Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation is selling its whole-bird turkey business to Life-Science Innovations to enhance profitability and adapt to changing consumer preferences [1][8] - The divestiture reflects Hormel's strategic shift towards value-added protein products, reducing reliance on commodity-driven operations that can lead to earnings volatility [2][5] Transaction Details - Life-Science Innovations will acquire production assets, including a Minnesota processing facility, feed mill, transportation equipment, and grower supply contracts related to the whole-bird business [3] - The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with co-manufacturing services provided during the transition to ensure customer order fulfillment [3][5] Financial Impact - Management anticipates that the divestiture will have a limited impact on adjusted fiscal 2026 results, with further details to be discussed in the upcoming earnings call [4][8] Strategic Focus - The move is part of Hormel Foods' broader strategy to streamline turkey operations and align resources with key focus areas, ensuring continuity for employees, customers, growers, and suppliers during the transition [5] Market Performance - Hormel Foods shares have increased by 10.4% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 index's growth of 3.2% during the same period [6]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods is a global branded food company focused on protein and consumer understanding, emphasizing strong corporate governance and disciplined capital allocation [1][2] Group 1 - Hormel has raised its dividend for 60 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to returning value to shareholders [2] - The company is currently navigating a dynamic food environment with a strong portfolio of market-leading brands and a well-positioned foodservice segment [2] - Hormel has an expansive global presence, which supports its competitive positioning in the food industry [2]

Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL) 2026 Conference February 18, 2026 04:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsJeffrey M. Ettinger - Interim CEOJohn F. Ghingo - PresidentNone - Video NarratorJohn F. GhingoTenure as CEO from 2006 to 2016 included many CAGNY presentations. He just can't get enough. Please join me in thanking Jeff and everyone at Hormel for this morning's break. Hormel Foods is a global branded food company, centered on protein, built around a deep understanding of the consumer. They are building on an outstanding ...

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation reported preliminary results for Q1 of fiscal 2026, indicating modest sales growth and stable earnings, aligning with the company's fiscal-year goals focused on profitable growth and operational execution [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company anticipates first-quarter net sales of approximately $3 billion, reflecting about 2% year-over-year organic growth, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of organic net sales growth [2][8]. - Adjusted earnings per share for the fiscal first quarter are projected to be 34 cents [2]. Long-term Outlook - Hormel Foods reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook, targeting 2-3% organic revenue growth and 5-7% operating profit expansion, emphasizing its strong position in the branded foods sector [3][8]. - The company is committed to disciplined execution to achieve these objectives, supported by its well-known brands like SPAM, Skippy, and Jennie-O [3]. Strategic Focus - The growth strategy centers around a protein-centric portfolio catering to both retail and foodservice channels, with a focus on margin expansion through pricing discipline and productivity improvements from the Transform and Modernize initiative [6][10]. - Hormel Foods is enhancing its consumer-first approach by leveraging data and analytics to refine pricing and product assortment, aligning innovation with consumer trends such as convenience and rising protein consumption [7][10]. Portfolio Management - As part of its portfolio optimization, Hormel Foods has agreed to sell its whole-bird turkey business to Life-Science Innovations, with the deal expected to close by the end of Q2 fiscal 2026 and minimal impact on full-year guidance [9][10].

Investor Contact: IR@hormel.com Media Contact: Media@hormel.com Hormel Foods Announces Preliminary First Quarter 2026 Results and Reaffirms Full-Year Adjusted Guidance Expects Q1 Net Sales of $3 billion; Organic Net Sales Growth of 2% 1 Expects Q1 Diluted EPS of $0.33; Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.34 1 Separately Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Its Whole-Bird Turkey Business Presenting at the 2026 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference AUSTIN, Minn. (Feb. 17, 2026) — Hormel Foods Corpora ...

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation announced preliminary first quarter fiscal 2026 results, expecting net sales of approximately $3 billion, reflecting a 2% organic net sales growth compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [1] - The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance for organic net sales and adjusted diluted earnings per share, with expected diluted EPS of $0.33 and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.34 [1] - Hormel Foods entered into a definitive agreement to sell its whole-bird turkey business to Life-Science Innovations, with minimal impact anticipated on net sales and adjusted diluted EPS guidance for fiscal 2026 [1] Preliminary First Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results - Expected net sales of approximately $3 billion, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year organic net sales growth [1] - Anticipated diluted EPS of $0.33 and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.34 for the first quarter [1] - The results indicate a solid start to the year, aligning with the company's expectations for profitable growth [1] Portfolio Shaping - The sale of the whole-bird turkey business is part of Hormel Foods' ongoing portfolio shaping efforts [1] - The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with financial details not disclosed [1] - The company will provide additional information regarding the transaction during its first quarter earnings announcement [1] Upcoming Presentations - Hormel Foods will present at the 2026 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference on February 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET [1] - A comprehensive review of the first quarter results and fiscal 2026 guidance will be provided during the earnings conference call on February 26, 2026, at 7 a.m. CT [1]

safety risks; fluctuations in commodity prices and availability of raw materials and other inputs; fluctuations in market demand for Hormel's products; risks related to Hormel's ability to respond to changing consumer preferences; damage to Hormel's reputation or brand image; risks of litigation; risks associated with government regulation; risks related to trade policies, export and import controls, and tariffs; and the other risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A – Risk Factors of Hormel's most rece ...

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) enters fiscal 2026 with improved earnings visibility after a challenging fiscal 2025, expecting transitional headwinds early in the year but anticipating better performance as cost actions and pricing benefits take effect [1][5] Earnings Outlook - Near-term visibility is limited, with management forecasting a year-over-year decline in first-quarter earnings due to delayed pricing actions, ongoing supply constraints from avian influenza, and timing issues with administrative cost savings [2] - Beyond the first quarter, earnings visibility is expected to improve significantly, with guidance for adjusted earnings per share of $1.43 to $1.51 for fiscal 2026, indicating a growth of 4% to 10% [3][8] - The earnings framework is supported by the full-year benefits of pricing actions from fiscal 2025, productivity gains from the Transform and Modernize initiative, and savings from a corporate restructuring program aimed at reducing administrative expenses [4] Market Conditions - The company anticipates a pressured consumer environment and elevated input costs, particularly for beef, but expects the impact of pricing realization, cost control measures, and operational efficiency initiatives to support fiscal 2026 earnings [5] - Hormel Foods' shares have decreased by 1.8% over the past month, underperforming the broader Consumer Staples sector, which grew by 9.8%, while still outperforming the S&P 500 index's decline of 1.9% [6] Valuation - Hormel Foods currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 15.94, which is higher than the industry average of 13.18, indicating market expectations regarding its business stability and ability to manage current cost and demand dynamics [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two dividend stocks, Hormel and McCormick, which are positioned well for potential market corrections due to their strong dividend histories and consumer staple products [6][10]. Company Analysis - Hormel, known for products like Spam and Skippy peanut butter, has a strong track record of outperforming the S&P 500 during market downturns, particularly since 2008 [6][7]. - McCormick, a spice manufacturer, also shows resilience during economic slowdowns, as consumers tend to cook at home more and use spices to enhance basic meals [8][10]. Dividend Performance - Hormel is classified as a Dividend King, having increased its dividend for 59 consecutive years, with a current yield of 4.69% [10]. - McCormick has raised its dividend for 39 straight years, offering a yield of 2.85% [10]. Market Outlook - Analysts project a median price target of $27.50 for Hormel, indicating a potential upside of 12%, while McCormick has a target of $73, suggesting an 8% return over the next 12 months [11].

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation has appointed Will Bonifant as group vice president and chief supply chain officer, effective March 9, 2026, to lead its global supply chain operations [1][1][1] Company Overview - Hormel Foods is a Fortune 500 global branded food company based in Austin, Minnesota, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue [1][1][1] - The company’s brand portfolio includes well-known names such as PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, and HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, among others [1][1][1] Leadership Appointment - Will Bonifant brings over 15 years of experience from The Hershey Company, where he led supply chain strategy and operations across a 20-plant network [1][1][1] - His previous roles include management consulting at The Boston Consulting Group and service as a U.S. Navy submarine officer, providing him with a diverse background in leadership and operational management [1][1][1] Strategic Importance - Bonifant's leadership is expected to drive transformation and strengthen Hormel's global supply chain, aligning with the company's long-term strategy [1][1][1] - His expertise in scaling complex operations and building modern capabilities will be crucial for Hormel's ongoing growth and innovation [1][1][1]