Stock Markets May 28, 2026 06:25 AM

Hormel Foods Beats Estimates as Protein Demand Lifts Sales

Skippy peanut butter maker reports higher-than-expected revenue and adjusted EPS; shares jump in premarket trading

By Sofia Navarro HRL

Hormel Foods reported second-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, driven by robust demand for its chicken, turkey and other protein offerings. Revenue and adjusted earnings per share topped estimates, the company reiterated its annual guidance, and shares rose sharply in premarket trading as consumers continued to favor pantry staples and protein-rich options.

Hormel Foods Beats Estimates as Protein Demand Lifts Sales
HRL

Key Points

  • Revenue of $2.97 billion for quarter ended April 26 beat $2.95 billion LSEG estimate
  • Adjusted EPS $0.40 beat $0.36 estimate; shares rose about 8% in premarket trading
  • Sales boost driven by chicken and turkey demand and increased stocking of pantry staples

Hormel Foods, the maker of Skippy peanut butter and a broad portfolio of packaged meats and snacks, reported second-quarter sales and earnings that surpassed analysts' estimates, supported by strong consumer demand for its chicken and turkey lines.

For the quarter ended April 26, the company recorded revenue of $2.97 billion, ahead of the analysts' average estimate of $2.95 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Adjusted net income for the period came in at $0.40 per share, outpacing the expected $0.36 per share.

Following the results, Hormel reiterated its annual targets. Shares of the company rose about 8% in premarket trading.

Company executives pointed to a combination of consumer behavior and product mix that supported the beat. Persistent inflation and tariff-related volatility have encouraged many U.S. shoppers to buy pantry staples and cook at home rather than spend on dining out, a trend that has boosted demand for Hormel's shelf-stable and refrigerated offerings. In addition, Hormel's assortment of protein-rich meats and snack items has benefited from a rising appetite for high-protein options, a preference the company attributes largely to younger consumers seeking convenient, protein-heavy foods.

This quarter's results reflect both volume and category dynamics within Hormel's portfolio, with chicken and turkey products singled out as contributors to the stronger-than-expected performance. The company maintained its previously stated full-year outlook as it navigates the current consumer environment.


Summary

  • Hormel reported revenue of $2.97 billion for the quarter ended April 26, above the LSEG average estimate of $2.95 billion.
  • Adjusted net income was $0.40 per share, beating expectations of $0.36 per share.
  • Hormel reiterated its annual guidance and its shares rose about 8% in premarket trading.

Key points

  • Stronger sales were driven by demand for chicken and turkey products within Hormel's portfolio.
  • Broader consumer trends - namely stocking pantry staples due to persistent inflation and tariff-related volatility - supported higher sales of at-home meal ingredients.
  • Growing interest in high-protein foods, particularly among younger consumers favoring convenient protein-heavy options, provided additional tailwinds for the company's meat and snack lines.

Risks and uncertainties

  • Ongoing inflation and tariff-related volatility could continue to influence consumer purchasing patterns, affecting demand for at-home meal staples and packaged foods.
  • Shifts in consumer preferences away from at-home cooking or from protein-heavy choices could alter the current support for Hormel's product mix.

Risks

  • Persisting inflation and tariff-related volatility may change consumer buying behavior affecting food and grocery sectors
  • A reversal in preference for protein-rich, convenient foods could impact packaged meats and snacks demand

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