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Tyson Foods 10-K 2008 Documents found in this filing:
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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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 29, 2008, the aggregate market value of the registrants 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 $4,549,610,751 and $341,230, 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 25, 2008, there were 307,609,035 shares of the registrant's Class A stock and 70,021,155 shares of its Class B stock outstanding. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 6, 2009, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
TYSON FOODS, INC. PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL Founded in 1935, Tyson Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Company, we, us or our) are the worlds 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 influencing 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 products; the cost of live cattle and hogs, raw materials and grain; and operating efficiencies of our facilities. We operate a fully vertically integrated poultry production process. Our integrated operations consist of breeding stock, contract growers, feed production, processing, further-processing, transporting and marketing chicken and related allied products, including animal and pet food ingredients. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cobb-Vantress, Inc. (Cobb), we are the largest poultry breeding stock supplier in the world, supplying Tyson as well as a number of other poultry production companies. Investing in breeding stock research and development allows us to breed into our flocks the 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 and fully-cooked meats. In addition, we derive value from allied products such as hides and variety meats sold 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 to national and regional grocery retailers, regional grocery wholesalers, meat distributors, warehouse club stores, military commissaries, industrial food processing companies, national and regional chain restaurants or their distributors, international export companies and domestic distributors who serve 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 poultry litter and animal fats. In June 2007, we announced a 50/50 joint venture with Syntroleum Corporation, called Dynamic Fuels LLC. Dynamic Fuels LLC will produce renewable synthetic fuels targeting the renewable diesel and jet fuel markets. Construction of production facilities is expected to continue through late 2009, with production targeted for early 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 18, Segment Reporting of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In the fourth quarter fiscal 2008, we began to manage and report the operating results and identifiable assets of our logistics operations in each segment. All periods in this report reflect the change. In prior period reports, logistics operations were managed and reported separately and included in Other. 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 and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. 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 fabricating 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, as well as logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. 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, related allied product processing activities and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. 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 a limited number of live swine to pork processors. TYSON FOODS, INC. Prepared Foods: Prepared Foods operations include manufacturing and marketing frozen and refrigerated food products, as well as logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. 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 are corn and soybean meal used as feed and 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, with advice from our technical service personnel, until the broilers reach the desired processing weight. Adult chickens are transported to processing plants, and finished products are sent to distribution centers, then delivered to customers. We operate our own feed mills to produce scientifically-formulated feeds. In fiscal 2008, corn and soybean meal were major production costs, representing roughly 47% 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 nearly all our 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, but 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 to secure a supply of livestock for daily start-up operations at our facilities. We believe the sources of supply of live cattle are adequate for our present 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. We believe the sources of supply of live hogs are adequate for our present needs. 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, 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. We believe the sources of supply of raw materials are adequate for our present needs. 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 13.3% of our fiscal 2008 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 2008 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. TYSON FOODS, INC. We seek to achieve a leading market position for our products via our principal marketing and competitive strategy, which includes:
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 90 countries in fiscal 2008. Major export markets include Canada, Central America, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan. We have the following international operations:
In October 2008, we purchased three poultry companies in southern Brazil, each vertically integrated. These companies include Macedo Agroindustrial, Avicola Itaiopolis and Frangobras. In June 2008, we executed a letter of intent to sell Lakeside Farm Industries (Lakeside), our Canadian beef operation. Lakeside has a cattle feeding facility, beef carcass production, a boxed beef processing facility, a farming operation and a fertilizer operation. The transaction remains subject to government approvals and the execution of a definitive agreement. Subject to receipt of applicable government approvals, we expect to be ready to close this transaction by the end of the first quarter fiscal 2009. The results of Lakeside are reported as a discontinued operation. We continue to explore growth opportunities in foreign countries. Additional information regarding export sales, long-lived assets located in foreign countries and income (loss) from foreign operations is set forth in Note 18, Segment Reporting of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT We conduct continuous research and development activities to improve product development, to automate manual processes in our processing plants and growout operations, and to improve 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. 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 safety and quality. 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. EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS As of October 31, 2008, excluding our Lakeside discontinued operation, we employed approximately 107,000 employees. Approximately 99,000 employees were employed in the United States and 8,000 employees were in foreign countries, primarily Mexico. Approximately 31,000 employees were subject to collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions, with approximately 10% of those employees included under agreements expiring in fiscal 2009. 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 our 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, with pricing terms that are either fixed or variable. Due to volatility of raw materials, fixed price contracts are generally limited to three months in duration. 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, Nominating 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. TYSON FOODS, INC. 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) successful rationalization of existing facilities and operating efficiencies of the facilities; (iv) risks associated with our commodity trading risk management activities; (v) access to foreign markets together with foreign economic conditions, including currency fluctuations, import/export restrictions and foreign politics; (vi) 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; (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, energy 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 47% of our cost of growing a chicken in fiscal 2008. 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 adversely 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 and energy policies of domestic and foreign governments. We have 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. 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:
