Key Takeaways HRL to report Q1 results on Feb. 26, with revenues seen near $3 billion, up 0.4% Y/Y.HRL projects Q1 adjusted EPS of 34 cents, as beef costs and turkey constraints pressure margins.HRL benefits from its Transform and Modernize initiative, driving efficiencies and cost savings.Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is set to release first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on Feb. 26, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has remained unchanged in the past 30 days at 33 cents per shar ...

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 ...

Key Takeaways Hormel Foods expects Q1 net sales of $3B with 2% organic growth and EPS near 33 cents.HRL reaffirmed fiscal 2026 outlook targeting 2-3% organic revenues and 5-7% profit growth.Hormel Foods targets margin gains via pricing discipline and its Transform and Modernize plan.Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) reported preliminary results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, reflecting modest sales growth and stable earnings. The early figures suggest that the company is progressing toward its fiscal-ye ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal 2025, the company reported net sales exceeding $12 billion, reflecting a 2% organic growth compared to the previous year, despite falling short of earnings goals [7][13] - Operating income for fiscal 2025 was $719 million, with an adjusted operating income of just over $1 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 5.9% and an adjusted operating margin of 8.4% [17] - Diluted EPS for the full year was $0.87, with adjusted diluted EPS at $1.37; however, the fourth quarter saw a diluted loss per share of $0.10 and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.32 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail segment maintained strong brand positions, with brands like Jennie-O and SPAM contributing to growth, although profitability was pressured due to input cost increases [8][9] - The foodservice segment outperformed the broader industry, leveraging direct sales and innovation, but faced challenges from traffic declines and higher input costs [9] - The international segment's performance varied by geography, with China being a strong contributor, while Brazil posed challenges [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced over 500 basis points of raw material cost inflation in the fourth quarter, with pork bellies increasing approximately 25% and beef remaining a significant inflationary pressure [14][15] - Turkey supply constraints due to avian illnesses impacted pricing and availability, with expectations of continued challenges into the first half of 2026 [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build on its protein-centric portfolio, focusing on consumer needs and expanding brand capabilities to drive growth [21][22] - Strategic priorities for 2026 include consumer obsession, breaking brand boundaries, and becoming future-ready through portfolio reshaping and technological advancements [23][30] - The Transform and Modernize initiative will continue to support margin expansion and operational efficiency [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging consumer environment with elevated inflation and uncertainty, impacting consumer sentiment and spending behavior [76] - The company expects organic net sales growth of 1%-4% and adjusted operating income growth of 4%-10% for fiscal 2026, with a focus on leveraging pricing actions and marketing support [33][34] Other Important Information - The company returned a record $633 million to shareholders in dividends, marking 60 consecutive years of dividend increases [19] - A corporate restructuring resulted in a reduction of approximately 250 positions, aimed at streamlining operations and reallocating resources for growth [10][52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack guidance further and discuss key factors? - Management highlighted expectations for organic net sales growth of 1%-4% and emphasized the strength of the protein-centric portfolio and pricing actions to support growth [39][40] Question: What are the expected savings from restructuring? - The restructuring is anticipated to deliver gross savings in the range of two to three times the expected cost to implement, with a quick payback within the first 12 months [52][54] Question: What is the outlook for turkey pricing? - Management indicated that while whole bird prices are expected to remain elevated, the ground turkey business is performing well and is a focus area for growth [50][51] Question: How is the Planters brand recovering? - The Planters brand is back in growth mode, with a 12% increase in dollar consumption and a 13% increase in distribution, although profit recovery is still challenged by mix shifts [58][59] Question: What is the status of the Brazil venture? - The company continues to review its international portfolio, acknowledging that Brazil has been a drag on performance, but remains committed to strategic priorities in other regions [62][64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal 2025, net sales exceeded $12 billion, representing a 2% organic growth over the prior year, despite falling short of earnings goals [5][12] - Operating income for fiscal 2025 was $719 million, with an adjusted operating income of just over $1 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 5.9% and an adjusted operating margin of 8.4% [16] - Diluted EPS for the full year was $0.87, with adjusted diluted EPS at $1.37; for the fourth quarter, diluted loss per share was $0.10, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.32 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail segment faced profitability pressures due to heightened commodity costs, but leading brands like Jennie-O and SPAM maintained strong market positions [6][8] - The foodservice segment outperformed the broader industry, leveraging direct sales and innovation, although it faced challenges from traffic declines and higher input costs [6][8] - The international segment's performance varied, with strong contributions from China but challenges in Brazil impacting overall growth objectives [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pork market saw a 25% increase in pork bellies and a 10% rise in pork cutouts, while beef remained a significant inflationary pressure throughout the year [12][13] - Turkey supply constraints are expected to continue into the first half of 2026 due to avian illnesses affecting the supply chain [13][14] - The Planters brand experienced a 12% increase in dollar consumption and a 6% increase in volume consumption, indicating recovery in the snack category [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on a protein-centric portfolio, emphasizing consumer needs and expanding brand capabilities to drive growth [20][21] - Strategic priorities for 2026 include consumer obsession, breaking brand boundaries, and becoming future-ready through portfolio reshaping and technological advancements [20][28] - The Transform and Modernize initiative will continue to support margin expansion and operational efficiency [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging fiscal 2025 but expressed confidence in returning to growth in fiscal 2026, targeting organic net sales growth of 1%-4% and adjusted operating income growth of 4%-10% [32][33] - The consumer environment remains strained, with expectations of continued value-seeking behavior, impacting demand in both retail and foodservice channels [72] - Management highlighted the importance of agility in responding to market volatility and refining processes for better commodity risk management [70] Other Important Information - The company returned a record $633 million to shareholders in dividends, marking 60 consecutive years of dividend increases [18] - A corporate restructuring resulted in a reduction of approximately 250 positions, aimed at streamlining operations and supporting long-term growth [9][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack guidance further and key factors to consider? - Management expects organic net sales growth of 1%-4% and adjusted operating income growth of 4%-10%, driven by pricing actions and enhanced marketing support [39][40] Question: What is the status of portfolio reshaping? - Portfolio reshaping is an ongoing strategic effort to simplify operations and focus on sustainable long-term growth, including exiting non-strategic businesses [42][43] Question: What are the expectations for turkey markets? - Turkey remains a critical business, with expectations for elevated whole bird prices throughout the year, but ground turkey continues to perform well [46][49] Question: What are the expected savings from restructuring? - The restructuring is expected to deliver gross savings in the range of two to three times the expected cost to implement, with a quick payback within the first 12 months [51][52] Question: How is the Planters brand performing? - Planters is back in growth mode, with a 12% increase in dollar consumption and a 13% increase in distribution, although profit recovery is impacted by mix shifts [57][58] Question: What is the outlook for the Brazil venture? - The Brazil venture is under review, with ongoing assessments of the international portfolio to determine strategic fit and performance [62][64] Question: How does the consumer environment factor into the outlook? - The consumer environment is expected to remain challenging, with continued value-seeking behavior influencing demand across channels [72][73]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is a significant player in the packaged foods industry, with a market cap of $13.7 billion and a diverse brand portfolio [1][2] - The company has faced stock price declines, with a 26.6% drop from its 52-week high and a 20.9% year-to-date decrease [3][4] Company Overview - HRL develops, processes, and distributes a variety of food products, including meat and nuts, to various customers globally [1] - The company is classified as a large-cap stock, highlighting its size and influence in the market [2] Financial Performance - In Q3, HRL reported an adjusted EPS of $0.35, falling short of the expected $0.41, while revenue reached $3.03 billion, exceeding forecasts of $2.98 billion [5] - The company anticipates a full-year adjusted EPS between $1.43 and $1.45 [5] Stock Performance - HRL shares have underperformed compared to the First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF, with a 17.7% decline over the past three months [3][4] - The stock has been trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bearish trend [4] Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street analysts maintain a cautious outlook on HRL, with a consensus "Hold" rating and a mean price target of $28.71, suggesting a potential upside of 15.7% [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 6% growth in top line revenue, with volume growth across all segments: retail up 5%, foodservice up 7%, and international up 6% [4][6] - Despite the top line growth, the bottom line was negatively impacted by cascading cost pressures that exceeded expectations, leading to a miss in earnings [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment experienced a 5% growth, foodservice segment grew by 7%, and international segment saw a 6% increase, indicating strong