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U.S. Justice Department investigates beef pricing at Tyson Foods, Cargill, and JBS.

By Tim J. Smith, PhD May 12, 2026

An unorthodox inquiry with real damage. Beef prices are higher now than usual, and the price of beef rose faster than other grocery items. This is not the result of price-fixing or market collusion. It is the outcome of biology and market forces. Beef is harder to produce than chicken. To raise a pound of chicken meat, a farmer needs to feed the chicken about 2 pounds of feed. To raise an…

In This Issue

Middle East War Forces a Pricing Response

By Tim J. Smith, PhD May 12, 2026

The current war in the Middle East will raise input costs substantially for manufacturers globally for the foreseeable future. If your company…

Ball Pricing Spineometer: 3 of 5 Vertebrae

By Tim J. Smith, PhD March 10, 2026

Ball Corporation, an aluminum packaging supplier for beverages, personal care, and household products, had a positive FY 2025. Revenue rose 11.6% to…

DaVita Pricing Spineometer: 4 of 5 Vertebrae

By Tim J. Smith, PhD February 5, 2026

DaVita, a kidney care provider primarily serving the United States, had a positive FY 2024. Revenue rose 5.6% to $12.8 billion, and…

Nordson Corporation Pricing Spineometer: 3 of 5 Vertebrae

By Tim J. Smith, PhD February 5, 2026

Nordson, a precision technology company for dispensing fluids, had a positive FY 2025. Revenue rose 3.8% to $2.8 billion and operating income…

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