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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended October 25, 2020
or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________________ to _________________________

Commission File Number: 1-2402

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 41-0319970
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1 Hormel Place, Austin Minnesota
55912-3680
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (507) 437-5611
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock $0.01465 par value
HRLNew York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒  No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ☐
No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☒  No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒  No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer☒Accelerated filer     ☐
Non-accelerated filer           ☐Smaller reporting company     ☐
Emerging growth company     ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes ☐  No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of April 26, 2020, was $13,086,349,866 based on the closing price of $46.61 on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
As of November 29, 2020, the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock was as follows:
Common Stock, $0.01465 – Par Value 539,918,117 shares
Common Stock Non-Voting, $0.01 Par Value – 0 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 26, 2021, are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
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HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

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PART I
Item 1.  BUSINESS

General Development of Business
 
Hormel Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), was founded by George A. Hormel in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota, as Geo. A. Hormel & Company. The Company started as a processor of meat and food products and continues in this line of business. The Company’s name was changed to Hormel Foods Corporation in 1995. The Company is primarily engaged in the production of a variety of meat and food products and the marketing of those products throughout the United States and internationally. Although pork and turkey remain the major raw materials for its products, the Company has emphasized for several years the manufacturing and distribution of branded, value-added consumer items rather than commodity fresh meat products. The Company has continually expanded its product portfolio through organic growth and acquisitions. Refer to Note B - Acquisitions and Divestitures for information on the Company's recent acquisitions and divestitures.
 
Internationally, the Company markets its products through Hormel Foods International Corporation (HFIC), a wholly owned subsidiary. HFIC has a global presence in the international marketplace through joint ventures and placement of personnel in strategic foreign locations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, and the Philippines. HFIC has a minority position in a food company in the Philippines (The Purefoods-Hormel Company, Inc., 40% holding).

The Company had no significant change in the type of products produced or services rendered, or in the markets or methods of distribution, since the beginning of the 2020 fiscal year. The Company has not been involved in any bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings during its history.

Segments
The Company reports results in the following four segments:  Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International & Other. At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Hormel Deli Solutions division combined all deli businesses, including the Jennie-O Turkey Store deli division, into one division within the Refrigerated Foods segment. In addition, the ingredients business was realigned from the Grocery Products segment to the Refrigerated Foods segment. Segment results for fiscal years prior to 2019 have been adjusted to reflect these changes. Net sales to unaffiliated customers, operating profit, total assets and the presentation of certain other financial information by segment are reported in Note P - Segment Reporting of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Description of Business
 
Products and Distribution 
The Company develops, processes, and distributes a wide array of food products in a variety of markets. The Company manufactures its products through various processing facilities and trusted co-manufacturers. The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products sold across multiple distribution channels such as U.S. Retail, U.S. Foodservice, U.S. Deli, and International. Total revenues contributed by classes of similar products and sales channels for the last three fiscal years are reported in Note P - Segment Reporting of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Domestically, the Company sells its products in all 50 states. The Company’s products are sold through its sales personnel, operating in assigned territories or as dedicated teams serving major customers coordinated from sales offices predominately located in major U.S. cities. The Company also utilizes independent brokers and distributors. Distribution of products to customers is primarily by common carrier.

Through HFIC, the Company markets its products in various locations throughout the world. Some of the larger markets include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Japan, Mexico, Micronesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. The distribution of export sales to customers is by common carrier, while the China and Brazil operations own and operate their own delivery systems. The Company, through HFIC, has licensed companies to manufacture various products internationally on a royalty basis, with the primary licensees being Danish Crown UK Ltd. and CJ CheilJedang Corporation.

Raw Materials 
The Company has, for the past several years, been concentrating on branded products with year-round demand to minimize the seasonal variation experienced with commodity-type products. Pork continues to be the primary raw material for Company products. The Company’s expanding line of branded products has reduced, but not eliminated, the sensitivity of Company results to raw material supply and price fluctuations.
 
The majority of the hogs harvested for the Company are purchased under supply contracts from producers located principally in Minnesota and Iowa. The cost of hogs and the utilization of the Company’s facilities are affected by both the level and the methods of pork production in the United States. The Company uses supply contracts to ensure a stable supply of raw materials. The Company’s contracts utilize market-based formulas and/or markets of certain hog production inputs to better balance input costs with customer pricing. All contract costs are fully reflected in the Company’s reported financial statements. In fiscal 2020, the Company purchased 95 percent of its hogs under supply contracts. 
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In fiscal 2020, Jennie-O Turkey Store raised turkeys representing approximately 78 percent of the volume needed to meet its raw material requirements for branded turkey products and whole birds. Turkeys not sourced within the Company are contracted with independent turkey growers. Jennie-O Turkey Store’s turkey-raising farms are located throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.
 
Production costs in raising hogs and turkeys are subject primarily to fluctuations in grain prices and fuel costs. To manage this risk, the Company uses futures contracts to hedge a portion of its anticipated purchases of grain.

The Company purchases other commodity-based raw materials such as beef, pork, and chicken for use across all segments. Raw materials are obtained from various suppliers and manufacturers. The Company has longstanding relationships with its suppliers of raw materials and expects to have an adequate supply for its present needs.

Additionally, the cost and supply of avocados and peanuts are impacted by the changing market forces of supply and demand, which can impact the cost of the Company’s products. The Company uses long-term supply contracts and forward buying in an attempt to manage these risks.

Human Capital
Employees are the cornerstone of the Company and its purpose: Inspired People. Inspired Food™. As of October 25, 2020, the Company had approximately 19,100 active domestic and foreign employees. The Company is committed to supporting employees' professional development as well as providing competitive benefits and a safe, inclusive workplace.

Employee safety remains the Company's top priority. The Company develops and administers company-wide policies to ensure the safety of each team member and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. This includes monthly safety training and assessments as well as annual safety audits.

The Company believes a diverse workforce fosters innovation and cultivates an environment filled with unique perspectives. As a result, diversity and inclusion help the Company meet the needs of customers and consumers around the world. Respect for human rights is fundamental to the Company's business and its commitment to ethical business conduct.

The Company measures employee engagement on an ongoing basis as it believes an engaged workforce leads to a more innovative, productive and profitable company. The results from engagement surveys are used to implement programs and processes designed to keep employees connected with the Company.
 
Governmental Regulation and Environmental Matters
The Company’s operations are subject to regulation by various governmental agencies which oversee areas such as food safety, workforce immigration, environmental laws, animal welfare, tax regulations, and the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising, and labeling of the Company’s products. The Company believes it is in compliance with such laws and regulations and does not expect continued compliance to have a material impact on capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position. The Company continues to monitor existing and pending laws and regulations and while the impact of regulatory changes cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect compliance to have a material adverse effect.
 
Customers
During fiscal 2020, sales to Walmart Inc. (Walmart) represented approximately 14.6 percent of the Company’s revenues (measured as gross sales less returns and allowances), compared to 13.5 percent in fiscal 2019. Walmart is a customer for all four segments of the Company. The five largest customers in each segment make up approximately the following percentage of segment sales: 44 percent of Grocery Products, 35 percent of Refrigerated Foods, 54 percent of Jennie-O Turkey Store, and 15 percent of International & Other. The loss of one or more of the top customers in any of these segments could have a material adverse effect on the results of such segment.

Competition
The production and sale of meat and food products in the United States and internationally is highly competitive. The Company competes with manufacturers of pork and turkey products as well as national and regional producers of other meat and protein sources, such as beef, chicken, fish, peanut butter, whey, and plant-based proteins. 
 
All segments compete on the basis of price, product quality and attributes, brand identification, breadth of product line, and customer service. Through effective marketing and strong quality assurance programs, the Company’s strategy is to provide high quality products that possess strong brand recognition, which support higher value perceptions with customers.

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Patents and Trademarks
There are numerous patents and trademarks important to the Company’s business. The Company holds 34 U.S. and six foreign patents. Most of the trademarks the Company uses are registered in the U.S. and other countries. Some of the more significant owned or licensed trademarks used by the Company or its affiliates are:
 
HORMEL, ALWAYS TENDER, APPLEGATE, AUSTIN BLUES, BACON 1, BLACK LABEL, BREAD READY, BURKE, CAFÉ H, CERATTI, CHI-CHI’S, COLUMBUS, COMPLEATS, CURE 81, DAN’S PRIZE, DI LUSSO, DINTY MOORE, DON MIGUEL, DOÑA MARIA, EMBASA, FAST ‘N EASY, FIRE BRAISED, FONTANINI, HAPPY LITTLE PLANTS, HERDEZ, HORMEL GATHERINGS, HORMEL VITAL CUISINE, HOUSE OF TSANG, JENNIE-O, JUSTIN’S, LA VICTORIA, LAYOUT, LLOYD’S, MARY KITCHEN, NATURAL CHOICE, OLD SMOKEHOUSE, OVEN READY, PILLOW PACK, ROSA GRANDE, SADLER'S, SKIPPY, SPAM, SPECIAL RECIPE, THICK & EASY, VALLEY FRESH, and WHOLLY.
 
The Company’s patents expire after a term that is typically 20 years from the date of filing, with earlier expiration possible based on the Company’s decision to pay required maintenance fees. As long as the Company continues to use its trademarks, they are renewed indefinitely.
 
Available Information
The Company makes available its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on its website at www.hormelfoods.com. These reports are accessible under the caption, “Investors – Filings & Reports – SEC Filings” on the Company’s website and are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings are also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The documents are available in print, free of charge, to any stockholder who requests them.
 

Forward-looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The “forward-looking” information may include statements concerning the Company’s outlook for the future as well as other statements of beliefs, future plans, strategies, or anticipated events and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act) provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information. The Company is filing this cautionary statement in connection with the Reform Act. When used in the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders, other filings by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company's press releases, and oral statements made by the Company's representatives, the words or phrases "should result," "believe," "intend," "plan," "are expected to," "targeted," "will continue," "will approximate," "is anticipated," "estimate," "project," or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those anticipated or projected.

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Reform Act, the Company is identifying risk factors that could affect financial performance and cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods. The following discussion of risk factors contains certain cautionary statements regarding the Company’s business, which should be considered by investors and others. Such risk factors should be considered in conjunction with any discussions of operations or results by the Company or its representatives, including any forward-looking discussion, as well as comments contained in press releases, presentations to securities analysts or investors, or other communications by the Company.

In making these statements, the Company is not undertaking, and specifically declines to undertake, any obligation to address or update each or any factor in future filings or communications regarding the Company’s business or results, and is not undertaking to address how any of these factors may have caused changes to discussions or information contained in previous filings or communications. Though the Company has attempted to list comprehensively these important cautionary risk factors, the Company wishes to caution investors and others that other factors may in the future prove to be important in affecting the Company’s business or results of operations.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which represent current views as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are inherently at risk to any changes in the national and worldwide economic environment, which could include, among other things, changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, economic conditions, political developments, civil unrest, currency exchange rates, interest and inflation rates, accounting standards, taxes, laws, and regulations affecting the Company and its markets.

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Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL RISKS

Deterioration of economic conditions could harm the Company’s business. The Company's business may be adversely affected by changes in national or global economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, tax rates, availability of capital, energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges), political developments, civil unrest, and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. Decreases in consumer spending rates and shifts in consumer product preferences could also negatively impact the Company.

Volatility in financial markets and the deterioration of national and global economic conditions could impact the Company’s operations as follows:
▪The financial stability of our customers and suppliers may be compromised, which could result in additional bad debts for the Company or non-performance by suppliers; and
▪The value of our investments in debt and equity securities may decline, including most significantly the Company’s trading securities held as part of a rabbi trust to fund supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, and the Company’s assets held in pension plans.

The Company utilizes hedging programs to manage its exposure to various commodity market risks, which qualify for hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes. Volatile fluctuations in market conditions could cause these instruments to become ineffective, which could require any gains or losses associated with these instruments to be reported in the Company’s earnings each period. These instruments may limit the Company’s ability to benefit from market gains if commodity prices become more favorable than those secured under the Company’s hedging programs.

The Company's goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value and are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Impairment testing requires judgement around estimates and assumptions and is impacted by factors such as revenue growth rates, operating margins, tax rates, royalty rates, and discount rates. An unfavorable change in these factors may lead to the impairment of goodwill and/or intangible assets.

Additionally, if a highly pathogenic human disease outbreak developed in the United States, it may negatively impact the national economy, demand for Company products, and/or the Company’s workforce availability, and the Company’s financial results could suffer. The Company has developed contingency plans to address infectious disease scenarios and the potential impact on its operations, and will continue to update these plans as necessary. There can be no assurance given, however, these plans will be effective in eliminating the negative effects of any such diseases on the Company’s operating results.

The uncertain and rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic has had, and will likely continue to have, negative impacts across many of the Company's business units and facilities. The Company's operations and business have been impacted directly and indirectly by various government actions taken to stop or slow the spread of COVID-19, including travel restrictions, border shutdowns, stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders, shutdowns of non-essential businesses, and emergency declarations.

The near- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 are unknown and impossible to predict with any level of certainty. At this time, the following potential risk factors arising from COVID-19 pandemic have had and/or may continue to cause one or more of the following impacts on the Company's operations:

•One or more of the Company's manufacturing facilities may be shut down or have their operations significantly impacted due to employee illnesses, increased absenteeism, and/or actions by government agencies. Capital projects may be delayed as additional capacity is no longer currently needed. The Company's co-manufacturers and material suppliers may face similar impacts.
•Regulatory restrictions and measures taken at the Company's facilities to prevent or slow down the spread of COVID-19 may impact facilities’ efficiency.
•Operating costs may increase as measures are put in place to prevent or slow down the spread of COVID-19, such as facility improvements, employee testing, short-term disability policies, and manufacturing employee bonus payments.
•Any new or additional measures required by national, state or local governments to combat COVID-19 may similarly add additional operational costs.
•Ongoing closure or reduced operations at foodservice establishments may impact results for the Company's foodservice business. Bankruptcy filings and/or delinquent payments from foodservice industry or other customers may negatively impact cash flow.
•A national and/or global economic downturn may impact consumer purchase behavior, such as reduced foodservice volume, lower volume in premium brands, and potential loss of business to private label.
•It may become more difficult and/or expensive to obtain debt or equity financing necessary to sustain the Company's operations, make capital expenditures, and/or finance future acquisitions.
•The Company may face litigation by stockholders, employees, suppliers, customers, consumers, and others relating to COVID-19 and its effects.
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•The Company relies on its dedicated employees, many of whom have a long tenure with the Company. Operations may be negatively impacted if members of the Company's leadership team, or other key employees, become ill with COVID-19 or otherwise terminate their employment as a result of COVID-19. Further, the Company may face challenges hiring, onboarding, and training new employees, including leadership, which may impact results. The Company also may face operational challenges if government quarantine orders restrict movement of employees.
•It is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively affect the Company's labor availability, relations, or labor costs.
•In accordance with recommendations to reduce large gatherings and increase social distancing, many of the Company's office-based employees are working remotely, which may bring additional information technology and data security risks.
•Supply chain disruptions of various types arising from COVID-19 may impact the Company's ability to make products, the cost for such products, and the ability to deliver products to customers. Closure or reduced operations of material suppliers could result in shortages of key raw materials, as well as impact prices for those materials. The volatility in the market for raw material and supplies could impact the Company's profitability.
•National, state, and local government orders closing or limiting operation of borders and ports, or imposing quarantine, could impact the Company's ability to obtain raw materials and to deliver finished goods to customers.
•COVID-19 has wide-reaching impacts to society and the business making all decisions, interactions, and transactions significantly more complex.
•The Company is committed to being transparent through communications to inform shareholders, employees, customers, consumers, and others about the enhanced safety protocols implemented. The Company must keep pace with a rapidly changing media environment. If the Company's public relations efforts are not effective or if consumers perceive them to be irresponsible, the Company's competitive position, reputation, and market share may suffer.

The Company has already seen several of these risks materialize. The extent of the impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations is dependent on the length and severity of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation and the Company's understanding of its impacts is changing and evolving. The additional risk factors identified here are based upon information known at this time. The COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact the Company's operations in one or more ways not identified to date.

The Company’s operations are subject to the general risks associated with acquisitions and divestitures. The Company has made several acquisitions and divestitures in recent years, most recently the acquisition of Sadler's Smokehouse, that align with the Company’s strategic initiative of delivering long-term value to shareholders. The Company regularly reviews strategic opportunities to grow through acquisitions and to divest non-strategic assets. Potential risks associated with these transactions include the inability to consummate a transaction on favorable terms, the diversion of management's attention from other business concerns, the potential loss of key employees and customers of current or acquired companies, the inability to integrate or divest operations successfully, the possible assumption of unknown liabilities, potential disputes with buyers or sellers, potential impairment charges if purchase assumptions are not achieved, and the inherent risks in entering markets or lines of business in which the Company has limited or no prior experience. Any or all of these risks could impact the Company’s financial results and business reputation. In addition, acquisitions outside the United States may present unique challenges and increase the Company's exposure to the risks associated with foreign operations.

The Company is subject to disruption of operations at co-manufacturers, suppliers, or other third-party service providers. Disruption of operations at co‑manufacturers or other suppliers may impact the Company’s product or raw material supply, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results. Additionally, actions taken to mitigate the impact of any potential disruption, including increasing inventory in anticipation of a potential production or supply interruption, may adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

The Company regularly engages third-party service providers to support various business functions such as benefit plan administration, payroll processing, information technology, and cloud computing services. A disruption in services from these partners could have an adverse effect on the Company's business.

The Company is subject to the loss of a material contract. The Company is a party to several supply, distribution, contract packaging and other material contracts. The loss of a material contract could adversely affect the Company’s financial results. The Company currently sources approximately 30% of its pork raw materials from Wholestone Farms, LLC (Wholestone) under a supply agreement expiring in December 2021. The Company is in negotiations with Wholestone as well as evaluating alternative procurement options.

The Company may be adversely impacted if the Company is unable to protect information technology systems against, or effectively respond to, cyber-attacks or security breaches. Information technology systems are an important part of the Company’s business operations. In addition, the Company increasingly relies upon third-party service providers for a variety of business functions, including cloud-based services. Attempted cyber-attack and other cyber incidents are occurring more frequently and are being made by groups and individuals with a wide range of motives and expertise.

In addition, the Company is in the midst of a multi-year transformation project (Project Orion) to achieve better analytics, customer service, and process efficiencies through the use of Oracle Cloud Solutions. This project is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of certain financial and business transaction processes and the underlying systems environment. The initial phase to implement the human resource and payroll process was deployed during the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
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During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company implemented the finance phase of the project. Additional integrations are expected to take place over the next few years. Such an implementation is a major undertaking from a financial, management, and personnel perspective. The implementation of the enterprise resource planning system may prove to be more difficult, costly, or time consuming than expected, and there can be no assurance that this system will be beneficial to the extent anticipated.

In an attempt to mitigate these risks, the Company has implemented and continues to evaluate security initiatives and business continuity plans.

Deterioration of labor relations or increases in labor costs could harm the Company’s Business. As of October 25, 2020, approximately 3,470 of the Company's employees were represented by labor unions, principally the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. A significant increase in labor costs or a deterioration of labor relations at any of the Company’s facilities or co-manufacturing facilities resulting in work slowdowns or stoppages could harm the Company’s financial results.

INDUSTRY RISKS

The Company’s operations are subject to the general risks of the food industry. The food products manufacturing industry is subject to the risks posed by:
▪food spoilage;
▪food contamination caused by disease-producing organisms or pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and pathogenic E coli.;
▪food allergens;
▪nutritional and health-related concerns;
▪federal, state, and local food processing controls;
▪consumer product liability claims;
▪product tampering; and
▪the possible unavailability and/or expense of liability insurance.

The pathogens that may cause food contamination are found generally in livestock and in the environment and thus may be present in our products. These pathogens can also be introduced to our products as a result of improper handling by customers or consumers. We do not have control over handling procedures once our products have been shipped for distribution. If one or more of these risks were to materialize, the Company’s brand and business reputation could be negatively impacted. In addition, revenues could decrease, costs of doing business could increase, and the Company’s operating results could be adversely affected.

