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56-434: In 1933, Witt Stephens founded W.R. Stephens Investments to trade Arkansas Highway bonds, which at the time were selling for as low as pennies on the dollar. By the time the bonds paid off at par in the early 1940s, Stephens had gained a reputation for municipal bond expertise and providing sound financial counseling. In 1946, upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy , Jackson T. "Jack" Stephens joined his brother, and, with

112-547: A 47% growth, the Private Client Group has grown 66%, the Research Department has experienced a 71% growth, and Investment Banking has grown 95%. Stephens Insurance, an affiliate of Stephens Inc., has grown more than six times since the 2006 acquisition. Stephens Private Equity Group, known as Stephens Capital Partners, continued to find excellent opportunities in the 2000s as well. Three of their investments include

168-449: A DC-9. The airline was liquidated in early 1971, with Southwest Airlines hiring the entire pilot corps to speed its launch later that year. In 1970, Stephens Inc., along with White Weld & Co. , raised $ 4.95 million in an IPO for a small Arkansas-based discount retailer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc ., owned by Sam Walton and his family. The capital, and subsequently raised capital, helped to fund Wal-Mart's rise from $ 32 million in sales to

224-490: A SmartWay Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency , recognizing "top shipping (retailers and manufacturers) and logistics company partners for superior environmental performance". In 2020, it was reported that Tyson Foods uses 4.89 million acres of land for soybeans and 5.2 billion acres of corn for providing feed for their 6 million cows, 22 million hogs, and 2 billion chickens. A study by

280-536: A coalition of companies working to limit carbon emissions based on the goals of the Paris Agreement . According to Tyson's 2019 Sustainability Report, the company was on track to meet most of its sustainability goals and had decreased water use by 6.8 percent since 2015. Tyson Foods joined the United Nations Global Compact in 2019, and the report also states that the company has goals similar to

336-558: A controlling interest in the Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company. In 1948, Stephens sold Sheridan Telephone Exchange to Allied Telephone Company, which later became Alltel , beginning a decades-long relationship that in part continues today. In 1956, Jack Stephens was named president and CEO of Stephens Inc. and Witt left the firm to become president and chairman of Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company, while both retained their 50-50 share of Stephens Inc. Witt returned to Stephens in

392-535: A dozen others. In Newsweek 's 2017 "green ranking", an environmental performance assessment of the largest public companies , Tyson Foods ranked number 223 in the U.S. and number 312 in the world. Tyson Foods worked with the World Resources Institute to set a goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2030. The plan was accepted by the Science Based Targets initiative,

448-487: A handshake, the two brothers formed Stephens, Inc., and a partnership that lasted more than 45 years. The two brothers quickly began a series of acquisitions that would become a catalyst for the firm's growth and future. In 1945, Stephens purchased Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Company in Fort Smith, Arkansas , and in 1953, acquired what is now Stephens Production, an independent oil and gas exploration company. In 1954, they purchased

504-546: A minority ownership interest, were key financial backers and fundraisers for Bill Clinton and the Democratic Party during his presidential election in 1992. Tyson Foods Tyson Foods, Inc. is an American multinational corporation based in Springdale, Arkansas that operates in the food industry . The company is the world's second-largest processor and marketer of chicken , beef , and pork after JBS S.A. It

560-475: A number of controversies related to the environment, animal welfare, and the welfare of their own employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic , Tyson Foods was accused by some employees of failing to implement certain recommended protections, including physical distancing measures, plexiglass barriers and wearing of face masks. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the company, alleging gross and willful negligence for

616-492: A smart investment banker, but as a loyal and reliable friend as well. Jack's influence grew well beyond Arkansas to the boardrooms of corporate America and to the halls of Washington D.C.; his opinions were constantly sought by investors, CEOs and politicians. Many of Stephens's private investments were quite successful. In the late 1960s, anticipating the coming revolution in bank data processing, Jack Stephens deployed excess computing capacity at Union Life Insurance Company, which

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672-526: A sustainable way. The company also announced in July 2015 that it had reduced the use of human antibiotics in their chicken by more than 84 percent since 2011. In 2023, Tyson announced an investment in Protix , a company which raises insects to feed to pets and to non-human animals intended for human consumption. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated millions of dollars in cash to help non-profit organizations across

728-521: A vast supply of animal fats. In late 2006, the company created a business unit called Tyson Renewable Energy to examine ways of commercializing the use of this leftover material by converting it into biofuels. The unit also examined the potential use of poultry litter to generate energy and other products. Tyson's 2010 Sustainability Report said that it had reduced water use by 7.6 percent between October 2004 and 2009, and reduced wastewater related permit exceedances by 5.4 percent during 2007–2009. However,

