SMITHFIELD, Va., Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFD), an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced that its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 will be released before market open on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The company will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results. A live audio webcast of the conference call, together with related materials, will ...

Economic Overview - Economic uncertainty is affecting businesses and consumers in the U.S. due to ongoing tariff wars, yet the U.S. stock markets have reached record highs with a 14% year-to-date gain [1] - Analysts at Goldman Sachs suggest that investors should diversify their focus beyond a concentrated group of stocks that have driven market highs, as opportunities are emerging across various regions, sectors, and styles [2] FMCG Industry Insights - The global FMCG market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2025 to 2032, reaching $18.96 trillion, driven by shifts in consumer behavior and technological innovations [5] - Companies in the FMCG sector are well-positioned to withstand economic challenges due to the consistent demand for their products, which are typically low-priced [4] Investment Strategy - The best FMCG stocks are characterized by prudent financial management, healthy balance sheets, and sustainable profit margins, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations while providing shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks [6] - A methodology was employed to identify top FMCG stocks, focusing on those with an upside potential of over 20% and popularity among elite hedge funds in Q2 2025 [8][9] Company Highlights - **Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG)**: Stock upside potential of 21.57%, with 55 hedge fund holders. The stock is viewed positively due to its underperformance relative to the sector and signs of operational improvement [10][11][12] - **Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR)**: Stock upside potential of 23.19%, with 34 hedge fund holders. The company anticipates sales growth of 2% to 4% over the next two years and a 7% to 9% CAGR in adjusted EPS through 2027 [14][15][16] - **Smithfield Foods Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD)**: Stock upside potential of 23.91%, with 27 hedge fund holders. The company recently confirmed a secondary public offering of 19.53 million shares priced at $23.35 each, with no proceeds going to Smithfield [17][18][19]

Group 1 - Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced a secondary public offering of 19,531,698 shares at a price of $23.25 per share, with an additional option for underwriters to purchase up to 2,929,754 shares [1] - The offering is expected to close on September 8, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions [1] - The company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares as it is solely conducted by the principal shareholder, SFDS UK Holdings Limited [1] Group 2 - Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, and Barclays are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the offering, with Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and BNP Paribas as joint book-running managers [2] - A registration statement for the offering has been filed and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [3] Group 3 - Smithfield Foods is recognized as an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, with a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers [6]

Core Viewpoint - Smithfield Foods, Inc. is launching a secondary public offering of 16,000,000 shares of common stock, with no proceeds going to the company itself [1] Group 1: Offering Details - The offering will be conducted by SFDS UK Holdings Limited, the principal shareholder of Smithfield Foods [1] - The underwriters will have a 30-day option to purchase up to 2,400,000 additional shares at the public offering price [1] - Smithfield Foods will not sell any shares in this offering and will not receive any proceeds from the sale [1] Group 2: Underwriters - Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, and Barclays are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the proposed offering [2] Group 3: Regulatory Information - A registration statement, including a prospectus, has been filed with the SEC but is not yet effective, meaning securities cannot be sold until it becomes effective [4] - The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus, which will be available for free on the SEC website and from the underwriters [3]