Outbreaks of disease among livestock and poultry flocks could harm the Company’s revenues and operating margins.
The Company is subject to risks associated with the outbreak of disease in pork and beef livestock, and poultry flocks, including African swine fever (ASF), Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), pneumo-virus, Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2), Porcine Reproduction & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv), and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The outbreak of such diseases could adversely affect the Company’s supply of raw materials, increase the cost of production, reduce utilization of the Company’s harvest facilities, and reduce operating margins. Additionally, the outbreak of disease may hinder the Company’s ability to market and sell products both domestically and internationally.

In recent years, the outbreak of ASF has impacted hog herds in China, Asia, and Europe. If an outbreak of ASF were to occur in the United States, the Company's supply of hogs and pork could be materially impacted.

The Company has developed business continuity plans for various disease scenarios and will continue to update these plans as necessary. There can be no assurance given, however, that these plans will be effective in eliminating the negative effects of any such diseases on the Company’s operating results.

Fluctuations in commodity prices and availability of pork, poultry, beef, feed grains, avocados, peanuts, and energy could harm the Company’s earnings. The Company’s results of operations and financial condition are largely dependent upon the cost and supply of pork, poultry, beef, feed grains, avocados, and peanuts as well as energy costs and the selling prices for many of our products, which are determined by constantly changing market forces of supply and demand.

The live hog industry has evolved to large, vertically-integrated operations using long-term supply agreements. Typically, this results in fewer hogs being available on the cash spot market. Consequently, the Company uses long-term supply contracts priced on market-based formulas or the cost of production to ensure a stable supply of raw materials while minimizing extreme fluctuations in costs over the long-term. This may result, in the short-term, in higher live hog costs compared to the cash spot market, depending on the relationship of the cash spot market to contract prices. Market-based pricing on certain product lines, and lead time required to implement pricing adjustments, may prevent all or part of these cost increases from being recovered, and these higher costs could adversely affect our short-term financial results.

Jennie-O Turkey Store raises turkeys and contracts with turkey growers to meet its raw material requirements for whole birds and processed turkey products. Results in these operations are affected by the cost and supply of feed grains, which fluctuates due to climate conditions, production forecasts, and supply and demand conditions at local, regional, national, and worldwide
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markets. The Company attempts to manage some of its short-term exposure to fluctuations in feed prices by forward buying, using futures contracts, and pursuing pricing advances. However, these strategies may not be adequate to overcome sustained increases in market prices due to alternate uses for feed grains or other changes in these market conditions.

The supplies of natural and organic proteins may impact the Company’s ability to ensure a continuing supply of these products. To mitigate this risk, the Company partners with multiple long-term suppliers.

International trade barriers and other restrictions could result in decreased foreign demand and increased domestic supply of proteins, thereby potentially lowering prices. The Company occasionally utilizes in-country production to limit this exposure.

Market demand for the Company’s products may fluctuate. The Company faces competition from producers of alternative meats and protein sources, including pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, nut butters, whey, and plant-based proteins. The factors on which the Company competes include:
▪price;
▪product quality and attributes;
▪brand identification;
▪breadth of product line; and
▪customer service.

Demand for the Company’s products is also affected by competitors’ promotional spending, the effectiveness of the Company’s advertising and marketing programs, and consumer perceptions. Failure to identify and react to changes in food trends such as sustainability of product sources and animal welfare could lead to, among other things, reduced demand for the Company’s brands and products. The Company may be unable to compete successfully on any or all of these factors in the future.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS

The Company’s operations are subject to the general risks of litigation. The Company is involved on an ongoing basis in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Trends in litigation may include class actions involving employees, consumers, competitors, suppliers, shareholders, or injured persons, and claims relating to product liability, contract disputes, antitrust regulations, intellectual property, advertising, labeling, wage and hour laws, employment practices or environmental matters. Neither litigation trends nor the outcomes of litigation can be predicted with certainty and adverse litigation trends and outcomes could negatively affect the Company’s financial results.

Government regulation, present and future, exposes the Company to potential sanctions and compliance costs that could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company’s operations are subject to extensive regulation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, federal and state taxing authorities and other federal, state, and local authorities which oversee workforce immigration, taxation, animal welfare, food safety, and the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising, and labeling of the Company’s products. The Company’s manufacturing facilities and products are subject to ongoing inspection by federal, state and local authorities. Claims or enforcement proceedings could be brought against the Company in the future. The availability of government inspectors due to a government furlough could also cause disruption to the Company’s manufacturing facilities. Additionally, the Company is subject to new or modified laws, regulations, and accounting standards. The Company’s failure or inability to comply with such requirements could subject the Company to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions.

The Company is subject to stringent environmental regulation and potentially subject to environmental litigation, proceedings, and investigations. The Company’s past and present business operations and ownership and operation of real property are subject to stringent federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment and the handling and disposition of wastes (including solid and hazardous wastes) or otherwise relating to protection of the environment. Compliance with these laws and regulations, as well as any modifications, is material to the Company’s business. Some of the Company’s facilities have been in operation for many years and, over time, the Company and other prior operators of these facilities may have generated and disposed of wastes that now may be considered hazardous. Future discovery of contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of the Company’s present or former properties or manufacturing facilities and/or waste disposal sites could require the Company to incur additional expenses related to additional investigation, assessment or other requirements. The occurrence of any of these events, the implementation of new laws and regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws or regulations could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

The Company’s foreign operations pose additional risks to the Company’s business. The Company operates its business and markets its products internationally. The Company’s foreign operations are subject to the risks described above, as well as risks related to fluctuations in currency values, foreign currency exchange controls, compliance with foreign laws, compliance with applicable U.S. laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and other economic or political uncertainties. International sales are subject to risks related to general economic conditions, imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other restrictions, enforcement of remedies in foreign jurisdictions and compliance with applicable foreign laws, and other economic and political uncertainties. All of these risks could result in increased costs or decreased revenues, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.


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Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

The Company's global headquarters are located in Austin, Minnesota. The Company has various processing plants, warehouses and operational facilities, mainly in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Company maintains a national sales force through strategic placement of sales offices throughout the United States. Properties are also maintained internationally to support global processing and sales. The majority of Company property is owned. Leased property is used as needed for Company production and sales. Property leases range in duration from one to twelve years.

Area*
(Square feet)
Refrigerated FoodsGrocery ProductsJennie-O Turkey StoreInternational & OtherCorporateTotal
Processing Plants4,971,000 1,648,000 1,987,000 1,243,000 9,849,000 
Warehouse/Distribution Centers497,000 885,000 140,000 79,000 1,601,000 
Live Production816,000 314,000 1,130,000 
Administrative/Sales/Research65,000 6,000 66,000 34,000 563,000 734,000 
Total6,349,000 2,539,000 2,507,000 1,356,000 563,000 13,314,000 
*Many of the Company's properties are utilized by more than one segment. These facilities are reflected in the principle segment for presentation purposes. Additionally, turkey growout facilities are excluded.

The Company believes its operating facilities are well maintained and suitable for current production volumes. The Company regularly engages in construction and other capital improvement projects with a focus on value-added capacity projects and automation.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The Company is a party to various legal proceedings related to the ongoing operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. At any time, such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, labeling, contracts, antitrust regulations, intellectual property, competition laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, customers, consumers, competitors or suppliers. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. However, future developments or settlements are uncertain and may require the Company to change such accruals as proceedings progress. Resolution of any currently known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.



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Information About Executive Officers 
CURRENT OFFICE AND PREVIOUS
NAMEAGEFIVE YEARS EXPERIENCEDATES
James P. Snee53Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer11/20/17 to Present
President and Chief Executive Officer10/31/16 to 11/19/17
President and Chief Operating Officer10/26/15 to 10/30/16
James N. Sheehan65Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer01/29/19 to Present
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer10/31/16 to 01/28/19
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer05/30/16 to 10/30/16
Vice President and Controller05/01/00 to 05/29/16
Deanna T. Brady55Executive Vice President (Refrigerated Foods)10/28/19 to Present
Group Vice President/President Consumer Product Sales10/26/15 to 10/27/19
Glenn R. Leitch60Executive Vice President (Supply Chain)12/04/17 to Present
Group Vice President/President Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc.10/31/11 to 12/03/17
PJ Connor51Group Vice President/President Consumer Product Sales10/28/19 to Present
Vice President (Senior Vice President Consumer Product Sales)10/31/11 to 10/27/19
Luis G. Marconi54Group Vice President (Grocery Products)10/31/16 to Present
Vice President (Grocery Products Marketing)03/05/12 to 10/30/16
Swen Neufeldt47Group Vice President (Hormel Foods International Corporation)06/29/20 to Present
Vice President (Meat Products)10/31/16 to 06/28/20
President Asia Pacific (Hormel Foods International Corporation)10/27/14 to 10/30/16
Mark A. Coffey58Senior Vice President (Supply Chain and Manufacturing)03/28/17 to Present
Vice President (Supply Chain)02/06/17 to 03/27/17
Vice President (Affiliated Businesses)10/31/11 to 02/05/17
Janet L. Hogan56Senior Vice President (Human Resources)03/28/17 to Present
Vice President (Human Resources)01/18/17 to 03/27/17
Senior Vice President (Human Resources), ProQuest LLC10/10/16 to 01/17/17
Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer,
Oshkosh Corporation		05/12/14 to 02/20/16
Pierre M. Lilly49Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer10/26/20 to Present
Director of Internal Audit05/30/16 to 10/25/20
Assistant Director of Internal Audit02/15/16 to 05/29/16
Senior Director of Internal Audit, National Express Corporation09/28/15 to 02/12/16
Steven J. Lykken50Senior Vice President/President Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc.12/04/17 to Present
President Applegate Farms, LLC04/11/16 to 12/03/17
Chief Operating Officer Applegate Farms, LLC08/17/15 to 04/10/16
Lori J. Marco53Senior Vice President (External Affairs) and General Counsel03/30/15 to Present
Kevin L. Myers, Ph.D.55Senior Vice President (Research and Development and Quality Control)03/30/15 to Present
Jana L. Haynes48Vice President and Controller05/30/16 to Present
  Director of Investor Relations10/28/13 to 05/29/16
Gary L. Jamison55Vice President and Treasurer5/30/16 to Present
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc.12/31/12 to 05/29/16

No family relationship exists among the executive officers. 

Executive officers are designated annually by the Board of Directors at the first meeting following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Vacancies may be filled and additional officers elected at any time. The Company's Chief Executive Officer has the authority to appoint and remove Vice Presidents (other than Executive Vice Presidents, Group Vice Presidents, and Senior Vice Presidents).
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PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Market information
Hormel Foods Corporation’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HRL. The CUSIP number is 440452100.

Holders
There are approximately 12,600 record stockholders and 136,000 stockholders whose shares are held in street name by brokerage firms and financial institutions.
 
There were no issuer purchases of equity securities in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs as of October 25, 2020 is 4,456,320. On January 29, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock with no expiration date. On January 26, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock to be effective January 27, 2016. As part of the stock split resolution, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately. 

Dividends
The Company has paid dividends for 369 consecutive quarters. The annual dividend rate for fiscal 2021 was increased 5 percent to $0.98 per share, representing the 55th consecutive annual dividend increase. The Company is dedicated to returning excess cash flow to shareholders through dividend payments.

Shareholder return performance graph
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total shareholder return, calculated on a dividend-reinvested basis, for the Company, the S&P 500 Index, and the S&P 500 Packaged Foods & Meats Index for the five years ended October 25, 2020. The graph assumes $100 was invested in each, as of the market close on October 26, 2015. Note that historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

hrl-20201025_g1.jpg

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Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


The information set forth below for the five years ended October 25, 2020, is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations. To fully understand factors that may affect the comparability of the information presented below, this information should be read in conjunction with Part I-Item 1 Business, Part II-Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Part II-Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Form 10-K.
(in thousands, except per share amounts)20202019201820172016*
Operations     
Net Sales$9,608,462 $9,497,317 $9,545,700 $9,167,519 $9,523,224 
Net Earnings Attributable to
   Hormel Foods Corporation
908,082 978,806 1,012,140 846,735 890,052 
% of Net Sales9.5 %10.3 %10.6 %9.2 %9.3 %
EBIT(1)
1,099,948 1,195,923 1,179,519 1,276,374 1,312,918 
% of Net Sales11.4 %12.6 %12.4 %13.9 %13.8 %
EBITDA(2)
1,305,729 1,361,132 1,341,377 1,407,351 1,444,886 
% of Net Sales13.6 %14.3 %14.1 %15.4 %15.2 %
Return on Invested Capital(3)
11.6 %15.6 %16.2 %16.3 %18.9 %
Financial Position    
Total Assets$9,908,282 $8,109,004 $8,142,292 $6,975,908 $6,370,067 
Total Debt, Including Finance Leases1,303,627 269,713 624,840 250,000 250,000 
Hormel Foods Corporation
   Shareholders’ Investment
6,425,548 5,921,458 5,600,811 4,935,907 4,448,006 
Cash Flows    
Capital Expenditures367,501 293,838 389,607 221,286 255,524 
Acquisitions of Businesses and Intangibles270,789 — 857,668 520,463 280,889 
Proceeds from Sale of Business— 479,806 — 135,944 110,149 
Share Repurchase12,360 174,246 46,898 94,487 87,885 
Dividends Paid487,376 437,053 388,107 346,010 296,493 
Common Stock    
Weighted-Average Shares
   Outstanding – Basic
538,007 534,578 530,742 528,363 529,290 
Weighted-Average Shares
   Outstanding – Diluted
546,592 545,232 543,869 539,116 542,473 
Earnings Per Share – Basic$1.69 $1.83 $1.91 $1.60 $1.68 
Earnings Per Share – Diluted1.66 1.80 1.86 1.57 1.64 
Dividends Declared per Share0.93 0.84 0.75 0.68 0.58 
Hormel Foods Corporation
   Shareholders’ Investment per Share
11.90 11.08 10.49 9.34 8.42 
The Company provides EBIT, EBITDA, and Return on Invested Capital because these measures are useful to management and investors as indicators of operating strength relative to prior years and are commonly used to benchmark the Company’s performance. These measures are calculated as follows: 
(in thousands)20202019201820172016*
(1) EBIT:
     
Net Earnings Attributable to
   Hormel Foods Corporation
$908,082 $978,806 $1,012,140 $846,735 $890,052 
Plus: Income Tax Expense206,393 230,567 168,702 431,542 426,698 
Plus: Interest Expense21,069 18,070 26,494 12,683 12,871 
Less: Interest and Investment Income**35,596 31,520 27,817 14,586 16,703 
EBIT$1,099,948 $1,195,923 $1,179,519 $1,276,374 $1,312,918 
(2) EBITDA:
    
EBIT per above1,099,948 1,195,923 1,179,519 1,276,374 1,312,918 
Plus: Depreciation and Amortization205,781 165,209 161,858 130,977 131,968 
EBITDA$1,305,729 $1,361,132 $1,341,377 $1,407,351 $1,444,886 
(3) Return on Invested Capital:
    
EBIT per above1,099,948 1,195,923 1,179,519 1,276,374 1,312,918 
X (1 – Effective Tax Rate***)81.5 %80.9 %85.7 %66.2 %67.6 %
After-tax EBIT$896,238 $967,860 $1,010,966 $845,470 $887,401 
Divided by:    
Total Debt, Including Finance Leases1,303,627 269,713 624,840 250,000 250,000 
Hormel Foods Corporation
   Shareholders’ Investment
6,425,548 5,921,458 5,600,811 4,935,907 4,448,006 
Total Debt and Shareholders’ Investment$7,729,175 $6,191,171 $6,225,651 $5,185,907 $4,698,006 
Return on Invested Capital11.6 %15.6 %16.2 %16.3 %18.9 %
 
* Fiscal 2016 included 53 weeks.
** Adjusted due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (Topic 715).
*** Excluding earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.
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Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Executive Overview
 
Fiscal 2020: Sales for the year were a record $9.6 billion, a 1 percent increase from last year, as all four business segments delivered sales growth. Organic net sales1 increased 2 percent. (1See explanation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Consolidated Results section). Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the last three fiscal quarters of 2020, the Company experienced significant demand shifts from its domestic foodservice business to its domestic retail business. Net sales increased for the year due to higher branded retail sales from all business segments, higher commodity sales in Refrigerated Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store, and the acquisition of the Sadler's Smokehouse business. These gains offset a dramatic decline in foodservice sales and the impact of the CytoSport divestiture last year. Earnings before tax declined 8 percent, as the Company absorbed approximately $80 million in incremental costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 7 percent decrease in net earnings attributable to the Company was driven by COVID-19 related expenses in addition to the impact of the gain on the CytoSport divestiture last year. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2020 were $1.66, an 8 percent decrease compared to $1.80 per share last year.

Grocery Products segment profit for the full year increased as improved center store retail sales and favorable product mix more than overcame the divestiture of CytoSport and the benefit from a legal settlement in fiscal 2019. International & Other segment results increased significantly for the full year of fiscal 2020 due to higher income from the Company's partners in the Philippines, South Korea and Europe, branded export growth, and improved results in China. Earnings for the Jennie-O Turkey Store segment deceased primarily due to lower foodservice earnings and increased supply chain costs related to the COVID-19 impacts on manufacturing and live production. Refrigerated Foods segment results declined for the full year as lower foodservice sales and incremental supply chain costs related to COVID-19 more than offset excellent performances from the retail businesses.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company committed to making investments necessary to keep its team members safe. These investments included: enhanced safety procedures across the Company's facilities; providing personal protective equipment for all production team members; frequent disinfecting of high-touch areas; reconfiguration of common areas and workstations; temperature and wellness screenings; revised shift scheduling; reduced production line speeds; new guidelines on carpooling; more extensive social distancing measures throughout each facility; and where possible, providing remote work opportunities and facilitating access to rapid testing for employees. The Company also paid over $11 million in bonuses to full- and part-time plant production team members during the year.

Additionally, the Company continued to reinvest into the business through capital expenditures while returning cash back to shareholders in the form of dividends. Capital expenditures were $367.5 million in fiscal 2020. Notable projects included the completion of the Burke pizza toppings plant expansion, significant work on a new dry sausage facility in Nebraska, Project Orion, and many other projects to support growth of branded products. The annual dividend for 2021 will be $0.98 per share and marks the 55th consecutive year of dividend increases, representing an increase of 5 percent.

In March, the Company acquired Sadler's Smokehouse for $270.8 million. In June, the Company issued $1.0 billion, ten-year notes at an annual interest rate of 1.8 percent. The proceeds from the offering is expected to provide liquidity and allow the business to take advantage of strategic opportunities.

Fiscal 2021 Outlook: We are optimistic about our ability to grow sales and earnings in fiscal 2021. Sales for our retail products is expected to remain strong but not to the level of growth seen in fiscal 2020. Sales momentum for products such as SKIPPY® peanut butter, Herdez® salsas and sauces, Hormel® Black Label® bacon, Applegate® brands, and Jennie-O® lean ground turkey is expected to continue. Key product lines are expected to benefit from structurally higher capacity compared to last year. We anticipate a modest recovery in the foodservice industry but likely not back to 2019 levels. Brands like Hormel® Bacon 1TM, Hormel® Fire BraisedTM, Sadler’s®, and Café H® are well-positioned to grow as the industry recovers. Additional restrictions related to on-premise dining and regional lockdowns could impact the recovery of the foodservice industry. We expect the COVID-19 related higher cost structure in our domestic operations to continue through the first half of fiscal 2021 and for the majority of COVID-19 costs to subside as the pandemic comes under control. The availability of labor to staff our domestic production facilities and higher input costs present risk to our sales and profitability. Barring any unforeseen trade issues, the International & Other segment expects continued growth from the China business and the SPAM® and SKIPPY® brands.

Due to consistent cash flow, liquidity, and a strong balance sheet, the Company remains in a position of strength heading into fiscal 2021. We plan to invest our capital to support the growth of the value-added businesses and advertise our numerous iconic brands. We plan to open a new dry sausage facility for the Columbus® brand in the second quarter as well as invest in additional capacity to support our pepperoni business. Additionally, we are committed to returning cash to shareholders in the form of dividends.
 

