Q3 2025 Hormel Foods Corp Earnings Call
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Hormel Foods Corporation third quarter earnings conference call. At this time, all lines are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. If at any time during this call you require assistance, please press star zero for the operator.
This call is being recorded on Thursday, August 28th, 2025, I would now like, to in the conference over to Jeff blomberg director of investor relations. Please go ahead.
Jess Blomberg: Good morning. Welcome to the Hormel Foods Conference Call for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. We released results this morning before the market opened. If you did not receive a copy of the release, you can find it on our website, hormelfoods.com, under the Investor section, along with supplemental slide materials. On our call today is Jeff Ettinger, Interim Chief Executive Officer, John Ghingo, President, and Jacinth Smiley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Jeff, John, and Jacinth will review the company's fiscal 2025 third quarter results and provide a perspective on the remainder of the year. We will conclude with the Q&A portion of the call. The line will be open for questions following the prepared remarks. As a courtesy to the other analysts, please limit yourself to one question with one follow-up. If you have additional questions, you are welcome to get back into the queue.
Good morning. Welcome to the formal Foods conference call for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. We released results this morning before the market opened. If you did not receive a copy of the release, you can find it on our website or mail foods.com under the investor section.
Along with supplemental, slide materials.
Jeff, John, and Jen will review the company's fiscal 2025 third quarter results and provide a perspective on the remainder of the year. We will conclude with the Q&A portion of the call.
The line will be open for questions. Following the prepared remarks as a courtesy to the other analysts. Please limit yourself to 1, question with 1 follow up.
Jess Blomberg: At the conclusion of this morning's call, a webcast replay will be posted to the Investors section of our website and archived for one year. Before we get started this morning, I'd like to reference our safe harbor statements. Some of the comments we make today will be forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements we will be making. Please refer to our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which can be accessed on our website under the Investors section. Additionally, please note we will be discussing certain non-GAAP financial measures this morning. Management believes that doing so provides investors with a better understanding of the company's underlying operating performance.
If you have additional questions, you are welcome to get back into the queue.
At the conclusion of this morning's call, a webcast replay will be posted to the investor section of our website and archived for one year.
Before we get started this morning, I'd like to reference our Safe Harbor statements.
Some of the comments we make today will be forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements we will be making.
please refer to our most recent annual report on form 10K and quarterly reports on form 10 Q which can be accessed on our website under the investor section.
Jess Blomberg: The presentation of this information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Further information about our non-GAAP financial measures, including our comparability items and reconciliations, are detailed in our press release, which can be accessed on our website. I will now turn the call over to Jeff Ettinger.
Additionally, please note, we will be discussing certain non-gaap Financial measures this morning management believes that doing so provides investors with a better understanding of the company's underlying operating performance.
The presentation of this information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with gaap.
Further information about our non-gaap financial measures including our comparability items and reconciliations are detailed in our press release which can be accessed on our website.
Jeff Ettinger: Thank you, Jess. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us. Having been in my current role for just over a month, I am committed to building upon the strong foundation in place, rooted in an impressive portfolio of products, iconic brands, and a great culture. Since returning to the company, I have been immersed in working with our leadership team and gaining a deeper understanding of our operations and strategic priorities. It is clear to see our robust solutions-based portfolio and the protein-centric nature of our offerings work well in today's consumer landscape. Further, a major focus of mine has been learning about the Transform and Modernize initiative, its current trajectory, the key projects underway, and how the work is progressing. I have been impressed to see the solid and demonstrable benefits of the program, not just financially, but through building capabilities for the future.
I will now turn the call over to Jeff etinger.
Thank you, Jeff. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us.
Having been in my current role for just over a month, I am committed to building upon the strong foundation in place.
Rooted in an impressive portfolio, products, iconic Brands and a great culture.
Since returning to the company, I have been immersed in working with our leadership team and gaining a deeper understanding of our operations and strategic priorities.
It is clear to see our robust Solutions based portfolio and the protein Centric nature of our offerings work well in today's consumer landscape.
Further. A major focus of mine has been learning about the transform and modernize initiative, its current trajectory the key projects underway and how the work is progressing.
Jeff Ettinger: Our mission is clear: deliver profitable growth. If we turn to this quarter's results, we are halfway there, having delivered organic net sales growth for three consecutive quarters. Building upon modest gains in the first and second quarters, we achieved an impressive organic net sales increase of 6% in the third quarter. What is equally notable is that this growth was broad-based, driven by all three of our segments. It is clearly disappointing that our top-line results did not translate into the bottom-line growth we expected. The unanticipated surges in commodity input costs that affected our industry absorbed not only the margin delivery from our top-line growth, but also our incremental benefits from our T&M initiative. Regarding the fourth quarter, we expect continued net sales growth, supported by our leading positions in the marketplace. To address commodity inflation, we are taking targeted pricing actions.
I've been impressed to see the solid and demonstrable benefits of the program, not just financially, but through building capabilities for the future.
Our mission is clear deliver profitable growth.
And if we turn to this quarter's results, we are halfway there. Having delivered organic, net sales growth for 3 consecutive quarters.
Building upon modest gains in the first and second quarters, we achieved an impressive organic net sales increase of 6% in the third quarter.
What is equally notable is that this growth was broad-based driven by all 3 of our segments.
It is clearly disappointing that our Topline results did not translate into the bottom line growth. We expected
The unanticipated surges in commodity input costs that affected our industry absorbed not only the margin delivery from our topline growth but also our incremental benefits from our TNM initiative.
Regarding the fourth quarter, we expect continued, net sales growth supported by our leading positions in the marketplace.
Jeff Ettinger: We expect profit recovery, however, to lag into next year, with the near-term pressures we experienced in the third quarter persisting through the fourth quarter. John will share more information on the progress being made in each of our segments, and Jacinth will go into greater detail on the third quarter performance and our guidance for the remainder of the year. Before I turn the call over to them, I wanted to align on expectations regarding what you can anticipate from us today and moving forward. In line with what the team has stated previously, we plan to share holistic 2026 guidance on our fourth quarter earnings call, including the specifics around our expectations for the T&M initiative. What we will provide today is commentary related to our high-level vision for 2026, which Jacinth and I will cover later in today's call.
To address commodity inflation, we are taking targeted pricing actions.
We expect profit recovery. However, to lag into next year with the near-term pressures. We experienced in the third quarter persisting through the fourth quarter.
John will share more information on the progress being made in each of our segments. Just to note, we'll go into greater detail on the third quarter performance and our guidance for the remainder of the year.
But before I turn the call over to them, I wanted to align on expectations regarding what you can anticipate from us today and moving forward.
In line with what the team has stated previously, we plan to share holistic 2026 guidance on our fourth quarter earnings call, including the specifics around our expectations for the TNM initiative.
Jeff Ettinger: Beyond the words you hear from us today, I want you all to leave with the absolute confidence that driving sustainable growth, both on the top line and the bottom line, is our top priority. I am confident in the capabilities of our team and the opportunities ahead for our company. I look forward to re-engaging with this investment community over the next year. Ahead of John's remarks, I'd like to extend my congratulations on his recent appointment as the 11th President of Hormel Foods Corporation. This marks a pivotal moment for our company, as John brings a fresh and energizing approach to leadership, one that is already resonating across the organization. His ability to balance strategic clarity with a collaborative, people-first approach is exactly what we need as we continue to evolve and grow.
What we will provide today is commentary related to our high-level vision for 2026, which the synth, and I will cover later in today's call.
Beyond the word you hear from us today, I want you all to leave with the absolute confidence that driving sustainable growth, both on the top line and the bottom line, is our top priority.
I look forward to re-engaging with this investment community over the next year.
Ahead of John's remarks. I'd like to extend my congratulations on his recent appointment as the 11th president of Hormel Foods.
This marks a pivotal moment for our company. As John brings a fresh and energizing approach to leadership, it is already resonating across the organization.
Jeff Ettinger: I look forward to partnering with him, and I am confident we will make meaningful progress in advancing our mission over the coming year. With that, I will turn the call over to John.
His ability to balance strategic clarity with a collaborative, people-first approach is exactly what we need as we continue to evolve and grow.
I look forward to partnering with him, and I'm confident we will make meaningful progress in advancing our mission over the coming year.
John Ghingo: Thank you, Jeff. I want to take a moment to congratulate you and welcome you back to the company. Many of you know Jeff already as a purpose-driven leader with a proven track record of successfully leading this company. In just the short time since his return, I've been impressed with his clarity of vision, the conviction with which he leads, and the mentorship he's extended to me personally. He brings renewed energy and focus, and I'm excited to partner with him as we move forward. Further, I also want to take a moment to congratulate Jim Snee on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for all he has done for our company and for me personally. Jim was a transformative leader. He had a culture-first mentality and recognized the opportunity for greater potential for our company.
And with that, I will turn the call over to John.
Thank you, Jeff. I want to take a moment to congratulate you and welcome. You back to the company. Many of you know, Jeff already is a purpose-driven leader with a proven track record of successfully leading this company.
In just a short time since his return, I've been impressed with his clarity of vision, the conviction with which he leads, and the mentorship he's extended to me personally. He brings renewed energy and focus, and I'm excited to partner with him as we move forward.
Further. I also want to take a moment to congratulate Jim Snee on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for all he has done for our company. And for me personally,
John Ghingo: He launched our journey of transformation, and I look forward to carrying that torch forward. With that, let's jump in. In today's consumer landscape, there is a lot to be considered. Consumers are cautious, yet resilient. They have shown a willingness to spend when products and experiences meet their needs, but rising costs are forcing consumers to make trade-offs. That said, we believe the powerful combination of our protein-centric portfolio, leading positions across multiple channels, and capabilities related to innovation, renovation, customer partnership, and strategic brand investment position us well to maintain the top-line momentum that we've built over the last three quarters. Take our retail segment, for example, where our vision is focused, deliberate, and is now in motion. We are building a consumer-led growth engine powered by protein-centric solutions that deliver meaningful value to customers and consumers.
Jim was a transformative leader. He had a culture, first mentality and recognized the opportunity for greater potential for our company.
He launched our journey of transformation, and I look forward to carrying that torch forward.
With that, let's jump in.
In today's consumer landscape, there's a lot to be considered. Consumers are cautious yet resilient. They have shown a willingness to spend when products and experiences meet their needs, but rising costs are forcing consumers to make trade-offs.
That said, we believe the powerful combination of our protein focused. Portfolio leading positions across multiple channels, and capabilities related to Innovation renovation, customer partnership and strategic brand investment position as well to maintain the Topline momentum that we've built over the last 3 quarters.
John Ghingo: By modernizing our products to deliver category-leading differentiation, innovating bigger and bolder, and taking a disciplined approach to investment and execution, our retail team is building strong brands, and I'm pleased with how these efforts are translating into results. In the third quarter, our flagship and rising brands delivered 3% dollar consumption growth. Taking a closer look at those results, I am particularly encouraged by the volume-led momentum across many of these brands. In fact, many of our category-leading brands showed impressive consumer volume demand in the third quarter, including brands like Wholly Guacamole, SPAM, Hormel Black Label Bacon, Herdez, Hormel Pepperoni, and Applegate, to name a few. Each of these brands leveraged a personalized take on our common playbook.
