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 investment vehicles [2]. - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and is not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [2].

Group 1: Barclays' Price Target Adjustment - Barclays has lowered its price target on Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) to $30 from $31 while maintaining an Overweight rating [1] - The adjustment is part of Barclays' 2026 outlook for the Americas agribusiness group, anticipating uneven results in agriculture markets next year [1] - The firm favors seed over crude protein and holds a neutral to positive view on fertilizer, with biofuel policy being a key factor among grain traders [1] Group 2: JUSTIN'S Brand Transaction - Hormel Foods Corporation and Forward Consumer Partners completed a transaction involving the JUSTIN'S brand, with Forward holding 51% and Hormel retaining 49% [2] - JUSTIN'S will operate as a standalone company, allowing for growth while keeping Hormel closely involved [3] - The brand includes popular products such as nut butters and USDA-certified organic chocolate confections [3] Group 3: Corporate Strategy and Growth - John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods, expressed excitement about the growth opportunities for the JUSTIN'S brand, highlighting the partnership's focus and resources [4] - Hormel Foods operates as a global food company with a diverse portfolio, including pork, poultry, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the advantages of investing in dividend aristocrat stocks, which are companies that have consistently raised their dividends for at least 25 years, highlighting their strong performance compared to broader market benchmarks [2][4]. Dividend Aristocrats Performance - The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index has outperformed the S&P 500 on a risk-adjusted basis, capturing about 90% of market upside while absorbing only 83% of downside [2]. - In 2022, a challenging year for equities, Dividend Aristocrats outperformed the S&P 500 by over 12% [3]. - The index has shown better performance than the broader market in eight of the ten worst quarterly drawdowns since 2005 [3]. Income Advantage - Companies that consistently raise dividends tend to provide a higher yield on cost over time compared to those with high initial yields but inconsistent growth [4]. Methodology for Stock Selection - The article identifies 14 dividend aristocrat stocks with the strongest upside potential as of December 22, based on the number of hedge fund investors [6]. Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) - Federal Realty Investment Trust has an upside potential of 9.2% and is held by 31 hedge funds [8]. - The price target for Federal Realty was raised to $109.50 from $104.50 following the sale of properties for $170 million [9]. - The company focuses on quality properties in high-density areas, owning 103 properties with approximately 3,600 tenants across 27.9 million commercial square feet [10]. - Federal Realty has a long history of shareholder returns, having raised its payout for 58 consecutive years [11]. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) - Hormel Foods has an upside potential of 15.7% and is held by 32 hedge funds [13]. - Barclays lowered its price target on Hormel to $30 from $31, reflecting a cautious outlook for the agribusiness sector [14]. - Hormel completed a transaction involving the JUSTIN'S brand, allowing for growth while retaining a stake [15][16]. Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) - Atmos Energy has an upside potential of 7.64% and is held by 32 hedge funds [17]. - UBS raised its price target on Atmos to $174 from $159, while Morgan Stanley downgraded it to Equal Weight and cut its price target to $172 from $182 [18]. - The company reported a 15% increase in its quarterly dividend, extending its growth streak to 41 consecutive years [20].

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation has appointed Jason Levine as the new chief marketing officer (CMO), a role aimed at enhancing marketing capabilities and accelerating growth strategies [1][3][4] Group 1: Leadership and Experience - Jason Levine brings over 20 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, having previously served as CMO for North America at Mondelz International, overseeing a multibillion-dollar portfolio [2][5] - Levine's background includes significant roles at Kraft Foods Group and PIM Brands, where he led marketing initiatives and innovation strategies [2][5] Group 2: Strategic Focus - The new CMO role will focus on advancing brand strategy, digital capabilities, and creating scalable marketing platforms across various channels and markets [3] - The integration of enterprise business analytics with the Brand Fuel function will enhance the strategic use of data and technology for impactful brand marketing and consumer-driven growth [3] Group 3: 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 [7][8] - The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has received numerous accolades for corporate responsibility and community service [7][8]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation and Forward Consumer Partners have completed a strategic partnership for the Justin's brand, with Forward owning 51% and Hormel Foods owning 49% [1][2] - The partnership aims to leverage the expertise of both companies to enhance the growth potential of the Justin's brand, which includes nut butters and organic chocolate confections [1][2] Company Overview - Hormel Foods Corporation is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue, known for brands like PLANTERS, SKIPPY, and SPAM [5][6] - Forward Consumer Partners is a private investment firm managing $425 million in committed capital, focusing on building enduring consumer brands [4] Brand Details - Justin's brand, established in 2004, offers a range of high-quality nut butters and plant-based snacks, emphasizing taste and nutrition [3] - The brand's founder, Justin Gold, returns as a strategic advisor, while Peter Burns, the former CEO, will lead the new company [2][5] Leadership and Expertise - The new leadership team includes experienced professionals with backgrounds in building consumer brands, enhancing the strategic direction of Justin's [2][5] - Val Oswalt, CEO of Kodiak, joins the board, bringing a strong track record in brand development [5]