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A detailed review of the Company's fiscal 2020 performance compared to fiscal 2019 appears in following section. A detailed review of the fiscal 2019 performance compared to fiscal 2018 is set forth in Part II, Item 7 of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2019 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Results of Operations
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company is a processor of branded and unbranded food products for retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers. At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company aligned all deli businesses, including the Jennie-O Turkey Store deli division, into Hormel Deli Solutions reporting within the Refrigerated Foods segment. In addition, the ingredients business was realigned from the Grocery Products segment to the Refrigerated Foods segment. Periods presented herein have been recast to reflect these changes. Periods presented have also been adjusted due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (Topic 715). See Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for more information.

The Company operates in the following four reportable segments:
SegmentBusiness Conducted
Grocery ProductsThis segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market, along with the sale of nutritional and private label shelf-stable products to retail, foodservice, and industrial customers. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex) joint venture.
Refrigerated FoodsThis segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork, beef, chicken and turkey products for retail, foodservice, deli and, commercial customers.
Jennie-O Turkey StoreThis segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and commercial customers.
International & OtherThis segment includes Hormel Foods International, which manufactures, markets and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures and royalty arrangements.
 
The Company’s fiscal year consisted of 52 weeks in fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018. Fiscal 2021 will consist of 53 weeks.
 
FISCAL YEARS 2020 AND 2019

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
 
Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
(in thousands, except per share
amounts)		October 25, 2020October 27, 2019% ChangeOctober 25, 2020October 27, 2019% Change
Net Earnings$234,356 $255,503 (8.3)$908,082 $978,806 (7.2)
Diluted Earnings Per Share0.43 0.47 (8.5)1.66 1.80 (7.8)
 
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Volume and Net Sales 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
(in thousands)October 25, 2020October 27, 2019% ChangeOctober 25, 2020October 27, 2019% Change
Volume (lbs.)1,209,434 1,236,877 (2.2)4,794,706 4,737,281 1.2 
Organic Volume(1)
1,204,662 1,236,877 (2.6)4,779,409 4,665,319 2.4 
Net Sales$2,420,105 $2,501,513 (3.3)$9,608,462 $9,497,317 1.2 
Organic Net Sales(1)
2,392,741 2,501,513 (4.3)9,519,099 9,362,840 1.7 
 
(1) COMPARISON OF U.S. GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS
 
The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements of organic net sales and organic volume are presented to provide investors with additional information to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Organic net sales and organic volume are defined as net sales and volume, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures. Organic net sales and organic volume exclude the impacts of the Sadler's Smokehouse acquisition (March 2020) in the Refrigerated Foods segment and the CytoSport divestiture (April 2019) in the Grocery Products, and International & Other segments.

The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measurements provide useful information to investors because they are the measurements used to evaluate performance on a comparable year-over-year basis. Non-GAAP measurements are not intended to be a substitute for U.S. GAAP measurements in analyzing financial performance. These non-GAAP measurements are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

The tables below show the calculations to reconcile from the GAAP measures to the non-GAAP adjusted measures.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

4th Quarter

Volume (lbs.)
 October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
(in thousands)Reported
(GAAP)		AcquisitionsOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Reported
(GAAP)		DivestituresOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Organic
% change
Grocery Products317,743 — 317,743 313,489 — 313,489 1.4 
Refrigerated Foods572,873 (4,772)568,101 598,474 — 598,474 (5.1)
Jennie-O Turkey Store237,435 — 237,435 242,421 — 242,421 (2.1)
International & Other81,383 — 81,383 82,493 — 82,493 (1.3)
Total Volume1,209,434 (4,772)1,204,662 1,236,877 — 1,236,877 (2.6)

Net Sales 
 October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
(in thousands)Reported
(GAAP)		AcquisitionsOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Reported
(GAAP)		DivestituresOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Organic
% change
Grocery Products$580,617 $— $580,617 $584,085 $— $584,085 (0.6)
Refrigerated Foods1,308,842 (27,364)1,281,478 1,373,009 — 1,373,009 (6.7)
Jennie-O Turkey Store373,471 — 373,471 398,512 — 398,512 (6.3)
International & Other157,175 — 157,175 145,907 — 145,907 7.7 
Total Net Sales$2,420,105 $(27,364)$2,392,741 $2,501,513 $— $2,501,513 (4.3)

Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 decreased, as higher sales of whole-birds at Jennie-O Turkey Store, the impact from the Sadler's Smokehouse acquisition, and strong retail sales growth of Applegate® products, Jennie-O® lean ground turkey, Black Label® bacon, and Skippy® peanut butter could not overcome significantly lower enterprise-wide foodservice sales.
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Full Year

Volume (lbs.)
 October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
(in thousands)Reported
(GAAP)		AcquisitionsOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Reported
(GAAP)		DivestituresOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Organic
% change
Grocery Products1,281,562 — 1,281,562 1,283,492 (69,910)1,213,582 5.6 
Refrigerated Foods2,360,571 (15,298)2,345,273 2,325,156 — 2,325,156 0.9 
Jennie-O Turkey Store815,425 — 815,425 789,337 — 789,337 3.3 
International & Other337,149 — 337,149 339,296 (2,052)337,244 — 
Total Volume4,794,707 (15,298)4,779,409 4,737,281 (71,962)4,665,319 2.4 

Net Sales
 October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
(in thousands)Reported
(GAAP)		AcquisitionsOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Reported
(GAAP)		DivestituresOrganic
(Non-GAAP)		Organic
% change
Grocery Products$2,385,291 $— $2,385,291 $2,369,317 $(130,588)$2,238,729 6.5 
Refrigerated Foods5,271,061 (89,363)5,181,698 5,210,741 — 5,210,741 (0.6)
Jennie-O Turkey Store1,333,459 — 1,333,459 1,323,783 — 1,323,783 0.7 
International & Other618,650 — 618,650 593,476 (3,889)589,587 4.9 
Total Net Sales$9,608,462 $(89,363)$9,519,099 $9,497,317 $(134,477)$9,362,840 1.7 

For fiscal 2020, net sales increased due to higher branded retail sales from all business segments, higher commodity sales in Refrigerated Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store, and the acquisition of Sadler's Smokehouse. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift in consumer behavior toward the retail channel led to a dramatic decline in foodservice sales. Net sales were also negatively impacted by the CytoSport divestiture last year.

In fiscal 2021, the Company expects net sales growth due to continued momentum from the retail and international channels and a recovery in the foodservice industry. Grocery Products expects strong demand for its branded retail items to continue. The business is expected to benefit from structural capacity improvements on key categories such as canned meats and chili. The International & Other segment expects stronger sales in China and continued growth of SPAM® luncheon meat and Skippy ® peanut butter. The retail businesses in Refrigerated Foods should continue to grow, led by the Hormel® Black Label® and Applegate® brands. We expect a recovery in the foodservice industry and growth from the Hormel® Bacon 1TM, Hormel® Fire BraisedTM, Sadler’s®, and Café H® brands. The deli division is expected to continue to grow the Columbus ® brand as new capacity comes online. Jennie-O Turkey Store is expecting sales growth from Jennie-O ® lean ground turkey and a recovery in foodservice.

Cost of Products Sold 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Cost of Products Sold$1,962,340 $2,007,790 (2.3)$7,782,498 $7,612,669 2.2 
 
Cost of products sold for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 decreased primarily due to lower value-added foodservice sales. Cost of products sold for the full year increased driven by record sales and approximately $80 million of incremental operational costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These costs included lower production volumes, employee bonuses, and enhanced safety measures in the Company's facilities.

The Company expects to absorb additional COVID-19 related operational costs during the first half of fiscal 2021. As the pandemic comes under control, the majority of these costs should subside.
 
Gross Profit 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Gross Profit$457,765 $493,723 (7.3)$1,825,963 $1,884,648 (3.1)
Percentage of Net Sales18.9 %19.7 % 19.0 %19.8 % 

Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the fourth quarter and full year declined. The mix impact from lower foodservice sales in the Refrigerated Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store segments and the incremental supply chain costs incurred related to the COVID-19 pandemic were the primary drivers of the decline.

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In fiscal 2021, higher sales and improved mix are expected to lead to gross profit expansion. The Company expects the higher cost structure related to COVID-19 to continue through the first half. Higher raw material input costs present a risk to the Company's profitability.

Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
SG&A$190,797 $183,795 3.8 $761,315 $727,584 4.6 
Percentage of Net Sales7.9 %7.3 %7.9 %7.7 %

SG&A expenses for the fourth quarter increased driven by higher advertising investments in 2020 and lower pension and other employee-related expenses last year. Full year SG&A increased as a result of various factors impacting comparability to last year. These factors included the one-time gain from the divestiture of CytoSport, a partial year of expenses related to CytoSport, and a legal settlement.

Advertising investments in the fourth quarter were $29 million, an increase of 14 percent. Advertising investments declined for fiscal 2020 due primarily to the divestiture of CytoSport.

In fiscal 2021, the Company intends to continue building brand awareness through advertising investments in key brands such as SPAM®, SKIPPY®, Hormel® chili, Applegate®, Columbus®, Hormel® Black Label®, Hormel® pepperoni and Jennie-O®.

Research and development continues to be a vital part of the Company's strategy to extend existing brands and expand into new branded items. Research and development expenses were $8.3 million and $31.9 million for the fiscal 2020 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $8.4 million and $32.5 million for the corresponding periods in fiscal 2019.
 
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates$9,729 $11,068 (12.1)$35,572 $39,201 (9.3)
 
Equity in earnings of affiliates for the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2020 declined due to lower earnings from the MegaMex foodservice business. This decline was partially offset by improved performance from the Company's joint venture in the Philippines.

The Company accounts for its majority-owned operations under the consolidation method. Investments in which the Company owns a minority interest, and for which there are no other indicators of control, are accounted for under the equity or cost method. These investments, along with receivables from other affiliates, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as investments in and receivables from affiliates. The composition of this line item at October 25, 2020, was as follows: 
(in thousands)Investments/Receivables
Country 
United States$220,907 
Foreign87,466 
Total$308,372 
 
Effective Tax Rate 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 25,October 27,
 2020201920202019
Effective Tax Rate15.9 %21.0 %18.5 %19.1 %
 
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2020 was impacted by stock-based compensation and state tax settlements. The tax impacts of the CytoSport divestiture and stock-based compensation were the main drivers of the Company's fiscal 2019 effective tax rates for the fourth quarter and fiscal year. For additional information, refer to Note J - Income Taxes.

The Company expects the effective tax rate in fiscal 2021 to be between 20.0 and 21.5 percent.


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Segment Results
 
Net sales and operating profits for each of the Company’s reportable segments are set forth below. The Company is an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations, and sharing of assets. Therefore, the Company does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below. Additional segment financial information can be found in Note P - Segment Reporting. 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Net Sales      
Grocery Products$580,617 $584,085 (0.6)$2,385,291 $2,369,317 0.7 
Refrigerated Foods1,308,842 1,373,009 (4.7)5,271,061 5,210,741 1.2 
Jennie-O Turkey Store373,471 398,512 (6.3)1,333,459 1,323,783 0.7 
International & Other157,175 145,907 7.7 618,650 593,476 4.2 
Total Net Sales$2,420,105 $2,501,513 (3.3)$9,608,462 $9,497,317 1.2 
Segment Profit
Grocery Products$81,642 $80,923 0.9 $358,008 $339,497 5.5 
Refrigerated Foods157,810 189,287 (16.6)609,406 681,763 (10.6)
Jennie-O Turkey Store32,618 41,031 (20.5)105,585 117,962 (10.5)
International & Other27,047 17,455 55.0 93,782 75,513 24.2 
Total Segment Profit299,116 328,696 (9.0)1,166,782 1,214,735 (3.9)
   Net Unallocated Expense20,553 5,065 305.8 52,307 5,362 875.5 
Noncontrolling Interest169 63 172.2 272 342 (20.5)
Earnings Before Income Taxes$278,732 $323,694 (13.9)$1,114,747 $1,209,715 (7.9)

Grocery Products
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Volume (lbs.)317,743 313,489 1.4 1,281,562 1,283,492 (0.2)
Net Sales$580,617 $584,085 (0.6)$2,385,291 $2,369,317 0.7 
Segment Profit81,642 80,923 0.9 358,008 339,497 5.5 

Demand for center store brands remained strong in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, led by growth from brands such as SKIPPY®, Herdez®, and Hormel® Compleats®. Sales for the quarter were impacted by lower inventory levels and production limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on certain center store products and lower sales for MegaMex foodservice items. For the full year, net sales increased as growth from many center store brands more than offset the impact from the CytoSport divestiture last year.
Segment profit for the fourth quarter increased as improved results across the nut butters portfolio more than offset increased freight expense and lower earnings from our MegaMex foodservice business. Segment profit for the full year increased as improved sales and favorable product mix more than overcame the divestiture of CytoSport and the benefit from a legal settlement in fiscal 2019.
Looking ahead to fiscal 2021, Grocery Products expects strong demand for its branded retail items to continue. The business will benefit from structural capacity improvements on key categories such as canned meats and chili. Higher input costs could negatively pressure profitability.

Refrigerated Foods 
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Volume (lbs.)572,873 598,474 (4.3)2,360,571 2,325,156 1.5 
Net Sales$1,308,842 $1,373,009 (4.7)$5,271,061 $5,210,741 1.2 
Segment Profit157,810 189,287 (16.6)609,406 681,763 (10.6)

For the fourth quarter, retail and deli sales growth from brands such as Applegate®, Hormel® Black Label®, and Columbus®, in addition to the impact from the Sadler’s Smokehouse acquisition did not offset a significant decline in foodservice sales. Sales were impacted by production limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lower inventory levels. Full year sales increased due to strong demand for branded retail products, higher commodity sales and the benefit from the Sadler's Smokehouse acquisition.

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For the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2020, the decline in segment profit was due to lower foodservice sales and incremental supply chain costs related to COVID-19. Fourth quarter segment profit was also negatively impacted by a decrease in commodity profits.
 
In fiscal 2021, Refrigerated Foods is expecting modest growth from the retail businesses and a recovery in foodservice demand. Factors such as limited labor availability and low levels of inventory entering the year may limit the Company's ability to supply product in key categories to meet robust demand. Higher operational costs related to COVID-19 are expected to continue through the first half of the fiscal year. As the pandemic comes under control, the majority of these costs should subside.

Jennie-O Turkey Store
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 30, October 25,October 30, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Volume (lbs.)237,435 242,421 (2.1)815,425 789,337 3.3 
Net Sales$373,471 $398,512 (6.3)$1,333,459 $1,323,783 0.7 
Segment Profit32,618 41,031 (20.5)105,585 117,962 (10.5)
 
Fourth quarter volume and sales growth of Jennie-O® lean ground products and whole birds were exceptionally strong. Reduced demand for foodservice and commodity products led to the overall decline in sales. Sales increased for fiscal 2020 as improvements in retail, whole bird, and commodity sales more than offset a dramatic decline in foodservice sales.

Lower foodservice earnings and increased supply chain costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic drove the decline in segment profit for the fourth quarter and full year.

Jennie-O Turkey Store expects growth from Jennie-O branded retail products, a recovery in the foodservice business, and an improvement in the vertically integrated supply chain. Incremental COVID-19 related costs are expected to persist through the first half of fiscal 2021. As the pandemic comes under control, the majority of these costs should subside. Limited labor availability and higher feed costs for 2021 pose a risk to sales and profitability.
 
International & Other
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27, October 25,October 27, 
(in thousands)20202019% Change20202019% Change
Volume (lbs.)81,383 82,493 (1.3)337,149 339,296 (0.6)
Net Sales$157,175 $145,907 7.7 $618,650 $593,476 4.2 
Segment Profit27,047 17,455 55.0 93,782 75,513 24.2 
 
Sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 increased due to strong worldwide demand for SPAM® luncheon meat and growth in China. Results in China were positively impacted by strong demand for branded retail items, such as SKIPPY® peanut butter, and an accelerating recovery in the foodservice channel. Sales for the full year increased on improved results in China and strong international demand for the SPAM® and SKIPPY® brands.

The significant increase in segment profit for the fourth quarter was due to improved results in China, higher income from our partners in the Philippines, South Korea, and Europe, and branded export growth. Segment results increased for the full year of fiscal 2020 due to higher income from the Company's partners in the Philippines, South Korea, and Europe, branded export growth, and improved results in China.

Looking ahead to 2021, the International & Other segment anticipates growth in China and higher worldwide sales of SPAM ® luncheon meat and SKIPPY ® peanut butter. Higher input costs pose a risk to business results in China and Brazil.
 
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Unallocated Income and Expense
The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, or interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at the corporate level. Equity in Earnings of Affiliates is included in segment profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included in the segment table for the purpose of reconciling segment results to Earnings Before Income Taxes.
 Fourth Quarter EndedYear Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 25,October 27,
(in thousands)2020201920202019
Net Unallocated Expense$20,553 $5,065 $52,307 $5,362 
Noncontrolling Interest169 63 272 342 
 
Net Unallocated Expense increased for the fourth quarter due to higher interest and employee related expenses. Net Unallocated Expense for fiscal 2020 increased primarily due to one-time benefits in fiscal 2019 associated with the sale of CytoSport, higher selling and employee related expenses, and the impact from a legal settlement in 2019.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents were $1,714.3 million for fiscal 2020 compared to $672.9 million and $459.1 million for 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
During fiscal 2020, cash provided by operating activities was $1,128.0 million compared to $923.0 million in fiscal 2019, and $1,241.7 million in fiscal 2018. The increase in fiscal 2020 was primarily due effective management of working capital.
 
Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities was $(656.3) million, $220.2 million, and $(1,235.4) million in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Fiscal 2020 included the acquisition of Sadler's for $270.8 million. In fiscal 2019, the Company received $479.8 million from the sale of CytoSport and $30.6 million from the sale of the Fremont, Nebraska, processing facility. Fiscal 2018 included $857.4 million to purchase Columbus.

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $367.5 million, $293.8 million, and $389.6 million, respectively. Significant projects in fiscal 2020 and 2019 included a new dry sausage facility in Nebraska, the Burke pizza toppings plant expansion, Project Orion, and ongoing investments to support food and employee safety as well as the growth of branded products. Key capital projects in fiscal 2018 included the expansion of value-added capacity at Dold Foods in Kansas and a highly automated whole bird facility in Minnesota. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2021 are estimated to be $350.0 million with the largest projects expected to include completion of the new dry sausage production facility in Nebraska, pepperoni capacity expansion, and Project Orion.
 
Cash provided by financing activities was $566.2 million in fiscal 2020 compared to cash used in financing activities of $926.2 million in fiscal 2019 and cash provided by financing activities of $11.6 million in fiscal 2018. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company issued ten-year senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion. The proceeds from the offering provide liquidity and allow the Company to take advantage of strategic opportunities. Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2019 included repayment of the $375.0 term loan used to fund the acquisition of Columbus and $174.2 million in share repurchases.

Cash dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders continues to be an ongoing financing activity for the Company with $487.4 million in dividends paid in fiscal 2020 compared to $437.1 million in fiscal 2019 and $388.1 million in fiscal 2018. The dividend rate was $0.93 per share in fiscal 2020, which reflected an 11.0 percent increase over the fiscal 2019 rate of $0.84 per share. The Company has paid dividends for 369 consecutive quarters. The annual dividend rate for fiscal 2021 was increased 5% percent to $0.98 per share, representing the 55th consecutive annual dividend increase.

The Company is required by certain covenants in its debt agreements to maintain specified levels of financial ratios and financial position. As of October 25, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company remains confident in its ability to meet cash flow needs. In addition to providing a return to shareholders through dividends, top priorities for the Company include investments to ensure employee and food safety, growing the business through innovation, and evaluating opportunities for strategic acquisitions. Capital spending to enhance and expand current operations isl also expected to be a significant cash outflow in fiscal 2021.

