10-K

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

OCTOBER 30, 2011

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011

or

oTRANSITION 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 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 41-0319970 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1 Hormel Place Austin, Minnesota (Address of principal executive offices) 55912-3680 (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 class Common Stock, $.0293 par value Name of each exchange on which registered New 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 x No o

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 o No x

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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T during the preceding 12 months.  Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o No x

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of May 1, 2011 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $4,044,692,392 based on the closing price of $29.41 per share on that date.

As of December 2, 2011, the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock was as follows:

Common Stock, $.0293 Par Value — 264,037,493 shares

Common Stock Non-Voting, $.01 Par Value — 0 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, are incorporated by reference into Part I, Items 1 and 1A and Part II, Items 5-8 and 9A, and included as Exhibit 13.1 filed herewith.

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 31, 2012, are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14.

1

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
	Item 1.	BUSINESS	3
	Item 1A.	RISK FACTORS	9
	Item 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	9
	Item 2.	PROPERTIES	9
	Item 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	11
PART II
	Item 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	12
	Item 6.	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	12
	Item 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	13
	Item 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	13
	Item 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	13
	Item 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	13
	Item 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	13
	Item 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	13
PART III
	Item 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	14
	Item 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	14
	Item 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	14
	Item 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	14
	Item 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES	15
PART IV
	Item 15.	EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	15
SIGNATURES			16

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PART I

Item 1.  BUSINESS

(a)  General Development of Business

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the Company), was founded by George A. Hormel in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota, as George A. Hormel & Company.  The Company started as a processor of meat and food products and continues in this line of business.  The Company name was changed to Hormel Foods Corporation on January 31, 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 the commodity fresh meat business.  The Company has continually expanded its product portfolio through organic growth, new product development, and acquisitions.

Internationally, the Company markets its products through Hormel Foods International Corporation (HFIC), a wholly owned subsidiary.  HFIC has a presence in the international marketplace through joint ventures and placement of personnel in strategic foreign locations such as Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and the Philippines.  HFIC also has a global presence with minority positions in food companies in Mexico (Hormel Alimentos, 50% holding) and the Philippines (Purefoods-Hormel, 40% holding), and in a hog production and processing operation in Vietnam (San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., 49% holding).

On October 26, 2009, the Company completed the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex), a 50 percent owned joint venture which markets Mexican Foods in the United States.  During the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, MegaMex acquired Don Miguel Foods Corp., a leading provider of branded frozen and fresh authentic Mexican appetizers, snacks, and hand-held items.  During the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, MegaMex also acquired Fresherized Foods, which produces Wholly Guacamole®, Wholly Salsa®, and Wholly Queso® products.

The Company has not been involved in any bankruptcy, receivership, or similar proceedings during its history.  Substantially all the assets of the Company have been acquired in the ordinary course of business.

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 2011 fiscal year.

(b)  Segments

The Company’s business is reported in five segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store (JOTS), Specialty Foods, and All Other.  Net sales to unaffiliated customers and operating profit, and the presentation of certain other financial information by segment, are reported in Note O of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Annual Stockholder’s Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, incorporated herein by reference.

(c)  Description of Business

Products and Distribution

The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products.  The meat products are sold fresh, frozen, cured, smoked, cooked, and canned.  The percentages of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products for the last three fiscal years of the Company are as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30, 2011		October 31, 2010		October 25, 2009
Perishable meat	55.1	%	54.3	%	53.9	%
Poultry	19.1		18.7		19.3
Shelf-stable	16.8		17.5		17.3
Other	9.0		9.5		9.5
	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

Reporting of revenues from external customers is based on similarity of products, as the same or similar products are sold across multiple distribution channels such as retail, foodservice, or international.  Revenues reported are based on financial information used to produce the Company’s general-purpose financial statements.

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Perishable meat includes fresh meats, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, wieners, and bacon (excluding JOTS products). The Poultry category is composed primarily of JOTS products.  Shelf-stable includes canned luncheon meats, shelf-stable microwaveable entrees, stews, chilies, hash, meat spreads, flour and corn tortillas, salsas, tortilla chips, and other items that do not require refrigeration.  The Other category primarily consists of nutritional food products and supplements, sugar and sugar substitutes, creamers, salt and pepper products, sauces and salad dressings, dessert and drink mixes, and industrial gelatin products.

Domestically, the Company sells its products in all 50 states.  The Company’s products are sold through its sales personnel, operating in assigned territories coordinated from sales offices located in most of the larger U.S. cities, as well as independent brokers and distributors.  Dedicated sales teams also serve major retail customers and coordinate sales of both Grocery Products and Refrigerated Foods products.  As of October 30, 2011, the Company had approximately 660 sales personnel engaged in selling its products.  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, Canada, China, England, Japan, Mexico, Micronesia, the Philippines, and South Korea.  The distribution of export sales to customers is by common carrier, while the China operations own and operate their own delivery system.  The Company, through HFIC, has licensed companies to manufacture various Company products internationally on a royalty basis, with the primary licensees being Tulip International of Denmark and CJ CheilJedang Corporation of South Korea.

Raw Materials

The Company has, for the past several years, been concentrating on processed branded products for consumers 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.  Although the live pork industry has evolved to large, vertically integrated, year-round operations, and supply contracts have become prevalent in the industry, there is still a seasonal variation in the supply of fresh pork materials.  The Company’s expanding line of processed items has reduced, but not eliminated, the sensitivity of Company results to raw material supply and price fluctuations.

The majority of the hogs harvested by the Company are purchased under supply contracts from producers located principally in Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.  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 movement toward year-round operations, which operate under supply agreements with processors, has resulted in fewer hogs being available on the spot cash market.  The Company, like others in the industry, uses supply contracts to manage the effects of this trend and to ensure a stable supply of raw materials.  The Company has converted the majority of its contracts to market-based formulas to better match input costs with customer pricing, and all contract costs are fully reflected in the Company’s reported financial statements.  In fiscal 2011, the Company purchased 95 percent of its hogs under supply contracts.  The Company also procures a portion of its hogs through farms that it either owns or operates in Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming.

In fiscal 2011, JOTS raised turkeys representing approximately 72 percent of the volume needed to meet its raw material requirements for whole bird and processed turkey products.  Turkeys not sourced within the Company are contracted with independent turkey growers.  JOTS’ turkey-raising farms are located throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Production costs in raising hogs and turkeys are subject primarily to fluctuations in feed grain prices and, to a lesser extent, fuel costs.  To manage this risk, the Company hedges a portion of its anticipated purchases of grain using futures contracts.

Manufacturing

The Company has three plants that harvest hogs for processing.  Quality Pork Processors, Inc. of Dallas, Texas, operates the harvesting facility at Austin, Minnesota, under a custom harvesting arrangement.  The Company has seven turkey harvest and processing operations, and 38 facilities that produce and distribute other manufactured items.  Albert Lea Select Foods, Inc. operates the processing facility at Albert Lea, Minnesota, under a custom manufacturing agreement.  Company products are also custom manufactured by several other companies.  The following are the Company’s larger custom manufacturers: Mrs. Clark’s Foods, Ankeny, Iowa; Steuben Foods, Jamaica, New York; Park 10, Kokomo, Indiana; Wells’ Dairy, Inc., Le Mars, Iowa; Lakeside Packing Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Agropur Division Natrel USA, Maplewood, Minnesota; Reichel Foods, Rochester, Minnesota; Power Packaging, St. Charles, Illinois; Tony Downs, St. James, Minnesota; and Reser’s Fine Foods, Topeka, Kansas.  Exel, Inc., based in Westerville, Ohio, operates distribution centers for the Company in Dayton, Ohio, and Osceola, Iowa.

4

Patents and Trademarks

There are numerous patents and trademarks that are important to the Company’s business.  The Company holds 47 U.S.-issued and six foreign patents.  Most of the trademarks are registered.  Some of the more significant owned or licensed trademarks used by the Company or its affiliates are:

HORMEL, ALWAYS TENDER, AMERICAN CLASSICS, AUSTIN BLUES, BANGKOK PADANG, BLACK LABEL, BREAD READY, BÚFALO, CAFÉ H, CALIFORNIA NATURAL, CHI-CHI’S, COMPLEATS, COUNTRY CROCK, CURE 81, CUREMASTER, DAN’S PRIZE, DI LUSSO, DINTY MOORE, DODGER DOG, DON MIGUEL, DOÑA MARIA, DUBUQUE, EMBASA, FARMER JOHN, FAST ‘N EASY, HERB-OX, HERDEZ, HIBACHI GRILL, HOMELAND, HOUSE OF TSANG, JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE, KID’S KITCHEN, LA VICTORIA, LAYOUT, LITTLE SIZZLERS, LLOYD’S, MAGNIFOODS, MANNY’S, MARRAKESH EXPRESS, MARY KITCHEN, NATURAL CHOICE, NATURASELECT, OLD SMOKEHOUSE, PELOPONNESE, PILLOW PACK, POCO PAC, PREP CHEF, PREMORO, RANGE BRAND, RICO OLE’, ROSA GRANDE, SAAG’S, SANDWICH MAKER, SAUCY BLUES, SPAM, SPAMTASTIC, STAGG, TEZZATA, THICK & EASY, VALLEY FRESH, WHOLLY GUACAMOLE, WHOLLY QUESO, WHOLLY SALSA, and WRANGLERS.

Country Crock® remains a registered trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies and is being used under license.

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 intends to continue using its trademarks, they are renewed indefinitely.

Customers and Backlog Orders

During fiscal year 2011, sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) represented approximately 12.5 percent of the Company’s revenues (measured as gross sales less returns and allowances), compared to 13.0 percent in fiscal 2010.  Wal-Mart is a customer for all five segments of the Company.  The five largest customers in each segment make up approximately the following percentage of segment sales: 45 percent of Grocery Products, 35 percent of Refrigerated Foods, 37 percent of JOTS, 45 percent of Specialty Foods, and 24 percent of All 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.  Backlog orders are not significant due to the perishable nature of a large portion of the products.  Orders are accepted and shipped on a current basis.

Competition

The production and sale of meat and food products in the United States and internationally are 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, and fish.  The Company believes that its largest domestic competitors for its Refrigerated Foods segment in 2011 were Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods; for its Grocery Products segment, ConAgra Foods, General Mills, and Campbell Soup Co.; and for JOTS, Cargill, Inc. and Butterball, LLC.

All segments compete on the basis of price, product quality, brand identification, breadth of product line, and customer service.  Through aggressive marketing and strong quality assurance programs, the Company’s strategy is to provide higher quality products that possess strong brand recognition, which would then support higher value perceptions from customers.

The Company competes using this same strategy in international markets around the world.

Research and Development

Research and development continues to be a vital part of the Company’s strategy to extend existing brands and expand into new branded items.  The expenditures for research and development for fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, were approximately $29.4 million, $27.6 million, and $25.4 million, respectively.   There are 113 employees engaged in full time research and development, 48 in the area of improving existing products and 65 in developing new products.

Employees

As of October 30, 2011, the Company had approximately 19,500 active domestic and foreign employees.

5

(d) Geographic Areas

Financial information about geographic areas, including total revenues attributed to the U.S. and all foreign countries in total for the last three fiscal years of the Company, is reported in Note O of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Annual Stockholder’s Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, incorporated herein by reference.

(e) Available Information

The Company makes available, free of charge on its Web site at www.hormelfoods.com, 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.  These reports are accessible under the caption, “Investors — SEC Filings” on the Company’s Web site and are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The documents noted above are also available in print, free of charge, to any stockholder who requests them.

(f) Executive Officers of the Registrant

				YEAR
				FIRST
		CURRENT OFFICE AND PREVIOUS		ELECTED
NAME	AGE	FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE	DATES	OFFICER
Jeffrey M. Ettinger	53	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer	11/21/06 to Present	1998
Jody H. Feragen	55	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	11/1/10 to Present	2000
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	01/01/07 to 10/31/10
		Vice President (Finance) and Treasurer	10/31/05 to 12/31/06
Steven G. Binder	54	Executive Vice President/President Hormel Business Units	10/31/11 to Present	1998
		Executive Vice President (Refrigerated Foods)	11/01/10 to 10/30/11
		Group Vice President (Refrigerated Foods)	07/30/07 to 10/31/10
		Group Vice President (Foodservice)	10/30/00 to 07/29/07
Ronald W. Fielding	58	Executive Vice President (Corporate Strategy, Planning and Development)	11/01/10 to Present	1997
		Executive Vice President (Grocery Products/ Corporate Development)	04/07/08 to 10/31/10
		Executive Vice President (Grocery Products/ Mergers and Acquisitions)	01/01/07 to 04/06/08
		Group Vice President (Grocery Products)	10/31/05 to 12/31/06
Richard A. Bross	60	Group Vice President/President Hormel Foods International Corporation	10/29/01 to Present	1995
Thomas R. Day	53	Group Vice President (Foodservice)	11/01/10 to Present	2000
		Senior Vice President (Foodservice)	07/30/07 to 10/31/10
		Vice President (Foodservice Sales)	10/30/00 to 07/29/07
Donald H. Kremin	51	Group Vice President (Specialty Foods Group)	10/31/11 to Present	2007
		Vice President (Consumer Product Sales)	10/29/07 to 10/30/11
		Director Wal-Mart Business Team (Consumer Product Sales)	09/05/05 to 10/28/07

6

(f)  Executive Officers of the Registrant-Continued

				YEAR FIRST
		CURRENT OFFICE AND PREVIOUS		ELECTED
NAME	AGE	FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE	DATES	OFFICER
Glenn R. Leitch	51	Group Vice President/President Jennie-O Turkey Store	10/31/11 to Present	2011
		General Manager (JJOTS)	05/30/11 to 10/30/11
		Senior Vice President — Commodity (Supply Chain Division — JJOTS)	04/30/01 to 05/29/11
James M. Splinter	49	Group Vice President (Grocery Products)	11/01/10 to Present	2003
		Vice President (Marketing-Consumer Products- Refrigerated Foods)	06/02/03 to 10/31/10
Robert A. Tegt	60	Group Vice President/President Jennie-O Turkey Store	12/01/08 to Present (retires 12/31/11)	2005
		Group Vice President (Specialty Foods Group)	10/29/07 to 11/30/08
		Vice President (Specialty Foods Group)	01/01/06 to 10/28/07
Michael D. Tolbert	55	Group Vice President (Specialty Foods Group)	12/01/08 to Present (retires 01/27/12)	2004
		Group Vice President/President Jennie-O Turkey Store	10/31/05 to 11/30/08
Larry L. Vorpahl	48	Group Vice President/President Consumer Products Sales	10/31/05 to Present	1999
William F. Snyder	54	Senior Vice President (Supply Chain)	10/31/05 to Present	1999
D. Scott Aakre	47	Vice President (Corporate Innovation and New Product Development)	03/28/11 to Present	2005
		Vice President (Marketing-Grocery Products)	10/31/05 to 03/27/11
Deanna T. Brady	46	Vice President (Foodservice Sales)	07/30/07 to Present	2007
		Regional Sales Manager-West (Foodservice Sales)	06/02/03 to 07/29/07
Mark A. Coffey	49	Vice President (Affiliated Business Units — Refrigerated Foods)	10/31/11 to Present	2011
		Plant Manager (Austin, MN)	09/05/05 to 10/30/11
Patrick J. Connor	42	Vice President/Senior Vice President Consumer Product Sales (Wal-Mart)	10/31/11 to Present	2011
		Director (Customer Development — Central Teams)	10/30/06 to 10/30/11
Julie H. Craven	56	Vice President (Corporate Communications)	08/01/05 to Present	2005
Michael L. Devine	57	Vice President (Grocery Products Operations)	10/27/08 to Present	2008
		Director (Grocery Products Operations Strategy)	09/03/07 to 10/26/08
		Plant Manager (Stockton)	07/29/96 to 09/02/07
Bryan D. Farnsworth	54	Vice President (Quality Management)	08/01/05 to Present	2005
Roland G. Gentzler	57	Vice President (Finance) and Treasurer	01/01/07 to Present	2007
		Assistant Controller and Director of Finance (Refrigerated Foods)	05/01/00 to 12/31/06
Dennis B. Goettsch	58	Vice President (Foodservice Marketing)	10/30/00 to Present	2000

7

(f)  Executive Officers of the Registrant-Continued

				YEAR
				FIRST
		CURRENT OFFICE AND PREVIOUS		ELECTED
NAME	AGE	FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE	DATES	OFFICER
Daniel A. Hartzog	60	Vice President/Senior Vice President Consumer Products Sales	07/26/04 to Present	2000
Brian D. Johnson	51	Vice President and Corporate Secretary	11/22/10 to Present	2007
		Corporate Secretary and Senior Attorney	10/29/07 to 11/21/10
		Assistant Secretary and Senior Attorney	01/31/05 to 10/28/07
David P. Juhlke	52	Vice President (Human Resources)	10/31/05 to Present	2005
Lori J. Marco	44	Vice President (External Affairs) and General Counsel	01/24/11 to Present	2011
		Senior Attorney	01/01/07 to 01/23/11
		Corporate Attorney	06/01/04 to 12/31/06
Phillip L. Minerich, Ph.D.	58	Vice President (Research and Development)	10/31/05 to Present	2005
Kurt F. Mueller	55	Vice President/Senior Vice President Business Planning — Consumer Products Sales	07/26/04 to Present	1999
Douglas R. Reetz	57	Vice President/Senior Vice President Consumer Products Sales	07/26/04 to Present	1999
James R. Schroeder	54	Vice President (Engineering)	04/27/09 to Present	2009
		Manager of Project and Plant Engineering (Corporate Office)	01/11/99 to 04/26/09
Bruce R. Schweitzer	60	Vice President (Refrigerated Foods Operations)/ President PFFJ Farms	11/01/10 to Present	2005
		Vice President (Refrigerated Foods Operations)	10/31/05 to 10/31/10
James N. Sheehan	56	Vice President and Controller	05/01/00 to Present	1999
James P. Snee	44	Vice President/Senior Vice President Hormel Foods International Corporation	10/31/11 to Present	2008
		Vice President (Affiliated Business Units — Refrigerated Foods)	10/27/08 to 10/31/11
		Director (Purchasing)	02/13/06 to 10/26/08
Joe C. Swedberg	56	Vice President (Legislative Affairs)	08/11/08 to Present	1999
		Vice President (Legislative Affairs and Marketing Services)	06/02/03 to 08/10/08
Whitney Velasco-Aznar	42	Vice President (Marketing-Grocery Products) General Mills, Inc. (Marketing Controller, Cereal Partners Worldwide, United Kingdom)	04/11/11 to Present 2007 to 2011	2011
		General Mills, Inc. (Vice President Marketing, Cereal Partners Worldwide, Asia)	2003 to 2007
Steven J. Venenga	39	Vice President (Meat Products Marketing — Refrigerated Foods)	10/31/11 to Present	2011
		Director (Meat Products)	11/01/10 to 10/30/11
		Group Product Manager (Meat Products)	03/07/05 to 10/31/10

No family relationship exists among the executive officers.

Executive officers are elected 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.