Take our retail segment. For example, our vision is focused, deliberate, and is now in motion. We are building a consumer-led growth engine powered by protein-centric solutions that deliver meaningful value to customers and consumers by modernizing our products to deliver category-leading differentiation, innovating bigger and bolder, and taking a disciplined approach to investment and execution. Our retail team is building strong brands.
And I'm pleased with how these efforts are translating into results. In the third quarter, our Flagship and Rising Brands delivered. 3% dollar, consumption growth
John Ghingo: They started from a position of strength with consumers, benefited from our ongoing renovation and innovation work, which is focused on staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences, and many received targeted marketing support to drive both relevance and measurable returns. Digging into one of these brands a bit further, the SPAM brand, shows just how impactful our approach can be. Our ongoing modernization strategy for the SPAM brand delivered another strong quarter with year-over-year volume and net sales growth. We leveraged the brand's iconic equity by partnering with customers on impactful summer promotions and launching a limited-time offer designed to drive both volume and net sales growth, all reinforcing the SPAM brand's relevance in the marketplace. Another great example of the impact of brand modernization is the launch of the Hormel Pepperoni brand renovation work.
And taking a closer look at those results and particularly encouraged by the volume LED momentum across many of these brands. In fact, many of our category leading Brands showed impressive consumer volume demand in the third quarter, including Brands like, holy guacamole, spam, Black Label bacon airz or Mel, pepperoni and Applegate to name a few each of these Brands leveraged. A personalized take on our common Playbook. They started from a position of strength with consumers benefited from our ongoing renovation and Innovation work, which is focused on staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences. And many received targeted marketing support to drive both relevance and measurable returns.
Digging into 1 of these Brands a bit further. The spam brand shows, just how impactful our approach can be
Our ongoing modernization strategy for the Spam brand delivered another strong quarter, with year-over-year volume and net sales growth. We leveraged the brand's iconic equity by partnering with customers on impactful summer promotions and launching a limited-time offer designed to drive both volume and net sales growth, all reinforcing the Spam brand's relevance in the marketplace.
John Ghingo: This 110-year-old brand is the number one retail pepperoni brand, and we would like to keep it that way for another century. Our team initiated a thoughtful renovation project on the brand, and we recently unveiled a refreshed package design. This update is more than cosmetic, it's an investment with customers to bring excitement to this important category and to signal to consumers that Hormel Pepperoni is evolving with their tastes and expectations. The launch is supported by our new campaign, Boldly Irresistible, and we expect this renovation to drive stronger purchase intent, accelerate velocities, and reinforce brand loyalty. I also want to spend a minute on our Jennie-O ground turkey business, which offers a clear illustration of how a strong brand that is well-aligned with evolving consumer preferences for lean, affordable protein wins in the marketplace.
Another great example of the impact of brand modernization is the launch of the Hormel. Pepperoni brand renovation work this year old brand is the number 1 retail, pepperoni brand and we would like to keep it that way for another century.
Our team initiated a thoughtful renovation project on the brand. And we recently unveiled, a refresh package design.
This update is more than cosmetic. It's an investment with customers to bring excitement to this important category. And to signal to Consumers, that Hormel pepperoni is evolving with their tastes and expectations.
The launch is supported by our new campaign, Boldly Irresistible, and we expect this renovation to drive stronger purchase intent, accelerate velocities, and reinforce brand loyalty.
John Ghingo: As we said previously, we needed to take inflation-based pricing, which went into effect late Q2. Because of the strength of this brand, we were able to successfully navigate elasticities and capture dollar share and net sales growth. Before I conclude my comments for the retail segment, I want to give an update on the performance of our Planters business. I am pleased to report that by the end of the quarter, scanner data was now reflecting year-over-year growth in distribution, household penetration, and dollar sales. With the foundation restored, the team is back on the offense, re-engaging consumers with innovations like nut duos and flavored cashews, while also launching a limited-time bar nuts variety to spark excitement around summer snacking. With the capacity in place to fulfill demand and accelerating sales momentum as we enter Q4, I am encouraged by the top-line recovery of the Planters business.
I also want to spend a minute on our Jennie O ground turkey business, which offers a clear illustration of how a strong brand that is well aligned with evolving consumer. Preferences for lean affordable protein wins in the marketplace.
previously, we needed to take inflation-based pricing, which went into effect late Q2
Because of the strength of this brand, we were able to successfully navigate elasticities and capture dollar share and net sales growth.
Before I conclude my comments for the retail segment, I want to give an update on the performance of our Planters business.
I am pleased to report that by the end of the quarter scanner data was now reflecting year-over-year growth in distribution.
John Ghingo: Profitability, on the other hand, is being impacted by mix and inflation. We are actively working on drivers to balance the evolving needs of consumers and drive profitability. Looking ahead for retail, we expect that our brand-building playbook will enable continued strong top-line performance in the fourth quarter. However, we remain cautious on segment profitability. The ramp-up of commodity markets in the third quarter has created margin pressure that will continue through the fourth quarter. As Jeff shared, we are taking targeted pricing action to help offset these pressures, which will go into effect throughout the fourth quarter and early in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Our focus for retail is to build a consumer-led growth engine powered by protein-centric solutions that deliver meaningful value to customers and consumers. Let's now shift to our food service segment. Our operators are facing a challenging environment.
Household penetration and dollar sales have been restored. The team is back on the offense, re-engaging consumers with innovations like Nut Duos and flavored cashews. We are also launching a limited-time bar nuts variety to spark excitement around summer snacking, with the capacity in place to fulfill demand and accelerate sales momentum. As we enter Q4, I am encouraged by the topline recovery of the Planters business.
Profitability, on the other hand is being impacted by mix and inflation. We are actively working on drivers to balance. The evolving needs of consumers and drive profitability.
Looking ahead for retail, we expect that our brand-building playbook will enable continued strong topline performance in the fourth quarter.
However, we remain cautious on segment profitability.
The ramp-up of commodity markets in the third quarter has created margin pressure that will continue through the fourth quarter, as Jeff shared. We are taking targeted pricing action to help offset these pressures, which will go into effect throughout the fourth quarter and early in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
Our Focus for retail is to build a consumer-led growth engine, powered by protein Centric solutions that deliver, meaningful value to customers and consumers.
Let's now shift to our food service segment.
John Ghingo: Industry-wide traffic has remained soft, with overall visits slightly down year over year. Casual dining has shown relative resilience in recent months, but the broader food service industry continues to face headwinds from inflation and shifting consumer behavior. The dynamics of this environment, particularly the impact of commodity pressures in the third quarter, led to margin compression for our business. We believe that the pass-through nature of costs for much of our food service portfolio will allow us to recover profitability over time. As a result, we believe that underlying volume health continues to be a good measure of success for the segment, and here, our team delivered strong results in the quarter. Once again, organic volume and net sales growth for the food service segment outpaced broader industry results in the third quarter.
Our operators are facing a challenging environment.
Industrywide traffic has remained soft, with overall visits slightly down year-over-year.
Has showed relative resilience in recent months, but the broader food service industry continues to face headwinds from inflation and shifting consumer Behavior.
The Dynamics of this environment, particularly the impact of commodity pressures. In the third quarter, led to margin compression for our business, but we believe that the pass through nature of costs for much of our food service portfolio will allow us to recover profitability over time.
As a result, we believe that underlying volume health continues to be a good measure of success for the segment. And here, our team delivered strong results in the quarter.
John Ghingo: Our growth was broad-based, showcasing our great solutions-based portfolio and the power of our direct selling organization. While you've heard us highlight this team often, I did want to take a moment to congratulate both the retail and food service selling teams for being recognized for the 24th consecutive year by Selling Power as one of the best companies to sell for. For food service, this is certainly a testament to the value the team delivers to their customers and operators. As I said, volume and net sales growth came from many of our food service brands in the third quarter. Planters Snack Nuts, the Jennie-O turkey portfolio, and Hormel Pepperoni all delivered significant growth. For a bit of insight, in a highly competitive category like pepperoni, we delivered 20% year-over-year volume growth for Hormel Pepperoni.
Once again, organic volume and net sales growth for the Food Service segment outpaced broader industry results in the third quarter.
Our growth was broad-based, showcasing, our great Solutions based portfolio and the power of our direct selling organization.
While you've heard us highlight this team often, I did want to take a moment to congratulate both the Retail and Food Service selling teams for being recognized for the 24th consecutive year by Selling Power as one of the best companies to sell for in food service. This is certainly a testament to the value the team delivers to their customers and operators.
As I said, volume in net sales growth came from many of our food service brands. In the third quarter, Planters snack nuts, the Haenyeo turkey portfolio, and Hormel Premium pepperoni all delivered significant growth.
John Ghingo: These results highlight the team's understanding of our customers' and operators' needs and the quality and value of our portfolio. A recovery in industry traffic would certainly create a more favorable operating environment for our food service business, but we are not waiting for an industry recovery to return this powerful portfolio to the segment profit growth that we know it can deliver. Closing out the segments in international, net sales growth in the third quarter was driven by our thriving China business. Overall, the China market is rebounding, and we grew our in-country business across both food service and retail channels this quarter. This performance leaves me encouraged about the opportunities ahead for our proven in-country model. Another contributor to my optimism on China is its success as an innovation engine, which is helping to build our snacking portfolio.
For a bit of insight and a highly competitive category. Like pepperoni we delivered 20% year-over-year, volume growth for Hormel premium, pepperoni.
These results highlight the team's understanding of our customers' and operators' needs and the quality and value of our portfolio.
A recovery and Industry traffic would certainly create a more favorable operating environment for our food service business but we are not waiting for an Industry Recovery to return. This powerful portfolio to the segment profit growth that we know it can deliver
Closing out the segments in international net sales growth. In the third quarter, was driven by our thriving, China business overall. The China Market is rebounding and we grew our in-country business across both food service and Retail channels this quarter.
This performance leads me, encouraged about the opportunities ahead for our proven in-country model.
John Ghingo: Meat snacking innovation out of China delivered solid performance in the quarter, and the team strategically launched Skippy Cones into a new channel, further accelerating its distribution growth globally. Beyond China, international exports in the third quarter also delivered positive top-line results, led largely by our global SPAM brand exports. Profitability was down year over year, mainly due to our Brazil business, which remained under significant pressure in the quarter. The operating environment in Brazil continues to be challenged by competitive pricing dynamics. Our international team remains focused on expanding our global brands and portfolio with the same mission of returning to profitable growth. Turning back to our performance overall in the third quarter, while our top-line results were impressive, the bottom-line results were disappointing. The commodity inflationary pressures we felt were significantly greater than anticipated. To be clear, I remain confident about our future.