784-494: Is responsible for 6 million cows, which burp methane and release approximately 1.2 billion pounds of methane a year. Tyson also raises chickens and pigs, but they have a much smaller effect on the environment. The main greenhouse gas emissions that come from them are in their manure and are very minuscule compared to those of cows. Tyson has made strides to prevent animal waste being sent to landfills, as 6 of their plants have reached gold status, which means 95-99 percent of their waste

840-536: Is the largest meat company in America. It annually exports the largest percentage of beef out of the United States. Together with its subsidiaries, it operates major food brands, including Jimmy Dean , Hillshire Farm , Ball Park , Wright Brand , Aidells, and State Fair. Tyson Foods ranked No. 79 in the 2020 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue. Tyson Foods has been involved in

896-509: Is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the global food industry. According to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy , Tyson is among the largest single sources of greenhouse gases in the world, when the whole process of rearing animals for slaughter (such as producing feed for the animals and using agriculture chemicals) is considered. Tyson has been involved in several lawsuits related to air and water pollution. In June 2003,

952-486: Is their beef production plant in Dakota City , Nebraska. Other plants include feed mills, hatcheries, farms and tanneries. In 2019, the company entered the plant protein category with their Raised & Rooted brand. The brand initially included vegetarian nuggets as well as burgers with a blend of beef and pea protein , then expanded to include tenders. In 2020 Tyson discontinued the burger and removed egg whites from

1008-645: The Las Vegas Review-Journal and daily and weekly papers. In 2006, Warren Stephens acquired 100% of Stephens Inc. A little over a year later, the global economic crisis, triggered by the meltdown of the housing markets, severely impacted financial markets and posed a grave threat to all financial institutions. Having avoided the over leveraging that brought down other investment firms, Stephens remained sound and continued to grow during this period. Since its acquisition by Warren, Stephens Inc. has grown substantially. The Public Finance Department has experienced

1064-653: The Environmental Defense Fund to help farmers reduce nitrogen and erosion across 2 million acres of corn fields in the Midwestern United States and Pennsylvania. The same year, a Tyson building in Springdale, Arkansas , won a LEED silver certification for environmentally friendly design. As of January 2020, Tyson Foods' land stewardship and sustainable farming program had enrolled approximately 400,000 acres of corn, and planned to support improved environmental practices on 2 million acres of corn by

1120-471: The Union of Concerned Scientists in 2018 found that only 5% (408,000 acres) of their land has been enrolled in sustainable practices. This is set to change though as Tyson sets their net zero gas house emissions by 2050. The farm land and fertilizer also have an effect on the environment as potent nitrous oxide is being released. For every one of Tyson's 10.1 million acres, fertilizer is being used which can increase

1176-523: The United Nations ' Sustainable Development Goals . Environmental groups have blamed Tyson for polluting the Illinois River with poultry litter . A company spokesperson said the litter belongs to independent contract farmers and not to Tyson. To address the problem of poultry litter in watersheds, Tyson and four other poultry companies formed the non-profit organization BMPs in 2004. Tyson says that

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1232-822: The "blended products" line called Raised and Rooted , which featured a combination of animal and plant based ingredients. This line includes a burger that is produced from a combination of beef and pea protein isolate. In early 2018, Tyson, through its venture capital arm Tyson Ventures, funded clean meat (cultured meat) research with an investment in California-based Memphis Meats . The same year, Tyson Ventures also invested $ 2.2 million in Israel-based clean meat company Future Meat . Former CEO Tom Hayes said that Tyson's investments in clean meat and meat alternatives "might seem counterintuitive", but they are part of an effort to meet future consumer demand in

1288-513: The Arkansas-based Worthen Bank , Tyson Foods , Wal-Mart , and Alltel . Stephens was the father of Jackson Thomas Stephens Jr and Warren Stephens . Stephens and his wife, Mary Anne, were such outspoken backers of Republican causes, and in particular of President Ronald Reagan , that in the early 1980s they were known as "Mr. and Mrs. Republican of Arkansas." In a rare interview in the early 1980s, Jackson declared that Reagan

1344-591: The Depression. Stephens attended the United States Naval Academy , where he met and became friends with a midshipman from Georgia named Jimmy Carter . Upon graduating he joined the Little Rock investment house Stephens Inc., which his brother W. R. "Witt" Stephens had started in 1933. By 1994 Stephens, Inc., was listed as one of the biggest institutional shareholders in thirty large multinationals including

