Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales increased by 6% in the third quarter, reaching $3 billion, with organic volume up 4% [32][34] - Adjusted EPS for the third quarter was $0.35, with cash flow from operations at $157 million [36][38] - Gross profit remained relatively flat year over year due to higher than expected input costs, with inflationary pressures impacting margins [33][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment saw a 5% increase in volume and net sales, driven by the Turkey portfolio [32][33] - Foodservice segment outperformed the broader industry with 2% organic volume growth and 7% organic net sales growth [32][33] - International business achieved 8% volume growth and 6% net sales growth, primarily from the China market [25][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commodity input costs surged unexpectedly, with pork bellies up approximately 30% and beef prices remaining high [34][35] - The foodservice industry faced challenges with traffic remaining soft year over year, impacting overall performance [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering profitable growth through its Transform and Modernize initiative, which is expected to yield incremental benefits [7][39] - A consumer-led growth engine powered by protein-centric solutions is being developed to enhance brand value and market position [14][22] - The company plans to provide holistic guidance for 2026 in the fourth quarter earnings call, aligning with its long-term growth algorithm [9][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the unexpected rise in commodity costs significantly impacted profitability, with expectations for continued pressure into the fourth quarter [8][28] - Confidence remains in the company's future, driven by a strong protein-centric portfolio and ongoing modernization efforts [29][30] - The company is committed to enhancing long-term profitability while navigating current market challenges [45][59] Other Important Information - The Transform and Modernize initiative is not just a cost-saving project but aims to reshape operations and build new capabilities [39][40] - The company declared and paid its 388th consecutive quarterly dividend, totaling $474 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2025 [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has changed in the outlook since the last call? - Management noted that while some expectations were met, the significant rise in commodity markets and soft foodservice traffic were unexpected challenges [49][54] Question: What are the growth opportunities for Hormel? - Hormel is positioned well in traditional processed meat categories and healthy protein segments, with a focus on driving top and bottom line growth [62][65] Question: How does the long-term growth algorithm apply to 2026? - The long-term growth algorithm remains a focus, with specific guidance for 2026 to be provided in the next earnings call [70][88] Question: What is the impact of pricing actions on profitability? - Pricing actions are being evaluated, with a focus on balancing consumer response and brand health while navigating commodity pressures [78][82] Question: How is the foodservice segment performing? - The foodservice segment is resilient, with top line growth despite challenges in traffic, and the company is leveraging its direct sales team to drive growth [90][92]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods reported quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.41 per share, and down from $0.37 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -14.63% [1] - The company posted revenues of $3.03 billion for the quarter ended July 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.90%, and up from $2.9 billion year-over-year [2] - Hormel shares have declined approximately 7.5% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 10.2% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.47 on revenues of $3.24 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.60 on revenues of $12.1 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Hormel was unfavorable prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) for the stock, indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Food - Meat Products industry, to which Hormel belongs, is currently in the bottom 29% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact Hormel's stock performance [5]

Shares of Hormel Foods dropped sharply in premarket trading Thursday after the Spam maker said it expects "near-term pressures" continuing through the current quarter. https://t.co/wPmxmAkW8Z ...

Third Quarter Key Messages - The company delivered strong top-line growth, supported by each segment[7] - Bottom-line results were pressured by a steep rise in commodity input costs[7] - Leadership is aligned on a clear mission of profitable growth[7] Retail Segment Performance (FY25 Q3 YoY) - Retail volume increased by 5%[18] - Retail net sales increased by 5%[18] - Retail segment profit decreased by 4%[18] Foodservice Segment Performance (FY25 Q3 YoY) - Foodservice organic volume increased by 2%[22] - Foodservice organic net sales increased by 7%[22] - Foodservice segment profit decreased by 1%[22] International Segment Performance (FY25 Q3 YoY) - International volume increased by 8%[24] - International net sales increased by 6%[24] - International segment profit decreased by 13%[24] Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook (Revised) - Net sales are expected to be in the range of $12.1 billion to $12.2 billion[29] - Operating income is expected to be in the range of $0.98 billion to $1.00 billion[29] - Adjusted operating income is expected to be in the range of $1.05 billion to $1.07 billion[29] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.43 to $1.45[29] - Capital expenditures are targeted at approximately $300 million[30] - The Transform & Modernize initiative is expected to contribute incremental benefits in the range of $100 million to $150 million[30]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation reported strong top-line results for Q3 fiscal 2025, with net sales of $3.03 billion, representing a 4.6% increase compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 [8][30]. - The company faced challenges with profitability due to rising commodity input costs, which were partially mitigated by the Transform and Modernize (T&M) initiative [4][6]. - The leadership team is focused on restoring profitable growth and aligning on a clear mission to enhance long-term sustainable value [3][6]. Financial Performance - Net sales for Q3 fiscal 2025 were $3.03 billion, with organic net sales growth of 6% [8][30]. - Operating income was reported at $240 million, with an adjusted operating income of $254 million [8][30]. - The diluted earnings per share were $0.33, while adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.35 [8][30]. Segment Highlights - **Retail Segment**: Net sales growth was driven by the turkey portfolio, Planters® snack nuts, and SPAM® products, with a profit decline due to input cost pressures [13][17]. - **Foodservice Segment**: Hormel® premium pepperoni saw volume growth of over 20%, contributing to overall segment performance despite profitability challenges [15][17]. - **International Segment**: Strong performance was noted in the China market and SPAM® exports, although profits decreased due to competitive pressures in Brazil [18]. Fourth Quarter Outlook - The company anticipates net sales for Q4 fiscal 2025 to be between $3.15 billion and $3.25 billion, with organic net sales growth projected at 1% to 4% [6][5]. - Diluted earnings per share for Q4 are expected to be in the range of $0.36 to $0.38, with adjusted diluted earnings per share between $0.38 and $0.40 [6][5]. Strategic Initiatives - The T&M initiative is ongoing, with approximately 90 projects contributing measurable value and earnings to the enterprise [16][34]. - The company is focused on enhancing operational efficiency and long-term scalability through strategic decisions, including the partial closure of a facility [16][34]. Advertising and Capital Expenditures - Advertising investments for the quarter were $41 million, slightly up from $40 million in the previous year [24]. - Capital expenditures were $72 million, with expectations for approximately $300 million for fiscal 2025, focusing on capacity expansions and technology investments [24]. Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - Cash flow from operations for the quarter was $157 million, with approximately $159 million returned to stockholders through dividends [8][24]. - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 22.3%, compared to 21.7% in the previous year [24].