Another contributor to my optimism on China is its success as an innovation engine, which is helping to build our snacking portfolio meet snacking Innovation out of China delivered. Solid performance in the quarter and the team strategically launched Skippy cones into a new channel further accelerating its distribution growth globally.
Beyond China International's exports in the third quarter also delivered positive topline results, led largely by our global Spam brand exports.
Profitability was down year-over-year, mainly due to our Brazil business, which remained under significant pressure in the quarter. The operating environment, in Brazil continues to be challenged by competitive pricing Dynamics.
Expanding our Global Brands and portfolio with the same mission of returning to profitable growth.
The commodity inflationary pressures we felt were significantly greater than anticipated.
John Ghingo: First, we have a terrific portfolio. Being a leader in protein solutions is valuable in today's consumer landscape. Consumer demand for protein is an enduring trend and showing no signs of slowing down. Our portfolio is positioned for achievable growth. Second, we are actively evolving to stay ahead of a dynamic and competitive marketplace. Transform and Modernize is enabling us to unlock the full value of our portfolio. This initiative is building long-lasting capabilities, future-fitting our supply chain, and further developing our processes, data, and talent. Said differently, this is truly helping us modernize as a company. Third, we have a great team. As I recently shared internally, I believe in a "we" mindset. While no single person has all the answers, I firmly believe that together, we do.
Being a leader in protein solutions is valuable in today's consumer landscape. Consumer demand for protein is an enduring trend and shows no signs of slowing down. Our portfolio is positioned for achievable growth.
Second, we are actively evolving to stay ahead of a dynamic and competitive marketplace.
Transform and modernize is enabling us to unlock the full value of our portfolio. This initiative is building long-lasting capabilities, future-fitting our supply chain and further developing our processes, data, and talent. Said differently, this is truly helping us modernize as a company.
John Ghingo: I am energized by the opportunity to lead this talented team as we unlock the full potential of our impressive portfolio and company. With that, I will now turn the call over to Jacinth to provide details on our financial performance, our fourth quarter outlook, and commentary leading into fiscal 2026.
And third, we have a great team. As I recently shared internally, I believe in a "we" mindset because while no single person has all the answers, I firmly believe that together we do. I am energized by the opportunity to lead this talented team as we unlock the full potential of our impressive portfolio and company.
Jacinth Smiley: Thank you, John, and good morning, everyone. We are pleased with the top-line growth we delivered in the third quarter. All three segments showed its unique strengths, and the top-line results emphasize the power of our globally diverse portfolio, leading brands, and team. Organic net sales in the third quarter were $3 billion, a 6% increase over last year, with organic volume up 4%. Our retail segment grew volume and net sales 5% over last year, with five of our six retail pillars reporting top-line growth above a year ago. Volume growth was significantly supported by the turkey portfolio, both in whole birds and value-added lean ground turkey. Excluding turkey, retail volumes also grew in total. Our food service business once again outperformed the broader industry, with broad-based top-line gains of 2% organic volume growth and 7% organic net sales growth.
With that, I will now turn the call over to Jan to provide details on our financial performance, our fourth quarter outlook, and commentary leading into fiscal 2026.
Thank you, John.
And good morning, everyone.
We are pleased with the topline growth. We delivered in the third quarter.
All 3 segments showed its unique strengths, and the Topline results emphasized, the power of our globally diverse portfolio, leading Brands and teams.
Organic, net sales in the third quarter were 3 billion dollars. A 6% increase over last year with Organic volume up 4%,
Our retail segment grew volume and net sales 5% over last year, with 5 of our 6 retail pillars reporting topline growth above a year ago.
Volume growth was significantly supported by the turkey portfolio, both in whole birds and value-added lean ground turkey.
Excluding turkey, retail volumes also grew in total.
Jacinth Smiley: Our international business delivered strong top-line results with 8% volume growth and 6% net sales growth, led by our thriving China business. Gross profit was relatively flat year over year, as the positive impact from top-line growth was offset by higher-than-expected input costs. Inflationary headwinds pressured margins, however, these were partially mitigated by savings from our Transform and Modernize initiative, which delivered in line with our quarterly expectations. As we noted during our second quarter call, we anticipated upward pressure on input costs, driven by pork, beef, and nut markets. However, during the third quarter, markets worsened significantly beyond our projections. To illustrate the order of magnitude of these external markets, as compared to last year, pork bellies were up approximately 30%, the pork cutout was up about 10%, and pork trim was up 20%. Beef also remained a persistent inflationary headwind industry-wide and near all-time high.
Our food service business once again outperformed the broader industry, with broad-based topline gains of 2%, organic volume growth, and 7% organic net sales growth.
Our international business, delivered. Strong Topline results with 8% volume growth and 6%. Net sales growth led by our thriving, China business,
Gross profit was relatively flat year-over-year as the positive impact from Topline growth was offset by higher than expected input costs.
Inflationary headwinds pressured margins; however, these were partially mitigated by savings from our transformation and modernization initiatives, which delivered in line with our quarterly expectations.
As we noted during our second quarter call, we anticipated upward pressure.
On input costs driven by pork, beef, and nut markets.
However, during the third quarter, markets worsened significantly beyond our projections.
To illustrate the order of magnitude of these external markets.
As compared to last year, pork bellies were up approximately 30%. The pork cutout was up about 10%, and pork trim was up 20%.
Jacinth Smiley: Collectively, we experienced approximately 400 basis points of raw material cost inflation in the third quarter alone, representing a notable increase relative to last year. As we have previously discussed, when commodity markets rise sharply, there is a delay between the impact of pricing actions and the resulting improvement of profitability. For the third quarter, adjusted SG&A increased 6%, primarily driven by employee-related expenses. Advertising investments were also higher for the quarter, as we continued to strategically invest in our brands to support long-term brand health. Equity in earnings for the third quarter increased due to favorable results for MegaMax Foods and a modest benefit from our international investments. Interest and investment income increased due to performance from the Rabai Trust. Overall, adjusted EPS for the third quarter was $0.35.
Beef also remained a persistent, inflationary headwind industrywide and near all-time high.
Collectively we experience approximately 400 basis points of raw material cost inflation. In the third quarter alone, representing a notable increase relative to last year,
as we have previously discussed,
When commodity markets rise sharply, there is a delay between the impact of pricing actions and the resulting improvement in profitability.
Advertising investments were also higher for the quarter as we continued to strategically invest in our brands to support long-term brand health.
Equity and earnings for the third quarter increase due to favorable results.
for Mega Mix Foods and a modest benefit from our international investments.
Interest and investment income, increase due to Performance from the rabbi Trust.
Overall, adjusted EPS for the third quarter was $0.35.
Jacinth Smiley: Cash flow from operations was $157 million for the quarter, a sequential improvement from the second quarter, but remains down compared to the prior year as we intentionally built additional seasonal inventory. Elevated commodity markets also impacted our higher inventory balances. Capital expenditures were $72 million during the quarter, with our largest investments directed towards capacity enhancements and new technology initiatives. We remain committed to strategic reinvestments and expect to deploy approximately $300 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2025. I remain confident in our ability to generate strong, sustainable cash flows over the long term, which supports our continued execution of a disciplined and balanced capital allocation strategy. As a proud dividend aristocrat, dividends paid to shareholders in the third quarter were $159 million, totaling $474 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2025. We also declared and paid our 388th consecutive quarterly dividend.
Cash flow from operations was $157 million for the quarter. This represents a sequential improvement from Q2 but remains down compared to the prior year, as we intentionally built additional seasonal inventory.
Elevated commodity markets also impacted our higher inventory balances.
Capital expenditures were 72 million during the quarter with our largest Investments directed towards capacity enhancements and new technology initiatives.
We remain committed to strategic reinvestments and expect to deploy approximately $ dollars in capital expenditures for fiscal 2025.
I remain confident in our ability to generate strong, sustainable cash flows over the long term, which supports our continued execution of a disciplined and balanced capital allocation strategy.
As a proud dividend Aristocrat, dividends paid to shareholders in the third quarter were $159 million, totaling $474 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2025.
Jacinth Smiley: We ended the quarter with our net debt leverage ratio well within our target range of 1.5 to 2 times, reflecting our balance sheet discipline and financial flexibility. The Transform and Modernize initiative continued to perform well and met our expectations for the quarter, delivering incremental benefits to the bottom line. The team has executed impactful work to drive value, which totaled approximately 90 projects in the third quarter. As we have shared, this initiative is more than just a cost-savings project. It is about the way we do business across the enterprise, building new capabilities and reshaping how we operate while creating a new path for growth. An especially noteworthy project this quarter involved optimizing our manufacturing footprint. We announced the partial closure of one facility and the reallocation of production volume across our broader network, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and long-term scalability.
We also declared and paid our 3888 consecutive quarterly dividends.
We ended the quarter with our net debt leverage ratio well within our target range of 1.5 to 2 times, reflecting our balance sheet discipline and financial flexibility.
The transforming modernization initiative continued to perform well and meet Metro expectations for the quarter, delivering incremental benefits to the bottom line.
The team has executed impactful work to drive value, which totaled approximately 90 projects in the third quarter.
As we have shared this initiative is more than just a cost-savings project.
It is about the way we do business or the enterprise.
Building new capabilities and reshaping how we operate while creating a new path for growth?
And especially noteworthy project this quarter involved optimizing our manufacturing footprint.
We announced the partial closure of one facility and the reallocation of production volume across our broader network.
Jacinth Smiley: With a robust backlog of projects and confidence in our ability to deliver meaningful results, we are reaffirming our expected range of $100 million to $150 million of incremental benefits in fiscal 2025 and believe we will finish the year near the high end of our T&M range. Shifting to the remainder of 2025, there are some considerations to keep in mind as we close the year. We continue to expect top-line growth in Q4, and we expect our turkey portfolio, the Planters brand, and our leading positions in the marketplace to continue to be a strong growth driver. For profitability, we have announced inflation-based pricing actions related to the Q3 markets, which we expect to partially benefit Q4 and carry into Q1 of fiscal 2026. As Q4 has begun, counter to our expectations, commodity markets have remained elevated across a variety of inputs.
Aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and long-term scalability.
With a robust backlog of projects and confidence in our ability to deliver meaningful results. We are reaffirming our expected range of 100 to 150 million dollars of incremental benefits in fiscal year 2025
And believe we will finish the year near the high end of our TNM range.
Shifting to the remainder of 2025.
There are some considerations to keep in mind as we close the year.
We continue to expect topline growth in the fourth quarter, and we expect our turkey portfolio.
The Planters brand and our leading positions in the marketplace continue to be a strong growth driver.