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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table outlines the Company’s future contractual financial obligations as of October 25, 2020, (for additional information regarding these obligations, see Note E - Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements and Note M - Commitments and Contingencies):
 Payments Due by Periods
Contractual Obligations (in thousands)TotalLess Than
1 Year		1-3 Years3-5 YearsMore Than
5 Years
Purchase Obligations:     
Hog, Turkey, and Raw Material Commitments(1)
$2,848,544 $894,419 $1,404,416 $537,495 $12,214 
Grain Commitments(1)
55,489 54,740 749 — — 
Turkey Grow-out Contracts(2)
103,014 15,006 22,347 16,002 49,659 
Current and Long-term Debt(3)
1,250,000 250,000 — — 1,000,000 
Interest Payments on Long-term Debt(3)
184,760 22,760 36,000 36,000 90,000 
Finance Leases(4)
68,919 10,327 19,672 17,729 21,192 
Operating Leases(4)
60,399 13,363 19,012 9,380 18,644 
Other Long-term Liabilities(5) (6)
72,254 7,085 13,814 12,221 39,133 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations$4,643,379 $1,267,700 $1,516,010 $628,827 $1,230,842 
 
(1) In the normal course of business, the Company commits to purchase fixed quantities of livestock, grain, and raw materials from producers to ensure a steady supply of production inputs. Some of these contracts are based on market prices at the time of delivery, for which the Company has estimated the purchase commitment using current market prices as of October 25, 2020.
 
(2) The Company utilizes grow-out contracts with independent farmers to raise turkeys for the Company. Under these contracts, the turkeys, feed, and other supplies are owned by the Company. The farmers provide the required labor and facilities and receive a fee per pound when the turkeys are delivered. Some of the facilities are sub-leased by the Company to the independent farmers. As of October 25, 2020, the Company had approximately 100 active contracts ranging from one to twenty-five years in duration. The grow-out activity is assumed to continue through the term of these active contracts. Amounts in the table represent the Company’s obligation based on turkeys expected to be delivered from these farmers.
 
(3) See Note E - Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements.

(4) See Note N - Leases.
 
(5) Other Long-term Liabilities represent payments under the Company’s deferred compensation plans and immaterial other financing arrangements. Excluded from the table above are payments under the Company’s defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. (See estimated benefit payments for the next ten fiscal years in Note F - Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits).

(6) As discussed in Note J - Income Taxes, the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at October 25, 2020, was $29.1 million, which is not included in the table above as the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of the Company's reserves for income taxes cannot be reasonably estimated.

The Company believes its financial resources, including a revolving credit facility for $400 million and anticipated funds from operations, will be adequate to meet all current commitments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of October 25, 2020, the Company had $47.5 million of standby letters of credit issued on its behalf. The standby letters of credit are primarily related to the Company’s self-insured workers compensation programs. However, this amount includes revocable standby letters of credit totaling $3.1 million for obligations of an affiliated party that may arise under workers compensation claims. Letters of credit are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Trademarks
References to the Company’s brands or products in italics within this report represent valuable trademarks owned or licensed by
Hormel Foods, LLC or other subsidiaries of Hormel Foods Corporation.

Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that can have a meaningful effect on the reporting of consolidated financial statements. See Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies additional information.
 
Critical accounting policies are defined as those reflective of significant judgments, estimates and uncertainties, which may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. As conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic evolve, the Company expects these judgments and estimates may be subject to change, which could materially impact future periods. The Company believes the following are its critical accounting policies:
 

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Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales at the point in time when the performance obligation has been satisfied and control of the product has transferred to the customer. Obligations for the Company are usually fulfilled once shipped product is received or picked up by the customer. Revenue is recorded net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances.
 
The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reductions of revenue at the time control is transferred. Coupons are used as an incentive for consumers to purchase various products. The coupons reduce revenues at the time they are offered, based on estimated redemption rates. Promotional contracts are performed by customers to promote the Company’s products to consumers. These incentives reduce revenues at the time of performance through direct payments and accrued promotional funds. Accrued promotional funds are unpaid liabilities for promotional contracts in process or completed at the end of a quarter or fiscal year. Promotional contractual accruals are based on agreements with customers for defined performance. The liability relating to these agreements is based on a review of the outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place but which the promotional payments relating to such contracts remain unpaid as of the end of the fiscal year. The level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates are estimates used to determine these liabilities.
 
Inventory Valuation: The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For pork inventories, when the carcasses are disassembled and transferred from primal processing to various manufacturing departments, the primal values, as adjusted by the Company for product specifications and further processing, become the basis for calculating inventory values. Turkey raw materials are represented by the deboned meat quantities. The Company values these raw materials using a concept referred to as the “meat cost pool.” The meat cost pool is determined by combining the cost to grow turkeys with processing costs, less any net sales revenue from by-products created from the processing and not used in producing Company products. The Company has developed a series of ratios using historical data and current market conditions (which themselves involve estimates and judgment determinations by the Company) to allocate the meat cost pool to each meat component. Substantially all inventoriable expenses, meat, packaging, and supplies are valued by the average cost method.
 
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles: Estimating the fair value of the Company’s goodwill reporting units and intangible assets requires significant judgment upon initial valuation. Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires judgment. Certain acquired brands are expected to have indefinite lives based on their history and the Company’s intent to continue to support and build the brands. Other acquired assets such as customer relationships, are expected to have determinable useful lives.
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition and the residual of the purchase price is recorded to goodwill. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are allocated to the reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.
 
Goodwill
In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If a qualitative assessment determines an impairment is more likely than not, the Company is required to perform a quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, no further analysis is required. Alternatively, the Company may elect to proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test.

In conducting a qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes actual and projected growth trends for net sales, gross margin, and segment profit for each reporting unit, as well as historical performance versus plan and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, the Company assesses factors that may impact its business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market-related exposures, plans to market for sale all or a portion of the business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, and any potential risks to their projected financial results.
 
If performed, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its corresponding carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash flow valuations (Level 3), which incorporate assumptions regarding future growth rates, terminal values and discount rates. The estimates and assumptions used consider historical performance and are consistent with the assumptions used in determining future profit plans for each reporting unit, which are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. If the quantitative assessment results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then the results from the quantitative analysis will be relied upon to determine both the existence and amount of goodwill impairment. An impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill in that reporting unit.
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment tests and elected to perform a qualitative assessment. As a result of the qualitative testing during 2020, 2019, and 2018, no goodwill impairment charges were recorded.

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Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
In conducting the annual impairment test for its indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company concludes this is the case, a quantitative test for impairment must be performed. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform a quantitative test.
 
In conducting the qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes growth rates for historical and projected net sales and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, the Company assesses critical areas that may impact the value of its intangible assets or the applicable royalty rates to determine if impairment may be indicated.
 
If performed, the quantitative impairment test compares the fair value to the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is primarily determined on the basis of estimated discounted value, using the relief from royalty method (Level 3). This method incorporates assumptions regarding future sales projections, discount rates, and royalty rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded. Even if not required, the Company may elect to perform the quantitative test in order to gain further assurance in the qualitative assessment.
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company completed its annual indefinite-live impairment tests by performing a qualitative assessment. During 2019, the Company elected to quantitatively test two indefinite-lived intangible assets and to perform a qualitative assessment for the remaining assets. No impairment charges were recorded as a result of the qualitative and quantitative testing during fiscal years 2020 and 2019. During fiscal 2018, a $17.3 million intangible asset impairment charge was recorded for the CytoSport trademark. No other material impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2018.
 
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits: The Company incurs expenses relating to employee benefits, such as noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement health care benefits. In accounting for these employment costs and the associated liabilities, management must make a variety of assumptions and estimates including mortality rates, discount rates, compensation increases, expected return on plan assets, and health care cost trend rates. The Company considers historical data as well as current facts and circumstances when determining these estimates. The Company uses third-party specialists to assist management in the determination of these estimates and the calculation of certain employee benefit expenses and the outstanding obligation.
 
Benefit plan assets are stated at fair value. Due to the lack of readily available market prices, private equity investments are valued by models using a combination of available market data and unobservable inputs that consider earnings multiples, discounted cash flows, and other qualitative and quantitative factors. Other benefit plan investments are measured at Net Asset Value (NAV) per share of the fund's underlying investments as a practical expedient. These valuations are subject to judgments and assumptions of the funds which may prove to be incorrect, resulting in risks of incorrect valuation of these investments. The Company seeks to mitigate these risks by evaluating the appropriateness of the funds’ judgments and assumptions by reviewing the financial data included in the funds’ financial statements for reasonableness. The Company also holds quarterly meetings with the investment adviser to review fund performance, which include comparisons to the relevant indices. On an annual basis, the Company performs pricing tests on certain underlying investments to gain additional assurance of the reliability of values received from the fund manager. See Note F - Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits for additional information.

Income Taxes: The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law. Changes in enacted tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.
 
The Company computes its provision for income taxes based on the statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to it in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining its annual tax provision. While the Company considers all of its tax positions fully supportable, the Company is occasionally challenged by various tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. The Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. This position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. A change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will be recognized in earnings in the quarter of such change.
 
Contingent Liabilities: At any time, the Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings or claims related to the ongoing operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. Such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, contract disputes, wage and hour laws, employment practices, antitrust regulations, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors, or suppliers. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood of any adverse outcomes related to these matters on a case by case basis, as well as the potential ranges of losses and fees. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range which constitutes the Company’s best estimate. The Company also discloses the nature and range of loss for claims against the Company when losses are reasonably possible and material. These accruals and disclosures are determined based on the facts and circumstances related to the individual cases and require estimates and judgments regarding the interpretation of facts and laws, as well as the effectiveness of strategies or factors beyond our control.
 
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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Hog Markets: The Company’s earnings are affected by fluctuations in the live hog market. To minimize the impact on earnings and ensure a steady supply of quality hogs, the Company has entered into contracts with producers for the purchase of hogs at formula-based prices over periods of up to 10 years. Hogs purchased under contract accounted for 95 percent and 93 percent of the total hogs purchased by the Company during fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. The majority of these contracts use market-based formulas based on hog futures, hog primal values, or industry reported hog markets. Other contracts use a formula based on the cost of production, which can fluctuate independently from hog markets. The Company’s value-added branded portfolio helps mitigate changes in hog and pork market prices. Therefore, a hypothetical 10 percent change in the cash hog market would have had an immaterial effect on the Company’s results of operations.
 
The Company utilizes a hedge program to reduce exposure and offset the fluctuations in the Company’s future direct hog purchases. This program utilizes lean hog futures which are accounted for under cash flow hedge accounting. The fair value of the Company’s open futures contracts in this program as of October 25, 2020, was $3.1 million compared to $5.8 million as of October 27, 2019. The Company measures its market risk exposure on its lean hog futures contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in the market prices for lean hogs. A 10 percent decrease in the market price for lean hogs would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company’s October 25, 2020, open lean hog contracts by $9.3 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost on purchased hogs by a similar amount.
 
Turkey Production Costs: The Company raises or contracts for live turkeys to meet the majority of its raw material supply requirements. Production costs in raising turkeys are subject primarily to fluctuations in feed prices and, to a lesser extent, fuel costs. Under normal, long-term market conditions, changes in the cost to produce turkeys are offset by proportional changes in the turkey market.
 
The Company utilizes a hedge program to reduce exposure and offset the fluctuation in the Company’s future direct grain purchases. This program utilizes corn futures for Jennie-O Turkey Store, and these contracts are accounted for under cash flow hedge accounting. The fair value of the Company’s open futures contracts as of October 25, 2020, was $(0.1) million compared to $(2.2) million as of October 27, 2019. The Company measures its market risk exposure on its grain futures contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in the market prices for grain. A 10 percent decrease in the market price for grain would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company’s October 25, 2020, open grain contracts by $7.2 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost on purchased grain by a similar amount.
 
Other Input Costs: The costs of raw materials, packaging materials, freight, fuel, and energy may cause the Company's results to fluctuate significantly. To manage input cost volatility, the Company pursues cost saving measures, forward pricing, derivatives, and pricing actions when necessary.
Investments: The Company has corporate-owned life insurance policies classified as trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. As of October 25, 2020, the balance of these securities totaled $173.1 million compared to $157.5 million as of October 27, 2019. A majority of these securities represent fixed income funds. The Company is subject to market risk due to fluctuations in the value of the remaining investments as unrealized gains and losses associated with these securities are included in the Company’s net earnings on a mark-to-market basis. A 10 percent decline in the value of the investments not held in fixed income funds would have a negative impact to the Company’s pretax earnings of approximately $8.4 million, while a 10 percent increase in value would have a positive impact of the same amount.
 
International Assets: The fair values of certain Company assets are subject to fluctuations in foreign currencies. The Company’s net asset position in foreign currencies as of October 25, 2020, was $541.2 million, compared to $543.8 million as of October 27, 2019, with most of the exposure existing in Chinese yuan and Brazilian real. Changes in currency exchange rates impact the fair values of the Company assets either currently through the Consolidated Statements of Operations within Interest and Investment Income or through the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.
 
The Company measures its foreign currency exchange risk by using a 10 percent sensitivity analysis on the Company’s primary foreign net asset position, the Chinese yuan and the Brazilian real, as of October 25, 2020. A 10 percent strengthening in the value of the Chinese yuan relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive income of approximately $40.7 million pretax. A 10 percent weakening in the value of the Chinese yuan relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive loss of approximately $33.3 million pretax. A 10 percent strengthening in the value of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive income of approximately $10.4 million pretax. A 10 percent weakening in the value of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive loss of approximately $8.5 million pretax.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 

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Report of Management

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements
 
The accompanying financial statements were prepared by the management of Hormel Foods Corporation which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances and, as such, include amounts that are based on our best estimates and judgments.
 
Hormel Foods Corporation has developed a system of internal controls designed to assure that the records reflect the transactions of the Company and that the established policies and procedures are adhered to. This system is augmented by well-communicated written policies and procedures, a strong program of internal audit and well-qualified personnel.
 
These financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and their report is included herein. The audit was conducted in accordance with the standards of the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and includes a review of the Company’s accounting and financial controls and tests of transactions.
 
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of outside directors, meets periodically with the independent auditors, management, and the internal auditors to assure that each is carrying out its responsibilities. Both Ernst & Young LLP and our internal auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee, with or without the presence of management, to discuss the results of their audit work and their opinions on the adequacy of internal controls and the quality of financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Management of Hormel Foods Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a–15(f). The Company’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards. Under the supervision, and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).
 
Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 25, 2020. Our internal control over financial reporting as of October 25, 2020, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
 
/s/ James P. Snee/s/ James N. Sheehan
Chairman of the Board,Executive Vice President
President and Chief Executive Officerand Chief Financial Officer

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Hormel Foods Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Hormel Foods Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 25, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 25, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of October 25, 2020 and October 27, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ investment, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 25, 2020 and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15 and our report dated December 4, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 4, 2020





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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Hormel Foods Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) as of October 25, 2020 and October 27, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ investment, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 25, 2020 and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at October 25, 2020 and October 27, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 25, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of October 25, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated December 4, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
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Valuation of Alternative Investments - Pension Assets
Description of the MatterAt October 25, 2020, the Company had $1.6 billion in plan assets related to the defined benefit pension plans. Approximately 48% of the total pension assets are in global stocks – collective investment funds, private equity funds, real estate – domestic funds, hedge funds, fixed income – collective investment funds, and fixed income – hedge funds. These types of investments are referred to as “alternative investments.” As documented in Note F of the financial statements, these alternative investments are valued at net asset value (NAV) or are valued using significant unobservable inputs.
Auditing the fair value of these alternative investments is challenging because of the higher estimation uncertainty of the inputs to the fair value calculations, including the underlying NAVs, discounted cash flow valuations, comparable market valuations, and adjustments for currency, credit liquidity and other risks. Additionally, certain information regarding the fair value of these alternative investments is based on unaudited information available to management at the time of valuation.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls addressing the risk of material misstatement relating to valuation of alternative investments. This included testing management's review controls over the valuation of alternative investments, for example, a review of fund performance in comparison to the selected benchmark and meetings with the investment advisor on a quarterly basis to review market performance and fund returns in comparison with relevant indices and the investment policy. We also tested management’s independent price testing of underlying investments performed for certain investments on a quarterly basis.
Our audit procedures included, among others, inquiring of management and the investment advisor regarding changes to the investment portfolio and investment strategies. We confirmed the fair value of the investments and ownership interest directly with the fund managers. We inspected the trust statement for observable transactions near year end to compare to the estimated fair value. We also obtained the latest audited financial statements for certain investments, performed a rollforward of the investment balance to compute an estimated market return on investment, and compared the market return to relevant benchmarks.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1931.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 4, 2020


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Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 
 October 25,October 27,
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)20202019
Assets  
Current Assets  
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1,714,309 $672,901 
Short-term Marketable Securities17,338 14,736 
Accounts Receivable (Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of
           $4,012 at October 25, 2020, and $4,063 at October 27, 2019)
702,419 574,396 
Inventories1,072,762 1,042,362 
Taxes Receivable41,449 19,924 
Prepaid Expenses18,349 22,637 
Other Current Assets12,438 14,457 
Total Current Assets3,579,063 2,361,413 
Goodwill2,612,727 2,481,645 
Other Intangibles1,076,285 1,033,862 
Pension Assets183,232 135,915 
Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates308,372 289,157 
Other Assets250,382 177,901 
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Land62,543 49,758 
Buildings1,250,529 1,083,902 
Equipment2,084,930 1,965,478 
Construction in Progress369,453 256,190 
Less: Allowance for Depreciation(1,869,233)(1,726,217)
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment1,898,222 1,629,111 
Total Assets$9,908,282 $8,109,004 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable$644,609 $590,033 
Accrued Expenses59,136 62,031 
Accrued Workers Compensation25,070 24,272 
Accrued Marketing Expenses108,502 96,305 
Employee Related Expenses252,845 213,515 
Taxes Payable22,480 6,208 
Interest and Dividends Payable132,632 112,685 
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt258,691 — 
Total Current Liabilities1,503,965 1,105,049 
Long-term Debt – Less Current Maturities1,044,936 250,000 
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits552,878 536,490 
Other Long-term Liabilities157,399 115,356 
Deferred Income Taxes218,779 176,574 
Shareholders’ Investment
Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 a Share — Authorized 160,000,000 Shares;
            Issued — None
— — 
Common Stock, Nonvoting, Par Value $0.01 a Share —
            Authorized 400,000,000 Shares; Issued — None
— — 
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01465 a Share — Authorized 1,600,000,000 Shares;
            Issued 539,887,092 Shares October 25, 2020
            Issued 534,488,746 Shares October 27, 2019
7,909 7,830 
Additional Paid-in Capital289,554 184,921 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(395,250)(399,500)
Retained Earnings6,523,335 6,128,207 
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment6,425,548 5,921,458 
Noncontrolling Interest4,778 4,077 
Total Shareholders’ Investment6,430,326 5,925,535 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment$9,908,282 $8,109,004 
 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 Fiscal Year Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 28,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)202020192018*
Net Sales$9,608,462 $9,497,317 $9,545,700 
Cost of Products Sold7,782,498 7,612,669 7,566,227 
Gross Profit1,825,963 1,884,648 1,979,473 
Selling, General, and Administrative761,315 727,584 841,205 
Goodwill/Intangible Impairment— — 17,279 
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates35,572 39,201 58,972 
Operating Income1,100,220 1,196,265 1,179,961 
Other Income and Expense:
Interest and Investment Income35,596 31,520 27,817 
Interest Expense(21,069)(18,070)(26,494)
Earnings Before Income Taxes1,114,747 1,209,715 1,181,284 
Provision for Income Taxes206,393 230,567 168,702 
Net Earnings908,354 979,148 1,012,582 
Less: Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest272 342 442 
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation$908,082 $978,806 $1,012,140 
Net Earnings Per Share:
Basic$1.69 $1.83 $1.91 
Diluted$1.66 $1.80 $1.86 
Weighted-average Shares Outstanding:
Basic538,007 534,578 530,742 
Diluted546,592 545,232 543,869 
 
 *Adjusted due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (Topic 715). See Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 Fiscal Year Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 28,
(in thousands)202020192018
Net Earnings$908,354 $979,148 $1,012,582 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign Currency Translation(10,812)(8,414)(38,233)
Pension and Other Benefits15,698 (97,486)44,862 
Deferred Hedging(284)3,425 (2,277)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)4,602 (102,475)4,352 
Comprehensive Income912,956 876,673 1,016,934 
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest624 70 217 
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation$912,332 $876,603 $1,016,717 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Investment
 
 Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders  
(in thousands, except perCommon StockTreasury StockAdditional Paid-In CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Non-controlling InterestTotal Shareholders’ Investment
 share amounts)SharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at October 29, 2017528,424 $7,741 — $— $13,670 $5,162,571 $(248,075)$3,790 $4,939,697 
Net Earnings1,012,140 442 1,012,582 
Other Comprehensive Income
(Loss)		4,577 (225)4,352 
Purchases of Common Stock(1,385)(46,898)(46,898)
Stock-based Compensation
Expense		1 20,594 20,595 
Exercise of Stock Options/
Restricted Shares		7,096 103 72,399 72,502 
Shares Retired(1,385)(20)1,385 46,898 (135)(46,743)— 
Declared Cash Dividends —
   $0.75 per Share
(398,012)(398,012)
Balance at October 28, 2018534,135 $7,825 — $— $106,528 $5,729,956 $(243,498)$4,007 $5,604,818 
Net Earnings978,806 342 979,148 
Other Comprehensive Income
(Loss)		(102,203)(272)(102,475)
Purchases of Common Stock(4,309)(174,246)(174,246)
Stock-based Compensation
Expense		1 19,706 19,707 
Exercise of Stock Options/
Restricted Shares		4,663 67 59,974 60,041 
Shares Retired(4,309)(63)4,309 174,246 (1,287)(172,896)— 
Cumulative Effect Adjustment from the Adoption of:
ASU 2016-16(10,475)(10,475)
ASU 2017-1221 (21)— 
ASU 2018-0252,342 (53,778)(1,436)
Declared Cash Dividends —
   $0.84 per Share
(449,547)(449,547)
Balance at October 27, 2019534,489 $7,830 — $— $184,921 $6,128,207 $(399,500)$4,077 $5,925,535 
Net Earnings908,082 272 908,354 
Other Comprehensive Income
(Loss)		4,250 352 4,602 
Contribution from
Non-controlling Interest		77 77 
Purchases of Common Stock(302)(12,360)(12,360)
Stock-based Compensation
Expense		22,458 22,458 
Exercise of Stock Options/
Restricted Shares		5,700 83 82,324 82,407 
Shares Retired(302)(4)302 12,360 (149)(12,207)— 
Declared Cash Dividends —
  $0.93 per Share
(500,747)(500,747)
Balance at October 25, 2020539,887 $7,909 — $— $289,554 $6,523,335 $(395,250)$4,778 $6,430,326 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 Fiscal Year Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 28,
(in thousands)202020192018
Operating Activities   
Net Earnings$908,354 $979,148 $1,012,582 
Adjustments to Reconcile to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation165,716 153,182 149,205 
Amortization40,065 12,027 12,653 
Goodwill/Intangible Impairment— — 17,279 
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates(35,572)(39,201)(58,972)
Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees37,499 22,500 30,023 
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes32,039 28,641 (7,441)
Loss (Gain) on Property/Equipment Sales and Plant Facilities1,793 (811)(2,867)
Gain on Sale of Business— (16,469)— 
Non-cash Investment Activities(15,315)(20,180)(7,908)
Stock-based Compensation Expense22,458 19,707 20,595 
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Acquisitions:
Decrease (Increase) in Accounts Receivable(119,516)(11,146)36,133 
Decrease (Increase) in Inventories(1,839)(123,843)(8,293)
Decrease (Increase) in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets5,860 (10,105)(4,771)
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Post-retirement Benefits(10,509)(10,416)(13,216)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses111,277 (44,109)48,376 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Income Taxes Payable(14,286)(15,929)18,351 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities$1,128,024 $922,996 $1,241,729 
Investing Activities
Net (Purchase) Sale of Securities$(2,589)$(14,496)$— 
Proceeds from Sale of Business— 479,806 — 
Acquisitions of Businesses and Intangibles(270,789)— (857,668)
Purchases of Property and Equipment(367,501)(293,838)(389,607)
Proceeds from Sales of Property and Equipment1,916 37,402 9,749 
Decrease (Increase) in Investments, Equity in Affiliates, and Other
Assets
(21,124)(6,479)(7,546)
Proceeds from Company-owned Life Insurance3,772 17,758 9,704 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities$(656,316)$220,153 $(1,235,368)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from Long-term Debt$992,381 $— $375,000 
Repayments of Long-term Debt and Finance Leases(8,368)(374,840)(160)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock(487,376)(437,053)(388,107)
Share Repurchase(12,360)(174,246)(46,898)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options81,818 59,895 71,803 
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interest77 — — 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities$566,172 $(926,244)$11,638 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash3,526 (3,140)(2,985)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents1,041,407 213,765 15,014 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year672,901 459,136 444,122 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year$1,714,309 $672,901 $459,136 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note A
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts, transactions, and profits.
 
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions take into account historical and forward looking factors, including but not limited to the potential impacts arising from COVID-19 and related public and private sector policies and initiatives.

Rounding: Certain amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements and associated notes may not foot due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts.
 
Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018 consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2021 will consist of 53 weeks.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less on their acquisition date to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, consisted primarily of bank deposits, money market funds rated AAA, or other highly liquid investment accounts. The Net Asset Value (NAV) of the Company’s money market funds is based on the market value of the securities in the portfolio.
 
Fair Value Measurements: Pursuant to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820), the Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value or discloses the fair value of certain assets and liabilities recorded at cost in the consolidated financial statements. Fair value is calculated as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires assets and liabilities measured at fair value to be categorized into one of three levels based on the inputs used in the valuation. The Company classifies assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
 
Level 1:    Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2:    Observable inputs, other than those included in Level 1, based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.
 
Level 3:    Unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about what inputs a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.
 
See additional discussion regarding the Company’s fair value measurements in Note F - Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits, Note G - Derivatives and Hedging, and Note L - Fair Value Measurements.
 
Compensation: The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred compensation plans. Under the plans, participants can defer certain types of compensation and elect to receive a return on the deferred amounts based on the changes in fair value of various investment options, primarily a variety of mutual funds. The Company has corporate-owned life insurance policies on certain participants in the deferred compensation plans. The cash surrender value of the policies is included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The securities held by the trust are classified as trading securities. Therefore, unrealized losses and gains associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. Securities held by the trust generated gains (losses) of $7.0 million, $8.3 million, and $(0.4) million for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
 
Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method. Adjustments to the Company’s lower of cost or net realizable value inventory reserve are reflected in Cost of Products Sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Property, Plant, and Equipment: Property, Plant, and Equipment are stated at cost. The Company uses the straight-line method in computing depreciation. The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally using the following ranges of asset lives: buildings 20 to 40 years, and equipment 3 to 14 years.
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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets: Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets and any related goodwill, the carrying value is reduced to the estimated fair value. The Company recorded no material impairment charges for long-lived or definite-lived assets in fiscal years 2020, 2019, or 2018.
 
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles: Indefinite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition and the residual of the purchase price is recorded to goodwill. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets in Note E - Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
 
Goodwill
In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines an impairment is more likely than not, the Company is required to perform a quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, no further analysis is required. Alternatively, the Company may elect to proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test.
 
In conducting a qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes actual and projected growth trends for net sales, gross margin and segment profit for each reporting unit, as well as historical performance versus plan and the results of prior quantitative tests. Additionally, the Company assesses factors that may impact the business's financial results such as macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market-related exposures, plans to market for sale all or a portion of the business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, and changes in key personnel.
 
If performed, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its corresponding carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash flow valuations (Level 3), which incorporate assumptions regarding future growth rates, terminal values and discount rates. The estimates and assumptions used consider historical performance and are consistent with the assumptions used in determining future profit plans for each reporting unit, which are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. If the quantitative assessment results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, the results from the quantitative analysis will be relied upon to determine both the existence and amount of goodwill impairment. An impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill in that reporting unit.
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment tests and elected to perform a qualitative assessment. No impairment charges were recorded as a result of the qualitative testing performed during fiscal 2020, as well as fiscal years 2019 and 2018.
 
Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
In conducting the annual impairment test for its indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company concludes this is the case, a quantitative test for impairment must be performed. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform a quantitative test.
 
In conducting the qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes growth rates for historical and projected net sales and the results of prior quantitative tests. Additionally, each operating segment assesses items that may impact the value of their intangible assets or the applicable royalty rates to determine if impairment may be indicated.
 
If performed, the quantitative impairment test compares the fair value and carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is primarily determined on the basis of estimated discounted value using the relief from royalty method (Level 3), which incorporates assumptions regarding future sales projections, discount rates and royalty rates. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Even if not required, the Company may elect to perform the quantitative test in order to gain further assurance in the qualitative assessment.
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company completed its annual indefinite-lived asset impairment tests by performing a qualitative assessment. During fiscal 2019, the Company elected to quantitatively test two indefinite-lived intangible assets and to perform a qualitative assessment for the remaining assets. No impairment charges were recorded as a result of the qualitative and quantitative testing during fiscal years 2020 and 2019. During fiscal 2018, a $17.3 million intangible asset impairment charge was recorded for the CytoSport trademark. No other material impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2018.
 
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Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits: The Company has elected to use the corridor approach to recognize expenses related to its defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. Under the corridor approach, actuarial gains or losses resulting from experience and changes in assumptions are deferred and amortized over future periods. For the defined benefit pension plans, the unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gain or loss exceeds 10.0% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. For the other post-retirement plans, the unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gain or loss exceeds 10.0% of the accumulated pension benefit obligation at the beginning of the year. For plans with active employees, net gains or losses in excess of the corridor are amortized over the average remaining service period of participating employees expected to receive benefits under those plans. For plans with only retiree participants, net gains or losses in excess of the corridor are amortized over the average remaining life of the retirees receiving benefits under those plans.
 
Contingent Liabilities: The Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the ongoing operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. Such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, contract disputes, antitrust regulations, wage and hour laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors or suppliers. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure for claims when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range which constitutes the Company’s best estimate. The Company also discloses the nature of and range of loss for claims against the Company when losses are reasonably possible and material.

Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the current exchange rate as of the date of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are translated at the average monthly exchange rate. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in Shareholders’ Investment.
 
When calculating foreign currency translation, the Company deemed its foreign investments to be permanent in nature and has not provided for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars.
 
Derivatives and Hedging Activity: The Company uses commodity positions to manage its exposure to price fluctuations in those markets. The contracts are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position within Other Current Assets or Accounts Payable. Additional information on hedging activities is presented in Note G - Derivatives and Hedging.
 
Equity Method Investments: The Company has a number of investments in joint ventures where its voting interests are in excess of 20 percent but not greater than 50 percent and for which there are no other indicators of control. The Company accounts for such investments under the equity method of accounting and its underlying share of each investee’s equity is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as part of Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates.
 
The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of its equity investments. If events and circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair value of these assets has occurred and is other than temporary, the Company will record a charge in Equity in Earnings of Affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s investments do not have a readily determinable fair value as none of them are publicly traded. The fair values of the Company’s private equity investments are determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows of each entity. These cash flow estimates include assumptions on growth rates and future currency exchange rates (Level 3). The Company did not record an impairment charge on any of its equity investments in fiscal years 2020, 2019, or 2018. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s equity method investments in Note H - Investments In and Receivables From Affiliates.
 
Revenue Recognition: The Company’s customer contracts predominantly contain a single performance obligation to fulfill customer orders for the purchase of specified products. Revenue from product sales is primarily identified by purchase orders (“contracts”) which in some cases are governed by a master sales agreement. The purchase orders in combination with the invoice typically specify quantity and product(s) ordered, shipping terms, and certain aspects of the transaction price including discounts. Contracts are at standalone pricing or governed by pricing lists or brackets. The Company's revenue is recognized at the point in time when performance obligations have been satisfied, and control of the product has transferred to the customer. This is typically once the shipped product is received or picked up by the customer. Revenues are recognized at the net consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for the goods. The amount of net consideration recognized includes estimates of variable consideration, including costs for trade promotion programs, consumer incentives, and allowances and discounts associated with distressed or potentially unsaleable products.

A majority of the Company’s revenue is short-term in nature with shipments within one year from order date. The Company's payment terms generally range between 7 to 45 days and vary by sales channel and other factors. The Company accounts for shipping and handling costs as contract fulfillment costs and excludes taxes imposed on and collected from customers in revenue producing transactions from the transaction price. The Company does not have significant deferred revenue or unbilled receivable balances as a result of transactions with customers. Costs to obtain contracts with a duration of one year or less are expensed and included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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The Company promotes products through advertising, consumer incentives, and trade promotions. These programs include discounts, slotting fees, coupons, rebates and in-store display incentives. Customer trade promotion and consumer incentive activities are recorded as a reduction to the sale price based on amounts estimated as variable consideration. The Company estimates variable consideration at the expected value method to determine the total consideration which the Company expects to be entitled. Estimated amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Company’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available.

The Company discloses revenue by reportable segment, sales channel and class of similar product in Note P - Segment Reporting.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: The Company estimates the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts based on a combination of factors, including the age of its Accounts Receivable balances, customer history, collection experience and current market factors. Additionally, a specific reserve may be established if the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations.
 
Advertising Expenses: Advertising costs are included in Selling, General, and Administrative and expensed when incurred. Advertising expenses include all media advertising but exclude the costs associated with samples, demonstrations, and market research. Advertising costs for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $123.6 million, $131.1 million, and $151.5 million, respectively.
 
Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company’s shipping and handling expenses are included in Cost of Products Sold on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Research and Development Expenses: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, General, and Administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Research and development expenses incurred for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $31.9 million, $32.5 million, and $33.8 million, respectively.
 
Income Taxes: The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law. Changes in enacted tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.
 
In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. That position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
 
Stock-Based Compensation: The Company records stock-based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. For options subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the vesting period or requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense for grants made to retirement-eligible employees is recognized on the date of grant. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant based on historical experience and revises in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ.
 
Share Repurchases: The Company may purchase shares of its common stock through open market and privately negotiated transactions at prices deemed appropriate by management. The timing and amount of repurchase transactions under the repurchase authorization depend on market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. For additional share repurchases information, see Part II, Item 5 - Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Non-cash investment activities presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows primarily consist of unrealized gains or losses on the Company’s rabbi trust. The noted investments are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Changes in the value of these investments are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as Interest and Investment Income.
 
Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on Net Earnings or Operating Income, other than those related to the adoption of ASU 2017-07, as described within New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted.

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Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted

Fiscal 2020

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The updated guidance requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than twelve months. Recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses will depend on the classification as a finance or operating lease. The update also requires expanded quantitative and qualitative disclosures. Accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The requirements of the new standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted the provisions of this new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal 2020. For transition purposes, the Company elected the package of practical expedients to not reassess prior conclusions related to contracts containing leases, lease classification, and initial direct costs. The Company elected the comparative periods practical expedient, and as a result, the Company did not adjust its comparative period financial information or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. Upon adoption, the Company recognized right-of-use assets of $112.7 million and lease liabilities of $114.1 million in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of October 28, 2019. The new standard did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Fiscal 2019

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This topic converges the guidance within U.S. GAAP and international financial reporting standards and supersedes ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The standard requires companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard provides enhanced disclosures about revenue, guidance for transactions which were not previously addressed, and improves guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The updated guidance is to be applied either retrospectively or by using a cumulative effect adjustment. The Company adopted the provisions of the new standard using the full retrospective method at the beginning of fiscal 2019.
 
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740). The updated guidance requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity asset transfer, other than transfers of inventory, when the transfer occurs. For intra-entity transfers of inventory, the income tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory has been sold to a third party. The updated guidance was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted only within the first interim period of a fiscal year. The guidance is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company adopted the updated provisions at the beginning of fiscal 2019, resulting in a reclassification from prepaid tax assets to deferred tax assets. In addition, due to the impact of the lower tax rate on deferred tax balances resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act), the Company recognized a cumulative effect adjustment to Retained Earnings of $10.5 million in fiscal 2019.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (Topic 715). The updated guidance requires an employer to report the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost in the same line item as other compensation costs. Other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost must be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside income from operations. Additionally, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization. This guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The updated guidance should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of components of net benefit cost and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component of net benefit cost. The Company adopted the updated provisions at the beginning of fiscal 2019. The Company elected to utilize a practical expedient which allows the Company to use historical amounts disclosed in the Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits footnote as an estimation basis for retrospectively applying the requirements to separately report the other components in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Due to the retrospective adoption, the Company reclassified $19.0 million of non-service cost components of net periodic benefit costs from Operating Income to Interest and Investment Income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended October 28, 2018.
 
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (Topic 815). The updated guidance expands an entity’s ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components and reduce complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Entities will apply the amendments to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships that exist on the date of adoption using a modified retrospective approach. The presentation and disclosure requirements apply prospectively. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company early adopted the updated guidance at the beginning of fiscal 2019; therefore, eliminating
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the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. The Company applied the amendment to cash flow hedge relationships existing on the date of adoption using a modified retrospective approach. Presentation and disclosure requirements were applied on a prospective basis. The adoption resulted in an immaterial adjustment from Retained Earnings to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The updated guidance allows entities to reclassify stranded income tax effects resulting from the Tax Act from Accumulated Other comprehensive income to retained earnings in their consolidated financial statements. Under the Tax Act, deferred taxes were adjusted to reflect the reduction of the historical corporate income tax rate to the newly enacted corporate income tax rate, which left the tax effects on items within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss stranded at an inappropriate tax rate. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period and should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act is recognized. The Company early adopted the updated provisions at the beginning of fiscal 2019, resulting in a reclassification of $53.8 million from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Retained Earnings.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements. This amendment makes changes to a variety of topics to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments do not require transition guidance and are effective upon issuance of ASU 2018-09. The amendments effective upon issuance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. A majority of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company early adopted the remaining amendments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (Topic 350). The amendments in the update align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within those fiscal years and is to be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the adoption date. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The Company early adopted the updated provisions on a prospective basis at the beginning of fiscal 2019.

Fiscal 2018

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330). The updated guidance requires that inventory be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance is limited to inventory measured using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods and excludes inventory measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory methods. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The updated guidance was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the updated provisions on a prospective basis at the beginning of fiscal 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718). The update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period, with adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year. Accordingly, the Company adopted the provisions of this new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal 2018. This resulted in the excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies realized upon exercise or vesting of stock-based awards being recorded in its Consolidated Statements of Operations instead of additional paid-in capital within its Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement have been applied prospectively. Excess tax benefits of $40.4 million were recorded as a reduction of income tax expense for the fiscal year ended October 28, 2018. The effective tax rate was reduced by 3.4 percent for the twelve months ended October 28, 2018 as a result of the exercise activity. The Company applied the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows using a retrospective transition method, and as a result, realized windfalls were reclassified from financing activities to operating activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In accordance with ASU 2016-09, the Company has made the accounting policy election to estimate forfeitures and adjust as actual forfeitures occur.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230). The update makes eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted provided all amendments are adopted in the same period. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. The Company early adopted the provisions of
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the new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal 2018 and elected to account for distributions received from equity method investees as cash flows from operating activities using the nature of distribution approach accounting policy. Under the nature of the distribution approach, distributions are classified based on the nature of the activity that generated them. The guidance requires cash received from the settlement of insurance claims to be classified on the basis of the related insurance coverage. Accordingly, the Company classified cash settlements received from insurance claims to the specific type of loss to determine the cash flow classification of the proceeds. The guidance also requires cash proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies to be classified as investing activities. Accordingly, the Company classified the cash proceeds received from corporate-owned life insurance policies as cash flows from investing activities. The adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The update provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act). SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. The Company’s accounting for certain income tax effects are incomplete; however, reasonable estimates have been determined for those tax effects. The Company recognized a measurement-period adjustment during the fiscal year ended October 28, 2018.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). The update provides guidance on the measurement of credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment approach with a methodology to reflect expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to explain credit loss estimates. The updated guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. The Company will adopt the provisions of this new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal 2021 and does not expect adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820). The updated guidance requires entities to disclose changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Amendments in this guidance also require disclosure of transfers into and out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, purchases and issues of Level 3 assets and liabilities, and clarify that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is as of the reporting date. The guidance removes requirements to disclose the amounts and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, policy for timing between of transfers between levels, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. The Company will adopt the provisions of this new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal 2021 and does not expect adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans (Topic 715). The updated guidance requires additional disclosures of weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation. Amendments in the guidance also clarify the requirement to disclose the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and fair value of plan assets for plans with PBOs in excess of plan assets. The same disclosure is needed for the accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) and fair value of plan assets for plans with ABOs in excess of plan assets. The guidance removes certain previous disclosure requirements no longer considered cost beneficial. The amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740). The updated guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions in Topic 740 and clarifying and amending existing guidance. The amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

Recently issued accounting standards or pronouncements not disclosed above have been excluded as they are not relevant to the Company.



