Ghingo will join Hormel Foods' board of directorsEttinger's role to conclude after 15 monthsAUSTIN, Minn., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that John Ghingo will be promoted to the role of president, becoming the 11th person to hold the position in the company's nearly 135-year history. Jeffrey M. Ettinger, current member of the Hormel Foods board, will return to the company for a defined period of 15 months as int ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three quality dividend stocks that present compelling investment opportunities, emphasizing their potential for long-term income generation and growth despite varying share prices. Group 1: Realty Income - Realty Income is a leading REIT with a current dividend yield of 5.75% and a monthly payout structure, making it attractive for dividend investors [4] - The company has a strong track record, having raised its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, demonstrating resilience through economic challenges [5] - Despite a 29% decline from its all-time high, Realty Income is trading at a valuation of 14 times its funds from operations, indicating it may be undervalued [6] Group 2: Hormel Foods - Hormel Foods is a Dividend King with a 3.8% dividend yield and a history of increasing payouts for 59 consecutive years [7] - The company has adapted to changing consumer preferences, aiming for net sales growth of 2% to 3% annually and operating profit growth of 5% to 7% [8] - Hormel's payout ratio is projected at 72% of 2025 earnings estimates, supported by an investment-grade balance sheet, with the stock trading at 19 times estimated 2025 earnings [9] Group 3: Booking Holdings - Booking Holdings, with a recent share price around $5,600, is a technology leader in the hospitality and travel sectors, having recently initiated dividend payments [10] - The company has a low payout ratio of 18% of 2025 earnings estimates, with expected earnings growth of 15% annually over the next three to five years, indicating strong dividend growth potential [11] - Despite trading near all-time highs, the stock is valued at 26 times its 2025 earnings estimates, suggesting it offers value with anticipated dividend increases and capital gains [12]

Core Insights - EngageLab has launched a next-generation, end-to-end email solution aimed at enhancing email marketing effectiveness and user experience [1][6] - The solution incorporates AI-driven content creation, inbox preview, and spam detection to improve brand engagement and trust [2][5] Group 1: Product Features - The integrated AI content engine allows marketing teams to generate high-conversion email copy tailored to campaign themes and user profiles [9] - EngageLab's Inbox Preview feature supports over 100 major email clients, ensuring consistent email display across devices and platforms, which helps eliminate costly errors [3][4] - The intelligent spam detection engine scans email content for risky keywords, providing real-time optimization suggestions to avoid spam filters and enhance deliverability [5] Group 2: Case Study and Impact - A Southeast Asian e-commerce platform utilized EngageLab's Inbox Preview, resulting in an 80% reduction in email-related complaints and a 22% increase in coupon redemption rates during a major sales event [4] - The comprehensive solution is available for a free trial, allowing brands to experience its benefits risk-free [6] Group 3: Company Overview - EngageLab is a leading AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solution provider, supporting businesses in over 220 countries and regions [8] - The company focuses on innovation and performance, delivering over 1 million messages every second across various channels [8][11]