For profitability, we have announced inflation-based pricing actions related to the third quarter markets, which we expect to partially benefit the fourth quarter and carry into the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
Jacinth Smiley: With that, we're assessing additional pricing actions. Our tariff estimate remains unchanged at a $0.01 to $0.02 EPS headwind for fiscal 2025. Altogether, we expect Q4 adjusted EPS to be in the range of $0.38 to $0.40, reflecting a prudent outlook amid ongoing industry dynamics. As we look ahead to fiscal 2026, we are approaching the timeline for delivering on the long-term financial goals we outlined at our 2023 Investor Day. Over the past two years, we have numerous achievements to be proud of, especially within our Transform and Modernize initiative, where we have extracted value and invested in developing processes, talent, and capabilities that will help propel us into the future. However, the growth goals we previously set for 2026 were based on certain assumptions that have not been realized.
As the fourth quarter has begun, counter to our expectations, commodity markets have remained elevated across a variety of inputs.
With that, we're assessing additional pricing actions.
Estimate remains unchanged at a 1 to 2 cent EPS headwind for fiscal year 2025.
Altogether, we expect fourth quarter adjusted EPS to be in the range of $0.38 to $0.04, reflecting a prudent outlook amid ongoing industry dynamics.
As we look ahead to fiscal 2026, we are approaching the timeline for delivering on the long-term financial goals. We outlined at our 2023 investor day.
Over the past two years, we have numerous achievements to be proud of, especially within our Transform and Modernize initiative, where we have extracted value and invested in developing processes, talent, and capabilities that will help propel us into the future.
Jacinth Smiley: Among those assumptions were expectations of a more stable input cost environment, stronger consumer sentiment, and earnings growth in the second half of fiscal 2025. That being said, as Jeff and John have mentioned, we are aligned and focused on returning to profitable growth.
However, the growth goals we previously set for 2026 were based on certain assumptions that have not been realized.
Among those assumptions were expectations of a more stable input cost environment.
Stronger consumer sentiments and earnings growth in the second half of fiscal 2025.
Jeff Ettinger: We are in the early days of our annual planning process, and while we are not providing fiscal 2026 guidance today, our belief is that our long-term growth algorithm is a better metric to use when considering our go-forward results. As we look ahead, we expect the top line to benefit from pricing actions, growth across our brands, and product mix improvements. On the bottom line, we expect continued meaningful benefits from our Transform and Modernize initiative, benefits from the manufacturing footprint decisions we have made this year, and possible cost reductions related to SG&A spend, which has outpaced growth in recent years. We will provide our holistic 2026 guidance on our fourth quarter earnings call. Before we transition to Q&A, I want to leave you with a clear message. We are not just navigating the present, we are building a better company for the future.
That being said, as Jeff and John have mentioned, we are aligned and focused on returning to profitable growth.
We are in the early days of our annual planning process. While we are not providing fiscal 2026 guidance today, our belief is that our long-term growth algorithm is a better metric to use when considering our go-forward results.
As we look ahead, we expect the top line to benefit from pricing actions, growth of Our Brands, and product mix improvements.
On the bottom line, we expect continued meaningful benefits from our transform and modernize initiative.
Benefits from the manufacturing footprint decisions we have made this year.
And possible cost reductions related to SG&A spend, which has outpaced growth in recent years.
we will provide our holistic 2026 guidance, on our fourth quarter, earnings call
Before we transition to Q&A, I want to leave you with a clear message.
Jeff Ettinger: My confidence in our future is grounded in the strength of our robust protein-centric portfolio, the resilience of our team, and the long-term capabilities we are building to drive sustainable growth. At the same time, we recognize that our bottom-line performance did not reflect the potential of our business this quarter. We are committed to driving growth and enhancing long-term profitability. Our balance sheet is strong, and we believe our top-line growth is sustainable. We remain focused on delivering lasting value for our shareholders through consistent top-line and bottom-line performance aligned with our long-term growth algorithm. With that, I will turn the call over to the operator to begin our Q&A portion of the call.
We are not just navigating the present. We are building a better company for the future.
My confidence in our future is grounded in the strength of our robust protein-centric portfolio.
The resilience of our team.
And the long-term capabilities. We are building to drive sustainable growth.
At the same time, we recognize that our bottom line performance did not reflect the potential of our business this quarter.
We are committed to driving growth and enhancing long-term profitability.
Our balance sheet is strong, and we believe our top-line growth is sustainable.
We remain focused on delivering lasting value for our shareholders through consistent top-line and bottom-line performance, aligned with our long-term growth algorithm.
With that, I will turn the call over to the operator to begin our Q&A portion of the call.
David Brown: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press star followed by the one on your touch-tone phone. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to decline from the polling process, please press star followed by the two. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys. Your first question comes from Ben Thurber with Barclays. Your line is now open.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We will now begin the question-and-answer session. Should you have a question, please press star followed by the 1 on your touchtone phone. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to decline from the polling process, please press star followed by the 2. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys.
Your first question comes from Bender with Barkley's; your line is now open.
Ben Thurber: Good morning, Jeff, John, Jacinth. Jeff, first of all, welcome back, I guess, and John, congrats on the new role. First question really is, as we look back, call it three months ago when you did the call for the second quarter, you really sounded very confident as to the outlook for the second half. There was a lot of data points you gave out to kind of believe things are going in the right direction. Within the last three months, and then particularly as you look into the next three months, what has changed so much versus, call it late May, early June, when the last time was when you updated the market? What has driven this revision?
John Ghingo: Yeah. Obviously, a very fair question. Thank you, Ben, and good morning. I'll start off by kind of bringing us back to the expectations we had three months ago. Clearly, we had confidence entering the second half, and we had that for good reason. If you kind of looked at our growth targets in the back half, we had four critical drivers of performance and what we were expecting. One was we had mentioned that we had landed or announced significant pricing on our value-added turkey business at the end of the second quarter that would take hold in the third quarter. Two, we were expecting improved food service industry traffic in the back half of the year, which is important for our company and for our business. Three, we knew the sequential recovery of Planters was going well.
Uh, yeah, good morning. Uh, Jeff John Jen. Well, Jeff, first of all uh welcome back I guess and John Conrad's on the new role. Um, first question really is, as we look back, call it 3 months ago, when you, when you did the call for the the second quarter you really sounded very confident as to the outlook for the second half and there was a lot of like data points you gave out um to kind of like believe things are going into the right direction. So really, within the last 3 months, and in particularly, as you kind of like, look into the next 3 months, what has changed so much versus. Um, call it late, May early June. Uh, when the last time was when you when you updated the market what what what has driven this revision,
Landed or announced significant pricing.
On our value added turkey business at the end of the second quarter, that would take hold in the third quarter. Uh 2, we were expecting improved food, service industry traffic in the back half of the year which you know, is important for our, for our company and for our business.
John Ghingo: When we hit the back half of the year, we were going to be lapping the supply disruption. We saw the clear opportunity on Planters. Four, our Transform and Modernize initiative was on track, and we had significant expectations for the back half on T&M. Those were kind of the four building blocks of what set our expectations for the back half. As the third quarter unfolded, a few of those things went well and actually continued to meet our expectations and come to fruition. The turkey pricing, for example, our turkey business has been strong, on track with our expectations. We landed the pricing. We've delivered strong growth on our value-added turkey business, and we have recovered the profitability we needed to. We also have seen in the third quarter broad-based top-line growth across the portfolio. That was a check. Our T&M delivery actually has remained on track.
3. Uh, we knew the sequential recovery of Planters was going well and when we hit the back half of the year, we were going to be lapping the supply disruption and so we saw the the clear, you know, opportunity and Planters. And then 4 are transform and modernize initiative was on track and we had you know, significant expectations for the back half on tnm.
So those were kind of the four building blocks of what would set our expectations for the back half as the third quarter unfolded. A few of those things, you know, went well and actually, uh, continued to, you know, meet our expectations and come to fruition. So the turkey pricing, for example, our turkey business has been strong, on track with our expectations. We landed the pricing, we've delivered strong growth on our value-added turkey business, and we have recovered the profitability we needed to. We also have seen in the third quarter broad-based topline growth across the portfolio. So, that was a check.
John Ghingo: In fact, we expect to finish the year toward the top end of the range we've been providing on T&M. All three of those things were in line with our expectations. What we didn't expect and what changed dramatically, the first one, there are three things, but the first one is the most significant, which was the steep run-up in commodity markets. That has very much pressured our earnings. That run-up in commodity markets was both sudden and it was major as it occurred across inputs that are major for our business. That was the first and biggest factor. There were two other elements that were important that unfolded. Food service traffic did not recover the way we expected it to. The industry remained soft. Traffic still declining. The third one is Planters' recovery is very much on track from a top-line perspective.
Um, our TNM delivery has actually remained on track. In fact, we expect to finish the year toward the top end of the range we've been providing on TNM. So all three of those things were in line with our expectations.
John Ghingo: We're very, very pleased with how that is going. The profit recovery has lagged somewhat. Profit on Planters did grow in the third quarter, but not at the same rate as the top line has grown in that recovery. When you look at those three factors, they were kind of the new news in the third quarter. We also adjusted our expectations based on those same factors for the fourth quarter because we see them persisting through the fourth quarter. While we're encouraged by the momentum on the top line, we are obviously aligned on the urgency for driving profitable growth. We have both made adjustments to our near-term plan, but also, you know, just to reiterate, we do remain confident, you know, in our future and our team overall. I think, Jacinth, you may want to add some more detail.
what we didn't expect and what changed dramatically. The first 1, there are 3 things but the first 1 is the most significant which was the Steep run-up in commodity markets and that has very much pressured. Our earnings that run up in commodity markets was both sudden and it was major as it occurred across inputs that are major for our business. Um, that was sort of the first and, and biggest Factor but there were 2. Other elements that were important that unfolded food service. Traffic did not recover the way we expected it to the industry remains soft traffic, still declining. Um, and then the third 1 is Planters, recovery is very much on track from a Topline perspective. We're very very pleased with how that is going, but the profit recovery has lagged, somewhat profit on Planters, did grow in the third quarter, uh, but not at the same rate as the Top Line had, has has grown in that recovery. So, when you look at those 3 factors, they were kind of the new news in the third quarter. We also adjusted our expectations based on those same factors for the fourth quarter,
Because we see them persisting through the fourth quarter. While we're encouraged by the momentum on the top line,
We are obviously aligned on the urgency for driving profitable growth, and we have both made adjustments to our near-term plan.
Jacinth Smiley: Yeah, certainly. Good morning, Ben. We are certainly disappointed in terms of where we are from a profitability standpoint. As John touched on, the major change that happened here is relating to commodity markets and just the significant run-up that happened in the middle of the third quarter as we went in. When we think about what we have done to respond to that, we have announced pricing relating to the impact for the third quarter. However, given where markets remain, we are continuing to evaluate additional pricing actions. That has really informed how we're thinking about the rest of the year. Also, as we think about 2026, we expect the fourth quarter to continue to be pressured by these significant market pressures, and just the consumer sentiments where it sits at the moment.
Um, but also, you know, just to reiterate, we do remain confident, you know, in our future and our team overall. And I think just, since you may want to add some more detail. Yeah. Certainly. Good morning, Ben. And, you know, we are certainly disappointed in terms of where we are from a profitability standpoint, as John touched on the major.
