The answer to this questions probably make a difference in how you approach your chicken managment. Do they need to have a profitable return? Do you consider cost in your decisions? Etc.
While I don't necessarily expect a profit unless I start selling eggs and started pullets -- especially because there is no possible way to beat just buying eggs and chicken at the grocery store -- I do consider them livestock.
I will not keep a freeloading hen or a bunch of extra roosters and the ultimate destination of all chickens is my table in one form or another.
Both. We sell eggs for consumption and hatching, and sell chicks. But we spend lots of cuddle time with them, we like to fuss over them and give them lots of treats.
I only have 3 & they are hands down pets that just happen to feed me, my 2 dogs & the 2 stray cats that come around. We love them well since they provide for all of us!