Core Viewpoint - Smithfield Foods has made a $500,000 philanthropic investment to support the new Riverside Smithfield Hospital, addressing the critical need for full-service inpatient care in Isle of Wight County [3][4][5]. Company Contributions - The investment from Smithfield Foods reflects its commitment to the health and well-being of its employees and the local community, recognizing the importance of timely, high-quality medical care [3][4]. - This contribution is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in the region, ensuring that community members do not have to travel far for necessary medical services [5]. Community Impact - The establishment of Riverside Smithfield Hospital aims to provide advanced and compassionate care closer to home, which is expected to improve health outcomes and reduce barriers such as transportation [4][5]. - The investment is seen as a statement of belief in the local community, promoting a healthier and more resilient future for Isle of Wight County and surrounding areas [5]. About Riverside Health - Riverside Health is an integrated health network serving Eastern Virginia since 1915, providing over 2 million services annually across various medical specialties [7]. - The health system operates multiple facilities, including four acute-care hospitals and is in the process of constructing the new Riverside Smithfield Hospital, set to open in early 2026 [7]. About Smithfield Foods - Smithfield Foods, Inc. is a leading American food company specializing in packaged meats and fresh pork products, with a strong commitment to quality and sustainability [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record second quarter adjusted operating profit of $298 million, up 20% from $248 million in 2024, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 7.9%, improved from 7.3% in 2024 [5][30] - Consolidated sales for the second quarter were $3.8 billion, representing an 11% increase or $374 million compared to the prior year [30] - Adjusted net income from continuing operations was a record $217 million compared to $192 million in 2024, with adjusted EPS at $0.55 per share compared to $0.51 per share in 2024 [30] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The packaged meat segment delivered an adjusted operating profit of $296 million with a margin of 14.2%, despite higher raw material costs, and sales increased by 6.9% year over year [7][31] - The fresh pork segment reported an adjusted operating profit of $30 million, up from $17 million in 2024, with a margin of 1.4% [8][32] - The hog production segment achieved an adjusted operating profit of $22 million, compared to a loss of $10 million in 2024, driven by improved market conditions [9][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a 4.5% increase in sales volume for packaged meats, with a 2.3% increase in average selling price driven by higher market prices for pork [31] - Fresh pork segment sales increased by 5% year over year, primarily due to a 3.3% increase in average selling price and a 1.7% increase in volume [33] - Hog production segment sales increased by 8.4% year over year, despite a 24% reduction in the number of hogs produced [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has five strategic growth priorities: increasing profits in packaged meats, growing fresh pork profits, achieving a best-in-class cost structure in hog production, optimizing operations, and evaluating M&A opportunities [11][12] - The focus is on enhancing product mix, volume growth, and innovation in the packaged meat segment, which represents 55% of consolidated sales [12][14] - The company aims to maximize product value across channels in the fresh pork segment and optimize operations in hog production to improve profitability [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic consumer spending and geopolitical environment, raising the full-year outlook for adjusted operating profit [10][11] - The company anticipates total sales growth in the low to mid-single-digit percent range compared to fiscal 2024, with adjusted operating profit expectations for packaged meats and fresh pork remaining stable [37] - Management highlighted the importance of delivering value and convenience to consumers, particularly in the packaged meats segment, amidst cautious consumer spending [12][18] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.7 times and liquidity of $3.2 billion [35] - Capital expenditures for the first half were $158 million, with over 50% allocated to projects driving top and bottom line growth [36] - The company plans to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, expecting to maintain a total annual dividend of $1 per share [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on consumer shift within brands and private label trends - Management noted that while there is an increase in private label share growth, the company's private label business provides a competitive advantage due to high-quality offerings [46][47] Question: Visibility on hog prices and profitability between hog production and fresh pork - Management indicated confidence in hog production profitability, supported by favorable market conditions and operational improvements [49][50] Question: Confidence in packaged meats profitability amidst rising raw material costs - Management emphasized efficiency improvements and a diversified product portfolio as key factors in maintaining profitability despite rising costs [56][58] Question: Dynamics around hog production hedging and mark to market impacts - Management clarified that mark to market adjustments impacted second quarter results but overall business performance remains strong, supporting the raised outlook [64][66] Question: Expectations for volume performance in packaged meats in the second half - Management expressed confidence in volume growth driven by product innovation and strong foodservice sales, with expectations for continued momentum [75][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record second quarter adjusted operating profit of $298 million, up 20% from $248 million in 2024, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 7.9%, improved from 7.3% in 2024 [5][28] - Consolidated sales for the second quarter were $3.8 billion, representing an 11% increase or $374 million compared to the prior year [28] - Adjusted net income from continuing operations was a record $217 million compared to $192 million in 2024, with adjusted EPS at $0.55 per share compared to $0.51 per share in 2024 [28] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The packaged meat segment delivered an adjusted operating profit of $296 million with a margin of 14.2%, despite higher raw material costs, and sales increased by 6.9% to $2.1 billion [29] - The fresh pork segment reported an adjusted operating profit of $30 million, up from $17 million in 2024, with a margin of 1.4% [30] - The hog production segment achieved an adjusted operating profit of $22 million, compared to a loss of $10 million in 2024, with sales increasing by 8.4% to $840 million [31][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a 4.5% increase in sales volume for packaged meats, driven by a favorable product mix and a later Easter holiday [29] - Fresh pork segment sales increased by 5% year over year, primarily due to a 3.3% increase in average selling price and a 1.7% increase in volume [31] - The hog production segment's sales increase was attributed to higher external grain and feed sales and the sale of commercial hog inventories [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has five strategic growth priorities: increasing profits in packaged meats, growing fresh pork profitability, achieving a best-in-class cost structure in hog production, optimizing operations, and evaluating synergistic M&A opportunities [11] - The focus remains on enhancing product mix, volume growth, and innovation in the packaged meat segment, which represents 55% of consolidated sales [12][14] - The company aims to maximize product value across channels in the fresh pork segment and optimize operations to deliver efficiencies [21][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic consumer spending and geopolitical environment, raising the full-year outlook for adjusted operating profit primarily due to improved hog production segment performance [10][11] - The company anticipates total sales growth in the low to mid-single-digit percent range compared to fiscal 2024, with adjusted operating profit expectations for packaged meats and fresh pork remaining stable [36][37] - Management highlighted the importance of delivering value and convenience to consumers, particularly in the packaged meats segment, amidst cautious consumer spending [12][13] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.7 times and liquidity of $3.2 billion [34] - Capital expenditures for the first half were $158 million, with over 50% allocated to projects driving growth [35] - The company paid quarterly dividends of $0.25 per share and expects to maintain a $1 per share annual dividend [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on consumer shifts within packaged meats and private label trends - Management noted that while there is an increase in private label share growth, their private label business provides a competitive advantage due to high-quality offerings [46][47] Question: Visibility on hog prices and their impact on profitability - Management indicated confidence in hog prices supported by market dynamics and improvements in hog production operations [49][50] Question: Confidence in packaged meats profitability amidst rising raw material costs - Management emphasized efficiency improvements and a strong product portfolio that allows them to mitigate raw material cost impacts [56][58] Question: Dynamics around hog production hedging and mark-to-market impacts - Management clarified that mark-to-market adjustments impacted second quarter results but overall business performance remains strong, leading to an increased full-year outlook [63] Question: Expectations for volume performance in packaged meats - Management expressed confidence in volume growth driven by product innovation and strong foodservice sales [72][73] Question: Competitive environment for packaged meats and promotional activity - Management highlighted a focus on quality over quantity in promotional strategies, leading to improved profit margins [80][81]