Jacinth Smiley: In our mind, we are in a spot where we need to be responsible with how we rebase our 2026 target. Overall, we recognize the second half did not meet our expectations. We understand the disappointment this brings. As Jeff mentioned, we remain firmly committed to driving sustainable growth and enhancing long-term profitability. What really matters in this time that's so dynamic is how we respond. The team is responding and staying focused on executing with discipline, investing in our strengths, and positioning ourselves for the future.
Change that happened, here is relating to commodity to markets and just the significant run up. That happened in the middle of the the third quarter, as we went in. And then when we you know think about what we have done to respond to that. We have announced pricing relating to the impact for the third quarter. Um however given where markets remain we have if we are continuing to evaluate additional pricing actions. So that has really informed how we're thinking about the rest of the year and also, as we think about 2026, because we expect the fourth quarter to continue to be pressured by these significant Market pressures, and then just the, the consumer sentiments where it sits at the moment. So in our mind, right? We are in a spot where we need to be responsible with how we rebate.
Case or 2026 Target. You know, overall, we recognize the second half did not meet her expectations. We understand the disappointment, this brings, and as Jeff mentioned, we remain firmly, committed to driving sustainable growth and enhancing long-term profitability and what really do matters in this time. That's so Dynamic is how we respond. And the team is responding and staying focused on executing with discipline investing in our strengths and positioning ourselves for the future.
Ben Thurber: Got it. My follow-up is really, I would describe it more as a strategic question. Jeff, for you, obviously, you've been at the company and then you went on and came back just a few months ago, first on the board, and then now more recently as interim CEO. As you come with fresh eyes, with fresh thoughts, as you look at the business, what are you seeing? How do you feel about the company? How do you feel about the different business segments? Where do you think Hormel Foods Corporation offers the greatest opportunities from a shareholder return perspective as you take on your role over the next coming months?
Fresh bars, as you look at the business.
Jeff Ettinger: Yeah, thanks for the question, Jen. As I look at it coming back after a number of years, I believe Hormel Foods Corporation is still in an enviable position to grow from. I mean, you look at sort of the traditional processed meat categories. We are the innovation leader in bacon and pepperoni in both the retail and food service segments. We're a leader in more healthy new age proteins with portfolios such as Jennie-O and Applegate. We're a leader in protein solutions for the food service industry with Cafe H and Firebraze and Flash One Eighty, which I had a chance to see at the restaurant show when I joined the board. We have two great global brands in SPAM and Skippy, plus a growing business in China on the international front.
What, what are you seeing, how do, how do you feel about the company? How do you feel about the different, uh, business segments? And, and where do you think, uh, Hal offers the greatest opportunities from a, from a shareholder, return perspective. As you as you take on, uh, Your Role over the next coming months.
Yeah, thanks for the question, Jen. You know, as I look at it coming back after a number of years, I believe Hormel is still in an enviable position to grow from.
I mean, you look at sort of the traditional process meat categories. We are the innovation leader in bacon and pepperoni in both the retail and food service segments.
We're a leader in more healthy, new age proteins with portfolios such as Geno and Applegate.
We're a leader in protein solutions for the food service industry with Cafe H and Fire Bras, and Flash 180, which I had a chance to see at the restaurant show when I joined the board.
Jeff Ettinger: We're strong in certain non-meat protein areas such as Planters and Skippy and our Mexican portfolio and our partnership with MegaMax. Frankly, we intend to be able to expand on this sort of strategic side. Ben, at your conference next week, the Barclays Back to School Conference, we'll give you more details on what we're excited about there. To answer the second part of your question, the very first day John and I assumed these new roles, we had a town hall with our team. We really talked to the team about, hey, what does winning look like, frankly, in this industry, or frankly, to me, almost in any business? It's all about growing your top line and your bottom line. Growth in your top line shows that your products are connecting with consumers and customers. I'm encouraged that in this recent quarter, we delivered on just that.
We have two great global brands, Spam and Skippy, plus a growing business in China on the international front.
And we're strong in certain non-meat protein areas such as Planters, Skippy, our Mexican portfolio, and our partnership with MegaMex.
Um, frankly, we intend to be able to expand on this sort of strategic sideband at your conference next week, the Bat Barkley's Back to School Conference, and so we'll give you more details on kind of what we're excited about there. Now, to answer sort of the second part of your question, um, you know, the very first day John and I assumed these new roles, we had a town hall with our team.
Jeff Ettinger: We're kind of halfway there in that regard. You also have to grow the bottom line. You have to grow the bottom line to show that you're actually getting paid for all the hard work you're doing in a total system basis. You also need to do it because it serves the interests of our shareholders, who we understand have other options in terms of their investments. Growth is imperative. That's our focus, consistently driving top and bottom line growth.
And we really talked to the team about, hey, you know, what does winning look like? Frankly, in this industry or, frankly, to me, almost in any business, it's all about growing your topline and your bottom line. Growth in your topline shows that your products are connecting with consumers and customers. And I'm encouraged that in this recent quarter, we delivered on just that. So we're kind of halfway there in that regard.
But you also have to go to the bottom line, you have to grow the bottom line to show that you're actually getting paid for all the hard work you're doing in in a total system basis, and you also need to do it because it serves the interests of our shareholders who we understand have other options in terms of their Investments. And so growth is imperative. So that's our focus is going to be consistently driving top and bottom line growth.
Ben Thurber: Okay, thank you very much.
Okay, thank you very much.
David Brown: Your next question comes from Thomas Palmer with J.P. Morgan. Your line is now open.
Your next question comes from Tom Palmer with J.P. Morgan. Your line is now open.
John Ghingo: Morning. Thanks for the question. Congratulations, Jeff, on your return and John on your recent promotion. In your prepared remarks, you noted that your long-term growth algorithm is a better metric to use for forward earnings. I just want to make sure I understood to what extent this applies to 2026. Because given some of the cost headwinds this year and also what seems to be emerging tailwinds from areas like turkey, Planters, and the T&M program, I think there was some hope that next year could be more of an above-algorithm type year.
Good morning. Thanks for the question, and uh congratulations, Jeff, on your return and John on your recent promotion.
Um, in your prepared remarks, you noted that your long-term growth algorithm is a better metric to use for forward earnings.
I just want to make sure I understood to what extent this applies to 2026, because given some of the cost headwinds this year and also what seems to be emerging tailwinds from areas like Turkey Planters and the TNM program, I think there was some hope that next year could be more of an above-algorithm type here.
Jeff Ettinger: Happy to take the question, Tom. This is Jeff. I personally have always found it important to have clear and measurable goals for the team. Hormel Foods has communicated its current goals of 2% to 3% growth in net sales and 5% to 7% growth in operating income for the past several years. We think these are aggressive but reasonable goals in today's food industry environment. I personally agree that these are the appropriate goals for our general future expectations. We want the team to focus in the long term on hitting these on both the top and bottom line. Frankly, I'd like to see a quarter after quarter. These are not intended as our fiscal 2026 guidance. That will come on the Q4 call when we weigh all the considerations, including some that you mentioned in your question.
Uh, happy to take the question, Tom. This is Jeff. I personally have always found it important to have clear and measurable goals for the team, and indeed, Hormel Foods has communicated its current goals of 2% to 3% growth in net sales and 5% to 7% growth in operating income for the past several years. We think these are aggressive but reasonable goals in today's food industry environment.
And I personally agree that these are the appropriate goals for our general future expectations. We want the team to focus in the long term on hitting these on both the top and bottom line. Frankly, I’d like to see this quarter after quarter, but these are not intended as our fiscal 2026 guidance. That will come on the Q4 call when we weigh all the considerations, including some that you mentioned in your question.
John Ghingo: Okay. Understood. Thank you. Traditionally, there is some degree of seasonality in import costs. I think during the third quarter, it's not totally unusual to see some seasonal increase, and then some easing as we look at the fourth quarter. To what extent is this seasonal decline embedded in your outlook? If it were to occur, would that be as expected, or could that be an incremental tailwind? I guess, just thinking through the comment about strategically building inventory in the quarter, maybe what areas were built? I'm a little curious why, when commodities are so elevated, that strategic decision was made.
Okay, understood. Thank you. Um, and then, look, traditionally, there is some degree of seasonality in port costs. I think during the third quarter, it's not totally unusual to see some seasonal increase, and then some easing as we look at the fourth quarter. So, to what extent is this seasonal decline embedded in your outlook, if it were to occur? Would that be as expected, or could it be an incremental tailwind? And then, I guess, just kind of thinking through the comment about strategically building inventory in the quarter.
Maybe what areas were built? Because I'm a little curious: why, when commodities are so elevated, was a strategic decision made?
Jacinth Smiley: Good morning, Tom. If I start with your first question, you're a little cheeky there. You got three questions in, but that first part of your question around the commodity markets and seasonality, yes, typically indeed there is seasonality and it starts to come down in the fourth. As we sit here today, markets are still elevated above the five-year average. That's what's really informing where we sit and the guide that we're giving for Q4. That being said, even if markets start to come down, given the fact that we have built inventory, we are not going to necessarily see positive impacts from that because we already have inventory in place. When we think about where we're guiding, we are expecting, again, the seasonality to be there, but the markets, again, staying elevated, and we are not expecting that to have any material impact.
First question, so you little cheeky there, you got 3 questions in. But um so that, that, that first part of your question around the commodity markets and seasonality, um, yes, it typically, indeed there is seasonality and it starts to come down in the fourth. I mean, as we sit here to today, right? Markets are still elevated above the 5-year average. And that's what's really informing where we sit and the guy that we're giving for, for Q4, um, that being said, even when markets, if Market starts to come down, given the fact that we have built inventory, um, that we are not going to necessarily see positive impacts from that because we already have inventory in place. And so, when we think about where where we're, we're guiding, right? We
Jacinth Smiley: When we think about the inventories from an inventory standpoint, we did build inventory for back to school, which is mainly around Skippy. Another piece around our center store as we're trying to get our fill rate to where they need to be to service our customers. In general, given the significant inflation, that also has impacted the balance that you will see on our balance sheet from an inventory perspective.
Are expecting again, the seasonality to to be there, but the markets again staying elevated. And we are not expecting that to have any material impacts and when we think about the inventors from an inventory standpoint, we did build inventory for back to school. Um, we also built which is mainly around Skippy then another piece around our Center store. As we're trying to get our fill rate to where they need to be to service service, our customers, and then in general given the the significance inflation that all
Also, it has impacted the balance that you'll see on our balance sheet from an inventory perspective.
John Ghingo: Thank you for addressing the multi-part question. Thanks.
Thank you for addressing the multi-part question. Thanks.
David Brown: Your next question comes from Leah Jordan with Goldman Sachs. Your line is now open.
Your next question comes from Leah. Jordan with Goldman Sachs, your line is now open.