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Note B
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions: On March 2, 2020, the Company acquired the assets comprising the Sadler's Smokehouse business (Sadler's) for a final purchase price of $270.8 million. Sadler's is an authentic, pit-smoked meats business based in Henderson, Texas. This acquisition strengthens the Company's foodservice position and provides an opportunity to further extend the Sadler's product line into the retail and deli channels.

The transaction was funded with cash on hand and accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. The Company has completed an allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired utilizing third-party valuation appraisals. See Note D - Goodwill and Intangible Assets for amounts assigned to goodwill and intangible assets.

Operating results for this acquisition have been included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition and are reflected in the Refrigerated Foods segment. Pro forma results are not material for inclusion.
On November 27, 2017, the Company acquired Columbus Manufacturing, Inc. (Columbus), an authentic premium deli meat and salami company, from Arbor Investments for a final purchase price of $857.4 million. The transaction was funded with cash on hand and by borrowing $375.0 million under a term loan facility and $375.0 million under a revolving credit facility.

Columbus specializes in authentic premium deli meat and salami. This acquisition allows the Company to enhance its scale in the deli by broadening its portfolio of products, customers, and consumers.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. The Company completed an allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired utilizing third-party valuation appraisals.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets recognized. The $610.6 million of goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition primarily reflects the value of the potential to expand presence in the deli channel and serve as the catalyst for uniting all of the Company's deli businesses into one customer-facing organization. The goodwill and intangible assets have been allocated to the Refrigerated Foods segment.

Operating results for this acquisition have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition and are reflected in the Refrigerated Foods segment.
Divestiture: On April 15, 2019, the Company completed the sale of CytoSport, Inc. (CytoSport), which includes the Muscle Milk® and Evolve® brands, to PepsiCo, Inc., and received final proceeds of $479.8 million. The divestiture resulted in a pretax gain of $16.5 million recognized in Selling, General, and Administrative expense and a tax benefit of $17.0 million recognized within the Provision for Income Taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

CytoSport's results of operations through the date of divestiture are included within Earnings Before Income Taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are reflected within the Grocery Products and International & Other segments.


Note C
Inventories
Principal components of inventories are: 
(in thousands)October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
Finished Products$546,070 $604,035 
Raw Materials and Work-in-Process318,975 255,474 
Operating Supplies136,547 116,981 
Maintenance Materials and Parts71,170 65,872 
Total$1,072,762 $1,042,362 

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Note D
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill: The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, are:
(in thousands)Grocery
Products		Refrigerated
Foods		Jennie-O
Turkey Store		International
& Other		Total
Reported Balance at October 28, 2018$882,582 $1,406,897 $203,214 $221,423 $2,714,116 
Segment Reclassification(25,209)51,795 (26,586)— — 
Adjusted Balance at October 28, 2018$857,373 $1,458,692 $176,628 $221,423 $2,714,116 
Goodwill Sold(225,072)— — (4,945)(230,017)
Foreign Currency Translation— — — (2,454)(2,454)
Balance at October 27, 2019$632,301 $1,458,692 $176,628 $214,024 $2,481,645 
Goodwill Acquired— 148,313 — — 148,313 
Foreign Currency Translation— — — (17,232)(17,232)
Balance as of October 25, 2020$632,301 $1,607,005 $176,628 $196,793 $2,612,727 

The increase to goodwill during fiscal 2020 is due to the acquisition of Sadler's. The reduction in goodwill during fiscal 2019 is due to the divestiture of CytoSport on April 15, 2019. See Note B - Acquisitions and Divestitures for additional information. Beginning balances for fiscal 2019 have been reclassified to present the current allocation between segments. See Note P - Segment Reporting for additional detail.

Intangible Assets: The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are:
October 25,October 27,
(in thousands)20202019
Brands/Tradenames/Trademarks$953,190 $959,400 
Other Intangibles184 184 
Foreign Currency Translation(6,923)(3,803)
Total$946,452 $955,781 

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are:
October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
GrossWeighted-GrossWeighted-
CarryingAccumulatedAvg LifeCarryingAccumulatedAvg Life
(in thousands)AmountAmortization(in Years)AmountAmortization(in Years)
Customer Lists/Relationships$117,239 $(45,996)12.2$113,739 $(36,744)12.7
Other Intangibles60,631 (4,298)13.86,957 (2,817)6.3
Tradenames/Trademarks10,536 (3,518)4.9— — — 
Foreign Currency Translation— (4,760)— — (3,054)— 
Total
$188,406 $(58,572)12.3$120,696 $(42,615)12.2

The increase in gross carrying amount of other intangibles during fiscal 2020, is related to the acquisition of Sadler's. See Note B - Acquisitions and Divestitures for additional information.

Amortization expense for the last three fiscal years was:
(in thousands) 
2020$14,251 
201911,586 
201812,653 
 
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Estimated annual amortization expense for the five fiscal years after October 25, 2020, is as follows: 
(in thousands) 
2021$16,477 
202216,037 
202315,132 
202413,048 
202511,432 
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Company completed the required annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. In fiscal 2018, an impairment was indicated for the CytoSport trademark in the Grocery Products segment, resulting in a charge of $17.3 million. No other impairment was indicated. Useful lives of intangible assets were also reviewed during this process, with no material changes identified.


Note E
Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements
Long-term Debt consists of: 
(in thousands) October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.800%, Interest Due
   Semi-annually through June 2030 Maturity Date
$1,000,000 $— 
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 4.125%, Interest Due
   Semi-annually through April 2021 Maturity Date
250,000 250,000 
Unamortized Discount on Senior Notes(2,630)— 
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs(7,979)— 
Finance Lease Liabilities(1)
61,030 — 
Other Financing Arrangements3,206 — 
Total1,303,627 250,000 
Less: Current Maturities of Long-term Debt258,691 — 
Long-term Debt - Less Current Maturities$1,044,936 $250,000 
(1) See Note N - Leases for additional information 

On June 11, 2020, the Company issued senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion, due June 11, 2030. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.800% per annum, with interest paid semi-annually in arrears on June 11 and December 11 of each year, commencing December 11, 2020. The notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the applicable redemption price set forth in the prospectus supplement. If a change of control triggering event occurs, the Company must offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

The Company has a $400.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit which matures in June 2021. The unsecured revolving line of credit bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR and a fixed fee is paid for the availability of this credit line. As of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, the Company had no outstanding draws from this line of credit.
 
The Company is required by certain covenants in its debt agreements to maintain specified levels of financial ratios and financial position. At the end of the current fiscal year, the Company was in compliance with all of these covenants.
 
Total interest paid in the last three fiscal years is as follows: 
(in millions) 
2020$14.5 
201919.0 
201825.6 



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Note F
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits
The Company has several defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans covering most employees. Benefits for defined benefit pension plans covering hourly employees are provided based on stated amounts for each year of service, while plan benefits covering salaried employees are based on final average compensation. Total costs associated with the Company’s defined contribution benefit plans in fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $44.5 million, $43.0 million, and $44.2 million, respectively.
 
Certain groups of employees are eligible for post-retirement health or welfare benefits. Benefits for retired employees vary for each group depending on respective retirement dates and applicable plan coverage in effect. Contribution requirements for retired employees are governed by the Retiree Health Care Payment Program and may change each year as the cost to provide coverage is determined.
 
Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans included the following: 
 Pension BenefitsPost-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)202020192018202020192018
Service Cost$35,584 $26,042 $31,612 $770 $690 $980 
Interest Cost53,642 60,385 56,196 9,306 12,016 11,169 
Expected Return on Plan Assets(101,283)(92,492)(99,091)— — — 
Amortization of Prior Service Cost(2,168)(2,795)(2,468)(2,651)(2,675)(3,111)
Recognized Actuarial Loss (Gain)22,383 14,805 18,166 1,045 — 179 
Curtailment (Gain) Charge— 2,825 — — 1,219 — 
Net Periodic Cost$8,158 $8,770 $4,415 $8,470 $11,250 $9,217 

Non-service cost components of net pension and post-retirement benefit cost are presented within Interest and Investment Income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 8-20 years for pension benefits and 4-16 years for post-retirement benefits. The following amounts have not been recognized in net periodic pension cost and are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: 
 Pension BenefitsPost-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)2020201920202019
Unrecognized Prior Service Credit$(2,128)$40 $514 $3,166 
Unrecognized Actuarial Losses(402,289)(429,599)(36,144)(34,266)
 
The following amounts are expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit expense in fiscal 2021: 
(in thousands)Pension
Benefits		Post-
retirement
Benefits
Amortized Prior Service Credit$(1,496)$(669)
Recognized Actuarial Losses22,742 2,020 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, and funded status of the plans as of the October 25, 2020, and the October 27, 2019, measurement dates: 
Pension BenefitsPost-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)2020201920202019
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year$1,616,177 $1,350,903 $290,946 $272,272 
Service Cost35,584 26,042 770 690 
Interest Cost53,642 60,385 9,306 12,016 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss 77,447 241,694 2,362 24,912 
Plan Amendments— 8,086 — — 
Curtailment (Gain) Loss— (513)— 1,839 
Participant Contributions— — 2,344 2,302 
Medicare Part D Subsidy— — 555 662 
Benefits Paid(115,965)(70,420)(20,990)(23,747)
Benefit Obligation at End of Year$1,666,886 $1,616,177 $285,293 $290,946 
 
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Pension BenefitsPost-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)2020201920202019
Change in Plan Assets
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year$1,477,288 $1,313,380 $— $— 
Actual Return on Plan Assets183,647 226,171 — — 
Participant Contributions— — 2,344 2,302 
Employer Contributions8,562 8,157 18,646 21,445 
Benefits Paid(115,965)(70,420)(20,990)(23,747)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year$1,553,532 $1,477,288 $— $— 
Funded Status at End of Year$(113,354)$(138,889)$(285,293)$(290,946)
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, are as follows:
 Pension BenefitsPost-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)2020201920202019
Pension Assets$183,232 $135,915 $— $— 
Employee-related Expenses(9,332)(8,842)(19,669)(20,418)
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits(287,254)(265,962)(265,624)(270,528)
Net Amount Recognized$(113,354)$(138,889)$(285,293)$(290,946)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $1.6 billion as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019. The following table provides information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: 
(in thousands)20202019
Projected Benefit Obligation$296,585 $274,804 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation288,359 269,114 
Fair Value of Plan Assets— — 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows: 
 20202019
Discount Rate3.06 %3.37 %
Rate of Future Compensation Increase (For Plans that Base Benefits on
Final Compensation Level)
4.09 %4.06 %

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs are as follows: 
 202020192018
Discount Rate3.37 %4.55 %3.91 %
Rate of Future Compensation Increase (For Plans
that Base Benefits on Final Compensation Level)
4.06 %3.96 %3.95 %
Expected Long-term Return on Plan Assets
7.00 %7.15 %7.30 %

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on fair value and developed in consultation with outside advisors. A range is determined based on the composition of the asset portfolio, historical long-term rates of return, and estimates of future performance.

For measurement purposes, an 8.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for pre-Medicare and post-Medicare retirees’ coverage is assumed for 2020. The pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rate is assumed to decrease to 5.0% for 2026 and remain steady thereafter.
 
The assumed discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increase, and health care cost trend rate have a significant impact on the amounts reported for the benefit plans. A one-percentage-point change in these rates would have the following effects:
1-Percentage-Point
ExpenseBenefit Obligation
(in thousands)IncreaseDecreaseIncreaseDecrease
Pension Benefits
Discount Rate$(16,062)$22,386 $(214,368)$271,048 
Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets(14,670)14,670 — — 
Rate of Future Compensation Increase5,146 (4,460)12,382 (10,800)
Post-retirement Benefits
Discount Rate$(362)$5,183 $(26,065)$31,217 
Health Care Cost Trend Rate1,061 (911)28,661 (24,573)
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The Company’s funding policy is to make annual contributions of not less than the minimum required by applicable regulations. The Company expects to make contributions of $29.4 million during fiscal 2021 that represent benefit payments for unfunded plans.
 
Benefits expected to be paid over the next ten fiscal years are as follows: 
(in thousands)
Pension Benefits
Post-retirement Benefits
2021$71,674 $19,949 
202274,017 19,825 
202376,706 19,633 
202479,906 19,260 
202583,430 18,722 
2026-2030451,164 83,572 
 
The investment strategy for defined benefit pension plan assets attempts to minimize the long-term cost of pension benefits, reduce the volatility of pension expense, and achieve a healthy funded status for the plans. The Company establishes target allocations in consultation with outside advisors through the use of asset-liability modeling in an effort to match the duration of the plan assets with the duration of the Company’s projected benefit liability.

The actual and target weighted-average asset allocations for the Company’s pension plan assets as of the plan measurement date are as follows: 
20202019
Asset CategoryActual %Target
Range %		Actual %Target
Range %
Fixed Income46.3 
35-60
44.9 
35-60
Global Stocks39.2 
20-55
38.0 
20-55
Private Equity5.4 
0-10
5.7 
0-10
Real Estate5.2 
0-10
5.4 
0-10
Hedge Funds2.4 
0-10
4.8 
0-10
Cash and Cash Equivalents1.5 
—
1.2 —

The following tables show the categories of defined benefit pension plan assets and the level under which fair values were determined pursuant to the provisions of ASC 820. Assets measured at fair value using the net asset value (NAV) per share practical expedient are not required to be classified in the fair value hierarchy. These amounts are provided to permit reconciliation to the total fair value of plan assets.    
Fair Value Measurements as of October 25, 2020
(in thousands)Total
Fair Value		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Plan Assets in Fair Value Hierarchy    
Cash Equivalents(1)
$23,392 $1,294 $22,098 $— 
Private Equity(2)
Domestic43,479 — — 43,479 
International40,359 — — 40,359 
Fixed Income(3)
U.S. Government Issues239,239 158,525 80,714 — 
Municipal Issues15,768 — 15,768 — 
Corporate Issues – Domestic323,070 — 323,070 — 
Corporate Issues – Foreign52,132 — 52,132 — 
Global Stocks - Mutual Funds(4)
151,175 151,175 — — 
Plan Assets in Fair Value Hierarchy$888,614 $310,994 $493,782 $83,838 
Plan Assets at Net Asset Value
Real Estate – Domestic(5)
$81,015 
Global Stocks - Collective Investment Funds(6)
457,713 
Hedge Funds(7)
37,293 
 Fixed Income - Hedge Funds(8)
51,956 
 Fixed Income - Collective Investment Funds(9)
36,941 
Plan Assets at Net Asset Value$664,918 
Total Plan Assets at Fair Value$1,553,532 

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 Fair Value Measurements as of October 27, 2019
(in thousands)Total
Fair Value		Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Plan Assets in Fair Value Hierarchy    
Cash Equivalents(1)
$17,385 $2,445 $14,940 $— 
Private Equity(2)
Domestic49,049 — — 49,049 
International35,852 — — 35,852 
Fixed Income(3)
U.S. Government Issues281,879 277,790 4,089 — 
Municipal Issues20,846 — 20,846 — 
Corporate Issues – Domestic313,719 — 313,719 — 
Corporate Issues – Foreign46,181 — 46,181 — 
Global Stocks - Mutual Funds(4)
156,974 156,974 — — 
Plan Assets in Fair Value Hierarchy$921,885 $437,209 $399,775 $84,901 
Plan Assets at Net Asset Value
Real Estate – Domestic(5)
$79,329 
Global Stocks - Collective Investment Funds(6)
404,971 
Hedge Funds(7)
71,103 
Plan Assets at Net Asset Value$555,403 
Total Plan Assets at Fair Value$1,477,288 
 
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments:
 
(1) Cash Equivalents: These Level 1 and Level 2 investments consist primarily of highly liquid money market mutual funds traded in active markets in addition to highly liquid futures and T-bills with an observable daily settlement price.

(2) Private Equity: These Level 3 investments consist of various collective investment funds, which are managed by a third party, invested in a well-diversified portfolio of equity investments from top performing, high quality firms focused on U.S. and foreign small to mid-markets, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs with a concentration in areas of innovation. Investment strategies include buyouts, growth capital, buildups, and distressed, as well as early stages of company development mainly in the U.S. The fair value of these funds is based on the fair value of the underlying investments.

(3) Fixed Income: The Level 1 investments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investments consist principally of U.S. government securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources and mortgage-backed securities pricing sources, and municipal, domestic, and foreign securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources.

(4) Global Stocks - Mutual Fund: These Level 1 investments include open-ended mutual funds consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at closing price reported on the active market in which the fund is traded. The investment strategy is to obtain long term capital appreciation by focusing on companies generating above average earnings growth and are leading growth businesses in the marketplace. There are no restrictions on redemptions.

(5) Real Estate - Domestic: These investments include ownership in open-ended real estate funds, which manage diversified portfolios of commercial properties within the office, residential, retail, and industrial property sectors. Investment strategies aim to acquire, own, hold, or dispose of investments with the goal of achieving current income and/or capital appreciation. The real estate investments are valued at the NAV of shares held by the Master Trust. Requests to redeem shares are granted on a quarterly basis with either 45 or 90 days advance notice, subject to availability of cash.

(6) Global Stocks - Collective Investment Funds: These investments include commingled funds consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks. The collective investment funds are valued at the NAV of shares held by the Master Trust. The investment strategy is to obtain long term capital appreciation by focusing on companies generating above average earnings growth and are leading growth businesses in the marketplace. All funds are daily liquid with the exception of one that is available on the first business day of the month for subscriptions and withdrawals.

(7) Hedge Funds: These investments are designed to provide diversification to an overall institutional portfolio and, in particular, provide protection against equity market downturns. They are comprised of CTAs/Managed Futures, Global Macro (Discretionary and/or Quant), and Long Volatility/Tail Risk Hedging strategies. The hedge funds are valued at the NAV of shares held by the Master Trust. Requests to redeem shares are granted daily, monthly or quarterly.

(8) Fixed Income - Hedge Funds: These investments target absolute, risk-adjusted returns by taking advantage of price dislocations and inconsistencies within credit markets. Funds are comprised primarily of U.S. and European corporate credit and structured credit. The investments are valued at the NAV of shares held by the Master Trust. Requests to redeem shares are granted on a quarterly basis on the three year fund anniversary with a ninety day notice period.
 
(9) Fixed Income - Collective Investment Funds: These investments include commingled funds consisting of a mix of U.S. government and investment grade corporate bonds. The collective investment funds are valued at NAV of the shares held by the Master Trust. The investment strategy is to achieve an investment return that approximates as closely to the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index over the long term by investing in the securities that comprise the benchmark. There are no restrictions on redemptions.

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:
(in thousands)20202019
Beginning Balance$84,901 $76,257 
Purchases, Issuances, and Settlements (Net)(10,151)(2,894)
Unrealized Gains (Losses)(4,577)1,182 
Realized Gains8,130 9,738 
Interest and Dividend Income5,535 618 
Ending Balance$83,838 $84,901 
 
The Company has commitments totaling $125.0 million for the private equity investments within the pension plans. The unfunded private equity commitment balance for each investment category as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, is as follows: 
(in thousands)20202019
Domestic Equity$203 $363 
International Equity15,919 22,969 
Unfunded Commitment Balance$16,122 $23,332 
 
Funding for future private equity capital calls will come from existing pension plan assets and not from additional cash contributions into the Company’s pension plans.


Note G
Derivatives and Hedging
The Company uses hedging programs to manage price risk associated with commodity purchases. These programs utilize futures and options contracts to manage the Company’s exposure to price fluctuations in the commodities markets. The Company has determined its designated hedging programs to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows generated by the items hedged. Effectiveness testing is performed on a quarterly basis to ascertain a high level of effectiveness for cash flow and fair value hedging programs.

Cash Flow Hedges: The Company designates corn and lean hog futures and options used to offset price fluctuations in the Company’s future direct grain and hog purchases as cash flow hedges. Effective gains or losses related to these cash flow hedges are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and reclassified into earnings, through Cost of Products Sold, in the period or periods in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The Company typically does not hedge its grain exposure beyond the next two upcoming fiscal years and its hog exposure beyond the next fiscal year. 

Fair Value Hedges:  The Company designates the futures it uses to minimize the price risk assumed when fixed forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers as fair value hedges. The intent of the program is to make the forward priced commodities cost nearly the same as cash market purchases at the date of delivery. Changes in the fair value of the futures contracts, along with the gain or loss on the hedged purchase commitment, are marked-to-market through earnings and recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as a Current Asset and Liability, respectively. Effective gains or losses related to these fair value hedges are recognized through Cost of Products Sold in the period or periods in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. 

Other Derivatives:  The Company holds certain futures and options contract positions as part of a merchandising program and to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity markets. The Company has not applied hedge accounting to these positions. Activity related to derivatives not designated as hedges is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Volume: As of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures and options contracts related to its hedging programs: 
Volume
Commodity ContractsOctober 25, 2020October 27, 2019
Corn26.0 million bushels30.4 million bushels
Lean Hogs153.7 million pounds187.3 million pounds
 
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Fair Value of Derivatives: The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, are: 
(in thousands)
Fair Value(1)
Derivatives Designated as HedgesLocation on Consolidated
Statements of Financial Position		October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
 Commodity ContractsOther Current Assets$(1,330)$6,405 
 (1)  Amounts represent the gross fair value of derivative assets and liabilities. The Company nets the derivative assets and liabilities for each of its hedging programs, including cash collateral, when a master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the counterparty to the derivative contract. The amount or timing of cash collateral balances may impact the classification of the derivative in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The gross liability position as of October 25, 2020 is offset by cash collateral of $25.5 million contained within the master netting arrangement. The gross asset position as of October 27, 2019, is offset by cash owed of $4.0 million. See Note L - Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
 
Fair Value Hedge - Assets (Liabilities): The carrying amount of the Company’s fair value hedge assets (liabilities) as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, are: 
Location on Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Carrying Amount(1) of the Hedged Assets/(Liabilities)
(in thousands) October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
Accounts Payable$4,269 $(2,805)
 (1)  Amounts represent the carrying amount of fair value hedged assets and liabilities which are offset by other assets included in master netting arrangements described above.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Impact: As of October 25, 2020, the Company included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, hedging gains of $2.8 million (before tax) relating to its positions. The Company expects to recognize the majority of these gains over the next twelve months.
The effect of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company's derivative instruments for the fiscal years ended October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, are:
 
Gain/(Loss)
Recognized in AOCL(1)
Location on
Consolidated
Statements
of Operations
Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCL into Earnings(1)
(in thousands) Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended
Cash Flow Hedges:October 25, 2020October 27, 2019October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
Commodity Contracts$(38,213)$2,813 Cost of Products Sold$(37,834)$(1,701)

(1) See Note I - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the after-tax impact of these gains or losses on Net Earnings.


Consolidated Statements of Operations Impact: The effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for gains or losses (before tax, in thousands) related to the Company's derivative instruments for the fiscal years ended, are:
Cost of Products Sold
(in thousands)October 25, 2020October 27, 2019October 28, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Operations$7,782,498 $7,612,669 $7,566,227 
Cash Flow Hedges - Commodity Contracts
   Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL$(37,834)$(1,701)$(5,480)
   Amortization of Excluded Component from Options— (2,489)— 
   Gain (Loss) Due to Ineffectiveness— — (177)
Fair Value Hedges - Commodity Contracts
   Gain (Loss) on Commodity Futures(1)
13,192 5,197 3,572 
   Gain (Loss) Due to Ineffectiveness— — (171)
Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings$(24,642)$1,007 $(2,256)

(1) Amounts represent gains or losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the year, which were offset by a corresponding gain or loss on the underlying hedged purchase commitment. Additional gains or losses related to changes in the fair value of open commodity contracts, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged purchase commitment, are also marked-to-market through earnings with no impact on a net basis.

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Note H
Investments In and Receivables From Affiliates
The Company accounts for its majority-owned operations under the consolidation method. Investments in which the Company owns a minority interest and for which there are no other indicators of control, are accounted for under the equity or cost method. These investments, along with any related receivables from affiliates, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as Investments In and Receivables From Affiliates.

Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates consists of:
(in thousands)Segment% OwnedOctober 25, 2020October 27, 2019
MegaMex Foods, LLCGrocery Products
50%
$220,907 $218,592 
Other Joint VenturesInternational & Other
Various (20 – 40%)
87,466 70,565 
Total$308,372 $289,157 
 
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates consists of: 
(in thousands)Segment202020192018
MegaMex Foods, LLCGrocery Products$31,919 $38,676 $52,988 
Other Joint VenturesInternational & Other3,653 525 5,984 
Total$35,572 $39,201 $58,972 
 
Dividends received from affiliates for the fiscal years ended October 25, 2020, October 27, 2019, and October 28, 2018, were $37.5 million, $22.5 million, and $30.0 million, respectively.

The Company recognized a basis difference of $21.3 million associated with the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC, of which $11.9 million is remaining as of October 25, 2020. This difference is being amortized through Equity in Earnings of Affiliates.

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Note I
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are as follows: 
(in thousands)Foreign
Currency
Translation		Pension & Other
Post-retirement Benefits		Deferred Hedging
Gain (Loss)		Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance at October 29, 2017$(6,846)$(242,475)$1,246 $(248,075)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross(38,008)46,430 (8,634)(212)
Tax Effect— (11,244)2,090 (9,154)
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross— 12,766 
(1)
5,480 
(2)
18,246 
Tax Effect— (3,090)(1,213)(4,303)
Net of Tax Amount(38,008)44,862 (2,277)4,577 
Balance at October 28, 2018$(44,854)$(197,613)$(1,031)$(243,498)
Impact of Adoption of ASU:
ASU 2017-12— — (21)
(3)
(21)
ASU 2018-02— (53,778)
(3)
— (53,778)
Adjusted Balance at October 28,2018$(44,854)$(251,391)$(1,052)$(297,297)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross(8,142)(138,356)2,834 (143,664)
Tax Effect— 33,822 (699)33,123 
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross— 9,335 
(1)
1,701 
(2)
11,036 
Tax Effect— (2,287)(411)(2,698)
Net of Tax Amount(8,142)(97,486)3,425 (102,203)
Adjusted Balance at October 27,2019$(52,996)$(348,877)$2,373 $(399,500)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
   Gross(11,164)2,003 (38,213)(47,374)
   Tax Effect— (404)9,324 8,920 
Reclassification into Net Earnings
   Gross— 18,609 
(1)
37,834 
(2)
56,443 
   Tax Effect— (4,510)(9,229)(13,739)
Net of Tax Amount(11,164)15,698 (284)4,250 
Balance at October 25, 2020$(64,161)$(333,178)$2,089 $(395,250)
 
(1)  Included in computation of net periodic cost. See Note F - Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits for additional details.
(2)  Included in Cost of Products Sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(3)  Cumulative effect from the adoption of Accounting Standards Updates. See Note A - Significant Accounting Policies for additional details.


Note J
Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted comprehensive tax legislation into law, H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act). Except for certain provisions, the Tax Act is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. As a fiscal year U.S. taxpayer, the majority of the provisions, such as eliminating the domestic manufacturing deduction, creating new taxes on certain foreign sourced income, and introducing new limitations on certain business deductions, became effective for the Company in fiscal 2019. The global intangible low taxed income (GILTI) and foreign derived intangible income (FDII) provisions became effective for fiscal 2019 and resulted in an immaterial impact to the Company. For fiscal 2018, the most significant impacts included lowering of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, remeasuring certain net deferred tax liabilities, and the transition tax on the deemed repatriation of certain foreign earnings. The phase-in of the lower federal corporate income tax rate resulted in a 21.0 percent tax rate for fiscal 2019 and a blended tax rate of 23.4 percent for fiscal 2018,
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as compared to the pretax reform federal corporate income tax rate of 35.0 percent. The tax rate will continue to be 21.0 percent in subsequent fiscal years.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, which provides guidance for companies related to the Tax Act. ASU 2018-05 allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. The Company made reasonable estimates to record a net tax benefit of $72.9 million during fiscal 2018. This provisional net tax benefit included a benefit of $81.2 million from re-measuring the Company's net U.S. deferred tax liabilities, partially offset by the Company's accrual for the transition tax and other U.S. tax law changes of $8.3 million. The Company completed its provisional tax analysis during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and did not record any significant adjustments to the provisional amounts booked in fiscal 2018.

With respect to the Tax Act provision on GILTI, the Company has elected to treat GILTI as a period cost.

The components of the Provision for Income Taxes are as follows: 
(in thousands)202020192018
Current
U.S. Federal$142,708 $161,233 $134,869 
State13,353 30,774 27,782 
Foreign18,293 9,919 13,492 
Total Current174,354 201,926 176,143 
Deferred
U.S. Federal34,408 27,817 (15,573)
State4,937 1,473 10,975 
Foreign(7,306)(649)(2,843)
Total Deferred32,039 28,641 (7,441)
Total Provision for Income Taxes$206,393 $230,567 $168,702 
 
Deferred Income Taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows: 
(in thousands)October 25, 2020October 27, 2019
Deferred Tax Liabilities  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets$(269,218)$(240,935)
Tax over Book Depreciation and Basis Differences(164,911)(153,104)
Other, net(24,316)(11,844)
Deferred Tax Assets
Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits97,129 105,948 
Employee Compensation Related Liabilities65,024 65,887 
Marketing and Promotional Accruals20,783 15,581 
Other, net62,302 41,893 
Net Deferred Tax (Liabilities) Assets$(213,207)$(176,574)

Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows: 
 202020192018
U.S. Statutory Rate21.0 %21.0 %23.4 %
State Taxes on Income, Net of Federal Tax Benefit1.6 2.5 2.6 
Domestic Production Activities Deduction— — (1.5)
Divestitures— (1.4)— 
Provisional Tax Law Change— — (6.3)
Stock-based Compensation(3.1)(2.2)(3.4)
All Other, net(1.0)(0.8)(0.5)
Effective Tax Rate18.5 %19.1 %14.3 %
 
In fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $17.5 million related to the divestiture of CytoSport.
 
As of October 25, 2020, the Company had $162.0 million of undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company maintains all earnings are permanently reinvested. Accordingly, no additional income taxes have been provided for withholding tax, state tax or other taxes.

Total income taxes paid during fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $169.7 million, $221.4 million, and $147.5 million, respectively.
 
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The following table sets forth changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for fiscal years 2020 and 2019. 
(in thousands)
Balance as of October 28, 2018$33,117 
Tax Positions Related to the Current Period
Increases4,885 
Tax Positions Related to Prior Periods
Increases2,997 
Decreases(9,585)
Settlements(927)
Decreases Related to a Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations(2,661)
Balance as of October 27, 2019$27,826 
Tax Positions Related to the Current Period
Increases3,177 
Tax Positions Related to Prior Periods
Increases8,299 
Decreases(2,549)
Settlements(1,107)
Decreases Related to a Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations(2,404)
Balance as of October 25, 2020$33,242 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, is recorded in Other Long-term Liabilities. If recognized as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, $29.1 million, and $22.5 million, respectively, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense, with losses of $1.9 million and $0.1 million included in expense for fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $7.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively.
 
The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) concluded their examination of fiscal 2018 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company has elected to participate in the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) for fiscal years through 2021. The objective of CAP is to contemporaneously work with the I.R.S. to achieve federal tax compliance and resolve all or most of the issues prior to filing of the tax return. The Company may elect to continue participating in CAP for future tax years; the Company may withdraw from the program at any time.
 
The Company is in various stages of audit by several state taxing authorities on a variety of fiscal years, as far back as 2011. While it is reasonably possible that one or more of these audits may be completed within the next 12 months and the related unrecognized tax benefits may change based on the status of the examinations, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the effect of any amount of such change to previously recorded uncertain tax positions.


Note K
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company issues stock options, restricted stock units, and restricted shares as part of its stock incentive plans for employees and non-employee directors. Stock-based compensation expense for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, was $22.5 million, $19.7 million, and $20.6 million, respectively. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the vesting period or the individual's retirement eligibility date. The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to retirement-eligible individuals is expensed at the time of grant.

At October 25, 2020, there was $23.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense from stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years. During fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, cash received from stock option exercises was $81.8 million, $59.9 million, and $71.8 million, respectively.
Shares issued for option exercises, restricted stock units, and restricted shares may be either authorized but unissued shares or shares of treasury stock. The number of shares available for future grants was 13.7 million at October 25, 2020, 14.9 million at October 27, 2019, and 16.1 million at October 28, 2018.
Stock Options: The Company’s policy is to grant options with the exercise price equal to the market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Options typically vest over four years and expire ten years after the date of the grant.
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Effective with fiscal 2020 grants, the Company has determined the equity award value for eligible employees will be delivered fifty percent in stock options as described above and fifty percent in restricted stock units with a three-year cliff vesting period.

In fiscal 2018, the Company made a one-time grant of 200 stock options to each active, full-time employee and 100 stock options to each active, part-time employee of the Company as of April 30, 2018. The options vest in five years and expire ten years after the grant date.

A reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable (in thousands) as of October 25, 2020, is: 
 SharesWeighted-Average
Exercise Price		Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)		Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Stock Options Outstanding at October 27, 2019
25,994 $26.49 
Granted1,218 45.88 
Exercised(5,865)16.00 
Forfeited (273)36.85 
Expired(1)36.25 
Stock Options Outstanding at October 25, 202021,073 $30.39 5.2$404,936 
Stock Options Exercisable at October 25, 202014,204 $26.06 3.9$334,529 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of options exercised (in thousands) during each of the past three fiscal years, are: 
 Fiscal Year Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 28,
 202020192018
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value$7.71 $9.24 $7.16 
Intrinsic Value of Exercised Options182,821 138,282 187,486 
 
The fair value of each option award is calculated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model utilizing the following weighted-average assumptions:
 Fiscal Year Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 28,
 202020192018
Risk-free Interest Rate1.7 %2.8 %2.7 %
Dividend Yield2.0 %1.9 %2.1 %
Stock Price Volatility19.0 %19.0 %19.0 %
Expected Option Life8 years8 years8 years
 
As part of the annual valuation process, the Company reassesses the appropriateness of the inputs used in the valuation models. The Company establishes the risk-free interest rate using U.S. Treasury yields as of the grant date. The dividend yield is based on the dividend rate approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the stock price on the grant date. The expected volatility assumption is based primarily on historical volatility. As a reasonableness test, implied volatility from exchange traded options is also examined to validate the volatility range obtained from the historical analysis. The expected life assumption is based on an analysis of past exercise behavior by option holders. In performing the valuations for option grants, the Company has not stratified option holders as exercise behavior has historically been consistent across all employees.
 
Restricted Stock Units: Restricted stock units are valued equal to the market price of the common stock on the date of the grant and generally vest after three years. These awards accumulate dividend equivalents, which are provided as additional units and are subject to the same vesting requirements as the underlying grant. A reconciliation of the restricted stock units (in thousands) as of October 25, 2020, is:
 SharesWeighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value		Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)		Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding at October 27, 2019
— $— 
Granted205 45.88 
Dividend Equivalents2 49.49 
Vested(18)45.54 
Forfeited(1)45.54 
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding at October 25, 2020
188 $45.91 2.1$9,306 




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The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted and the total fair value (in thousands) of restricted stock units granted during each of the past three fiscal years, are:
 Fiscal Year Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 28,
 202020192018
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value$45.88 $— $— 
Fair Value of Restricted Stock Units Granted9,383 — — 
Fair Value of Restricted Stock Units Vested$839 $— $— 

Restricted Shares: Restricted shares awarded to non-employee directors annually on February 1 are subject to a restricted period which expires the date of the Company’s next annual stockholders meeting. Newly elected directors receive a prorated award of restricted shares of the Company's common stock, which expires on the date of the Company's second succeeding annual stockholders meeting. A reconciliation of the restricted shares (in thousands) as of October 25, 2020, is: 
 SharesWeighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Restricted Shares Outstanding at October 27, 201951 $42.23 
Granted42 47.29 
Vested(47)42.08 
Restricted Shares Outstanding at October 25, 202045 $47.03 
 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted shares granted, the total fair value (in thousands) of restricted shares granted, and the fair value (in thousands) of shares that have vested during each of the past three fiscal years, are: 
 Fiscal Year Ended
 October 25,October 27,October 28,
 202020192018
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value$47.29 $42.23 $34.08 
Fair Value of Restricted Shares Granted1,973 2,134 1,760 
Fair Value of Restricted Shares Vested$1,974 $1,760 $2,053 


Note L
Fair Value Measurements
Pursuant to the provisions of ASC 820, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements as of October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019, and their level within the fair value hierarchy are presented in the table below.    
 
Fair Value Measurements at October 25, 2020
Total Fair
Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(in thousands)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)
$1,714,309 $1,713,098 $1,211 $— 
      Short-term Marketable Securities(2)
17,338 5,728 11,610 — 
Other Trading Securities(3)
173,114 — 173,114 — 
Commodity Derivatives(4)
10,950 10,950 — — 
Total Assets at Fair Value$1,915,711 $1,729,776 $185,935 $— 
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)
$65,154 $— $65,154 $— 
Total Liabilities at Fair Value$65,154 $— $65,154 $— 
 
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Fair Value Measurements at October 27, 2019
Total Fair
Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(in thousands)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)
$672,901 $672,458 $443 $— 
      Short-term Marketable Securities(2)
14,736 5,186 9,550 — 
Other Trading Securities(3)
157,526 — 157,526 — 
Commodity Derivatives(4)
12,882 12,882 — — 
Total Assets at Fair Value$858,045 $690,526 $167,519 $— 
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)
$62,373 $— $62,373 $— 
Total Liabilities at Fair Value$62,373 $— $62,373 $— 
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities above:
 
(1)    The Company’s cash equivalents considered Level 1 consist primarily of bank deposits, money market funds rated AAA or other highly liquid investment accounts and have a maturity date of three months or less. Cash equivalents considered Level 2 are funds holding agency bonds or securities booked at amortized cost.

(2)    The Company holds securities as part of a portfolio maintained to generate investment income and to provide cash for operations of the Company, if necessary. The portfolio is managed by a third party who is responsible for daily trading activities and all assets within the portfolio are highly liquid. The cash, U.S. government securities and money market funds rated AAA held by the portfolio are classified as Level 1. The current investment portfolio also includes corporate bonds and other asset backed securities for which there is an active, quoted market. Market prices are obtained from a variety of industry providers, large financial institutions and other third-party sources to calculate a representative daily market value, and therefore, these securities are classified as Level 2.

(3)    The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred compensation plans. A majority of the funds held in the rabbi trust relate to the supplemental executive retirement plans and have been invested in fixed income funds managed by a third party. The declared rate on these funds is set based on a formula using the yield of the general account investment portfolio supporting the fund as adjusted for expenses and other charges. The rate is guaranteed for one year at issue and may be reset annually on the policy anniversary, subject to a guaranteed minimum rate. As the value is based on adjusted market rates and the fixed rate is only reset on an annual basis, these funds are classified as Level 2.
Under the deferred compensation plans, participants can defer certain types of compensation and elect to receive a return on the deferred amounts based on the changes in fair value of various investment options. These funds are managed by a third-party insurance policy, the values of which represent their cash surrender value based on the fair value of the underlying investments in the account and include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these policies are classified as Level 2. The Company also offers a fixed rate investment option to participants. The rate earned on these investments is adjusted annually based on a specified percentage of the I.R.S. applicable federal rates. These balances are also classified as Level 2. The funds held in the rabbi trust are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position with investment options generally mirroring those funds held by the rabbi trust. Therefore, these investment balances are classified as Level 2. Securities held by the trust are classified as trading securities. Unrealized gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company's earnings. Securities held by the trust generated gains (losses) of $7.0 million, $8.3 million, and $(0.4) million for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
(4) The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts and options used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn and hogs, and to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. The Company’s futures contracts for corn are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade, while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are active markets with quoted prices available, and these contracts are classified as Level 1. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. The net balance for each program is included in Other Current Assets or Accounts Payable, as appropriate, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As of October 25, 2020, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $12.3 million from various counterparties (including cash of $25.5 million less $13.2 million of realized loss). As of October 27, 2019, the Company had recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $6.5 million from various counterparties (including $10.5 million of realized gains on closed positions offset by cash owed of $4.0 million).

