$HRL

Conagra (CAG) and Campbell (CPB) cut dividends, while J.M. Smucker (SJM) and Hormel (HRL) raised theirs. Kraft Heinz (KHC) kept its dividend unchanged. Conagra's new dividend is $0.175, down from $0.35, citing debt reduction. Campbell's cut its dividend by 36% to $0.25. Smucker's dividend rose to $1.12, backed by strong cash flow. Hormel increased its dividend to $0.2925, maintaining a streak of annual raises. Kraft Heinz's dividend remains at $0.40, with solid coverage but stagnant sales.

Hormel Foods (HRL) agreed to acquire Brakebush Brothers, a chicken company, for $1.055 billion. The deal, expected to close in Q1 2027, aims to expand Hormel's foodservice segment and value-added chicken offerings. Brakebush generated $1.2 billion in net sales over the last 12 months. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Hormel's earnings starting in fiscal 2028.

JM Smucker (SJM) and Hormel Foods (HRL) both offer reliable grocery brands and dividends. Smucker raised its fiscal 2027 forecasts for net sales, EPS, and free cash flow, while Hormel lowered its organic sales growth forecast. Smucker's stock returned 15.0% over the past year, while Hormel's fell 14.8%. Smucker has a higher operating margin but more debt, while Hormel has financial flexibility and plans to acquire Brakebush Brothers.

Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL) reported a 2% organic sales growth in its Foodservice segment but saw retail and international volumes decline. Total sales fell 2.4% to $2.96 billion, while adjusted EPS rose 6% to $0.37. The company maintains a 5.9% dividend yield, with $768.8 million in operating cash flow for the first nine months of 2026, covering 88% of dividends after capital expenditures.

Newlands William A purchased 10,000 shares of HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/ (HRL) at $20.10 ($0.20M total) on 2026-10-05.

Piper Sandler maintained a Neutral rating on Hormel Foods (HRL) with a $26.00 price target, citing volume pressures and lowered EPS estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027. The stock has fallen 15% since August, trading at $20.09. Hormel reported Q3 adjusted EPS of $0.37, beating estimates, but revenue missed expectations. S&P Global revised its outlook to negative, citing high leverage.

Hormel Foods (HRL) was named Ben E. Keith Foods' 2026 Supplier of the Year for its long-standing partnership and consistent value. The award was presented at the 43rd Annual Supplier Appreciation Day in Texas. Hormel also won in the Center-of-the-Plate Beef/Pork category.

Hormel Foods (HRL) agreed to buy Brakebush Brothers for $1.055B, expanding its value-added chicken business. The deal, expected to close in Q1 2027, aims to boost Hormel's Foodservice platform and is projected to be accretive to earnings starting in fiscal 2028. Brakebush reported $1.2B in net sales over the past year.

Hormel (HRL) acquires Brakebush for $1.06B; Onsemi (ON) to buy Synaptics for $5.7B; Leslie's files for bankruptcy. Valley National (VLY) to acquire Bluevine for $340M. Yext (YEXT) to acquire Flamel.ai. Lifecore (LFCR) to be acquired by Webster Equity for up to $663.7M. SoftBank completes DigitalBridge acquisition. GBTG acquired by Long Lake for $6.3B.

Verizon, LyondellBasell, Dow, Hormel Foods, and International Paper have reduced capital spending to maintain or increase dividends. Verizon cut capex from $26.74B to $17.011B, while LyondellBasell and Dow slashed dividends and growth projects. Hormel and International Paper face earnings and operational challenges. All companies face risks if their strategies don't sustain dividends.