Leah Jordan: Good morning. Thank you for taking my question. I wanted to ask about pricing in retail. You took pricing for value-added turkey in the quarter, but pricing overall wasn't really a driver for the top line. What is the offsetting pressure you're seeing there? How are you thinking about your ability to pass through more pricing given the targeted actions you're planning over the next couple of quarters? What are you planning in terms of elasticity? On those pricing actions, how much of the portfolio will be impacted in the fourth quarter versus half of 2026?
John Ghingo: Thank you for the question, Leah. This is John. I'll tackle pricing, and I'll pull back a little bit too just to talk about pricing in general because the markets are dynamic and obviously pricing is a critical topic. I will get into retail, but I'll just start by kind of grounding in food service as well since that's a big important part of our business. From an overall perspective, when we talk about our food service pricing, generally, the vast majority of the pricing passes through based on movements in commodity markets, whether those movements are up or down. There's typically a timing lag. In a period of escalating markets, there tends to be some compression, and then that margin gets restored on the way back down. That's kind of the food service aspect.
Good morning. Thank you for taking my question. Um, I wanted to ask about pricing and Retail. Um, you took pricing for value added turkey in the quarter quarter, but pricing overall wasn't really a driver for the top line. So what's the offsetting pressure? You're seeing there and just, how are you thinking about your ability to pass through? More pricing given the targeted actions. You're planning over the next couple quarters. Um, what are you planning in terms of elasticity and just on those pricing actions? How much of the portfolio will be impacted in the fourth quarter, uh versus 1 Q of 26?
Yeah, thank you for the question, Leah. This is John. I'll tackle pricing, and I'll pull back a little bit to just talk about pricing in general, because the markets are dynamic. And obviously, pricing is a critical topic.
So, um, I will get into retail, but I'll just start by kind of grounding in food service as well, since that's a big important part of our business. So.
John Ghingo: From a retail perspective, to your point, there are two very fundamental differences with pricing when it comes to retail. First, the lag time tends to be longer. When we do announce pricing actions to our retailers, there's a longer lag to actually get the pricing implemented. The second fundamental difference is we need to be very measured with the decisions on if we do or don't take prices up and by how much we take them up when we do. In that retail case, we're triangulating across three different fundamental variables to guide those decisions. One is commodity markets and COGS. Obviously, we want to maintain and improve profitability, but we also have to balance two other variables. Anticipated consumer response is critical. We know the consumer environment right now is challenging. The consumer is strained for a variety of reasons.
From a, from an overall perspective. When we talk about our Food Service pricing, generally the vast majority of the pricing passes through based on movements and commodity markets whether those movements are up or down. Now there's typically a timing lag and so in a period of escalating markets there tends to be some compression and then that margin gets restored on the way back down. So that's kind of the Food Service aspect from a retail perspective to your point. There are 2 very fundamental differences with pricing. When it comes to retail. First the lag time tends to be longer. Um when we do announce pricing actions to our retailers, there's a longer lag to actually get the pricing implemented and the second fundamental difference is we need to be very measured.
With the decisions on if we do or don't take prices up, and by how much we take them up, we do.
In that retail case, we're triangulating across three different fundamental variables.
John Ghingo: The third variable is brand health and our support behind our brands to withstand pricing, right? That's the third piece. When you talk about elasticity, you're really talking about those second two elements: consumer response and the particular brand and category and the support plan behind the brand of how do we measure and estimate what will be the elasticity impact. To come back to the point about turkey, you know, we mentioned in the last call that we were seeing an increase across our supply chain and costs on turkey. We said we had announced pricing in Q2 that we had to implement in Q3. I bring it up as an example because we were able to kind of triangulate around those variables and successfully implement that pricing in the third quarter. Our Jennie-O turkey business right now, ground turkey business, is up 13% in the latest 13 weeks.
To guide those decisions. So 1 is commodity markets and cogs. Obviously, we want to maintain and improve profitability, uh, but we also have to balance 2 other variables. Anticipated consumer response. Uh, is is critical. And so, we know the consumer environment right now is challenging. The consumer is strained, um, for a variety of reasons. And then third variable is brand health, and our support behind Our Brands to withstand pricing, right? That's the third piece. So when you talk about elasticity, you're really talking about those second 2 elements consumer response and the particular brand and category in the support, plan behind the brand of, how do we measure?
An estimate: What would be the elasticity impact? So, to come back to the point about turkey.
John Ghingo: Through Q3, the category continues to be up as well. We have recovered the margin we needed to, and the reason we're able to do that is because of the strong product quality, the brand investments we've made, the overall execution behind the business. We've been able to get through that pricing successfully. To come back to kind of the here and now, we have recently announced targeted pricing actions across other parts of our portfolio based on the escalation we've seen in the markets that Jacinth referred to. We will begin to see the benefits of that pricing in the latter part of Q4 and really into 2026. As we continue to see these persistently elevated markets, we are evaluating additional targeted pricing actions as warranted.
Product quality, the brand investments. We've made the overall execution behind the business, and we've been able to get through that pricing successfully. So now to come back to kind of the here and now.
We have recently announced targeted pricing actions across other parts of our portfolio based on the escalation we've seen in the markets that Just sent referred to. So we will begin to see the benefits of that pricing in the latter part of Q4 and really into 2026.
John Ghingo: However, what I will say is we will continue to be thoughtful and measured to make sure the consumer can withstand additional pricing, that the pricing is constructive for the respective categories, and that our brands are well supported through communications, quality, and innovation to best mitigate those elasticity impacts. What I feel good about is that this measured approach has allowed us to keep our consumption increasing. If you look at our overall consumption results in retail, over 3% growth on our flagship and rising brands, 1.5% growth for total Hormel, we want to make sure we stay vibrant and growing with the consumer.
And as we continue to see these persistently elevated markets, we are evaluating additional targeted pricing actions as warranted. However, what I will say is we will continue to be thoughtful and measured to make sure the consumer can withstand additional pricing. That the pricing is constructed for the respective categories and that our brands are well supported through communications, quality, and innovation at best, mitigating those elasticity impacts. What I feel good about is that this measured approach has allowed us to keep our consumption increasing. So if you look at our overall consumption results in retail,
3 over 3% growth on our Flagship and Rising Brands 1 and a half percent growth for total Hormel. We want to make sure we stay vibrant and growing with the consumer.
Leah Jordan: Very helpful. Thank you.
Very helpful. Thank you.
David Brown: Your next question comes from Michael Lavery with Piper Sandler. Your line is now open.
Jeff Ettinger: Thank you. Good morning. I wanted to just come back to how to think about some of what's ahead. I appreciate you don't want to give fiscal 2026 guidance, but you had set out a three-year plan a year and a half ago that you haven't explicitly updated. How should we think about just your latest thinking on the T&M initiative savings and the net EBIT growth that you've put a bit of a stake in the ground for? Obviously, that would suggest some amount of kind of guidelines for where 2026 should land. Unless it's changed, is that under review?
Your next question comes from Michael Livery with Piper Sandler. Your line is now open.
Thank you. Good morning.
I I wanted to just come back to how to think about some of what's ahead. And I, I appreciate you don't want to give fiscal 26, guidance, but you had set out a 3-year plan a year and a half ago, um, that you haven't explicitly updated. So, how should we think about just your latest thinking on the tnm savings and the, and the net ebit growth that that you've put a bit of a stake in the ground for obviously that would suggest some amount of of of kind of guidelines for where 26 should land. Unless it's changed is is that under review
Jacinth Smiley: Good morning, Michael. As we mentioned in our prepared remarks, we'll certainly give a robust update on our Q4 call. That being said, when we had our Investor Day, there were certain assumptions that we had at that time, and those targets were grounded in those assumptions. There have been changes, certainly, as we have seen the last couple of years unfold, some of which we're talking about here today. This significant rise in commodity markets was not what we anticipated at that time, in addition to the fact that we expected and anticipated a really strong second half in 2025. The consumer is also pressured. That was not contemplated, in addition to what John mentioned before as well, in terms of the Planters recover while it's recovering on the top line. The profitability is certainly lagging. Those are some of those key assumptions.
Yeah, good morning, Michael. So as we mentioned in our, in our prepared remarks, we'll certainly give a a robust update, um, on our Q4 call, um, that being said, right? When we
Had our investor day. There were certain assumptions that we had at that time, and so those targets were grounded in those assumptions. There have been changes, certainly, as we have seen the last couple of years unfold; some of which we were talking about here today, right? This significant rise in commodity prices.
Jacinth Smiley: That's different than when we really talked about our projections for 2026. We will give you further updates as we talk about it in Q4.
Jeff Ettinger: Okay. That's helpful. Just to follow up on some of the pricing thinking, and maybe slightly in two parts, one is just we've covered a little more on the retail side, but you had mentioned some non-core pressure in food service. Maybe if I missed it, but could you specify some of what that was? On the pricing in response to the commodity pressure, you've mentioned that there's some under consideration. I know we're getting closer to the end of the year. What's in guidance in terms of, you know, is any new pricing actions really primarily affecting fiscal 2026, or could there be a little bit of upside still left in the rest of the year to go?
The market was not what we anticipated at that time. In addition to the fact that we expected and anticipated a really strong second half in 2025, the consumer is also pressured, which was not contemplated. In addition to what John mentioned before in terms of the Planters recovery, while it's recovering on the top line, the profitability is certainly lagging. So those are some of the key assumptions that are different from when we really talked about our projections for 2026. Again, we will give you further updates as we discuss it in Q4.
Okay that's helpful and and just to follow up on some of the the pricing thinking and I'm going to be slightly in 2 parts. 1 is just we we've covered a little more on the retail side but you had mentioned some non-core uh pressure in in Food Service maybe if if sorry if I missed it but could you specify some of what that was and then on the the pricing in response to the commodity pressure. Uh, you've mentioned that there's some under consideration. I know we're getting closer to the end of the year. What's in guidance? In terms of, you know, is is any new pricing actions, really primarily affecting fiscal 26 or, or could there be a little bit of upside still left in in the rest of the year to go?
John Ghingo: Yeah. To answer the second part of your question first, additional pricing actions at this point would largely impact 2026. They really wouldn't have a material impact on Q4. In terms of food service, just to take a step back on food service a bit, the food service business for us does remain quite resilient. We're pleased with the top-line growth and net sales growth. It's broad-based across numerous categories. We've seen organic volume growth being driven by several categories, so we feel very good about that. To come to the question about margins, we mentioned non-core business. The point that we had mentioned earlier this year, the divestiture of Hormel Health Labs, is the point we were taking.
Uh, yeah, so what I would like to answer the second part of your question. First, you know, additional pricing actions at this point would largely impact 2026. I really wouldn’t have a material impact on Q4, uh, in terms of Food Service. Uh, just to take a step back on Food Service a bit. Um,
Speaker 1: The air around some of the margin coming out due to that divestiture. You know, food service, we feel very good about our plot and our ability to continue to drive growth despite a challenging industry. The traffic is down. If you look at it, you know, we're growing the business, we're leveraging our direct sales team, we're leveraging our portfolio value-added solutions. We have our diversified sales channel mix, right? We're going to continue to drive on those things. You know, on top of that, we're going to continue to navigate the headwinds. One of those, when you look at our food service business, is convenience stores. The convenience store channel also comes up into our food service business. Convenience stores have been very soft from a traffic perspective. That does have some impact on mix and profitability as well.
