UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

x   Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Commission File No. 001-14704

 

TYSON FOODS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not Applicable

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x

On March 31, 2007, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $0.10 par value (Class A stock), and Class B Common Stock, $0.10 par value (Class B stock), held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $5,382,708,218 and $455,902, respectively. Class B stock is not publicly listed for trade on any exchange or market system. However, Class B stock is convertible into Class A stock on a share-for-share basis, so the market value was calculated based on the market price of Class A stock.

On October 27, 2007, there were 285,603,627 shares of the registrant's Class A stock and 70,021,155 shares of its Class B stock outstanding.

 

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TYSON FOODS, INC.

 

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 1, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 

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TYSON FOODS, INC.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

GENERAL

Tyson Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), with world headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, produce, distribute and market chicken, beef, pork, prepared foods and related allied products. We commenced business in 1935, were incorporated in Arkansas in 1947, and were reincorporated in Delaware in 1986. In addition to being the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork products, we are also the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 with one of the most recognized brand names in the food industry.

 

We operate a totally integrated poultry production process. Our integrated operations consist of breeding and raising chickens, as well as processing, further-processing and marketing these food products and related allied products, including animal and pet food ingredients. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cobb-Vantress, Inc. (Cobb), we are the number one poultry breeding stock supplier in the world. Investing in breeding stock research and development allows us to breed into our flocks the natural characteristics found to be most desirable.

 

We also process live fed cattle and hogs and fabricate dressed beef and pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal meat cuts, case-ready products and fully-cooked beef and pork products. In addition, we derive value from allied products such as hides and variety meats we sell to further processors and others.

 

We produce a wide range of fresh, value-added, frozen and refrigerated food products. Our products are marketed and sold, primarily by our sales staff located in Springdale, Arkansas, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, to national and regional grocery retailers, regional grocery wholesalers, meat distributors, clubs and warehouse stores, military commissaries, industrial food processing companies, national and regional chain restaurants or their distributors, international export companies and domestic distributors who service restaurants, foodservice operations such as plant and school cafeterias, convenience stores, hospitals and other vendors. Additionally, sales to the military and a portion of sales to international markets are made through independent brokers and trading companies.

 

We have been exploring ways to commercialize our supply of animal fats and poultry litter to generate energy. As a result, we announced a strategic alliance with ConocoPhillips in April 2007 and formation of a joint venture with Syntroleum Corporation in June 2007. The strategic alliance with ConocoPhillips will produce and market renewable diesel fuel. The alliance plans to use our poultry, beef and pork by-product fat to produce an on-highway transportation fuel. Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Dynamic Fuels LLC, a 50/50 joint venture with Syntroleum Corporation, will produce renewable synthetic fuels targeting the renewable diesel, jet and military fuel markets. Construction of production facilities is expected to begin in fiscal 2008 and continue through fiscal 2009, with production targeted for 2010.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF SEGMENTS

We operate in four segments: Chicken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods. The contribution of each segment to net sales and operating income (loss), and the identifiable assets attributable to each segment, are set forth in Note 17, “Segment Reporting” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SEGMENTS

Chicken: Chicken operations include breeding and raising chickens, as well as processing live chickens into fresh, frozen and value-added chicken products. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, hotel chains, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international markets throughout the world. It also includes sales from allied products and our chicken breeding stock subsidiary.

 

Beef: Beef operations include processing live fed cattle and fabrication of dressed beef carcasses into primal and sub-primal meat cuts and case-ready products. This segment also includes sales from allied products such as hides and variety meats. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, hotel chains, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international markets throughout the world. Allied products are marketed to manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and technical products.

 

Pork: Pork operations include processing live market hogs and fabricating pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal cuts and case-ready products. This segment also includes our live swine group and related allied product processing activities. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, hotel chains, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international markets throughout the world. We sell allied products to pharmaceutical and technical products manufacturers, as well as live swine to pork processors.

 

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Prepared Foods: Prepared Foods operations manufacture and market frozen and refrigerated food products. Products include pepperoni, bacon, beef and pork pizza toppings, pizza crusts, flour and corn tortilla products, appetizers, prepared meals, ethnic foods, soups, sauces, side dishes, meat dishes and processed meats. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, hotel chains, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international markets throughout the world.

 

RAW MATERIALS AND SOURCES OF SUPPLY

Chicken: The primary raw materials used in our chicken operations consist of live chickens raised primarily by independent contract growers. Our vertically-integrated chicken process begins with the grandparent breeder flocks and ends with broilers for processing. Breeder flocks (i.e., grandparents) are raised to maturity in grandparent growing and laying farms where fertile eggs are produced. Fertile eggs are incubated at the grandparent hatchery and produce pullets (i.e., parents). Pullets are sent to breeder houses, and the resulting eggs are sent to our hatcheries. Once chicks have hatched, they are sent to broiler farms. There, contract growers care for and raise the chicks according to our standards while receiving advice from our technical service personnel until the broilers reach the desired processing weight. Adult chickens are hauled to processing plants, and finished products are sent to distribution centers then transported to customers.

 

We operate our own feed mills to produce scientifically-formulated feeds. In fiscal 2007, corn and soybean meal were major production costs, representing roughly 41% of our cost of growing a live chicken. In addition to feed ingredients to grow the chickens, we use cooking ingredients, packaging materials and cryogenic agents. We believe our sources of supply for these materials are adequate for our present needs and we do not anticipate any difficulty in acquiring these materials in the future. While we produce substantially our entire inventory of breeder chickens and live broilers, from time-to-time we purchase live, ice-packed or deboned chicken to meet production requirements.

 

Beef: The primary raw materials used in our beef operations are live cattle. We do not have facilities of our own to raise cattle in the United States. We have cattle buyers located throughout cattle producing areas who visit feed yards and buy live cattle on the open spot market. These buyers are trained to select high quality animals, and we continually measure their performance. We also enter into various risk-sharing and procurement arrangements with producers who help secure a supply of livestock for daily start-up operations at our facilities. Our Canadian subsidiary, Lakeside Farm Industries, Ltd. (Lakeside), has a cattle feeding facility, beef carcass production and boxed beef processing facility. In 2007, Lakeside's feedlot provided approximately 20% of that facility's fed cattle needs.

 

Pork: The primary raw materials used in our pork operations are live hogs. The majority of our live hog supply is obtained through various procurement arrangements with independent producers. We also employ buyers who purchase hogs on a daily basis, generally a few days before the animals are processed. These buyers are trained to select high quality animals, and we continually measure their performance. Additionally, we raise live swine to sell to outside processors and supply a minimal amount of live swine for our own processing needs.

 

Prepared Foods: The primary raw materials used in our prepared foods operations are commodity based raw materials, including chicken, beef and pork, corn, flour and vegetables. Some of these raw materials are provided by the Chicken, Beef and Pork segments, while others may be purchased from numerous suppliers and manufacturers.

 

SEASONAL DEMAND

Demand for chicken and beef products generally increases during the spring and summer months and generally decreases during the winter months. Pork and prepared foods products generally experience increased demand during the winter months, primarily due to the holiday season, while demand decreases during the spring and summer months.

 

CUSTOMERS

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. accounted for approximately 12.9% of our fiscal 2007 consolidated sales. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. were included in the Chicken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods segments. Any extended discontinuance of sales to this customer could, if not replaced, have a material impact on our operations. No other single customer or customer group represents more than 10% of fiscal 2007 consolidated sales.