Core Viewpoint - Hormel Foods Corp reported mixed results in its second-quarter earnings for the 2025 fiscal year, leading to a 2.8% decline in stock price despite being a dividend king [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the quarter was $2.90 billion, slightly missing the expected $2.92 billion, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 35 cents met expectations [2]. - Year-over-year revenue showed a slight increase, with the previous year's second quarter at $2.89 billion, but EPS decreased by approximately 10% year-over-year [2]. Tariff Impact - Tariff pressures are affecting Hormel, particularly on products like Spam and pre-packaged meals that rely on imported ingredients, leading to mixed sector profits [4][5]. - The company has indicated that the worst may be behind it, maintaining full-year guidance with projected net sales between $12 billion and $12.2 billion and adjusted EPS between $1.58 and $1.68 [6]. Executive Changes - Hormel announced significant changes in its executive ranks, with Scott Aakre retiring as CMO and Jeff Baker stepping into the role of group vice president for retail marketing starting in fiscal 2026 [8][9]. Analyst Sentiment - Despite tariff concerns, analysts have been bullish on HRL stock, with upgrades from three analysts since April 15, including a notable upgrade from BNP Paribas [10]. - The stock is currently trading near 10-year lows, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio around 18x, which is a slight discount compared to its historical performance and the consumer staples sector [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $2.9 billion for the second quarter, reflecting a 1% organic increase compared to the previous year [26] - Gross profit margin was 16.7%, impacted by higher commodity input costs, partially offset by savings from the Transform and Modernize initiative [27] - Diluted earnings per share were $0.33, with adjusted diluted earnings per share at $0.35, aligning with expectations [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail segment maintained leadership positions, with notable growth from the Applegate brand and Jennie O lean ground turkey, which continues to perform strongly [9][10] - The food service business outperformed the broader industry, with strong volume and net sales growth from branded products [12] - The international segment saw double-digit volume and net sales growth, particularly in exports and China [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates strong second-half growth, particularly from the Turkey portfolio and the Planters brand, with overall net sales growth expected to be between 2% to 3% for the full year [20][34] - The competitive landscape for turkey has tightened, with expectations for share gains as competitors shutter facilities [94] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to delivering profitable and predictable growth, focusing on a diversified portfolio and the Transform and Modernize initiative [21][31] - Increased advertising investments are planned for the second half, particularly for the Planters brand and other key products [46] - The company is strategically positioned to navigate changing consumer preferences and market dynamics [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver strong second-half results, supported by positive momentum in key brands and segments [41][42] - The consumer sentiment is described as strained due to inflation and uncertainty in the macro environment, impacting overall demand [107] - The company is focused on managing input cost pressures and leveraging its diversified portfolio to sustain growth [33][34] Other Important Information - The company announced leadership changes, including the appointment of Kevin Myers to lead supply chain efforts and the retirement of Scott Okri [22][23] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to be between $275 million to $300 million, focusing on capacity and technology investments [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help bridge the operating income outlook for the year? - Management highlighted strong positioning for the second half, with positive momentum in the Planters brand and value-added turkey [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for Turkey in the back half? - Management noted a tightening supply in the turkey market and emphasized the focus on value-added products [52][55] Question: Can you elaborate on the expected margin expansion in the second half? - Management expects margin expansion driven by turkey pricing and strong performance from the Planters brand [60][61] Question: How does the company plan to grow in the food service segment? - Management indicated a strong pipeline of innovation and favorable year-over-year comparisons as key drivers for growth [64][65] Question: What are the savings from the Transform and Modernize initiative? - Management reported executing 66 projects under the initiative, with a focus on improving logistics and inventory management [69][71] Question: What products are related to the inventory build for summer demand? - Management indicated that inventory was built for Planters and promotional products like Spam, while managing commodity input costs [74][76] Question: Is the company still confident in achieving the $250 million operating income growth target by FY 2026? - Management affirmed confidence in the target, emphasizing ongoing initiatives and the benefits of the Transform and Modernize program [105][106] Question: What is the current consumer sentiment? - Management described consumer sentiment as strained due to inflation and uncertainty, impacting overall demand [107]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $2.9 billion for the second quarter, reflecting a 1% organic increase compared to the previous year [25] - Gross profit margin was 16.7%, impacted by higher commodity input costs, partially offset by savings from the Transform and Modernize initiative [26] - Diluted earnings per share were $0.33, with adjusted diluted earnings per share at $0.35, aligning with expectations [28] - The company anticipates full-year net sales growth of 2% to 3% and adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.58 to $1.68 [19][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail segment maintained leadership positions, with notable growth from the Applegate brand and Jennie O lean ground turkey [6][8] - The food service business outperformed the broader industry, with strong volume and net sales growth from branded products [11] - The international business saw double-digit volume and net sales growth, particularly in exports and China [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong top-line growth in China, driven by customer and distribution expansions [13] - The food service segment is expected to achieve mid-single-digit growth in organic net sales, outperforming industry trends [60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering profitable and predictable growth while navigating a dynamic operating environment [6] - The Transform and Modernize initiative is critical for restoring historical earnings growth and is on track to deliver expected benefits [29] - The company plans to increase advertising investments significantly in the second half of the year to support brand growth [46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver strong second-half results, supported by a diversified portfolio and strategic initiatives [14][19] - The consumer sentiment is described as strained due to inflation and uncertainty in the macro environment [104] - The company remains committed to long-term growth despite challenges in the operating environment [20][103] Other Important Information - The company announced leadership changes, including the appointment of Kevin Myers to lead supply chain efforts and the retirement of Scott Okri [20][22] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to be between $275 million and $300 million, focusing on capacity and technology investments [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help bridge the operating income outlook for the year? - Management highlighted strong positioning for the second half, with positive momentum in the Planters brand and value-added turkey [42][44] Question: What are the expectations for Turkey cadence in the back half? - Management noted a tightening supply in the turkey market but expressed confidence in their position and ability to capture upside during the fresh season [52][55] Question: Can you provide details on T and M savings? - Management confirmed that 66 projects were executed under the Transform and Modernize initiative, focusing on efficiency and logistics [67][70] Question: What products are related to the inventory build for summer demand? - The inventory build is strategically aligned with upcoming summer demands, particularly for Planters and promotional products [73][75] Question: How is the Planters brand expected to perform in the second half? - Management expressed optimism about the Planters brand, expecting continued sequential improvement and positive year-over-year consumption [82][84]

Financial Performance - Hormel Foods reported quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but down from $0.38 per share a year ago [1] - The company posted revenues of $2.9 billion for the quarter ended April 2025, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.20%, compared to $2.89 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Hormel has surpassed consensus EPS estimates only once and has topped revenue estimates just once [2] Stock Performance - Hormel shares have declined approximately 4.2% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 0.1% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating it is expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.41 on revenues of $2.99 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.61 on revenues of $12.13 billion [7] - The outlook for the Food - Meat Products industry, where Hormel operates, is currently in the top 37% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable environment for performance [8]

Award-winning internship program offers students from 50 colleges and universities three months of hands-on business experience AUSTIN, Minn., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- It's more than an internship — it's a launchpad to a rewarding career. Typically, more than 70% of Hormel Foods interns become full-time team members at the company. Starting today, the company will welcome over 95 students from 50 colleges and universities across the country. The award-winning Hormel Foods summer internship program o ...

Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Hormel Foods (HRL) reports results for the quarter ended April 2025. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.The earnings report, which is expected to be released on May 29, 2025, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectat ...

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation announced that Jeff Baker will become the group vice president for Retail marketing at the end of fiscal 2025, succeeding Scott Aakre [1] - Baker has been with Hormel Foods for 35 years, holding various positions in sales, product management, and marketing, demonstrating a strong track record of growth [2][3] - The company aims to evolve its brand portfolio to align with changing consumer preferences, enhance its presence in snacking and entertaining, and drive growth in its food-forward portfolio under Baker's leadership [1][3] Company Overview - Hormel Foods Corporation is a global branded food company based in Austin, Minnesota, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and operations in over 80 countries [3] - The company’s brand portfolio includes well-known names such as PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, and HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, among others [3] - Hormel Foods is recognized as a member of the S&P 500 Index and has received various accolades for corporate responsibility and community service [3]