分组1 - The 69 stocks classified as Dividend Aristocrats® have consistently outperformed the broader markets, with an average annual return of 1.59% higher than the S&P 500 since 2000 [1][2] - An initial investment of $10,000 in Dividend Aristocrats® would have grown to $84,700 compared to $58,600 in the S&P 500, highlighting the significant impact of dividend growth on total returns [2] - Companies that can maintain and increase dividends over decades tend to be resilient and well-managed, although a fall from this status can lead to significant losses for investors [3][4] 分组2 - Walgreens Boots Alliance was recently removed from the Dividend Aristocrats® list after suspending its dividend, resulting in a 15% drop in share price upon announcement [4] - Some Dividend Aristocrats® may provide inadequate dividend increases that do not keep pace with inflation, leading to potential investor losses [5] - Hormel Foods has not announced a dividend increase for 2025 and its previous increase of 2.5% in 2024 was below the 2.9% inflation rate, indicating a trend of underperformance relative to inflation [6][7] - Hormel's dividend growth has lagged behind inflation since 2021, with an 18% increase in dividends compared to a 24% rise in the Consumer Price Index [7] - The company's high payout ratio of 84% limits its ability to increase dividends in the future, especially given its recent earnings growth of only 4% [8]

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is investigating potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Hormel Foods Corporation due to allegations of materially misleading business information issued by the company [1] Summary by Relevant Sections - **Investigation Announcement** - Rosen Law Firm has announced an investigation regarding Hormel Foods Corporation for potential securities claims [1] - **Allegations** - The investigation stems from allegations that Hormel may have provided materially misleading business information to the investing public [1] - **Shareholder Compensation** - Shareholders who purchased Hormel securities may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods reported that its earnings in the latest quarter were negatively impacted by price pressures, bird flu, and a fire that damaged its peanut butter production facility in Arkansas [1] Group 1 - The company experienced earnings pressure due to various factors including price pressures [1] - Bird flu has contributed to the challenges faced by the company [1] - A fire incident at the Arkansas facility has further complicated production capabilities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods is spinning off its Justin's brand through an investment agreement with Forward Consumer Partners, with the transaction expected to close by year-end, resulting in Justin's becoming a standalone company with a new CEO [1][2]. Company Overview - Justin's brand, known for nut butters and chocolate snacks, was founded in 2004 and has been recognized for its strong brand equity and growth potential [2][3]. - Hormel Foods acquired Justin's in 2016 and has since expanded its product portfolio to include almond and peanut butters, as well as peanut and almond butter cups [3]. Leadership Changes - Peter Burns will return as CEO of Justin's, a position he previously held in 2016, while Matt Leeds from Forward Consumer Partners will become chairman of the new standalone company [4]. - John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods, emphasized the strategic partnership with Forward as a means to unlock the brand's potential [3]. Financial Performance - Hormel Foods anticipates a strong top line for the fourth quarter, driven by sustained demand across retail, foodservice, and international sectors, particularly from turkey products and Planters snacks [5]. - Net sales for the quarter are projected at the upper end of guidance, although adjusted earnings per share are expected to be around $0.08 to $0.09 below previous expectations [6].

Leadership Appointment - Hormel Foods Corporation appointed Paul Kuehneman as interim chief financial officer and controller effective October 27, 2025, reporting to interim CEO Jeff Ettinger [1][3] - Kuehneman has over 30 years of experience at Hormel Foods, holding various leadership roles, including vice president and controller [2] - He succeeds Jacinth Smiley, who is leaving the company for other opportunities [3][4] Fourth Quarter Update - Hormel Foods anticipates strong top-line results for the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter, driven by sustained demand across retail, foodservice, and international businesses [5] - Key contributors to growth include the turkey portfolio, PLANTERS brand, and strong market positions [5] - The company is facing persistent inflation in key commodity inputs and impacts from avian influenza and pneumoviruses in the poultry industry [6] Operational Challenges - A fire at the Little Rock, Arkansas peanut butter production facility was contained with no injuries, and full production is expected to resume early in fiscal 2026 [7] - The company issued a voluntary class 1 recall for certain chicken products sold in foodservice channels [7] - Hormel Foods expects net sales growth for the quarter toward the top end of previous guidance, but adjusted earnings per share are projected to be approximately $0.08 to $0.09 below prior expectations [8] Future Outlook - The company is not reaffirming its previously issued GAAP earnings per share guidance pending year-end financial closing procedures, which may include non-cash impairment charges [8] - Hormel Foods remains confident in its portfolio and brands, aiming for long-term sustainable growth despite recent inflationary pressures and operational disruptions [9] - A comprehensive review of the fourth quarter and full-year results, along with the fiscal 2026 outlook, will be provided in early December [10]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods is selling a 51% stake in Justin's to Forward Consumer Partners while retaining 49% ownership [2][4] - Justin's has expanded its product offerings since Hormel's acquisition in 2016, including new nut spreads and candy products [3] - The partnership aims to leverage resources for growth while maintaining Hormel's investment in Justin's success [4] Company Overview - Hormel Foods, known for brands like Spam and Planters, acquired Justin's in 2016 for $286 million [2] - Justin's founder, Justin Gold, will return as a strategic advisor, and Peter Burns will resume the role of CEO [4][5] Strategic Implications - The transaction reflects Hormel's strategy to unlock brand potential through partnerships [4] - Forward Consumer Partners views Justin's as a strong brand with significant untapped potential [5]

Performance Overview - The Dividend Kings experienced a decline of 1.58% in September, underperforming the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) by 4.47% [1] Current Month Performance - The performance in the current month is not showing improvement compared to previous results [1]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation and Forward Consumer Partners have signed a definitive agreement to establish a strategic partnership, allowing the Justin's® brand to become a standalone company, with Forward owning 51% and Hormel Foods owning 49% [1][3] Company Overview - Justin's® brand was founded in 2004 by Justin Gold, starting with handcrafted almond butters sold at the Boulder Farmers Market, and has since grown into a recognized brand in nut butters and organic snacks [2][5] - Hormel Foods acquired Justin's® in 2016 and has since expanded its product offerings, including various nut butters and confectionery items [3][5] Leadership Changes - Justin Gold will return as a strategic advisor and board member, while Peter Burns will resume his role as CEO, bringing extensive experience from previous leadership positions in the food and beverage industry [3][4] Strategic Goals - The partnership aims to leverage the strong brand equity of Justin's® and unlock its growth potential, reflecting Hormel Foods' broader strategy to enhance the value of its brands [3][4] Financial Context - Forward Consumer Partners manages $425 million in committed capital through its debut fund, which closed in 2023, indicating a strong financial backing for the new partnership [6]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation has a market capitalization of $13.1 billion and is a prominent global manufacturer and marketer of meat and food products, featuring well-known brands such as SKIPPY™, SPAM™, Hormel™, and Planters™ [1] Financial Performance - Hormel Foods is expected to announce its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon, with analysts predicting an adjusted EPS of $0.38, which represents a 9.5% decline from $0.42 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, the company is projected to report an adjusted EPS of $1.44, down 8.9% from $1.58 in fiscal 2024, but is anticipated to see a 6.3% growth year-over-year to $1.53 in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Hormel Foods' shares have decreased by 22.8%, underperforming compared to the S&P 500 Index, which increased by 18.4%, and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which dipped by 2.6% [4] - Despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 2025 revenue of $3.03 billion, shares fell by 13.1% due to missed earnings estimates, with an adjusted EPS of $0.35 attributed to higher commodity costs [5] Analyst Sentiment - The consensus view among analysts on Hormel Foods stock is cautious, with an overall "Hold" rating; out of 10 analysts, three recommend "Strong Buy," six suggest "Hold," and one advises "Strong Sell" [6] - The average analyst price target for Hormel Foods is $28.71, indicating a potential upside of 20.9% from current levels [6]

Company Summary - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is recalling nearly 4.9 million pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken products due to reports of metal fragments found in the products [2][7] - The recall affects items sold under the "Hormel FIRE BRAISED MEATS ALL NATURAL" label, produced between February 10 and September 19, 2025, and distributed to foodservice clients [2][7] - The current stock price of Hormel Foods is approximately $23.83, with a market capitalization of around $13.11 billion [2] Industry Summary - The recall of Hormel Foods products highlights potential quality control issues within the food processing industry, particularly concerning food safety and contamination risks [2][7] - The geopolitical landscape, including military advancements by Russia and peace negotiations involving the PKK, may indirectly impact the food industry through shifts in market stability and consumer confidence [3][5][7]