Nov 18, 2004 11:05 AM, from staff and wire reports

Tyson Foods Inc reported fiscal fourth-quarter 2004 sales of $7.1 billion, compared with $6.6 billion for the same period a year ago. Operating income for the Springdale AR-based meat producer totaled $178 million versus $308 million a year earlier, and net income was $66 million, in contrast to $147 million for the same period in 2003.

Sales for the 12 months of fiscal 2004 were $26.4 billion, compared with $24.5 billion for the same period a year ago—an increase of 8%. Operating income for the 12 months of fiscal 2004 was $925 million versus $837 million and net income was $403 million, compared with $337 million for the same period a year earlier.