Chicken Business Outlook
Q: What's driving the increased Chicken outlook?
A: Tyson's Chicken segment has shown significant improvement, with more than half of the $325 million year-over-year increase coming from execution improvements like optimizing the footprint and network. They have focused on controlling the controllables, matching supply and demand, and improving live operational performance. Grains have moderated, and demand is strong, positioning Chicken well for the back half of the year.

Beef Segment Outlook
Q: Can Beef make money through the cattle cycle?
A: Despite uncertainties about heifer retention, Tyson is implementing strategies to navigate the cattle cycle. They have not seen meaningful heifer retention begin , but are focusing on operational excellence, efficiency within assets, and mix management to improve profitability. There is plenty of runway ahead to continue improvements even as supply dynamics shift.

Prepared Foods Second Half Guidance
Q: Why is Prepared Foods' profit expected to be lower in H2?
A: Prepared Foods delivered $500 million in adjusted operating income in the first half. Historically, the second half is lower than the first, and this year they expect the same, guiding to $400 million for H2. Higher commodity costs in Q3 are expected, leading to an even split between Q3 and Q4.

Consumer Demand and Behavior
Q: How is consumer pressure affecting demand?
A: Consumers, especially lower-income households, are under pressure due to roughly 20% cumulative inflation over the last three years. This has led to cautious, price-sensitive behavior, with shifts from fine dining to quick-service restaurants and even to more meals at home. Tyson is advantaged as they serve both in-home and away-from-home consumers.

Operational Improvements
Q: How much cost reduction is still attainable in Chicken?
A: Tyson has made significant progress in Chicken, focusing on live performance, operational execution, and matching supply and demand. While they've improved, they believe there's still much work to do and expect to deliver best-in-class results over time.

Capital Expenditure Outlook
Q: How will CapEx be managed given better profits?
A: Tyson plans to return to a normalized level of capital spending, focusing on investments in the Prepared Foods portfolio and parts of the Chicken portfolio where there's growth opportunity. They are not turning CapEx on and off based on profitability outlook but determining needs for the business.

Pork Supply Outlook
Q: Is hog supply improving profitability and increasing?
A: Lower feed costs have moved pork production back to profitability, benefiting producers. Genetic improvements are leading to more pigs per litter, and with improved herd health, the industry is seeing ample supply.

International Profitability
Q: How will International margins improve?
A: Tyson has built 12 processing plants globally over the last two years. They are focusing on operational efficiencies, improving conversion costs, and delivering a more profitable mix of products. These actions are beginning to improve gross margins and operating income delivery.

Chicken Volume Decline
Q: Will Chicken production declines continue?
A: The volume decline in Chicken is due to challenging comparisons with last year, which is not a good comparator as volumes were overstated. Current volumes are in line with expectations, and Tyson is well-positioned in supply-demand balance with strong growth plans moving forward.

Network Rationalization
Q: Are further network changes in Chicken expected?
A: Tyson anticipates recovering nearly all of the volume from network moves made in Chicken. They have headroom in their current footprint and expect to grow with demand in more profitable parts of the business.

Leverage and Balance Sheet
Q: What's the expected leverage by fiscal year-end?
A: Tyson is trending towards lower leverage and aims for 2x or below as the long-term target. They are confident in their trajectory.

Beef Demand and Margins
Q: How are Beef margins tracking without promotional activity?
A: Beef demand has been challenged due to lack of promotional activity. While Pork and Chicken are seeing future activity, Beef has not received much, impacting margins. Tyson continues to monitor and focus on controllables.

Cold Weather Impact on Chicken
Q: Did cold weather affect Chicken volumes?
A: The impacts of cold weather were anticipated and not significant enough to disproportionately impact earnings. Tyson typically plans for some weather-related disruptions in the quarter.

Start-up Costs in Prepared Foods
Q: When will start-up costs stop being a headwind?
A: Most start-up costs have been incurred in Q2, with a little possibly carrying over into Q3. The majority of these costs are behind them.

CapEx Priorities
Q: Where will CapEx be focused moving forward?
A: CapEx will focus on investing in the Prepared Foods portfolio and components of the Chicken portfolio with growth opportunities. They are returning to a normalized level of spend based on business needs.