This year, the divestiture of Hormel Health Labs is the point. We were making their around some of the margin coming out due to that divestiture. Um, you know, food service. We feel very good about our.
Despite a challenging industry, our ability to continue to drive growth is evident. The traffic is down, and if you look at it, you know,
We're growing the business; we're leveraging our direct sales team. We're leveraging our portfolio of value-added solutions. We have our diversified sales channel mix right. We're going to continue to drive on those things. Um, and, you know, on top of that, we're going to continue to navigate the headwinds. One of those, when you look at our food service business, is convenience stores. So the convenience store channel also comes up into our food service business. Convenience stores have been very soft from a traffic perspective, and so that does have some impact on mix and profitability as well.
Speaker 2: Okay, very helpful, Conor. Thanks.
Okay, very helpful caller. Thank you.
David Brown: Your next question comes from Peter Galbo with Bank of America. Your line is now open.
Your next question.
Comes from Peter.
Elbow with Bank of America, your line is now open.
Speaker 1: Hey guys, good morning. Thanks for taking the question. John, I know there's been a lot of discussion around kind of the pricing dynamic on the go forward, but I guess just if I'm reading your comments or understanding your comments correctly, it does seem like the price cost lag has a potential, you know, negative price net of cost impact, at least through the first quarter. Based on what Jacinth was saying, to the extent markets have remained in an unfavorable position relative to your expectations, that could linger really through the first half. I'm hoping to get a little bit more color in terms of when you think you kind of get back to parity from a price versus cost perspective, or maybe said another way, when you actually get caught up, if kind of the current dynamic holds into the end of the year.
Hey, you guys, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions.
Um, John. I know there's been a lot of discussion around kind of kind of the pricing, uh, Dynamic on the go forward but I guess just
If I'm reading your comments or or understanding your comments correctly, I I it does seem like the price cost lag has a potential you know, negative price. Net of cost impact at least through the first quarter and and then based on what just synth was saying to the extent markets have remained
In an unfavorable position relative to your expectations. That could linger really through the first half. So I just...
Speaker 1: What I would say is, where we have the pass-through pricing in place across our portfolio, it is a matter of timing and we will get caught up and we'll ride that up and down, but there will be lag. We tend to fare better when the markets are coming down, and it's a little bit tougher when they are going up, right? On the parts of the business where we are announcing list price changes in retail, it is a little bit different, right? As we mentioned, we took a round of pricing actions that we already announced. We're evaluating potentially additional pricing actions as warranted and needed. If you take a step back to the comment I made a few minutes ago, we will price where we need to from a commodity perspective, but we are going to balance that.
I I'm hoping to get a little bit more color in terms of when you think you kind of get back to parity from a price versus cost perspective or or maybe you said, another way when you actually get caught up, um, if kind of the current Dynamic, you know, holds into, you know, into the end of the year.
Yeah, um, so what I would say is, you know, where we have the pass-through pricing in place across our portfolio,
Um, you know, it is a matter of timing, and we will get caught up and we'll ride that up and down, but there will be lag. We tend to fare better when the markets are coming down, um, and it's a little bit tougher when they are going up, right, on the part of the business where we are announcing list price changes in retail. Um, it is a little bit different, right? So, as we mentioned, we took a round of pricing actions that we already announced for evaluating potentially additional pricing actions as warranted and needed. Um, if you take a step back to the comment I made a few minutes ago.
Speaker 1: I mean, we are also focused on making sure our brands and categories stay healthy. Long-term growth, attracting consumers through this kind of cycle of what is really low consumer sentiment, high consumer strain, as well as these very elevated markets. We just need to be measured and thoughtful and disciplined around those decisions. We will continue to evaluate it. It's dynamic, obviously, where we need to leverage trade promotion as another variable in that mix to balance things for the consumer and profitability. We can do that as well.
Um, we will price where we need to from a commodity perspective, but we are going to balance that. I mean, we are also focused on making sure our brands and categories stay healthy.
Jess Blomberg: I'll just quickly add and remind you as well that we certainly are able to navigate volatility. What's harder for us to do is navigate a really sharp run-up in markets because it takes longer for us to then be able to impact our profitability in a positive way with that sharp run-up because of some of the lag time that John just mentioned.
Uh, you know, long-term growth attracting consumers through this kind of cycle of, what is really low consumer sentiment, um, High consumer strain, uh, as well as these very elevated markets. We just need to be measured and thoughtful, and disciplined around those decisions. So we will continue to evaluate its Dynamic obviously where we need to leverage, uh, trade promotion, as another variable in that mix to balance things for the consumer and profitability, we can do that as well. Yeah, I'll just quickly add and just remind remind you as well, that we certainly
We are able to navigate right volatility. What is harder for us to do is navigate a really sharp runner.
Speaker 1: Okay, got it. Jeff, zooming back out, obviously being the kind of second go-around with the company, I guess this is not the first time that heightened inventory levels have become a question mark for Hormel Foods Corporation. We went through this issue for, I know, a different reason a couple of years ago. I'm getting a lot of questions on why take the inventory up to the levels that they are at the peak of the commodity cycle. On top of that, as you've come back in, is the visibility just on cost and on various cuts, is there a problem there from a system standpoint? It seems like, going back to when you guided, I know that the cuts moved, but the drastic nature of the miss relative to your expectations was suggesting maybe there's just a visibility problem.
In markets because it takes longer for us to then be able to impact our profitability in a positive way with that truck run-up, because of some of the lag time that John just mentioned.
Okay, got it. And Jeff, you know, zooming back out.
obviously being the the the kind of second go-around with the company, but but I, I guess this is not the first time that um, heightened inventory levels have
Become a question mark for Hormel. We went through this issue for I know a different reason a couple of years ago, but just.
I'm getting a lot of questions on kind of why I take the inventory up to the levels that they're kind of the peak of the commodity cycle. And on top of that, just as you've come back in, is the visibility just on cost and on, um,
You know, just various cuts like has it.
Speaker 1: I'd love to get your thoughts there as you've stepped back in. Thanks very much.
Speaker 2: I appreciate the question, Peter, and definitely look forward to meeting you in the coming months. It really probably, John, would be a little more appropriate to answer it because I'm five weeks in and have been tackling a lot of areas, but past decisions on where we put inventory weren't one of them that I'm as familiar with.
Is there a problem there from a, from a system standpoint? It just seems like, again, going back to when you guide it. I, I know that it, you know, that the cuts moved but the, the DraStic nature of, of kind of the misread of your expectations would suggest. Maybe there's just a, a visibility problem. And, and I'd love to get your thoughts there. As you've stepped back in. Thanks very much.
To answer it because, you know,
Jess Blomberg: Yeah, maybe I'll jump in first there. Just to clarify, we do not have an inventory problem. The inventory build and the inventory balance that you see there was intentional. We had intentional build to be able to supply our customers. What I mentioned before is the inventory balance may appear elevated because of the commodity piece and the input cost, one. There are other areas where we built intentionally because we need that from a demand perspective from our customers. In some cases where our fill rates were lower, the inventory was lower. We needed to get our fill rates up to be able to get our service levels up. Again, not an inventory problem.
I'm 5 weeks in and and have been tackling a lot of areas but what, you know, past decisions on where where we put inventory, weren't 1 of them that I'm as familiar with. Yeah. No, maybe I'll jump in first there. So just to clarify. We do not have an inventory problem.
So the inventory build and the inventory balance that you see there was intentional. So we had intentional builds to be able to support our...
Our customers.
And what I mentioned before is that the inventor balance may appear elevated because of the commodity piece and the input cost, and then there are other areas where we built intentionally.
Because we need that from a demand perspective from our customers. In some cases where our fill rates were lower, the inventory was lower, so we needed to get our fill rates up to be able to get our service levels up. So again, not inventory problems.
David Brown: Okay, your next question comes from Pooran Sharma with Stephens. Your line is now open.
Okay, your next question, question.
Your next question comes from Pan Sharma with Stevens. Your line is now open.
Speaker 2: Thanks for the question. Just maybe want to get your perspective as obviously a big buyer of, you know, pork cuts and, you know, just being active in the hog market. It just seems like production has been pretty lackluster, especially over the past several weeks. That seems like a bit more severe than what we would have thought just by looking at the June Hogs and Pigs report. We're seeing continued reduction in the breeding herd with partial offsets in efficiency. Based on kind of what you've been hearing, how do you think about supply prospects for the hog industry for, you know, looking out to the intermediate term?
Thanks for the question. Um,
Just uh maybe want to get your perspective um as as obviously a a big buyer of kind of, you know, Port cuts, um and and and and you know, just being active in the hog market.
It just seems like production has been pretty lackluster, especially over the past several weeks. Um, and that's, that's, that's seems like a bit more severe than what we would have thought. Um, just by looking at the June Hogs and pigs report
And, um, you know, we're seeing continued reduction in the breeding herd with partial offsets and efficiency.
Um, you know, based on kind of what you've been hearing, how do you think about supply prospects for the hog industry?
For, you know, looking out to the intermediate term.
Jess Blomberg: Good morning. Just a reminder that we do have long-term supply agreements. With those contracts, we feel good about our ability to get supply in line with our consumer or customer demands and filling our customers.
Yeah, good morning. So just a reminder that we do have long-term supply agreements, and so, with those contracts, we feel good about our ability to.
Get supply, um, in line with our consumer, our customer demands, and filling our, um, our customers.
Speaker 2: I guess I'd just interject. I mean, pork producers are clearly in a very profitable mode right now, which, I mean, in the long run, that's going to be more in supply. That may not be coming in the next couple of months.
I guess I just interject. I mean, pork producers are clearly in a very profitable mode right now, which I mean, in the long run, that's going to be more in supply. That may not be coming in the next couple of months, but...
Speaker 1: Got it. No, I think that makes sense. High prices and high prices, low price and low prices. I guess my follow-up, maybe we could shift to turkey. You guys talked about this a little bit on the last call. Industry supply tightening, potential capacity reductions. Are you beginning to see any sort of potential market share gains or margin benefits materialize just from that dynamic itself, or is the situation still largely the same as it was last quarter? Thank you for the question. This is John. I'll talk about turkey a little bit. When we talked about our ground turkey business last quarter, we talked about some of those dynamics around the industry. We talked about escalating costs in the supply chain. Ground turkey in particular has continued to perform very, very well. Demand is strong.
Got it. Yeah, no. I think that makes sense. Um, and
Um, you know, high prices, uh, and high prices, low prices, and low prices. Um, I guess my follow-up, maybe we could shift to Turkey. You guys talked about this a little bit on the last call. You know, industry supply tightening, potential capacity reductions.