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. TYSON FOODS, INC. 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 adversely impact our ability to conduct our operations and demand for our products. Demand for our products can be adversely impacted by outbreaks of livestock diseases, such as strains of avian influenza and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, 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. 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 2008, we exported to more than 90 countries. Major export markets include Canada, Central America, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan. Our export sales for fiscal 2008 totaled $3.2 billion. In addition, we had approximately $139 million of long-lived assets located in foreign countries, primarily Mexico, at the end of fiscal 2008. Approximately 22% of income from continuing operations before income taxes for fiscal 2008 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 financial results. We depend on the availability of, and good relations with, our employees. Excluding our Lakeside discontinued operation, we have approximately 107,000 employees, of whom approximately 31,000 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 financial 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 TYSON FOODS, INC. 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. 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 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 27, 2008, we had approximately $2.9 billion of indebtedness outstanding. We had a borrowing capacity of $1.5 billion, consisting of $709 million available under our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility and $750 million under our accounts receivable securitization facility at September 27, 2008. 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 adversely 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 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 margin growth rates and discount rates based on our budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and managements judgment in applying these factors. 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 or sustained 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 financial results 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 27, 2008, we had $2.5 billion of goodwill, which represented approximately 23.1% 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 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 FDA. Loss of or failure to obtain necessary permits and registrations could delay or prevent us from meeting current product demand, introducing new 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, such as recently enacted country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements. 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 TYSON FOODS, INC. sanctions, any of which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. A material acquisition, joint venture or other significant initiative could affect our operations and financial condition. We have recently completed acquisitions and joint venture agreements and 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 risks 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 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. The recent disruptions in credit and other financial markets and deterioration of national and global economic conditions, could, among other things:
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 sales 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 13.3% of our sales in fiscal 2008. 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. 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 financial results. 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. For example, in fiscal 2007, we announced the formation of Dynamic Fuels, 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 announced 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 2.31% of our outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.10 par value (Class A stock), giving them control of approximately 70% 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 familys 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. 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, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. TYSON FOODS, INC.
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 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 21: Contingencies, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference. Listed below are certain additional legal proceedings for which we are involved. 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 Cherokees. 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. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, restitution and compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount in excess of $10,000. We and the other defendants have denied liability and asserted various defenses. Defendants have requested a trial date, but the court has not yet scheduled the matter for trial. TYSON FOODS, INC. In 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 TFMs Dakota City, Nebraska, facility. TFM vigorously disputed these allegations. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of USEPA, recently requested that TFM enter into a tolling agreement concerning possible civil penalties and injunctive relief for Clean Water Act violations, which was executed in July 2008, and enter into negotiations with DOJ and USEPA regarding a potential settlement of this matter. Subsequently, the parties met to discuss the potential for settlement of the alleged violations and DOJ and USEPA demanded $5,500,000 in penalties. TFM disputes these allegations and is currently in negotiations to settle this matter. On January 9, 2003, we received a notice of liability letter from Union Pacific Railroad Company (Union Pacific) 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 United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma seeking more than $22 million to remediate the Double Eagle site. Certain Tyson entities joined a potentially responsible parties group on October 31, 2006. A settlement between the potentially responsible parties group, the United States, and the State of Oklahoma was reached and the Tyson entities paid $625,586 into escrow towards the settlement of the matter. In furtherance of finalizing the settlement, on June 20, 2008 the DOJ filed a complaint styled United States of America, et al. v. Albert Investment Co., Inc. et al. against numerous alleged responsible parties, including various Tyson entities (the Litigation). A proposed Consent Decree addressing all alleged liability of Tyson for the site was lodged on June 27, 2008. On August 15, 2008, Union Pacific submitted to the United States its Comments and Objections to the proposed Consent Decree. On October 10, 2008, Union Pacific initiated litigation to challenge the proposed Consent Decree by filing a Motion to intervene in the Litigation. It is unclear whether Union Pacific will be allowed to intervene in the Litigation. If the proposed Consent Decree is entered, the escrowed amount will be paid to the United States and the State of Oklahoma. 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. On July 14, 2008, we received a letter from the United States Attorney's office in the Western District of Arkansas, in which the DOJ and the DOL claimed that we willfully violated OSHA regulations resulting in the death of an employee, and that certain of our employees or agents, acting in the course of their employment, had made false statements to OSHA compliance officers. The letter also expressed concern that our agents may have withheld documents in the course of the OSHA investigation, thereby subjecting us to liability for obstruction of justice. On September 26, 2008, we entered into a tolling agreement with the United States Attorney's Office which suspended the running of the statute of limitations until January 9, 2009 for any legal action arising from the events that the federal government might initiate, either criminal or civil. TYSON FOODS, INC. 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 Courts dismissal decision and remanded the case for further proceedings. Discovery has been on-going since September 2004. In June 2005, the 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 Courts class certification decision. On February 13, 2008, the District Court granted the Companys and the individual defendants motions for summary judgment, dismissing the plaintiffs claims with prejudice. The plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration on February 28, 2008, that was denied by the District Court on April 22, 2008. The plaintiffs have filed with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals a petition for review of the District Courts granting of our summary judgment motion. The Stipulation to Dismiss the petition for review was entered on October 26, 2008, and all pending matters before the District Court have been withdrawn by the defendants. 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 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 are cooperating fully with these governmental authorities. We currently have pending thirteen (13) separate lawsuits alleging that Tyson falsely advertised chicken products as raised without antibiotics in violation of various state consumer protection statutes (Curtsail v. Tyson, .08CV01643 (D. Md.); Cohen v. Tyson, 4:08CV0366 (E.D. Ark.); Wright v. Tyson, 08CV3022 (D. N.J.); Wilson v. Tyson, 4:08CV0587 (E.D. Ark.); Gupton v. Tyson, 4:08CV0588 (E.D. Ark.); Kranish v. Tyson, 08CV01619 (D. Md.); Latimer v. Tyson, 4:08CV004051 (W.D. Ark.); Zukowosky v. Tyson, 4:08CV0584 (E,D, Ark.); Bickerd v. Tyson, 08CV1796 (D. Md.); Court v. Tyson, 08CV03592 (W.D. Wash.); Epstein v. Tyson, 08CV2800 (N.D. Cal.); Johnson v. Tyson, 08CV291 (D. Idaho); Mize v. Tyson, 08CV4051 (W.D. Ark.)) Plaintiffs in each of these cases seek to pursue claims on behalf of themselves and proposed classes of other similarly situated consumers. Plaintiffs in each of these cases seek compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount in excess of $5,000,000. Plaintiffs in two of these cases, Curtsail v. Tyson and Cohen v. Tyson, petitioned the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to transfer all of these actions to a single court for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1407. On October 17, 2008, the Judicial Panel granted the multidistrict litigation petitions and transferred the pending cases to the District of Maryland. A trial date has not been set. Between 2003 and 2005, eight lawsuits were brought against Tyson and several other poultry companies by approximately 140 plaintiffs in Washington County, Arkansas Circuit Court (Green v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., Bible v. Tyson Foods, Inc., Beal v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., McWhorter v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., McConnell v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., Carroll v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., Belew v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., and Gonzalez v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al.) alleging that the land application of poultry litter caused arsenic and pathogenic mold and fungi contamination of the air, soil and water in and around Prairie Grove, Arkansas. In addition to the poultry company defendants, plaintiffs sued Alpharma, the manufacturer of a feed ingredient containing an organic arsenic compound that has been used in the broiler industry. Plaintiffs are seeking recovery for several types of personal injuries, including several forms of cancer. On August 2, 2006, the Court granted summary judgment in favor of Tyson and the other poultry company defendants in the first case to go to trial and denied summary judgment as to Alpharma. The case was tried against Alpharma and the jury returned a verdict in favor of Alpharma. Plaintiffs appealed the summary judgment in favor of the poultry company defendants and the Court stayed the remaining seven lawsuits pending the appeal. On May 8, 2008, the Arkansas Supreme Court reversed the summary judgment in favor of the poultry company defendants. The first case will proceed to trial against the poultry company defendants in April 2009. Other Matters: We currently have approximately 107,000 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. 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:
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. 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 Monsantos Brazil business since 2001. Craig J. 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. Donnie D. King was appointed Group Vice President, Refrigerated and Deli in September 2008, after serving as Group Vice President, Poultry and Prepared Foods Operations since March 2007, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products Operations since March 2006 and Senior Vice President, Food Service Poultry Operations since September 2003. Mr. King was initially employed by the Company in 1982. Dennis Leatherby was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in June 2008 after serving as Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer since 1998. He also served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from July 2004 to June 2006. Mr. Leatherby was initially employed by the Company in 1990. 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 Hudson Foods in 1993. Hudson Foods was acquired by the Company in 1998. 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. Donnie Smith was appointed Group Vice President of Consumer Products in January 2008, after serving as Group Vice President of Logistics and Operations Services since April 2007, Senior Vice President Information Systems, Purchasing and Distribution since May 2006, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer since November 2005, and Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management since October 2001. Mr. Smith was initially employed by the Company in 1980. David L. Van Bebber was appointed Executive Vice President and General Counsel in May 2008, after serving as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel since September 2004 and Senior Vice President, Legal Services since November 2000. Mr. Van Bebber was initially employed by Lane Processing in 1982. Lane Processing was acquired by the Company in 1986. TYSON FOODS, INC. 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 25, 2008, there were approximately 34,000 holders of record of our Class A stock and 10 holders of record of our 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 2009. In both fiscal 2008 and 2007, 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 2008 and 2007 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.
TYSON FOODS, INC. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY We are the worlds largest meat 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, 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, cost of live cattle and hogs, raw materials and grain and operating efficiencies of our facilities. OVERVIEW
OUTLOOK The following elements comprise our long-term strategic plan:
Our outlook for segments in fiscal 2009 includes:
TYSON FOODS, INC. 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). In the fourth quarter fiscal 2008, we began to manage and report the operating results and identifiable assets of our logistics operations in the segment in which the product being moved relates. As a result, our operating segments now reflect logistics operations which were previously included in Other. All prior periods have been restated to reflect this change. Segment results exclude the results of our discontinued operation, Lakeside.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Our cash needs for working capital, capital expenditures and international growth are expected to be met with cash flows provided by operating activities, anticipated proceeds from the Lakeside sale, or short-term borrowings.
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.
Deterioration of Credit and Capital Markets Credit market conditions deteriorated rapidly during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and continue into our first quarter of fiscal 2009. Several major banks and financial institutions failed or were forced to seek assistance through distressed sales or emergency government measures. While not all-inclusive, the following summarizes some of the impacts to our business: Credit Facilities Cash flows from operating activities are our primary source of liquidity for funding debt service and capital expenditures. However, we rely on our revolving credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities to provide additional liquidity for working capital needs, letters of credit, and as a source of financing for international growth. Our revolving credit facility has total committed capacity of $1.0 billion. As of September 27, 2008, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $291 million, none of which were drawn upon, which left $709 million available for borrowing. Our revolving credit facility is funded by a syndicate of 35 banks, with commitments ranging from $5 million to $78 million per bank. If any of the banks in the syndicate were unable to perform on their commitments to fund the facility, our liquidity could be impaired, which could reduce our ability to fund working capital needs or finance our international growth strategy. Our accounts receivable securitization facility has $750 million of committed funding, of which the entire amount was available for borrowing as of September 27, 2008. Our accounts receivable securitization facility is funded by a syndicate of three banks, with a commitment of $250 million per bank. To date, all of the banks in the syndicate have continued to meet their commitments despite the recent market turmoil. If any of the banks in the syndicate were unable to perform on their commitments to fund the facility, our liquidity could be impaired, which could reduce our ability to fund working capital needs or finance our international growth strategy. We have borrowed against this facility subsequent to fiscal 2008 and all of the banks in the syndicate performed their obligations to fund these borrowings. TYSON FOODS, INC. Current market conditions have also resulted in higher credit spreads on long-term borrowings and significantly reduced demand for new corporate debt issuances. Equity Class A Common Stock Equity prices, including our own Class A Common Stock, have fallen and experienced abnormally high volatility during the current period. If these conditions persist, our cost of capital will increase significantly. Customers/Suppliers The financial condition of some of our customers and suppliers could also be impaired by current market conditions. Although we have not experienced a material increase in customer bad debts or non-performance by suppliers, current market conditions increase the probability that we could experience losses from customer or supplier defaults. Should current credit and capital market conditions result in a prolonged economic downturn in the United States and abroad, demand for protein products could be reduced, which could result in a reduction of sales, operating income and cash flows. Investments The value of our investments in equity and debt securities, including our marketable debt securities, company-owned life insurance and pension and other postretirement plan assets, has been negatively impacted by the recent market declines. These instruments were recorded at fair value as of September 27, 2008; however, subsequent to September 27, 2008, through November 1, 2008, we have seen an additional reduction in fair value of approximately $32 million. While we believe this reduction in fair value is temporary, if current market conditions continue, we could be required to recognize $10 million of expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The remaining change in fair value would be deferred in other comprehensive income unless determined to be permanently impaired. We currently oversee two domestic and one foreign subsidiary non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plans. All three pension plans are frozen to new participants and no additional benefits will accrue for participants. Based on our 2008 actuarial valuation, we anticipate contributions of approximately $1 million to these plans for fiscal 2009. We also have one domestic unfunded defined benefit plan. Based on our 2008 actuarial valuation, we anticipate contributions of approximately $1 million to this plan in fiscal 2009. Financial Instruments As part of our commodity risk management activities, we use derivative financial instruments, primarily futures and options, to reduce our exposure to various market risks related to commodity purchases. Similar to the capital markets, the commodities markets have seen a similar decline over the past several months. Grain prices reached an all-time high during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 before falling sharply to the current levels. While the reduction in grain prices benefit us long-term, we may be required to record additional losses related to these financial instruments in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 if grain prices remain lower than prices at the end of fiscal 2008. Insurance We rely on insurers as a protection against liability claims, property damage and various other risks. Our primary insurers maintain an A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A+ or better. Nevertheless, we continue to monitor this situation as insurers have been and are expected to continue to be impacted by the current capital market environment. TYSON FOODS, INC.
Credit Ratings 2016 Notes On July 24, 2006, Moodys Investors Services, Inc. (Moodys) downgraded the credit rating 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). Additionally, on July 31, 2006, Standard & Poors (S&P) downgraded the credit rating from BBB to BBB-. This downgrade did not change the interest rate on the 2016 Notes. On September 4, 2008, S&P downgraded the credit rating from BBB- to BB. This downgrade increased the interest rate on the 2016 Notes from 6.85% to 7.35%, effective beginning with the six month interest payment due October 1, 2008. On November 13, 2008, Moodys downgraded the credit rating from Ba1 to Ba3. This downgrade increased the interest rate on the 2016 Notes from 7.35% to 7.85%, effective beginning with the six month interest payment due April 1, 2009. S&P currently rates the 2016 Notes BB. Moodys currently rates this debt Ba3. A further one-notch downgrade by either ratings agency would increase the interest rates on the 2016 Notes by an additional 0.25% per ratings agency. Revolving Credit Facility Rating After an upgrade on October 1, 2008, S&Ps credit rating for the revolving credit facility is BBB-. After a downgrade on November 13, 2008, Moodys credit rating is Ba2. The pretax impact to earnings of another downgrade would not be material to annual interest expense. However, if Moodys were to downgrade this facility to Ba3 or below, or if S&P were to downgrade this facility to BB- or below, then the banks participating in our accounts receivable securitization facility could refuse to purchase any additional receivables from us and the accounts receivable securitization facility could unwind with any amounts outstanding under the facility repaid as the receivables owned by Tyson Receivables Company, our wholly-owned consolidated special purpose entity, are collected. 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. On September 10, 2008, we amended our revolving credit facility agreement to provide a less restrictive maximum allowed leverage ratio, which takes effect in first quarter of fiscal 2009. All trademarks of our domestic subsidiaries are pledged as collateral under the revolving credit facility. Additionally, certain domestic subsidiaries guaranteed this facility and pledged inventory as collateral. We were in compliance with all covenants at September 27, 2008. Based on the current industry outlook and our internal forecasts, we anticipate we will be in compliance with our debt covenants throughout fiscal 2009. However, our Chicken segment in the first part of fiscal 2009 will be negatively impacted by difficult export markets and long grain positions that could negatively impact our covenant compliance. 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 9, Commitments of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of September 27, 2008:


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By Geneva Sands - 09/25/12 08:42 PM EDT
In the ad, the former Republican governor of New Mexico, who is running as a third-party candidate, yells at the political zombies outside the New Hampshire State House, attempting to wake them from their zombie daze.
The more than one-minute long video features people dressed up in blue and red, bumping into each other and acting like zombies. Johnson reaches out a hand to one of the zombies at the end of his monologue as the video dissolves into a picture of the sun.
"With time running out, will you choose to pull yourself out of the zombie mindset? This November don't throw your vote away supporting the status quo. Vote Libertarian. Vote for freedom," a narrator says.
Libertarian activists, Occupy Wall Street supporters and zombie enthusiasts participated in the filming of the ad on Sept. 19 with Johnson, the Concord Patch reported.
"This is fun, this is fun," Johnson said during filming, according to Patch.
Local Libertarian Party activists told Reason.com that the state party was involved in producing the video.
"Not paid for by any candidate or committee," says the text at the end of the video.
Johnson dropped his bid for the Republican presidential nomination late last year to run as a libertarian. He became the official third-party nominee in May and became eligible for federal matching funds in June.
Obama ad: Romney '47 percent' remark attacked 'hard-working people'
Romney: 'I will not allow' China's cheating to continue

subset: commoncrawl


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Area Business News
A Gloucester Point-based environmental consulting business recently expanded to a full-time operation.
The Wild Rabbit Café, a popular restaurant on Main Street in Gloucester village, is now under new ownership.
Dennis Schreiber of Gloucester has designed a custom boat for which he received a patent. The boat is being built for a local oyster gardener.
3 Guys Auto Sales, located on Route 17, Ordinary, has made two recent staff changes.
Harris & Co. Auction House opened for business Oct. 1 on Route 17, Gloucester Point.