1400-772: The Midwest and South, with 16 locations in Arkansas, 11 in Texas, 9 in Iowa, and the remainder mostly in the eastern U.S., including Tennessee. Tyson produces about one-fifth of the beef, chicken, and pork sold in the United States. It is one of the largest U.S. marketers of chicken, beef and pork to retail grocers, broad line foodservice distributors and national fast food and full-service restaurant chains; fresh beef and pork; frozen and fully cooked chicken, beef and pork products; case-ready beef and pork; supermarket deli chicken products; meat toppings for

1456-644: The Sedalia plant. At the same time, Tyson also settled a case filed by the Missouri attorney general's office related to the same illegal dumping. In 2002, three residents of Western Kentucky , together with the Sierra Club , filed a lawsuit concerning the discharge of dangerous quantities of ammonia from Tyson's Western Kentucky factories. Tyson settled the suit in January 2005, agreeing to spend $ 500,000 to mitigate and monitor

1512-529: The acquisition of American Proteins, Inc. and AMPRO Products, Inc. for approximately $ 850 million. On June 1, 2018, Tyson announced that it would sell the Sara Lee, Van's, Chef Pierre and Bistro Collection brands to Kohlberg & Company . The sale was completed on August 1. What is now known as Sara Lee Frozen Bakery will be based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois . In mid-2018, Tyson Foods agreed to acquire

1568-558: The acquisition on November 30, 2018. On February 7, 2019, Tyson Foods reached an agreement to acquire the European and Thai businesses of Brazilian food company BRF . The acquisition was completed on June 3, 2019. On January 10, 2020, Tyson Foods announced that it sold its Golden Island jerky business to Jack Link's . On May 15, 2021, Tyson Foods announced that it was selling its pet treats business, including True Chews, Nudges and Top Chews, to General Mills for $ 1.2 billion. The sale

1624-499: The ammonia levels. In 2004, Tyson was one of six poultry companies to pay a $ 7.3 million settlement fee to the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to settle charges that the use of chicken waste as fertilizer had created phosphorus pollution in Tulsa's main drinking water sources. In 2005, Tyson settled a $ 500,000 lawsuit related to air pollution in Kentucky. Tyson's processing plants generate

1680-589: The communities along the Gulf of Mexico after the April 20, 2010, oil spill. Tyson has supported "Little Free Pantries," and has partnered with the Chicago Urban League for educational programs on misconceptions about SNAP (food stamp) benefits. Tyson "pledged to invest $ 50 million by 2020 in various efforts to fight food insecurity" in 2015. The company exceeded that goal, with contributions of over $ 60 million to start

1736-559: The company admitted to illegally dumping untreated wastewater from its poultry processing plant near Sedalia, Missouri , from 1998 to 2001. The company pleaded guilty to 20 felony violations of the federal Clean Water Act . According to a Department of Justice attorney, the dumping had continued even after the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched

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1792-531: The company announced a $ 6.13 billion cash offer to acquire all the shares in Hillshire Brands , two days after a $ 6.4 billion cash and shares bid for Hillshire by Pilgrim's Corp . In June 2014, Tyson won the bidding war against Pilgrim's Pride, agreeing to buy the maker of Jimmy Dean sausage and Ball Park hot dogs for $ 8.5 billion. On July 28, 2014, the company said it would sell its Mexican and Brazilian poultry businesses to JBS S.A. for $ 575 million and use

1848-412: The company cut 145 million truck miles via lightweight equipment purchases, packaging improvements, and use of rail transport . In 2013, Tyson paid nearly $ 4 million in fines due to eight separate incidents between 2006 and 2010 where it accidentally released anhydrous ammonia, an extremely hazardous substance which causes chemical-type burns. These releases killed at least one worker and injured nearly

1904-408: The company reported a 51.9 percent increase in violation notices related to wastewater, storm water, and drinking water. The company reduced landfill solid waste by 12.5 percent during 2008–2009. As of 2010, six of Tyson Foods' wastewater treatment facilities capture biogas via enclosed anaerobic lagoons. Four of the systems use the biogas as an alternative fuel to natural gas ; during 2008–2009,

1960-526: The country. Forbes named Tyson Foods the second most proportionally generous company for its donations in 2007, totaling 1.6 percent ($ 8 million) of its annual operating income. Tyson initiated the KNOW Hunger campaign in early 2011 to raise awareness of hunger in the United States. After the Joplin, Missouri tornado of 2011, Tyson sent 77,000 pounds of food to the city. It also sent 100,000 pounds of food to

