels; (ii) changes in the availability and relative costs of
labor and contract growers; (iii) market conditions for finished products,
including the supply and pricing of alternative proteins, all of which may
impact the Company's pricing power; (iv) effectiveness of advertising and
marketing programs; (v) the ability of the Company to make effective
acquisitions and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses,
including Hudson, into existing operations; (vi) risks associated with
leverage, including cost increases due to rising interest rates; (vii)
changes in regulations and laws, including changes in accounting standards,
environmental laws, occupational, health and safety laws, and laws
regulating fishing and seafood processing activities; (viii) access to
foreign markets together with foreign economic conditions, including
currency fluctuations; and (ix) the effect of, or changes in, general
economic conditions.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks

Market risks relating to the Company's operations result primarily from
changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices,
as well as credit risk concentrations. To address these risks the Company
enters into various hedging transactions as described below. The Company
does not use financial instruments for trading purposes and is not a party
to any leveraged derivatives.

Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Risks

The Company periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts
and option contracts to hedge some of its foreign currency exposure.
The Company uses such contracts to hedge exposure to changes in foreign
currency exchange rates, primarily Japanese yen, associated with sales
denominated in foreign currency. Gains and losses on these contracts are
deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the subsequent transaction
when it occurs. Forward and option contracts generally have maturities not
exceeding twelve months.
The Company also hedges exposure to changes in interest rates on certain
ofits financial instruments. Under the terms of various leveraged equipment
loans, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to effectively
lock in a fixed interest rate for these borrowings. The maturity dates
of these leveraged equipment loans range from 2005 to 2008 with interest
rates ranging from 4.7% to 6.0%.

13
As  of  March  28, 1998,  the  stated or  notional amounts of the Company's
outstanding foreign currency and interest rate derivative financial
instruments were as follows:
(In millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------

March 28,
1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate swaps $150.3
Foreign currency purchased options to sell 33.6
Foreign currency sold options to sell 37.9
==================================================================

The following table provides information about the Company's derivative
financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to
changes in interest rates. The table presents the Company's debt
obligations, principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest
rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swaps, the table
presents notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates or strike
rates by contractual maturity dates. Notional amounts are used to calculate
the contractual cash flows to be exchanged under the contract.


Interest Rate Sensitivity
Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest (Swap) Rate
___________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in millions)1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 There- Total Fair
after Value
3/28/98
___________________________________________________________________________
Liabilities
Long-term Debt, including Current Portion

Fixed Rate $57.9 $227.9 $128.1 $74.6 $177.8 $605.9 $1,272.2 $1,272.2
Average Interest
Rate 8.98% 6.28% 8.59% 9.46% 6.20% 6.75% 7.36%

Variable Rate - - - - $981.6 $54.0 $1,035.6 $1,035.6
Average Interest
Rate - - - - 5.72% 3.87% 5.62%

Interest Rate Derivative Financial Instruments Related to Debt
Interest Rate Swaps

Pay Fixed $7.2 $16.0 $17.2 $18.4 $19.6 $71.9 $150.3 $3.6
Average Pay Rate 6.60% 6.71% 6.71% 6.69% 6.73% 6.63%
Average Receive Rate- USD 6 Month Libor.
===========================================================================

The following table summarizes information on instruments and transactions
that are sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates, including foreign
currency forward exchange agreements. For foreign currency forward exchange
agreements, the table presents the notional amounts and weighted-average
exchange rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates. These notional
amounts generally are used to calculate the contractual payments to be
exchanged under the contract.
14
Exposures Related to Derivative Contracts
with United States Dollar Functional Currency
Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency)
(dollars in millions)
___________________________________________________________________________
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 There- Total Fair
after Value
3/28/98
___________________________________________________________________________
Sold Option Contracts to Sell Foreign Currencies for US$
Japanese Yen
Notional Amount $31.4 $ 6.5 - - - - $37.9 $ 0
Weighted Average
Strike Price 113.03 109.48 - - - - - -

Purchased Option Contracts to Sell Foreign Currencies for US$
Japanese Yen
Notional Amount $ 28.0 $ 5.6 - - - - $33.6 $1.6
Weighted Average
Strike Price 126.84 126.69 - - - - - -
============================================================================

Commodities Risk

The Company is a purchaser of certain commodities, primarily corn and
soybeans. The Company uses commodity futures and purchased options for
hedging purposes to reduce the effect of changing commodity prices on a
portion of its commodity purchases. The contracts that effectively meet
risk reductions and correlation criteria are recorded using hedge
accounting. Gains and losses on hedge transactions are recorded as a
component of the underlying inventory purchase.

