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Why You Should Hold onto Tyson Foods' (TSN) Stock in 2017

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Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN - Free Report) shares have shown a promising gain of 17.3% so far this year, outperforming the Zacks categorized Food-Meat Products industry which has witnessed a meager gain of 1.3% in the same time frame. Tyson Foods has an average earnings surprise of 8.5% in the trailing four quarters, and its earnings is anticipated to grow by 10.5% in upcoming fiscal 2017. Although the meat processor is facing soft results in the Beef, Chicken and Prepared Foods segment, these headwinds are transitory in nature and still keeps space for this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company to rebound in the long run.  Consistent product innovation, brand enhancing activities and adaptation to changing demand of consumers are likely to help the company stay in the growth trajectory in 2017.

 

 

The company has announced that it has made a promising start to fiscal 2017, driven by the strong performance of its Core 9 categories and foodservice top-tier offerings, which continue to outperform the industry. In a recent investor conference, management stated that the chicken and prepared foods margins have returned to their normalized levels of 9–11%. This turnaround was backed by a 2% gain in chicken supply as predicted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as constant input cost. Tyson Foods believes that the chicken segment will once again be at/or above the upper end of the normalized range in fiscal 2017.

Further, the Springdale Ark. based meat processor company carries a VGM Score of ‘A’ and has an expected earnings growth of 11%.

Investment in Non Meat Substitutes Expected to Yield Profit

Tyson Foods’ strategy of adapting itself to changing consumer demand is expected to aid it sustain share in the food-meat industry. This is evident from the company’s initiative of setting up a venture capital fund worth $150 million to invest in companies that develop meat substitutes, in order to adapt and cater to the growing demand. Notably, the meat processor recently bought a 5% stake in a plant-based protein producer, Beyond Meat. Management has marked this takeover as its first step toward upping the ante for investment in meat substitutes.

The company’s endeavor to expand its portfolio to include meat substitutes is commendable as it is a growing category. A recent study has shown that per capita consumption of meat, particularly high-protein red meat, has witnessed a decline in the developed countries over the years. Increasing health consciousness of the people, change in dietary plans and risk of outbreak of animal diseases are leading to low consumption of meat products. Amid this scenario, the meat substitute market is expected to witness substantial growth.

The Zacks Rank #3 company has been witnessing soft results in the Beef, Chicken and Prepared Foods segment. Lower cattle supply and higher fed cattle costs have been responsible for the sluggishness in the segment. The chicken segment too is facing several transitory headwinds of late. However, these headwinds are transitory in nature and the company might be able to steer clear of these difficulties with its recent endeavors.

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks in the broader consumer staples sector include Sysco Corporation (SYY - Free Report) , Omega Protein Foods Company and Pinnacle Foods Company all carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Sysco Corporation has an expected earnings growth of 8.6%. Omega Protein has an expected earnings growth rate of 8%, while Pinnacle Foods has a long-term growth rate of 6.5%.

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