Stephens Cuts Hormel (HRL) PT to $25, Sees Near-Term Margin Pressure Despite 2026 Improvement

Group 1 - Hormel Foods Corporation is recognized as one of the 13 Cheapest Dividend Aristocrats to invest in [1] - Stephens has reduced its price target for Hormel Foods to $25 from $27, maintaining an Equal Weight rating due to near-term margin pressures [2] - The company's gross profit margin is reported at 15.7%, indicating ongoing pressure despite expectations for earnings improvement this year [2][3] Group 2 - Analysts have raised earnings estimates for Hormel for the upcoming period, with guidance suggesting earnings improvement as 2026 approaches [3] - USDA data indicates higher hog slaughter levels and heavier weights in the spring and summer, which may alleviate some input cost pressures [3] - Hormel's scale provides a competitive advantage, with net sales exceeding $3 billion and GAAP net income around $184 million in the third quarter, although profits fell short of Wall Street expectations [4]