Are you beginning to see any sort of potential market share gains or margin benefits materialize just from that dynamic itself, or is the situation still largely the same as it was last quarter?
Yeah, uh, thank you for the question. This is John. I'll talk about Turkey a little bit. So
um,
You know, when we when we talked about our ground turkey business last quarter we we we talked about some of those Dynamics around the industry. We talked about escalating costs in the supply chain. Uh,
You know, ground turkey in particular.
Speaker 1: If you look at what's underneath that, we believe it's enduring drivers of demand. Consumer interest in lean protein and poultry is very strong. There are a number of different food tribes who are gravitating toward lean protein, and poultry is a great choice. Ground turkey in particular has a versatility that is super helpful for consumers just to plug into their daily needs of different meals and meal occasions. Demand on the ground turkey side remains very strong. To your question about market share, we are outpacing the category in terms of our branded growth significantly. We're growing double digits. We're outpacing category growth. We are gaining market share. We do have the number one brand. We love our position around ground turkey. We're going to continue to drive that.
Speaker 1: I think, whereas last quarter we were sort of in this mode of needing to recoup margin and take pricing. We had to take that pricing. It was driven by inflation, clearly the dynamics around that. We really like how our brand has fared and how the category has fared through this third quarter.
Was driven by inflation. Clearly, the dynamics around that, but we really like how our brand has fared and how to categorize fared through this third quarter.
Speaker 2: Great. Thank you for the call.
Great, thank you for the color.
David Brown: Your next question comes from Rupesh Parikh with Oppenheimer. Your line is now open.
Jeff Ettinger: Good morning. This is actually Erica Eiler on for Rupesh. Thanks for taking our questions. I wanted to go back to profitability here and maybe big picture. You've talked about the business in terms of the financial algorithm over time. If we look at the business and if you go back a few years, this was a double-digit operating margin business. I guess my question is, do you still view this as a double-digit margin business over time?
Your next question comes from Rupesh Parikh with Oppenheimer. Your line is now open.
Good morning. This is actually Erica eron for rupes, thanks for taking our questions. So I I wanted to, you know, go back to profitability here and maybe big picture you've talked about the business, you know, in terms of you know, the financial algorithm over time. But if we look at the business and if you go back a few years this was you know a double digit operating margin business. So I guess my question is you do you still view this as a double digit margin business over time?
Speaker 2: Oh, thanks for the question, Erica. This is Jeff. I guess I'm going to defer on a specific number in terms of the margin, but I do want to talk about what we see as encouraging signs for bottom line going forward. I mean, clearly we have sales momentum. We're already growing sales earlier in the year. Had a very solid quarter with 6% growth this time. The team will be actively focused on finding opportunities to enhance mix to attain better margin results as well. We've talked about pricing. We've talked about how we took pricing already and that the benefit of that will, you know, kind of start coming in Q4 and definitely will be emerging by Q1. We've talked about T&M, the current projects, and we'll have, as we said, give you an update on that on the next call.
Oh, thanks for the question. Erica, this is Jeff. I guess I'm going to defer on a specific number in terms of the margin, but I do want to talk about what we see as encouraging signs for the bottom line going forward. I mean, clearly we have sales momentum, and we're already growing sales earlier in the year. We had a very solid quarter with 6% growth this time.
Speaker 2: Jacinth mentioned in her earlier comments some of the manufacturing changes and sometimes it's, you know, like one of them got announced Q2, the one about the 100-year-old plant related to our Columbus business. I mean, in talking to our operations manager, a couple of those lines are just moving in now. There's a trailing benefit sometimes to some of these moves. We just announced the move, for example, in our Atlanta plant where we're going to be running bacon elsewhere in the supply chain system. That doesn't happen in just a week. That takes a little time to materialize. We talked about SG&A. This quarter, SG&A was up 6%. Ultimately, we want to get into a position where the growth of SG&A is not outpacing sales. It has done that over the last couple of years. We are looking at possible cost reductions in that area as well.
The team will be actively focused on finding opportunities to enhance mix to attain better margin results as well. We've talked about pricing, we've talked about how we took pricing already and that the benefit of that will, you know, kind of start coming in Q4 and definitely will be emerging by q1. We've talked about tnm, um, the current projects and love as we said give you an update on that on the next call.
Uh just mentioned in hurler earlier comments some of the manufacturing changes and and sometimes it's you know like 1 of them got announced Q2 the 1 about the 100 year old plant related to our Columbus business. But I mean in talking to our operations manager. I mean a couple of those lines are just moving in now. I mean it did there's a a trail trailing benefits sometimes of some of these moves we just announced the move for example, in our land of plant where we're going to be running bacon elsewhere in the supply chain system, but again, that doesn't happen in just a week that that takes a little time to materialize.
And then we talked about sgna. Um,
Speaker 1: To double-click, Erica, to Jeff's comment around mix, just to add a little bit more color there. I look at it in two ways. At the enterprise level, our food service business has very strong margins, and our ability to continue to invest and drive disproportionate growth in our food service segment is critical. We have a consistent track record of driving growth on that business. Obviously, when the industry is healthier, we'll be able to drive even more growth behind that business. That's kind of focus one at the enterprise level. When you drop into retail, the focus there is to continue to drive our flagship and rising brands, which tend to have our higher margins and our advantage businesses. We distort our investment to flagship and rising. We deprioritize and even exit at times non-core less strategic businesses in retail.
This quarter, SG&A was up 6%. Ultimately, we want to get into a position where the growth of SG&A is not outpacing sales. It has done that over the last couple of years, and so we are looking at possible cost reductions in that area as well.
Speaker 1: You could see that play out in the numbers this past quarter where our flagship and rising brands grew over 3% in consumption. Our total Hormel plot was up a point and a half in consumption, right? They are driving the growth for retail. Obviously, we were impacted by commodity markets in the quarter, but strategically from a mix perspective, that's how we think about it at the enterprise level.
And just to double, click Erica to Jeff's, comment around mix, just to add a little bit more color there. So I look at it in 2 ways at the Enterprise level, our food service business has very strong margins and so our ability to continue to invest and drive disproportionate growth in our food service, segment is critical. We have a consistent track record of driving growth in that business. Obviously when the industry is healthier we'll be able to drive even more growth behind that business. So that's kind of focused 1 of the Enterprise level and then when you drop into retail the focus there is to continue to drive our Flagship and Rising Brands which tend to have our higher margins and our advantage businesses. And so you know we this we distort our investment to Flagship and Rising we deprioritize and even exit at times non-core or less strategic businesses and Retail. And you can see that play out in the numbers, this past quarter, where our Flagship and Rising Brands grew over 3%. In consumption, our total Hormel plot was up a point and a half in consumption, right? So they are driving the growth for retail. So, obviously we were impacted by
Jeff Ettinger: Okay, I appreciate all that, Conor. Just my follow-up on the top line. Strong organic sales growth this quarter, and you're expecting solid growth again in Q4. Do you believe you're on a path to more sustainable organic sales growth going forward? I'm just curious if you're confident that we're at a sustainable inflection here.
Commodity markets in the quarter but the strategically from a mixed perspective. That's how we think about it at the Enterprise level.
Speaker 1: Yeah, I mean, we are confident in our strategies to drive top-line growth around the business. We absolutely are. If you kind of look across the segments, we think we have an advantage model in food service with our direct selling force, with our value-added innovative solutions for operators. We're going to continue to drive that. To the extent that the industry picks up and gets healthier, we should be able to drive more growth behind food service. We also feel really good about our branded portfolio in retail and our ability to market and connect better with consumers on solutions for those branded businesses, the value-added branded businesses in retail. Our flagship and rising brands have been putting up consistent consumption growth, and we're going to continue to focus on that. We do feel good about our plot, you know, and our confidence in driving top-line into the future.
Okay, no, I appreciate all that color. And then just my follow-up. Just on the top line. So, you know, strong organic sales growth this quarter. You're expecting solid growth again in Q4. So, do you believe you're on a path to more sustainable organic sales growth going forward? You know, just curious if you're confident that we're at sustainable inflection here.
Jeff Ettinger: Great, thank you.
Yeah. I mean we are we are confident in our in our strategies to drive Topline growth around the business. We we absolutely are. You know if you kind of look across the segments we think we have an advantage model in food service with our direct selling force with our value added innovative solutions for operators and we're going to continue to drive that into the extent that the industry picks up and gets healthier. We should be able to drive more growth behind food service. We also feel really good about our branded portfolio and Retail and our ability to Market and connect better with consumers on solutions for those branded businesses, the value added branded businesses and Retail. So our Flagship and Rising brands have been putting up, consistent consumption growth, and we're going to continue to focus on that. So we do feel good about our, our plot, I know in our confidence in driving Topline into the future.
Great. Thank you.
David Brown: Ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder, should you have a question, please press star one. Your next question comes from Thomas Palmer with Heather Jones Research. Your line is now open.
Ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder, should you have a question, please press *1.
Phones research. Your line is now open.
John Ghingo: Good morning. Thanks for taking the question. Coming back to turkey, will you experience any benefits from elevated turkey breast meat pricing this year, or will that be all in 2026? In addition, could you provide a rough split on the benefit from whole bird pricing expected in 2025 versus 2026? Thank you.
Good morning. Thank you for taking the question. Uh, coming back to Turkey.
Will you experience any benefits from elevated turkey breast meat pricing this year? Or would that be all in 2026? Um, and then in addition,
could you provide a rough split on the benefit from Whole bird pricing? Expected in 25 versus 26? Thank you.
Speaker 1: Yeah, on whole birds, they are slightly better than what we had expected from our original outlook, but most of that upside is going to be in next year around the fresh season around Thanksgiving. We don't have any guidance around breast meat right now.
Yeah, so so on on hold Birds. Uh, you know, they the they are slightly better, um, you know, than what we had expected from our original Outlook, but most of that upside is going to be in next year around the the fresh season around Thanksgiving. Um, and we don't have, you know, any guidance around on on breast meat right now.
John Ghingo: Got it. Thanks for the call.
Got it. Thanks for the call.
David Brown: There are no further questions at this time. I will now turn the call over to Jeff Ettinger for closing remarks.
Dino for the questions at this time, I will now turn the call over to Jeff Edinger for closing remarks.
Speaker 2: I want to thank everybody on the call for your thoughtful questions and engagement today. We understand the mission. It's clear we need to build on our top-line momentum and urgently return to bottom-line growth so that we can deliver long-term sustainable value. As I said, I look forward to meeting with you over the course of the year. Thank you.
I want to thank everybody on the call for your thoughtful questions and engagement today. Um, we understand the mission; it's clear. We need to build on our topline momentum and urgently return to bottom line growth so that we can deliver long-term sustainable value. As I said, I look forward to meeting with you over the course of the year. Thank you.
David Brown: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today. We thank you for participating and ask that you please disconnect your lines.
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today. We thank you for participating in, ask that you, please disconnect your lines.