 

COMPETITION

Our food products compete with those of other national and regional food producers and processors and certain prepared food manufacturers. Additionally, our food products compete in markets around the world.

 

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We seek to achieve a leading market position for our products via our principal marketing and competitive strategy, which includes:

-identifying target markets for value-added products;

-concentrating production, sales and marketing efforts to appeal to and enhance the demand from those markets; and

-utilizing our national distribution systems and customer support services.

 

Past efforts indicate customer demand can be increased and sustained through application of our marketing strategy, as supported by our distribution systems. The principal competitive elements are price, product safety and quality, brand identification, breadth and depth of the product offering, availability of products, customer service and credit terms.

 

INTERNATIONAL

We exported to more than 80 countries in fiscal 2007. Major export markets include Canada, Central America, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.

 

We have the following international operations:

-Tyson de Mexico, a Mexican subsidiary, is a vertically-integrated poultry production company;

-Lakeside, a Canadian subsidiary, has a cattle feeding facility, beef carcass production, a boxed beef processing facility, a farming operation and a fertilizer operation;

-Cobb, a chicken breeding stock subsidiary, has business interests in Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, India, Japan, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Spain, the United Kingdom and Venezuela;

-a majority interest in a chicken further processing facility in China;

-a minority interest in a Chinese pork processing facility;

-a majority interest in a vertically-integrated beef operation joint venture in Argentina; however, we do not consolidate the entity due to the lack of controlling interest; and

-a technical service agreement with Grupo Melo in Panama to assist Grupo Melo with the production of further processed chicken products and to allow it to license the Tyson brand.

 

We continue to explore growth opportunities in foreign countries, including, but not limited to, Argentina, Brazil, China, India and Mexico, and believe each offers potential in terms of expanding or developing processing facilities. Additional information regarding export sales, long-lived assets located in foreign countries and income (loss) from foreign operations is set forth in Note 17, “Segment Reporting” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

We conduct continuous research and development activities to improve: product development; automation of manual processes in our processing plants and growout operations; and chicken breeding stock. In 2007, we opened the Discovery Center, which includes 19 research kitchens and a USDA-inspected pilot plant. The Discovery Center brings new market-leading retail and foodservice products to the customer faster and more effectively. The annual cost of such research and development programs is not material.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND FOOD SAFETY

Our facilities for processing chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods, milling feed and housing live chickens and swine are subject to a variety of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, which include provisions relating to the discharge of materials into the environment and generally provide for protection of the environment. We believe we are in substantial compliance with such applicable laws and regulations and are not aware of any violations of, or pending changes in, such laws and regulations likely to result in material penalties or material increases in compliance costs. The cost of compliance with such laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position and it is not anticipated to have a material adverse effect in the future.

 

We work to ensure our products meet high standards of food quality and safety. In addition to our own internal Food Safety and Quality Assurance oversight and review, our chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods products are subject to inspection prior to distribution, primarily by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We are also participants in the government's Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program and are subject to the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

 

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EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS

As of September 29, 2007, we employed approximately 104,000 employees. Approximately 96,000 employees were employed in the United States and 8,000 employees were in foreign countries, primarily Mexico and Canada. Approximately 32,000 employees were subject to collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions, with approximately 11% of employees included under agreements expiring through fiscal 2008. These agreements expire over periods throughout the next several years. We believe our overall relations with our workforce are good.

 

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

Our principal marketing objective is to be the primary provider of chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods products for our customers. We identify distinct markets and business opportunities through continuous consumer and market research. Our branding strategy focuses on one national protein brand, the Tyson brand, as well as a number of strong regional brands. All communications stress the quality, convenience and protein power benefits of our products while supporting and building brand awareness. Communication efforts are presently built around the “Thank you” advertising campaign and utilize a fully integrated and coordinated mix of activities designed to connect with customers and consumers on both a rational and emotional level. We utilize our national distribution system and customer support services to achieve the leading market position for our products.

 

We have the ability to produce and ship fresh, frozen and refrigerated products worldwide. Domestically, our distribution system extends to a broad network of food distributors, which is supported by our owned or leased cold storage warehouses, by public cold storage facilities and by our transportation system. Our distribution centers accumulate fresh and frozen products so we can fill and consolidate less-than-truckload orders into full truckloads, thereby decreasing shipping costs while increasing customer service. In addition, we provide our customers a wide selection of products that do not require large volume orders. Our distribution system enables us to supply large or small quantities of products to meet customer requirements anywhere in the continental United States. Internationally, we utilize both rail and truck refrigerated transportation to domestic ports, where consolidations take place to transport to foreign destinations. We use ocean and air transportation to meet the delivery needs of our foreign customers.

 

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

We have filed a number of patents and trademarks relating to our processes and products that either have been approved or are in the process of application. Because we do a significant amount of brand name and product line advertising to promote our products, we consider the protection of such trademarks to be important to our marketing efforts. We also have developed non-public proprietary information regarding our production processes and other product-related matters. We utilize internal procedures and safeguards to protect the confidentiality of such information and, where appropriate, seek patent and/or trademark protection for the technology we utilize.

 

INDUSTRY PRACTICES

Our agreements with customers are generally short-term, primarily due to the nature of our products, industry practices and fluctuations in supply, demand and price for such products. In certain instances where we are selling further processed products to large customers, we may enter into written agreements whereby we will act as the exclusive or preferred supplier to the customer for periods up to five years and on pricing terms which are either fixed or variable.

 

AVAILABILITY OF SEC FILINGS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS ON INTERNET WEBSITE

We maintain an internet website for investors at http://ir.tyson.com. On this website, we make available, free of charge, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to any of those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also available on the website for investors are the corporate governance principles, Audit Committee charter, Compensation Committee charter, Governance Committee charter and code of conduct. Our corporate governance documents are available in print, free of charge to any shareholder who requests them.

 

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

 

Certain information in this report constitutes forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions in domestic and international markets, our performance and financial results, including, without limitation, debt-levels, return on invested capital, value-added product growth, capital expenditures, tax rates, access to foreign markets and dividend policy. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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Among the factors that may cause actual results and experiences to differ from anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are the following: (i) fluctuations in the cost and availability of inputs and raw materials, such as live cattle, live swine, feed grains (including corn and soybean meal) and energy; (ii) market conditions for finished products, including competition from other global and domestic food processors, supply and pricing of competing products and alternative proteins and demand for alternative proteins; (iii) risks associated with our commodity trading risk management activities; (iv) access to foreign markets together with foreign economic conditions, including currency fluctuations, import/export restrictions and foreign politics; (v) outbreak of a livestock disease (such as avian influenza (AI) or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)), which could have an effect on livestock we own, the availability of livestock we purchase, consumer perception of certain protein products or our ability to access certain domestic and foreign markets; (vi) successful rationalization of existing facilities and operating efficiencies of the facilities; (vii) changes in availability and relative costs of labor and contract growers and our ability to maintain good relationships with employees, labor unions, contract growers and independent producers providing us livestock; (viii) issues related to food safety, including costs resulting from product recalls, regulatory compliance and any related claims or litigation; (ix) changes in consumer preference and diets and our ability to identify and react to consumer trends; (x) significant marketing plan changes by large customers or loss of one or more large customers; (xi) adverse results from litigation; (xii) risks associated with leverage, including cost increases due to rising interest rates or changes in debt ratings or outlook; (xiii) compliance with and changes to regulations and laws (both domestic and foreign), including changes in accounting standards, tax laws, environmental laws and occupational, health and safety laws; (xiv) our ability to make effective acquisitions or joint ventures and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into existing operations; (xv) effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs; (xvi) the effect of, or changes in, general economic conditions; and (xvii) those factors listed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

These risks, which should be considered carefully with the information provided elsewhere in this report, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. The risks described below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Fluctuations in commodity prices and in the availability of raw materials, especially feed grains, live cattle, live swine and energy, could negatively impact our earnings.

Our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the cost and supply of raw materials such as feed grains, live cattle, live swine and ingredients, as well as the selling prices for our products, many of which are determined by constantly changing market forces of supply and demand over which we have limited or no control. Corn and soybean meal are major production costs in the poultry industry, representing roughly 41% of the cost of growing a chicken in fiscal 2007. As a result, fluctuations in prices for these feed ingredients, which include competing demand for corn and soybean meal for use in the manufacture of renewable energy, can significantly affect our earnings. Production of feed ingredients is affected by, among other things, weather patterns throughout the world, the global level of supply inventories and demand for grains and other feed ingredients, as well as agricultural policies of domestic and foreign governments.

 

We do not have facilities of our own to raise cattle in the United States; however, our beef facility in Canada has a feed yard that supplies approximately 20% of its live cattle needs. At times in the United States, we raise a small number of cattle under contract at feed yards owned by third parties; however, most of the cattle we process are purchased from independent producers. We have cattle buyers located throughout cattle producing areas who visit feed yards and buy live cattle on the open spot market. We also enter into various risk-sharing and procurement arrangements with producers who help secure a supply of livestock for daily start-up operations at our facilities. The majority of our live swine supply is obtained through various procurement arrangements with independent producers. We also employ buyers who purchase hogs on a daily basis, generally a few days before the animals are required for processing. In addition, we raise live swine and sell feeder pigs to independent producers for feeding to processing weight and have contract growers feed a minimal amount of company-owned live swine for our own processing needs. Any decrease in the supply of cattle or swine on the spot market could increase the price of these raw materials and further increase per head cost of production due to lower capacity utilization, which could adversely affect our financial results.

 

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Market demand and the prices we receive for our products may fluctuate due to competition from global and domestic food processors.

We face competition from other global, national and regional food producers and processors. The factors on which we compete include:

 

-price;

-product safety and quality;

-brand identification;

-breadth and depth of the product offering;

-availability of our products;

-customer service; and

-credit terms.

 

Demand for our products also is affected by competitors’ promotional spending, the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing programs and the availability or price of competing proteins.

 

We attempt to obtain prices for our products that reflect, in part, the price we must pay for the raw materials that go into our products. If we are not able to obtain higher prices for our products when the price we pay for raw materials increases, we may be unable to maintain positive margins.

 

Outbreaks of livestock diseases can significantly affect our ability to conduct our operations and demand for our products.

Demand for our products can be affected significantly by outbreaks of livestock diseases, which can have a significant impact on our financial results. Efforts are taken to control disease risks by adherence to good production practices and extensive precautionary measures designed to ensure the health of livestock. However, outbreaks of disease and other events, which may be beyond our control, either in our own livestock or cattle and hogs owned by independent producers who sell livestock to us, could significantly affect demand for our products, consumer perceptions of certain protein products, the availability of livestock for purchase by us and our ability to conduct our operations. Moreover, the outbreak of livestock diseases, particularly in our Chicken segment, could have a significant effect on the livestock we own by requiring us to, among other things, destroy any affected livestock. Furthermore, an outbreak of disease could result in governmental restrictions on the import and export of our fresh chicken, beef or other products to or from our suppliers, facilities or customers. This could also result in negative publicity that may have an adverse effect on our ability to market our products successfully and on our financial results.

 

H5N1. There has been substantial publicity regarding a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, known as H5N1. H5N1 has been affecting Asia since 2002 and has been found in other parts of the world as recently as 2006. It is widely believed H5N1 is spread by migratory birds, such as ducks and geese. There also have been some cases where H5N1 is believed to have passed from birds to humans, as humans came into contact with live birds infected with the disease. Public concerns about H5N1 led, for a period of time, to a reduction in demand and price for our poultry products outside of the United States. Although H5N1 has not been identified in North America, there have been outbreaks of other low pathogenic strains of avian influenza in North America, including in the United States in 2002 and 2004 and in Mexico for the past several years that, from time to time, have impacted our operations. These low pathogenic outbreaks have not generated the same level of concern or received the same level of publicity or been accompanied by the same reduction in demand for poultry products as associated with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. Accordingly, even if the H5N1 strain does not spread to North America, there can be no assurance it will not significantly adversely affect demand for North American produced poultry internationally and/or domestically. If it were to spread to North America, it could adversely affect our ability to conduct our operations and/or demand for our products. In each case, it could have a significant adverse effect on our financial results.

 

BSE. In December 2003, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) had been diagnosed in a Washington State dairy cow. The origin of the animal was subsequently traced to a farm in Canada. Shortly after the announcement, several countries (including Japan and South Korea) closed their borders to the importation of edible beef products from the United States. Responding to the loss of export markets, live cattle prices in the United States declined by approximately 18% during the following week. Also in 2003, the Canadian government announced the first confirmed case of BSE in Canada which led the USDA to close the United States’ border to the import of live Canadian cattle. This reduced the supply of live cattle available for processing at our domestic facilities and contributed to lower facility capacity utilization. The confirmed case in Canada also led several countries to close their borders to the import of edible beef products from Canada, which affected the international sales of our Lakeside, Alberta, facility. In June 2005, the USDA announced a second confirmed case of BSE in the United States and in March 2006 announced the third confirmed case, furthering uncertainty as to whether or when certain closed markets may reopen and whether or when existing open markets may close. A number of these countries subsequently reopened their borders to domestic and Canadian beef; however, some of the countries, including Japan and South Korea, have restrictive conditions that limit the types of product that can be imported.

 

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We are subject to risks associated with our international operations, which could negatively affect our sales to customers in foreign countries, as well as our operations and assets in such countries.

In fiscal 2007, we exported our products to more than 80 countries, including Canada, Central America, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan. Our export sales for fiscal 2007 totaled $2.7 billion. In addition, we had approximately $211 million of long-lived assets located in foreign countries, primarily Canada and Mexico, at the end of fiscal 2007. Approximately 5% of income before income taxes for fiscal 2007 was from foreign operations.

 

As a result, we are subject to various risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including:

 

 

Occurrence of any of these events in the markets where we operate or in other developing markets could jeopardize or limit our ability to transact business in those markets and could adversely affect our revenues and operating results.

 

We depend on the availability of, and good relations with, our employees.

We have approximately 104,000 employees, of whom approximately 32,000 are covered by collective bargaining agreements or are members of labor unions. Our operations depend on the availability and relative costs of labor and maintaining good relations with employees and the labor unions. If we fail to maintain good relations with our employees or with the unions, we may experience labor strikes or work stoppages which could adversely affect our operating results.

 

We depend on contract growers and independent producers to supply us with livestock.

We contract primarily with independent contract growers to raise the live chickens processed in our poultry operations. A majority of our cattle and hogs are purchased from independent producers who sell livestock to us under marketing contracts or on the open market. If we do not attract and maintain contracts with our growers, or maintain marketing relationships with independent producers, our production operations could be negatively affected.

 

If our products become contaminated, we may be subject to product liability claims and product recalls.

