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Company

HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/

Ticker
HRL
Sector
Industry
Report date
May 28, 2026
Valye AI Score

100

Very high visibility
Recent developments
Recent developments summary

Recent developments focus on the company's Q2 2026 earnings performance, financial results, and market reactions.

Recent developments:
  • Hormel Foods reported Q2 2026 earnings and revenues that surpassed estimates, with sales gains driven by segment strength [N3][N6].
  • The company held its Q2 2026 earnings conference call on May 28, 2026, providing detailed insights into financial performance and business operations [N2][N5].
  • Key metrics from the Q2 earnings highlighted continued operational strength and reaffirmed fiscal year 2026 adjusted EPS and net sales outlook [N4][N7].
  • Market sentiment was influenced by broader geopolitical news, including a US-Iran deal, which contributed to a rebound in stocks including HRL [N1].
Overview

Hormel Foods Corporation is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HRL. The company operates with a focus on food products and has established equity and incentive compensation plans to attract and retain talent. It maintains a strong liquidity position as evidenced by its current and cash ratios reported in the latest quarterly filing. The company regularly communicates financial results and strategic updates through SEC filings and earnings calls. Risk factors disclosed include cybersecurity threats. The company held its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders where key governance and compensation matters were approved.

Executive summary

Financial figures (if any) are summarized from the latest available SEC filings and are provided for informational purposes only — not financial advice. Hormel Foods Corporation reported net income of $157.47 million and earnings per share of $0.29 for the quarter ended April 26, 2026. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 1.94 and cash ratio of 0.48 as of the same date. Recent news highlights Q2 2026 earnings and revenues surpassing estimates, segment strength, and reaffirmation of fiscal year 2026 adjusted EPS and net sales outlook [S2][N2][N3][N6][N7].

Scenarios for HRL

Bull case model:

The company demonstrates operational strength with recent earnings and revenue surpassing expectations, supported by segment sales gains. Its strong liquidity ratios provide financial flexibility. The adoption of comprehensive equity and incentive compensation plans aligns employee interests with company performance, potentially enhancing execution. Continued reaffirmation of fiscal year outlooks indicates management's confidence in ongoing business trends.

Bear case model:

Risks include potential adverse impacts from cybersecurity attacks as disclosed in the company's risk factors. Market volatility and geopolitical events, such as the US-Iran deal, may influence market sentiment and operational conditions. The company faces competitive pressures in the food industry, and any disruptions in supply chains or consumer demand could affect financial performance. Changes in executive leadership or compensation structures may also introduce execution risks.

Moat:

Hormel Foods benefits from a diversified product portfolio in the food industry, supported by established brand recognition and a broad distribution network. Its equity compensation plans and severance arrangements help retain key personnel, supporting operational continuity. The company's liquidity position and consistent earnings generation contribute to its financial stability. These factors collectively support a competitive moat in the consumer packaged goods sector.

Risks overview
Risks summary
Cybersecurity threats and market volatility represent significant risks to the company's operational and financial stability.
Risks details:

• Cybersecurity Risks: The company may be adversely impacted if it experiences cybersecurity attacks or other security breaches, as disclosed in its 10-K risk factors [S1].
• Market and Geopolitical Volatility: Broader market conditions and geopolitical developments, such as the US-Iran deal, can affect market sentiment and potentially impact the company's operations [N1].
• Competitive and Operational Risks: The food industry is competitive and subject to supply chain and consumer demand fluctuations, which may affect the company's financial results.

FINAL FORECAST FOR HRL

Final take one line
Hormel Foods exhibits very high visibility with detailed recent financial disclosures, active equity compensation plans, and extensive earnings coverage highlighting operational strength and liquidity.
Final take 12 to 24 month view

Business trends: Continued segment sales gains and reaffirmed fiscal year outlooks indicate stable operational momentum.
Execution milestones: Implementation of the 2026 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan and Executive Severance Plan support talent retention and governance.
Key risks: Cybersecurity threats, market volatility, and competitive pressures remain material considerations.