8

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Information on the Company’s risk factors included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on pages 27 through 29 of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

Location	Principal Segment (1)	Approximate Area (Square Feet, Unless Noted)	Owned or Leased	Lease Expiration Date
Harvest and Processing Plants
Austin, Minnesota	Refrigerated Foods Grocery Products Specialty Foods All Other	1,352,000	Owned
Barron, Wisconsin	JOTS	392,000	Owned
Faribault, Minnesota	JOTS	173,000	Owned
Fremont, Nebraska	Refrigerated Foods Grocery Products Specialty Foods All Other	700,000	Owned
Melrose, Minnesota	JOTS	134,000	Owned
Vernon, California	Refrigerated Foods	632,000	Owned
	All Other	93,000	Leased	March 2014
Willmar, Minnesota	JOTS	338,000	Owned
Processing Plants
Albert Lea, Minnesota	Refrigerated Foods	78,000	Owned
Algona, Iowa	Refrigerated Foods	153,000	Owned
Alma, Kansas	Refrigerated Foods	66,000	Owned
Aurora, Illinois	Specialty Foods	141,000	Owned
Beijing, China	All Other	95,000	80.0% Owned
Beloit, Wisconsin	Grocery Products Specialty Foods	339,000	Owned
	Grocery Products Specialty Foods	5,000	Leased	Monthly
Bremen, Georgia	Specialty Foods	156,000	Owned
Browerville, Minnesota	Refrigerated Foods	95,000	Owned
Dubuque, Iowa	Grocery Products	342,000	Owned
Duluth, Georgia	Specialty Foods	80,000	Owned
Ft. Dodge, Iowa	Grocery Products	17,000	Owned
Knoxville, Iowa	Refrigerated Foods	130,000	Owned
Lathrop, California	Refrigerated Foods	85,000	Owned
Long Prairie, Minnesota	Refrigerated Foods	86,000	Owned
Mitchellville, Iowa	Specialty Foods	81,000	Owned
Montevideo, Minnesota	JOTS	89,000	Owned
Nevada, Iowa	Refrigerated Foods	139,000	Owned
New Berlin, Wisconsin	Grocery Products	70,000	Leased	February 2016
Osceola, Iowa	Refrigerated Foods	365,000	Owned
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota	JOTS	373,000	Owned
Perrysburg, Ohio	Specialty Foods	183,000	Owned
Quakertown, Pennsylvania	Specialty Foods	10,000	Owned

9

Item 2.  PROPERTIES — Continued

Location	Principal Segment (1)	Approximate Area (Square Feet, Unless Noted)	Owned or Leased	Lease Expiration Date
Processing Plants (continued)
Rochelle, Illinois	Refrigerated Foods Grocery Products Specialty Foods	404,000	Owned
San Leandro, California	Refrigerated Foods	41,000	Leased	November 2021
Savannah, Georgia	Specialty Foods	300,000	Owned
Shanghai, China	All Other	33,000	80.7% Owned
Sparta, Wisconsin	Specialty Foods	385,000	Owned
St. Paul, Minnesota	Refrigerated Foods	58,000	Owned
Stockton, California	Grocery Products Specialty Foods	139,000	Owned
Tucker, Georgia	Grocery Products Refrigerated Foods Specialty Foods	284,000	Owned
Visalia, California	Specialty Foods	107,000	Owned
Wichita, Kansas	Refrigerated Foods	87,000	Owned
Warehouse/Distribution Centers
Austin, Minnesota	Refrigerated Foods Grocery Products	83,000	Owned
Bondurant, Iowa	Specialty Foods	99,000	Owned
Dayton, Ohio	Refrigerated Foods Grocery Products Specialty Foods	140,000	Owned
Eldridge, Iowa	Grocery Products Specialty Foods	424,000	Leased	July 2019
Fresno, California	Refrigerated Foods	25,000	Owned
Nevada, Iowa	Refrigerated Foods	93,000	Owned
Osceola, Iowa	Refrigerated Foods	233,000	Owned
Shanghai, China	All Other	26,000	Leased	June 2016
Stockton, California	Grocery Products	330,000	Leased	December 2014
Tucker, Georgia	Grocery Products Refrigerated Foods Specialty Foods	96,000	Leased	October 2012
Vernon, California	Refrigerated Foods	118,000	Owned
Willmar, Minnesota	JOTS	119,000	Owned
		1,000	Leased	December 2011
Hog Production Facilities
Albin, Wyoming	Refrigerated Foods	458,000	Owned
Corcoran, California	Refrigerated Foods	816,000	Owned
Las Animas, Colorado	Refrigerated Foods	653,000	Owned
Pine Bluffs, Wyoming	Refrigerated Foods	64,000	Owned
Snowflake, Arizona	Refrigerated Foods	1,506,000	Owned
Hatcheries
Barron, Wisconsin	JOTS	29,000	Owned
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota	JOTS	27,000	Owned
Henning, Minnesota	JOTS	21,000	Owned

10

Item 2.  PROPERTIES — Continued

Location	Principal Segment (1)	Approximate Area (Square Feet, Unless Noted)		Owned or Leased	Lease Expiration Date
Feed Mills
Albin, Wyoming	Refrigerated Foods	6,000		Owned
Atwater, Minnesota	JOTS	19,000		Owned
Barron, Wisconsin	JOTS	26,000		Owned
Corcoran, California	Refrigerated Foods	5,000		Owned
Dawson, Minnesota	JOTS	37,000		Owned
Faribault, Minnesota	JOTS	25,000		Owned
Henning, Minnesota	JOTS	5,000		Owned
Northfield, Minnesota	JOTS	17,000		Owned
Perham, Minnesota	JOTS	26,000		Owned
Snowflake, Arizona	Refrigerated Foods	28,000		Owned
Swanville, Minnesota	JOTS	29,000		Owned
Turkey Farms
Minnesota and Wisconsin	JOTS	15,500	(2)	Owned
Research and Development
Austin, Minnesota	All Segments	83,000		Owned
Shanghai, China	All Other	5,000		80.7% Owned
Willmar, Minnesota	JOTS	10,000		Owned
Administrative Offices
Austin, Minnesota	All Segments	259,000		Owned
Beijing, China	All Other	4,000		Leased	May 2012
Gainesville, Georgia	Refrigerated Foods	5,000		Leased	November 2014
Las Animas, Colorado	Refrigerated Foods	4,000		Leased	January 2014
Moorabbin, Australia	All Other	3,000		Leased	September 2013
Savannah, Georgia	Specialty Foods	14,000		Owned
Shanghai, China	All Other	10,000		Leased	September 2012
Taylor, Arizona	Refrigerated	5,000		Leased	January 2015
Spicer, Minnesota	JOTS	14,000		Leased	June 2013
Vernon, California	Refrigerated Foods	17,000		Leased	March 2014
Willmar, Minnesota	JOTS	21,000		Owned

(1)Many of the Company’s properties are not exclusive to any one segment, and a few of the properties are utilized in all five segments.  For locations that support multiple segments, but with a substantial percentage of activity attributable to certain segments, only the principal segments have been listed. 

(2)Acres

The Company believes its operating facilities are well maintained and suitable for current production volumes, and expansion plans are either completed or in process to accommodate all volumes anticipated in the foreseeable future.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings related to the on-going operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company.  At any time, such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, contract disputes, wage and hour laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors, or suppliers.  Resolution of any currently known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

11

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The high and low sales price of the Company’s common stock and the dividends per share declared for each quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively, are shown below:

2011	High		Low		Dividend
First Quarter	$	26.135	$	22.515	$	0.1275
Second Quarter	29.480		24.525		0.1275
Third Quarter	30.500		27.600		0.1275
Fourth Quarter	30.060		25.880		0.1275
2010	High		Low		Dividend
First Quarter	$	19.900	$	18.010	$	0.1050
Second Quarter	21.340		19.125		0.1050
Third Quarter	21.435		19.380		0.1050
Fourth Quarter	22.965		21.145		0.1050

On November 22, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock, which was subsequently approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting on January 31, 2011, and effected on February 1, 2011.  All numbers in the table above reflect the impact of this stock split.

Additional information about dividends, principal market of trade, and number of stockholders on pages 60 and 61 of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.  The Company’s common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since January 16, 1990.

Issuer purchases of equity securities in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 are shown below:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased1	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs2	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs2
August 1, 2011 – September 4, 2011	1,110,084	$	27.75	1,110,000	4,841,200
September 5, 2011 – October 2, 2011	950,085	27.34		950,000	3,891,200
October 3, 2011 – October 30, 2011	559,300	27.73		559,300	3,331,900
Total	2,619,469	$	27.60	2,619,300

1The 169 shares repurchased during the quarter, other than through publicly announced plans or programs, represent purchases for the Company’s employee awards program.

2On May 26, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock with no expiration date.  On November 22, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock.  As part of the Board’s approval of that stock split, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately.  The stock split was approved by shareholders and was subsequently effected on February 1, 2011.  All numbers in the table above reflect the impact of this stock split.

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Selected Financial Data for the five fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, on page 12 of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.

12

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Information in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on pages 13 through 30 of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information on the Company’s exposure to market risk included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on pages 29 and 30 of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated Financial Statements, including unaudited quarterly data, on pages 34 through 59 and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on page 33 of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, are incorporated herein by reference.

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 that 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 that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that 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 that 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

(a)The report entitled “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” on page 31 of the Annual Stockholder’s Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)The report entitled “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 32 of the Annual Stockholder’s Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference.

(c)During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

13

PART III

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information under “Item 1 - Election of Directors” on pages 2 through 5, information under “Board Independence” on page 7, and information under “Board of Director and Committee Meetings” on pages 7 through 9 of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 31, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.

Information concerning Executive Officers is set forth in Part I, Item 1(f) of this Annual Report of Form 10-K, pursuant to Instruction 3 to Paragraph (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K.

Information under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” on page 31 of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 31, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.

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 Web site at www.hormelfoods.com, free of charge, under the caption, “Investors — Corporate Governance.”  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 Web site at the address and location specified above.

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information commencing with “Executive Compensation” on page 14 through “Potential Payments Upon Termination at Fiscal 2011 Year End” on pages 30 and 31, and information under “Compensation of Directors” on pages 10 through 12 of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 31, 2012, 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 30, 2011, is shown below:

Plan Category	Number 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	19,932,015	$	17.89	32,588,098
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	—	—		—
Total	19,932,015	$	17.89	32,588,098

Information under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” on pages 13 and 14 of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 31, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information under “Related Party Transactions” on page 31 and “Board Independence” on page 7 of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 31, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.

14

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information under “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees” and “Audit Committee Preapproval Policies and Procedures” on pages 12 and 13 of the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 31, 2012, is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The response to Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report.

15

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/ JEFFREY M. ETTINGER	December 21, 2011
	JEFFREY M. ETTINGER, Chairman of the	Date
	Board, 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.

Name	Date	Title
/s/ JEFFREY M. ETTINGER	12/21/11	Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
JEFFREY M. ETTINGER
/s/ JODY H. FERAGEN	12/21/11	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Director (Principal Financial Officer)
JODY H. FERAGEN
/s/ JAMES N. SHEEHAN	12/21/11	Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
JAMES N. SHEEHAN
/s/ TERRELL K. CREWS*	12/21/11	Director
TERRELL K. CREWS
/s/ GLENN S. FORBES*	12/21/11	Director
GLENN S. FORBES
/s/ STEPHEN M. LACY*	12/21/11	Director
STEPHEN M. LACY
/s/ SUSAN I. MARVIN*	12/21/11	Director
SUSAN I. MARVIN
/s/ MICHAEL J. MENDES*	12/21/11	Director
MICHAEL J. MENDES
/s/ JOHN L. MORRISON*	12/21/11	Director
JOHN L. MORRISON
/s/ ELSA A. MURANO*	12/21/11	Director
ELSA A. MURANO
/s/ ROBERT C. NAKASONE*	12/21/11	Director
ROBERT C. NAKASONE
/s/ SUSAN K. NESTEGARD*	12/21/11	Director
SUSAN K. NESTEGARD
/s/ DAKOTA A. PIPPINS*	12/21/11	Director
DAKOTA A. PIPPINS
*By: /s/ JAMES N. SHEEHAN	12/21/11
JAMES N. SHEEHAN,
as Attorney-In-Fact

16

F-1

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 15

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

LIST OF EXHIBITS

FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2011

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

Austin, Minnesota

17

F-2

Item 15

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation included in the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, are incorporated herein by reference in Item 8 of Part II of this report:

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position—October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010.

Consolidated Statements of Operations—Fiscal Years Ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010, and October 25, 2009.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Investment—Fiscal Years Ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010, and October 25, 2009.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Fiscal Years Ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010, and October 25, 2009.

Notes to Financial Statements—October 30, 2011.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Hormel Foods Corporation required pursuant to Item 15(c) is submitted herewith:

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves...F-3

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES OMITTED

Condensed parent company financial statements of the registrant are omitted pursuant to Rule 5-04(c) of Article 5 of Regulation S-X.

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

18

F-3

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

(In Thousands)

			Additions/(Benefits)
	Balance at		Charged to			Charged to					Balance at
	Beginning		Costs and			Other Accounts-		Deductions-			End of
Classification	of Period		Expenses			Describe		Describe			Period
Valuation reserve deduction from assets account:
Fiscal year ended October 30, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts								$	233	(1)
receivable	$	4,000	$	(149	)	$	0	(382		)(2)	$	4,000
Fiscal year ended October 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts								$	340	(1)
receivable	$	4,064	$	(307	)	$	0	(583		)(2)	$	4,000
Fiscal year ended October 25, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts								$	1,112	(1)
receivable	$	3,144	$	1,821		$	0	(211		)(2)	$	4,064

Note (1) – Uncollectible accounts written off.

Note (2) – Recoveries on accounts previously written off.

19

LIST OF EXHIBITS

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

NUMBER	DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
3.1(1)	Certificate of Incorporation as amended to date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Hormel’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 30, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
3.2(1)	Bylaws as amended to date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Hormel’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 24, 2010, File No. 001-02402.)
4.1(1)	Indenture dated as of April 1, 2011, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Hormel’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on April 4, 2011, File No. 333-173284.)
4.2(1)	Form of 4.125% Notes due 2021. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 11, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
4.3(1)	Pursuant 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)	Hormel Foods Corporation Operators’ Shares Incentive Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Hormel’s definitive Proxy Statement filed on December 19, 2007, File No. 001-02402.)
10.2(1)(3)	Hormel Foods Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (2007 Restatement). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
10.3(1)(3)	First Amendment of Hormel Foods Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (2007 Restatement). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
10.4(1)(3)	Second Amendment of Hormel Foods Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (2007 Restatement). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
10.5(1)(3)	Third Amendment of Hormel Foods Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (2007 Restatement). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
10.6(1)(3)	Hormel Foods Corporation 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (Amended 1-31-2006). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 31, 2006, File No. 001-02402.)
10.7(1)(3)	Hormel Foods Corporation Executive Deferred Income Plan II (November 21, 2011 Restatement). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
10.8(1)(3)	Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Hormel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2002, File No. 001-02402.)
10.9(1)(3)	Hormel Foods Corporation Nonemployee Director Deferred Stock Plan (Plan Adopted October 4, 1999; Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2008). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Hormel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2008, File No. 001-02402.)
10.10(1)(3)	Hormel Foods Corporation 2009 Nonemployee Director Deferred Stock Plan (Plan Adopted November 24, 2008). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Hormel’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 25, 2009, File No. 001-02402.)
10.11(1)(3)	Hormel Foods Corporation 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 27, 2009, File No. 001-02402.)

20

LIST OF EXHIBITS (CONTINUED)

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

NUMBER	DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
10.12(1)(3)	Hormel Survivor Income Plan for Executives (1993 Restatement). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Hormel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2006, File No. 001-02402.)
10.13(1)	Underwriting Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2011, by and between the Company and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, & Smith Incorporated as representatives of the several underwriters named in Schedule 1 thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 11, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
11.1(1)	Statement re: computation of per share earnings. (Included in Exhibit 13.1 filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011.)
13.1(2)	Pages 12 through 62 of the Annual Stockholders’ Report for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011.
21.1(2)	Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1(2)	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.1(2)	Power of Attorney.
31.1(2)	Certification Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2(2)	Certification Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1(2)	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1(1)	U.S. $300,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of May 25, 2010, between the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders identified on the signature pages thereof. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 25, 2010, File No. 001-02402.)
99.2(1)	First Amendment to U.S. $300,000,000 Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of May 25, 2010, between the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders identified on the signature pages thereof. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Hormel’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 22, 2011, File No. 001-02402.)
101.INS(2)	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH(2)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL(2)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF(2)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB(2)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE(2)	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

(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.

21

EX-13.1

EXHIBIT 13.1

SELECTED PAGES OF 2011 ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ REPORT

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2011		2010	*	2009	*	2008	*	2007	*
Operations
Net Sales	$ 7,895,089		$ 7,220,719		$ 6,533,671		$ 6,754,903		$ 6,193,032
Net Earnings	479,196		399,776		345,978		288,635		303,820
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	474,195		395,587		342,813		285,500		301,892
% of net sales	6.01	%	5.48	%	5.25	%	4.23	%	4.87	%
EBIT(1)	737,283		642,386		533,414		513,661		483,920
% of net sales	9.34	%	8.90	%	8.16	%	7.60	%	7.81	%
EBITDA(2)	861,448		767,977		660,552		639,850		610,658
% of net sales	10.91	%	10.64	%	10.11	%	9.47	%	9.86	%
Return on Invested Capital(3)	16.85	%	14.89	%	14.09	%	13.05	%	13.49	%
Financial Position
Total Assets	4,244,391		4,053,918		3,692,055		3,616,471		3,393,650
Long-term Debt less Current Maturities	250,000		–		350,000		350,000		350,005
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment	2,656,582		2,400,657		2,122,608		2,006,740		1,884,376
Selected Cash Flow Data
Depreciation and Amortization	124,165		125,591		127,138		126,189		126,738
Capital Expenditures	96,911		89,823		96,961		125,890		125,795
Acquisitions of Businesses	7,207		28,104		701		27,225		125,101
Share Repurchase	152,930		69,574		38,147		69,551		86,794
Dividends Paid	129,975		109,374		101,376		95,531		81,092
Common Stock
Basic Shares	266,394		266,732		268,454		270,721		274,431
Diluted Shares	271,915		270,698		270,979		274,256		278,302
Earnings per Share — Basic	1.78		1.48		1.28		1.05		1.10
Earnings per Share — Diluted	1.74		1.46		1.27		1.04		1.08
Dividends per Share	0.51		0.42		0.38		0.37		0.30
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment per Share	10.06		9.03		7.94		7.46		6.94

The Company provides EBIT, EBITDA, and Return on Invested Capital because these measures are useful to investors as indicators of operating strength and performance relative to prior years, and are typically used to benchmark our Company’s performance against other companies in our industry. These measures are calculated as follows:

	2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
(1) EBIT:
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$  474,195		$  395,587		$  342,813		$  285,500		$  301,892
Plus: Income Tax Expense	239,640		224,775		182,169		172,036		167,945
Plus: Interest Expense	22,662		26,589		27,995		28,023		27,707
Less: Interest and Investment (Loss) Income	(786	)	4,565		19,563		(28,102	)	13,624
EBIT	$  737,283		$  642,386		$  533,414		$  513,661		$  483,920
(2) EBITDA:
EBIT per (1) above	$  737,283		$  642,386		$  533,414		$  513,661		$  483,920
Plus: Depreciation and Amortization	124,165		125,591		127,138		126,189		126,738
EBITDA	$  861,448		$  767,977		$  660,552		$  639,850		$  610,658
(3) Return on Invested Capital:
EBIT per (1) above	$  737,283		$  642,386		$  533,414		$  513,661		$  483,920
X (1 — Effective Tax Rate**)	66.43	%	63.77	%	65.30	%	62.40	%	64.25	%
After-tax EBIT	489,771		409,631		348,319		320,522		310,941
Divided by:
Total Debt	250,000		350,000		350,000		450,000		420,054
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment	2,656,582		2,400,657		2,122,608		2,006,740		1,884,376
Total Debt and Shareholders’ Investment	2,906,582		2,750,657		2,472,608		2,456,740		2,304,430
Return on Invested Capital	16.85	%	14.89	%	14.09	%	13.05	%	13.49	%

*Shares and per share figures have been restated to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011

**Excluding earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

12    Hormel Foods Corporation

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Overview

Fiscal 2011: Hormel Foods achieved record sales and earnings during fiscal 2011. Sales grew more than nine percent compared to fiscal 2010, resulting in total sales of $7.9 billion. All five reporting segments contributed to the year-over-year improvement. Earnings for the year were $474.2 million, an increase of 19.9 percent. These results are even more impressive considering the comparisons are based on a 52 week fiscal year in 2011 compared to a 53 week fiscal year in 2010.

Economic conditions during the year required significant pricing actions to keep pace with rising commodity costs. Despite these pressures, sales of our value-added products continued to perform well. Value-added products under key Hormel® and Jennie-O Turkey Store® brands also benefitted from an increased investment in advertising campaigns during the year.

Our Jennie-O Turkey Store segment delivered outstanding results as improved sales of value-added products and higher commodity prices, along with continued efficiencies in operations and its supply chain, drove the earnings growth. Grocery Products performance was mixed for the year. Earnings for this segment declined compared to adjusted earnings(1) in the prior year, as sales growth was unable to counter significant input cost pressures. Our Refrigerated Foods segment had a solid year, as strong pork operating margins and improved value-added sales more than offset higher raw material costs. Specialty Foods saw operating profit decline as pricing actions and improved sales were unable to cover higher raw material costs. Our All Other (International) segment turned in a great year, as strong pork exports led to double-digit growth for sales and earnings.

Our strong financial performance continued to generate substantial cash flows. We increased our investment in the MegaMex Foods joint venture with the addition of the Wholly Guacamole® line of refrigerated dips and related products. We also announced our 46th consecutive year of dividend increases, raising our dividend rate by 17.6 percent for fiscal 2012, and repurchased 5.5 million shares of common stock, spending $152.9 million.

Fiscal 2012 Outlook: We anticipate volatile commodity markets including higher grain costs and lower pork operating margins in fiscal 2012. Despite these challenges, we expect to deliver year-over-year improvements in both sales and earnings, utilizing our balanced portfolio to help weather economic uncertainty. A continuing priority will be our focus on building branded, value-added product lines which allow us to provide consumers with great tasting, convenient, and healthy food options at a good value. Our strong balance sheet and free cash flow will give us the opportunity to build our business through internal expansion or strategic acquisitions.

(1)      Grocery Products adjusted earnings for fiscal 2010 exclude a pretax charge of $9.7 million related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California.

Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company), which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates, on an ongoing basis, its estimates for reasonableness as changes occur in its business environment. The Company bases its estimates on experience, the use of independent third-party specialists, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments, estimates, and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes the following are its critical accounting policies:

Inventory Valuation: The Company values its pork inventories at the lower of cost or USDA market prices (primal values). 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 Intangibles: The Company’s identifiable intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, unless the useful life is determined to be indefinite. The useful life of an identifiable intangible asset is based on an analysis of several factors including: contractual, regulatory, or legal obligations, demand, competition, and industry trends. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment.

Hormel Foods Corporation    13

The Company’s goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. The Company’s reporting units represent operating segments (aggregations of business units that have similar economic characteristics and share the same production facilities, raw materials, and labor force). In conducting the goodwill impairment test, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes that no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.

In conducting the initial 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, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact its business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results. All of the assumptions used in the qualitative assessment require significant judgment.

If required, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. 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. The assumptions used in the estimate of fair value, including future growth rates, terminal values, and discount rates, require significant judgment. 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. The Company reviews product growth patterns, market share information, industry trends, peer group statistics, changes in distribution channels, and economic indicators in determining the estimates and assumptions used to develop cash flow and profit plan assumptions. Additionally, the Company performs sensitivity testing of the profit plan assumptions and discount rate to assess the impact on the fair value for each reporting unit under various circumstances.

If the first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill

impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2011, performance of the quantitative two-step test was not required for any of the Company’s reporting units, and no goodwill impairment charges were recorded.

Impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets also compares the fair value and carrying value of the 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. The assumptions used in the estimate of fair value, including future sales projections and discount rates, require significant judgment. The Company considers historical performance and various Company and industry factors when determining the assumptions to use in estimating the fair value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. No material impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal 2011.