performance across all business lines [4] - The company is facing challenges in passing through pricing increases due to delays in implementation, particularly in the retail segment where it takes up to 90 days [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The foodservice industry is experiencing traffic pressure, with consumers not returning to channels like QSRs and convenience stores as expected [39][40] - Retail consumers are trading down to lower-priced alternatives, leading to significant growth in private label products across various categories [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its portfolio and operations through the Transform and Modernize initiative, which aims to yield efficiencies and savings while investing in talent and infrastructure [34][58] - There is an emphasis on strategic pricing actions to manage commodity inflation while maintaining consumer demand and brand strength [14][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, citing sales momentum and the expectation that pricing actions will begin to positively impact the bottom line [71][75] - The consumer sentiment remains low due to inflationary pressures, which is affecting purchasing behavior and overall market dynamics [37][39] Other Important Information - The company is prioritizing capital allocation towards increasing dividends, strategic M&A opportunities, and expanding its global footprint [66][68] - The Transform and Modernize initiative is on track to deliver significant value beyond initial targets, with a focus on improving manufacturing efficiency and optimizing the company's footprint [58][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the key issues in the third quarter and outlook for the fourth quarter? - Management acknowledged that while top line growth was achieved, bottom line performance was hindered by unexpected cost pressures, with a similar outlook anticipated for Q4 [5][6] Question: How is the company addressing pricing challenges in different segments? - The foodservice segment utilizes pass-through pricing, while the retail segment faces longer lag times for pricing adjustments, requiring strategic decisions based on consumer sentiment and brand strength [11][12][14] Question: What is the focus of the new leadership team moving forward? - The interim CEO and President emphasized the importance of strategic focus, operational efficiency, and leveraging the unique portfolio to drive growth [30][31][34] Question: How is the company planning to modernize its operations? - The Transform and Modernize initiative is aimed at improving efficiencies and capabilities across the organization, with ongoing projects expected to yield benefits beyond 2026 [58][61] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities for the company? - The company is focused on increasing dividends, exploring strategic M&A opportunities, and expanding its snacking and foodservice portfolios [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved organic net sales growth of 6% in the third quarter, marking three consecutive quarters of growth [9][34] - Adjusted EPS for the third quarter was $0.35, with cash flow from operations at $157 million, showing a sequential improvement but down compared to the prior year [38][39] - Gross profit remained relatively flat year over year due to higher than expected input costs, with inflationary pressures impacting margins [35][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Retail segment grew volume and net sales by 5% over last year, driven significantly by the Turkey portfolio [34][35] - The Foodservice segment outperformed the broader industry with 2% organic volume growth and 7% organic net sales growth [35][25] - The International segment saw 8% volume growth and 6% net sales growth, primarily led by the China market [34][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced significant commodity inflation, with pork bellies up approximately 30% and beef prices remaining near all-time highs [36][30] - The foodservice industry traffic remained soft, impacting overall visits slightly down year over year [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering profitable growth through its Transform and Modernize initiative, which is expected to provide incremental benefits [9][41] - The strategy includes building a consumer-led growth engine powered by protein-centric solutions and modernizing product offerings [16][24] - The company plans to share holistic 2026 guidance in the fourth quarter earnings call, aligning expectations with market dynamics [11][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future despite disappointing bottom-line results, emphasizing the strength of its protein-centric portfolio [31][46] - The company anticipates continued net sales growth in the fourth quarter, although profitability recovery is expected to lag into next year due to ongoing commodity pressures [10][42] - Management acknowledged the need to adjust 2026 targets based on current market conditions and consumer sentiment [44][59] Other Important Information - The company declared and paid its 388th consecutive quarterly dividend, totaling $474 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2025 [39] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $72 million, with a commitment to invest approximately $300 million for fiscal 2025 [39][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has changed in the outlook since the last call? - Management noted that while some expectations were met, the steep rise in commodity markets significantly pressured earnings, alongside disappointing foodservice traffic recovery [54][56] Question: What are the opportunities for shareholder returns? - Management