Hormel (HRL) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.
I recently completed a review of high dividend packaged food companies based on a matrix of factors including forward yield, payout ratio, value, growth, profitability, and financial strength. Hormel did not compare favorably to many of its peers, but stands out as a Dividend King trading at a discount. Many investors might rightly expect solid long-term performance from a Dividend King; Hormel's total return was a net loss almost 40% over the last three years.
HRL tops first-quarter EPS estimates as sales edge up 1.3%, but margins tighten and volumes fall despite Foodservice and International strength.
| Food Products Industry | Consumer Staples Sector | Jeffrey Ettinger CEO | XFRA Exchange | US4404521001 ISIN |
| US Country | 20,000 Employees | 17 Feb 2026 Last Dividend | 10 Feb 2016 Last Split | 2 Jan 1990 IPO Date |
Hormel Foods Corporation, a major player in the food processing and distribution industry, specializes in offering a wide range of meat, nuts, and other food products to an expansive customer base that includes retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial sectors both within the United States and globally. With operations strategically divided into three key segments: Retail, Foodservice, and International, the company is dedicated to catering to the diverse demands of its clientele by providing high-quality, perishable, and shelf-stable food products. Originally established as Geo. A. Hormel & Company in 1891, the organization underwent a rebranding to Hormel Foods Corporation in January 1995, signaling a broadened focus and commitment to innovation in food products. With its headquarters in Austin, Minnesota, Hormel Foods has cultivated a longstanding reputation for excellence, built over more than a century in the industry.
Hormel Foods Corporation offers an extensive portfolio of products across its operations, categorized into perishable and shelf-stable products. Each category encompasses a range of items aimed at meeting the versatile needs of its targeted markets.
These diverse product offerings are sold under a myriad of well-known and trusted brands such as HORMEL, ALWAYS TENDER, APPLEGATE, BACON 1, BLACK LABEL, and SKIPPY, to mention a few. Sales are facilitated through a combination of sales personnel, independent brokers, and distributors, ensuring a broad market reach both in the United States and internationally. This vast range of products and brands underscores Hormel Foods Corporation's commitment to diversity in its offerings, ensuring there is something for every market segment it serves.