Hormel Foods

Hormel confirmed its 60-year streak of annual dividend increases, but the most recent raise was just 1%, lifting the annualized payout to $1.17 — roughly keeping pace with inflation. Shares have fallen about 41% over five years, pushing the trailing yield to roughly 5.62%. Management says cash generation and raised fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance ($1.45–$1.51) comfortably cover the payout, though the company has shifted to a slower raise cadence similar to peers like McCormick. » More on finance.yahoo.com

S&P Global Ratings has changed its outlook for Hormel Foods from stable to negative, while affirming the issuer rating and corporate bonds at A-. The move is justified by an adjusted leverage of about 1.8x, declining EBITDA margins and insufficient proceeds from disposals, which delay a sustainable reduction of debt. S&P warns of a downgrade if Hormel does not bring leverage closer to its 1.5x target, if margins remain under pressure, or if cost savings fail to materialize. » More on de.investing.com

Hormel Foods has named Paul Kuehneman chief accounting officer. Kuehneman will lead the accounting function and be responsible for tax; he will work with Ash Bhumbla, executive vice president and chief financial officer. Kuehneman has worked at Hormel Foods since 1993, has served as interim CFO and controller, is a Certified Public Accountant and has more than 30 years of experience. » More on de.investing.com

At the Barclays Global Consumer Conference, Hormel Foods presented a strategy profile that accepts slower organic sales growth of 1–2% in favor of more stable margins and cost discipline. Management cites pricing, productivity gains and portfolio rationalizations as drivers; earnings guidance for the fiscal year remains at +6% to +10%. The food-service business is growing steadily and now accounts for about one-third of revenue and roughly half of the segment's profit, while sales of lower-margin units are expected to reduce revenue by around $300 million starting in 2027. » More on de.investing.com

Hormel Foods beat expectations in the third quarter with adjusted EPS of $0.37, but missed revenue with $2.96 billion versus $3.05 billion expected. Investors reacted negatively; the stock fell about 8.8% premarket to $21.62. The company raised its adjusted full-year earnings forecast to $1.45–1.51, but lowered its net sales outlook to $12.1–12.2 billion (organic growth 1–2%). Operating margin and operating cash flow improved, while the consumer environment and portfolio adjustments weighed on revenue growth. » More on de.investing.com