Core Insights - Darling Ingredients, Inc. (DAR) reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with earnings per share (EPS) of 64 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents and increasing 1.6% year over year [1][9] - Net sales reached $1,709.8 million, a 20.6% increase from the previous year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,534 million [2][9] Financial Performance - Gross profit rose 28.6% year over year to $429.2 million, with gross margin improving by 160 basis points to 25.1% [3] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 16.1% year over year to $336.1 million, including DGD's adjusted EBITDA of $57.9 million [3][9] - Net income was reported at $56.9 million, reflecting a decline of 44.2% year over year [3] Segment Performance - **Feed Segment**: Total net sales reached $1,128.1 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $984 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased 28.9% to $193.4 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $165 million [4] - **Food Segment**: Net sales were $429.07 million, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $384 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose 28.8% to $82.4 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $72 million [5] - **Fuel Segment**: Net sales totaled $152.6 million, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $155 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose 0.9% to $27.2 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $23.5 million [6] Financial Health - As of January 3, 2026, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $89 million and total debt of $3,937 million, resulting in net debt of $3,849 million. The preliminary leverage ratio was 2.90x [7] Future Outlook - The company anticipates modestly lower performance in the first quarter of 2026, with expectations of improved fat prices as RVO clarity emerges. Fuel volumes are estimated at approximately 260 million gallons for the first quarter of 2026 [10] - Positive demand trends in the food segment support a constructive outlook for 2026 [10]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, net revenues reached $18.5 billion, a 3.5% increase from $17.9 billion in fiscal 2024, while Adjusted EBITDA rose to $2.27 billion, up 2.5% from $2.211 billion in the previous year [24][26]. - In Q4 2025, net revenues were $4.52 billion compared to $4.37 billion a year ago, with Adjusted EBITDA of $415.1 million and a margin of 9.2%, down from $525.7 million and a 12% margin in Q4 2024 [24][25]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. business reported net revenues of $11 billion for the fiscal year, up from $10.6 billion in fiscal 2024, with Adjusted EBITDA of $1.63 billion and a margin of 14.8% [26]. - In Europe, Q4 Adjusted EBITDA was $131.4 million, an increase from $117.1 million in 2024, while full-year Adjusted EBITDA improved 11.4% to $453.1 million [27]. - Mexico's Q4 Adjusted EBITDA was $9.5 million, down from $36.9 million last year, with a full-year margin of 8.8%, down from 11.8% [28]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The USDA indicated that ready-to-cook production for the U.S. rose 2.1% year-over-year in 2025, driven by increased headcount and improved live performance [8]. - Consumer sentiment remains low due to economic uncertainty, but chicken's affordability is appealing across channels [9][10]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on diversifying its portfolio, with significant growth in branded offerings, particularly the Just BARE brand, which exceeded $1 billion in retail sales [4][6]. - Investments are being made in both fresh and prepared foods to drive profitable growth and reduce volatility [6][20]. - The company plans to convert a Big Bird plant to a case-ready plant and expand its prepared foods facility in Georgia to support growth [22][31]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are challenges in the market, particularly in Mexico due to increased imports, the long-term growth potential remains strong [20][21]. - The company anticipates moderate production growth of 1% in 2026, with overall protein availability projected to grow by 1.5% [9]. - Management expressed confidence in the demand for chicken, driven by affordability and consumer preferences [49][66]. Other Important Information - The company reported a strong balance sheet with net debt of approximately $2.45 billion and over $1.8 billion in total cash and available credit [30]. - Capital expenditures for 2026 are forecasted to be between $900 million and $950 million, reflecting ongoing growth projects [31]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Current growing conditions and market dynamics - Management indicated that the breeding flock is down 1.9% year-over-year, impacting supply growth, which is projected at only 1% for the year [36]. Question: Capital allocation and future projects - The company is investing in new facilities and expanding its presence in Mexico, with some projects expected to carry into 2027 [42]. Question: Commodity prices and sustainability - Management noted that chicken demand is supported by macroeconomic trends, with consumers shifting to retail due to inflation concerns [48]. Question: Mexico's supply-demand situation - The company is evolving its portfolio to mitigate volatility and is seeing a more stable supply-demand balance in Mexico [58]. Question: European market performance - Management acknowledged seasonality in the U.K. but emphasized the long-term growth of chicken, driven by affordability and consumer preferences [60]. Question: Disease pressure in Europe - The ASF situation in Spain has impacted the pork market, but management expects the Richmond brand to recover from recent challenges [68].

Austin, Minnesota-based Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) develops, processes, and distributes various meat, nuts, and other food products to foodservice, convenience store, and commercial customers. Valued at $13.2 billion by market cap, the company markets its products around the world under a variety of branded names like HORMEL, ALWAYS TENDER, APPLEGATE, AUSTIN BLUES, BLACK LABEL, BURKE, CAFÉ H, CHI-CHI'S, and more. Shares of this diversified food giant have underperformed the broader market over the pa ...

