Hormel Foods Corporation logo

Hormel Foods Corporation(HRL)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
1-STAR RATING
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY for 3 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
-3.56% ▼
LAST CLOSE
$21.95
11/06/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for HRL

11/06/2026: HRL (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Hormel Foods Corporation is a well-established manufacturer of branded food products, including staples like SPAM and SKIPPY. The company benefits from a diversified portfolio, strong retail and foodservice distribution, and a notable history of reliable dividend payments, making it a staple for income-oriented investors. Its primary growth strategy involves moving into high-potential snacking categories and natural, organic segments. However, the company faces risks from fluctuating commodity prices, intense competition, and shifting consumer dietary habits. Investors should monitor the successful integration of its recent snack acquisitions and the execution of its 'GoFWD' strategic transformation for signs of improved operational efficiency and long-term margin growth.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitWhile Hormel focuses on growth through acquisitions and innovation, it is fundamentally a mature company with steady rather than explosive growth.
Momentum investorWeak fitThe stock typically exhibits low beta and steady movement, making it less attractive for those seeking rapid, trend-based price appreciation.
Value investorMixed fitValuation is often premium due to brand strength and dividend history, requiring careful entry points for traditional value-seekers.
Dividend investorStrong fitHormel's status as a Dividend King with a long record of annual increases makes it a staple for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorStrong fitThe company's essential business model and history of reliable performance offer stability during market volatility.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityLowThe stock is generally less volatile than the broader market, though commodity price swings can create short-term fluctuations.
Valuation riskMediumThe stock often trades at a premium valuation relative to peers due to its high-quality brand portfolio and dividend consistency.
Competition risk (packaged foods)Medium / highIntense competition from both national brands and private labels puts pressure on pricing power and margins.
Business qualityStrongHormel maintains high-quality brand franchises that have stood the test of time, providing a competitive moat.
Dividend incomeLow / noneThe risk to the dividend is minimal given the company's strong cash flow and multi-decade track record of growth.
Execution riskMediumSuccessfully integrating large acquisitions like Planters and executing the 'GoFWD' strategy are critical for long-term margin improvement.

Price Behavior

Downtrend
PRICE PATH

Downtrend

The stock has experienced a sustained decline in price over recent periods.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -37%
Avg. Invested days 33
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 1.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/06/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
HRL receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by soft unit economics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
HRL has moderate overall fundamentals (3 stars), with moderate financial health, soft growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, growth and ownership metrics are mixed: negative earnings growth (-40.6%), soft cash generation (FCF margin 4.4%), moderate revenue growth (+1.6%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
HRL's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (4.4% of revenue). Profitability is soft (2 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Revenue growth is HRL's strongest growth driver at +1.6% FY2025 versus FY2024 (moderate, 3 stars). By comparison, while earnings growth (-40.6%, negative) and free-cash-flow growth (-47.1%, negative) hold the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 91.7% and approximately 52.8% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership is only 0.48%, which materially reduces the ownership score.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

State Street Corp 4.70%
BlackRock Inc 3.58%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 3.52%
Amvescap Plc. 2.76%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 2.69%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
HRL generates approximately $156 of gross profit, $59 of operating income, and $44 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Weak margins explain the 2-star rating, with moderate cash conversion and soft capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 27.99%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
HRL has a large-cap, liquid, relatively low-volatility profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while valuation that is moderately attractive rather than deeply discounted.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Low VolatilityLarge / Mega Cap StabilityShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 12.08B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 35.4
1Y Target Price 25.31
Price to earnings Ratio 35.4
1Y Target Price 25.31
Volume (30-day avg) 5.6M shares
Beta 0.26
52 Weeks Range 18.77 - 26.03
Updated Date 11/08/2026
52 Weeks Range 18.77 - 26.03
Updated Date 11/08/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 5.17%
Basic EPS (TTM) 0.62

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
RetailSPAM, SKIPPY, Applegate, and other shelf-stable and refrigerated products sold through retail channels.This is the primary revenue engine, relying on consumer brand loyalty in grocery stores.
FoodservicePrepared proteins and appetizers sold to restaurants and institutions.A key growth driver linked to dining trends and out-of-home eating habits.
InternationalExport business and regional operations in markets like China and the Philippines.Provides exposure to global middle-class growth and diverse regional consumer markets.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Valuation

Trailing PE 35.4
Forward PE 14.16
Enterprise Value 14.07B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.99
Enterprise Value 14.07B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.99
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.16
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 16.12
Shares Outstanding 550.35M
Shares Floating 290.74M
Shares Outstanding 550.35M
Shares Floating 290.74M
Percent Insiders 0.48
Percent Institutions 91.68

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

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