Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, total company sales grew 4.8% to $13.9 billion compared to the prior year, with full-year sales at $54.4 billion, an increase of 3.3% [21][22] - Q4 adjusted operating income was $608 million, up 19% year-over-year, while full-year adjusted operating income reached $2.3 billion, a 26% increase [22][23] - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $1.15, up 25% from last year, and full-year adjusted EPS was $4.12, up 33% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chicken segment delivered $457 million in adjusted operating income, a 28% increase year-over-year, driven by higher volumes and better operational execution [4][16] - Prepared foods saw a 3% increase in sales, with adjusted operating income affected by higher raw material costs, achieving a margin of 7.4% [14][22] - The beef segment's sales increased due to higher average prices, but adjusted operating income declined as higher cattle costs outpaced sales growth [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tyson's retail branded products grew by 2.4% in volume, outperforming the broader food and beverage retail sector, which declined by 1.5% [8] - The company’s branded fresh chicken volume grew 7.8%, and frozen value-added chicken rose by 8.7% [9][10] - The company reached nearly 72% of U.S. households with its retail branded products, exceeding private label and other branded competitors [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, innovation, and capturing market share through value-added products [5][6] - Tyson aims to strengthen its fundamentals by prioritizing efficiency, reducing costs, and introducing innovative products [6][7] - The company is committed to meeting growing global demand for protein while delivering value to customers and shareholders [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the chicken segment benefiting from changing consumer preferences and high beef prices in 2026 [7][26] - The company anticipates full-year sales growth of 2%-4% for 2026, with adjusted operating income expected between $2.1 billion and $2.3 billion [25][26] - Management acknowledged challenges in the beef segment due to tight cattle supplies and potential heifer retention impacting future supply [26][47] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in capital allocation, maintaining net leverage at 2.1 times and returning $893 million to shareholders through dividends and repurchases [24] - The recent launch of high-protein chicken cuts has achieved nationwide distribution, indicating strong consumer demand for convenient, protein-rich options [10][11] - The company plans to remove certain additives from its products by year-end, aligning with consumer preferences for healthier options [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on chicken segment for 2026 - Management indicated that the chicken segment is expected to perform well, with a guidance range of $1.25 billion to $1.5 billion in adjusted operating income, based on stable grain prices and improved execution [32][33] Question: Prepared foods performance and outlook - Management acknowledged that the prepared foods segment faced challenges due to rising commodity costs but remains optimistic about growth driven by operational excellence and innovation [39][40] Question: Beef segment challenges and cattle supply - Management discussed the impact of heifer retention and cattle supply on the beef segment, indicating a challenging environment for 2026 with expected adjusted operating income losses [46][47] Question: CAPEX guidance for 2026 - Management explained that the CAPEX range of $700 million to $1 billion reflects the pacing of current projects and timing of new initiatives, emphasizing a disciplined capital allocation approach [48][49] Question: Seasonal expectations for beef in Q1 2026 - Management noted that while there is good retail demand, volatility in cattle prices is expected, and operational performance remains strong [72][73]