TYSON FOODS INC
10-Q, 1998-08-07
POULTRY SLAUGHTERING AND PROCESSING
Previous: TRI CONTINENTAL CORP, N-23C-1, 1998-08-07
Next: SPRINT CORP, PRER14A, 1998-08-07

























































<PAGE>
                               UNITED STATES
                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C. 20549
                                     
                                 FORM 10-Q

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

     For the quarterly period ended June 27, 1998

     OR

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

     For the transition period from__________________to_________________

     Commission File Number 0-3400


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

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

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

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

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

          Yes   X         No
               ---            ---

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

Class                                        Outstanding June 27, 1998
- ------------------------------------         -------------------------
Class A Common Stock, $.10 Par Value            128,508,302 Shares
Class B Common Stock, $.10 Par Value            102,645,513 Shares








                                  Page 1
<PAGE>
                             TYSON FOODS, INC.
                                   INDEX

                                                                      PAGE

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Item 1.  Financial Statements

          Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
          June 27, 1998 and September 27, 1997                           3

          Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income
          for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended
          June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997                                4

          Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
          for the Nine Months Ended
          June 27, 1998 and June 28, 1997                                5

          Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements         6-8

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

     Item 2a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About
              Market Risks                                           13-16

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 1.  Legal Proceedings                                         16

     Item 2.  Changes in Securities                                     17

     Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities                           17

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

     Item 5.  Other Information                                         17

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

SIGNATURES                                                              19















                                     2
<PAGE>
                       PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements
                             TYSON FOODS, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                  (In millions except per share amounts)
                                               (Unaudited)
                                                 June 27,   September 27,
ASSETS                                             1998          1997
Current Assets:                                  --------   -------------
  Cash and cash equivalents                      $   29.6     $   23.6
  Accounts receivable                               701.3        617.8
  Inventories                                     1,080.1        886.1
  Assets held for sale                               12.8          6.2
  Other current assets                               48.9         38.8
                                                 ________     ________
Total Current Assets                              1,872.7      1,572.5
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment                2,380.4      1,924.8
Excess of Investments over Net Assets Acquired      989.7        731.1
Investments and Other Assets                        224.8        182.6
                                                 ________     ________
Total Assets                                     $5,467.6     $4,411.0
                                                 ========     ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Notes payable                                  $   45.1     $   37.3
  Current portion of long-term debt                  57.5         94.6
  Trade accounts payable                            348.8        290.3
  Other accrued liabilities                         432.6        298.8
                                                 ________     ________
Total Current Liabilities                           884.0        721.0
Long-Term Debt                                    1,993.6      1,558.2
Deferred Income Taxes                               489.2        506.1
Other Liabilities                                    31.6          4.2
Shareholders' Equity:
  Common stock ($.10 par value):
   Class A-Authorized 900 million shares;
     issued 137.9 million shares at 6-27-98
        and 119.5 million shares at 9-27-97          13.8         11.9
   Class B-Authorized 900 million shares;
     issued 102.7 million shares at 6-27-98
        and 102.7 million shares at 9-27-97          10.3         10.3
  Capital in excess of par value                    740.5        379.1
  Retained earnings                               1,489.4      1,390.8
  Currency translation adjustment                    (2.5)        (2.5)
                                                 ________     ________
                                                  2,251.5      1,789.6
  Less treasury stock, at cost-
    9.4 million shares at 6-27-98 and
    8.8 million shares at 9-27-97                   180.0        165.6
  Less unamortized deferred compensation              2.3          2.5
                                                 ________     ________
Total Shareholders' Equity                        2,069.2      1,621.5
                                                 ________     ________
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity       $5,467.6     $4,411.0
                                                 ========     ========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                     
                                     3
<PAGE>                                     
                             TYSON FOODS, INC.
                CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (In millions except per share data)
                                (Unaudited)
                                     
                              Three Months Ended        Nine Months Ended
                              __________________        _________________

                             June 27,    June 28,     June 27,    June 28,
                              1998         1997         1998        1997
                            ________     ________     ________    ________

Sales                       $1,953.6     $1,591.2     $5,345.2    $4,693.4
Cost of Sales                1,645.2      1,323.2      4,507.3     3,914.8
                            --------     --------     --------    --------
Gross Profit                   308.4        268.0        837.9       778.6
Expenses:
  Selling                      156.0        136.1        436.8       386.4
  General and administrative    36.5         25.1        101.4        73.9
  Amortization                   8.3          6.9         22.5        20.6
                            --------     --------     --------    --------
Operating Income               107.6         99.9        277.2       297.7
Other Expense (Income):
  Interest                      37.6         28.1        102.8        83.2
  Other                         (4.0)                     (7.8)      (39.4)
                            --------     --------     --------    --------

Income Before Taxes on Income   74.0         71.8        182.2       253.9
Provision for Income Taxes      27.4         26.6         67.4       115.9
                            --------     --------     --------    --------
Net Income                  $   46.6     $   45.2     $  114.8    $  138.0
                            ========     ========     ========    ========

Basic Average
   Shares Outstanding          231.9         215.5       225.1        216.6
                               =====        =====        =====       =====
Basic Earnings Per Share       $0.20        $0.21        $0.51       $0.64
                               =====        =====        =====       =====
Diluted Average
   Shares Outstanding          232.5        217.5        226.4       218.6
                               =====        =====        =====       =====
Diluted Earnings Per Share     $0.20        $0.21        $0.51       $0.63
                               =====        =====        =====       =====
Cash Dividends Per Share:

  Class A                      $0.0250      $0.0250      $0.0750     $0.070
  Class B                      $0.0225      $0.0225      $0.0675     $0.063









The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                     
                                     4
<PAGE>                                     
                             TYSON FOODS, INC.
              CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                               (In millions)
                                (Unaudited)
                                                      Nine Months Ended
                                                     __________________
                                                     June 27,   June 28,
                                                      1998        1997
                                                    _________   _________
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
  Net income                                       $  114.8     $  138.0
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
   provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation                                      175.3        151.7
    Amortization                                       22.5         20.6
    Deferred income taxes                             (61.3)       (10.9)
    Gain on dispositions of assets                     (3.2)       (42.0)
    Decrease in accounts receivable                    20.3          7.7
    Decrease in inventories                            15.3         27.7
    Increase in trade accounts payable                  7.9         10.2
    Net change in other current assets
       and liabilities                                 61.2         68.2
                                                    _______      _______
Cash Provided by Operating Activities                 352.8        371.2
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
  Net cash paid for acquisitions                     (257.4)
  Additions to property, plant and equipment         (203.1)      (219.4)
  Proceeds from disposition of net assets             130.6        206.6
  Net change in other assets and liabilities          (12.9)       (44.9)
                                                    _______      _______
Cash Used for Investing Activities                   (342.8)       (57.7)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Net change in notes payable                         (77.2)        41.4
  Proceeds from long-term debt                      1,091.9        102.4
  Repayments of long-term debt                       (987.9)      (401.9)
  Purchases of treasury shares                        (16.4)       (41.6)
  Other                                               (14.3)       (12.7)
                                                    _______      _______
Cash Used for Financing Activities                     (3.9)      (312.4)
Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash                 (0.1)         0.1
                                                    _______      _______
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                   6.0          1.2
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period       23.6         36.6
                                                   ________     ________
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period         $   29.6     $   37.8
                                                   ========     ========
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
  Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest                                         $119.0       $108.0
    Income taxes                                     $ 62.4       $ 94.8






The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                     
                                     5
<PAGE>                                     
                             TYSON FOODS, INC.
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                (Unaudited)


1.   Accounting Policies

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

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

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







                                     6
<PAGE>
2.   Earnings Per Share

The  following  table  sets  forth the computation  of  basic  and  diluted
earnings per share:

                                                 (In millions)
                                    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                     June 27,  June 28,  June 27,  June 28,
                                      1998       1997      1998      1997
                                    --------  --------  --------  --------
Numerator:
   Net Income                        $46.6     $45.2     $114.8     $138.0
                                     =====     =====     ======     ======
Denominator:
   Denominator for basic
     earnings per share-
     weighted average shares         231.9     215.5      225.1      216.6

   Effect of dilutive securities:
     Employee stock options            0.6       2.0        1.3        2.0
                                     -----     -----      -----      -----
   Denominator for diluted
     earnings per share-
     adjusted weighted average
     shares and assumed conversions  232.5     217.5      226.4      218.6
                                     =====     =====      =====      =====
Basic earnings per share             $0.20     $0.21      $0.51      $0.64
                                     =====     =====      =====      =====
Diluted earnings per share           $0.20     $0.21      $0.51      $0.63
                                     =====     =====      =====      =====

3.   Inventories

Inventories, valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out)  or  market,
consist of the following:
                                                (In millions)
                                          June 27,      September 27,
                                            1998             1997
                                          ---------      ------------
     Finished and work-in-process         $  500.1          $366.1
     Live poultry and hogs                   394.9           353.4
     Seafood related products                 34.5            39.5
     Hatchery eggs and feed                   68.8            57.8
     Supplies                                 81.8            69.3
                                          ________          ______
     Total                                $1,080.1          $886.1
                                          ========          ======

4.   Acquisitions and Dispositions

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

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

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

                                     June 27,        June 28,
                                      1998             1997
                                    --------------------------
        Net sales                    $5,762.1        $5,925.2
        Net income                      107.0            47.2
        Basic Earnings Per Share         0.46            0.52
        Diluted Earnings Per Share       0.46            0.52
                                     

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

On  June  9, 1998, Hudson and Pierre Foods, LLC ("Pierre"), a wholly  owned
subsidiary  of Fresh Foods, Inc. completed an asset purchase agreement  for
Pierre  to acquire the Pierre Foods division from Hudson. The Pierre  Foods
division,  based  in Cincinnati, Ohio and acquired as part  of  the  Hudson
Acquisition,  is primarily engaged in producing and distributing  packaged,
precooked food products to the foodservice industry. Under the terms of the
purchase  agreement, Pierre paid $122 million in cash and  assumed  certain
liabilities.  The Company recognized no gain or loss on the sale  of  these
assets.   In  addition,  no  pro  forma  information  is  provided  as  the
operations of the Pierre Foods division was not significant to the Company.


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

FINANCIAL CONDITION

For  the  nine months ended June 27, 1998, net cash totaling $352.8 million
was  provided  by  all  operating activities.  Operations  provided  $248.1
million  in  cash  and  $104.7  million was  provided  by  net  changes  in
receivables, inventories, payables and other items. As a result  of  a  tax
settlement, the Company reclassed $71 million of deferred taxes to  current
taxes  payable.  The  Company used cash from   operations  to  fund  $203.1
million of  property, plant  and  equipment additions. The expenditures for
property,  plant  and  equipment were related to acquiring  new  equipment,
upgrading facilities in order to maintain competitive standing and position
the Company for future opportunities.

                                     8
<PAGE>
At  June  27, 1998, working capital was $988.7 million compared  to  $851.5
million  at  1997  fiscal  year-end, an increase of  $137.2  million.   The
current  ratio  at  June 27, 1998 was 2.1 to 1 compared  to  2.2  to  1  at
September  27, 1997. Working capital has increased since year-end primarily
due to increases in accounts receivable and inventories, offset slightly by
increases   in   notes  payable,  accounts  payable   and   other   current
liabilities,  primarily due to the Hudson Acquisition. At  June  27,  1998,
total  debt  was  50.3%  of  total  capitalization  compared  to  51.0%  at
September 27, 1997. The Company's foreseeable cash needs for operations and
capital  expenditures  will  continue to be met  through  cash  flows  from
operations and borrowings supported by existing credit facilities  as  well
as additional credit facilities which the Company believes are available.

The Company has an unsecured revolving credit agreement totaling $1 billion
which  supports  the Company's commercial paper program.  This  $1  billion
facility  expires  in  May  2002. At June  27,  1998,  $496.4  million  was
outstanding under this $1 billion facility consisting of $451.4 million  in
commercial  paper and $45 million drawn under the revolver.  The  Company's
$250  million  facility was terminated effective May  4,  1998.  Additional
outstanding  long-term debt at June 27, 1998 consisted of $1,027.4  million
of  public  debt, $221.6 million of institutional notes, $175.0 million  in
leveraged  equipment  loans and $73.2 million of  other  indebtedness.   On
January 9, 1998, the Company  borrowed approximately $318 million under its
commercial  paper program, the proceeds of which were used to  (i)  finance
the  $257.4  million cash portion of the Hudson Acquisition and (ii)  repay
approximately  $61  million  under Hudson's  revolving  credit  facilities.
Subsequent to the Hudson Acquisition, the Company refinanced $269.7 million
in  outstanding  long-term debt assumed pursuant to the Hudson  Acquisition
with  commercial  paper.  On January 21, 1998 the Company  issued,  in  two
separate  series,  $150  million 6% Notes due January  15,  2003  and  $150
million  7%  Notes due January 15, 2028. On February 4, 1998,  the  Company
issued  $100  million  6.08%  Mandatory  Par  Put  Remarketed  SecuritiesSM
("MOPPRSSM")  due February 1, 2010 and $50 million Floating  Rate  MOPPRSSM
due February 1, 2010. On April 28, 1998, the Company issued debt securities
in the form of $240 million 7% Notes due May 1, 2018. The net proceeds from
these  debt  offerings were used by the Company to repay a portion  of  the
borrowings  under its commercial paper program. The Company may  use  funds
borrowed  under its revolving  credit facilities, commercial paper  program
or  through the issuance of additional debt securities from time to time in
the future to finance acquisitions as opportunities may arise, to refinance
other  indebtedness or capital leases of the Company, and for other general
corporate purposes.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The operating results for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 were impacted by
the  excess supply of all meat proteins, weakness in the export markets and
the  quality of the Hudson Foods sales mix the Company acquired. Sales  for
the  third quarter of fiscal 1998 increased 22.8% from the same quarter  of
fiscal  1997.  This  increase is mainly due to a 23.5%  increase  in  total
volume slightly offset by a 0.6% decrease in average sales prices. Consumer
poultry  sales, excluding  turkey,  accounted for  an increase  of 16.0% of
the  total change in sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared
to  the  same  quarter of fiscal 1997. This increase was  due  to  a  28.6%
increase  in  tonnage partially offset by a 7.4% decrease in average  sales
prices.  A  significant portion of the increase in total sales and consumer
poultry  sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 compared  to  the  same
quarter of fiscal 1997 is due to the Hudson Acquisition.
                                     9
<PAGE>
Mexican  Original,  Culinary  Foods and Mallards  Food  sales  as  a  group
accounted  for  an increase of 0.8% of the total change in  sales  for  the
third  quarter  of  fiscal 1998 as compared to the same quarter  of  fiscal
1997.  This increase was primarily due to a 22.1% increase in average sales
prices  slightly offset by a 0.5% decrease in tonnage, largely due  to  the
acquisition of Mallards Food in August 1997 and new contracts that focus on
higher  priced products. Seafood sales accounted for a decrease of 0.2%  of
the  change in total sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared
to  the  same  quarter of fiscal 1997. This decrease was  due  to  a  15.3%
decrease  in  tonnage mostly offset by a 12.4% increase  in  average  sales
prices.  Decreased seafood volume was mainly due to weakness in the  surimi
business  caused by the Asian economic crisis. However, this  is  partially
offset  by  improvements  in the analog business.  The  seafood  operations
continue to be affected by the availability of some species of fish as well
as  other  regulations  which limit its source of supply.   Sales  of  live
swine,  animal foods, by-products, and other, as a group accounted  for  an
increase  of  6.2%  of the change in total sales for the third  quarter  of
fiscal 1998 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal 1997.

Sales  for  the first nine months of fiscal 1998 increased 13.9%  over  the
same  period  of  fiscal 1997. This increase was largely  due  to  consumer
poultry sales, excluding turkey, which accounted for an increase of 9.3% of
the  change  in  total sales for the first nine months of  fiscal  1998  as
compared  to  the  same  period of fiscal 1997. This increase  in  consumer
poultry  sales was primarily due to an increase in tonnage of 22.4%  offset
somewhat  by  a  decrease in average sales prices of  9.2%.  A  significant
portion  of the increase in total sales and consumer poultry sales for  the
first nine months of fiscal 1998 compared to the same period of fiscal 1997
is due to the Hudson Acquisition.

Mexican  Original,  Culinary  Foods and Mallards  Food  sales  as  a  group
accounted  for  an increase of 0.6% of the change in total  sales  for  the
first  nine months of fiscal 1998 as compared to the same period of  fiscal
1997.  This increase was primarily due to a 18.2% increase in average sales
prices  as  well  as  a  0.2%  increase in  tonnage,  largely  due  to  the
acquisition of Mallards Food in August 1997. Seafood sales accounted for  a
decrease of 0.9% of the change in total sales for the first nine months  of
fiscal  1998  as compared to the same period of fiscal 1997. This  decrease
was  due to a 26.9% decrease in tonnage partially offset by a 7.0% increase
in  average  sales prices.  Sales of live swine, animal foods, by-products,
and  other  as a group accounted for an increase of 4.9% of the  change  in
total  sales  for the first nine months of fiscal 1998 as compared  to  the
same period of last year.

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

Cost of goods sold increased 24.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 1998  as
compared  to the same quarter of fiscal 1997. This increase is  mainly  the
result  of the increase in sales. Although the cost of ingredients used  in
feed  for  poultry  and swine and the ingredients used in Mexican  Original
operations  during the third quarter of fiscal 1998 decreased in comparison
with the same  quarter of fiscal 1997, these  benefits will not be realized

                                    10
<PAGE>
until  future quarters. As a percent of sales, cost of sales was 84.2%  for
the third quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to 83.2% in the third quarter  of
fiscal 1997.

Cost of goods sold increased 15.1% for the first nine months of fiscal 1998
compared  to  the same period of fiscal 1997. This increase is  mainly  the
result of the increase in sales.   As  a  percent  of sales, cost of  sales
was 84.3% for the first nine months of fiscal 1998 compared to 83.4% in the
same period of fiscal 1997.

Operating  expenses increased 19.5% for the third quarter  of  fiscal  1998
over  the same quarter of fiscal 1997 mostly due to the Hudson Acquisition.
Selling  expense, as a percent of sales, decreased to 8.0%  for  the  third
quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to 8.6% for the third quarter of  fiscal
1997.  General and administrative expense, as a percent of sales, was  1.9%
in  the  third quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to 1.6% in the  same  period
last  year.  Amortization expense, as a percent of sales, was 0.4%  in  the
third quarter of fiscal 1998 and 1997.

Operating expenses increased 16.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 1998
from  the  same period of fiscal 1997 mostly due to the Hudson Acquisition.
Selling expense, as a percent of sales, was 8.2% for the first nine  months
of  fiscal 1998  and fiscal 1997. General and administrative expense, as  a
percent of sales, was 1.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 1998 compared
to 1.6% in the same period last year. Amortization expense, as a percent of
sales, was 0.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 1998 and 1997.

Interest  expense  increased 33.8% for the third  quarter  of  fiscal  1998
compared  to  the same quarter of fiscal 1997 primarily as a  result  of  a
29.2%  increase in the Company's average indebtedness over the same  period
last  year.   The  weighted  average interest  rate  of  all  Company  debt
increased to 6.5% compared to 6.3% for the same period last year.

Interest  expense increased 23.6% in the first nine months of  fiscal  1998
compared to the same period of fiscal 1997. The Company had a higher  level
of  borrowing which increased the Company's average indebtedness  by  15.5%
from the same period last year.  The weighted average interest rate of  all
Company  debt increased to 6.5% compared to 6.1% for the same  period  last
year.

The  effective income tax rate for the third quarter and first nine  months
of  fiscal 1998 was 37.0% compared to 37.0% and 45.6%, respectively for the
same  periods  of fiscal 1997.  The effective tax rate for the  first  nine
months  of fiscal 1997 was impacted by the taxes on the gain from the  sale
of the  beef division  assets. Certain  costs  were  allocated to the  beef
division  which are not deductible for tax purposes, resulting in a  higher
effective tax rate.

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000

The  Year 2000 Issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two  digits  rather than four to define the applicable  year.  Any  of  the
Company's computer programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize
a  date  using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This  could
result  in  a  system  failure or miscalculations  causing  disruptions  of
operations, including among other things, a temporary inability to  process
transactions,   send  invoices,  or  engage  in  similar  normal   business
activities.
                                    11
<PAGE>
Based  on  a  recent assessment, the Company determined  that  it  will  be
required to modify or replace limited portions of its software so that  its
computer  systems will function properly with respect to dates in the  year
2000 and thereafter. The Company presently believes that with modifications
to  existing software and conversions to new software, the Year 2000  Issue
will not pose significant operational problems for its computer systems.

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

The Company will utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram,
or  replace, and test the software for Year 2000 modifications. The Company
anticipates completing the Year 2000 project by December 31, 1998, which is
prior to any anticipated impact on its operating systems. The total cost of
the  Year  2000  project is not expected to have a material effect  on  the
Company's results of operations.
                                     
RESTRUCTURING
                                     
The  Company  has  commenced  a  study  of  restructuring  certain  of  its
operations.  The exact size and composition of the restructuring  have  not
yet been fully determined. The study is expected to be completed in time to
allow  submission of a formal plan to the Company's Board of Directors  for
approval  at  its  regular fourth quarter meeting, and, if  approved,  will
result  in  certain restructuring and other miscellaneous one-time  charges
during  the  fourth  quarter  of fiscal 1998. Such  charges  are  currently
expected to aggregate approximately $200 million on a pre-tax basis.

The  restructuring  is  in furtherance of the Company's  previously  stated
objective to focus on its core business, chicken. The recent acquisition of
Hudson  Foods,  Inc.  and  the  assimilation  of  Hudson's  facilities  and
operations into the Company's business have permitted the Company to review
and  rationalize the productive capabilities and cost structure of its core
business. The restructuring  contemplates, among other things, the  closure
of  certain  Company  plants  and  resulting  work  force  reductions,  the
writedown  of goodwill allocated to certain facilities that may  be  closed
and  the reconfiguration of various production facilities. In addition, the
Company plans to divest non-core businesses whose financial results do  not
meet management's expectations.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The  Company  has  a strong financial commitment to environmental  matters.
During   the  first  nine  months  of  fiscal  1998  the  Company  invested
approximately $32.2 million in water quality facilities, including  capital
outlays to build and upgrade facilities and day-to-day operations of waste-
water facilities.



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

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

Item 2a.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks

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

Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Risks

The Company periodically enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and
option  contracts  to  hedge  some of its foreign  currency  exposure.  The
Company  uses  such  contracts  to hedge exposure  to  changes  in  foreign
currency  exchange  rates, primarily Japanese yen,  associated  with  sales
denominated  in foreign currency. Gains and losses on these  contracts  are
deferred  and recognized  as  an  adjustment of the subsequent  transaction
when it occurs.  Forward and option contracts generally have maturities not
exceeding twelve months.

The Company also hedges exposure to changes in interest rates on certain of
its  financial instruments.  Under the terms of various leveraged equipment
loans, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to effectively
lock  in a fixed interest rate for these borrowings. The maturity dates  of
these leveraged equipment loans range from 2005 to 2008 with interest rates
ranging from 4.7% to 6.0%.
                                    13
<PAGE>
As  of  June  27,  1998, the stated or notional amounts  of  the  Company's
outstanding  foreign  currency  and  interest  rate  derivative   financial
instruments were as follows:
                                                (In millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  June 27,
                                                    1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate swaps                                $147.1
Foreign currency purchased options to sell           33.6
Foreign currency sold options to sell                37.9
==================================================================

The  following  table  provides information about the Company's  derivative
financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to
changes   in  interest  rates.  The  table  presents  the  Company's   debt
obligations,  principal  cash flows and related  weighted-average  interest
rates  by  expected  maturity dates. For interest  rate  swaps,  the  table
presents  notional amounts and weighted-average interest  rates  or  strike
rates by contractual maturity dates. Notional amounts are used to calculate
the contractual cash flows to be exchanged under the contract.
                                     
                         Interest Rate Sensitivity
             Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity
                       Average Interest (Swap) Rate
___________________________________________________________________________
(dollars in millions)1998   1999  2000   2001  2002  There-  Total   Fair
                                                     after          Value
                                                                    6/27/98
___________________________________________________________________________
Liabilities
Long-term Debt, including Current Portion

 Fixed Rate       $57.5 $223.8 $126.9 $74.4 $178.1 $838.9 $1,499.6 $1,537.8
 Average Interest
    Rate           8.80%  6.29%  8.30% 9.45%  6.20%  6.83%    7.28%

 Variable Rate       -      -     -   $496.4   -    $54.0    $550.4  $550.4
 Average Interest
    Rate             -      -     -    5.68%   -     3.63%    5.48%

Interest Rate Derivative Financial Instruments Related to Debt
Interest Rate Swaps

  Pay Fixed         $4.0   $16.0  $17.2  $18.4  $19.6  $71.9 $147.1   $4.0
  Average Pay Rate 6.34%   6.71%  6.71%  6.69%  6.73%  6.63%
  Average Receive Rate- USD 6 Month Libor.
===========================================================================

The  following table summarizes information on instruments and transactions
that  are  sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates, including  foreign
currency forward exchange agreements. For foreign currency forward exchange
agreements,  the  table presents the notional amounts and  weighted-average
exchange  rates  by expected (contractual) maturity dates.  These  notional
amounts  generally  are used to calculate the contractual  payments  to  be
exchanged under the contract.

                                    14
<PAGE>                                     
                 Exposures Related to Derivative Contracts
               with United States Dollar Functional Currency
             Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity
   Average Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Rate (USD/Foreign Currency)
                           (dollars in millions)
___________________________________________________________________________

                     1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  There-  Total    Fair
                                                   after            Value
                                                                   6/27/98
___________________________________________________________________________
Sold Option Contracts to Sell Foreign Currencies for US$
Japanese Yen
  Notional Amount   $31.4   $6.5   -     -     -     -     $37.9      $0
  Weighted Average
     Strike Price  113.03 109.48   -     -     -     -       -         -

Purchased Option Contracts to Sell Foreign Currencies for US$
Japanese Yen
  Notional Amount   $28.0   $5.6   -     -     -     -     $33.6      $1.1
  Weighted Average
     Strike Price  126.84 126.69   -     -     -     -       -         -
===========================================================================

Commodities Risk

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

The  following table provides information about the Company's corn, soybean
meal  and  other feed ingredient inventory and futures contracts  that  are
sensitive to changes in commodity prices. For inventory, the table presents
the  carrying  amount  and fair value at June 27,  1998.  For  the  futures
contracts the table presents the notional amounts in bushels, the  weighted
average  contract prices, and the total dollar contract amount by  expected
maturity  dates, the latest of which occurs four months from the  reporting
date.  Contract amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments  and
quantity  of  corn  and  soybean meal to be  exchanged  under  the  futures
contracts.














                                    15
<PAGE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions)                        Carrying amount     Fair value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Balance Sheet Commodity Position
    and Related Derivatives
Corn, Soybean Meal and Other Feed
    Ingredient Inventory                  $32.9             $32.9
Corn Futures Contracts
  Contract Volumes
     (bushels)                         3,795,000
  Weighted Average Price
     (Per bushel)                         $2.57            $2.51
  Contract Amount
     ($US in millions)                    $9.7             $9.5
==========================================================================
                                     
                                     
                        PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

On  July 28, 1997, Hudson received notice from the United States Department
of  Justice ("DOJ") that it was prepared to bring an action against  Hudson
for  the  alleged  violation of the Clean Water  Act  at  Hudson's  Berlin,
Maryland  poultry processing facility.  The DOJ alleged that over the  past
five  years,  Hudson had repeatedly discharged pollutants in quantities  in
excess  of  its  National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System  ("NPDES")
permit limits, violated  monitoring and sampling  requirements of its NPDES
permit   and   failed   to   provide  notice  of  NPDES   violations.    On
September 19, 1997, Hudson entered into an agreement in principle with  the
DOJ  for the settlement of these claims.  On May 8, 1998, a Consent  Decree
between the United States, Hudson and the Company was filed with the United
States   District  Court  together   with  a  Complaint    alleging   these
violations.  The  thirty (30) day comment period  has  expired  and  it  is
anticipated that the DOJ will advise the District Court on or before August
14,  1998  of  its  position regarding said comments.  The Consent  Decree,
while  stating that Hudson denies the violations alleged in the  Complaint,
provides  for  the  payment to the United States of $4.0  million  and  the
expenditure of $2.0 million in supplemental environmental projects (SEP's).

On  or  about  July  23, 1998, the Maryland Department of  the  Environment
("MDE")  filed  a  Complaint for Injunctive Relief and Civil  Penalty  (the
"Complaint") against the Company in the Circuit Court of Worcester  County,
Maryland  for  the  alleged violation of certain Maryland  water  pollution
control  laws with respect to the Company's land application of  sludge  to
Company  owned  agricultural  land  near  Berlin,  Maryland.   The  Company
operates  a  poultry processing and rendering facility in Berlin  that  was
acquired  by  the  Company in the Hudson Acquisition.  The  MDE  seeks,  in
addition  to  injunctive and equitable relief, civil  penalties  of  up  to
$10,000  per  day  for  each  day the Company  had  allegedly  operated  in
violation  of the Maryland water pollution control laws.  The  Company  has
only  recently  received the Complaint, is reviewing  and  researching  the
factual  matters asserted therein, and intends to vigorously defend against
the  same.   The Company does not believe any penalties, if imposed,  would
have  a  material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations  or
financial condition.


                                    16
<PAGE>
Item 2.    Changes in Securities

           Not Applicable


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

           Not Applicable
                                     

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

           Not Applicable


Item 5.    Other Information

Effective  June  29,  1998, the Securities and Exchange Commission  amended
Rule  14a-4(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the  "1934  Act")
which governs a company's use of discretionary proxy voting authority  with
respect  to  shareholder  proposals that are  not  being  included  in  the
company's proxy solicitation materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of  the  1934
Act.    New  Rule 14a-4(c)(1) provides that if a proponent fails to  notify
the  Company at least 45 days prior to the month and day of mailing of  the
prior years' proxy statement (or by an earlier or later date established by
an  overriding advance notice provision contained in the company's  charter
or  bylaws),  then  the  management proxies named  in  the  form  of  proxy
distributed  in  connection with the company's  proxy  statement  would  be
allowed  to use their discretionary voting authority to address the  matter
submitted  by the proponent, without discussion of the matter in the  proxy
statement.  The Company's bylaws contain an advance notice provision  which
provides  that a matter may not be brought before an annual  meeting  by  a
proponent  stockholder (the "Proponent") unless the Proponent has provided,
delivered  or  mailed  notice thereof in writing to the  Secretary  of  the
Company  (and  such  notice  has been received by  the  Secretary)  at  the
principal executive office of the Company), not less than 75 days nor  more
than  100 days prior to the date of the annual meeting.  For this provision
to  be effective, the Company must have provided notice to stockholders  or
otherwise  publicly disclosed the date of the annual meeting  at  least  85
days in advance thereof.  If no notice or public disclosure is made by  the
Company  within  that  time frame, the Proponent's  notice,  to  be  timely
received must be received not later than the close of business on the  10th
day following the day on which such actual notice of the meeting was mailed
to  stockholders or public disclosure of the meeting date  was  made.   The
Company's 1999 annual meeting is currently scheduled for January  8,  1999.
Accordingly, for any business to be brought before the 1999 Annual  Meeting
by a Proponent, written notice thereof must be provided to the Secretary by
October 26, 1998.

                                     
Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

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


                                    17
<PAGE>
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

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


EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed with this report.

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

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

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

12   Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges                            20

27   Financial Data Schedule



























                                     
                                     
                                    18
<PAGE>                                     
                                SIGNATURES

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

                                   TYSON FOODS, INC.

Date:     August 7, 1998           /s/ Wayne Britt
          --------------           ----------------------------
                                   Wayne Britt
                                   Executive Vice President and
                                     Chief Financial Officer


Date:     August 7, 1998           /s/ James G. Ennis
          --------------           ----------------------------
                                   James G. Ennis
                                    Vice President, Controller and
                                     Chief Accounting Officer






































                                    19























































<PAGE>
Exhibit 12

Tyson Foods, Inc.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
June 27, 1998
(Dollars in millions)


                                               1998        1997
Fixed Charges:                                          
  Interest Expense                             102.8       83.2
  Interest Income                                8.1        5.5
  Interest Capitalized                           1.3        2.7
  Interest Allocated to Beef and Pork            0.0        0.9
  Amortization of Debt Discount                  1.6        3.3
  Interest Portion of Rental Expense (33%)       9.0        6.0
Total Fixed Charges (A)                        122.8      101.6
                                                        
Earnings:                                               
  Net Income(Loss)                             114.8      138.0
  Provision for Income Taxes                    67.4      115.9
  Fixed Charges                                122.8      101.6
  Less Capitalized Interest                     (1.3)      (2.7)
Earnings and Fixed Charges (B)                 303.7      352.8
                                                        
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (B/A)        2.47       3.47
                                                        

For purposes of computing the above ratios of earnings to
fixed   charges,  "earnings"  consist  of   income   from
continuing  operations  before  income  taxes  and  fixed
charges (excluding capitalized interest). "Fixed charges"
consist of (i) interest on indebtedness, whether expensed
or  capitalized, but excluding interest to  fifty-percent
owned subsidiaries (ii) the Company's proportionate share
of  interest  of fifty-percent owned subsidiaries,  (iii)
that portion of rental expense the Company believes to be
representative of interest (one-third of rental  expense)
and (iv) amortization of debt discount and expense.






                                        












                                    20

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 27, 1998 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000100493
<NAME> TYSON FOODS, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                           OCT-3-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-27-1998
<CASH>                                              30
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      701
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      1,080
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 1,873
<PP&E>                                           3,775
<DEPRECIATION>                                   1,395
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   5,468
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              884
<BONDS>                                          1,994
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            24
<OTHER-SE>                                       2,045
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     5,468
<SALES>                                          5,345
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 5,345
<CGS>                                            4,507
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    4,507
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 103
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    182
<INCOME-TAX>                                        67
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                115
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       115
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .51
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .51
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission