The largest meat processor in the United States faced its slowest sales growth in nine years.
Tyson Foods' shares fell significantly this week after the company reported lower profits than expected this quarter. The meat-producing giant also cut its first-year profit forecast after reporting the slowest sales growth in nine years. "Our beef business suffered from export market disruptions that had an $84 million impact on third-quarter results," Tyson president and CEO Donnie Smith said, "and we continue to see very high cattle costs at a time when product values and export issues are making it difficult to realize expected revenue levels." Tyson's animal-rights record is far from great, as last month's undercover investigation conducted by Mercy For Animals found. Chickens at a Tyson contract farm were reportedly kicked, clubbed, and thrown while not receiving adequate veterinary care or proper access to food and water.