Accrued Promotional Expenses: Accrued promotional expenses are unpaid liabilities for customer promotional programs in process or completed as of the end of the 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 for which the promotional payments relating to such contracts remain unpaid as of the end of the fiscal year. The level of customer performance is a significant estimate used to determine these liabilities.

Employee Benefit Plans: 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, management must make a variety of assumptions and estimates including mortality rates, discount rates, overall Company 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.

14    Hormel Foods Corporation

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. Significant 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 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. 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 on-going 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, 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 that constitutes the Company’s best estimate. These accruals 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 other factors beyond our control.

Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

The Company is a processor of branded and unbranded food products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers. The Company operates in the following five reportable segments:

Segment	Business Conducted
Grocery Products	This segment consists primarily of the pro- cessing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex) joint venture.
Refrigerated Foods	This segment includes the Hormel Refrigerated operating segment and the Affiliated Business Units. This segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork and beef products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers. The Affiliated Business Units include the Farmer John, Burke Corporation, Dan’s Prize, Saag’s Products, Inc., and Precept Foods businesses. Precept Foods, LLC, is a 50.01 percent owned joint venture.
Jennie-O Turkey Store	This segment consists primarily of the pro- cessing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, food- service, and fresh product customers.
Specialty Foods	This segment includes the Diamond Crystal Brands (DCB), Century Foods International (CFI), and Hormel Specialty Products (HSP) operating segments. This segment consists of the packaging and sale of various sugar and sugar substitute products, salt and pepper products, liquid portion products, dessert mixes, ready-to-drink products, sports nutri- tion products, gelatin products, and private label canned meats to retail and foodservice customers. This segment also includes the processing, marketing, and sale of nutritional food products and supplements to hospitals, nursing homes, and other marketers of nutri- tional products.
All Other	This segment includes the Hormel Foods International operating segment, which manufactures, markets, and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures and miscellaneous corporate sales.

Hormel Foods Corporation    15

The Company’s fiscal year consisted of 52 weeks in 2011, 53 weeks in 2010, and 52 weeks in 2009. All comparisons provided throughout this discussion are therefore impacted by the additional week in fiscal 2010.

Additionally, all prior year share and per share figures throughout this discussion have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock, which was effected February 1, 2011.

FISCAL YEARS 2011 AND 2010:

Consolidated Results

Net Earnings: Net earnings attributable to the Company for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 were $117.3 million, a decrease of 3.2 percent compared to earnings of $121.1 million for the same quarter last year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.43 compared to $0.45 for the same quarter last year. Net earnings attributable to the Company for fiscal 2011 increased 15.9 percent to $474.2 million, from $409.0 million adjusted(1) net earnings attributable to the Company in fiscal 2010. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2011 increased 15.2 percent to $1.74 compared to $1.51 adjusted(1) diluted earnings per share last year.

On a U.S. GAAP basis, net earnings attributable to the Company for fiscal 2011 increased 19.9 percent to $474.2 million, from $395.6 million in fiscal 2010. U.S. GAAP diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2011 increased 19.2 percent to $1.74 compared to $1.46 last fiscal year.

Net Sales: Net sales for the fourth quarter increased to $2.10 billion from $2.06 billion in 2010, an increase of 2.0 percent. Net sales for fiscal 2011 increased 9.3 percent to $7.90 billion compared to $7.22 billion in the prior year. Tonnage for the fourth quarter decreased 7.1 percent to 1.24 billion lbs. compared to the prior year at 1.34 billion lbs. Tonnage for the fiscal year increased 0.6 percent to 4.82 billion lbs. from 4.80 billion lbs. in the prior year. Four of the Company’s five reporting segments delivered sales growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, and all five segments improved on a full year basis compared to fiscal 2010. Ongoing media investments to support the Company’s key brands were successful in strengthening value-added sales during the year, particularly for retail products within the Refrigerated Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store (JOTS) segments. Favorable volumes and pricing also generated significant increases in commodity meat sales for JOTS over the prior year. Additionally, strong fresh pork export sales were experienced throughout the fiscal year and further enhanced top-line results. Sales comparisons were also impacted by pricing initiatives, which were taken throughout fiscal 2011 in all segments of the Company in response to higher input costs. However, the higher pricing began to impact tonnage results in the latter half of the year.

The Company expects to continue its strong top-line momentum entering 2012. The current general wellness movement and overall trend toward more nutritious products are expected to contribute to robust sales of Jennie-O Turkey Store® branded items and Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats. Strong sales of Hormel® pepperoni and party tray items are also anticipated as the Company continues to find innovative options for consumer snacking occasions. The Hormel® Compleats® line of microwave meals is expected to benefit from new packaging and advertising that was introduced during fiscal 2011. Following the addition of the Wholly Guacamole® line of refrigerated products, the Company’s broad Mexican foods portfolio should provide yet another platform for growth in the upcoming year.

Gross Profit: Gross profit was $336.0 million and $1.33 billion for the 2011 fourth quarter and fiscal year, respectively, compared to $355.0 million and $1.24 billion last year. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 16.0 percent for the fourth quarter compared to 17.2 percent in fiscal 2010, and decreased to 16.9 percent for the year compared to 17.2 percent in fiscal 2010. Gross profit for fiscal 2010 included a charge of $9.7 million incurred during the second quarter related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh plant. Jennie-O Turkey Store had an outstanding year as value-added sales growth, favorable commodity meat margins, and efficiencies achieved throughout its supply chain and operations were able to offset higher feed costs. Margins on fresh pork exports were also strong for the Company’s international business. In Refrigerated Foods, favorable spreads between hog costs and primal values generated sizable gains in the first half of the fiscal year. However, these margins weakened in the latter half, resulting in lower profits for pork operations in the third and fourth quarters. Meanwhile, pork primal costs and other raw materials remained high throughout the year and reduced margins for the Company’s value-added businesses. Shipping and handling expenses also increased compared to fiscal 2010 across all segments of the Company. Pricing initiatives were able to offset a portion of the higher costs during the year, but margins began to be negatively impacted in the second half of the year.

Entering fiscal 2012, the Company continues to face head-winds from high and volatile raw material costs across all segments of the Company. Higher grain costs will also remain a concern, as well as anticipated declines in pork operating margins compared to fiscal 2011. Strategic and moderate price increases may be pursued as necessary on products most significantly impacted by the elevated input costs. Given current conditions, the Refrigerated Foods and JOTS segments are expected to maintain their positions in fiscal 2012 against historically high results. Year-over-year comparisons are likely to be difficult in the short-term, becoming more favorable in the latter half of the year. Overall the Company’s

(1) See discussion regarding 2010 adjusted net earnings on page 24.

16   Hormel Foods Corporation

balanced business model is still expected to deliver improved profits in the upcoming year, with growth driven by the Grocery Products, Specialty Foods, and All Other segments.

Selling, General and Administrative: Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter and year were $156.7 million and $618.6 million, respectively, compared to $166.5 million and $605.3 million last year. Due to significant sales growth in the current year, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the fourth quarter decreased to 7.4 percent, compared to 8.1 percent of net sales in the prior year. For the fiscal year, these expenses decreased to 7.8 percent from 8.4 percent in fiscal 2010. Higher expense was incurred in fiscal 2011 due to the vesting of options under the Universal Stock Option award granted to all employees in 2007, which occurred during the first quarter. Brokerage, travel, and compensation related expenses also increased for the year compared to fiscal 2010, but were partially offset by reductions in professional service related expenses. The Company also made a larger investment in advertising for its key brands during fiscal 2011. Most notably, Hormel® branded items continued to be supported through the “Life Better Served” campaign throughout the year, and the “Make the Switch” campaign for Jennie-O Turkey Store® turkey burgers was resumed in the summer and fall months. As a percentage of net sales, the Company expects selling, general and administrative expenses to be between 7.5 percent and 8.0 percent in fiscal 2012.

Research and development expenses were $8.2 million and $29.4 million for the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $7.7 million and $27.6 million in 2010. Research and development expenses are again expected to increase during fiscal 2012, as product innovation and ongoing expansion of value-added product lines will continue to be priorities for the Company going forward.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates: Equity in earnings of affiliates was $7.6 million and $26.8 million for the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $4.1 million and $13.1 million last year. Strong results from the Company’s 50 percent owned MegaMex joint venture were the primary driver of the increase for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year, offsetting lower overall results for the Company’s international joint ventures compared to fiscal 2010.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, MegaMex acquired Don Miguel Foods, a leading provider of branded frozen and fresh authentic Mexican appetizers, snacks, and handheld items. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, MegaMex also completed the acquisition of Fresherized Foods. Fresherized Foods produces Wholly Guacamole®, Wholly Salsa®, and Wholly Queso® products. As the Company continues to expand its portfolio of Mexican foods, it anticipates that this joint venture will generate additional growth in equity in earnings of affiliates for fiscal 2012.

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 Statement of Financial Position as investments in and receivables from affiliates. The composition of this line item at October 30, 2011, was as follows:

(in thousands) Country	Investments/Receivables
United States	$205,594
Philippines	65,140
Vietnam	17,442
Mexico	4,796
Japan	2,726
Total	$295,698

Income Taxes: The Company’s effective tax rate for the fourth quarter and year was 34.3 percent and 33.3 percent, respectively, in fiscal 2011 compared to 34.8 percent and 36.0 percent, respectively, for the quarter and year in fiscal 2010. The lower fiscal 2011 rate compared to the prior year primarily reflects favorable discrete items resulting from prior year tax adjustments and settlements with federal and various state tax jurisdictions. Additionally, the higher rate in the prior year reflected a change in the tax treatment of Medicare Part D subsidies, resulting from new health care laws enacted in 2010. The Company expects the effective tax rate in fiscal 2012 to be between 34.5 percent and 35.5 percent.

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 O “Segment Reporting.”)

Hormel Foods Corporation    17

	Fourth Quarter Ended				Year Ended
(in thousands)	October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010	% Change		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010	% Change
Net Sales
Grocery Products	$   282,018	$   287,112	(1.8	)	$1,064,558	$1,040,455	2.3
Refrigerated Foods	1,092,024	1,082,941	0.8		4,189,224	3,818,788	9.7
Jennie-O Turkey Store	408,943	402,048	1.7		1,467,222	1,310,412	12.0
Specialty Foods	232,213	212,017	9.5		835,584	782,958	6.7
All Other	88,700	78,921	12.4		338,501	268,106	26.3
Total	$2,103,898	$2,063,039	2.0		$7,895,089	$7,220,719	9.3
Segment Operating Profit
Grocery Products	$     44,518	$     43,134	3.2		$   162,556	$   155,922	4.3
Refrigerated Foods	69,420	86,065	(19.3	)	292,624	276,315	5.9
Jennie-O Turkey Store	49,561	47,544	4.2		204,940	143,644	42.7
Specialty Foods	22,322	19,886	12.2		76,905	80,727	(4.7	)
All Other	9,770	9,448	3.4		36,250	26,126	38.8
Total segment operating profit	195,591	206,077	(5.1	)	773,275	682,734	13.3
Net interest and investment expense (income)	6,611	4,572	44.6		23,448	22,024	6.5
General corporate expense	9,827	14,889	(34.0	)	35,992	40,348	(10.8	)
Noncontrolling interest	1,186	1,460	(18.8	)	5,001	4,189	19.4
Earnings before income taxes	$   180,339	$   188,076	(4.1	)	$   718,836	$   624,551	15.1

Grocery Products: Grocery Products net sales decreased 1.8 percent for the fourth quarter and increased 2.3 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2010. Tonnage decreased 6.0 percent for the quarter and increased 0.3 percent for the year compared to prior year results. Following gains earlier in the year, sales and tonnage results for Grocery Products were mixed in the fourth quarter, reflecting the impact of pricing initatives taken throughout fiscal 2011. For the year, increased sales of core product lines, including the SPAM® family of products, Hormel® bacon toppings, Hormel® Mary Kitchen® hash, and Dinty Moore® stew, offset declines in other categories such as Hormel® chili and imported canned meats. Although down for the fourth quarter, sales of Mexican food products with the Company’s MegaMex joint venture also benefitted top-line results for fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year. Ongoing advertising support for various brands within the MegaMex portfolio is expected to further enhance results entering 2012.

The introduction of new items and packaging for the Hormel® Compleats® line of microwave meals also began during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Although sales declined in the quarter due to stronger promotional efforts associated with the roll-out, the Company is encouraged with the results to date and expects growth from this product line during the next fiscal year. Introduction of the Compleats® Kids line of microwave meals also took place in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, providing incremental sales and volume for the year.

Segment profit for Grocery Products increased 3.2 percent for the fourth quarter and 4.3 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2010. Segment profit for Grocery Products for fiscal 2011 decreased 1.9 percent compared to adjusted segment profit in the prior year, which excluded a non-recurring

charge of $9.7 million related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh plant incurred during the second quarter (see table below). Higher pork and beef raw material costs negatively impacted margins across the Grocery Products product portfolio throughout fiscal 2011. Declines were most notable in the first half of the year as pricing initiatives lagged cost increases, but profitability improved in the latter half once those initiatives were fully in effect. Favorable equity in earnings results from the MegaMex joint venture have also provided year-over-year growth and offset a portion of the higher input costs incurred. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, MegaMex also completed the acquisition of Fresherized Foods, which produces Wholly Guacamole®, Wholly Salsa®, and Wholly Queso® products. This acquisition is expected to further benefit equity in earnings results in upcoming quarters.

The following table shows the calculation to reconcile from adjusted segment profit to U.S. GAAP segment profit for Grocery Products for fiscal year 2010.

(in thousands)	2010 Adjusted Segment Profit	Valley Fresh Plant Closure	2010 U.S.GAAP Segment Profit
Grocery Products Segment Profit
Year ended October 31, 2010	$165,655	$(9,733)	$155,922

Looking forward, the Company expects to drive volume growth for this segment through continued advertising and promotional support for both its core Grocery Products and MegaMex brands. Pork and beef raw material markets remain high and are expected to be a continued challenge entering fiscal 2012, but should continue to be tempered by the pricing initiatives implemented during fiscal 2011.

18    Hormel Foods Corporation

Refrigerated Foods: Net sales for the Refrigerated Foods segment were up 0.8 percent for the fourth quarter and 9.7 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2010. Tonnage decreased 8.1 percent for the fourth quarter and 0.9 percent for the fiscal year as compared to the prior year. Following three strong quarters, this segment began to experience some top-line softness in the fourth quarter, partially reflecting the impact of fiscal 2011 pricing advances. Gains in the retail business were offset by declines in both foodservice and the Affiliated Business Units. On a full year basis, however, sales gains were reported across all business units within Refrigerated Foods.

Despite a relatively flat fourth quarter overall, the Company was successful in expanding key value-added product lines within this segment during fiscal 2011. The Meat Products business unit had solid performance in the fourth quarter on Hormel® convenience bacon, Hormel® Cure 81® premium hams, and Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats. For the fiscal year, sales of Hormel® party trays and Hormel® retail pepperoni were also strong and the Company continues to see growth from the Hormel® Country Crock® refrigerated side dish business. Although the foodservice trade experienced a challenging year, the Company was also able to maintain sales growth for several of its core foodservice product lines, including Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats, Café H® ethnic meats, and pizza toppings.

Segment profit for Refrigerated Foods decreased 19.3 percent in the fourth quarter and increased 5.9 percent for the year, compared to fiscal 2010. Unusually favorable spreads between hog costs and primal values in the first half of fiscal 2011 generated gains for the Company’s pork operations. However, pork operating margins became significantly weaker in the latter half of the year, particularly in comparison to the historically high margins experienced in the latter half of fiscal 2010, resulting in year-over-year losses in the third and fourth quarters. Additionally, pork primal values remained at an elevated level compared to the prior year, which pressured margins for this segment’s value-added businesses throughout fiscal 2011. Pricing advances were taken throughout the year to help mitigate the higher input costs.

Entering fiscal 2012, the Company expects pork operating margins to be significantly less than what was experienced in the first half of fiscal 2011. To date, hog markets have also remained high and have not experienced the seasonal downward trend traditionally seen in the late summer and fall months. Additional pricing initiatives to mitigate the ongoing high input costs may be considered, but would need to be balanced with the resulting impact on demand. Based on these factors, Refrigerated Foods expects to face very challenging comparisons at least throughout the first half of the upcoming year.

Jennie-O Turkey Store: Jennie-O Turkey Store (JOTS) net sales for the fourth quarter and year increased 1.7 percent and 12.0 percent, respectively, compared to fiscal 2010. Tonnage decreased 10.9 percent for the fourth quarter and increased 0.9 percent for the twelve months, compared to

prior year results. This segment continued to grow its value-added sales during fiscal 2011, with net sales increasing 3.1 percent and 8.8 percent for the fourth quarter and year, respectively. Commodity pricing was also favorable throughout fiscal 2011, which resulted in a significant increase in commodity meat sales for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year. Sales of whole birds declined significantly in the fourth quarter compared to fiscal 2010, reflecting successful efforts to sell the product earlier in the year.

JOTS completed a very strong year in fiscal 2011, with segment profit increasing 4.2 percent for the fourth quarter and 42.7 percent for the year, compared to fiscal 2010. Improved value-added business results and ongoing operational and efficiency gains generated notable profit increases compared to the prior year. Favorable commodity meat margins were also a key driver of the profitability gains throughout fiscal 2011, but year-over-year comparisons in the fourth quarter were not as favorable as earlier in the year. Grain markets remained high and volatile toward the end of the fiscal year, resulting in feed costs for the quarter that were significantly higher than fiscal 2010. Pricing initiatives taken throughout the year and the Company’s hedging programs were able to mitigate a portion of these increased costs.

The Company resumed its “Make the Switch” marketing campaign for JOTS during the latter half of fiscal 2011. This campaign enhanced results during the fourth quarter, with all three of the retail, deli, and foodservice business units reporting growth. Sales of Jennie-O Turkey Store® fresh tray pack items and turkey burgers were particularly strong.

Both JOTS and the turkey industry are well positioned entering 2012, with a good balance between industry sales demand and meat supply. However, higher poult placements in the industry recently are indicating increased production. Input costs for corn and soybean meal also remain a concern as markets increased substantially toward the end of the year, and futures markets remain volatile. The Company’s hedging programs should continue to temper these increases, but positions are not as favorable as they were beginning fiscal 2011. Higher value-added pricing may be pursued where necessary to offset cost increases, but the Company will be monitoring the impact on demand very closely as the new year progresses.

Specialty Foods : Specialty Foods net sales increased 9.5 percent for the fourth quarter and 6.7 percent for the twelve months compared to fiscal 2010. Tonnage decreased 0.6 percent for the quarter and increased 2.9 percent for the twelve months compared to the prior year. All three operating segments within Specialty Foods generated top-line gains for both the 2011 fourth quarter and fiscal year, as the impact of pricing initiatives benefitted sales results for this segment. Items showing the most notable growth included private label canned meats, sugar, blended products, nutritional products, and liquid portion products. Improved sales of these items were able to offset declines in contract packaging and dysphagia and malnutrition products.

Hormel Foods Corporation    19

Specialty Foods segment profit increased 12.2 percent for the fourth quarter and decreased 4.7 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2010. High raw materials costs were a challenge for Specialty Foods throughout fiscal 2011 across all operating segments. Additional pricing advances taken in the third quarter were able to offset these costs and improve margin results during the fourth quarter. Product mix improvements at CFI also provided a significant improvement in profitability late in the year, with increased volumes of nutritional and bulk blended products replacing less profitable toll-based contract manufacturing business.

Efforts taken in fiscal 2011 to gain new customers and expand distribution for this segment have been successful, and will continue to benefit results for Specialty Foods in future quarters. Raw material costs will remain a challenge, and additional pricing initiatives may be considered on certain items where the largest cost increases are anticipated. Additional product mix improvements are also expected going forward, and the Company will look for this segment to provide both sales and earnings growth during fiscal 2012.

All Other: All Other net sales increased 12.4 percent for the fourth quarter and 26.3 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2010. Strong fresh pork export sales have driven the top-line results for both the quarter and fiscal year for this segment. Sales of the SPAM® family of products declined for the fourth quarter, but provided a significant sales increase on a full year basis compared to fiscal 2010.

All Other segment profit increased 3.4 percent and 38.8 percent for the fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to fiscal 2010. The increased export volumes noted above were able to offset lower product margins due to the ongoing high raw material costs experienced during fiscal 2011. Although equity in earnings results for our international joint venture operations declined for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year, favorable currency rates and profit improvements from the Company’s China operations were able to cover these declines and contributed to improved overall profitability for the segment.

Our international business is entering 2012 with good momentum. Export markets are expected to remain strong in the near term. Raw material costs remain high, but pricing initiatives taken in fiscal 2011 should help to moderate the impact on margins in upcoming quarters.

Unallocated Income and Expenses: The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating 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.

Net interest and investment expense (income) for the fourth quarter and fiscal year was a net expense of $6.6 million and $23.4 million, respectively, compared to a net expense of $4.6 million and $22.0 million for the comparable periods of fiscal 2010. The increased expense primarily reflects lower investment returns on the Company’s rabbi trust for supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, as well as additional amortization related to the Company’s affordable housing investments during fiscal 2011. Interest expense was $22.7 million for fiscal 2011, decreasing from $26.6 million in fiscal 2010, due to a lower overall long-term debt balance and a lower interest rate for the current year. The only debt balance outstanding at the end of fiscal 2011 relates to the Company’s $250.0 million senior notes which mature in 2021. The Company expects interest expense to be approximately $12.0 to $15.0 million for fiscal 2012 as the reduced debt balance and lower interest rate for the full fiscal year will provide an additional reduction.

General corporate expense for the fourth quarter and year was $9.8 million and $36.0 million, respectively, compared to $14.9 million and $40.3 million for the prior year quarter and twelve months. The lower expense for both the fourth quarter and year reflects a decrease in the lower of cost or market inventory reserve, which was partially offset by higher pension, insurance, and other compensation related expenses compared to the prior year.