2016-529: The early 1970s. Jack began to grow Stephens by providing private equity to many young growing companies, much in the way of the British Merchant Bank investing model, predating by decades the private equity endeavors of Wall Street firms. Jack's acumen as an investor was combined in remarkable fashion with his ability to form enduring personal relationships with his partners. Several generations of companies and business leaders came to know Jack as not only

2072-585: The end of 2020. In 2020, Tyson Foods partnered with the nonprofit organization Proforest to complete a deforestation risk assessment, which concluded that approximately 94 percent of the company's land footprint is at low risk of being associated with deforestation. To address the remainder found to be at risk, in November the company announced a Forest Protection Standard focused on reducing deforestation risk in supply chains of cattle and beef, soy, palm oil, pulp, paper and packaging. In 2020, Tyson Foods received

2128-501: The following: Jackson T. Stephens Jackson Thomas Stephens Sr (August 9, 1923 – July 23, 2005) was an oilman and investment banker. He was the CEO of Little Rock, Arkansas -based Stephens Inc. , a privately owned financial services company. Stephens was born on a farm near Prattsville in Grant County in south Arkansas , the youngest of six children. and grew up during

2184-686: The four facilities used 1.8 billion cubic feet of biogas, replacing 1.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas and saving the company approximately $ 9.1 million. According to Tyson's 2012 Sustainability Report, the company reduced total water use by 4.7 percent during 2011–2012, but normalized water use increased 1 percent over the same period. Through conservation efforts and closures, the company reduced water use by 10.9 percent between October 2004 and 2012. During 2010–2012, Tyson Foods reduced wastewater related permit exceedances by 48 percent and notices of violations by 86 percent. Tyson reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 8 percent during 2010–2011, and

2240-677: The largest beef packer and number two pork processor in the United States., for US$ 3.2 billion in cash and stock . Along with its purchase of IBP, it also acquired the naming rights to an event center in Sioux City, Iowa . Tyson has also acquired such companies as Hudson Foods Company , Garrett poultry, Washington Creamery, Franz Foods, Prospect Farms, Krispy Kitchens, Ocoma Foods, Cassady Broiler, Vantress Pedigree, Wilson Foods, Honeybear Foods, Mexican Original, Valmac Industries , Heritage Valley, Lane Poultry, Cobb-Vantress, Holly Farms, Wright Brand Foods, Inc. and Don Julio Foods. On May 29, 2014,

2296-641: The largest retailer in the world. In 1971, Stephens Inc., together with First National Bank of Commerce, underwrote $ 113 million in tax-exempt bonds to help build the Louisiana Superdome . At that time, this was among the largest single tax-exempt bond issues in history and Wall Street had turned it down. In 1983, the Stephens family invested in Worthen Banking Corporation, which was headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1985, Worthen's capital

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2352-504: The nuggets, announcing that the Raised & Rooted brand would be free of animal products moving forward. In 2021, the company launched two vegetarian patty breakfast sandwiches under its Jimmy Dean brand. On June 13, 2024, Tyson Foods heir John R. Tyson, who has served as the company's chief financial officer (CFO), would be suspended from the company following his second alcohol related arrest. In 2001, Tyson Foods acquired IBP, Inc. ,

2408-425: The organic chicken and chicken-sausage brand Smart Chicken and parent company Tecumseh Poultry. On August 9, 2018, Tyson announced that it would sell its pizza crust business, including TNT Crust, to Austin -based Peak Rock Capital, who completed the acquisition on September 4. On August 20, 2018, Tyson announced its intent to acquire food supplier Keystone Foods from Marfrig . Tyson announced it had completed

2464-629: The organization has helped to move more than 1 million tons of poultry litter out of the Illinois River watershed, redistributing the litter to less nutrient-dense areas. In 2019, the Environmental Integrity Project identified Tyson as being a major discharger of pollution to waterways in East Texas. The high volumes of blood, urine, feces, and feathers discharged into East Texas rivers and lakes contribute to declining oxygen levels in

2520-728: The pizza industry and retail frozen pizza; club store chicken, beef and pork; ground beef and flour tortillas . It supplies Yum! Brands chains that use chicken, including KFC and Taco Bell , as well as McDonald's , Burger King , Wendy's , Walmart , Kroger , IGA , Beef O'Brady's , small restaurant businesses, and prisons. The company makes a wide variety of animal-based, prepared foods and plant-based products at its 123 food processing plants. It produces many different products, including Buffalo wings , boneless Buffalo wings, chicken nuggets , and tenders . Its plants slaughter approximately 155,000 cattle, 461,000 pigs, and 45,000,000 chickens every week. Their largest meat packing facility

