Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation has been recognized for the 24th time in Selling Power magazine's 60 Best Companies to Sell For 2025 list, highlighting its strong sales organization and culture of success [1][2]. Company Overview - Hormel Foods Corporation is a global branded food company based in Austin, Minnesota, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and operations in over 80 countries [6]. - The company is known for its diverse portfolio of brands, including PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, and HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, among others [6]. Sales Team and Strategy - The sales team at Hormel Foods serves as the primary contact for customers and partners, focusing on increasing sales through product distribution and marketing strategies [3]. - The recognition from Selling Power is attributed to the professionalism and commitment of the sales and strategy teams in building strong customer relationships and delivering results [3]. Evaluation Criteria - The Selling Power list is determined by analyzing key areas such as compensation and benefits, hiring practices, sales training, sales enablement, and diversity and inclusion [4]. - The companies recognized have shown remarkable success by investing in training programs, tools, and supportive environments for their sales professionals [5].

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is recognized as a leader in branded and commodity protein, particularly in pork, turkey, and nuts [1] - The company currently offers a dividend yield of nearly 4.0%, marking the highest level in over a decade, indicating it is undervalued [1] Company Overview - Hormel Foods specializes in protein products, focusing on pork, turkey, and nuts [1] - The company is noted for its sustainable dividend growth and potential for capital appreciation [1] Investment Perspective - The dividend safety is highlighted as a crucial factor for investors [1] - The company is positioned as an attractive option for dividend growth investing, appealing to long-term investors [1]

Industry Overview - The agriculture industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advanced technologies and innovations, addressing the urgent need for sustainable and efficient farming practices due to global population growth and climate change [2][3] - Agricultural technology (AgTech) and food innovation are pivotal in revolutionizing food production, enhancing productivity, and reducing environmental impact [2][3] AgTech Innovations - AgTech is reshaping food production, processing, and distribution through advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and automation, leading to smarter and more sustainable agriculture [3] - Technologies such as precision farming, lab-grown meat, and plant-based alternatives are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling farmers to optimize operations and reduce resource waste [3][5] Protein Market Transformation - The global protein market is shifting towards healthier and more sustainable alternatives, including plant-based proteins and lab-grown meat, driven by health-conscious consumers [4] - Companies like Ingredion Incorporated are investing in plant-based ingredients to meet the rising global demand for sustainable protein solutions [4] Supply Chain Enhancements - Emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) are improving food traceability and safety standards while minimizing waste in logistics and distribution [5] - Automation in food processing and packaging is enabling companies to deliver fresher products more efficiently and reduce operational costs [5] Investment Opportunities - Companies adopting advanced technologies are gaining a competitive edge, with top-performing stocks in AgTech and food innovation presenting compelling investment opportunities [6] - Industry leaders such as Beyond Meat, Hormel Foods, and Tyson Foods are leveraging AgTech to enhance growth and competitiveness [6] Beyond Meat Initiatives - Beyond Meat is focused on redefining protein production through innovative plant-based meats that replicate traditional animal products, addressing climate change and public health challenges [8] - The company is expanding its global footprint and investing in sustainable product development and supply chain transformation [11] Hormel Foods Strategies - Hormel Foods is utilizing digital technologies and AgTech solutions to enhance operational efficiency and food production standards, including a $1.7 million investment in regenerative agriculture [11][13] - The company is expanding its innovation pipeline with a focus on alternative protein development through partnerships, such as with The Better Meat Co. [12] Tyson Foods Transformation - Tyson Foods is investing in agricultural technology and food innovation to support sustainable protein production and digital transformation [14] - The company is enhancing operational efficiency through automation and logistics improvements, aiming for $200 million in annual savings by 2030 [16]

Group 1 - Friedrich Global Research aims to identify the safest and best performing companies for stock investment, focusing on free cash flow, efficient capital allocation, and consistently superior results to find high-quality management teams [1] Group 2 - The founder of Bern Factor LLC has nearly 40 years of investing and analysis experience, with expertise in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as technical analysis [2] - The founder has a diverse background, having worked in various sectors including retail, military, and management, which provides a broad perspective on macroeconomics and detailed operational insights [2]

Company Overview - COLUMBUS® Craft Meats is a leading brand in premium salumi, known for producing authentic deli meats rooted in Italian American tradition [1][4][7] - The company is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation, which has approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and operates in over 80 countries [8][9] Product Launch - COLUMBUS® Craft Meats has launched its first standalone pepperoni deli product, COLUMBUS® Uncured Pepperoni, aimed at meeting consumer demand for premium flavors and versatility [1][4][6] - The product is crafted with whole cuts of hand-trimmed pork, seasoned with cracked fennel and paprika, and is designed for various eating occasions beyond pizza [4][5][6] Market Insights - The deli pepperoni category has experienced significant growth, with $108 million in retail sales and a year-over-year increase of 5.5% [4] - Nearly 70% of consumers are seeking new flavors and sizes in deli pepperoni, indicating a strong market demand for innovative products [4][6] Product Features - COLUMBUS® Uncured Pepperoni contains no added nitrates or nitrites, is gluten-free, and has no MSG or trans fats, aligning with health-conscious consumer trends [5][6] - The product is sold in a 4-ounce tray with a suggested retail price of $5.69 and is available at select retailers nationwide [6]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods Corporation announces the promotion of John Ghingo to president and the return of Jeffrey M. Ettinger as interim CEO for a period of 15 months, effective July 14, 2025, marking a significant leadership transition within the company [1][4]. Company Leadership Transition - John Ghingo will become the 11th president in Hormel Foods' nearly 135-year history, previously serving as executive vice president for Retail, overseeing the largest business unit and a portfolio of iconic consumer brands [1][2]. - Jeffrey M. Ettinger, who has a nearly three-decade career with Hormel Foods, will serve as interim CEO, bringing extensive knowledge of the company and its culture [3][9]. Strategic Focus - Ghingo emphasizes the importance of the "Transform & Modernize" strategy as a critical part of Hormel Foods' future direction, aiming to build on the company's strong foundation and enhance its market relevance [3][4]. - The board expresses confidence in Ghingo and Ettinger's ability to strengthen the business and deliver lasting value for shareholders, highlighting their complementary expertise in consumer innovation and market dynamics [4]. Company Background - Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and operates in over 80 countries, with a diverse portfolio of well-known brands [11].

分组1: Realty Income - Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns single-tenant net lease properties, with approximately 75% of its rents coming from the retail sector and the remainder from industrial assets and unique properties like casinos [3][4] - The REIT has a diverse tenant base of nearly 1,600 different tenants, which mitigates risks associated with individual retailers [4] - Realty Income has a strong track record, having increased its dividend annually for 30 consecutive years, and currently offers an attractive dividend yield of 5.6% [5] 分组2: Hormel Foods - Hormel Foods is a food manufacturer with a wide selection of packaged food brands, focusing on protein, and is recognized as a Dividend King with over 50 consecutive annual dividend increases [8][10] - The company currently offers a historically high dividend yield of around 3.8%, despite facing challenges such as rising costs and avian flu [9][10] - Hormel has a significant nonprofit shareholder, the Hormel Foundation, which influences its long-term business decisions to sustain dividend growth [11][12] 分组3: Hershey - Hershey is known for its iconic confection brands and a small portfolio of salty snack brands, with a solid dividend history, although its dividend growth is not consistent annually [8] - The company offers a dividend yield of approximately 3.2% and is currently facing headwinds due to rising cocoa prices [9][10] - The Hershey Trust, a major nonprofit shareholder, plays a crucial role in guiding Hershey's decisions to ensure long-term dividend growth [11][12] 分组4: Investment Strategy - The consumer goods sector offers various investment opportunities, with Realty Income serving as a stable foundational investment, while Hormel and Hershey present more aggressive options despite their current challenges [13][14] - The combination of Realty Income's stability with the potential recovery of Hormel and Hershey makes for an attractive investment strategy [13][14]

Core Insights - The PLANTERS® brand is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the NUTmobile with a new design and a fresh crew of Peanutters, launching a nationwide tour to engage fans and promote their products [1][2]. Company Overview - PLANTERS® was founded in 1906 and has been a leading snacking solution for over a century, offering a wide range of nut products [5]. - The brand is owned by Hormel Foods Corporation, which has an annual revenue of approximately $12 billion and operates in over 80 countries [6]. NUTmobile Details - The new NUTmobile features unique updates such as a peanut door handle, a neon-lit selfie station, and a 360-degree exterior camera [2]. - The tour will include interactive events and photo opportunities for fans [4]. New Peanutters - The new crew consists of three individuals: Aria Conte, Hudson Ritchie, and Adleigh Mayes, each with diverse backgrounds and interests [7].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of viewing the market as a collection of individual stocks rather than a single entity, highlighting the need for detailed analysis of specific stocks [1] - The collaboration with Kody Kester indicates a partnership aimed at enhancing research quality and insights [1] Group 2 - iREIT® offers comprehensive research on various investment vehicles including REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, ETFs, Builders, and Asset Managers [2] - The iREIT® Tracker provides data on over 250 tickers, including quality scores, buy targets, and trim targets, which aids investors in making informed decisions [2] - The introduction of the iREIT Buy Zone Ratings Tracker is designed to help members identify value opportunities in the market [2]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Food – Meat Products industry is experiencing strong growth due to increasing consumer demand for high-protein foods and a focus on health and wellness [2][3] - Companies are diversifying product portfolios, boosting production capacity, and investing in innovative plant-based meat alternatives to remain competitive [2][3] Major Trends - There is a significant increase in demand for high-protein diets, driven by health consciousness among consumers, particularly fitness enthusiasts [6] - The popularity of plant-based meat alternatives is rising as consumers seek healthier options with minimal artificial ingredients [7] - Meat companies are implementing strategic expansions through mergers, acquisitions, and capacity enhancements to improve market presence [8][9] Cost Challenges - Rising input costs, including feed, raw materials, transportation, and labor, are straining operations and increasing production expenses [10][11] - Persistent inflation is affecting consumer behavior, leading to more frequent store visits but lower purchase volumes, which may impact sales and profitability [11] Industry Performance - The Zacks Food – Meat Products industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the S&P 500 over the past year, declining by 7.8% compared to the sector's growth of 3% and the S&P 500's rise of 11.6% [15] - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.50X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 21.83X and the sector's 17.80X [16] Company Highlights - **Tyson Foods**: A leading player in the protein industry with a diversified multi-protein strategy, strong brand recognition, and a focus on digital transformation [17][18] - **Hormel Foods**: Growth driven by a strong Foodservice segment and innovation in product offerings, with a focus on operational efficiency through its Transform and Modernize initiative [21][22] - **Pilgrim's Pride**: A major producer of chicken and pork products, focusing on sustainable growth through product diversification and strategic investments in capacity and technology [24][25]