Hayes optometrist took some time to speak about a relatively unknown procedure patients can choose as an alternative to daily contact lens wear.
Northern Neck Seamless Gutters, Inc., opened a branch office in early December on Route 17, across from Bill Hudgins Pontiac-GMC, south of the Gloucester village.
River's Inn, an upscale restaurant located at York River Yacht Haven, Gloucester Point, will close at the end of this month.
Marsha L. Weatherwax has purchased the Gloucester Insurance Agency and has named the new business Weatherwax Insurance Agency.
The ReStore, a project of the Habitat for Humanity of Gloucester-Mathews, has trimmed its hours to the public to only one day a week—Saturday—at this time because of a lack of inventory.


text:
Dr. Carolyn Theresa Torrillo DO
Is this you? Claim profile
Dr. Carolyn Theresa Torrillo DO is a female Anesthesiologist, has 17 years of experience and practices in Anesthesiology.
1000 NE 56th St
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Phone Number
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A medical license is required for a doctor to practice medicine in a particular state. Requirements vary by state but most require, at a minimum, post-graduate training in the doctor's specific specialty. An NPI number is a national identifier unique to an individual health care provider and is managed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Learn more about Dr. Carolyn Torrillo:
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Patient Reviews
The overall average patient rating of Dr. Carolyn Torrillo is Excellent.
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Education & Awards
Dr. Torrillo graduated from Nova Southeastern University , Davie.
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Dr. Torrillo has 8 hospital affiliations:
- Mariners Hospital
- Northwest Medical Center (on staff)
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- Where does Dr. Carolyn T. Torrillo practice?
Dr. Carolyn Torrillo practices Anesthesiology near Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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...researchers from the historically Transylvanian city of Romania, called Cluj-Napoca, announced the first-ever artificial blood that could be used without fearing life-threatening side effects of prior models. The new artificial blood relies not on hemoglobin, like typical artificial bloods, but hemerythrin — a protein extracted from sea worms that is then mixed with water and salts.
See more at Medical Dailly


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He was trading on a Black Country retail park
Drivers are being told to be careful
It has been at the same site since 1963
He says budget cuts could cost lives
He'll spend Christmas in prison
More officers are going to be recruited
People will have to work until they are 68 years old before receiving a state pension from the mid 2030s, in a move that will raise around £400bn for the Treasury.
Cancer patients in Britain and Ireland are far less likely to survive the disease than people in most other European countries, according to new research.
One of the men accused of killing soldier Lee Rigby told police it gives him "little joy to approach anybody and slay them", a court has heard.
Britney Spears has been given a lavish welcome as she prepares for her $30m (£18m) two-year residency in Las Vegas.
Joseph Whelan was at Birmingham Children's Hospital
The Hot Right Now singer, 23, will play the sister of the male star of the story, Christian Grey.
Beyoncé beats Kim Kardashian as most searched for celebrity.
Justin Bieber goes shirtless, in racy "All That Matters" Video.
Fast and Furious co-star Vin Diesel was among the first to react after Walker's death on Saturday night.
The girls will embark on a 14-date outing in support of new album 'Salute'.
Filming for a sequel to the Inbetweeners movie is to start in Australia this month, it has been confirmed.
After four years as the world's sexiest man, Twilight star Robert Pattinson has been toppled from the top spot.
Breaking Bad, Homeland and Game Of Thrones have all inspired British mums and dads to name their newborns after characters in the hit US TV shows.
Tom Daley has revealed he is in a gay relationship.
Dappy, the rapper from chart-topping group N-Dubz, has spent a night in hospital after apparently being kicked by a horse.
Bryan Oviedo fired Everton to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, their first Premier League success at Old Trafford in 21 attempts.
Luis Suarez hit a spectacular four goals to create history as Liverpool beat Norwich 5-1 at Anfield.
Nicklas Bendtner proved Arsenal's unlikely hero as the Dane notched an early strike to set the Premier League leaders on their way to victory over Hull City.
The Formula One season will stay at 19 races for 2014 after New Jersey, Mexico and South Korea as expected all failed to make the final calendar cut.
Gerard Butler's response to the news he has been disqualified from racing for five years is expected to be revealed today.
A woman run over and trapped under a car in China was rescued by good samaritans who lifted the vehicle off her.
A sea eagle snatched a video camera recording crocodiles in northwest Australia and captured footage of its 70-mile (110km) flight.
Parts of the UK have been told to expect some of the worst weather conditions for 30 years as a combination of gale force winds and large waves threaten to bring "severe" flooding.
Nigella Lawson has admitted she has used cocaine several times, but claimed her ex-husband has spread "false allegations" about drug abuse to ruin her reputation.