2576-500: The plant in 1999. As part of the plea agreement, the company agreed to pay $ 7.5 million in fines: $ 5.5 million to the federal government, $ 1 million to the state of Missouri, and $ 1 million to the Missouri Natural Resources Protection Fund. The company also agreed to hire an outside consultant to perform an environmental audit, and institute an "enhanced environmental management system" at

2632-420: The pounds of nitrous oxide per acre in a year from 0.5 to 3 depending on how much fertilizer is being used. Tyson can easily reduce their emissions by 2050 by starting to use less fertilizer and being more precise with their fertilizing. Tyson doesn't directly raise their livestock, as they hire private farms, but they are still responsible for the emissions released from their animals and the feed they use. Tyson

2688-494: The proceeds to pay down debt from its pending $ 7.7 billion purchase of Hillshire Brands Co. In April 2017, Tyson announced plans to acquire AdvancePierre Foods Holdings, a supplier of packaged sandwiches, for approximately $ 3.2 billion. The acquisition was completed on June 7, 2017. In November 2017, Tyson Foods bought the Philadelphia-based cheesesteak company Original Philly Holdings. In May 2018, Tyson announced

2744-424: The spread of COVID-19 at their plants. Additionally, Tyson is being investigated for allegations of child labor. The company was established by John W. Tyson in 1935. It expanded during World War II , when chicken was not included in foods that were rationed by the federal government. As of 2019, the company employs 141,000 people, including 122,000 in the United States. Tyson's locations are concentrated in

2800-523: The water, which endanger local animals, fish and habitat. The Environmental Integrity Project found that the Tyson plant in East Texas violated its Clean Water Act permit a dozen times over 2016–2017. In 2019, wastewater from a Tyson plant in Alabama polluted rivers and killed approximately 175,000 fish. The state of Alabama sued Tyson over the incident the following year. Also in 2019, Tyson Foods partnered with

2856-675: The year 2020. Tyson Foods has made political donations to both major parties. In 2007, Tyson created the Tyson Discovery Center, a 100,000-square-foot (9,300 m ) R&D center at their headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas , to work on new products and better packaging. They later opened a second Discovery Center in Downers Grove, Illinois . As of 2017, Tyson has about 300 employees in R&;D. Tyson Foods has been responsible for numerous instances of environmental damage. Tyson

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2912-823: Was completed on July 7, 2021. In March 2024, it was announced Tyson Foods had sold its broiler processing plant, hatchery and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri to the American fresh egg producer, Cal-Maine Foods for an undisclosed amount. In 2016, Tyson Foods bought a 5% stake in the meat alternative company Beyond Meat , becoming the first major meat producer to invest in a meat alternative company. Tyson made an additional investment in Beyond Meat in 2017. In 2019, Tyson sold its stake in advance of Beyond Meat's initial public offering , with CEO Noel White saying Tyson intended to develop its own meat alternatives. The company also developed

2968-521: Was giving the country "exactly what we need. Some of us call it tough love." Stephens and his company donated $ 100,000 to the national Republican Party both in 1988 and 1991. Stephens and his wife were key backers of the unsuccessful bid of U.S. Representative Tommy F. Robinson of Arkansas's 2nd congressional district for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 1990. . The Stephens family, through Stephens Inc and Worthen Bank, to which Stephen holds

3024-533: Was named chief executive officer of Stephens Inc. In 1989, Stephens advised Tyson Foods in its acquisition of Holly Farms, resulting in a $ 1.5 billion hostile takeover. In 1992, Stephens invested in Viking Range Corporation , providing the growth capital needed to seriously expand the company into a leading national brand. In 1993, Stephens purchased Donrey Media, renaming it Stephens Media Group. When sold in 2015, Stephens Media Group's properties include

3080-639: Was owned by him and his family. With $ 400,000 in start-up capital invested, he created Systematics, which would later become a leader in the bank data processing industry. Systematics was eventually acquired by Alltel Corporation and became Alltel Information Services. AIS was later acquired by Fidelity National Information Systems. Another late 1960s investment was Purdue Airlines , which Stephens established (initially owning 80%) in partnership with Purdue University . Purdue Airlines operated DC-9 jet aircraft from 1969 through 1971. The carrier also operated Playboy Magazine founder Hugh Hefner 's private jet, also

3136-414: Was wiped out by the bankruptcy of Bevil, Bressler & Schulman. A rights offering led by Jack Stephens was implemented allowing shareholders to provide the funds necessary to revitalize the bank and keep it solvent. In 1994, Worthen was sold to Boatmen's Bancshares, and two years later, Boatmen's was sold to NationsBank , which in turn merged into Bank of America . In 1986, Warren Stephens , Jack's son,

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