EX-99 2 a08-5751_1ex99.htm EX-99

Exhibit 99

 

INVESTOR CONTACT:

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kevin Jones

 

Julie Craven

(507) 437-5248

 

(507) 437-5345

kcjones@hormel.com

 

jhcraven@hormel.com

 

HORMEL FOODS REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

 

AUSTIN, Minn. (Feb. 15, 2008) — Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today reported its performance for the fiscal 2008 first quarter.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

·                  Diluted EPS of $.64, up 19 percent from $.54 per share in 2007

·                  Dollar sales of $1.62 billion increased 8 percent from 2007 (up 5 percent excluding acquisitions)

·                  Volume up 5 percent compared to last year (up 3 percent excluding acquisitions)

·                  Operating profit up 25 percent from 2007

·                  Grocery Products operating profit up 10 percent; volume up 6 percent; dollar sales up 10 percent

·                  Refrigerated Foods operating profit up 50 percent; volume up 8 percent (up 3 percent excluding acquisitions); dollar sales up 8 percent (up 3 percent excluding acquisitions)

·                  Jennie-O Turkey Store operating profit up 16 percent; volume up 3 percent; dollar sales up 5 percent

·                  Specialty Foods operating profit up 1 percent; volume down 4 percent; dollar sales up 7 percent

·                  All Other operating profit up 39 percent; volume up 6 percent; dollar sales up 21 percent

 

The company reported fiscal 2008 first quarter net earnings of $88.2 million, up 17 percent from earnings of $75.3 million a year earlier.  Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $.64 this year compared to $.54 per share last year.  Sales totaled $1.62 billion, up from $1.50 billion in fiscal 2007.

 

COMMENTARY

 

“Our team has ample reason to be proud of our results in the first quarter, continuing the momentum we achieved in the last quarter of fiscal 2007,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer. “Our Refrigerated Foods segment led the way, as lower pork input costs combined with increased sales of value-added products generated a significant increase in earnings.  Our Grocery Products segment also delivered higher than expected sales and earnings, aided by strong sales of the SPAM family of products and continued growth of the HORMEL COMPLEATS microwave product line.  We are pleased to have recently announced our decision to build a new $89 million plant in Dubuque, Iowa, scheduled to open in November 2009, to support our HORMEL COMPLEATS microwave tray business.”

 

“Jennie-O Turkey Store overcame higher commodity grain input costs through a combination of recaptured pricing, product mix improvements, and manufacturing efficiencies, to turn in an excellent quarter as well.  Our International segment had another outstanding quarter, posting

 

 

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double-digit increases in dollar sales and profits, primarily attributable to strong export sales of the SPAM family of products and fresh pork,” Ettinger said.  “Finally, the Specialty Foods segment showed strong sales growth but flat earnings, as it sought to offset increased input costs with added contract manufacturing volumes and an improved product mix.”

 

“We expect higher grain input and fuel costs for the balance of the year, which will impact Jennie-O Turkey Store and portions of our Refrigerated Foods business.  However, anticipated lower hog input costs, price advances, and manufacturing efficiencies will help offset these increased costs,” Ettinger continued.  “Our success with adding value to our products and improving the product mix, along with our balanced business model, should allow us to continue to be successful in spite of volatility in the commodity markets.”

 

SEGMENT OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS — FIRST QUARTER

 

Grocery Products (14% of Net Sales, 22% of Total Operating Profit)

 

The Grocery Products segment had a great start to the year with segment profit up 10 percent compared to last year.  Continued growth of the HORMEL COMPLEATS microwave product line was a key driver during the quarter.  Strong sales of the SPAM family of products and HORMEL and STAGG chili also contributed to top and bottom line results for the segment.  Results for the CHI-CHI’S and VALLEY FRESH product lines were down for the quarter compared to last year but additional marketing and promotional support is planned to drive improved results for these brands.

 

Refrigerated Foods (53% of Net Sales, 39% of Total Operating Profit)

 

Operating profit increased 50 percent in the Refrigerated Foods segment compared to the first quarter last year.  Lower pork raw material input costs led to significant margin expansion across the segment’s value-added businesses.  Sales of key value-added products also increased during the quarter.  The Meat Products business unit recorded double-digit sales increases in HORMEL refrigerated entrees and HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE sandwich meats.  The integration of Burke Corporation continues to proceed as planned and was accretive to the first quarter results.

 

Jennie-O Turkey Store (18% of Net Sales, 22% of Total Operating Profit)

 

The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment posted operating profit results 16 percent higher than last year for the first quarter.  The segment was able to overcome higher commodity grain input costs through a combination of higher pricing, product mix improvements, and manufacturing efficiencies.  Value-added revenue grew 5 percent with each of the retail, deli, and foodservice divisions contributing to the increase.  Key products posting strong first quarter results include JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE frozen turkey burgers, JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE marinated tenderloins, and JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE rotisserie deli products.

 

Specialty Foods (12% of Net Sales, 11% of Total Operating Profit)

 

Operating profit in the Specialty Foods segment increased 1 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2007.  Sales and operating profit were higher for the quarter in the Specialty Products business unit behind strong demand for contract manufacturing.  Century Foods International also posted improved profit results due to a favorable product mix shift.  Operating profit was

 

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slightly lower in the Diamond Crystal Brands business unit as a better product mix was unable to completely offset higher input costs.

 

All Other (3% of Net Sales, 6% of Total Operating Profit)

 

The International business unit had another strong quarter with operating profit up 39 percent compared to last year.  Strong export sales of the SPAM family of products, STAGG chili, and fresh pork were key drivers during the quarter.  The profitability of our China operations also improved compared to last year as a result of higher selling prices and a continued emphasis on growing value-added sales.  Equity in earnings of affiliates improved compared to last year due to better results at our Purefoods-Hormel joint venture in the Philippines.

 

Net Interest and Investment Income

 

Net interest and investment income declined for the quarter due primarily to $6.3 million of lower returns on our rabbi trust investment.  Interest expense was slightly higher for the quarter due to higher outstanding short-term debt balances related to the Burke acquisition.

 

OUTLOOK

 

“We are reconfirming our fiscal 2008 guidance range of $2.30-$2.40 per share.  Although we anticipate pressure from higher than expected grain and energy costs, we expect to continue to benefit from lower protein input costs.  The strength of our core businesses, the growth of our value-added products, and the ability of our people to adapt to changes in the business environment should allow us to meet our goals,” Ettinger concluded.

 

DIVIDENDS

 

Effective Feb. 15, 2008, the company will pay its 318th consecutive quarterly dividend.  The annual rate is $.74.

 

CONFERENCE CALL

 

A conference call will be Webcast at 10:00 a.m. CT on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008.  Access is available at www.hormelfoods.com.  If you do not have Internet access and want to listen to the call over the phone, the dial in number is 800-218-0713.  An audio replay is available by calling 800-405-2236 and entering access code 11107655#.  The audio replay will be available beginning at 12:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, through 11:59 p.m. CT on March 1, 2008. The Webcast replay will be available at 12:00 p.m. CT, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, and archived for one year.

 

 

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

 

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. The company leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring quality, value-added brands to the global marketplace. For each of the past nine years, Hormel Foods has been named one of “The Best Big Companies in America” by Forbes magazine. The company enjoys a strong

 

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reputation among consumers, retail grocers and foodservice customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This news release contains forward-looking information based on management’s current views and assumptions.  Actual events may differ materially.  Please refer to the cautionary statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and risk factors that appear on pages 32-35 in the company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended Oct. 28, 2007, which can be accessed at www.hormelfoods.com under “Investors-SEC Filings.”

 

 

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Segment Data
 

Fiscal 2008 First Quarter Segment Operating Results (in Thousands)

 

 

 

FIRST QUARTER — 13 WEEKS ENDED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET SALES

 

January 27, 2008

 

January 28, 2007

 

% Change

 

Grocery Products

 

$

227,415

 

$

206,216

 

10.3

 

Refrigerated Foods

 

857,460

 

797,972

 

7.5

 

Jennie-O Turkey Store

 

291,449

 

276,614

 

5.4

 

Specialty Foods

 

188,787

 

177,079

 

6.6

 

All Other

 

56,054

 

46,202

 

21.3

 

Total

 

$

1,621,165

 

$

1,504,083

 

7.8

 

 

OPERATING PROFIT

 

 

 

Grocery Products

 

$

36,369

 

$

32,984

 

10.3

 

Refrigerated Foods

 

62,806

 

41,942

 

49.7

 

Jennie-O Turkey Store

 

34,804

 

29,971

 

16.1

 

Specialty Foods

 

18,293

 

18,042

 

1.4

 

All Other

 

9,025

 

6,474

 

39.4

 

Total segment operating profit

 

161,297

 

129,413

 

24.6

 

Net interest and investment income

 

(11,658

)

(4,278

)

(172.5

)

General corporate expense

 

(10,328

)

(9,627

)

(7.3

)

Income before tax

 

$

139,311

 

$

115,508

 

20.6

 

 

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HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

 

January 27, 2008

 

January 28, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

1,621,165

 

$

1,504,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

1,219,146

 

1,144,646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT:

 

402,019

 

359,437

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and delivery

 

207,944

 

198,644

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative & general

 

45,475

 

41,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSES:

 

253,419

 

240,554

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of affiliates

 

2,369

 

903

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME:

 

150,969

 

119,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income & expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest & investment income (loss)

 

(4,938

)

2,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(6,720

)

(6,358

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS BEFORE

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES:

 

139,311

 

115,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

51,130

 

40,183

 

(effective tax rate)

 

36.70

%

34.79

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET EARNINGS

 

$

88,181

 

$

75,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

.65

 

$

.55

 

Diluted

 

$

.64

 

$

.54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVG SHARES OUT

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

135,706

 

137,533

 

Diluted

 

137,666

 

139,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED

 

 

 

 

 

PER SHARE

 

$

.185

 

$

.15

 

 

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HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

 

 

January 27, 2008

 

October 28, 2007

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

144,234

 

$

149,749

 

Short-term marketable securities

 

47,799

 

0

 

Accounts receivable

 

345,483

 

366,621

 

Inventories

 

669,594

 

646,968

 

Deferred income taxes

 

52,701

 

52,583

 

Prepaid expenses & other current assets

 

19,546

 

15,804

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

1,279,357

 

1,231,725

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTANGIBLES

 

755,597

 

757,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

428,847

 

437,331

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET

 

967,457

 

966,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

3,431,258

 

$

3,393,650

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

$

582,578

 

$

664,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT — LESS CURRENT MATURITIES

 

350,000

 

350,005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

529,829

 

494,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

1,968,851

 

1,884,783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIAB. & SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

$

3,431,258

 

$

3,393,650

 

 

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HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

 

January 27, 2008

 

January 28, 2007

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

88,181

 

$

75,325

 

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

29,812

 

28,171

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

3,248

 

2,938

 

Equity in earnings of affiliates

 

(2,999

)

(1,136

)

Provision for deferred income taxes

 

(7,885

)

(2,664

)

Loss (Gain) on property/equipment sales and plant facilities

 

529

 

(215

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in accounts receivable

 

21,138

 

19,842

 

Decrease (Increase) in inventories, prepaid expenses, and other current assets

 

9,119

 

(2,144

)

(Increase) Decrease in pension assets

 

(395

)

1,464

 

Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and pension and post-retirement benefits

 

8,658

 

(71,093

)

Other

 

1,107

 

3,984

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

150,513

 

54,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Sale of available-for-sale securities

 

107,409

 

192,800

 

Purchase of available-for-sale securities

 

(155,208

)

(216,624

)

Acquisitions of businesses

 

(1,013

)

(13,020

)

Purchases of property / equipment

 

(31,895

)

(35,593

)

Proceeds from sales of property / equipment

 

698

 

2,200

 

Decrease (Increase) in investments, equity in affiliates, and other assets

 

14,332

 

(25,894

)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(65,677

)

(96,131

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on short-term debt

 

(70,000

)

(2,576

)

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(54

)

(18

)

Dividends paid on common stock

 

(20,346

)

(19,223

)

Share repurchase

 

(14,162

)

0

 

Other

 

14,211

 

5,994

 

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(90,351

)

(15,823

)

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(5,515

)

(57,482

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

149,749

 

172,485

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF QUARTER

 

$

144,234

 

$

115,003

 

 

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