Hormel Foods, the US group, today (24 November) booked “record” annual earnings, though its full-year sales dipped after a near-6% drop in its fourth quarter.

For the year to 25 October, Hormel said its adjusted net earnings were $714.4m, up 19% on last year. The adjusted result excluded costs from a plant closure, an exit from some international businesses and impairment charges. On a GAAP basis, the company reported net earnings of $686.1m, up from $602.7m a year earlier.

Segment operating profit was up 14.5% to $1.1bn. Hormel saw operating profit rise in four of its five divisions. Operating profit from the company’s international and other unit – its smallest by operating profit and net sales – slid 7.6%.

Net sales dipped 0.6% to $9.32bn. The company saw sales from refrigerated foods fall 5.9%. Sales from its Jennie-O Turkey store division slid 2.2%.

In the fourth quarter, Hormel’s net sales dropped 5.6% to $2.4bn, with sales from four of its divisions lower year-on-year. Jennie-O Turkey Store sales tumbled 17.6% amid the avian influenza outbreak in parts of the US.

Net earnings stood at $187.2m, compared to $171.3m in the fourth quarter of the previous financial year. Operating income was $292.5m, against $263.4m a year earlier. Fourth-quarter profits were helped by a fall in the cost of products sold.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.