Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation will participate in the 2026 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference on February 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET [1][2] - The company will host its fiscal 2026 first quarter earnings conference call on February 26, 2026, at 7 a.m. CT (8 a.m. ET) [3][4] Company Overview - Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and is recognized for its diverse portfolio of brands, including PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, and more than 30 others [5] - The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, and has received various accolades for corporate responsibility and community service [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the author's background in analytics and accounting, highlighting over 10 years of experience in the investment sector, progressing from an analyst to a management role [1]. Group 1 - The author holds a master's degree in Analytics from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in Accounting [1]. - The author has a personal interest in dividend investing and aims to share insights with the Seeking Alpha community [1]. Group 2 - The author has disclosed a beneficial long position in several companies, including ABBV, ADP, HRL, JNJ, LOW, PEP, and SPGI, through various financial instruments [2]. - The article emphasizes that the author's opinions are personal and not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [2].

Board Changes - Jim Snee has retired from the Board after 36 years of service, having previously held the roles of President, Chairman, and CEO [1] - Jeff Ettinger rejoined the Board in March and was appointed Interim CEO in July [2] - John Ghingo was named the new President in July and joined the Board [2] - Scott Aakre joined the Board in May and will retire from his role as Group Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Retail at the end of the month [2] Meeting Attendance - Members of the Board of Directors and leadership team are present at the meeting [3] - Representatives from Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm, are also in attendance [3]

Group 1 - The company reported strong operational performance with increasing demand in core markets, leading to heightened leasing activity and rising occupancy rates [1] - Total in-store customer spending during the Christmas quarter remained consistent with the previous year, with grocery spending rising by 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year [1] - Non-Food discount sales grew by 7.2%, while Food & Beverage and Health & Beauty segments increased by 4% and 2.4% respectively, despite a decline in Value Fashion by 1.1% [1] Group 2 - As of April 1, 2026, new ratable values across the portfolio are expected to increase by 7%, but this will be offset by an 11% reduction in rates payable for tenants due to a recently announced discount for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties [2] - The company has been disciplined in capital recycling, improving portfolio quality, and strengthening its financial position, having disposed of one retail park in Northern Ireland and one shopping center in Hemel Hempstead for a total of GBP 12.6 million [2] - A further retail park in Dumfries was exchanged for GBP 26.5 million following the execution of a value-enhancing business plan [2]

Company Overview - The PLANTERS brand, founded in 1906, has been a leading snacking solution with a diverse portfolio including peanuts, nut mixes, and seeds [7] - PLANTERS has been owned by Hormel Foods Corporation since 2021, which generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and is a member of the S&P 500 Index [9] Marketing and Brand Engagement - The NUTmobile serves as a mobile public relations tool, generating millions of media impressions and engaging with fans through local media [1] - The brand is currently seeking college graduates to become "Peanutters," who will act as brand ambassadors and storytellers while traveling across the country [2][3] - Last year's Peanutters traveled to 46 states and interacted with over 160,000 people, enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement [3] Employment Opportunities - The Peanutters role offers a unique experience, including an annual salary, full-time benefits, and travel stipends, while providing real-world marketing and PR experience [3][4] - After their tour, Peanutters have the opportunity to apply for full-time positions at Hormel Foods [4] Brand Identity and Community Engagement - The PLANTERS brand emphasizes fun and creativity, aiming to create memorable experiences for consumers through engaging marketing strategies [3][5] - The iconic MR. PEANUT character and the NUTmobile are central to the brand's identity, appealing to consumers' sense of nostalgia and enjoyment [7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of ongoing inflation on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and suggests focusing on low-beta defensive stocks to navigate market volatility [2][3][10] Economic Context - Inflation has risen, with the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index increasing by 2.8% year-over-year in November, moving further away from the Federal Reserve's 2% target [6][8] - Personal income growth has slowed, with increases of 0.1% in October and 0.3% in November, below analysts' expectations [9] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-beta defensive stocks, particularly in the utility and consumer staples sectors, to mitigate market fluctuations [4][5] - Featured stocks include: - **Ameren Corp. (AEE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.58, dividend yield of 2.78% [12][13] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.50, dividend yield of 3.46% [14][15] - **ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 11.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.81, dividend yield of 3.47% [16] - **Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.33, dividend yield of 4.76% [17] - **J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.5%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.34, dividend yield of 3.43% [18][19]