Net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests were $1.2 million and $5.0 million for the 2011 fourth quarter and fiscal year, respectively, compared to $1.5 million and $4.2 million for the comparable periods of fiscal 2010. Despite a decline in the fourth quarter, results for the Company’s Precept Foods business increased for fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year. Improved results for the Company’s China operations also contributed to the increase versus fiscal 2010.

FISCAL YEARS 2010 AND 2009:

Consolidated Results

Net Earnings: Net earnings attributable to the Company for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 were $121.1 million, an increase of 16.6 percent compared to earnings of $103.9 million for the same quarter in fiscal 2009. Diluted earnings per share were $0.45 compared to $0.38 for the same quarter in fiscal 2009. On a U.S. GAAP basis, net earnings attributable to the Company for fiscal 2010 increased 15.4 percent to $395.6 million, from $342.8 million in fiscal 2009. U.S. GAAP diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2010 increased 15.0 percent to $1.46 compared to $1.27 in fiscal 2009. Adjusted(1) net earnings attributable to the Company for fiscal 2010 increased 19.3 percent to $409.0 million, from $342.8 million in fiscal 2009. Adjusted(1) diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2010 increased 18.9 percent to $1.51 compared to $1.27 in fiscal 2009.

(1) See discussion regarding 2010 adjusted net earnings on page 24.

20Hormel Foods Corporation

Net Sales: Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 increased to $2.06 billion from $1.68 billion in fiscal 2009, an increase of 23.2 percent. Net sales for the twelve months of fiscal 2010 increased 10.5 percent to $7.22 billion compared to $6.53 billion in fiscal 2009. Tonnage for the fourth quarter increased 13.8 percent to 1.34 billion lbs. compared to 1.18 billion lbs. in fiscal 2009. Tonnage for the fiscal year 2010 increased 5.2 percent to 4.80 billion lbs. from 4.56 billion lbs. in fiscal 2009. Following top-line declines in fiscal 2009, sales momentum was restored during fiscal 2010, with all five segments reporting significant gains for both the fourth quarter and full year. The Company’s branded, value-added product portfolios showed particular strength in the latter half of fiscal 2010, attributable to successful new item introductions, distribution gains on key product lines, and substantial investments in advertising to support both the Hormel® and Jennie-O Turkey Store® brands. Sales from the Company’s MegaMex joint venture and the Country Crock® side dish acquisition also benefitted top-line results compared to fiscal 2009.

Gross Profit: Gross profit was $355.0 million and $1.24 billion for the 2010 fourth quarter and fiscal year, respectively, compared to $304.2 million and $1.10 billion in fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 17.2 percent for the 2010 fourth quarter compared to 18.2 percent in fiscal 2009, and increased to 17.2 percent for the year compared to 16.8 percent in fiscal 2009. Gross profit for fiscal 2010 includes a charge of $9.7 million incurred during the second quarter related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh plant. Jennie-O Turkey Store experienced the most significant margin gains over fiscal 2009, generated by efficiencies throughout its supply chain and operational improvements across the business. Lower feed costs, favorable commodity meat and whole bird pricing, and a larger than usual hedging gain on open positions during the fourth quarter, also contributed to the margin growth for this segment in fiscal 2010. Higher hog costs experienced throughout fiscal 2010 constricted margins in the Company’s value-added businesses for much of the year. Shipping and handling expenses also increased compared to fiscal 2009, primarily reflecting increased tonnage. However, unusually favorable cutout margins in the Company’s pork operations were able to offset the impact of these higher costs.

Selling, General and Administrative: Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year were $166.5 million and $605.3 million, respectively, compared to $142.7 million and $567.1 million in fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter decreased to 8.1 percent of net sales compared to 8.5 percent of net sales in fiscal 2009. For the fiscal year, the expenses decreased to 8.4 percent from 8.7 percent in fiscal 2009. Investments in media campaigns supporting the Hormel® and Jennie-O Turkey Store® brands were a key driver of the higher expense during both

the 2010 fourth quarter and fiscal year, with total advertising expense up $18.7 million for the year compared to fiscal 2009. The Company also experienced increased expenses for compensation, travel, and professional services during fiscal 2010.

Research and development expenses were $7.7 million and $27.6 million for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $6.5 million and $25.4 million in 2009.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates: Equity in earnings of affiliates was $4.1 million and $13.1 million for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $1.4 million and $4.8 million in fiscal 2009. On October 26, 2009, the Company completed the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex), a 50 percent owned joint venture which markets Mexican foods in the United States. Favorable results from this joint venture were the primary driver of the increased earnings for both the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year, offsetting slightly lower overall results from the Company’s other joint ventures.

During the Company’s fiscal 2010 fourth quarter, MegaMex also acquired Don Miguel Foods, a leading provider of branded frozen and fresh authentic Mexican appetizers, snacks, and handheld items.

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 Statement of Financial Position as investments in and receivables from affiliates. The composition of this line item at October 31, 2010, was as follows:

(in thousands)
Country	Investments/Receivables
United States	$123,451
Philippines	63,894
Vietnam	20,501
Mexico	4,931
Japan	1,612
Total	$214,389

Income Taxes: The Company’s effective tax rate for the fourth quarter and year was 34.8 percent and 36.0 percent, respectively, in fiscal 2010 compared to 34.0 percent and 34.5 percent, respectively, for the quarter and year in fiscal 2009. The higher rate for fiscal 2010 primarily reflected a change in the tax treatment of Medicare Part D subsidies, resulting from new health care laws enacted in 2010. The lower rates in fiscal 2009 for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year were also due to significantly higher returns on the Company’s rabbi trust investments compared to fiscal 2010, which are not taxable.

Hormel Foods Corporation21

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.

	Fourth Quarter Ended				Year Ended
(in thousands)	October 31, 2010	October 25, 2009	% Change		October 31, 2010	October 25, 2009	% Change
Net Sales
Grocery Products	$   287,112	$   232,043	23.7		$1,040,455	$   924,682	12.5
Refrigerated Foods	1,082,941	857,178	26.3		3,818,788	3,436,242	11.1
Jennie-O Turkey Store	402,048	337,544	19.1		1,310,412	1,227,709	6.7
Specialty Foods	212,017	189,051	12.1		782,958	708,730	10.5
All Other	78,921	59,286	33.1		268,106	236,308	13.5
Total	$2,063,039	$1,675,102	23.2		$7,220,719	$6,533,671	10.5
Segment Operating Profit
Grocery Products	$     43,134	$     46,004	(6.2	)	$   155,922	$   162,531	(4.1	)
Refrigerated Foods	86,065	70,440	22.2		276,315	226,171	22.2
Jennie-O Turkey Store	47,544	25,062	89.7		143,644	86,909	65.3
Specialty Foods	19,886	21,247	(6.4	)	80,727	68,484	17.9
All Other	9,448	9,695	(2.5	)	26,126	27,631	(5.4	)
Total segment operating profit	206,077	172,448	19.5		682,734	571,726	19.4
Net interest and investment expense (income)	4,572	4,481	2.0		22,024	8,432	161.2
General corporate expense	14,889	10,294	44.6		40,348	38,312	5.3
Noncontrolling interest	1,460	730	100.0		4,189	3,165	32.4
Earnings before income taxes	$   188,076	$   158,403	18.7		$   624,551	$    528,147	18.3

Grocery Products: Grocery Products net sales increased 23.7 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and 12.5 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2009. Tonnage increased 22.2 percent for the quarter and 14.4 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2009 results. The incremental sales of Mexican products generated by the Company’s new MegaMex joint venture drove the substantial top-line growth for this segment throughout the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year. These sales more than compensated for the sales of Carapelli® olive oil that were discontinued during fiscal 2009. Excluding both the new MegaMex sales and the discontinued Carapelli® sales, net sales for Grocery Products increased 12.6 percent and 4.3 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to fiscal 2009.

Sales results for other core products within Grocery Products were also strong during fiscal 2010, including Hormel® chili and Hormel® Mary Kitchen® hash. Following declines earlier in the year, sales of the SPAM® family of products, Hormel® Compleats® microwave meals, and bacon toppings also regained momentum in the fourth quarter with notable increases over fiscal 2009.

Segment profit for Grocery Products decreased 6.2 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and 4.1 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2009. Adjusted segment profit for Grocery Products for fiscal 2010 increased 1.9 percent compared to

fiscal 2009, which excludes a non-recurring charge of $9.7 million related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh plant incurred during the second quarter (see table reconciling 2010 adjusted segment profit to U.S. GAAP segment profit for Grocery Products on page 18). Profits throughout fiscal 2010 were negatively impacted by higher pork and beef raw material costs, most significantly in the latter half of the year. Margins were constricted across several product lines, including the SPAM® family of products, bacon toppings, and hash and stew items. Improved profitability on chili and microwave meals, as well as favorable equity in earnings results from the MegaMex joint venture, were able to offset a portion of the declines experienced on these other core product lines.

Refrigerated Foods: Net sales for the Refrigerated Foods segment were up 26.3 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and 11.1 percent for the twelve months compared to fiscal 2009. Tonnage increased 9.3 percent for the fourth quarter and 2.3 percent for the fiscal year as compared to 2009. Both retail and foodservice sales improved throughout fiscal 2010, and were particularly strong during the fourth quarter. The Company’s Hormel® branded products were supported by the “Life Better Served” advertising campaign, which began in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

22    Hormel Foods Corporation

Segment profit for Refrigerated Foods increased 22.2 percent in both the fourth quarter and twelve months of fiscal 2010, compared to fiscal 2009. Strong cutout margins drove the profit increases for this segment throughout fiscal 2010, generating substantial gains for the Company’s pork operations compared to fiscal 2009. However, anticipated reductions in overall hog production resulted in a lower hog supply during 2010. This decline, combined with increased demand, kept pork primals at an elevated level and reduced margins in this segment’s value-added businesses. Price increases were able to recover a portion of these higher costs during 2010.

The Company’s focus on value-added growth was evident throughout fiscal 2010. The Meat Products business unit experienced double-digit sales gains for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year for Hormel® party trays and Hormel® retail pepperoni. New item introductions for both of these product lines continued to grow the Company’s presence in the home occasion and snack categories. Natural Choice® deli meats also showed notable growth during fiscal 2010 in both the retail and foodservice businesses. Additionally, the Foodservice business unit was able to grow other key product lines, including Café H® ethnic meats and Austin Blues® barbeque products. The Affiliated Business Units also contributed to the improved sales results for fiscal 2010.

Integration of the Country Crock® chilled side dish business was also completed during fiscal 2010, and efforts to restore momentum to this product line by co-marketing the side dishes as a complement to the Company’s Hormel® refrigerated entrees and Lloyd’s® barbeque product lines were successful.

Jennie-O Turkey Store: Jennie-O Turkey Store (JOTS) net sales for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year increased 19.1 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively, compared to fiscal 2009. Tonnage increased 19.3 percent for the fourth quarter and 5.1 percent for the twelve months, compared to fiscal 2009 results. Improved value-added sales drove the top-line increase for both the fourth quarter and 2010 fiscal year, increasing 18.2 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively. Retail whole bird sales were also particularly strong late in the year, offsetting declines in commodity meat sales.

JOTS experienced excellent profitability throughout fiscal 2010, with segment profit increasing 89.7 percent for the fourth quarter and 65.3 percent for the year, compared to fiscal 2009. Efficiencies achieved throughout its supply chain and other operational improvements across the business reduced production costs, resulting in these significant profit gains. Favorable commodity meat and whole bird pricing also contributed to margin improvement for this segment in fiscal 2010. JOTS further benefitted from lower feed costs during fiscal 2010, including an unusually large hedging gain on its open grain positions during the fourth quarter, amounting to an incremental $7.3 million over fiscal 2009.

Value-added net sales for JOTS benefited from substantial investments in media campaigns to support the Jennie-O Turkey Store® brand, particularly in the latter half of fiscal 2010. These campaigns contributed to double-digit sales growth over fiscal 2009 across the retail, deli, and foodservice business units during the fourth quarter. Sales of Jennie-O Turkey Store® retail turkey burgers and tray pack products were particularly strong.

Specialty Foods: Specialty Foods net sales increased 12.1 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and 10.5 percent for the twelve months compared to fiscal 2009. Tonnage increased 12.2 percent for the quarter and 8.3 percent for the twelve months compared to fiscal 2009. All three operating segments contributed to the top-line growth throughout fiscal 2010.

Specialty Foods segment profit decreased 6.4 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter but increased 17.9 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2009. All three operating segments also contributed to the profit gains for the year, but this segment faced a challenging fourth quarter in fiscal 2010. HSP reported strong sales growth in chili, hash, stew, and luncheon meat. However, high raw material costs negatively impacted the gross margins on these items, resulting in an overall profit decline. DCB reported a profit increase due to improved sales of sugar, sugar substitute, and dysphagia products. CFI experienced the largest profit gains throughout fiscal 2010. Fourth quarter results also exceeded fiscal 2009, driven by contract packaging nutritional jar sales, which were able to offset declines in nutritional pouches and bulk blending.

All Other: All Other net sales increased 33.1 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and 13.5 percent for the year compared to fiscal 2009. Strong export sales of the SPAM® family of products generated the largest gains for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year. Fresh pork exports were weak during much of fiscal 2010, but showed some improvement on a year-over-year basis in the fourth quarter due to the impact of the weak global economy in fiscal 2009 and bans in place related to the H1N1 flu virus during the 2009 fourth quarter.

Despite the strong top-line growth, All Other segment profit decreased 2.5 percent and 5.4 percent for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to fiscal 2009. High raw material costs persisted throughout fiscal 2010, resulting in a significant reduction in export margins compared to fiscal 2009. Increased freight and marketing expenses were also incurred during fiscal 2010, but were partially offset by favorable currency rates and improved performance from the Company’s China operations. The Company’s international joint ventures also reported improved profit results overall, providing a benefit for the full year compared to fiscal 2009.

Hormel Foods Corporation    23

Unallocated Income and Expenses: The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating 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.

Net interest and investment expense (income) for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year was a net expense of $4.6 million and $22.0 million, respectively, compared to a net expense of $4.5 million and $8.4 million for the comparable periods of fiscal 2009. Lower investment returns on the Company’s rabbi trust for supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans were the primary driver of the increased net expense in fiscal 2010, as the Company transitioned the majority of this portfolio to fixed return investments to reduce the exposure to volatility in equity markets. The Company also recorded increased amortization related to affordable housing investments during fiscal 2010. Additionally, fiscal 2009 results included a $3.6 million pretax gain recognized on the dissolution of the Company’s Carapelli USA, LLC joint venture. Interest expense was $26.6 million for fiscal 2010, decreasing from $28.0 million in fiscal 2009 due to outstanding borrowings against the Company’s line of credit in the prior year. The only debt balance remaining at the end of fiscal 2010 related to the Company’s $350.0 million senior notes which matured in 2011.

General corporate expense for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year was $14.9 million and $40.3 million, respectively, compared to $10.3 million and $38.3 million for the fiscal

2009 quarter and twelve months. The higher expense for both the fourth quarter and year reflected an increase in the lower of cost or market inventory reserve and higher pension expense compared to fiscal 2009. These were partially offset by a reduction in expenses for medical benefits in fiscal 2010.

Net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests were $1.5 million and $4.2 million for the fiscal 2010 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $0.7 million and $3.2 million for the comparable periods of fiscal 2009. The increases for fiscal 2010 primarily reflected improved performance from the Company’s Precept Foods business.

2010 Adjusted Net Earnings: Adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2010 are non-GAAP financial measurements, which are provided to assist investors and other readers of the Company’s financial statements in better understanding the Company’s operating performance by excluding the impact of certain non-recurring items affecting comparability. 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 any generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP measurements used by other companies.

Adjusted net earnings for fiscal 2010 exclude charges of $6.3 million ($0.02 per diluted share) related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California, and an income tax charge of $7.1 million ($0.03 per diluted share) primarily from the change in tax treatment of Medicare Part D subsidies by new health care laws enacted in 2010. Both charges were incurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The following tables show the calculations to reconcile from adjusted earnings to U.S. GAAP earnings for fiscal year 2010.

	Year Ended October 31, 2010
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2010 Adjusted Earnings		Valley Fresh Plant Closure		Tax Items Primarily Related to Health Care Laws		2010 U.S. GAAP Earnings
Earnings before income taxes	$  634,284		$(9,733	)	$         –		$  624,551
Income taxes	(221,110	)	3,455		(7,120	)	(224,775	)
Net earnings	$  413,174		$(6,278	)	$ (7,120	)	$  399,776
Net earnings attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$  408,985		$(6,278	)	$ (7,120	)	$  395,587
Diluted net earnings per share	$        1.51		$  (0.02	)	$   (0.03	)	$        1.46

24Hormel Foods Corporation

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company was not party to any material related party transactions during fiscal 2011. Through December 2010, certain employees of the Company provided administrative services to The Hormel Foundation, which beneficially owns more than five percent of the Company’s common stock. The Hormel Foundation reimbursed the Company for its fully allocated cost for the employees’ time and expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents were $463.1 million at the end of fiscal year 2011 compared to $467.8 million at the end of fiscal year 2010.

During fiscal 2011, cash provided by operating activities was $490.5 million compared to $485.5 million in 2010. Increased earnings in fiscal 2011 were the primary driver of the improved operating cash flows versus fiscal 2010. However, overall unfavorable changes in working capital balances compared to the prior year, primarily accounts payable and other accrued expenses, essentially offset the additional cash generated by the higher earnings. During fiscal 2011, the Company made $23.6 million of discretionary contributions to fund its pension plans, compared to $70.3 million of discretionary funding during fiscal 2010, which also contributed to a positive operating cash flow variance compared to the prior year.

Cash used in investing activities decreased to $171.0 million in fiscal year 2011 from $258.5 million in fiscal year 2010. Fiscal 2010 included a $50.0 million investment in marketable securities, compared to a net investment of $20.0 million in fiscal 2011. Other significant outflows for fiscal 2010 included the acquisition of the Country Crock® chilled side dish line, and the Company’s investments related to the formation of the MegaMex joint venture and its subsequent acquisition of Don Miguel Foods. The Company invested an additional $61.0 million into MegaMex in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 to facilitate the joint venture’s acquisition of Fresherized Foods. Expenditures on fixed assets in fiscal 2011 increased to $96.9 million from $89.8 million in the prior year. Significant projects during fiscal 2011 included expansion of the Company’s live production operations, an addition to the corporate office facility, and improvements at various plant locations. For fiscal 2012, the Company expects capital expenditures to approximate $140.0 to $150.0 million, which exceeds estimated depreciation expense.

Cash used in financing activities was $324.2 million in fiscal 2011 compared to $144.5 million in fiscal 2010. The Company repaid $350.0 million of its 6.625% senior unsecured notes that matured during the third quarter of fiscal 2011, which more than offset the inflow that was generated by the issuance of $250.0 million of new 4.125% notes due in 2021 that

were issued during the second quarter. A total of $8.0 million of proportional distributions were also made to the Company’s noncontrolling interest during fiscal 2011, which did not occur in the prior year.

The Company used $152.9 million for common stock repurchases during fiscal 2011, compared to $69.6 million in fiscal 2010. During the year, the Company repurchased 5.5 million shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $27.82. On May 26, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase 5.0 million shares of common stock with no expiration date. On November 22, 2010, the Board of Directors also authorized a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock. As part of the Board’s approval of that stock split, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately. There are 3.3 million shares remaining for repurchase under the current authorization in place. The increased outflows related to share repurchases in fiscal 2011 were partially offset by incremental proceeds of $30.9 million above the prior year generated from exercises under the Company’s stock option plan, primarily reflecting the vesting of options under the Universal Stock Option award granted to all employees in 2007.

Cash dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders also continue to be an ongoing financing activity for the Company, with $130.0 million in dividends paid in fiscal 2011, compared to $109.4 million in the prior year. The dividend rate was $0.51 per share in 2011, which reflected a 21.4 percent increase over the fiscal 2010 rate. The Company has paid dividends for 333 consecutive quarters (marking the beginning of its 84th year) and expects to continue doing so in the future. The annual dividend rate for fiscal 2012 has been increased to $0.60 per share, representing the 46th consecutive annual dividend increase.

Cash flows from operating activities continue to provide the Company with its principal source of liquidity. The Company does not anticipate a significant risk to cash flows from this source in the foreseeable future because the Company operates in a relatively stable industry and has strong brands across many product lines.