Most of America's feature-length silent films have been lost because of decay and neglect over the past 100 years, according to a study.


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A collection of news and information related to UCLA Bruins published by this site and its partners.
Top UCLA Bruins Articles
Displaying items 78-88
Loyola athletes engage in an Ultimate Frisbee competition
Mora signs new 6-year deal to stay at UCLA
Story | Dec 3, 2013 | 3:48 PMThe Sports Xchange Mora signs new 6-year deal to stay at UCLA UCLA coach Jim Mora signed a new six-year contract to stay with the Bruins, the school announced Tuesday, a day after there were reports he was interested in the open position at Washington.... -
RB Carey carrying Arizona with another record run
Story | Dec 3, 2013 | 10:34 AMThe Sports Xchange RB Carey carrying Arizona with another record run TUCSON, Ariz. -- Running back Ka'Deem Carey is one of a kind. The junior became the first player from the University of Arizona to earn conference Offensive Player of the Year... -
Larry Stone: Will Mora make the move?
Story | Dec 2, 2013 | 7:35 PMSEATTLE Jim Mora is a man of unbridled passion and, at times, impulse. He comes by it naturally, as anyone who has seen his father's famous podium tirades ("Playoffs? Playoffs?") already knows. The younger Mora has spent his whole life bleeding Husky... -
UCLA's Myles Jack is chosen Pac-12 freshman of the year — twice over
Story | Dec 3, 2013 | 2:30 AM--------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- By J. McCarthy --------------------------------------- Edmonton is 16-35 its last 51 home games. The Oilers are 15-41 in their last 56 games vs. a team with a winning... -
As the L.A. sports world turns, we watch the young and the restless
UCLA plays host to UC Santa Barbara in men's basketball on Tuesday
UCLA can act like it has an elite football program by keeping Jim Mora
Bud Withers: After moderate success, another Sarkisian surprise
Story | Dec 2, 2013 | 5:20 PMSEATTLE On a Thursday night in the first week of December in 2008, the news broke that the University of Washington had made a surprise choice for its new football coach: Steve Sarkisian. Monday morning, news crackled again, that Sarkisian is on his... -
UCLA's Jim Mora might be pursued by Washington for vacant coaching job


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...ed despite herself. How ironic, usually she was the sleepy/groggy one. Then she remembered Sango had moved closer and her mind went blank. All she could do was look deeply into Sango's eyes.Sango was starting to worry about her friend, her best friend; she put her hands on Kagome's shoulders, holding her at arms length. "Kagome what's wrong?""I….I…" Kagome stammered, tears brimming eyes. She didn't understand what was going over her. She felt as though everything had liquefied into a pool of warm water when Sango's hot hands touched her bare shoulders, only being clad in shorts and a spaghetti strap shirt.She leaned forward into Sango's arms, pressing the side of her head against Sango's collarbone. She wrapped her arms around Sango's waist, breathing heavily and closing her eyes.Sango cradled Kagome in her arms, enjoying the sensation of feeling Kagome's body against her own. All she wore was a large t-shirt Kagome had given her as her naked legs rubs against Kagome's. What are these feelings? And more importantly, why am I not puling back? But something kept her from moving away, because she knew it was ri...
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NAND flash, combo radio device in 5s notable
Keywords:smartphone tablets acquisitions
[Summary of tips] TechInsights points out significant changes to the NAND flash and combo radio connectivity solution in the iPhone 5s. A separate teardown by Chipworks delves into the M7 sensor from NXP Semiconductor. Apple's iPhone 5s release on Friday is a classic example of systematic incremental engineering. Many of the electrical component......Please login or register with us to view this article>>
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Member Reviews
We had long talked about booking a cruise, and spent a lot of time researching the different options and itineraries. As we have stayed with Regent Hotels before and we ... by Piersgrace
Regent market their all inclusive Regent experience as including a pre cruise "luxury" hotel stay although I believe that this will be limited to the more ... by John117
It only took about 2 hours on the Voyager, before we even sailed, for DH and me to decide it would be hard to go back to "main stream" cruise lines. We loved ... by jklc123
Onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), now owned by Prestige Cruise Holdings (which also operates sister line Oceania Cruises), is a luxury line that balances traditional onboard ambience and contemporary features and amenities. One of the most value-oriented cruise lines in the business, RSSC is uniquely inclusive; its cruise fares cover pre- and post-cruise tours, as well as hotel stays, gratuities, shore excursions and beverages, from liquor to soda.This inclusivity has an interesting effect on the onboard ambience of the three-ship fleet of Mariner, Voyager and Navigator. (A fourth ship, 738-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, is under construction and is slated to launch in summer 2016.) Because passengers travel together (whether on their voyage's pre-cruise land portion or on the vast menu of "free" shore excursions), there's a lot of bonding on the typical Regent Seven Seas cruise. That results in a wonderfully social ambience onboard, and people get friendlier and friendlier as the trip