highlighted the company's strong position in innovation and growth across various segments, emphasizing the importance of driving both top and bottom line growth [63][66] Question: How does the long-term growth algorithm apply to 2026? - Management stated that while the long-term growth goals remain, they will provide specific guidance for fiscal 2026 in the upcoming call, considering current market dynamics [71][72] Question: What is the impact of seasonality on commodity costs? - Management acknowledged typical seasonal declines but noted that current markets remain elevated, which may not provide material benefits due to existing inventory levels [74][75] Question: How is pricing being managed in retail? - Management explained that pricing actions are being carefully considered based on commodity costs, consumer response, and brand health, with recent pricing actions expected to benefit in Q4 and 2026 [78][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic net sales increased by 6% in the third quarter, reaching $3 billion, with organic volume up 4% [32][34] - Adjusted EPS for the third quarter was $0.35, with cash flow from operations at $157 million [36][38] - Gross profit remained relatively flat year over year due to higher than expected input costs, with inflationary pressures impacting margins [33][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment saw a 5% increase in volume and net sales, driven by the Turkey portfolio [32][33] - Foodservice segment outperformed the broader industry with 2% organic volume growth and 7% organic net sales growth [32][33] - International business achieved 8% volume growth and 6% net sales growth, primarily from the China market [25][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commodity input costs surged unexpectedly, with pork bellies up approximately 30% and beef prices remaining high [34][35] - The foodservice industry faced challenges with traffic remaining soft year over year, impacting overall performance [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering profitable growth through its Transform and Modernize initiative, which is expected to yield incremental benefits [7][39] - A consumer-led growth engine powered by protein-centric solutions is being developed to enhance brand value and market position [14][22] - The company plans to provide holistic guidance for 2026 in the fourth quarter earnings call, aligning with its long-term growth algorithm [9][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the unexpected rise in commodity costs significantly impacted profitability, with expectations for continued pressure into the fourth quarter [8][28] - Confidence remains in the company's future, driven by a strong protein-centric portfolio and ongoing modernization efforts [29][30] - The company is committed to enhancing long-term profitability while navigating current market challenges [45][59] Other Important Information - The Transform and Modernize initiative is not just a cost-saving project but aims to reshape operations and build new capabilities [39][40] - The company declared and paid its 388th consecutive quarterly dividend, totaling $474 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2025 [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has changed in the outlook since the last call? - Management noted that while some expectations were met, the significant rise in commodity markets and soft foodservice traffic were unexpected challenges [49][54] Question: What are the growth opportunities for Hormel? - Hormel is positioned well in traditional processed meat categories and healthy protein segments, with a focus on driving top and bottom line growth [62][65] Question: How does the long-term growth algorithm apply to 2026? - The long-term growth algorithm remains a focus, with specific guidance for 2026 to be provided in the next earnings call [70][88] Question: What is the impact of pricing actions on profitability? - Pricing actions are being evaluated, with a focus on balancing consumer response and brand health while navigating commodity pressures [78][82] Question: How is the foodservice segment performing? - The foodservice segment is resilient, with top line growth despite challenges in traffic, and the company is leveraging its direct sales team to drive growth [90][92]

Third Quarter Key Messages - The company delivered strong top-line growth, supported by each segment[7] - Bottom-line results were pressured by a steep rise in commodity input costs[7] - Leadership is aligned on a clear mission of profitable growth[7] Retail Segment Performance (FY25 Q3 YoY) - Retail volume increased by 5%[18] - Retail net sales increased by 5%[18] - Retail segment profit decreased by 4%[18] Foodservice Segment Performance (FY25 Q3 YoY) - Foodservice organic volume increased by 2%[22] - Foodservice organic net sales increased by 7%[22] - Foodservice segment profit decreased by 1%[22] International Segment Performance (FY25 Q3 YoY) - International volume increased by 8%[24] - International net sales increased by 6%[24] - International segment profit decreased by 13%[24] Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook (Revised) - Net sales are expected to be in the range of $12.1 billion to $12.2 billion[29] - Operating income is expected to be in the range of $0.98 billion to $1.00 billion[29] - Adjusted operating income is expected to be in the range of $1.05 billion to $1.07 billion[29] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.43 to $1.45[29] - Capital expenditures are targeted at approximately $300 million[30] - The Transform & Modernize initiative is expected to contribute incremental benefits in the range of $100 million to $150 million[30]