The Company’s cash position remains very strong entering fiscal 2012. Throughout fiscal 2011, the Company demonstrated its ability to maximize the value returned to shareholders through dividend increases and share repurchase activity, and intends to maintain this priority going forward. Recent investments made in the MegaMex joint venture have proven beneficial, and the Company evaluates other strategic acquisitions on an ongoing basis as options to utilize its cash balance. Additional capital spending to enhance and expand existing operations is also planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

Hormel Foods Corporation   25

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table outlines the Company’s future contractual financial obligations as of October 30, 2011 (for additional information regarding these obligations, see Note H “Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements” and Note K “Commitments and Contingencies”):

	Payments Due by Periods
Contractual Obligations (in thousands)	Total	Less Than 1 Year	1-3 Years	3-5 Years	More Than 5 Years
Purchase obligations:
Hog and turkey commitments(1)	$7,094,840	$1,502,512	$1,780,082	$1,299,093	$2,513,153
Grain commitments(1)	140,213	136,349	3,864	–	–
Turkey grow-out contracts(2)	70,236	7,897	12,710	10,911	38,718
Other(3)	114,023	98,073	5,108	4,217	6,625
Long-term debt	250,000	–	–	–	250,000
Interest payments on long-term debt	97,969	10,313	20,625	20,625	46,406
Capital expenditures(4)	78,400	78,400	–	–	–
Leases	40,796	12,742	13,892	7,730	6,432
Other long-term liabilities(5)(6)	54,436	3,623	6,600	6,707	37,506
Total Contractual Cash Obligations	$7,940,913	$1,849,909	$1,842,881	$1,349,283	$2,898,840

(1)	In the normal course of business, the Company commits to purchase fixed quantities of livestock and grain from producers to ensure a steady supply of production inputs. Certain 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 30, 2011. The Company also utilizes various hedging programs to manage the price risk associated with these commitments. As of October 30, 2011, these hedging programs result in a net increase of $2.7 million in future cash payments associated with the purchase commitments, which is not reflected in the table above.
(2)	The Company also 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 30, 2011, the Company had approximately 100 active contracts ranging from two to twenty-five years in duration. The grow-out activity is assumed to continue through the term of these active contracts, and amounts in the table represent the Company’s obligation based on turkeys expected to be delivered from these farmers.
(3)	Amounts presented for other purchase obligations represent all known open purchase orders and all known contracts exceeding $1.0 million, related to the procurement of materials, supplies, and various services. The Company primarily purchases goods and services on an as-needed basis. Therefore, the amounts in the table represent only a portion of expected future cash expenditures.
(4)	Amounts presented for capital expenditures represent only the Company’s current commitments to complete construction in progress at various locations. The Company estimates total capital expenditures for fiscal year 2012 to approximate $140.0 to $150.0 million.
(5)	Other long-term liabilities represent payments under the Company’s deferred compensation plans. 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 I “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 30, 2011, was $28.1 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.

In addition to the commitments set forth in the above table, at October 30, 2011, the Company had $41.8 million in standby letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company. The standby letters of credit are primarily related to the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation programs.

The Company believes its financial resources, including a revolving credit facility for $300.0 million and anticipated funds from operations, will be adequate to meet all current commitments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company currently provides a revocable standby letter of credit for $4.8 million to guarantee obligations that may arise under workers compensation claims of an affiliated party. This potential obligation is not reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

26Hormel Foods Corporation

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, filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 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. The following 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, economic conditions, political developments, currency exchange rates, interest and inflation rates, accounting standards, taxes, and laws and regulations affecting the Company and its markets.

Risk Factors

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 organ-ism 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 which may cause food contamination are found generally in livestock and in the environment and thus may be present in our products as a result of food processing. These pathogens also can 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.

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, availability of capital markets, energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges), 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.

The recent 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 in an investment portfolio and 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 also utilizes hedging programs to reduce its exposure to various commodity market risks, which quality for hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes. Volatile fluctuations in market conditions could cause these instruments to become ineffective, which could require any gains

Hormel Foods Corporation    27

or losses associated with these instruments to be reported in the Company’s earnings each period. These instruments may also limit the Company’s ability to benefit from market gains if commodity prices become more favorable than those that have been secured under the Company’s hedging programs.

Additionally, if a high pathogenic 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, 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 of pork, poultry, and feed ingredients 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, and feed grains as well as 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 very large, vertically integrated, year-round operations operating under long-term supply agreements. This has resulted in fewer hogs being available on the cash spot market. Additionally, overall hog production in the U.S. has declined. The decrease in the supply of hogs could diminish the utilization of harvest and production facilities and increase the cost of the raw materials they produce. Consequently, the Company uses long-term supply contracts 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 costs for live hogs that are higher than 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 also contracts with turkey growers to meet its raw material requirements for whole birds and processed turkey products. Additionally, the Company owns various hog raising facilities that supplement its supply of raw materials. Results in these operations are affected by the cost and supply of feed grains, which fluctuate due to climate conditions, production forecasts, and supply and demand conditions at local, regional, national, and worldwide levels. 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.

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 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), pneumovirus, Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2), Porcine Reproduction & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Avian Influenza. The outbreak of disease could adversely affect the Company’s supply of raw materials, increase the cost of production, and reduce operating margins. Additionally, the outbreak of disease may hinder the Company’s ability to market and sell products both domestically and internationally. 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.

Market demand for the Company’s products may fluctuate due to competition from other producers. The Company faces competition from producers of alternative meats and protein sources, including beef, chicken, and fish. The bases on which the Company competes include:

·      price;

·      product quality;

·      brand identification;

·      breadth of product line; and

·      customer service.

Demand for the Company’s products is also affected by competitors’ promotional spending and the effectiveness of the Company’s advertising and marketing programs. The Company may be unable to compete successfully on any or all of these bases in the future.

The Company’s operations are subject to the general risks associated with acquisitions. The Company has made several acquisitions in recent years and regularly reviews opportunities for strategic growth through acquisitions. Potential risks associated with acquisitions include the inability to integrate new operations successfully, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the potential loss of key employees and customers of the acquired companies, the possible assumption of unknown liabilities, potential disputes with the sellers, potential impairment charges if purchase assumptions are not achieved or market conditions decline, 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.

28Hormel Foods Corporation

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, patent infringement, wage and hour laws, employment practices, or environmental matters. Litigation trends and the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and adverse litigation trends and outcomes could adversely 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 state and local authorities that oversee workforce immigration laws, tax regulations, animal welfare, food safety standards, and the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising, and labeling of the Company’s products. The Company’s manufacturing facilities and products are subject to constant inspection by federal, state, and local authorities. Claims or enforcement proceedings could be brought against the Company in the future. 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, and the ability to comply with any modifications to these laws and regulations, is material to the Company’s business. New matters or sites may be identified in the future that will require additional investigation, assessment, or expenditures. In addition, 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. 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, 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.

Deterioration of labor relations or increases in labor costs could harm the Company’s business. The Company has approximately 19,500 domestic and foreign employees, of which approximately 5,500 are 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 that results in work slowdowns or stoppages could harm the Company’s financial results. Union contracts at the Company’s facilities in Knoxville, Iowa; Perrysburg, Ohio; and Stockton, California will expire during fiscal 2012, covering a combined total of approximately 340 employees. Negotiations at the Perrysburg, Ohio facility are in process. Negotiations at the other two facilities have not yet been initiated.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks

Hog Markets: The Company’s earnings are affected by fluctuations in the live hog market. To minimize the impact on earnings, and to 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. Purchased hogs under contract accounted for 95 percent and 94 percent of the total hogs purchased by the Company in fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. The majority of these contracts use market-based formulas based on hog futures, hog primal values, or industry reported hog markets. Under normal, long-term market conditions, changes in the cash hog market are offset by proportional changes in primal values. Therefore, a hypothetical 10 percent change in the cash hog market would have had an immaterial effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Certain procurement contracts allow for future hog deliveries (firm commitments) to be forward priced. The Company generally hedges these firm commitments by using hog futures contracts. These futures contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges. The change in the market value of such futures contracts is highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged item, and the Company evaluates the effectiveness of the contracts on a regular basis. Changes in the fair value of the futures contracts, along with the gain or loss on the firm commitment,

Hormel Foods Corporation    29

are marked-to-market through earnings and are recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as a current asset and liability, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s open futures contracts as of October 30, 2011, was $(3.1) million compared to $0.6 million as of October 31, 2010.

The Company measures its market risk exposure on its hog futures contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in market prices. A 10 percent increase in market prices would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company’s October 30, 2011, open contracts by $12.0 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost of purchased hogs by a similar amount.

Turkey and Hog Production Costs: The Company raises or contracts for live turkeys and hogs to meet some of its raw material supply requirements. Production costs in raising turkeys and hogs 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 and hogs are offset by proportional changes in their respective markets.

To reduce the Company’s exposure to changes in grain prices, the Company utilizes a hedge program to offset the fluctuation in the Company’s future direct grain purchases. This program currently utilizes corn futures, and these contracts are accounted for under cash flow hedge accounting. The open contracts are reported at their fair value with an unrealized gain of $13.7 million, before tax, on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of October 30, 2011, compared to an unrealized gain of $46.4 million, before tax, as of October 31, 2010.

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 30, 2011, open grain contracts by $13.5 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost on purchased grain by a similar amount.

Natural Gas: Production costs at the Company’s plants and feed mills are also subject to fluctuations in fuel costs. To reduce the Company’s exposure to changes in natural gas prices, the Company utilizes a hedge program to offset the fluctuation in the Company’s future natural gas purchases. This program utilizes natural gas swaps, and these contracts are accounted for under cash flow hedge accounting. The open contracts are reported at their fair value with an unrealized loss of $0.4 million, before tax, on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of October 30, 2011, compared to an unrealized loss of $6.4 million, before tax, as of October 31, 2010.

The Company measures its market risk exposure on its natural gas contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in the market prices for natural gas. A 10 percent decrease in the market price for natural gas would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company’s October 30, 2011, open natural gas contracts by $0.2 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost on natural gas purchases by a similar amount.

Long-Term Debt: A principal market risk affecting the Company is the exposure to changes in interest rates on the Company’s fixed-rate, long-term debt. Market risk for fixed-rate, long-term debt is estimated as the potential increase in fair value, resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent decrease in interest rates, and amounts to approximately $7.0 million. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated using discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Investments: The Company holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, and as part of an investment portfolio. As of October 30, 2011, the balance of these securities totaled $181.4 million. A portion 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 direct negative impact to the Company’s pretax earnings of approximately $11.1 million, while a 10 percent increase in value would have a positive impact of the same amount.

International: 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 30, 2011, was $141.6 million, compared to $140.9 million as of October 31, 2010, with most of the exposure existing in Philippine pesos and Chinese yuan. Changes in currency exchange rates impact the fair values of Company assets either currently through the Consolidated Statement of Operations, as currency gains/losses, or by affecting 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 Philippine peso, as of October 30, 2011. A 10 percent strengthening in the value of the peso relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive income of $6.5 million pretax. A 10 percent weakening in the value of the peso relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive loss of the same amount.

30Hormel Foods Corporation

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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 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.

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 30, 2011. Our internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2011, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Jeffrey M. Ettinger		Jody H. Feragen
Chairman of the Board,		Executive Vice President
President and		and Chief Financial Officer
Chief Executive Officer		and Director
and Director

Hormel Foods Corporation    31

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

Hormel Foods Corporation

Austin, Minnesota

We have audited Hormel Foods Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Hormel Foods Corporation’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 Report of Management entitled 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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.

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.

In our opinion, Hormel Foods Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial position of Hormel Foods Corporation as of October 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ investment, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 30, 2011, and our report dated December 21, 2011, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 21, 2011

32    Hormel Foods Corporation

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

Hormel Foods Corporation

Austin, Minnesota

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Hormel Foods Corporation as of October 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ investment, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 30, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hormel Foods Corporation at October 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 30, 2011, 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), Hormel Foods Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated December 21, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 21, 2011

Hormel Foods Corporation    33

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(in thousands)	October 30, 2011		October 31, 2010
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$    463,130		$    467,845
Short-term marketable securities	76,077		50,595
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,000 at October 30, 2011 and October 31, 2010)	461,110		430,939
Inventories	885,823		793,771
Income taxes receivable	24,423		8,525
Deferred income taxes	69,203		70,703
Prepaid expenses	10,048		12,153
Other current assets	8,417		23,635
Total Current Assets	1,998,231		1,858,166
Deferred Income Taxes	59,814		72,426
Goodwill	630,884		629,023
Other Intangibles	132,046		141,522
Pension Assets	80,208		61,272
Investments in and Receivables from Affiliates	295,698		214,389
Other Assets	140,420		155,017
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	56,273		54,017
Buildings	749,143		729,718
Equipment	1,393,128		1,358,237
Construction in progress	50,286		45,283
	2,248,830		2,187,255
Less allowance for depreciation	(1,341,740	)	(1,265,152	)
	907,090		922,103
Total Assets	$ 4,244,391		$ 4,053,918
Liabilities and Shareholder’s Investment
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$    390,171		$    361,287
Accrued expenses	40,539		46,408
Accrued workers compensation	32,218		33,022
Accrued marketing expenses	77,363		76,552
Employee related expenses	195,258		187,116
Taxes payable	8,137		9,339
Interest and dividends payable	34,500		37,489
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		350,000
Total Current Liabilities	778,186		1,101,213
Long-Term Debt — less current maturities	250,000		0
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits	473,688		454,998
Other Long-Term Liabilities	82,701		91,068
Shareholders’ Investment*
Preferred stock, par value $.01 a share — authorized 160,000,000 shares; issued — none
Common stock, nonvoting, par value $.01 a share — authorized 400,000,000 shares; issued — none
Common stock, par value $.0293 a share — authorized 800,000,000 shares;
issued 263,963,251 shares October 30, 2011
issued 265,963,080 shares October 31, 2010	7,734		7,793
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(175,483	)	(175,910	)
Retained earnings	2,824,331		2,568,774
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment	2,656,582		2,400,657
Noncontrolling Interest	3,234		5,982
Total Shareholders’ Investment	2,659,816		2,406,639
Total Liabilities And Shareholders’ Investment	$ 4,244,391		$ 4,053,918

*Shares and par values have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

34    Hormel Foods Corporation

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts)		October 30, 2011		October 31, 2010*		October 25, 2009*
Net sales		$7,895,089		$7,220,719		$6,533,671
Cost of products sold		6,560,976		5,981,977		5,434,800
Gross Profit		1,334,113		1,238,742		1,098,871
Selling, general and administrative		618,586		605,293		567,085
Equity in earnings of affiliates		26,757		13,126		4,793
Operating Income		742,284		646,575		536,579
Other income and expense:
Interest and investment (loss) income		(786	)	4,565		19,563
Interest expense		(22,662	)	(26,589	)	(27,995	)
Earnings Before Income Taxes		718,836		624,551		528,147
Provision for income taxes		239,640		224,775		182,169
Net Earnings		479,196		399,776		345,978
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest		5,001		4,189		3,165
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation		$474,195		$395,587		$342,813
Net Earnings Per Share:
Basic		$1.78		$1.48		$1.28
Diluted		$1.74		$1.46		$1.27
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic		266,394		266,732		268,454
Diluted		271,915		270,698		270,979

*Shares and per share figures have been restated to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011.

 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Hormel Foods Corporation    35

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

	Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders
															Accumulated
										Additional					Other		Non-		Total
(in thousands,	Common Stock				Treasury Stock					Paid-In			Retained		Comprehensive		controlling		Shareholders’
except per share amounts)	Shares*		Amount		Shares*		Amount			Capital			Earnings		Income (Loss)		Interest		Investment
Balance at October 26, 2008	269,041		$7,883		0		$	0		$	0		$ 2,112,873		$ (114,016	)	$ 6,535		$ 2,013,275
Comprehensive income
Net earnings													342,813				3,165		345,978
Foreign currency translation															(862	)	12		(850	)
Deferred hedging, net of reclassification adjustment															27,763				27,763
Pension and other benefits															(117,954	)			(117,954	)
Comprehensive income																	3,177		254,937
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment (net of $912 tax effect)													(11,793	)	1,459				(10,334	)
Purchases of common stock					(2,305	)	(38,147		)										(38,147	)
Stock-based compensation expense										12,054									12,054
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares	452		13		(1	)	(15		)	2,553									2,551
Shares retired	(2,306	)	(68	)	2,306		38,162			(14,607		)	(23,487	)					0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest																	(7,999	)	(7,999	)
Declared cash dividends — $.38 per share*													(102,016	)					(102,016	)
Balance at October 25, 2009	267,187		$7,828		0		$	0		$	0		$ 2,318,390		$ (203,610	)	$ 1,713		$ 2,124,321
Comprehensive income
Net earnings													395,587				4,189		399,776
Foreign currency translation															5,468		80		5,548
Deferred hedging, net of reclassification adjustment															33,372				33,372
Pension and other benefits															(11,140	)			(11,140	)
Comprehensive income																	4,269		427,556
Purchases of common stock					(3,407	)	(69,574		)										(69,574	)
Stock-based compensation expense										14,402									14,402
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares	2,198		65		(15	)	(308		)	22,007									21,764
Shares retired	(3,422	)	(100	)	3,422		69,882			(36,409		)	(33,373	)					0
Declared cash dividends – $.42 per share*													(111,830	)					(111,830	)
Balance at October 31, 2010	265,963		$7,793		0		$	0		$	0		$ 2,568,774		$ (175,910	)	$ 5,982		$ 2,406,639
Comprehensive income
Net earnings													474,195				5,001		479,196
Foreign currency translation															843		251		1,094
Deferred hedging, net of reclassification adjustment															(3,476	)			(3,476	)
Pension and other benefits															3,060				3,060
Comprehensive income																	5,252		479,874
Purchases of common stock					(5,497	)	(152,930		)										(152,930	)
Stock-based compensation expense										17,229									17,229
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares	3,503		102		(6	)	(163		)	53,100									53,039
Shares retired	(5,503	)	(161	)	5,503		153,093			(70,329		)	(82,603	)					0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest																	(8,000	)	(8,000	)
Declared cash dividends – $.51 per share													(136,035	)					(136,035	)
Balance at October 30, 2011	263,963		$7,734		0		$	0		$	0		$2,824,331		$(175,483	)	$3,234		$2,659,816

*Shares and per share figures have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011.

 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

36Hormel Foods Corporation

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)		October 30, 2011		October 31, 2010		October 25, 2009
Operating Activities
Net earnings		$ 479,196		$ 399,776		$ 345,978
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		114,689		115,059		116,774
Amortization of intangibles		9,476		10,532		10,364
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends		(22,726	)	(13,126	)	(4,793	)
Provision for deferred income taxes		6,752		29,429		(311	)
(Gain) loss on property/equipment sales and plant facilities		(632	)	(394	)	128
Gain on dissolution of joint venture		0		0		(3,591	)
Non-cash investment activities		3,995		(1,760	)	(3,555	)
Stock-based compensation expense		17,229		14,402		12,054
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation		(15,205	)	(10,298	)	(1,313	)
Other		486		7,595		0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable		(30,171	)	(58,647	)	38,718
(Increase) decrease in inventories		(92,052	)	(73,909	)	62,116
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets		10,513		39,289		61,470
Increase (decrease) in pension and post-retirement benefits		5,197		(35,265	)	(85,947	)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses		3,732		62,849		10,676
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		490,479		485,532		558,768
Investing Activities
Sale of available-for-sale securities		0		0		6,270
Purchase of available-for-sale securities		0		0		(2,371	)
Net purchase of trading securities		(20,000	)	(50,000	)	0
Acquisitions of businesses/intangibles		(7,207	)	(28,104	)	(701	)
Purchases of property/equipment		(96,911	)	(89,823	)	(96,961	)
Proceeds from sales of property/equipment		4,386		4,915		5,003
(Increase) decrease in investments, equity in affiliates, and other assets		(51,253	)	(95,464	)	3,532
Distributions from affiliates		0		0		0
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(170,985	)	(258,476	)	(85,228	)
Financing Activities
Principal payments on short-term debt		0		0		(100,000	)
Proceeds from long-term debt, net		247,564		0		0
Principal payments on long-term debt		(350,000	)	0		0
Dividends paid on common stock		(129,975	)	(109,374	)	(101,376	)
Share repurchase		(152,930	)	(69,574	)	(38,147	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		53,780		22,884		2,387
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation		15,205		10,298		1,313
Distribution to noncontrolling interest		(8,000	)	0		(7,999	)
Other		147		1,303		756
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities		(324,209	)	(144,463	)	(243,066	)
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(4,715	)	82,593		230,474
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		467,845		385,252		154,778
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year		$ 463,130		$ 467,845		$ 385,252

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Hormel Foods Corporation    37

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS October 30, 2011

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.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation and to conform with recent accounting pronouncements and guidance. The reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or operating cash flows as previously reported.

Stock Split: On November 22, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock, which was subsequently approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting on January 31, 2011, and effected on February 1, 2011. The Company’s common stock was reclassified by reducing the par value from $.0586 per share to $.0293 per share and the number of authorized shares was increased from 400,000,000 to 800,000,000 shares, in order to effect a two-for-one stock split. The number of authorized shares of nonvoting common stock and preferred stock was also increased to 400,000,000 shares and 160,000,000 shares, respectively, with no change in the par value of those shares.

Unless otherwise noted, all prior year share amounts and per share calculations throughout this Annual Report have been restated to reflect the impact of this split, and to provide data on a basis comparable to fiscal 2011. Such restatements include calculations regarding the Company’s weighted-average shares, earnings per share, and dividends per share, as well as disclosures regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and share repurchase activity.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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.

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal year 2011 consisted of 52 weeks, fiscal year 2010 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal year 2009 consisted of 52 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 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, consisted entirely of money market funds rated AAA.

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 Notes I, M, and N.

Investments: The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, which 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 gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. Securities held by the trust generated a gain of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, a gain of $5.4 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, and a gain of $15.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2009. The Company has transitioned the majority of this portfolio to more fixed return investments to reduce the exposure to volatility in equity markets.

The Company also holds securities as part of an investment portfolio, which are classified as short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These investments are also trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses are included in the Company’s earnings. The Company recorded a gain of $0.5 million related to these investments for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, compared to a gain of $0.6 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.

38    Hormel Foods Corporation

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method.

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, machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years.

Software development and implementation costs are expensed until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits, and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all qualified external implementation costs, and purchased software costs, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives, not exceeding five years.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles: Goodwill and other intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition, and are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. The Company’s reporting units represent operating segments (aggregations of business units that have similar economic characteristics and share the same production facilities, raw materials, and labor force). Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, using a process similar to that used to test long-lived assets for impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes that no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.

In conducting the initial 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, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results.

If required, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process 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 first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2011, performance of the quantitative two-step test was not required for any of the Company’s reporting units, and no goodwill impairment charges were recorded.

Impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets also compares the fair value and carrying value of the 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 and discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. No material impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal 2011.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets: 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. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made the decision to close its Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California. The facilities in that location were evaluated during that process and the Company recorded a pretax charge of $6.6 million to reduce the property, plant and equipment to its current estimated fair value. No other material write-downs were recorded in fiscal years 2011, 2010, or 2009.