proceeds. While some facets of the RSSC experience are quite traditional (passengers typically dress elegantly for dinner, whatever the dress code, and entertainment tends toward karaoke, trivia and Broadway-esque performances), the ship itself offers a relaxed luxury experience. Each ship's four restaurants operate on all-open-seating dining policy, from the main restaurant venue to Prime 7, the ultra-popular steakhouse, and from Signature, a haute French place, to the delightful Italian-influenced Sette Mare. Food and service are superb and choices, on any menu, are plentiful. House wines, of a higher quality than we've seen on other luxury lines that offer free drinks, are poured at lunch and dinner, and other liquor-based drinks are poured on a complimentary basis throughout the ship. Regent Seven Seas offers all-suite accommodations (on Mariner, Voyager and the upcoming Explorer, all suites have private balconies), and they're among the most spacious in the luxury sector. Regent's new parent company has invested in the cruise line, notably adding a Canyon Ranch Spa Club to operate its small spas and gyms, a new concierge-level accommodation category with additional perks, and a combination of "free" and extra-fee shore excursions. About Regent Seven Seas Cruises Luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which is based in Miami, was formed in 1992 as a result of the merger between two one-ship lines -- Radisson Cruises and Seven Seas Cruises. The former contributed the Radisson Diamond, the industry's only twin-hulled ship, and the latter operated Song of Flower. (Both have since been retired from the fleet.)Since the late 1990's, the line has grown steadily, adding Paul Gauguin in 1997, Seven Seas Navigator in 1999 and Seven Seas Mariner (the world's first all-suite, all-balcony ship) in 2001. Seven Seas Voyager, the line's second all-suite, all-balcony ship, entered service in April 2003. (Paul Gauguin's Tahiti-based cruises are now operated by another line, Paul Gauguin Cruises.) In 2006, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises underwent another name change to become Regent Seven Seas Cruises. During this time, the cruise line was owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, one of the travel industry's largest hospitality companies. But in late fall 2007, New York-based Apollo Management, L.P., signed an agreement to acquire Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The deal closed in winter 2008. Changes in Regent Seven Seas Cruises' ownership haven't affected passengers too much. Still, more significant evolutionary features have indeed taken place. For one, the fleet of three ships has received major upgrades that have included the addition of wireless capabilities (and improved computer connections, though it's still slower than it should be) and new bedding, featuring down comforters and Egyptian cotton linens. Staterooms also gotten flat-screen televisions, DVD players and new clocks. Higher-end suites received iPod music systems (with Bose speakers) and free-to-borrow iPads, as well. Additionally, cell phone access is available even at sea. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Fleet Historically, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has had ships with vastly differing architecture and style, while still maintaining a consistency in programs and services. The fleet is much more homogenized, though, now that Radisson Diamond and Paul Gauguin have left. Under its Prestige management, great effort has been made to provide more consistency across the three-ship fleet.Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager offer slightly different interpretations of a floating luxury resort, but the emphasis is on "slightly." Fellow Passengers While the age range encompasses couples from the mid-30's to 80's, Regent Seven Seas Cruises primarily attracts professional and retired couples, ages 60-plus, who are affluent and seasoned travelers. The line, which traditionally is marketed to North Americans, has begun to court travelers from other parts of the world, including the U.K., Spain, Japan, France, Portugal and Brazil, among other places.The itinerary of the ship tends to drive the age and activity level of individual sailings -- so seven-night Mediterranean voyages attract a slightly younger, more active demographic than lengthier cruises, which are more appealing to its core audience. (You can easily find more than 50 percent of passengers are Regent repeaters on cruises of more than 14 nights.) |


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DePauw University in Indiana said yesterday that it had received $128 million in stocks, one of the largest gifts bestowed on an American university, from the estate of two former students who never graduated from DePauw.
The donors, Philip Holton and Ruth Clark, met at DePauw in 1925 as members of the class of 1929, but left two years later.
Mr. Holton transferred to the University of Illinois because it had an engineering program that DePauw lacked, and Miss Clark dropped out to be with him.
They were married in 1930 and, DePauw's president, Robert Bottoms, said, always felt a strong connection to the university.
Mr. Holton went on to become president and chief executive of the Inland Container Corporation, a corrugated box company in Indianapolis, in 1963, before becoming its vice chairman in 1970. He retired in 1975.
It was around this time that Mr. Holton first began writing an annual letter to the university, expressing a desire to create scholarships for Midwestern students with a small trust that he intended to leave to DePauw after he and his wife died, Dr. Bottoms said.