Hormel Foods Corp (HRL) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Cash Flow and Strategic ...

In This Article:

  • Fourth Quarter Volume: 1.1 billion pounds.

  • Fourth Quarter Net Sales: $3.1 billion.

  • Full Year Volume: 4.3 billion pounds.

  • Full Year Net Sales: $11.9 billion.

  • Fourth Quarter Gross Margin: Increased 50 basis points to 16.6%.

  • Full Year Gross Margin: Increased 50 basis points to 17%.

  • Operating Income for Fiscal 2024: $1.1 billion.

  • Operating Margin: 9%.

  • Adjusted Operating Margin: 9.6%.

  • Full Year Diluted Net Earnings Per Share: $1.47.

  • Adjusted Diluted Net Earnings Per Share: $1.58.

  • Record Operating Cash Flow: $1.3 billion.

  • Dividends Returned to Shareholders: $615 million.

  • Capital Projects Investment: $256 million in fiscal 2024.

  • Debt: $2.9 billion.

  • Cash and Short-term Securities: Over $765 million.

  • Inventory: $1.6 billion, a decrease of $104 million from the beginning of the year.

  • Net Sales Guidance for Fiscal 2025: $11.9 billion to $12.2 billion.

  • Adjusted Diluted EPS Guidance for Fiscal 2025: $1.58 to $1.72.

  • Transform and Modernize Initiative Benefits: $75 million in fiscal 2024, with an expected $100 million to $150 million in fiscal 2025.

Release Date: December 04, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Hormel Foods Corp (NYSE:HRL) delivered solid results in fiscal 2024, meeting adjusted diluted net earnings per share expectations.

  • The company achieved a record year of operating cash flow, delivering $1.3 billion, and returned a record amount of cash to shareholders through dividends.

  • Significant progress was made in the first year of the transform and modernize initiative, delivering $75 million in operating income benefits.

  • Strong growth was observed in flagship and rising brands such as Hormel Black Label, Jennie-O, SPAM, and Applegate.

  • The international segment saw a strong recovery, with increased branded exports and growth from investments in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Negative Points

  • Hormel Foods Corp (NYSE:HRL) experienced a $9 million negative impact in Q4 due to storm damage at the Patelin Nebraska facility.

  • The company anticipates some near-term commercial impacts and higher costs in Q1 of fiscal 2025, particularly affecting the Planters brand.

  • Full year expenses increased compared to last year, primarily due to employee-related expenses and the transform and modernize initiative.

  • The company expects SG&A expenses to increase in fiscal 2025, with planned double-digit percentage increases in advertising investments.

  • Turkey markets are expected to remain depressed for the full year of 2025, with lower year-over-year whole-bird prices impacting earnings.