Our products may be subject to contamination by disease-producing organisms or pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and generic E. coli. These pathogens are found generally in the environment; therefore, there is a risk they, as a result of food processing, could be present in our products. These pathogens also can be introduced to our products as a result of improper handling at the further processing, foodservice or consumer level. These risks may be controlled, but may not be eliminated, by adherence to good manufacturing practices and finished product testing. We have little, if any, control over proper handling procedures once our products have been shipped for distribution. Even an inadvertent shipment of contaminated products may be a violation of law and may lead to increased risk of exposure to product liability claims, product recalls (which may not entirely mitigate the risk of product liability claims), increased scrutiny and penalties, including injunctive relief and plant closings, by federal and state regulatory agencies, and adverse publicity, which could exacerbate the associated negative consumer reaction. Any of these occurrences may have an adverse effect on our financial results.

 

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Our operations are subject to general risks of litigation.

We are involved on an on-going basis in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. Trends in litigation may include class actions involving consumers, shareholders, employees or injured persons, and claims relating to commercial, labor, employment, antitrust, securities or environmental matters. Litigation trends and the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and adverse litigation trends and outcomes could significantly adversely affect our financial results.

 

Our level of indebtedness and the terms of our indebtedness could negatively impact our business and liquidity position.

At September 29, 2007, we had approximately $2.8 billion of indebtedness outstanding. We had a borrowing capacity of $1.3 billion, consisting of $748 million available under our $1.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility and $537 million under our accounts receivable securitization program at September 29, 2007. We expect our indebtedness, including borrowings under our credit agreements, may increase from time to time in the future for various reasons, including fluctuations in operating results, capital expenditures and possible acquisitions, joint ventures or other significant initiatives. Our consolidated indebtedness level could significantly affect our business because:

 

 

In addition, our debt agreements require us to meet specified financial ratios and limit our ability to enter into various transactions. Our ability to meet those financial ratios can be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance we will meet those ratios. If we default on any of our indebtedness, or if we are unable to obtain necessary liquidity, our indebtedness would be due and payable immediately, and our business could be significantly adversely affected.

 

An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill could negatively impact our consolidated results of operations and net worth.

Goodwill is initially recorded at fair value and is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, we make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins growth rates and discount rates based on our budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flow and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors to the assessment of recoverability. Goodwill valuations have been calculated using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows of each reporting unit. We could be required to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill prior to the annual assessment if we experience disruptions to the business, unexpected significant declines in operating results, divestiture of a significant component of our business and market capitalization declines. These types of events and the resulting analyses could result in goodwill impairment charges in the future. Impairment charges could substantially affect our reported earnings in the periods of such charges. In addition, impairment charges would negatively impact our financial ratios and could limit our ability to obtain financing in the future. As of September 29, 2007, we had $2.5 billion of goodwill, which represented approximately 24.3% of total assets.

 

Domestic and international government regulations could impose material costs.

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and foreign laws and regulations by authorities that oversee food safety standards and processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising and labeling of our products. Our facilities for processing chicken, beef, pork, prepared foods and milling feed and for housing live chickens and swine are subject to a variety of international, federal, state and local laws relating to the protection of the environment, including provisions relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, and to the health and safety of our employees. Our chicken, beef and pork processing facilities are participants in the United States government’s Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program and are subject to the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. In addition, our chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods products are subject to inspection prior to distribution, primarily by the USDA and the United States Food and Drug Administration. Loss of or failure to obtain necessary permits and registrations could delay or prevent us from meeting current product demand, introducing new

 

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products, building new facilities or acquiring new businesses and could adversely affect operating results. Additionally, we are routinely subject to new or modified laws, regulations and accounting standards. If we are found to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations in these or other areas, we could be subject to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or asset seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our financial results.

 

A material acquisition, joint venture or other significant initiative could affect our operations and financial condition.

We continually evaluate potential acquisitions, joint ventures and other initiatives (collectively, “transactions”), and we may seek to expand our business through the acquisition of companies, processing plants, technologies, products and services from others, which could include material transactions. A material transaction may involve a number of risks, including:

 

 

We may not be able to address these problems and successfully develop these acquired companies or businesses into profitable units of our company. If we are unable to do this, expansion could adversely affect our financial results.

 

Market fluctuations could negatively impact our operating results as we hedge certain transactions.

Our business is exposed to fluctuating market conditions. We use derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to various market risks including changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates. We hold certain positions, primarily in grain and livestock futures, that do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes. These positions are marked to fair value, and the unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings at each reporting date. Therefore, losses on these contracts will adversely affect our reported operating results. While these contracts reduce our exposure to changes in prices for commodity products, the use of such instruments may ultimately limit our ability to benefit from favorable commodity prices.

 

Deterioration of economic conditions could negatively impact our business.

Our business may be adversely affected by changes in national or global economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, availability of capital markets, consumer spending rates, energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges) and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. Any such changes could significantly adversely affect the demand for our beef, poultry and pork products, or the cost and availability of our needed raw materials, cooking ingredients and packaging materials, thereby negatively affecting our financial results.

 

Changes in consumer preference could negatively impact our business.

The food industry in general is subject to changing consumer trends, demands and preferences. Trends within the food industry change often, and failure to identify and react to changes in these trends could lead to, among other things, reduced demand and price reductions for our products, and could have an adverse effect on our financial results.

 

The loss of one or more of our largest customers could negatively impact our business.

Our business could suffer significant set backs in revenues and operating income if our customers’ plans and/or markets should change significantly, or if we lost one or more of our largest customers, including, for example, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which accounted for approximately 12.9% of our revenues in fiscal 2007. Many of our agreements with our customers are generally short-term, primarily due to the nature of our products, industry practice and the fluctuation in demand and price for our products.

 

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The consolidation of customers could negatively impact our business.

Our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs and food distributors, have consolidated in recent years, and consolidation is expected to continue throughout the United States and in other major markets. These consolidations have produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of operating with reduced inventories, opposing price increases, and demanding lower pricing, increased promotional programs and specifically tailored products. These customers also may use shelf space currently used for our products for their own private label products. If we fail to respond to these trends, our volume growth could slow or we may need to lower prices or increase promotional spending for our products, any of which would adversely affect our profitability.

 

Extreme factors or forces beyond our control could negatively impact our business.

Natural disasters, fire, bioterrorism, pandemic or extreme weather, including droughts, floods, excessive cold or heat, hurricanes or other storms, could impair the health or growth of livestock or interfere with our operations due to power outages, fuel shortages, damage to our production and processing facilities or disruption of transportation channels, among other things. Any of these factors, as well as disruptions in our information systems, could have an adverse effect on our financial results.

 

Our renewable energy ventures and other initiatives might not be as successful as we expect.

We have been exploring ways to commercialize animal fats and other by-products from our operations, as well as the poultry litter of our contract growers, to generate energy and other value-added products. As a result, in fiscal 2007 we announced a strategic alliance with ConocoPhillips and the formation of a joint venture with Syntroleum Corporation. We will continue to explore other ways to commercialize opportunities outside our core business, such as renewable energy and other technologically-advanced platforms. These initiatives might not be as financially successful as we initially announce or would expect due to factors that include, but are not limited to, possible discontinuance of tax credits, competing energy prices, failure to operate at the volumes anticipated, abilities of our joint venture partners and our limited experience in some of these new areas.

 

Members of the Tyson family can exercise significant control.