The following table provides information about the Company's corn, soybean
meal and other feed ingredient inventory and futures contracts that are
sensitive to changes in commodity prices. For inventory, the table presents
the carrying amount and fair value at March 28, 1998. For the futures
contracts the table presents the notional amounts in bushels, the weighted
average contract prices, and the total dollar contract amount by expected
maturity dates, the latest of which occurs four months from the reporting
date. Contract amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments and
quantity of corn and soybean meal to be exchanged under the futures
contracts.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) Carrying amount Fair value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Balance Sheet Commodity Position
and Related Derivatives
Corn, Soybean Meal and Other Feed
Ingredient Inventory $ 39.7 $ 39.7
Corn Futures Contracts
Contract Volumes
(bushels) 3,130,000 -
Weighted Average Price
(Per bushel) $ 2.69 -
Contract Amount
($US in millions) $ 8.4 $ 8.1
==========================================================================
15
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On December 22, 1997, the Company entered into a plea agreement ("Plea
Agreement") with the United States whereby the Company agreed to plead
guilty to one (1) count of Gratuity to a Public Official in violation of 18
U.S.C. 201(c)(1)(A). Pursuant to said Plea Agreement, the Company agreed
to (i) pay a fine of Four Million and No/100 Dollars ($4,000,000.00), (ii)
pay Two Million and No/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) to be applied to the
costs of the investigation of the Office of the Independent Counsel
("OIC"), and (iii) enter into a Compliance Agreement among the Company, the
United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") and the OIC. The USDA, as
the lead agency for purposes of suspension and debarment, has determined
that the terms and conditions of the Plea Agreement provide adequate
assurance that the Company's future dealings with the federal government
will be conducted with the high degree of integrity that the federal
government expects of its business partners and that suspension, debarment,
or action under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products
Inspection Act, and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 is not necessary
to protect its interests. On January 12, 1998 the United States District
Court for the District of Columbia entered judgement against the Company
enforcing the terms and conditions of the Plea Agreement and also placing
the Company on probation for a term of four (4) years.

On July 28, 1997, Hudson received notice from the United States Department
of Justice ("DOJ") that it was prepared to bring an action against Hudson
for the alleged violation of the Clean Water Act at Hudson's Berlin,
Maryland poultry processing facility. The DOJ alleged that over the past
five years, Hudson had repeatedly discharged pollutants in quantities in
excess of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES")
permit limits, violated monitoring and sampling requirements of its NPDES
permit and failed to provide notice of NPDES violations. On September 19,
1997, Hudson entered into an agreement in principle with the DOJ for the
settlement of these claims. On May 8, 1998, a Consent Decree between the
United States, Hudson and the Company was filed with the United States
District Court together with a Complaint alleging these violations. Upon
expiration of a thirty (30) day comment period, it is anticipated that the
District Court will approve and enter the Consent Decree, at which time the
Consent Decree will become effective. The Consent Decree, while stating
that Hudson denies the violations alleged in the Complaint, provides for
the payment to the United States of $4.0 million and the expenditure of
$2.0 million in supplemental environmental projects (SEP's).

Item 2. Changes in Securities

Not Applicable

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not Applicable







16
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The following directors were elected at the annual meeting of shareholders
held January 9, 1998:

DIRECTORS VOTES FOR VOTES WITHHELD
_________ _________ ______________

Neely Cassady 1,116,580,621 1,065,743
Lloyd V. Hackley 1,116,586,506 1,059,858
Gerald M. Johnston 1,116,564,775 1,081,589
Shelby Massey 1,116,583,375 1,062,989
Joe F. Starr 1,098,077,490 19,568,874
Leland Tollett 1,116,564,870 1,081,494
Barbara Tyson 1,116,551,502 1,094,862
Don Tyson 1,116,549,525 1,096,839
John Tyson 1,116,538,276 1,108,088
Fred S. Vorsanger 1,116,580,921 1,065,443
Donald E. Wray 1,116,565,329 1,081,035


No other items were voted on at the annual meeting of shareholders or
during the quarter ended March 28, 1998.

Item 5. Other Information

Not Applicable

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

The exhibits filed with this report are listed in the exhibit index at the
end of this Item 6.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

On January 5, 1998 and January 15, 1998, the Company filed Current Reports
on Form 8-K related to the definitive agreement and plan of merger with
Hudson Foods, Inc.

On January 27, 1998, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K related
to the Company's First Quarter Fiscal 1998 Operating Results.

On February 4, 1998, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K related
to Remarketing Agreements dated January 28, 1998 between the Company and
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated with respect to the
Company's issuance of $100 million of 6.08% MOPPRSSM due February 1, 2010
and $50 million of Floating Rate MOPPRSSM due February 1, 2010.

On April 27, 1998, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K related
to the Company's Second Quarter and First Six Months of Fiscal 1998
Operating Results.





17
EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed with this report.

Exhibit No. Page
- ----------- ----

3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as amended
(previously filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the
Commission on July 8, 1992, Commission File No. 33-49368,
and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (previously
filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 1996,
Commission File No. 0-3400, and incorporated herein by
reference).

4.1 Form of 7.0% $200 million Note due May 1, 2018 20-25

4.2 Form of 7.0% $40 million Note due May 1, 2018 26-31

12 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 32

27.1 Financial Data Schedule

27.2 Restated Financial Data Schedule for the 3 months ended
December 28, 1996

27.3 Restated Financial Data Schedule for the 6 months ended
March 29, 1997

27.4 Restated Financial Data Schedule for the 9 months ended
June 28, 1997

27.5 Restated Financial Data Schedule for the 12 months ended
September 27, 1997

27.6 Restated Financial Data Schedule for the 12 months ended
September 28, 1996

















18
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

TYSON FOODS, INC.

Date: May 12,1998 /s/ Wayne Britt
----------- ----------------
Wayne Britt
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer


Date: May 12,1998 /s/ James G. Ennis
----------- ------------------
James G. Ennis
Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer






































19