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY — THIRD QUARTER Company Delivered Strong Top-Line Results; Leadership Aligned on a Clear Mission of Profitable Growth AUSTIN, Minn. (Aug 28, 2025) – Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, which ended July 27, 2025. All comparisons are to the comparable period of fiscal 2024, unless otherwise noted. EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY AND FOURTH QUARTER OUTLOOK INVESTOR CONTACT: Jess Blomberg ir@hormel.c ...

Launched alongside the spicy arrival of LA VICTORIA® Verde Habanero Salsa, these newest offerings build on the brand's legacy of bold, unforgettable flavorORANGE, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The LA VICTORIA® brand, long celebrated for bold, crave-worthy salsas and sauces, is today unveiling four fresh culinary creations that build upon its century-long legacy of flavor excellence. The brand team is launching an all-new line of signature topping sauces, available in three distinct flavors: Chipotle ...

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is expected to report top-line growth for Q3 fiscal 2025, with revenues estimated at $2.98 billion, reflecting a 2.7% increase year-over-year [1] - The earnings consensus remains unchanged at 41 cents per share, indicating a 10.8% rise from the previous year [2] Company Performance - The Foodservice segment is driving demand, supported by strong customer relationships and an innovative product portfolio, with management anticipating mid-single-digit growth in net sales for this segment [3][11] - Management is optimistic about growth in the Retail segment, particularly with flagship and emerging brands, and expects low single-digit net sales growth [4][5] - The International segment is also projected to maintain strong top-line performance [5] Challenges - Increased spending on talent, technology, and brand support poses challenges, alongside tough year-over-year comparisons due to strong prior-year performance [6][11] - Ongoing pressure in the turkey supply chain due to bird illness is being closely monitored [6] Earnings Outlook - The company has a positive Earnings ESP of +0.61% and a Zacks Rank of 3, suggesting a potential earnings beat [7]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street analysts forecast a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $0.41 for Hormel Foods, indicating a year-over-year increase of 10.8%, with anticipated revenues of $2.98 billion, reflecting a 2.7% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1.4% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Key Metrics Estimates - Analysts expect 'Net Sales- Retail' to reach $1.82 billion, representing a 3% increase year-over-year [5]. - 'Net Sales- International' is projected at $191.35 million, suggesting an 8% year-over-year increase [5]. - 'Net Sales- Foodservice' is estimated to be $967.49 million, indicating a 1.4% increase compared to the previous year [5]. Segment Profit Estimates - 'Segment Profit- Foodservice' is projected to be $146.66 million, up from $142.49 million in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Segment Profit- International' is estimated at $24.41 million, compared to $21.79 million a year ago [6]. - 'Segment Profit- Retail' is expected to reach $157.82 million, an increase from $127.93 million in the previous year [7]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Hormel have remained unchanged, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by 2.7% [7].

Two all-new taste experiences reimagine how fans enjoy their favorite pepperoni AUSTIN, Minn., Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As consumers continue to seek out bold, adventurous flavors and new ways to elevate everyday eating occasions, the makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni are answering the call with two exciting new additions to its category-defining lineup: HORMEL® Pepperoni with Jalapeño and HORMEL® Pepperoni Dill Pickle Flavored. These bold new flavors are made for today's food lovers — those who crave a litt ...