Members of the Tyson family beneficially own, in the aggregate, 99.97% of our outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.10 par value (Class B stock) and 1.27% of our outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.10 par value (Class A stock), giving them control of approximately 71% of the total voting power of our outstanding voting stock. In addition, three members of the Tyson family serve on our Board of Directors. As a result, members of the Tyson family have the ability to exert substantial influence or actual control over our management and affairs and over substantially all matters requiring action by our stockholders, including amendments to our restated certificate of incorporation and by-laws, the election and removal of directors, any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may also delay or prevent a change in control otherwise favored by our other stockholders and could depress our stock price. Additionally, as a result of the Tyson family’s significant ownership of our outstanding voting stock, we have relied on the “controlled company” exemption from certain corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange; therefore, we have elected not to implement the rule that provides for a nominating committee to identify and recommend nominees to our Board of Directors. Pursuant to these exemptions, our compensation committee, which is made up of independent directors, does not have sole authority to determine the compensation of our executive officers, including our chief executive officer.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

We have sales offices and production and distribution operations in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Additionally, we, either directly or through our subsidiaries, have facilities in or participate in joint venture operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, India, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

 

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Chicken: Chicken processing plants include various phases of slaughtering, dressing, cutting, packaging, deboning and further-processing. We also have 16 pet food operations, which are part of the Chicken processing plants. The blending mills, feed mills and broiler hatcheries have sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the chicken growout operations.

 

Beef: Beef plants include various phases of slaughtering live cattle and fabricating beef products. Some also treat and tan hides. The Beef segment includes three case-ready operations that share facilities with the Pork segment. One of the beef facilities contains a tallow refinery. Carcass facilities reduce live cattle to dressed carcass form. Processing facilities conduct fabricating operations to produce boxed beef and allied products.

 

Pork: Pork plants include various phases of slaughtering live hogs and fabricating pork products and allied products. The Pork segment includes three case-ready operations that share facilities with the Beef segment.

 

Prepared Foods: Prepared Foods plants process fresh and frozen beef, pork, chicken and other raw materials into pizza toppings, branded and processed meats, appetizers, prepared meals, ethnic foods, soups, sauces, side dishes, pizza crusts, flour and corn tortilla products and meat dishes.

 

We believe our present facilities are generally adequate and suitable for our current purposes; however, seasonal fluctuations in inventories and production may occur as a reaction to market demands for certain products. We regularly engage in construction and other capital improvement projects intended to expand capacity and improve the efficiency of our processing and support facilities.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Refer to the discussion of our certain legal proceedings pending against us under Part II, Item 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 20: “Contingencies,” which discussion is incorporated herein by reference. Listed below are certain additional legal proceedings for which we are involved.

 

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On October 23, 2001, a putative class action lawsuit styled R. Lynn Thompson, et al. vs. Tyson Foods, Inc. was filed in the District Court for Mayes County, Oklahoma by three property owners on behalf of all owners of lakefront property on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokee. Simmons Foods, Inc. and Peterson Farms, Inc. also are defendants. The plaintiffs allege the defendants’ operations diminished the water quality in the lake thereby interfering with the plaintiffs’ use and enjoyment of their properties. The plaintiffs sought injunctive relief and an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. While the District Court certified a class, on October 4, 2005, the Court of Civil Appeals of the State of Oklahoma reversed, holding the plaintiffs’ claims were not suitable for disposition as a class action. This decision was upheld by the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the case was remanded to the District Court with instructions that the matter proceed only on behalf of the three named plaintiffs. On May 24, 2006, three of the plaintiffs filed a third amended petition, which drops plaintiffs’ class allegations, but seeks injunctive relief, restitution and compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount in excess of $10,000. We and the other defendants have filed answers.

 

In May 2004, representatives of our subsidiary, Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. (TFM), met with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) staff to discuss alleged wastewater and late report filing violations under the Clean Water Act relating to the 2002 Second and Final Consent Decree that governed compliance requirements for TFM’s Dakota City, Nebraska, facility. During that meeting, USEPA advised TFM that the USEPA may assess stipulated penalties up to a maximum of approximately $338,000 for those alleged violations. To date, the USEPA has made no formal written demand for stipulated penalties pursuant to the Consent Decree. TFM vigorously disputes these allegations and expects to conduct additional discussions with USEPA regarding a potential settlement of this matter.

 

On January 9, 2003, we received a notice of liability letter from Union Pacific Railroad Company relating to our alleged contributions of waste oil to the Double Eagle Refinery Superfund Site in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. On August 22, 2006, the United States and the State of Oklahoma filed a lawsuit styled United States of America, et al. v. Union Pacific Railroad Co. against Union Pacific in the U. S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma seeking more than $22 million to remediate the Double Eagle site. We joined a “potentially responsible parties” group on October 31, 2006, which is in settlement discussions with the United States and the State of Oklahoma. Our participation in this group, which likely will not exceed $625,586.20, should prevent us from being sued for contribution by Union Pacific.

 

On June 19, 2005, the Attorney General of Oklahoma filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma against us, three of our subsidiaries and several other poultry integrators. This complaint was subsequently amended. As amended, the complaint asserts state and federal causes of action for alleged pollution to the Illinois River Watershed from the land application of poultry litter by the defendants and certain contract growers who are not named in the complaint. The Attorney General seeks injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages. We and the other defendants have filed answers and motions to dismiss several of the claims, as well as a third-party complaint that asserts claims against other persons and entities whose activities may have contributed to the pollution alleged in the Attorney General’s complaint. We have also asserted various defenses to claims asserted in the Attorney General’s complaint. On November 14, 2007, the Attorney General filed a motion requesting a preliminary injunction to halt poultry litter land application in the Illinois River Watershed. We dispute the allegations within the motion and believe we have substantial defenses to the claims made. Discovery must be completed by July 1, 2008, and trial is scheduled for January 2009.

 

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In August 2004, we received a subpoena requesting the production of documents from a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Arkansas. The subpoena focused on events surrounding a workplace accident on October 10, 2003, that resulted in the death of one of our employees at the River Valley Animal Foods rendering plant in Texarkana, Arkansas. That workplace fatality had previously been the subject of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of the Department of Labor. On April 9, 2004, OSHA issued citations to us and our subsidiary Tyson Poultry, Inc., d/b/a River Valley Animal Foods, alleging violations of health and safety standards arising from the death of the employee due to hydrogen sulfide inhalation. The citations consist of five willful, 12 serious and two recordkeeping violations. OSHA seeks abatement of the alleged violations and proposed penalties of $436,000. The OSHA proceeding was stayed pending the completion of the grand jury investigation. Since the receipt of the document subpoena, a number of our employees have provided grand jury testimony or informal interviews to government investigators. Federal officials have not yet indicated whether they intend to pursue any action against us in connection with this investigation.

 

In July 2002, certain cattle producers filed a lawsuit styled Herman Schumacher, et al. vs. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., et al. in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota seeking certification of a class of cattle producers and naming as defendants our subsidiary TFM and three other beef packers. The plaintiffs allege that in 2001, during the first six weeks the USDA began its mandatory price reporting program, defendants knowingly used the inaccurate boxed beef cutout prices (cutout prices are determined by the USDA through a formula that averages the prices of the various box beef cuts reported by all packers) calculated and published by the USDA to negotiate the purchase of fed cattle from plaintiffs at prices substantially lower than would have been economically justified had plaintiffs known the accurate higher cutout prices. Plaintiffs contend defendants’ conduct constituted an unfair or deceptive practice or was engaged in for the purpose or with the effect of manipulating or controlling prices in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA), 7 U.S.C. §192. The USDA stated that, during the period in question, the beef packers correctly reported beef sales information to the USDA and TFM believes it acted appropriately in its dealings with cattle producers. Trial in this matter commenced on March 31, 2006, and a jury verdict was returned against TFM and two of the other three defendants for $4,000,000. However, this amount was based on all sales and not just those of the class. TFM, together with the other defendants, filed a motion in the District Court seeking judgment as a matter of law. That motion was denied. On February 15, 2007, the District Court entered judgment against TFM and the other defendants. On March 12, 2007, TFM filed its Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Arguments were held November 14, 2007, in front of the Court of Appeals.