Contingent Liabilities: The Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the on-going 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, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors, or suppliers. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as

Hormel Foods Corporation    39

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 that constitutes the Company’s best estimate.

Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the current exchange rate as of the statement of financial position date, and amounts in the statement 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 and currency 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 M.

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. 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 our 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 equity 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 2011, 2010, or 2009.

See additional discussion regarding the Company’s equity method investments in Note G.

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales when title passes upon delivery of its products to customers, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances. Products are delivered upon receipt of customer purchase orders with acceptable terms, including price and collectability that is reasonably assured.

The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives that are offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances, and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reduction of revenue at the time title passes. 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 the 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 contract accruals are based on a review of the unpaid outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place. Estimates used to determine the revenue reduction include the level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates.

Allowance for Doubful 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 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 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $115.3 million, $112.3 million, and $93.6 million, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company’s shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of products sold.

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses incurred for fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $29.4 million, $27.6 million, and $25.4 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.

40    Hormel Foods Corporation

Employee Stock Options: 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.

Share Repurchases: On October 2, 2002, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of common stock with no expiration date. On a pre-split basis, the Company purchased 1.1 million shares at an average price of $39.78 during fiscal 2010 under this authorization, which fully depleted that program. The Company had also purchased 1.2 million shares at an average price of $33.10 under this authorization during fiscal 2009.

On May 26, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase an additional 5.0 million shares of common stock with no expiration date. On a pre-split basis, the Company purchased 0.6 million shares at an average price of $42.86 during fiscal 2010 under this new authorization.

On November 22, 2010, the Board of Directors also authorized a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock. As part of the Board’s approval of that stock split, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately. On a post-split basis, 5.5 million shares at an average price of $27.82 were purchased during fiscal 2011 under the current authorization in place.

Supplemental Statement of Operations Information: Net earnings for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, include two non-recurring charges recorded by the Company. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made the decision to close its Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California. Valley Fresh® canned meats were produced at this facility. A write-down of fixed assets and the recording of employee related costs resulted in a charge of $6.3 million after tax ($0.02 per diluted share). Health care laws enacted in fiscal 2010 also required the Company to reduce the value of its deferred tax assets as a result of a change to the tax treatment of Medicare Part D subsidies. As a result, the Company recorded a charge of $7.1 million ($0.03 per diluted share) to income tax expense during the second quarter, primarily related to these new health care laws.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Non-cash investment activities presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows generally consist of unrealized gains or losses on the Company’s rabbi trust and other investments, amortization of affordable housing investments, and amortization of bond financing costs. Additionally, the Company had a $7.9 million negative reserve adjustment related to supplier contracts for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2009. The noted investments are included in other assets or short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Changes in the value of these investments are included in the Company’s net earnings and are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as either interest and investment income or interest expense, as appropriate.

Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated the guidance within ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The update gives companies the option to first perform a qualitative assessment for goodwill impairment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If a company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment must still be performed. Otherwise, a company does not need to perform the two-step test. The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted if a company’s financial statements have not yet been issued. As allowed, the Company early adopted the new provisions of this accounting standard and used the qualitative assessment option for its annual goodwill impairment test performed for fiscal 2011. The testing procedures and results are described under Goodwill and Other Intangibles above.

In June 2011, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. The update eliminates the option for companies to report other comprehensive income and its related components in the Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. Instead, companies have the option to present total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous Statement of Comprehensive Income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance is to be applied retrospectively, and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2013, and adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements, as it relates to presentation only.

In May 2011, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The update amends and clarifies current fair value measurement guidance, and requires additional disclosures. The most significant disclosure requirement relates to quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement that is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on the consolidated financial statements.

Hormel Foods Corporation    41

Note B

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

							Accumulated
	Foreign				Deferred		Other
	Currency		Pension &		Gain (Loss)		Comprehensive
(in thousands)	Translation		Other Benefits		— Hedging		Loss
Balance at October 26, 2008	$ 4,243		$  (77,608	)	$(40,651	)	$ (114,016	)
Unrecognized losses	(862	)	(200,150	)	(8,323	)	(209,335	)
Reclassification into net earnings	–		9,200		55,053		64,253
Tax effect	–		72,996		(18,967	)	54,029
Net of tax amount	(862	)	(117,954	)	27,763		(91,053	)
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment (net of $912 tax effect)	–		1,459		–		1,459
Balance at October 25, 2009	$ 3,381		$ (194,103	)	$(12,888	)	$ (203,610	)
Unrecognized gains (losses)	5,468		(38,490	)	23,511		(9,511	)
Reclassification into net earnings	–		22,244		28,672		50,916
Tax effect	–		5,106		(18,811	)	(13,705	)
Net of tax amount	5,468		(11,140	)	33,372		27,700
Balance at October 31, 2010	$ 8,849		$ (205,243	)	$ 20,484		$ (175,910	)
Unrecognized gains (losses)	843		(15,115	)	39,480		25,208
Reclassification into net earnings	–		20,363		(45,103	)	(24,740	)
Tax effect	–		(2,188	)	2,147		(41	)
Net of tax amount	843		3,060		(3,476	)	427
Balance at October 30, 2011	$ 9,692		$(202,183	)	$ 17,008		$(175,483	)

Note C

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average common shares outstanding after adjusting for potential common shares from stock options. For all years presented, the reported net earnings attributable to the Company were used when computing basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation is as follows:

(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	266,394	266,732	268,454
Dilutive potential common shares	5,521	3,966	2,525
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	271,915	270,698	270,979

For fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, a total of 0.7 million, 3.6 million, and 10.0 million weighted-average outstanding stock options, respectively, were not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares since their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

Note D

ACQUISITIONS

Effective February 1, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of the Country Crock® chilled side dish business from Unilever United States Inc. This line of microwaveable, refrigerated side dishes complements the Company’s Hormel®refrigerated entrées and Lloyd’s® barbeque product lines within the Refrigerated Foods segment. Country Crock®remains a registered trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies and is being used under license.

Operating results for this product line are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations are not presented, as the acquisition was not material to the consolidated Company.

42    Hormel Foods Corporation

Note E

INVENTORIES

Principal components of inventories are:

	October 30,	October 31,
(in thousands)	2011	2010
Finished products	$463,491	$431,285
Raw materials and work-in-process	251,324	205,355
Materials and supplies	171,008	157,131
Total	$885,823	$793,771

Note F

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are presented in the table below. The additions during fiscal 2010 primarily relate to the Country Crock® acquisition.

	Grocery	Refrigerated
(in thousands)	Products	Foods	JOTS	Specialty Foods	All Other	Total
Balance as of October 25, 2009	$123,316	$85,923	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$620,155
Goodwill acquired	–	8,868	–	–	–	8,868
Balance as of October 31, 2010	$123,316	$94,791	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$629,023
Goodwill acquired	–	1,861	–	–	–	1,861
Balance as of October 30, 2011	$123,316	$96,652	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$630,884

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are presented in the table below.

	October 30, 2011				October 31, 2010
	Gross			Weighted-	Gross			Weighted-
	Carrying	Accumulated		Average	Carrying	Accumulated		Average
(in thousands)	Amount	Amortization		Life (in Years)	Amount	Amortization		Life (in Years)
Customer lists/relationships	$22,378	$(12,556	)	10.9	$22,378	$(10,194	)	10.9
Proprietary software & technology	22,000	(14,822	)	9.3	23,650	(13,974	)	9.0
Formulas & recipes	18,354	(10,047	)	8.8	22,404	(11,914	)	8.5
Non-compete covenants	5,370	(5,124	)	4.6	7,200	(6,275	)	4.4
Distribution network	4,120	(3,371	)	10.0	4,120	(2,959	)	10.0
Other intangibles	8,660	(4,981	)	7.4	9,740	(5,011	)	6.8
Total	$80,882	$(50,901	)	9.1	$89,492	$(50,327	)	8.8

Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010, and October 25, 2009, was $9.5 million, $10.5 million, and $10.4 million, respectively.

Estimated annual amortization expense (in thousands) for the five fiscal years after October 30, 2011, is as follows:

2012	$8,906
2013	7,699
2014	6,303
2015	3,192
2016	1,023

The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows.

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Brand/tradename/trademarks	$	94,081	$	94,373
Other intangibles	7,984		7,984
Total	$	102,065	$	102,357

During the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the Company completed the required annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, with no material impairment indicated. Useful lives of intangible assets were also reviewed during this process, with no changes identified.

Hormel Foods Corporation    43

Note G

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 the following:

			October 30,	October 31,
(in thousands)	Segment	% Owned	2011	2010
MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	50%	$205,523	$122,447
Purefoods-Hormel Company	All Other	40%	65,140	63,894
San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	All Other	49%	17,442	20,501
Other	Various	Various	7,593	7,547
Total			$295,698	$214,389

Equity in earnings of affiliates consists of the following:

(in thousands)	Segment	2011		2010		2009
MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	$24,532		$11,996		$   N/A
Purefoods-Hormel Company	All Other	5,182		3,523		1,561
San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	All Other	(3,059	)	(1,315	)	(210	)
Other	Various	102		(1,078	)	3,442
Total		$26,757		$13,126		$4,793

MegaMex Foods, LLC

On October 26, 2009, the Company completed the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex), a 50/50 joint venture formed by the Company and Herdez Del Fuerte, S.A. de C.V. to market Mexican foods in the United States. On October 6, 2010, MegaMex acquired 100 percent of the stock of Don Miguel Foods Corp. (Don Miguel). Don Miguel is a leading provider of branded frozen and fresh authentic Mexican appetizers, snacks, and hand held items. On August 22, 2011, MegaMex acquired 100 percent of Fresherized Foods, which produces Wholly Guacamole,®Wholly Salsa,® and Wholly Queso®products.

The Company recognized a basis difference of $21.3 million associated with the formation of MegaMex, which is being amortized through equity in earnings of affiliates.

Note H

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt consists of:

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 6.625%, interest due semi-annually through June 2011 maturity date	$	–	$	350,000
Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 4.125%, interest due semi-annually through April 2021 maturity date	250,000		–
Less current maturities	–		350,000
Total	$	250,000	$	–

The Company has a $300.0 million revolving line of credit which bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR. As of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had not drawn from this line of credit. A fixed fee is paid for the availability of this credit line. On November 22, 2011, the Company amended the terms and conditions for this line of credit and extended the maturity date to November 2016.

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.

44Hormel Foods Corporation

Total interest paid during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $31.7 million, $26.5 million, and $28.3 million, respectively. Based on borrowing rates available to the Company for long-term financing with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities), utilizing discounted cash flows, was $266.9 million as of October 30, 2011, and $371.8 million as of October 31, 2010.

Note I

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company has several defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans covering most employees. Total costs associated with the Company’s defined contribution benefit plans in 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $27.1 million, $26.6 million, and $25.8 million, respectively. 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. The Company’s funding policy is to make annual contributions of not less than the minimum required by applicable regulations. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 8-22 years.

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. Eligible employees hired after January 1, 1990, may receive post-retirement medical coverage but must pay the full cost of the coverage. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 7-19 years.

In 2011, several changes were enacted that affected the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at the measurement date. The defined benefit pension plan covering collectively bargained employees was amended as a result of labor negotiations, causing an increase in the benefit obligation. The benefit obligation for the other defined benefit plans was reduced as a result of a change in the pension formula effective January 1, 2017. The amended formula remains a defined benefit formula, but will base the accrued benefit credit on age and service and define the benefit as a lump sum. Effective October 31, 2016, the 401k match for these participants will be increased.

Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans included the following:

	Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010	2009
Service cost	$  24,206		$ 21,998		$ 18,004		$  2,219		$  2,477	$  2,262
Interest cost	50,282		48,305		47,251		18,891		20,703	22,464
Expected return on plan assets	(62,989	)	(55,128	)	(52,296	)	–		–	–
Amortization of prior service cost	(607	)	(607	)	(607	)	4,341		4,341	5,505
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	16,633		16,133		5,142		(4	)	2,377	(841	)
Settlement charges	–		1,192		6,788		–		–	–
Curtailment charge	–		131		–		–		–	–
Special termination cost	–		386		–		–		109	–
Net periodic cost	$  27,525		$ 32,410		$ 24,282		$25,447		$30,007	$29,390

Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension benefits at October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost: unrecognized prior service credit of $52.5 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $334.0 million, and unrecognized prior service credit of $1.8 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $289.4 million, respectively. The prior service credit and actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost during the fiscal year ending October 28, 2012, are $5.1 million and $20.1 million, respectively.

Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for post-retirement benefits at October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic post-retirement benefit cost: unrecognized prior service costs of $19.0 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $25.2 million, and unrecognized prior service costs of $25.5 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $17.9 million, respectively. The prior service cost and actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and expected to be recognized in net periodic post-retirement benefit cost during the fiscal year ending October 28, 2012, are $3.6 million and $0.0 million, respectively.

Hormel Foods Corporation  45

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the plans as of the October 30, 2011 and the October 31, 2010 measurement dates:

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$878,630		$785,560		$346,707		$346,106
Service cost	24,206		21,998		2,219		2,477
Interest cost	50,282		48,305		18,891		20,703
Plan amendments	(51,283	)	–		(2,082	)	–
Special termination cost	–		386		–		109
Actuarial loss	84,958		64,231		7,276		2,446
Benefits paid	(44,167	)	(41,850	)	(21,877	)	(25,134	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$942,626		$878,630		$351,134		$346,707

The post-retirement benefits paid are net of Medicare Part D subsidy receipts of $2.8 million and $4.2 million for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$802,449		$689,759		$           –		$           –
Actual return on plan assets	86,748		81,993		–		–
Employee contributions	–		–		2,749		2,362
Employer contributions	25,893		72,547		26,120		29,304
Benefits paid	(44,167	)	(41,850	)	(28,869	)	(31,666	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$870,923		$802,449		$           –		$           –
Funded status at end of year	$(71,703	)	$(76,181	)	$(351,134	)	$(346,707	)

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are as follows:

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Pension assets	$   80,208		$   61,272		$           –		$           –
Accrued expenses	(2,924	)	(3,273	)	(26,433	)	(25,889	)
Pension and post-retirement benefits	(148,987	)	(134,180	)	(324,701	)	(320,818	)
Net amount recognized	$  (71,703	)	$  (76,181	)	$(351,134	)	$(346,707	)

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $151.9 million, $133.2 million, and $0.0 million, respectively, as of October 30, 2011, and $139.4 million, $113.1 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, as of October 31, 2010.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:

	2011	2010
Discount rate	5.33%	5.82%
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	3.93%	4.03%

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

	2011	2010	2009
Discount rate	5.82%	6.28%	7.30%
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	4.03%	4.08%	4.09%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	8.00%	8.25%	8.25%

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 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.

46    Hormel Foods Corporation

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 2012. The pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rate is assumed to decrease to 5.0% for 2017, and remain at that level 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
	Expense				Benefit Obligation
(in thousands)	Increase		Decrease		Increase		Decrease
Pension Benefits:
Discount rate	$(10,652	)	$13,153		$(111,456	)	$138,020
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	$   3,664		$ (3,664	)	-		-
Rate of future compensation increase	$   2,196		$ (2,108	)	$   11,060		$ (10,660	)
Post-retirement Benefits:
Discount rate	$936		$  2,564		$  (33,208	)	$  39,679
Health care cost trend rate	$   1,774		$ (1,478	)	$   32,101		$ (27,631	)

The actual and target weighted-average asset allocations for the Company’s pension plan assets as of the plan measurement date are as follows:

	2011		2010
Asset Category	Actual	Target Range	Actual	Target Range
Large Capitalization Equity	22.1%	20-35%	24.1%	22-32%
Hormel Foods Corporation Stock	5.7%	0-10%	9.0%	-
Small Capitalization Equity	11.9%	5-15%	14.0%	3-13%
International Equity	18.1%	15-25%	17.8%	15-25%
Private Equity	2.5%	0-15%	1.2%	0-15%
Total Equity Securities	60.3%	55-75%	66.1%	55-75%
Fixed Income	38.3%	25-45%	31.8%	25-45%
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1.4%	-	2.1%	-

Target allocations are established in consultation with outside advisors through the use of asset-liability modeling to attempt to match the duration of the plan assets with the duration of the Company’s projected benefit liability. The asset allocation strategy 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 target range for ownership of the Company’s common stock was included within the Large Capitalization Equity target range in the prior year.

As of the 2011 measurement date, plan assets included 1.7 million shares of common stock of the Company having a market value of $49.7 million or 6% of total plan assets. Dividends paid during the year on shares held by the plan were $1.1 million. In 2011, the Company issued 1.1 million shares to the plan pursuant to the stock split, and the plan sold 1.1 million shares. In 2010, plan assets included a pre-split 1.7 million shares of common stock of the Company having a market value of $76.1 million or 9% of total plan assets.

The Company made discretionary contributions of $23.6 million and $70.3 million to the Company’s defined benefit plans in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Based on the October 30, 2011 measurement date, the Company anticipates making required contributions of $21.2 million to fund the pension plans during fiscal year 2012. The Company also expects to make contributions of $29.4 million during 2012 that represent benefit payments for unfunded plans.

Benefits expected to be paid over the next ten fiscal years are as follows:

		Post-
	Pension	retirement
(in thousands)	Benefits	Benefits
2012	$  44,334	$  23,826
2013	45,309	22,359
2014	47,464	22,534
2015	49,769	22,646
2016	52,449	22,680
2017 - 2021	308,135	108,761

Post-retirement benefits are net of expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits granted under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are estimated to be $2.8 million per year through 2021.

Hormel Foods Corporation    47

The fair values of the defined benefit pension plan investments as of October 30, 2011, by asset category and fair value hierarchy level, are as follows:

	Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2011
		Quoted Prices
		in Active	Significant Other	Significant
		Markets for	Observable	Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs	Inputs
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value	(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$  11,732	$  11,732	$            -	$          -
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic	$215,924	$191,158	$  24,766	$          -
Foreign	26,103	26,103	-	-
Total Large Capitalization Equity	$242,027	$217,261	$  24,766	$          -
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic	$  92,083	$  92,083	$            -	$          -
Foreign	11,585	11,585	-	-
Total Small Capitalization Equity	$103,668	$103,668	$            -	$          -
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund	$  38,757	$            -	$  38,757	$          -
Collective trust	119,239	-	119,239	-
Total International Equity	$157,996	$            -	$157,996	$          -
Private Equity(5)
Domestic	$  18,794	$            -	$            -	$18,794
International	3,053	-	-	3,053
Total Private Equity	$  21,847	$            -	$            -	$21,847
Total Equity	$525,538	$320,929	$182,762	$21,847
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues	$118,863	$118,863	$            -	$          -
Municipal issues	18,463	18,463	-	-
Corporate issues – domestic	165,778	112,767	53,011	-
Corporate issues – foreign	30,549	30,549	-	-
Total Fixed Income	$333,653	$280,642	$  53,011	$          -
Total Investments at Fair Value	$870,923	$613,303	$235,773	$21,847

48    Hormel Foods Corporation

	Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2010
		Quoted Prices
		in Active	Significant Other	Significant
		Markets for	Observable	Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs	Inputs
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value	(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$  16,642	$  16,642	$            -	$        -
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic	$247,748	$215,152	$  32,596	$        -
Foreign	18,023	18,023	-	-
Total Large Capitalization Equity	$265,771	$233,175	$  32,596	$        -
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic	$101,953	$101,953	$            -	$        -
Foreign	10,206	10,206	-	-
Total Small Capitalization Equity	$112,159	$112,159	$            -	$        -
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund	$  40,301	$            -	$  40,301	$        -
Collective trust	102,566	-	102,566	-
Total International Equity	$142,867	$            -	$142,867	$        -
Private Equity(5)
Domestic	$    6,951	$            -	$            -	$6,951
International	2,377	-	-	2,377
Total Private Equity	$    9,328	$            -	$            -	$9,328
Total Equity	$530,125	$345,334	$175,463	$9,328
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues	$106,987	$106,987	$            -	$        -
Municipal issues	1,931	1,931	-	-
Corporate issues – domestic	124,802	87,181	37,621	-
Corporate issues – foreign	21,878	21,878	-	-
Total Fixed Income	$255,598	$217,977	$  37,621	$        -
Other
Real Estate - mineral interest	$           3	$            -	$            -	$       3
Total Other	$           3	$            -	$            -	$       3
Total Investments at Fair Value	$802,368	$579,953	$213,084	$9,331

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

(1)	Cash Equivalents: These Level 1 investments consist primarily of money market mutual funds that are highly liquid and traded in active markets.
(2)	Large Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investment includes a mutual fund consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks that is valued at the publicly available net asset value (NAV) of shares held by the pension plans at year end.
(3)	Small Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
(4)	International Equity: These Level 2 investments include a mix of collective investment funds and mutual funds. The mutual funds are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end. The value of the collective investment funds is based on the fair value of the underlying investments and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(5)	Private Equity: These Level 3 investments consist of various collective investment funds, which are managed by a third party, that invest in a well diversified portfolio of equity investments from top performing, high quality firms that focus on U.S. and foreign small to mid markets; and venture capitalists and entrepreneurs with a concentration in areas of innovation. Investment strategies include buyouts, growth capital, build-ups, and distressed; and early stages of company development mainly in the U.S. The fair value of the units for these investments is based on the fair value of the underlying investments, and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(6)	Fixed Income: The Level 1 investments include a mix of U.S. government and municipal securities, and domestic and foreign securities, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investments consist primarily of mutual funds invested in long duration corporate bonds that are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end.