Valye AI Visibility Research Score

Very high visibility

Visibility score reflects the breadth and consistency of available disclosure across SEC filings, recent public reporting, and baseline business context (research-only; not investment advice).

100
LLM visibility overview
LLM Visibility known facts
  • Hormel Foods Corporation is a Delaware corporation with common stock trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HRL.
  • The company filed a 10-Q for the quarter ended April 26, 2026, with financial disclosures including cash and equivalents of $826.75 million, short-term investments of $33.11 million, current assets of $3.49 billion, and current liabilities of $1.80 billion, resulting in a current ratio of 1.94 and a cash ratio of 0.48 as of April 26, 2026 [S2].
  • Net income for the quarter ended April 26, 2026, was $157.47 million, with basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.29 [S2].
  • The company has a 2026 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan approved by stockholders in January 2026, which provides for various equity-based and cash-based compensation awards to employees, officers, consultants, and non-employee directors [S16].
  • Hormel Foods adopted an Executive Severance Plan effective January 31, 2026, providing severance benefits to certain officers under specified conditions [S15].
  • Recent news coverage includes detailed Q2 2026 earnings call transcripts and reports highlighting earnings and revenue surpassing estimates, segment strength, and sales gains [N2][N3][N6].
  • The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2026 adjusted EPS and net sales outlook in recent news [N7].
  • There is public disclosure of risk factors including cybersecurity risks as noted in the 10-K for fiscal year ended October 26, 2025 [S1].
  • The company held its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on January 27, 2026, with election of directors and approval of compensation plans [S14].
  • Recent news also covers market reactions to broader geopolitical events such as a US-Iran deal, which may impact market sentiment [N1].
Sources
Sources - Context summary

Generated 2026-05-28

Sources - Earning calls
  • N2
  • N5
Sources - Other context
  • S14
  • S15
  • S16
Sources - SEC Filings
  • S1 | 2025-12-05 | 10-K
  • S2 | 2026-05-28 | 10-Q
Sources - News headlines
  • N1 | 2026-05-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Stocks Rebound Amid News of a US-Iran Deal | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/stocks-rebound-amid-news-us-iran-deal
  • N2 | 2026-05-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Hormel (HRL) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/hormel-hrl-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript
  • N3 | 2026-05-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Hormel Foods' Q2 Earnings Beat, Sales Gain on Segment Strength | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/hormel-foods-q2-earnings-beat-sales-gain-segment-strength
  • N4 | 2026-05-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Here's What Key Metrics Tell Us About Hormel (HRL) Q2 Earnings | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-what-key-metrics-tell-us-about-hormel-hrl-q2-earnings
  • N5 | 2026-05-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Hormel Foods Q2 26 Earnings Conference Call At 9:00 AM ET | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/hormel-foods-q2-26-earnings-conference-call-9-00-am-et
  • N6 | 2026-05-28 | www.nasdaq.com | Hormel Foods (HRL) Q2 Earnings and Revenues Surpass Estimates | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/hormel-foods-hrl-q2-earnings-and-revenues-surpass-estimates
  • N7 | 2026-05-27 | www.nasdaq.com | Pre-Market Earnings Report for May 28, 2026 : RY, TD, CM, BURL, DLTR, LI, BBY, HRL, ATS, PLAB, DOO, KSS | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/pre-market-earnings-report-may-28-2026-ry-td-cm-burl-dltr-li-bby-hrl-ats-plab-doo-kss
  • N8 | 2026-05-22 | www.nasdaq.com | Hormel Foods Q2 Earnings on Deck: What to Expect From HRL Stock? | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/hormel-foods-q2-earnings-deck-what-expect-hrl-stock
Important legal disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal or tax advice, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. The Valye AI Score is a model-based estimate derived from public information and is subject to change without notice. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information herein. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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