 

On January 12, 2006, the Delaware Chancery Court consolidated two previously filed lawsuits and captioned the consolidated action In re Tyson Foods, Inc. Consolidated Shareholder’s Litigation. The defendants in the consolidated complaint are the Tyson Limited Partnership and certain present and former directors of the Company. We are also named as a nominal defendant; however, no relief is sought against us. The lawsuit consists of various derivative claims alleging that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the approval of certain consulting contracts for Don Tyson in 2001 and 2004 and Robert Peterson in 2001; the approval and alleged inadequate disclosure during 2001-2004 of certain executive compensation provided; the approval of certain stock option grants in 1999, 2001 and 2003 which were allegedly "timed" to precede favorable announcements; and related-party transactions that were allegedly unfair and allegedly not reviewed or inadequately reviewed by independent directors. The consolidated complaint also asserts, among other things, an additional derivative claim related to defendants’ alleged breach of a 1997 settlement agreement in Herbets v. Tyson, et al., a derivative claim for contempt of the court’s final order in Herbets v. Tyson, et al., and a derivative claim for unjust enrichment pertaining to the other alleged claims. In addition, the consolidated complaint contains a putative class action claim that our 2004 proxy statement contained misrepresentations regarding certain executive compensation. On March 2, 2006, the defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the consolidated complaint. On February 6, 2007, the court entered an order granting in part and denying in part the defendants’ motion, including dismissing in whole the claims pertaining to the consulting contracts, contempt of the court’s final order in Herbets v. Tyson, et al., and the putative class action claim, and dismissing in part certain of plaintiffs' claims regarding the approval and disclosure of executive compensation and the related-party transactions, but declining to dismiss the remaining claims. On May 16, 2007 the outside director defendants filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings regarding the count dealing with option grants. The court denied the outside directors motion on August 15, 2007. Discovery in the case is ongoing.

 

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We currently have pending five separate wage and hour actions involving TFM’s plants located in Lexington, Nebraska (Dimas Lopez, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., District of Nebraska, June 30, 2006), Garden City and Emporia, Kansas (Adelina Garcia, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., District of Kansas, May 15, 2006), Denison and Storm Lake, Iowa (Sharp, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., (W.D. Iowa, February 6, 2007), Boise, Idaho (Miguel Victorio, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc, S.D. Idaho, September 11, 2007), and Columbus Junction, Iowa (Gary Ray Robinson, et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc., d/b/a Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., S.D. Iowa, September 12, 2007). The actions allege TFM failed to pay employees for all hours worked, including overtime compensation for the time it takes to change into protective work uniforms, safety equipment and other sanitary and protective clothing worn by employees, and for walking to and from the changing area, work areas and break areas in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act and analogous state laws. The plaintiffs seek back wages, liquidated damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. TFM filed a motion for partial summary judgment in Garcia, based upon an injunction entered in Reich v. IBP, which outlined the types of activities at issue here that are compensable. The District Court of Kansas denied the motion, and TFM appealed to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the District Court’s ruling had the effect of improperly modifying the injunction.

 

On April 2, 2002, four former employees of our Shelbyville, Tennessee, chicken processing plant filed a putative class action complaint styled Trollinger et al. v. Tyson Foods, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee against us alleging that we, in conjunction with employment agencies and recruiters, engaged in a scheme to hire illegal immigrant workers in 15 of its processing plants to depress wages paid to hourly wage employees at those plants in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Practices Act (RICO). On July 16, 2002, the District Court dismissed the case. Following appeal, on June 3, 2004 the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the District Court’s dismissal decision and remanded the case for further proceedings. Discovery has been on-going since September 2004. In June 2005, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint which included different plaintiffs, narrowed the list of plants at issue to eight and added an allegation that we conspired with certain Hispanic civil rights groups to hire illegal immigrant workers. In addition, the second amended complaint added as defendants John Tyson, Richard Bond, Greg Lee, Archibald Schaffer III, Kenneth Kimbro, Karen Percival, Tim McCoy and Ahrazue Wilt, all of whom are current or former officers or managers of the Company. On August 5, 2005, plaintiffs sought certification of a putative class of all hourly wage employees at the eight Company plants since 1998 who were legally authorized to be employed in the United States. On October 10, 2006, the District Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On October 24, 2006, defendants filed with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals a petition for interlocutory review of the District Court’s class certification decision. That petition is pending. Discovery continues in the case, and a trial date of March 3, 2008, has been set by the District Court.

 

In November 2006, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors engaged outside counsel to conduct a review of certain payments that had been made by one of our subsidiaries in Mexico, including payments during the periods covered by this annual report on Form 10-K to individuals employed by Mexican governmental bodies. The payments were discontinued in November 2006. Although the review process is ongoing, we believe the amount of these payments is immaterial, and we do not expect any material impact to our financial statements. We have contacted the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice to inform them of our review and preliminary findings, and intend to cooperate fully with these governmental authorities.

 

Other Matters: We currently have approximately 104,000 employees and, at any time, have various employment practices matters outstanding. In the aggregate, these matters are significant to the Company, and we devote significant resources to managing employment issues. Additionally, we are subject to other lawsuits, investigations and claims (some of which involve substantial amounts) arising out of the conduct of our business. While the ultimate results of these matters cannot be determined, they are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Not applicable.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

Our Officers serve one year terms from the date of their election, or until their successors are appointed and qualified. No family relationships exist among these officers. The name, title, age and year of initial election to executive office of our executive officers are listed below:

 

 

Mr. Richard L. Bond was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2006, after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2003 and Co-Chief Operating Officer and Group President, Fresh Meats and Retail since 2001. Mr. Bond was initially employed by IBP, inc. (IBP) in 1980. IBP merged into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company on September 28, 2001. Mr. Bond is also a member of our Board of Directors.

 

Mr. J. Alberto Gonzalez-Pita was appointed Executive Vice President and General Counsel in October 2004, after serving as General Counsel and Vice President for International Legal, Regulatory & External Affairs at BellSouth Corporation since 1999.

 

Mr. Richard A. Greubel, Jr. was appointed Group Vice President and International President in May 2007, after serving as Group Vice President, International since August 2006, and President and Managing Director for Monsanto’s Brazil business since 2001. 

 

Mr. Craig Hart was appointed Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in September 2004 after serving as Vice President of Special Projects since 2001. Mr. Hart was initially employed by IBP in 1978.

 

Mr. Donnie D. King was appointed Group Vice President, Poultry and Prepared Foods Operations in March 2007 after serving as Senior Vice President, Consumer Products Operations since March 2006, Senior Vice President, Food Service Operations since July 2003, and Vice President and General Manager, Refrigerated and Deli since 2001. Mr. King was initially employed by the Company in 1982.

 

Mr. Dennis Leatherby was appointed Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer in June 2006, after serving as Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer and Interim Chief Financial Officer since July 2004 and Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer since 1998. Mr. Leatherby was initially employed by the Company in 1990.