Financial Performance - Smithfield achieved a record second quarter adjusted operating profit of $298 million, a 20% year-over-year increase [25, 81] - The adjusted operating profit margin was 7.9%, up 60 basis points year-over-year [25, 81] - Adjusted net income reached $217 million, up 12.8% compared to the previous year [81] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 7.8% to $0.55 [81] Segment Performance - The Packaged Meats segment delivered $296 million in adjusted operating profit with a 14.2% adjusted operating margin [25] - The Fresh Pork segment saw a 74.4% increase in adjusted operating profit [97] - Hog Production segment sales increased by 8.4% [102] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on increasing profits in the Packaged Meats segment through enhanced product mix and volume growth [28] - Smithfield is optimizing operations to offset inflation by delivering operating efficiencies in manufacturing, supply chain, distribution, procurement, and SG&A [28] - The company is evaluating synergistic M&A opportunities across North America [27] Capital Allocation - Smithfield is returning value to shareholders through quarterly dividends of $0.25 per share and an anticipated annual dividend of $1.00 per share [25] - The company's capital allocation strategy includes driving growth through product innovation and marketing, reinvesting in the business to improve automation and operating efficiencies, and opportunistic M&A [107] Financial Position - The ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA is 0.7x [131]

Core Viewpoint - Smithfield Foods, Inc. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, demonstrating resilience and agility in a dynamic macroeconomic environment, with an increase in sales and profitability across its segments [4][5]. Financial Highlights - **Second Quarter Fiscal 2025**: - Net sales reached $3.8 billion, an increase of 11.0% compared to the second quarter of 2024 [6]. - Operating profit was $260 million, with an adjusted operating profit of $298 million [6]. - Packaged Meats segment sales were $2.079 billion, up 6.9% year-over-year [5]. - Fresh Pork segment sales increased to $2.080 billion, a 5.0% rise [5]. - Hog Production segment sales grew by 8.4% to $840 million [5]. - **First Six Months Fiscal 2025**: - Total net sales amounted to $7.6 billion, reflecting a 10.2% increase from the first half of 2024 [6]. - Operating profit for the first half was $582 million, with an adjusted operating profit of $624 million [6]. - Packaged Meats operating profit was $567 million, down 7.9% from the previous year [8]. - Fresh Pork operating profit decreased by 30.4% to $117 million [8]. - Hog Production segment saw a significant increase in profitability, with adjusted operating profit rising to between $0 million to $100 million for the year [16]. CEO Perspective - The CEO highlighted the company's strong performance and improved outlook for the Hog Production segment, emphasizing the ability to invest in growth strategies and generate long-term shareholder value [4][5]. Financial Position - As of June 29, 2025, Smithfield had $3.225 billion in available liquidity, including $928 million in cash and cash equivalents [10]. - The company ended the second quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.7x [10]. Dividend Update - The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, maintaining an annual dividend rate of $1.00 per share for fiscal 2025 [12]. FY 2025 Outlook - Smithfield raised its full-year adjusted operating profit outlook, reaffirming total company sales to increase in the low-to-mid-single-digit percent range compared to fiscal year 2024 [16]. - The company also reaffirmed capital expenditures between $400 million to $500 million for the year [16].

Core Insights - Smithfield Foods, Inc. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, demonstrating resilience in a dynamic macroeconomic environment [4][5] - The company raised its full-year adjusted operating profit outlook due to solid performance in the first half and an improved outlook for the Hog Production segment [5] Financial Highlights for Q2 Fiscal 2025 - Consolidated sales reached $3.786 billion, an increase of 11.0% compared to the same period in 2024 [6] - Operating profit was $260 million, with an adjusted operating profit of $298 million, resulting in operating margins of 6.9% and 7.9% respectively [6] - Packaged Meats segment sales were $2.079 billion, up 6.9%, while Fresh Pork sales increased by 5.0% to $2.080 billion [5][6] Financial Highlights for First Half Fiscal 2025 - Total net sales for the first half were $7.558 billion, a 10.2% increase from the first half of 2024 [7] - Operating profit for the first six months was $582 million, with an adjusted operating profit of $624 million, leading to operating margins of 7.7% and 8.3% respectively [6][7] - Packaged Meats operating profit was $567 million, down 7.9% from the previous year, while Fresh Pork operating profit decreased by 30.4% to $117 million [8] Financial Position - As of June 29, 2025, the company had $3.225 billion in available liquidity, including $928 million in cash and cash equivalents [9] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 0.7x, indicating a strong financial position [9] Dividend Update - The company paid dividends of $0.25 per share on April 22 and May 29, 2025, and announced another dividend of $0.25 per share to be paid on August 28, 2025 [11] - The anticipated annual dividend rate for fiscal 2025 is $1.00 per share, subject to the Board's discretion [11] FY 2025 Outlook - The company reaffirmed its total sales growth outlook in the low-to-mid-single-digit percent range compared to fiscal year 2024 [16] - Adjusted operating profit for the Packaged Meats segment is expected to be between $1.050 billion to $1.150 billion, while the Fresh Pork segment is projected to be between $150 million to $250 million [16]