Shares of Tyson Foods Inc. were heading toward their biggest gain in nearly three years on Tuesday, after the consumer meats company reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that rose well above expectations, as strength in beef and chicken offset weakness in prepared foods and pork.

Tyson Foods beat Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter profit on Tuesday and said its rebounding chicken business would limit fallout from ongoing struggles in its beef division over the coming year,

Tyson Foods shares surged Tuesday after the meat processor beat earnings estimates as higher prices helped boost beef and chicken sales.

Earnings per share came to $1, up from a loss of $1.31 a year ago. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, were 92 cents per share.