Core Insights - The Portnoy Law Firm has initiated an investigation into Hormel Foods Corporation for possible securities fraud and may file a class action on behalf of investors [1][2] Financial Performance - Hormel Foods warned that earnings in the latest quarter were negatively impacted by price pressures, bird flu, and a fire that damaged its Arkansas peanut butter production facility [3] - Following the announcement, Hormel's stock experienced a decline of 9.1% on October 29, 2025 [3] Corporate Governance - Hormel Foods announced that it is parting ways with its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) amid the financial challenges [3]

Core Viewpoint - Barclays has cut its price target on Hormel Foods Corporation to $31 from $30 while maintaining an Overweight rating, indicating a mixed outlook for the agriculture sector in the Americas, with a more positive view on seed companies compared to crude protein producers [1] Financial Performance - Hormel Foods Corporation reported fiscal Q4 2025 earnings with revenue of $3.2 billion, reflecting a 2% growth year-over-year. Operating income was $2 billion, and adjusted operating income reached $245 million. Despite these positive indicators, the company faces profitability pressures due to persistent input cost inflation and one-off items [2] Structural Changes - Hormel Foods announced plans to cut 250 corporate and sales jobs, implement a voluntary early retirement program for certain non-plant employees, and reduce parts of its office-based workforce. The company anticipates restructuring charges between $20 million to $25 million related to pension benefits, severance, employee costs, and stock compensation [3]

Core Insights - The collaboration between SKIPPY and Milk Bar Bakery highlights the use of SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter in a new holiday dessert, the Peanut Butter Crunch Pie, which aims to enhance holiday traditions [1][2] - The Peanut Butter Crunch Bar recipe is designed to be simple and enjoyable, allowing consumers to recreate the dessert at home [1][2] Company Overview: SKIPPY - SKIPPY has been a trusted peanut butter brand since 1933, known for its quality and sweet-and-savory flavor profile [3] - The brand was acquired by Hormel Foods Corporation in 2013, further solidifying its position in the market [3] Company Overview: Milk Bar - Milk Bar, founded by Christina Tosi in 2008, has gained a loyal customer base and is recognized for its innovative approach to classic treats [4] - The brand operates multiple bakery locations and offers nationwide shipping through an eCommerce platform [4] Company Overview: Hormel Foods - Hormel Foods Corporation is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a diverse portfolio of over 30 brands [5] - The company is recognized for its corporate responsibility and has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the best companies to work for [5]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is highlighted as a strong dividend stock with a forward yield of 4.95% [1] Company Overview - Hormel Foods Corporation is positioned favorably in the market, appealing to long-term investors seeking dividend income [1] Investment Perspective - The article suggests that now may be an opportune time to invest in Hormel Foods, given its attractive yield and market trends [1]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods is implementing a multiyear Transform and Modernization initiative to mitigate margin pressures in fiscal 2025, which ended on October 26 [3][4] - The initiative aims to transform the supply chain and reduce portfolio complexity, resulting in increased distribution capacity and optimized manufacturing footprint [3] - Hormel anticipates that the initiative will continue to alleviate inflationary pressures and support margin expansion in fiscal 2026, although specific savings from the program will no longer be reported separately [4] Financial Performance - In fiscal 2025, Hormel faced elevated pork and beef prices, with cost inflation for pork bellies, pork cutout, and pork trim rising by 25%, 10%, and 20% respectively [8] - Beef prices also saw significant increases throughout the year, impacting the company's margins despite pricing actions taken at various times [8] Supply Chain Challenges - Beef costs are expected to remain high and pose challenges throughout fiscal 2026, while pork input costs are projected to decline but remain above the five-year average [5] - Turkey supplies are anticipated to remain constrained through the first half of 2026 due to avian flu [5][8] - Tyson Foods is also experiencing supply challenges, relying on value-added products and operational efficiencies to navigate reduced hog and cattle supplies [6]