Company Overview - Hormel Foods Corporation has a market cap of $13.5 billion and is a nearly 135-year-old American multinational food company headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, with operations in over 80 countries [1] - The company produces a diverse range of meat and grocery products, including fresh and refrigerated items like bacon, sausages, and prepared proteins, as well as shelf-stable foods such as canned meats and snacks [1] Financial Performance - Analysts expect Hormel Foods to report an adjusted EPS of $0.32 for fiscal Q1 2026, which represents an 8.6% decline from $0.35 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, the expected adjusted EPS is $1.46, reflecting a 6.6% increase from $1.37 in fiscal 2024 [3] Stock Performance - Hormel Foods shares have declined by 20.8% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which increased by 13.7%, and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which rose by 6.2% during the same period [4] - The decline in stock price is attributed to weakening operating fundamentals and limited earnings momentum, with average quarterly sales volumes decreasing by about 2.5% over the past two years [5] Earnings and Guidance - Hormel's gross margin is around 16.4%, indicating weak pricing power and intense competition, which have negatively impacted profitability [5] - Despite a mixed third-quarter performance, Hormel shares rose by 3.2% on December 4, following an optimistic outlook for fiscal 2026, projecting adjusted EPS between $1.43 and $1.51 on revenues of $12.2 billion to $12.5 billion [6]

Core Insights - Hormel Foods Corporation's international business is crucial for growth, but the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 showed mixed results with a 6% year-over-year decline in international net sales [1][8] Group 1: Regional Performance - China demonstrated strength with ongoing volume and net sales growth for SPAM and refrigerated products, indicating sustained brand relevance and demand for convenient protein options [2] - Fresh pork exports faced significant declines due to market softness and trade pressures, particularly in Brazil, where competitive intensity affected volumes and pricing [3] Group 2: Volume and Profitability - The international segment's volumes decreased by 8% in the quarter, highlighting the sensitivity of Hormel Foods' overseas business to regional market dynamics [3] - Profitability trends were negatively impacted by high commodity input costs and ongoing challenges in Brazil [3][8] Group 3: Long-term Outlook - Despite near-term challenges, Hormel Foods' established brands, especially in high-growth regions like China, provide a foundation for long-term expansion opportunities [4] Group 4: Stock Performance - Hormel Foods' shares have increased by 1.8% over the past month, outperforming the industry's decline of 0.3% during the same period [5]

Industry Overview - The consumer staples sector underperformed significantly in 2025 but is expected to see a more favorable environment in 2026 due to easing sector-specific pressures and potential fiscal stimulus boosting demand [1] - The sector has a 70-percentage-point performance gap relative to tech stocks over the past three years, indicating a contrarian opportunity for long-term investors [1] - The Consumer Staples exchange-traded fund (NYSEArca: XLP) gained 7.5% in just six trading days to start 2026, marking the strongest short-term run since 2022 [1] Investment Opportunities - The S&P 500 has produced double-digit returns over the past three years, but a shift towards safer consumer staples stocks is advisable due to potential market corrections [2] - Consumer staples stocks not only offer solid upside potential but also provide significant, dependable dividends, making them attractive for conservative growth and income investors [2] Notable Companies - Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) offers a compelling entry point for value investors with a 7.30% dividend yield and focuses on smoke-free products [5] - Hormel Foods Corp. (NYSE: HRL) has a reliable 5.05% dividend yield and is restructuring its portfolio to improve performance after a 25% decline in 2025 [9] - Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NYSE: KMB) has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, currently yielding 5.04%, and is acquiring Kenvue Inc. in a $48.7 billion deal [13][15] - PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP) reported solid earnings and has a 3.81% dividend yield, with a potential upside of over 50% due to strategic changes proposed by activist investor Elliott Investment Management [19][20] - Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE: PG) has raised dividends for 70 straight years, with a current yield of 2.82%, focusing on branded consumer packaged goods [22][25]

Core Insights - COLUMBUS Craft Meats has launched the COLUMBUS Entertaining Tray, a new charcuterie product aimed at meeting the rising consumer demand for convenient hosting options [1][2][3] Consumer Trends - At-home entertaining is increasingly popular, with consumers seeking stress-free solutions that enhance the experience of gathering [2] - 61% of Gen Z and Millennials are using micro-moments to gather more frequently, and 86% prioritize convenience in their food choices [3] - One-third of consumers use charcuterie boards when hosting, and 35% express interest in purchasing pre-made options [3] Product Details - The COLUMBUS Entertaining Tray includes COLUMBUS Italian Dry Salame and COLUMBUS Peppered Salame, paired with white cheddar and gouda for easy serving [4] - The product is gluten-free and designed to eliminate the need for separate purchases and pairing decisions [4] - The tray is available in a 12-ounce size with a suggested retail price of $15.49 [5] Company Background - COLUMBUS Craft Meats, founded in 1917, specializes in premium salumi and deli meats, and is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation [5] - Hormel Foods Corporation generates approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and is recognized for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts [7]