Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods (HRL) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share, reflecting a 5.7% decline year-over-year, while revenues are forecasted to increase by 2.4% to $3.06 billion [1] Group 1: Earnings and Revenue Estimates - Analysts project quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share for Hormel Foods, indicating a decline of 5.7% compared to the same period last year [1] - Revenue estimates for Hormel Foods are set at $3.06 billion, which represents a year-over-year increase of 2.4% [1] - There has been no revision in the consensus EPS estimate over the past 30 days, indicating stability in analysts' projections [1] Group 2: Segment Sales Projections - 'Net Sales- Retail' is projected to reach $1.94 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.5% [4] - 'Net Sales- International' is estimated at $179.20 million, indicating a 6.4% increase from the previous year [4] - 'Net Sales- Foodservice' is forecasted to be $981.56 million, showing a year-over-year change of 5.5% [4] Group 3: Segment Profit Estimates - The estimated 'Segment Profit- Foodservice' is $137.30 million, down from $138.83 million in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Segment Profit- International' is projected at $21.72 million, an increase from $20.85 million reported in the previous year [5] - Analysts forecast 'Segment Profit- Retail' to be $106.80 million, a decrease from $119.15 million in the same quarter last year [5] Group 4: Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Hormel Foods have returned -2.2%, compared to a -0.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [6] - Hormel Foods currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [6]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation will participate in the 2026 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference on February 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET [1][2] - The company will host its fiscal 2026 first quarter earnings conference call on February 26, 2026, at 7 a.m. CT (8 a.m. ET) [3][4] 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, SPAM, and more than 30 others [5] - The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, and has received various accolades for corporate responsibility and community service [5]

Board Changes - Jim Snee has retired from the Board after 36 years of service, having previously held the roles of President, Chairman, and CEO [1] - Jeff Ettinger rejoined the Board in March and was appointed Interim CEO in July [2] - John Ghingo was named the new President in July and joined the Board [2] - Scott Aakre joined the Board in May and will retire from his role as Group Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Retail at the end of the month [2] Meeting Attendance - Members of the Board of Directors and leadership team are present at the meeting [3] - Representatives from Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm, are also in attendance [3]

Group 1 - The company reported strong operational performance with increasing demand in core markets, leading to heightened leasing activity and rising occupancy rates [1] - Total in-store customer spending during the Christmas quarter remained consistent with the previous year, with grocery spending rising by 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year [1] - Non-Food discount sales grew by 7.2%, while Food & Beverage and Health & Beauty segments increased by 4% and 2.4% respectively, despite a decline in Value Fashion by 1.1% [1] Group 2 - As of April 1, 2026, new ratable values across the portfolio are expected to increase by 7%, but this will be offset by an 11% reduction in rates payable for tenants due to a recently announced discount for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties [2] - The company has been disciplined in capital recycling, improving portfolio quality, and strengthening its financial position, having disposed of one retail park in Northern Ireland and one shopping center in Hemel Hempstead for a total of GBP 12.6 million [2] - A further retail park in Dumfries was exchanged for GBP 26.5 million following the execution of a value-enhancing business plan [2]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation's international business is crucial for growth, but the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 showed mixed results with a 6% year-over-year decline in international net sales [1][8] Group 1: Regional Performance - China demonstrated strength with ongoing volume and net sales growth for SPAM and refrigerated products, indicating sustained brand relevance and demand for convenient protein options [2] - Fresh pork exports faced significant declines due to market softness and trade pressures, particularly in Brazil, where competitive intensity affected volumes and pricing [3] Group 2: Volume and Profitability - The international segment's volumes decreased by 8% in the quarter, highlighting the sensitivity of Hormel Foods' overseas business to regional market dynamics [3] - Profitability trends were negatively impacted by high commodity input costs and ongoing challenges in Brazil [3][8] Group 3: Long-term Outlook - Despite near-term challenges, Hormel Foods' established brands, especially in high-growth regions like China, provide a foundation for long-term expansion opportunities [4] Group 4: Stock Performance - Hormel Foods' shares have increased by 1.8% over the past month, outperforming the industry's decline of 0.3% during the same period [5]

Industry Overview - The consumer staples sector underperformed significantly in 2025 but is expected to see a more favorable environment in 2026 due to easing sector-specific pressures and potential fiscal stimulus boosting demand [1] - The sector has a 70-percentage-point performance gap relative to tech stocks over the past three years, indicating a contrarian opportunity for long-term investors [1] - The Consumer Staples exchange-traded fund (NYSEArca: XLP) gained 7.5% in just six trading days to start 2026, marking the strongest short-term run since 2022 [1] Investment Opportunities - The S&P 500 has produced double-digit returns over the past three years, but a shift towards safer consumer staples stocks is advisable due to potential market corrections [2] - Consumer staples stocks not only offer solid upside potential but also provide significant, dependable dividends, making them attractive for conservative growth and income investors [2] Notable Companies - Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) offers a compelling entry point for value investors with a 7.30% dividend yield and focuses on smoke-free products [5] - Hormel Foods Corp. (NYSE: HRL) has a reliable 5.05% dividend yield and is restructuring its portfolio to improve performance after a 25% decline in 2025 [9] - Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NYSE: KMB) has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, currently yielding 5.04%, and is acquiring Kenvue Inc. in a $48.7 billion deal [13][15] - PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP) reported solid earnings and has a 3.81% dividend yield, with a potential upside of over 50% due to strategic changes proposed by activist investor Elliott Investment Management [19][20] - Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE: PG) has raised dividends for 70 straight years, with a current yield of 2.82%, focusing on branded consumer packaged goods [22][25]

Core Insights - COLUMBUS Craft Meats has launched the COLUMBUS Entertaining Tray, a new charcuterie product aimed at meeting the rising consumer demand for convenient hosting options [1][2][3] Consumer Trends - At-home entertaining is increasingly popular, with consumers seeking stress-free solutions that enhance the experience of gathering [2] - 61% of Gen Z and Millennials are using micro-moments to gather more frequently, and 86% prioritize convenience in their food choices [3] - One-third of consumers use charcuterie boards when hosting, and 35% express interest in purchasing pre-made options [3] Product Details - The COLUMBUS Entertaining Tray includes COLUMBUS Italian Dry Salame and COLUMBUS Peppered Salame, paired with white cheddar and gouda for easy serving [4] - The product is gluten-free and designed to eliminate the need for separate purchases and pairing decisions [4] - The tray is available in a 12-ounce size with a suggested retail price of $15.49 [5] Company Background - COLUMBUS Craft Meats, founded in 1917, specializes in premium salumi and deli meats, and is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation [5] - Hormel Foods Corporation generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and is recognized for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts [7]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation has appointed Domenic Borrelli as executive vice president of Retail, effective February 23, 2026, to oversee its Retail business unit, which is a significant growth driver for the company [1][6] Group 1: Appointment and Role - Domenic Borrelli will lead the Retail business unit, which includes many of Hormel's well-known consumer brands [1] - John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods, expressed confidence in Borrelli's ability to drive consumer-driven growth and strategic direction within the Retail unit [1] Group 2: Experience and Background - Borrelli has over 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, with a strong track record in managing multi-billion-dollar businesses and leading transformations [1][2] - Prior to joining Hormel, Borrelli was president and general manager of the Beverage Creations business at Danone North America, where he successfully managed a portfolio of brands [2][3] - His previous roles include senior leadership positions at Kraft Foods and Maple Leaf Foods, focusing on marketing and general management [4] Group 3: Education and Affiliations - Borrelli holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University and a bachelor's degree from York University in Toronto [5] - He has served on the boards of the Organic Trade Association and the National Coffee Association, indicating his involvement in industry organizations [5] Group 4: 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 [6] - The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has received various accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts [6]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is currently trading at its lowest levels in over a decade, down more than 50% from its 2022 peak due to a combination of macroeconomic factors [1] Company Analysis - Hormel Foods Corporation has seen a significant decline in stock value, reflecting broader market challenges and possibly company-specific issues [1] Industry Context - The analysis indicates a potential opportunity for value investing in Hormel Foods, as the stock may be undervalued given its historical performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is currently trading at its lowest levels in over a decade, down more than 50% from its 2022 peak due to a combination of macroeconomic factors [1] Company Analysis - Hormel Foods Corporation has seen a significant decline in stock value, reflecting broader market challenges and possibly company-specific issues [1] Industry Context - The analysis indicates a potential opportunity for value investing in Hormel Foods, as the stock may be undervalued given its historical performance [1]