Core Insights - The article discusses the author's background in analytics and accounting, highlighting over 10 years of experience in the investment sector, progressing from an analyst to a management role [1]. Group 1 - The author holds a master's degree in Analytics from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in Accounting [1]. - The author has a personal interest in dividend investing and aims to share insights with the Seeking Alpha community [1]. Group 2 - The author has disclosed a beneficial long position in several companies, including ABBV, ADP, HRL, JNJ, LOW, PEP, and SPGI, through various financial instruments [2]. - The article emphasizes that the author's opinions are personal and not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [2].

Board Changes - Jim Snee has retired from the Board after 36 years of service, having previously held the roles of President, Chairman, and CEO [1] - Jeff Ettinger rejoined the Board in March and was appointed Interim CEO in July [2] - John Ghingo was named the new President in July and joined the Board [2] - Scott Aakre joined the Board in May and will retire from his role as Group Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Retail at the end of the month [2] Meeting Attendance - Members of the Board of Directors and leadership team are present at the meeting [3] - Representatives from Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm, are also in attendance [3]

Group 1 - The company reported strong operational performance with increasing demand in core markets, leading to heightened leasing activity and rising occupancy rates [1] - Total in-store customer spending during the Christmas quarter remained consistent with the previous year, with grocery spending rising by 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year [1] - Non-Food discount sales grew by 7.2%, while Food & Beverage and Health & Beauty segments increased by 4% and 2.4% respectively, despite a decline in Value Fashion by 1.1% [1] Group 2 - As of April 1, 2026, new ratable values across the portfolio are expected to increase by 7%, but this will be offset by an 11% reduction in rates payable for tenants due to a recently announced discount for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties [2] - The company has been disciplined in capital recycling, improving portfolio quality, and strengthening its financial position, having disposed of one retail park in Northern Ireland and one shopping center in Hemel Hempstead for a total of GBP 12.6 million [2] - A further retail park in Dumfries was exchanged for GBP 26.5 million following the execution of a value-enhancing business plan [2]

Each year the NUTmobile takes to the streets to act as a rolling public relations firm on wheels, generating millions of media and social impressions along the way. Peanutters create content for social channels, delight fans and serve as brand ambassadors, storytellers and smile-makers, representing the brand in media interviews with local radio, TV and digital outlets for one fun-filled year. Who Will Crack the Shell "At the PLANTERS brand, we believe life is simply better when you add a little fun," said ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of ongoing inflation on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and suggests focusing on low-beta defensive stocks to navigate market volatility [2][3][10] Economic Context - Inflation has risen, with the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index increasing by 2.8% year-over-year in November, moving further away from the Federal Reserve's 2% target [6][8] - Personal income growth has slowed, with increases of 0.1% in October and 0.3% in November, below analysts' expectations [9] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-beta defensive stocks, particularly in the utility and consumer staples sectors, to mitigate market fluctuations [4][5] - Featured stocks include: - **Ameren Corp. (AEE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.58, dividend yield of 2.78% [12][13] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.50, dividend yield of 3.46% [14][15] - **ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 11.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.81, dividend yield of 3.47% [16] - **Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.33, dividend yield of 4.76% [17] - **J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.5%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.34, dividend yield of 3.43% [18][19]

With a market cap of $13.5 billion, Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is a nearly 135-year-old American multinational food company. Headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, the company is a global branded food manufacturer, processor, and distributor with a presence in more than 80 countries. The company produces a wide range of meat and grocery products, including fresh and refrigerated items such as bacon, sausages, hams and prepared proteins, as well as shelf-stable foods like canned luncheon meats, snacks, nut ...

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation's international business is crucial for growth, but the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 showed mixed results with a 6% year-over-year decline in international net sales [1][8] Group 1: Regional Performance - China demonstrated strength with ongoing volume and net sales growth for SPAM and refrigerated products, indicating sustained brand relevance and demand for convenient protein options [2] - Fresh pork exports faced significant declines due to market softness and trade pressures, particularly in Brazil, where competitive intensity affected volumes and pricing [3] Group 2: Volume and Profitability - The international segment's volumes decreased by 8% in the quarter, highlighting the sensitivity of Hormel Foods' overseas business to regional market dynamics [3] - Profitability trends were negatively impacted by high commodity input costs and ongoing challenges in Brazil [3][8] Group 3: Long-term Outlook - Despite near-term challenges, Hormel Foods' established brands, especially in high-growth regions like China, provide a foundation for long-term expansion opportunities [4] Group 4: Stock Performance - Hormel Foods' shares have increased by 1.8% over the past month, outperforming the industry's decline of 0.3% during the same period [5]

We screened our 24/7 Wall St. consumer staples research database, looking for the stocks with the biggest upside potential that also come with the largest dividends. Five of our favorite companies came up. All make sense now, and all five are rated Buy at top Wall Street firms that we cover. Plus, investors get a bonus: all five are Dividend Kings, meaning they have raised their dividends to shareholders for at least 50 years. Why do we cover quality consumer staples dividend stocks? Since 1926, dividends h ...

Core Insights - COLUMBUS Craft Meats has launched the COLUMBUS Entertaining Tray, a new charcuterie product aimed at meeting the rising consumer demand for convenient hosting options [1][2][3] Consumer Trends - At-home entertaining is increasingly popular, with consumers seeking stress-free solutions that enhance the experience of gathering [2] - 61% of Gen Z and Millennials are using micro-moments to gather more frequently, and 86% prioritize convenience in their food choices [3] - One-third of consumers use charcuterie boards when hosting, and 35% express interest in purchasing pre-made options [3] Product Details - The COLUMBUS Entertaining Tray includes COLUMBUS Italian Dry Salame and COLUMBUS Peppered Salame, paired with white cheddar and gouda for easy serving [4] - The product is gluten-free and designed to eliminate the need for separate purchases and pairing decisions [4] - The tray is available in a 12-ounce size with a suggested retail price of $15.49 [5] Company Background - COLUMBUS Craft Meats, founded in 1917, specializes in premium salumi and deli meats, and is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation [5] - Hormel Foods Corporation generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and is recognized for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts [7]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation has appointed Domenic Borrelli as executive vice president of Retail, effective February 23, 2026, to oversee its Retail business unit, which is a significant growth driver for the company [1][6] Group 1: Appointment and Role - Domenic Borrelli will lead the Retail business unit, which includes many of Hormel's well-known consumer brands [1] - John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods, expressed confidence in Borrelli's ability to drive consumer-driven growth and strategic direction within the Retail unit [1] Group 2: Experience and Background - Borrelli has over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, with a strong track record in managing multi-billion-dollar businesses and leading transformations [1][2] - Prior to joining Hormel, Borrelli was president and general manager of the Beverage Creations business at Danone North America, where he successfully managed a portfolio of brands [2][3] - His previous roles include senior leadership positions at Kraft Foods and Maple Leaf Foods, focusing on marketing and general management [4] Group 3: Education and Affiliations - Borrelli holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University and a bachelor's degree from York University in Toronto [5] - He has served on the boards of the Organic Trade Association and the National Coffee Association, indicating his involvement in industry organizations [5] Group 4: Company Overview - Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and is recognized for its diverse portfolio of brands, including PLANTERS, SKIPPY, and SPAM [6] - The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has received various accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts [6]