Hormel Foods Corporation    49

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)	2011		2010
Beginning Balance, October 31, 2010	$ 9,331		$ 3,108
Purchases, issuances, and settlements (net)	9,886		5,373
Unrealized gains	2,633		717
Realized (losses) gains	(3	)	124
Interest and dividend income	-		9
Ending Balance, October 30, 2011	$ 21,847		$ 9,331

The Company has commitments totaling $85.0 million for the private equity investments within the pension plans, of which $66.0 million and $77.0 million remain unfunded at fiscal year end 2011 and 2010, respectively. These commitments include $43.2 million and $22.8 million for domestic and foreign equity investments, respectively, for fiscal year end 2011 compared to the $53.3 million and $23.7 million for domestic and foreign equity investments, respectively, for fiscal year end 2010. Funding for future private equity capital calls will come from existing pension plan asset investments and not from additional cash contributions into the Company’s pension plans.

Note J

INCOME TAXES

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
Current:
U.S. Federal	$202,084	$170,326	$159,208
State	26,978	22,896	22,027
Foreign	3,826	2,124	1,245
Total current	232,888	195,346	182,480
Deferred:
U.S. Federal	6,358	27,009	(392	)
State	394	2,420	81
Total deferred	6,752	29,429	(311	)
Total provision for income taxes	$239,640	$224,775	$182,169

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. The Company believes that,

based upon its lengthy and consistent history of profitable operations, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $129.0 million will be realized on future tax returns, primarily from the generation of future taxable income. Significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax over book depreciation	$ (92,848	)	$ (81,821	)
Pension assets	(30,029	)	(22,809	)
Book/tax basis difference from acquisitions	(27,593	)	(30,262	)
Commodity hedging contracts	(10,337	)	(16,327	)
Other, net	(61,824	)	(54,273	)
Deferred tax assets:
Post-retirement benefits	134,117		133,684
Pension benefits	57,961		52,445
Stock options	29,321		29,092
Deferred compensation	21,961		21,409
Insurance accruals	14,786		14,318
Vacation accruals	13,636		13,857
Promotional accruals	9,867		7,208
Federal benefit of state tax	9,596		14,799
Other, net	60,403		61,809
Net deferred tax assets	$129,017		$143,129

Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

	2011		2010		200	9
U.S. statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit	2.7		3.1		2.9
Manufacture deduction	(2.6	)	(1.7	)	(1.6	)
All other, net	(1.8	)	(0.4	)	(1.8	)
Effective tax rate	33.3	%	36.0	%	34.5	%

The Company has accumulated undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures of approximately $56.5 million as of October 30, 2011. These earnings are expected to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States.

Total income taxes paid during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $227.3 million, $212.6 million, and $160.3 million, respectively.

50    Hormel Foods Corporation

The following table sets forth changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

(in thousands)
Balance as of October 25, 2009	$ 42,762
Tax positions related to the current period:
Increases	3,102
Decreases	–
Tax positions related to prior periods:
Increases	4,194
Decreases	(18,313	)
Settlements	(2,650	)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(3,022	)
Balance as of October 31, 2010	$ 26,073
Tax positions related to the current period:
Increases	2,493
Decreases	–
Tax positions related to prior periods:
Increases	5,646
Decreases	(672	)
Settlements	(10,770	)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(1,372	)
Balance as of October 30, 2011	$ 21,398

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at October 30, 2011, recorded in other long-term liabilities was $28.1 million, of which $18.6 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense, with $(4.2) million included in expense for fiscal 2011. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at October 30, 2011, associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $6.7 million.

The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities. During fiscal year 2010, the United States internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) concluded its examination of the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for the fiscal years through 2007. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 the I.R.S. opened an examination of the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. The Company is in various stages of audit by several state taxing authorities on a variety of fiscal years, as far back as 2004. While it is reasonably possible that one or more of these audits may be completed within the next 12 months and that 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

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In order to ensure a steady supply of hogs and turkeys, and to 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. The Company has also contracted for the purchase of corn, soybean meal, and other feed ingredients from independent suppliers for periods up to three years. Under these contracts, the Company is committed at October 30, 2011, to make purchases, assuming current price levels, as follows:

(in thousands)
2012	$1,646,758
2013	1,016,381
2014	780,275
2015	659,322
2016	650,682
Later years	2,551,871
Total	$7,305,289

Purchases under these contracts for fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $1.8 billion, $1.9 billion, and $1.6 billion, respectively.

The Company had noncancelable operating lease commitments on facilities and equipment at October 30, 2011, as follows:

(in thousands)
2012	$ 12,742
2013	8,412
2014	5,480
2015	4,307
2016	3,423
Later years	6,432
Total	$ 40,796

The Company expensed $23.1 million, $25.1 million, and $23.0 million for rent in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company had commitments to expend approximately $78.4 million to complete construction in progress at various locations as of October 30, 2011.

Hormel Foods Corporation    51

As of October 30, 2011, the Company had $41.8 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 also includes a revocable $4.8 million standby letter of credit for obligations of an affiliated party that may arise under worker compensation claims. Letters of credit are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

The Company is involved on an ongoing basis in litigation 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 L

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company issues stock options and nonvested shares as part of its stock incentive plans for employees and non-employee directors. 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 periods ranging from six months to four years and expire ten years after the date of the grant. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the requisite service period or vesting period. The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to retirement-eligible individuals is expensed at the time of grant.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company made a one-time grant of 100 stock options (pre-split) to each active, full-time employee of the Company on January 8, 2007. This grant was to vest upon the earlier of five years or attainment of closing stock price of $50.00 per share (pre-split) for five consecutive trading days, and had an expiration of ten years after the grant date. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the options vested after the stock attained the required closing price per share for five consecutive trading days.

A reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable (in thousands) as of October 30, 2011, and changes during the fiscal year then ended, is as follows:

			Weighted-
		Weighted-	Average
		Average	Remaining	Aggregate
		Exercise	Contractual	Intrinsic
	Shares	Price	Term	Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2010	22,048	$16.47
Granted	2,658	24.96
Exercised	4,750	15.27
Forfeited	24	19.11
Outstanding at October 30, 2011	19,932	$17.89	5.7 yrs	$240,451
Exercisable at October 30, 2011	13,499	$16.66	4.5 yrs	$179,436

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 is as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$    5.54	$    4.55	$ 2.93
Intrinsic value of exercised options		$54,859	$32,378	$5,049

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 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Risk-free interest rate		2.9%	3.4%	3.2%
Dividend yield		2.0%	2.2%	2.5%
Stock price volatility		21.0%	22.0%	22.0%
Expected option life		8 years	8 years	8 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 stripped U.S. Treasury yields as of the grant date where the remaining term is approximately the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is set 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 set 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

52   Hormel Foods Corporation

the historical analysis. The expected life assumption is set 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 employee and non-employee director groups.

The Company’s nonvested shares granted on or before September 26, 2010, vest after five years or upon retirement. Nonvested shares granted after September 26, 2010, vest after one year. A reconciliation of the nonvested shares (in thousands) as of October 30, 2011, and changes during the fiscal year then ended is as follows:

		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value
Nonvested at October 31, 2010	206	$18.13
Granted	52	25.11
Vested	43	17.43
Nonvested at October 30, 2011	215	$19.94

The weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted, the total fair value (in thousands) of non vested shares granted, and the fair value (in thousands) of shares that have vested during each of the past three fiscal years is as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$25.11	$19.56	$15.27
Fair value of nonvested shares granted		$1,299	$  978	$  865
Fair value of shares vested		$ 751	$  664	$  204

Stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit, for each of the past three fiscal years is presented in the table below:

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,		October 31,		October 25,
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Stock-based compensation expense recognized		$17,229		$14,402		$12,054
Income tax benefit recognized		(6,542	)	(5,510	)	(4,633	)
After-tax stock-based compensation expense		$10,687		$  8,892		$  7,421

At October 30, 2011, there was $12.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years. During fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, cash received from stock option exercises was $53.8 million, $22.9 million, and $2.4 million, respectively. The total tax benefit to be realized for tax deductions from these option exercises was $20.8 million, $18.9 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

Shares issued for option exercises and nonvested shares may be either authorized but unissued shares, or shares of treasury stock acquired in the open market or otherwise. The number of shares available for future grants was 32.6 million at October 30, 2011, 35.3 million at October 31, 2010, and 38.0 million at October 25, 2009.

Note M

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Company uses hedging programs to manage price risk associated with commodity purchases. These programs utilize futures contracts and swaps to manage the Company’s exposure to price fluctuations in the commodities markets. The Company has determined that its programs which are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows generated by the items hedged.

Cash Flow Hedges: The Company utilizes corn and soybean meal futures to offset the price fluctuation in the Company’s future direct grain purchases, and has entered into various swaps to hedge the purchases of grain and natural gas at certain plant locations. The financial instruments are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges on a regular basis. 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. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. The Company typically does not hedge its grain or natural gas

Hormel Foods Corporation    53

exposure beyond the next two upcoming fiscal years. As of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts and swaps that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		20.8 million bushels	21.1 million bushels
Soybean meal		–	190,400 tons
Natural gas		0.5 million MMBTU’s	1.6 million MMBTU’s

As of October 30, 2011, the Company has included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, hedging gains of $27.3 million (before tax) relating to its positions, compared to gains of $32.9 million (before tax) as of October 31, 2010. The Company expects to recognize the majority of these gains over the next 12 months. The balance as of October 30, 2011, includes gains of $6.9 million related to the Company’s soybean meal futures contracts. These contracts were de-designated as cash flow hedges effective January 30, 2011, as they were no longer highly effective. These gains will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of de-designation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

Fair Value Hedges: The Company utilizes futures to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. 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. The futures contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges on a regular basis. 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 are recorded on the Consolidated Statement 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. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. As

of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts designated as fair value hedges:

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		12.4 million bushels	9.9 million bushels
Lean hogs		1.3 million cwt	1.1 million cwt

Other Derivatives: During fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the Company has held certain futures and options contract positions as part of a merchandising program and to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity markets and foreign currencies. The Company has not applied hedge accounting to these positions.

Additionally, as of January 30, 2011, the Company de-designated its soybean meal futures contracts that were previously designated as cash flow hedges, as these contracts were no longer highly effective. Hedge accounting is no longer being applied to these contracts, and gains or losses occurring after the date of de-designation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

As of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding futures and options contracts related to other programs:

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		–	1.5 million bushels
Soybean meal		4,300 tons	1,200 tons

54   Hormel Foods Corporation

Fair Values: The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments (in thousands) as of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, were as follows:

		Fair Value(1)
	Location on Consolidated	October 30,	October 31,
	Statement of Financial Position	2011	2010
Asset Derivatives:
Derivatives Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$58,753	$54,395
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	121	2,137
Total Asset Derivatives		$58,874	$56,532
Liability Derivatives:
Derivatives Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Accounts payable	$     351	$  6,390
Total Liability Derivatives		$     351	$  6,390

  (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 Statement of Financial Position. See Note N - Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Derivative Gains and Losses: Gains or losses (before tax, in thousands) related to the Company’s derivative instruments for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, were as follows:

	Gain/(Loss) Recognized
	in Accumulated Other			Gain/(Loss) Reclassified			Gain/(Loss)
	Comprehensive Loss (AOCL)			from AOCL into Earnings			Recognized in Earnings
	(Effective Portion)(1)			(Effective Portion)(1)			(Ineffective Portion)(2)(3)
	Fiscal Year Ended			Fiscal Year Ended			Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	Location on Consolidated	October 30,	October 31,		October 30,		October 31,
Cash Flow Hedges:	2011	2010	Statement of Operations	2011	2010		2011		2010
Commodity contracts	$39,480	$23,511	Cost of products sold	$45,103	$(28,672	)	$(8,704	)	$9,947

		Gain/(Loss)				Gain/(Loss)
		Recognized in Earnings				Recognized in Earnings
		(Effective Portion)(4)				(Ineffective Portion)(2)(5)
		Fiscal Year Ended				Fiscal Year Ended
	Location on Consolidated	October 30,		October 31,		October 30,	October 31,
Fair Value Hedges:	Statement of Operations	2011		2010		2011	2010
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$(24,373	)	$(8,216	)	$132	$(17	)
		Gain/(Loss)
		Recognized in Earnings
		Fiscal Year Ended
Derivatives Not	Location on Consolidated	October 30,		October 31,
Designated as Hedges:	Statement of Operations	2011		2010
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$(1,981	)	$    (86	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Net sales	$   (129	)	$      (1	)
Option contracts	Cost of products sold	$        -		$1,883

(1)	Amounts represent gains or losses in AOCL before tax. See Note B for the after tax impact of these gains or losses on net earnings.
(2)	There were no gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the fiscal year.
(3)	There were no gains or losses resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the fiscal year. However, effective January 30, 2011, the Company de-designated and discontinued hedge accounting for its soybean meal futures contracts. At the date of de-designation of these hedges, gains of $17.7 million (before tax) were deferred in AOCL, with $6.9 million (before tax) remaining as of October 30, 2011. These gains will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of de-designation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.
(4)	Amounts represent losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the fiscal year, which were offset by a corresponding gain 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.
(5)	There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge during the fiscal year.

Hormel Foods Corporation    55

Note N

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820) for its financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value of those assets and liabilities as of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, and their level within the fair value hierarchy, are presented in the tables below.

	Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2011
		Quoted Prices in
	Fair Value at	Active Markets	Significant Other	Significant
	October 30,	for Identical	Observable	Unobservable
(in thousands)	2011	Assets (Level 1)	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$341,447	$341,447	$           -	$-
Short-term marketable securities(2)	76,077	358	75,719	-
Other trading securities(3)	105,367	34,588	70,779	-
Commodity derivatives(4)	7,174	7,174	-	-
Total Assets at Fair Value	$530,065	$383,567	$146,498	$-
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity derivatives(4)	$      351	$           -	$       351	$-
Deferred compensation(3)	44,956	15,379	29,577	-
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$  45,307	$  15,379	$  29,928	$-

	Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2010
		Quoted Prices in
	Fair Value at	Active Markets	Significant Other	Significant
	October 31,	for Identical	Observable	Unobservable
(in thousands)	2010	Assets (Level 1)	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$360,064	$360,064	$            -	$-
Short-term marketable securities(2)	50,595	66	50,529	-
Other trading securities(3)	109,153	49,889	59,264	-
Commodity derivatives(4)	11,604	11,604	-	-
Total Assets at Fair Value	$531,416	$421,623	$109,793	$-
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity derivatives(4)	$    6,390	$           -	$    6,390	$-
Deferred compensation(3)	42,141	13,298	28,843	-
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$  48,531	$  13,298	$  35,233	$-

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 consist of money market funds rated AAA. As these investments have a maturity date of three months or less, the carrying value approximates fair value.
(2)	The Company holds trading 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 and highly rated money market funds held by the portfolio are classified as Level 1. The current investment portfolio also includes corporate bonds, agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities for which there is an active, quoted market. Market prices are obtained from a variety of industry standard 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 also holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. The rabbi trust is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is valued based on the underlying fair value of each fund held by the trust. A portion of the funds held related to the supplemental executive retirement plans 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 that supports the fund, 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. The remaining funds held are also managed by a third party, and include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these securities are classified as Level 1. The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are valued based on the underlying investment selections held in each participant’s account. Investment options generally mirror those funds held by the rabbi trust, for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these investment balances are classified as Level 1. 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 I.R.S. Applicable Federal Rates in effect and therefore these balances are classified as Level 2.
(4)	The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts, option contracts, and swaps used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn, soybean meal, and natural gas, and to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. The Company’s futures and options contracts for corn and soybean meal are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are active markets with quoted prices available and therefore these contracts are classified as Level 1. The Company’s natural gas swaps are settled based on quoted prices from the New York Mercantile Exchange. As the swaps settle based on quoted market prices, but are not held directly with the exchange, the swaps are classified as Level 2. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. 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 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 30, 2011, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $20.1 million from, and the obligation to return cash collateral of $71.8 million to, various counterparties. As of October 31, 2010, the Company had recognized the obligation to return cash collateral of $44.9 million to various counterparties.

56Hormel Foods Corporation

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities also include cash, 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. Based on borrowing rates available to the Company for long-term financing with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities), utilizing discounted cash flows, was $266.9 million as of October 30, 2011, and $371.8 million as of October 31, 2010.

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company also measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value that are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment). During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made the decision to close its Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California. The facilities in that location were evaluated during that process and the Company recorded a pretax charge of $6.6 million to reduce the property, plant and equipment to its current estimated fair value. During the fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, there were no other material remeasurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

Note O

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 five segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Specialty Foods, and All Other.

The Grocery Products segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex) joint venture.

The Refrigerated Foods segment includes the Hormel Refrigerated operating segment and the Affiliated Business Units. This segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork and beef products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.

The Affiliated Business Units include the Farmer John, Burke Corporation, Dan’s Prize, Saag’s Products, Inc., and Precept Foods businesses. Precept Foods, LLC, is a 50.01 percent owned joint venture.

The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.

The Specialty Foods segment includes the Diamond Crystal Brands, Century Foods International, and Hormel Specialty Products operating segments. This segment consists of the packaging and sale of various sugar and sugar substitute products, salt and pepper products, liquid portion products, dessert mixes, ready-to-drink products, sports nutrition products, gelatin products, and private label canned meats to retail and foodservice customers. This segment also includes the processing, marketing, and sale of nutritional food products and supplements to hospitals, nursing homes, and other marketers of nutritional products.

The All Other segment includes the Hormel Foods International operating segment, which manufactures, markets, and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures and miscellaneous corporate sales.

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, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as net interest and investment expense (income), general corporate expense, and noncontrolling interest when reconciling to earnings before income taxes.

Sales and operating profits for each of the Company’s report able 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

Hormel Foods Corporation    57

Company does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below.

(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Sales to Unaffiliated
Customers
Grocery Products	$	1,064,558		$	1,040,455		$	924,682
Refrigerated Foods	4,189,224			3,818,788			3,436,242
Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,467,222			1,310,412			1,227,709
Specialty Foods	835,584			782,958			708,730
All Other	338,501			268,106			236,308
Total	$	7,895,089		$	7,220,719		$	6,533,671
Intersegment Sales
Grocery Products	$	-		$	-		$	-
Refrigerated Foods	14,101			9,152			7,236
Jennie-O Turkey Store	124,868			111,262			97,064
Specialty Foods	127			118			172
All Other	-			-			-
Total	139,096			120,532			104,472
Intersegment elimination	(139,096		)	(120,532		)	(104,472		)
Total	$	-		$	-		$	-
Net Sales
Grocery Products	$	1,064,558		$	1,040,455		$	924,682
Refrigerated Foods	4,203,325			3,827,940			3,443,478
Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,592,090			1,421,674			1,324,773
Specialty Foods	835,711			783,076			708,902
All Other	338,501			268,106			236,308
Intersegment elimination	(139,096		)	(120,532		)	(104,472		)
Total	$	7,895,089		$	7,220,719		$	6,533,671
Segment Operating Profit
Grocery Products	$	162,556		$	155,922		$	162,531
Refrigerated Foods	292,624			276,315			226,171
Jennie-O Turkey Store	204,940			143,644			86,909
Specialty Foods	76,905			80,727			68,484
All Other	36,250			26,126			27,631
Total segment operating profit	$	773,275		$	682,734		$	571,726
Net interest and investment expense (income)	23,448			22,024			8,432
General corporate expense	35,992			40,348			38,312
Noncontrolling interest	5,001			4,189			3,165
Earnings before income taxes	$	718,836		$	624,551		$	528,147

(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Assets
Grocery Products	$	670,398	$	591,082	$	445,340
Refrigerated Foods	1,177,588		1,173,540		1,098,133
Jennie-O Turkey Store	805,459		760,566		728,049
Specialty Foods	475,289		432,820		449,558
All Other	196,957		178,642		163,611
Corporate	918,700		917,268		807,364
Total	$	4,244,391	$	4,053,918	$	3,692,055
Additions to Property, Plant   and Equipment
Grocery Products	$	10,910	$	27,018	$	51,438
Refrigerated Foods	45,244		38,417		28,303
Jennie-O Turkey Store	29,507		15,986		11,247
Specialty Foods	3,470		1,807		2,922
All Other	1,145		788		732
Corporate	6,635		5,807		2,319
Total	$	96,911	$	89,823	$	96,961
Depreciation and   Amortization
Grocery Products	$	15,597	$	15,084	$	15,232
Refrigerated Foods	65,689		64,051		62,317
Jennie-O Turkey Store	25,379		26,898		27,280
Specialty Foods	9,817		11,831		14,082
All Other	1,387		1,305		1,204
Corporate	6,296		6,422		7,023
Total	$	124,165	$	125,591	$	127,138

The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. Perishable meat includes fresh meats, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, wieners, and bacon (excluding JOTS products). The Poultry category is composed primarily of JOTS products. Shelf-stable includes canned products, tortillas, salsas, and other items that do not require refrigeration. The Other category primarily consists of nutritional food products and supplements, sugar and sugar substitutes, dessert and drink mixes, and industrial gelatin products. The percentages of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products for the last three fiscal years are as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
	2011	2010	2009
Perishable meat	55.1%	54.3%	53.9%
Poultry	19.1	18.7	19.3
Shelf-stable	16.8	17.5	17.3
Other	9.0	9.5	9.5
	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%

58Hormel Foods Corporation

Revenues from external customers are classified as domestic or foreign based on the final customer 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 as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
United States	$7,431,798	$6,874,150	$6,198,818
Foreign	463,291	346,569	334,853
	$7,895,089	$7,220,719	$6,533,671

In fiscal 2011, sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) represented $1.08 billion or 12.5 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenues (measured as gross sales less returns and allowances). Wal-Mart is a customer for all five segments of the Company.

Note P

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following tabulations reflect the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010.

