Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL)

Hormel Foods Corp. stock has experienced a decline over the past six months. The share price decreased by 23.50% between October 21, 2024, and October 20, 2025, and was down 3.56% over the 30 days leading up to October 24, 2025. A weak third-quarter 2025 earnings report, where the company reported $0.35 EPS, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.41, led to a 13.25% pre-market stock drop. Disappointing guidance for the fourth quarter of 2025 also contributed to investor concern. Profitability has been affected by rising raw material costs and increased selling, general, and administrative expenses. Analysts have adjusted their price targets for HRL, with ratings varying from Buy to Hold and Sell.

Hormel Foods benefits from a growing demand for its Foodservice products, with broad volume growth observed in categories such as turkey, bacon, and pepperoni. The PLANTERS brand reintroduces its Special Reserve peanuts for the holiday season, suggesting increased demand during that period. A Jennie-O report implies a seasonal peak in demand for turkey products around Thanksgiving. Previously high food inflation has led some consumers to opt for cheaper private label alternatives, which can impact demand for Hormel's branded products.

Hormel Foods Corporation is a globally recognized American multinational food processing company founded in 1891. It operates within the Consumer Goods sector, specifically the Packaged Foods industry, developing, processing, and distributing a diverse range of food products across various markets. Its portfolio features well-known brands such as SPAM, SKIPPY, Jennie-O, Planters, Applegate, Columbus Craft Meats, Dinty Moore, Herdez, and Wholly Guacamole, and has expanded to include plant-based protein options and healthier food choices.

Hormel Foods Corporation is headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, and maintains a significant global presence with operations in over 80 countries. The company has production facilities in China and Brazil, and its products are sold internationally in major markets including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, and England. Products sold in the United States are generally produced and packaged domestically unless otherwise specified on the label.

In October 2025, Hormel Foods Sales, LLC initiated a voluntary Class 1 recall of nearly 5 million pounds of five HORMEL FIRE BRAISED chicken products due to potential contamination with extraneous metal material. Hormel emphasized that these products were not sold directly to consumers in grocery stores, and no illnesses or injuries have been reported. Generally, Hormel Foods has built its brand reputation on product quality and consumer trust, and focuses on adapting to modern consumer habits, such as the trend towards snacking.

The ownership structure of Hormel Foods is a mix of institutional, retail, and individual investors. The Hormel Foundation is the largest shareholder, holding approximately 46.63% to 47% of the company's shares. Institutional investors collectively hold around 43% of the company's shares, with major institutional owners including Vanguard Group Inc, State Street Corp, BlackRock, Inc., Invesco Ltd., Geode Capital Management, Llc, Citadel Advisors Llc, and Morgan Stanley.