 

Mr. Bernard Leonard was appointed Group Vice President, Food Service in November 2006, after serving as Senior Vice President, National Accounts since 2000. Mr. Leonard was initially employed by the Company in 1998.

 

Mr. James V. Lochner was appointed Senior Group Vice President, Fresh Meats and Margin Optimization in May 2006, after serving as Senior Group Vice President, Margin Optimization, Purchasing and Logistics since October 2005, Group Vice President, Purchasing, Travel, and Aviation since November 2004 and Group Vice President, Fresh Meats since 2001. Mr. Lochner was initially employed by IBP in 1983.

 

Mr. Scott D. McNair was appointed Group Vice President, Consumer Products in May 2007, after serving as Senior Vice President, Case Ready Meats and Wholesale Clubs since March 2006, Senior Vice President Wholesale Clubs since August 2003 and Vice President, Sales Wholesale Clubs since his initial employment with the Company in 2000.

 

Mr. Wade Miquelon was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in June 2006, after serving as Chief Financial Officer for Procter & Gamble’s Western European business since October 2003 and CFO and Senior Director for Procter & Gamble’s 42 country ASEAN, Australia and India Region since 2001.

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

We have issued and outstanding two classes of capital stock, Class A stock and Class B stock. Holders of Class B stock may convert such stock into Class A stock on a share-for-share basis. Holders of Class B stock are entitled to 10 votes per share while holders of Class A stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters submitted to shareholders for approval. As of October 27, 2007, there were approximately 34,000 holders of record of the Company's Class A stock and 12 holders of record of the Company's Class B stock, excluding holders in the security position listings held by nominees.

 

DIVIDENDS

Cash dividends cannot be paid to holders of Class B stock unless they are simultaneously paid to holders of Class A stock. The per share amount of the cash dividend paid to holders of Class B stock cannot exceed 90% of the cash dividend simultaneously paid to holders of Class A stock. We have paid uninterrupted quarterly dividends on common stock each year since 1977 and expect to continue our cash dividend policy during fiscal 2008. In both fiscal 2007 and 2006, the annual dividend rate for Class A stock was $0.16 per share and the annual dividend rate for Class B stock was $0.144 per share.

 

MARKET INFORMATION

The Class A stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSN.” No public trading market currently exists for the Class B stock. The high and low closing sales prices of our Class A stock for each quarter of fiscal 2007 and 2006 are represented in the table below.

 

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The table below provides information regarding our purchases of Class A stock during the periods indicated.

 

 

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

We are the world’s largest meat protein company and the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 with one of the most recognized brand names in the food industry. We produce, distribute and market chicken, beef, pork, prepared foods and related allied products. Our operations are conducted in four segments: Chicken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods. Some of the key factors that influence our business are customer demand for our products, the ability to maintain and grow relationships with customers and introduce new and innovative products to the marketplace, accessibility of international markets, market prices for our chicken, beef and pork products, the cost of live cattle and hogs, raw materials and grain and operating efficiencies of our facilities.

 

OVERVIEW

In fiscal 2007, we had significant improvements in all segments. In total, operating income improved by $691 million from last year. The following are some of the highlights for fiscal 2007:

to increased average sales prices, partially offset by a decrease in sales volumes. Additionally, we sold two commodity chicken plants in May 2007 and did not rebuild another chicken plant closed due to a fire in late fiscal

2006.

segment operating cost efficiencies benefited from closure of three beef plants, two of which were closed in

fiscal 2006 and another which closed in early fiscal 2007.

average sales prices.

acquisition of IBP, inc. in 2001.

 

 

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OUTLOOK

The following elements comprise our long-term strategic plan:

 

 

In fiscal 2007, we announced a strategic alliance with ConocoPhillips, which will produce and market renewable diesel fuel. The alliance plans to use our poultry, beef and pork by-product fat to produce an on-highway transportation fuel. Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. We do not expect this alliance to have a significant impact to our earnings in fiscal 2008.

 

Also in fiscal 2007, we formed a 50/50 joint venture with Syntroleum Corporation. The joint venture, Dynamic Fuels LLC, will produce renewable synthetic fuels targeting the renewable diesel, jet and military fuel markets. Construction of production facilities is expected to begin in fiscal 2008 and continue through fiscal 2009, with production targeted for 2010.

 

We are working to potentially close two integrated poultry joint ventures in China, as well as an integrated poultry deal in Brazil. We expect to close two of these transactions by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2008, with the third to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

Our outlook for fiscal 2008 includes:

 

Our outlook for segments in fiscal 2008 includes:

 

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SUMMARY OF RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

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SEGMENT RESULTS

We operate in four segments: Chicken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods. The following table is a summary of sales and operating income (loss), which is how we measure segment income (loss).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our cash needs for operations growth and capital expenditures are expected to be met with cash flows provided by operating activities, as well as short-term borrowings.

 

Reclassification: In fiscal 2007, we reclassified $85 million and $27 million, respectively, for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, in negative book cash balances from Changes in working capital reported as Operating Activities to Increase (decrease) in negative book cash balances reported as Financing Activities to conform with the current period presentation.

 

 

Income before changes in working capital represents net income (loss) adjusted for non-cash income and expenses. Additionally, this amount represents net cash provided by operating activities prior to changes in assets and liabilities associated with operations.

 

Over the past three years, cash provided by operating activities was approximately $2.1 billion, which enabled us to fund $1.4 billion in capital expenditures and pay down debt by $593 million.

 

Changes in working capital:

 

 

to complete. Capital spending for fiscal 2008 is expected to be between $425 million and $475 million.

joint venture, which will produce renewable synthetic fuels targeting the renewable diesel, jet and military fuel

markets. We anticipate total initial capital spending of approximately $75 million for the construction of the initial

facility, which is 50% of the estimated cost to construct the first facility. Construction is expected to begin in fiscal

2008 and continue through fiscal 2009, with production targeted for 2010.

 

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Proceeds from sale of assets in fiscal 2007 include $40 million received related to the sale of two poultry plants and related support facilities.

 

 

7.25% Notes due October 1, 2006. In addition, we used cash from operations to reduce the amount outstanding

under the Lakeside term loan by $320 million, repay the outstanding $125 million 7.45% Notes

due June 1, 2007, and reduce other borrowings.

October 17, 2005, and reduced other borrowings.

The 2016 Notes carried an initial 6.60% interest rate, which now carry a 6.85% interest rate, with interest payments due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. In fiscal 2007, proceeds were used to repay our outstanding $750 million 7.25% Notes due October 1, 2006. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

three-year term loan agreement with the principal balance due at the end of the term. The agreement provides for interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 0.4 percent to LIBOR plus one percent depending on our debt rating. Interest payments are made at least quarterly. Lakeside is one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

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Credit Ratings

On July 24, 2006, Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (Moody’s) downgraded the credit rating applicable to the 2016 Notes from “Baa3” to “Ba1.” This downgrade increased the interest rate on the 2016 Notes from 6.60% to 6.85%, effective on the first day of the interest period during which the rating change required an adjustment to the interest rate (i.e., the issuance of the 2016 Notes). This downgrade did not have a material impact to interest expense. Additionally, on July 31, 2006, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded the credit rating applicable to the 2016 Notes from “BBB” to “BBB-.” This downgrade did not result in an increase in the interest rate on the 2016 Notes, nor did it result in an increase in interest expense or related fees for other debt.

