Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) reported its third-quarter fiscal 2024 results today before market opening, reflecting a strong performance despite facing challenges in specific areas. The company’s strategic initiatives and continued focus on key business segments contributed to better-than-expected earnings, driven by growth in several key product lines and segments.
Key Financial Metrics:
- Volume: 1.02 billion lbs.
- Net Sales: $2.90 billion, a slight decline from $2.96 billion in Q3 2023.
- Operating Income: $237 million (adjusted: $267 million).
- Operating Margin: 8.2% (adjusted: 9.2%).
- Earnings Before Income Taxes: $226 million (adjusted: $256 million).
- Net Earnings Per Share: $0.32 (adjusted: $0.37).
- Cash Flow from Operations: $218 million.
Segment Performance:
- Retail:
- Volume: Down 9%.
- Net Sales: Down 7%.
- Segment Profit: Decreased by 15%.
- The decline in volume and sales was attributed primarily to lower sales of Planters® snack nuts due to production disruptions, lower center-store and contract manufacturing volumes, and significant declines in whole bird turkey sales. Despite these setbacks, certain key brands like Hormel® Black Label® bacon, Applegate® natural and organic meats, and Jennie-O® ground turkey experienced net sales growth.
- Foodservice:
- Volume: Increased by 2%.
- Net Sales: Increased by 7%.
- Segment Profit: Decreased by 3%.
- This segment saw strong performance, particularly in premium prepared proteins, turkey products, and bacon categories. The growth in volume and sales was driven by innovations such as Hormel® Fire Braised™ meats and Café H® globally inspired proteins, along with continued strong demand for branded Jennie-O® turkey items. However, higher SG&A expenses slightly offset the growth in sales.
- International:
- Volume: Decreased by 13%.
- Net Sales: Decreased by 2%.
- Segment Profit: Increased by 78%.
- Despite lower volumes and sales, the international segment’s profit surged due to improved export margins, particularly in SPAM® luncheon meat, Skippy® peanut butter, and refrigerated foodservice exports. The significant profit increase was also driven by investments in the Philippines and Indonesia, along with favorable cost conditions in China.
Strategic Priorities and Initiatives:
Hormel Foods continues to execute on its strategic priorities with a focus on growth in retail, foodservice, and international segments. Some key highlights include:
- Retail Growth: Successful volume and sales growth for products like Skippy® peanut butter, Jennie-O® lean ground turkey, and Hormel® Black Label® bacon. The launch of SPAM® Korean BBQ Flavored was noted as a successful innovation.
- Foodservice Expansion: Continued strong performance in this segment, bolstered by new product introductions such as Hormel® Flash 180™ sous vide-style chicken breast and Hormel® Fire Braised™ loin back ribs.
- Global Presence Development: Emphasis on innovation and market expansion, with new product launches in China and expanded distribution in South Korea. SPAM® luncheon meat posted double-digit top-line growth across Canada, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Progress made in the company’s transform and modernize initiative, which focuses on improving planning processes, inventory management, and operational efficiency across manufacturing facilities.
Updated Outlook for Fiscal Year 2024:
- Net Sales Forecast: Updated to a range of $11.8 billion to $12.1 billion, down from the previous range of $12.2 billion to $12.5 billion, reflecting lower-than-expected commodity markets, production disruptions, and declines in contract manufacturing.
- Diluted Net Earnings Per Share: Narrowed to $1.45 to $1.51, with an adjusted range of $1.57 to $1.63.
- The company anticipates continued benefits from its transform and modernize initiative, despite ongoing challenges such as production disruptions at its Suffolk, Virginia facility and storm damage at its Papillion, Nebraska facility.
Other Financial Details:
- Advertising Investments: $40 million, down from $43 million in the previous year, primarily due to reduced support for the Planters® brand.
- Capital Expenditures: $65 million, down from $78 million in Q3 2023, with a full-year target of $280 million.
- Dividends: Marked the 96th year of uninterrupted dividends, with approximately $155 million returned to shareholders during the quarter.
Hormel Foods continues to emphasize its long-term strategic goals while navigating near-term challenges. The company’s commitment to innovation, supply chain efficiency, and global market expansion positions it well for sustained growth.
