Cattle stocks have been gaining popularity among investors looking to tap into the massive beef production industry. The global demand for beef continues to rise steadily, driven by population growth and increasing consumption in developing countries. Investing in cattle stocks allows investors to benefit from this growing demand. This article provides a list of the top 7 publicly traded cattle stocks that investors can consider adding to their portfolios.
Tyson Foods – Largest US meat producer with global presence
Tyson Foods (TSN) is the largest meat processing company in the US and one of the world’s leading processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork. Headquartered in Arkansas, Tyson operates major processing plants and produces a wide range of fresh, value-added and prepared beef products. The company has a global reach, exporting to over 100 countries. Tyson Foods offers investors broad exposure to cattle through its beef segment which accounts for over 20% of its sales.
JBS – World’s largest processor of animal protein
Brazil-based JBS (JBSAY) is the largest animal protein processor in the world with significant cattle slaughtering and processing operations. Through acquisitions, JBS has built a global production platform and distributes its beef, pork and chicken products across America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. JBS processes cattle across its beef plants in the US, Canada, Australia and Brazil. Its size and dominance in the global beef industry make it an appealing cattle stock pick.
Cargill – Major player in North American beef market
Although not publicly listed, Cargill is one of the largest privately held companies in the US with over $110 billion in revenue. It is a leading player in the North American cattle and beef market. Operating cattle feedlots and major beef processing plants, Cargill produces fresh, further processed and value-added beef products. Cargill has partnered with major fast food chains and foodservice companies to supply beef. Its strong foothold across cattle feeding and beef processing positions it favorably to capitalize on beef demand.
National Beef Packing – Top 4 US beef processor
National Beef Packing Company is a major cattle processor and leading supplier of premium beef in the US. Headquartered in Missouri, it operates large-scale beef processing facilities and sells packaged beef under well-known brands. National Beef processes around 12,000 cattle per day, making it the 4th largest beef processor in the US. The company exports beef products to customers globally across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. Its significant cattle slaughtering capacity and global distribution channels present an attractive cattle investment opportunity.
Marfrig Global Foods – Brazil’s 2nd largest beef producer
Headquartered in Sao Paulo, Marfrig Global Foods (MRFG3.SA) is one of the largest animal protein companies in the world and the 2nd biggest beef producer in Brazil. Marfrig operates cattle slaughterhouses and processing plants with operations in South America and the US producing fresh, frozen and processed beef. In 2021, it processed over 8.3 million cattle generating net revenue of over $12 billion. Marfrig’s growth in international markets and continued expansion in processed beef products make it a compelling cattle stock to own.
Minerva Foods – Major exporter of beef from South America
Minerva Foods (MRVE3.SA) is a leading Brazilian beef producer and the largest exporter of beef from South America. The company has a geographically diversified operations platform with slaughter facilities and processing plants located in Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia and Argentina. Minerva Foods processes over 10,000 cattle per day supplying beef products to over 100 countries globally. Its strategic presence in cattle rich South American markets combined with a strong global distribution capability presents an attractive investment opportunity in cattle stocks.
BRF – Brazilian food processing giant with beef segment
BRF (BRFS) is a Brazilian multinational food processing company and one of the largest food companies in the world. Though better known for its poultry, pork and prepared foods business, BRF also operates in the beef segment. It processes cattle across slaughterhouses in Brazil and sells fresh and processed beef products in domestic and export markets under its brand names. While contributing a smaller share of revenue, BRF’s established cattle business provides investors diversified exposure within its broad protein portfolio.
In summary, investors looking to invest in cattle stocks can consider the major public companies Tyson Foods, JBS, National Beef Packing, Marfrig Global Foods and Minerva Foods. Other notable large players in beef production like Cargill and top Brazilian company BRF also present attractive investment opportunities. These leading cattle processors with global operating scale stand to benefit from the growing global demand for beef.