 

On September 18, 2006, Tyson Fresh Meats (TFM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, guaranteed the 2016 Notes. This guarantee does not extend to the other unsecured senior notes of the Company. Moody’s and S&P did not change the July 2006 credit ratings applicable to the 2016 Notes. However, Moody’s issued a new credit rating of “Ba2,” and S&P issued a new credit rating of “BB+” related to the other unsecured senior notes not guaranteed by TFM. These new ratings did not impact the interest rate applicable to the 2016 Notes and did not have a material impact on interest expense.

 

S&P currently rates the 2016 Notes “BBB-,” with a negative outlook. Moody’s currently rates this debt “Ba1,” with a negative outlook. The pretax impact to earnings of a further downgrade would not be material.

 

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Debt Covenants

Our debt agreements contain various covenants, the most restrictive of which contain maximum allowed leverage ratios and a minimum required interest coverage ratio. We were in compliance with all covenants at September 29, 2007.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements material to our financial position or results of operations. The off-balance sheet arrangements we have are guarantees of debt of outside third parties, including a lease and grower loans, and residual value guarantees covering certain operating leases for various types of equipment. See Note 8, “Commitments” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussions of these guarantees.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of September 29, 2007:

 

 

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RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS No. 158). SFAS No. 158 requires companies to recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its consolidated balance sheet and to recognize changes in funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income. We adopted SFAS No. 158 at the end of fiscal 2007. This standard also requires companies to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its annual consolidated balance sheet, with limited exceptions. This portion of the standard has a delayed effective date, which we will adopt in fiscal 2009. See Note 12, “Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 158.

 

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff published Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108). SAB 108 addresses quantifying the financial statement effects of misstatements, specifically, how the effects of prior year uncorrected errors must be considered in quantifying misstatements in the current year financial statements. We adopted SAB 108 at the end of fiscal 2007, and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R). The pronouncement requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock and performance-based shares, in the financial statements based on the fair value at the date of the grant. In fiscal 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective method. Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based payments granted after the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and for all awards granted to employees prior to the adoption date of SFAS No. 123R and unvested on the adoption date. Accordingly, no restatements were made to prior periods. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” in accounting for our employee stock compensation plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized for stock option issuances as stock options are issued with an exercise price equal to the closing price at the date of grant. Also, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we issued restricted stock and recorded the fair value of such awards as deferred compensation amortized over the vesting period. The fair value of each option grant is established on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for grants awarded prior to October 1, 2005, and a binomial lattice method for grants awarded subsequent to October 1, 2005. The change to the binomial lattice method was made to better reflect the exercise behavior of top management. We recognized compensation expense (net of tax) in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, of $11 million and $9 million related to stock options and $14 million and $15 million related to restricted stock. As of September 29, 2007, we had $44 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option plans that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years and $44 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations,” an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143 (FIN 47). Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS No. 143), was issued in June 2001 and requires an entity to recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. SFAS No. 143 applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that resulted from the acquisition, construction, development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived asset. The associated asset costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. FIN 47 clarifies the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in SFAS No. 143, which refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. FIN 47 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Uncertainty about the timing and/or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. We adopted FIN 47 as of September 30, 2006. See Note 2, “Change in Accounting Principle” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the impact of the adoption of FIN 47.

 

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RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006; therefore, we will adopt FIN 48 at the beginning of fiscal 2008. Currently we are evaluating the impact the adoption of this statement will have on our consolidated financial position and we expect the adoption of FIN 48 will result in a cumulative effect adjustment between $10 million and $25 million.  The adjustment will decrease retained earnings and increase other long-term liabilities.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. This standard also responds to investors’ requests for expanded information about the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159). This statement provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS No. 157 and SFAS No. 159 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years; therefore, we expect to adopt SFAS No. 157 and SFAS No. 159 at the beginning of fiscal 2009. We are in process of evaluating the potential impacts of SFAS No. 157 and SFAS No. 159.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us 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. The following is a summary of certain accounting estimates we consider critical.

 

 

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

MARKET RISK

 

Market risks relating to our operations result primarily from changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates, as well as credit risk concentrations. To address certain of these risks, we enter into various derivative transactions as described below. If a derivative instrument is accounted for as a hedge, as defined by SFAS No. 133, as amended, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the instrument either will be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of an instrument’s change in fair value, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS No. 133), as amended, is recognized immediately. Additionally, we hold certain positions, primarily in grain and livestock futures that either do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges. These positions are marked to market, and the unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings at each reporting date. The changes in market value of derivatives used in our risk management activities surrounding inventories on hand or anticipated purchases of inventories are recorded in cost of sales. The changes in market value of derivatives used in our risk management activities surrounding forward sales contracts are recorded in sales.

 

The sensitivity analyses presented below are the measures of potential losses of fair value resulting from hypothetical changes in market prices related to commodities. Sensitivity analyses do not consider the actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to changes, nor do they consider the effects such hypothetical adverse changes may have on overall economic activity. Actual changes in market prices may differ from hypothetical changes.

 

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Commodities Risk: We purchase certain commodities, such as grains, livestock and natural gas in the course of normal operations. As part of our commodity risk management activities, we use derivative financial instruments, primarily futures and options to reduce the effect of changing prices and as a mechanism to procure the underlying commodity. However, as the commodities underlying our derivative financial instruments can experience significant price fluctuations, any requirement to mark-to-market the positions that have not been designated or do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 133 could result in volatility in our results of operations. Contract terms of a hedge instrument closely mirror those of the hedged item providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation. Contracts designated and highly effective at meeting this risk reduction and correlation criteria are recorded using hedge accounting. The following table presents a sensitivity analysis resulting from a hypothetical change of 10% in market prices as of September 29, 2007, and September 30, 2006, on the fair value of open positions. The fair value of such positions is a summation of the fair values calculated for each commodity by valuing each net position at quoted futures prices. The market risk exposure analysis includes hedge and non-hedge positions. The following sensitivity analysis reflects the impact on earnings for changes in the fair value of open positions.

 

 

Interest Rate Risk: At September 29, 2007, we had fixed-rate debt of $2.5 billion with a weighted average interest rate of 7.5%. We have exposure to changes in interest rates on this fixed-rate debt. Market risk for fixed-rate debt is estimated as the potential increase in fair value, resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates. A hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates would have increased the fair value of our fixed-rate debt by approximately $58 million at September 29, 2007, and $87 million at September 30, 2006. The fair values of our debt were estimated based on quoted market prices and/or published interest rates.

 

At September 29, 2007, we had variable rate debt of $275 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.9%. A hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates effective at September 29, 2007, and September 30, 2006, would have a minimal effect on interest expense.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: We have non-cash foreign exchange gain/loss exposure from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as a result of certain receivable and payable balances. The primary currency exchanges we have exposure to are the Canadian dollar, the Mexican peso, the European euro, the British pound sterling and the Brazilian real. We periodically enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge some portion of our foreign currency exposure. A hypothetical 10% change in foreign exchange rates effective at September 29, 2007, and September 30, 2006, would have a minimal effect on pretax income.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk: Our financial instruments exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and trade receivables. Our cash equivalents are in high quality securities placed with major banks and financial institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to our large number of customers and their dispersion across geographic areas. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally do not require collateral. At September 29, 2007, and September 30, 2006, approximately 12.1% and 13.0%, respectively, of our net accounts receivable balance was due from one customer. No other single customer or customer group represents greater than 10% of net accounts receivable.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS