Core Insights - Tyson Foods reported mixed results for its fourth quarter, with sales of $13.86 billion, falling short of Wall Street's estimate of $14.11 billion, but adjusted earnings exceeded expectations at $1.15 per share compared to the forecast of 84 cents [1][2] Sales Performance - Chicken sales increased by nearly 4% year-over-year, rising from $4.251 billion to $4.411 billion, with projections for further growth of 2% to 4% in fiscal year 2026 [2] - The beef segment faced challenges, with an adjusted operating loss of $94 million last quarter, and anticipated losses between $400 million and $600 million for fiscal 2026 due to declining domestic production [2][3] Market Trends - Tyson sold 8.4% fewer pounds of beef in the quarter, despite a 17% increase in prices, attributed to rising cattle costs which increased by nearly $2 billion compared to the previous year [3] - The USDA estimates a 3% decline in domestic pork production and a 2% decline in beef production for fiscal 2026, while chicken production is expected to rise by 1% [3] Price Dynamics - The price of ground beef has surged by 51% from February 2020 to September 2025, with a 12% increase noted from September 2024 to September 2025 [5]