Core Insights - Darling Ingredients reported $1.71 billion in revenue for Q4 2025, a year-over-year increase of 20.6%, and an EPS of $0.64, slightly up from $0.63 a year ago, with revenue exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.44% [1] Financial Performance - Revenue from Feed Ingredients was $1.13 billion, surpassing the estimated $983.58 million, reflecting a 22.1% increase year-over-year [4] - Revenue from Fuel Ingredients was $152.57 million, slightly below the estimated $154.77 million, but still showing a 15.7% increase year-over-year [4] - Revenue from Food Ingredients reached $429.07 million, exceeding the average estimate of $384.12 million, marking an 18.6% year-over-year increase [4] EBITDA Analysis - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Food Ingredients was $82.41 million, above the average estimate of $72.22 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Feed Ingredients was $193.37 million, exceeding the average estimate of $164.92 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $27.17 million, surpassing the average estimate of $23.47 million [4] - Corporate Segment Adjusted EBITDA was reported at -$24.73 million, worse than the estimated -$19.11 million [4] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA for Fuel Ingredients was $85.08 million, significantly higher than the average estimate of $62.1 million [4] Stock Performance - Darling's shares have returned +21.6% over the past month, contrasting with a -0.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND). Shareholders who purchased shares of BYND during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery. CONTACT US HERE: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/beyond-meat-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=183427&from=3 CLASS PERIOD: February ...

GREELEY, Colo., Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (NASDAQ: PPC), one of the world's leading food companies, reports its fourth quarter and year-end 2025 financial results. 2025 Highlights Net Sales of $18.5 billion.Consolidated GAAP Operating Income margin of 8.7%.GAAP Net Income of $1.1 billion and GAAP EPS of $4.54. Adjusted Net Income of $1.2 billion, and Adjusted EPS of $5.17.Adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 billion, or a 12.3% margin, with Adjusted EBITDA margins of 14.8% in the U.S. ...

Economic Overview - The US economy added 130,000 jobs in January, indicating resilience in the labor market despite significant revisions to previous data [2][3] - The unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.3% from 4.4% [2] Labor Market Revisions - Revisions to 2025 payroll data showed a decrease in job growth to 181,000 from 584,000, marking the weakest annual job growth since 2003, excluding recession periods [3] Federal Reserve Outlook - The strong job report has influenced market expectations regarding Federal Reserve rate cuts, with over 40% of traders anticipating that rates will remain steady through June [4] - Most traders are still predicting two rate cuts by the end of the year [4] Corporate Earnings Insights - Earnings season is expected to provide insights into consumer behavior and corporate performance, with notable reports from McDonald's and Cisco [5] - Kraft Heinz announced a pause in its spin-off plans during its earnings release [5]

Core Insights - Kraft Heinz has decided to remain a single entity, reversing its previous plan to split into two companies, with CEO Steve Cahillane stating that the company's challenges are manageable and within their control [1][1][1] Financial Performance - In Q4, Kraft Heinz reported a net sales decline of 3.4% year-over-year, totaling $6.35 billion, which was slightly below analyst expectations [1][1] - The adjusted earnings per share for Q4 were $0.67, exceeding estimates, but the fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance range of $1.98 to $2.10 fell short of the consensus estimate of $2.48 [1][1] Strategic Direction - The decision to pause the planned separation indicates a focus on addressing operational declines, suggesting a cautious near-term strategy that may exert pressure on stock performance [1][1] - CEO Cahillane emphasized that it is prudent to halt work related to the separation to avoid incurring dis-synergies this year [1][1]

Core Viewpoint - Seneca Foods Corporation (SENEA) has shown strong financial performance in its recent earnings report, with significant increases in net sales and earnings, driven by favorable pricing and product mix despite lower sales volumes [2][3][11]. Financial Performance - For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, net sales reached $508.3 million, a 1.1% increase from $502.9 million in the same quarter last year [2]. - Net earnings surged to $44.8 million, or $6.48 per diluted share, compared to $14.7 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, a year ago [2]. - Operating income rose 133.7% to $59.9 million from $25.7 million in the prior-year quarter, with gross margin expanding to 16.4% from 9.8% [2][7]. Year-to-Date Performance - Year-to-date net sales for the nine months ended December 27, 2025, increased 2.7% to $1.27 billion from $1.23 billion in the prior-year period [3]. - Net earnings for the nine-month period climbed 120.1% to $89.4 million, or $12.89 per diluted share, from $40.6 million, or $5.81 per diluted share, in the prior year [3]. Segment Performance - The Vegetable business generated earnings before income taxes of $48.4 million, up 102.7% from $23.9 million a year ago [4]. - The Fruit and Snack segment contributed $6.3 million, a 62.3% increase from $3.9 million in the prior-year quarter [4]. - Revenue growth was primarily driven by pricing and product mix, with canned and frozen vegetables benefiting from an $8.9 million favorable impact from pricing, partially offset by a $2.5 million decline due to lower volumes [5]. Margin and Cost Management - Gross margin for the quarter improved to 16.4% from 9.8% in the prior-year period, aided by a LIFO credit of $2.6 million [7]. - On a nine-month basis, gross margin improved to 14.8% from 10.9%, supported by a $22.1 million LIFO credit [8]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased slightly to 4.6% of net sales from 4.5% a year earlier [9]. Cash Flow and Debt Management - Cash flow from operating activities for the first nine months totaled $114.2 million, down from $243.6 million in the prior-year period due to changes in working capital [10]. - The company reduced long-term debt to $242.7 million from $298.7 million a year earlier, indicating continued deleveraging [10]. Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted record sales and near-record FIFO profitability, attributing success to a strong holiday season and normalized costs following a poor harvest season [11]. Other Developments - During the nine months ended December 27, 2025, Seneca repurchased 86,142 shares of its Class A common stock for $8.7 million [13]. - The company entered into a receivables purchase agreement with a $50.0 million purchase limit to enhance liquidity and working capital flexibility [13].