Tyson Foods (TSN): A Defensive Dividend Stock to Buy During Market Sell-Offs

In the ever-changing landscape of the stock market, finding defensive dividend stocks that can weather market sell-offs is crucial for investors looking to protect their portfolios. Tyson Foods (TSN) stands out as a strong candidate, offering a blend of stability, growth, and a solid dividend yield. Let's dive into why TSN is a top pick for defensive investors.

The Case for Defensive Dividend Stocks

Defensive dividend stocks are those that provide a steady stream of income and are less susceptible to market volatility. These stocks typically come from sectors that are essential to daily life, such as consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities. Tyson Foods, as a leading player in the consumer staples sector, fits this profile perfectly.

Tyson Foods: A Strong Defensive Play

Tyson Foods has a long history of providing essential food products, making it a reliable choice during economic downturns. The company's products, including chicken, beef, pork, and prepared foods, are in constant demand, ensuring a stable revenue stream. This stability is reflected in TSN's strong earnings performance and consistent dividend payments.

Earnings Growth and Dividend Yield

One of the key factors driving Tyson Foods' earnings growth is its strong earnings surprise history. The company has consistently outperformed analyst expectations, with an average earnings surprise of 52%. This indicates that Tyson Foods is not only meeting but exceeding market expectations, which is a positive sign for investors.

Additionally, Tyson Foods has seen positive revisions in its earnings estimates. Four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, leading to an increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 from $3.51 to $3.83 per share. This shows that analysts are optimistic about the company's future earnings potential, which is a key factor driving its earnings growth.



Financial Stability and Dividend Payout

Tyson Foods' financial stability is another reason why it stands out as a defensive dividend stock. The company has a strong balance sheet, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.4, indicating that it is financially stable and has the ability to weather economic downturns. This financial stability allows Tyson Foods to maintain its dividend payments even during economic downturns, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors.

Market Performance and Valuation

Tyson Foods' stock has shown strong performance in recent months. Shares are up 6.1% over the past four weeks, outperforming the S&P 500, which registered a daily gain of 0.64%. The stock's strong performance is reflected in its Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A, indicating that it is a strong candidate for investors looking for value, growth, and momentum.



Conclusion

In conclusion, Tyson Foods (TSN) is a top pick for investors looking for defensive dividend stocks during market sell-offs. The company's strong earnings performance, financial stability, and consistent dividend payments make it an attractive option for income-focused investors. With a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A, TSN is well-positioned to weather market volatility and provide steady returns for investors.