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other liabilities, for which carrying value approximates fair value. The Company does not carry its long-term debt at fair value in its Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The fair value of long-term debt, utilizing discounted cash flows (Level 2), was $1,238.8 million as of October 25, 2020, and $257.7 million as of October 27, 2019. See Note E - Long Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements for additional information.
 
In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value, which are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment). During fiscal 2018, a $17.3 million intangible asset impairment charge was recorded for a CytoSport trademark. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets in Note E - Goodwill and Intangible Assets. During fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018, there were no other material remeasurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition. 

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Note M
Commitments and Contingencies
To ensure a steady supply of hogs and turkeys and keep the cost of products stable, the Company has entered into contracts with producers for the purchase of hogs and turkeys at formula-based prices over periods up to 10 years. The Company has also entered into grow-out contracts with independent farmers to raise turkeys for the Company for periods up to 25 years. Under these arrangements, the Company owns the livestock, feed and other supplies while the independent farmers provide facilities and labor. In addition, the Company has contracted for the purchase of corn, soybean meal, feed ingredients, and other raw materials from independent suppliers for periods up to four years. Under these contracts, the Company is committed to make purchases, assuming current price levels, as follows: 
(in thousands)October 25, 2020
2021$964,165 
2022849,614 
2023577,898 
2024388,917 
2025164,580 
Later Years61,873 
Total$3,007,047 
 
Purchases under these contracts for fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $0.9 billion, $1.0 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.
 
As of October 25, 2020, the Company has $47.5 million of standby letters of credit issued on its behalf. The standby letters of credit are primarily related to the Company’s self-insured workers compensation programs. However, that amount includes revocable standby letters of credit totaling $3.1 million for obligations of an affiliated party that may arise under workers compensation claims. Letters of credit are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
 
The Company is involved in litigation on an ongoing basis arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.


Note N
Leases
The Company has operating leases for manufacturing facilities, office space, warehouses, transportation equipment, and miscellaneous real estate and equipment contracts. Finance leases primarily include turkey growing facilities and an aircraft. The Company's lessor portfolio consists primarily of immaterial operating leases of farmland to third parties.

The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Company combines lease and non-lease components together in determining the minimum lease payments for all leases.

The length of the lease term used in recording right-of-use assets and lease liabilities is based on the contractually required lease term adjusted for any options to renew, early terminate, or purchase the lease that are reasonably certain of being exercised. Most leases include one or more options to renew or terminate. The exercise of lease renewal and termination options is at the Company’s discretion and generally is not reasonably certain at lease commencement. The Company’s lease agreements typically do not contain material residual value guarantees. The Company has one lease with an immaterial residual value guarantee that is included in the minimum lease payments.

Certain lease agreements include rental payment increases over the lease term that can be fixed or variable. Fixed payment increases and variable payment increases based on an index or rate are included in the initial lease liability using the index or rate at commencement date. Variable payment increases not based on an index or rate are recognized as incurred.


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If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company used its periodic incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at commencement date, to determine the present value of future lease payments. For the initial implementation of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) the incremental borrowing rate on October 28, 2019, was used to determine the present value of existing operating right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

Lease information included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are:
(in thousands)Location on Consolidated Statements of
Financial Position		October 25, 2020
Right-of-Use Assets
OperatingOther Assets$53,119 
FinanceNet Property, Plant, and Equipment61,059 
Total Right-of-Use Assets$114,179 
Liabilities
Current
OperatingAccrued Expenses$12,025 
FinanceCurrent Maturities of Long-term Debt8,308 
Noncurrent
OperatingOther Long-term Liabilities43,126 
FinanceLong-term Debt - Less Current Maturities52,722 
Total Lease Liabilities$116,182 

Lease expenses are:
Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)October 25, 2020
Operating Lease Cost (1)
$19,602 
Finance Lease Cost
Amortization of Right-of-Use Assets7,985 
Interest on Lease Liabilities2,304 
Variable Lease Cost (2)
424,955 
Net Lease Cost$454,846 
(1) Includes short-term lease costs, which are immaterial.
(2) ASC 842 - Leases requires disclosure of payments related to agreements with an embedded lease that are not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet. The Company's variable lease costs primarily include inventory related expenses, such as materials, labor, and overhead from manufacturing and service agreements that contain embedded leases. Variability of these costs is determined based on usage or output and may vary for other reasons such as changes in material prices.

The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for lease liabilities included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are:
October 25, 2020
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating Leases7.31 years
Finance Leases8.14 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating Leases2.28 %
Finance Leases3.54 %

Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases for the fifty-two weeks ended October 25, 2020, are:
(in thousands)October 25, 2020
Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities
Operating Cash Flows from Operating Leases$15,412 
Operating Cash Flows from Finance Leases2,304 
Financing Cash Flows from Finance Leases8,189 
Right-of-Use Assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities5,210 


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The maturity of the Company's lease liabilities as of October 25, 2020, are:
(in thousands)Operating Leases
Finance Leases (1)
Total
2021$13,363 $10,327 $23,690 
202210,354 9,934 20,287 
20238,658 9,738 18,396 
20245,835 9,612 15,447 
20253,545 8,117 11,661 
2026 and beyond18,644 21,192 39,836 
Total Lease Payments$60,399 $68,919 $129,318 
Less: Imputed Interest5,247 7,889 13,136 
Present Value of Lease Liabilities$55,152 $61,030 $116,182 
(1) Over the life of the lease contracts, finance lease payments include $8.7 million related to purchase options which are reasonably certain of being exercised.

Noncancelable future operating and capital lease commitments on facilities and equipment at October 27, 2019, were as follows:
(in thousands)OperatingCapital
2020$15,603 $1,834 
202110,470 1,787 
20227,951 1,709 
20236,953 1,709 
20244,840 1,709 
2025 and beyond21,773 13,815 
Total Future Payments$67,590 $22,563 
Less: Interest2,850 
Present Value of Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments$19,713 

The Company expensed $23.1 million and $22.9 million for rent in fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively.


Note O
Earnings Per Share Data
The reported net earnings attributable to the Company were used when computing basic and diluted earnings per share. The following table sets forth the shares used as the denominator for those computations: 
(in thousands)202020192018
Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding538,007 534,578 530,742 
Dilutive Potential Common Shares8,585 10,654 13,127 
Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding546,592 545,232 543,869 
Antidilutive Potential Common Shares1,822 2,801 7,292 



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Note P
Segment Reporting
The Company develops, processes, and distributes a wide array of food products in a variety of markets. The Company reports its results in the following four segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International & Other. At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company aligned all deli businesses, including the Jennie-O Turkey Store deli division, into Hormel Deli Solutions reporting within the Refrigerated Foods segment. In addition, the ingredients business was realigned from the Grocery Products segment to the Refrigerated Foods segment. Periods presented herein have been adjusted to reflect these changes.
 
The Grocery Products segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market, along with the sale of nutritional and private label shelf-stable products to retail, foodservice, and industrial customers. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex joint venture.
 
The Refrigerated Foods segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing and sale of branded and unbranded pork, beef and poultry products for retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers.
 
The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and commercial customers.
 
The International & Other segment includes Hormel Foods International which manufactures, markets and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures and royalty arrangements.
 
Intersegment sales are recorded at prices that approximate cost and are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, or interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and expenses at the corporate level. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as Net Unallocated Expense and Noncontrolling Interest when reconciling to Earnings Before Income Taxes.
 
Sales and operating profits for each of the Company’s reportable segments and reconciliation to Earnings Before Income Taxes are set forth below. The Company is an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations, and sharing of assets. Therefore, the Company does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the profit and other financial information shown below.
 
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Fiscal Year
(in thousands)202020192018
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers
Grocery Products$2,385,291 $2,369,317 $2,480,367 
Refrigerated Foods5,271,061 5,210,741 5,109,881 
Jennie-O Turkey Store1,333,459 1,323,783 1,331,013 
International & Other618,650 593,476 624,439 
Total$9,608,462 $9,497,317 $9,545,700 
Intersegment Sales
Grocery Products$13 $41 $38 
Refrigerated Foods21,067 16,351 8,591 
Jennie-O Turkey Store108,276 123,712 110,753 
International & Other— — — 
Total129,356 140,104 119,382 
Intersegment Elimination
(129,356)(140,104)(119,382)
Total$— $— $— 
Net Sales
Grocery Products$2,385,304 $2,369,358 $2,480,405 
Refrigerated Foods5,292,128 5,227,092 5,118,472 
Jennie-O Turkey Store1,441,735 1,447,495 1,441,766 
International & Other618,650 593,476 624,439 
Intersegment Elimination(129,356)(140,104)(119,382)
Total$9,608,462 $9,497,317 $9,545,700 
Segment Profit
Grocery Products$358,008 $339,497 $353,266 
Refrigerated Foods609,406 681,763 670,948 
Jennie-O Turkey Store105,585 117,962 131,846 
International & Other93,782 75,513 88,953 
Total Segment Profit$1,166,782 $1,214,735 $1,245,013 
Net Unallocated Expense52,307 5,362 64,171 
Noncontrolling Interest272 342 442 
Earnings Before Income Taxes$1,114,747 $1,209,715 $1,181,284 
Assets   
Grocery Products$1,713,883 $1,774,235 $2,172,117 
Refrigerated Foods4,188,250 3,583,639 3,444,646 
Jennie-O Turkey Store1,111,318 1,023,787 1,016,961 
International & Other721,729 692,310 679,003 
Corporate2,173,101 1,035,033 829,565 
Total$9,908,282 $8,109,004 $8,142,292 
Additions to Property, Plant, & Equipment
Grocery Products$34,409 $37,892 $13,042 
Refrigerated Foods249,441 174,506 220,499 
Jennie-O Turkey Store42,042 31,607 131,946 
International & Other3,737 9,248 16,513 
Corporate37,872 40,585 7,607 
Total$367,501 $293,838 $389,607 
Depreciation and Amortization
Grocery Products$32,148 $31,406 $35,210 
Refrigerated Foods97,317 77,100 70,579 
Jennie-O Turkey Store46,322 34,696 33,316 
International & Other16,226 10,666 10,755 
Corporate13,767 11,342 11,998 
Total$205,781 $165,210 $161,858 
 






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Revenue has been disaggregated into the categories below to show how sales channels affect the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. The amount of total revenues contributed by sales channel for the last three fiscal years are:
Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)October 25, 2020October 27, 2019October 28, 2018
U.S. Retail$5,441,412 $4,947,398 $5,112,988 
U.S. Foodservice2,489,644 2,943,352 2,824,951 
U.S. Deli970,327 939,069 914,009 
International707,078 667,498 693,752 
Total$9,608,462 $9,497,317 $9,545,700 

The shift in revenues from the U.S. Foodservice to the U.S. Retail channel in fiscal 2020 was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions.

The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. The amount of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products for the last three fiscal years are: 
Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)October 25, 2020October 27, 2019October 28, 2018
Perishable$5,328,738 $5,370,409 $5,336,046 
Shelf-stable2,092,551 1,829,138 1,765,955 
Poultry1,886,367 1,849,294 1,842,320 
Miscellaneous300,806 448,476 601,379 
Total$9,608,462 $9,497,317 $9,545,700 
 
Perishable includes fresh meats, frozen items, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, guacamole, and bacon (excluding Jennie-O Turkey Store products). Shelf-stable includes canned luncheon meats, nut butters, chilies, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, hash, stews, tortillas, salsas, tortilla chips and other items that do not require refrigeration. The Poultry category is composed primarily of Jennie-O Turkey Store products. The Miscellaneous category primarily consists of nutritional food products and supplements, dessert and drink mixes, and industrial gelatin products. The reduction in the Miscellaneous category during fiscal 2019 and 2020 is due to the divestiture of CytoSport on April 15, 2019.

Revenues from external customers are classified as domestic or foreign based on the destination where title passes. No individual foreign country is material to the consolidated results. Additionally, the Company’s long-lived assets located in foreign countries are not significant. Total revenues attributed to the U.S. and all foreign countries in total for the last three fiscal years are: 
Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)October 25, 2020October 27, 2019October 28, 2018
United States$9,006,007 $8,934,911 $8,957,305 
Foreign602,454 562,406 588,395 
Total$9,608,462 $9,497,317 $9,545,700 
 
In fiscal 2020, sales to Walmart Inc. (Walmart) represented $1.5 billion or 14.6% of the Company’s consolidated revenues (measured as gross sales less returns and allowances). In fiscal 2019, sales to Walmart represented $1.4 billion or 13.5% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. Walmart is a customer for all four segments of the Company.
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Note Q
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
The following tabulations reflect the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019. 
(in thousands, except per share data)Net SalesGross
Profit		Net
Earnings
Net Earnings
Attributable to
Hormel Foods
Corporation(1)
Basic
Earnings
Per Share
Diluted
Earnings
Per Share(2)
2020      
First Quarter$2,384,434 $468,421 $242,953 $242,872 $0.45 $0.45 
Second Quarter2,422,465 477,352 227,615 227,734 0.42 0.42 
Third Quarter2,381,457 422,426 203,260 203,119 0.38 0.37 
Fourth Quarter2,420,105 457,765 234,526 234,356 0.43 0.43 
2019
First Quarter$2,360,355 $488,334 $241,519 $241,425 $0.45 $0.44 
Second Quarter2,344,744 469,149 282,636 282,429 0.53 0.52 
Third Quarter2,290,705 433,442 199,427 199,449 0.37 0.37 
Fourth Quarter2,501,513 493,723 255,566 255,503 0.48 0.47 
 
(1) Excludes net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests.
(2) Quarterly amounts are independently computed and may not add to the annual amounts.

Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report (the Evaluation Date), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance the information we are required to disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission  rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The Company is in the midst of a multi-year transformation project (Project Orion) to achieve better analytics, customer service and process efficiencies through the use of Oracle Cloud Solutions. The initial phase to implement the human resource and payroll process was deployed during the first quarter of fiscal 2020. During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company completed the implementation of the finance phase. Additional phases will continue over the next several years. Emphasis has been on the maintenance of effective internal controls and assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of key control activities throughout development and deployment of each phase.

With the exception of the finance phase implementation described, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company will continue to evaluate additional deployments.

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
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PART III

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Information under “Item 1 – Election of Directors”, “Board Independence”, and information under “Board of Director and Committee Meetings” in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 26, 2021, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Information concerning Executive Officers is set forth in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, pursuant to Instruction to Item 401 of Regulation S-K.
 
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethical Business Conduct in compliance with applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that applies to its principal executive officer, its principal financial officer, and its principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Ethical Business Conduct is available on the Company’s website at www.hormelfoods.com, free of charge, under the caption, “Investors – Governance – Governance Documents.” The Company intends to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this Code of Ethical Business Conduct by posting such information on the Company’s website at the address and location specified above.


Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Information commencing with “Executive Compensation” through "CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure”, and information under “Compensation of Directors” in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 26, 2021, is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Information regarding the Company's equity compensation plans as of October 25, 2020, is shown below:
Plan CategoryNumber of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights		Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance
 under Equity Compensation
 Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
(a)(b)(c)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by
Security Holders		21,072,750$30.3913,741,110
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by
Security Holders		———
Total21,072,750$30.3913,741,110

Information under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 26, 2021, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Information under “Related Party Transactions” and “Board Independence” in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 26, 2021, is incorporated herein by reference.


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Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
Information under “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees” and “Audit Committee Preapproval Policies and Procedures” in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 26, 2021, is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
The following consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2020, are filed as part of this report:
 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position–October 25, 2020, and October 27, 2019.
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations–Fiscal Years Ended October 25, 2020, October 27, 2019, and October 28, 2018.
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income–Fiscal Years Ended October 25, 2020, October 27, 2019, and October 28, 2018.
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Investment–Fiscal Years Ended October 25, 2020, October 27, 2019, and October 28, 2018.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows–Fiscal Years Ended October 25, 2020, October 27, 2019, and October 28, 2018.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Management
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Hormel Foods Corporation required is submitted herewith:
 
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves–Fiscal Years Ended October 25, 2020, October 27, 2019, and October 28, 2018.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES OMITTED
 
All other financial statements and schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.


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HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(In Thousands)
 
  Additions/(Benefits)  
ClassificationBalance at
Beginning
of Period		Charged to Cost and ExpensesCharged to Other Accounts DescribeDeductions-
Describe		Balance at
End of Period
Valuation reserve deduction from assets account:      
Fiscal year ended October 25, 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable		$(63)
(3)
$452 
(1)
$4,063 $339 12 
(4)
(113)
(2)
$4,012 
Fiscal year ended October 27, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable		$121 
(1)
$4,051 $(382)(515)
(2)
$4,063 
Fiscal year ended October 28, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable		$(262)
(5)
$65 
(1)
$4,246 $79 10 
(6)
(43)
(2)
$4,051 
 
(1) Uncollectible accounts written off.

(2) Recoveries on accounts previously written off.

(3) Consolidation of the Applegate reserve.
 
(4)  Increase in the reserve due to the inclusion of Sadler's accounts receivable.
 
(5)  Consolidation of the Fontanini and Columbus reserves.
 
(6)  Increase in the reserve due to the inclusion of Columbus accounts receivable.

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LIST OF EXHIBITS
HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

NUMBERDESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
3.1(1)
3.2(1)
4.1(1)
4.2(1)
4.3(1)
4.4(1)
4.5Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt are not filed. Hormel agrees to furnish copies thereof to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
10.1(1)(3)
10.2(1)(3)
10.3(1)(3)
10.4(1)(3)
10.5(1)(3)
10.6(1)(3)
10.7(1)(3)
10.8(1)(3)
10.9(1)(3)
10.10(1)(3)
10.11(1)(3)
10.12(1)(3)
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NUMBERDESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
10.13(1)(3)
Hormel Foods Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Agreement Under the 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Hormel's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2019, File No. 001-02402.)
99.3(1)
101(2)
The following financial statements from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Investment, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.
104(2)
The cover page from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101).
(1)
Document has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference.
(2)
These exhibits transmitted via EDGAR.
(3)
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Item 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY
 
Not applicable.
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
By:/s/ JAMES P. SNEEDecember 4, 2020
JAMES P. SNEE, Chairman of the Board,Date
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NameDateTitle
/s/ JAMES P. SNEE12/4/2020Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
JAMES P. SNEE Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ JAMES N. SHEEHAN12/4/2020Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
JAMES N. SHEEHAN (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ JANA L. HAYNES12/4/2020Vice President and Controller
JANA L. HAYNES (Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ PRAMA BHATT*12/4/2020Director
PRAMA BHATT
/s/ GARY C. BHOJWANI*12/4/2020Director
GARY C. BHOJWANI  
/s/ TERRELL K. CREWS*12/4/2020Director
TERRELL K. CREWS  
/s/ STEPHEN M. LACY*12/4/2020Director
STEPHEN M. LACY  
/s/ ELSA A. MURANO*12/4/2020Director
ELSA A. MURANO  
/s/ SUSAN K. NESTEGARD*12/4/2020Director
SUSAN K. NESTEGARD  
/s/ WILLIAM A. NEWLANDS*12/4/2020Director
WILLIAM A. NEWLANDS
/s/ DAKOTA A. PIPPINS*12/4/2020Director
DAKOTA A. PIPPINS  
/s/ CHRISTOPHER J. POLICINSKI*12/4/2020Director
CHRISTOPHER J. POLICINSKI  
/s/ JOSE L. PRADO*12/4/2020Director
JOSE L. PRADO  
/s/ SALLY J. SMITH*12/4/2020Director
SALLY J. SMITH  
/s/ STEVEN A. WHITE*12/4/2020Director
STEVEN A. WHITE  
*By: /s/ JANA L. HAYNES12/4/2020 
JANA L. HAYNES  
as Attorney-In-Fact  

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