						Net Earnings
						Attributable to
						Hormel Foods		Basic Earnings		Diluted Earnings
(in thousands, except per share data)	Net Sales	Gross Profit		Net Earnings		Corporation(1)		Per Share		Per Share
2011
First quarter	$1,921,558	$ 374,005		$ 150,035		$148,826		$0.56		$0.55
Second quarter	1,959,041	326,227		110,702		109,579		0.41		0.40
Third quarter	1,910,592	297,855		99,964		98,481		0.37		0.36
Fourth quarter	2,103,898	336,026		118,495		117,309		0.44		0.43
2010
First quarter	$ 1,727,447	$ 318,387		$ 112,269		$ 111,207		$0.42		$0.41
Second quarter	1,699,782	280,467	(2)	78,535	(3)	77,862	(3)	0.29	(3)	0.29	(3)
Third quarter	1,730,451	284,915		86,364		85,370		0.32		0.32
Fourth quarter	2,063,039	354,973		122,608		121,148		0.46		0.45

(1)   Excludes net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests.

(2)   Includes a one-time pre-tax charge of $9.7 million related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh Plant in Turlock, California.

(3)   Includes one-time charges of $6.3 million ($0.02 per share) related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh Plant in Turlock, California, and an income tax charge of $7.1 million ($0.03 per share) primarily due to the change in tax treatment of Medicare Part D reimbursements by health care laws enacted during fiscal 2010.

Hormel Foods Corporation    59

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

220 South Sixth Street, Ste. 1400

Minneapolis, MN 55402-4509

STOCK LISTING

Hormel Foods Corporation’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HRL. The CUSIP number is 440452100.

There are approximately 11,300 record stockholders and 37,500 stockholders whose shares are held in street name by brokerage firms and financial institutions.

COMMON STOCK DATA

The high and low prices of the company’s common stock and the dividends per share declared for each fiscal quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively, are shown below. All per share figures have been adjusted to give effect to the two-for-one stock split, which was effected February 1, 2011:

2011	High	Low	Dividend
First Quarter	26.135	22.515	0.1275
Second Quarter	29.480	24.525	0.1275
Third Quarter	30.500	27.600	0.1275
Fourth Quarter	30.060	25.880	0.1275
2010	High	Low	Dividend
First Quarter	19.900	18.010	0.1050
Second Quarter	21.340	19.125	0.1050
Third Quarter	21.435	19.380	0.1050
Fourth Quarter	22.965	21.145	0.1050

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

161 North Concord Exchange

P.O. Box 64854

South St. Paul, MN 55164-0854

www.shareowneronline.com

For the convenience of shareholders, a designated toll free number (1-877-536-3559) can be used whenever questions arise regarding changes in registered ownership, lost or stolen certificates, address changes, or other matters pertaining to the transfer of stock or shareholder records. When requesting information, shareholders must provide their tax identification number, the name(s) in which their stock is registered, and their record address.

The company participates in the Direct Registration Profile Modification System (DRPMS). Transfers or issuances of shares are now issued in book-entry form, unless you specifically request a stock certificate. A statement will be delivered to you reflecting any transactions processed in your account.

The transfer agent makes shareholder account data available to shareholders of record via the Internet. This service allows shareholders to view various account details, such as certificate information, dividend payment history, and/or dividend reinvestment plan records, and sell shares over a secure Internet connection with the required entry of an account number and authentication ID. Information is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. If you are interested, you may use the web site www.shareoweronline.com and access “Sign Up Now!” to arrange for a setup.

HOUSEHOLD SORTING

If you hold stock in more than one account, duplicate mailings of financial information may result. You can help eliminate the added expense by requesting only one copy be sent. Please supply the transfer agent with the name in which all accounts are registered and the name of the account for which you wish to receive mailings. This will not in any way affect dividend check mailings. We cannot household sort between record accounts and brokerage accounts.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Hormel Foods Corporation’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan, available to record shareholders, allows for full dividend reinvestment and voluntary cash purchases with brokerage commissions or other service fees paid by the Company. Automatic debit for cash contribution is also available. This is a convenient method to have money automatically withdrawn each month from a checking or savings account and invested in your Dividend Reinvestment Plan account. To enroll in the plan or obtain additional information, contact Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., using the address or telephone number provided with its listing in this section as Company transfer agent and registrar. Enrollment in the plan is also available on the Internet at www.shareowneronline.com

An optional direct dividend deposit service offers shareholders a convenient method of having quarterly dividend payments electronically deposited into their personal checking or savings account. The dividend payment is made in the account each payment date, providing shareholders with immediate use of their money. For information about the service and how to participate, contact Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., transfer agent. You may also activate this feature on the Internet at www.shareowneronline.com.

60    Hormel Foods Corporation

DIVIDENDS

The declaration of dividends and all dates related to the declaration of dividends are subject to the judgment and discretion of the Board of Directors of Hormel Foods Corporation. Quarterly dividends are typically paid on the 15th of February, May, August, and November. Postal delays may cause receipt dates to vary.

REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Copies of the company’s Form 10-K (annual report) and Form 10-Q (quarterly report) to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), proxy statement, all news releases and other corporate literature are available free upon request by calling (507) 437-5345 or by accessing the information on the Internet at www.hormelfoods.com. Notice and access to the Company’s Annual Report is mailed approximately one month before the Annual Meeting. The Annual Report can be viewed at the Web site named above or a hard copy will be available free upon request via email, mail or by calling (507) 437-5571.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in the Richard L. Knowlton Auditorium at Austin (Minn.) High School. The meeting will convene at 8:00 p.m. (CT).

QUESTIONS ABOUT HORMEL FOODS

Shareholder Inquiries

(507) 437-5944

Analyst/ Investor Inquiries

(507) 437-5248

Media Inquiries

(507) 437-5345

CONSUMER RESPONSE

Inquiries regarding products of Hormel Foods Corporation should be addressed to:

Consumer Response

Hormel Foods Corporation

1 Hormel Place

Austin, MN 55912-3680

or call 1-800-523-4635

TRADEMARKS

References in italic within this report represent valuable trademarks owned or licensed by Hormel Foods, LLC or other subsidiaries of Hormel Foods Corporation.

“Country Crock” is a registered trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies and is used under license. All rights reserved.

STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART

*$100 invested on 10/28/05 in stock or index—including reinvestment of dividends.

Hormel Foods Corporation    61

Corporate officers

Jeffrey M. Ettinger*	D. Scott Aakre	Phillip L. Minerich, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board,	Vice President,	Vice President,
President and Chief Executive Officer	Corporate Innovation and	Research and Development
	New Product Development
Jody H. Feragen*		Kurt F. Mueller
Executive Vice President	Deanna T. Brady	Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer	Vice President,	Senior Vice President, Business Planning
	Sales	Consumer Products Sales
Steven G. Binder	Foodservice
Executive Vice President		Douglas R. Reetz
President, Hormel Business Units	Mark J. Coffey	Vice President
	Vice President,	Senior Vice President, Sales
Ronald W. Fielding	Affiliated Business Units	Consumer Products Sales
Executive Vice President,	Refrigerated Foods
Corporate Strategy,		James R. Schroeder
Planning and Development	Patrick J. Connor	Vice President,
	Vice President	Engineering
Richard A. Bross	Senior Vice President, Sales
Group Vice President	Consumer Products Sales	Bruce R. Schweitzer
President, Hormel Foods International		Vice President,
	Julie H. Craven	Operations
Thomas R. Day	Vice President,	Refrigerated Foods
Group Vice President,	Corporate Communications
Foodservice		James N. Sheehan
	Michael L. Devine	Vice President and
Donald H. Kremin	Vice President,	Controller
Group Vice President,	Operations
Specialty Foods	Grocery Products	James P. Snee
(effective 10/31/2011)		Vice President
	Bryan D. Farnsworth	Senior Vice President,
Glenn R. Leitch	Vice President,	Hormel Foods International
Group Vice President,	Quality Management
President, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc.		Joe C. Swedberg
(effective 10/31/2011)	Roland G. Gentzler	Vice President,
	Vice President,	Legislative Affairs
James M. Splinter	Finance and Treasurer
Group Vice President,		Whitney Velasco-Aznar
Grocery Products	Dennis B. Goettsch	Vice President,
	Vice President,	Marketing
Robert A. Tegt	Marketing	Grocery Products
Group Vice President	Foodservice
President, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc.		Steven J. Venenga
(retires effective 12/31/2011)	Daniel A. Hartzog	Vice President,
	Vice President	Meat Products Marketing
Michael D. Tolbert	Senior Vice President, Sales	Refrigerated Foods
Group Vice President,	Consumer Products Sales
Specialty Foods
(retires effective 1/27/2012)	Brian D. Johnson	*Director
	Vice President and
Larry L. Vorpahl	Corporate Secretary
Group Vice President
President, Consumer Products Sales	David P. Juhlke
	Vice President,
William F. Snyder	Human Resources
Senior Vice President,
Supply Chain	Lori J. Marco
	Vice President and
	General Counsel

62    Hormel Foods Corporation

EX-21.1

EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

The Company owns the indicated percentage of the issued and outstanding stock or other equity interests of the following entities:

Name of Subsidiary	State or Country of Incorporation	Ownership Percentage
Alma Foods, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Beijing Hormel Business Management Co. Ltd.	China	100	%
Beijing Hormel Foods Co. Ltd.	China	80	%
Burke Marketing Corporation	Iowa	100	%
Campoco, Inc.	Minnesota	100	%
Century Foods International, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Century Foods Land Development, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Champ, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Clougherty Packing, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Creative Contract Packaging, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Dan’s Prize, Inc.	Minnesota	100	%
Diamond Crystal Brands, Inc.	Delaware	100	%
Diamond Crystal Bremen, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Diamond Crystal Duluth, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Diamond Crystal Sales, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Dold Foods, LLC	Delaware	100	%
FJ Foodservice, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Fort Dodge Foods, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Hormel Canada, Ltd.	Canada	100	%
Hormel Financial Services Corporation	Minnesota	100	%
Hormel Foods Australia Pty Limited	Australia	100	%
Hormel Foods Corporate Services, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Hormel Foods International Corporation	Delaware	100	%
Hormel Foods Japan K.K.	Japan	100	%
Hormel Foods, LLC	Minnesota	100	%
Hormel Foods Sales, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Hormel Health Technology, LLC	Delaware	67	%
Hormel MM Holding Corporation	Delaware	100	%
Hormel Netherlands B.V.	Netherlands	100	%
Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc.	Minnesota	100	%
Jennie-O Turkey Store International, Inc.	Minnesota	100	%
Jennie-O Turkey Store, LLC	Minnesota	100	%
Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC	Delaware	100	%
JJOTS, LLC	Minnesota	100	%
Lloyd’s Barbeque Company, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Logistic Service, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Melting Pot Foods, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Mespil, Inc.	Delaware	100	%
Mexican Accent, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Mountain Prairie, LLC	Colorado	100	%
Osceola Food, LLC	Delaware	100	%
PFFJ, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Precept Foods, LLC	Delaware	50	%
Progressive Processing, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Provena Foods Inc.	Delaware	100	%
Rochelle Foods, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Saag’s Products, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Shanghai Hormel Foods Co. Ltd.	China	81	%
Stagg Foods, LLC	Delaware	100	%
Valley Fresh, Inc.	Delaware	100	%
West Central Turkeys, LLC	Delaware	100	%

1

EX-23.1

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Hormel Foods Corporation of our reports dated December 21, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Hormel Foods Corporation, included in the 2011 Annual Report to Stockholders of Hormel Foods Corporation.

Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Hormel Foods Corporation listed in Item 15.  This schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.  In our opinion, as to which the date is December 21, 2011, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Number 333-17327 on Form S-3 dated December 5, 1996, in Post-Effective Amendment Number 2 to Registration Statement Number 33-14614 on Form S-8 dated December 6, 1988, in Registration Statement Number 33-14615 on Form S-8 dated May 27, 1987, in Post-Effective Amendment Number 1 to Registration Statement Number 33-29053 on Form S-8 dated January 26, 1990, in Registration Statement Number 33-43246 on Form S-8 dated October 10, 1991, in Registration Statement Number 33-45408 on Form S-8 dated January 31, 1992, in Registration Statement Number 33-44178 on Form S-8 dated August 21, 2000, in Registration Statement Numbers 333-102805, 333-102806, 333-102808, and 333-102810 on Forms S-8 dated January 29, 2003, in Registration Statement Number 333-110776 on Form S-8 dated November 26, 2003, in Registration Statement Number 333-131625 on Form S-8 dated February 7, 2006, in Registration Statement Number 333-136642 on Form S-8 dated August 15, 2006, in Registration Statement Number 333-138119 on Form S-4/A dated November 2, 2006, in Registration Statement Number 333-162405 on Form S-8 dated October 9, 2009, and in Registration Statement Number 333-173284 on Form S-3ASR dated April 4, 2011, of our report dated December 21, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation incorporated herein by reference, our report dated December 21, 2011, with respect to the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Hormel Foods Corporation incorporated herein by reference, and our report included in the preceding paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedule included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Hormel Foods Corporation for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011.

	/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 21, 2011

1

EX-24.1

EXHIBIT 24.1

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints each of James N. Sheehan, Roland G. Gentzler, and LaNell K. Sunde with full power to each to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hormel Foods Corporation (“Hormel”) for Hormel’s fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, and any or all amendments to said Annual Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to file the same with such other authorities as necessary, granting unto each such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each such attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ Jeffrey M. Ettinger	Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive	November 21, 2011
Jeffrey M. Ettinger	Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Jody H. Feragen	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial	November 21, 2011
Jody H. Feragen	Officer, and Director (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ James N. Sheehan	Vice President and Controller (Principal	November 21, 2011
James N. Sheehan	Accounting Officer)
/s/ Terrell K. Crews	Director	November 21, 2011
Terrell K. Crews
/s/ Glenn S. Forbes	Director	November 21, 2011
Glenn S. Forbes
/s/ Stephen M. Lacy	Director	November 21, 2011
Stephen M. Lacy
/s/ Susan I. Marvin	Director	November 21, 2011
Susan I. Marvin
/s/ Michael J. Mendes	Director	November 21, 2011
Michael J Mendes
/s/ John L. Morrison	Director	November 21, 2011
John L. Morrison
/s/ Elsa A. Murano	Director	November 21, 2011
Elsa A. Murano
/s/ Robert C. Nakasone	Director	November 21, 2011
Robert C. Nakasone
/s/ Susan K. Nestegard	Director	November 21, 2011
Susan K. Nestegard
/s/ Dakota A. Pippins	Director	November 21, 2011
Dakota A. Pippins

1

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Jeffrey M. Ettinger, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hormel Foods Corporation for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:	December 21, 2011	Signed:	/s/ JEFFREY M. ETTINGER
			JEFFREY M. ETTINGER
			Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer

1

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Jody H. Feragen, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hormel Foods Corporation for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: December 21, 2011	Signed:	/s/ JODY H. FERAGEN
		JODY H. FERAGEN
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

1

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hormel Foods Corporation (the “Company”) for the period ended October 30, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:  December 21, 2011	/s/ JEFFREY M. ETTINGER
	JEFFREY M. ETTINGER
	Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Dated:  December 21, 2011	/s/ JODY H. FERAGEN
	JODY H. FERAGEN
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

1

XML

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)																1 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011		Oct. 31, 2010		Oct. 30, 2011 After stock split	Feb. 02, 2011 After stock split	Oct. 30, 2011 Common stock, nonvoting		Oct. 31, 2010 Common stock, nonvoting		Feb. 02, 2011 Common stock, nonvoting After stock split	Oct. 30, 2011 Common stock		Oct. 31, 2010 Common stock		Dec. 05, 2010 Common stock Numerator	Dec. 05, 2010 Common stock Denominator	Feb. 02, 2011 Common stock Before stock split	Feb. 02, 2011 Common stock After stock split
Authorized stock split ratio																2	1
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)							$ 0.01	[1]	$ 0.01	[1]		$ 0.0293	[1]	$ 0.0293	[1]			$ 0.0586	$ 0.0293
Common stock, number of shares authorized							400,000,000	[1]	400,000,000	[1]	400,000,000	800,000,000	[1]	800,000,000	[1]			400,000,000	800,000,000
Preferred stock, number of shares authorized, after stock split	160,000,000	[1]	160,000,000	[1]	160,000,000	160,000,000

[1] Shares and par values have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011

XML

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 4) (Pension Benefits, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	$ 870,923,000	$ 802,368,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	613,303,000	579,953,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	235,773,000	213,084,000
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	21,847,000	9,331,000
Cash equivalents
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	11,732,000	16,642,000
Cash equivalents | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	11,732,000	16,642,000
Large Capitalization Equity
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	242,027,000	265,771,000
Large Capitalization Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	217,261,000	233,175,000
Large Capitalization Equity | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	24,766,000	32,596,000
Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	215,924,000	247,748,000
Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	191,158,000	215,152,000
Large Capitalization Equity - Domestic | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	24,766,000	32,596,000
Large Capitalization Equity - Foreign
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	26,103,000	18,023,000
Large Capitalization Equity - Foreign | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	26,103,000	18,023,000
Small Capitalization Equity
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	103,668,000	112,159,000
Small Capitalization Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	103,668,000	112,159,000
Small Capitalization Equity - Domestic
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	92,083,000	101,953,000
Small Capitalization Equity - Domestic | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	92,083,000	101,953,000
Small Capitalization Equity - Foreign
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	11,585,000	10,206,000
Small Capitalization Equity - Foreign | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	11,585,000	10,206,000
International Equity
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	157,996,000	142,867,000
International Equity | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	157,996,000	142,867,000
Mutual fund
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	38,757,000	40,301,000
Mutual fund | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	38,757,000	40,301,000
Collective trust
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	119,239,000	102,566,000
Collective trust | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	119,239,000	102,566,000
Private Equity
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	21,847,000	9,328,000
Unfunded commitments for investments	66,000,000	77,000,000
Commitment for investments	85,000,000	85,000,000
Private Equity | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	21,847,000	9,328,000
Private Equity - Domestic
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	18,794,000	6,951,000
Commitment for investments	43,200,000	53,300,000
Private Equity - Domestic | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	18,794,000	6,951,000
Private Equity - International
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	3,053,000	2,377,000
Commitment for investments	22,800,000	23,700,000
Private Equity - International | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	3,053,000	2,377,000
Equity
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	525,538,000	530,125,000
Equity | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	320,929,000	345,334,000
Equity | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	182,762,000	175,463,000
Equity | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	21,847,000	9,328,000
Fixed Income
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	333,653,000	255,598,000
Fixed Income | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	280,642,000	217,977,000
Fixed Income | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	53,011,000	37,621,000
US government issues
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	118,863,000	106,987,000
US government issues | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	118,863,000	106,987,000
Municipal issues
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	18,463,000	1,931,000
Municipal issues | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	18,463,000	1,931,000
Corporate issues domestic
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	165,778,000	124,802,000
Corporate issues domestic | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	112,767,000	87,181,000
Corporate issues domestic | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	53,011,000	37,621,000
Corporate issues foreign
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	30,549,000	21,878,000
Corporate issues foreign | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments	30,549,000	21,878,000
Other
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments		3,000
Other | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments		3,000
Real Estate - mineral interest
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments		3,000
Real Estate - mineral interest | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair values of defined benefit pension plan investments by asset category and fair value hierarchy level
Total Fair Value of Investments		$ 3,000

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INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009	Oct. 30, 2011 MegaMex Foods, LLC	Oct. 31, 2010 MegaMex Foods, LLC	Oct. 30, 2011 Purefoods-Hormel Company	Oct. 31, 2010 Purefoods-Hormel Company	Oct. 25, 2009 Purefoods-Hormel Company	Oct. 30, 2011 San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	Oct. 31, 2010 San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	Oct. 25, 2009 San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	Oct. 30, 2011 Other	Oct. 31, 2010 Other	Oct. 25, 2009 Other
Investments in and receivables from affiliates
Ownership percentage				50.00%		40.00%			49.00%
Investments in and receivables from affiliates	$ 295,698,000	$ 214,389,000		$ 205,523,000	$ 122,447,000	$ 65,140,000	$ 63,894,000		$ 17,442,000	$ 20,501,000		$ 7,593,000	$ 7,547,000
Equity in earnings of affiliates	26,757,000	13,126,000	4,793,000	24,532,000	11,996,000	5,182,000	3,523,000	1,561,000	(3,059,000)	(1,315,000)	(210,000)	102,000	(1,078,000)	3,442,000
Excess of investment over the underlying equity in net assets of the joint venture				$ 21,300,000

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DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	May 01, 2011	Dec. 02, 2011 Common Stock	Dec. 02, 2011 Common Stock Non-Voting
Entity Registrant Name	HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000048465
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 4,044,692,392
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			264,037,493	0
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

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PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 5) (Pension Benefits, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year			$ 689,759
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	870,923	802,449	689,759
Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9,331		3,108
Purchases, issuances and settlements (net)	9,886	5,373
Unrealized gains	2,633	717
Realized gains (losses)	(3)	124
Interest and dividend income		9
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 21,847	$ 9,331	$ 3,108

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011 Y	Oct. 31, 2010 Y	Oct. 25, 2009
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 80,882,000	$ 89,492,000
Accumulated Amortization	(50,901,000)	(50,327,000)
Weighted-Avg Life (in Years)	9.1	8.8
Amortization expense	9,500,000	10,500,000	10,400,000
Estimated Amortization Expense
2012	8,906,000
2013	7,699,000
2014	6,303,000
2015	3,192,000
2016	1,023,000
Customer lists/relationships
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	22,378,000	22,378,000
Accumulated Amortization	(12,556,000)	(10,194,000)
Weighted-Avg Life (in Years)	10.9	10.9
Proprietary software and technology
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	22,000,000	23,650,000
Accumulated Amortization	(14,822,000)	(13,974,000)
Weighted-Avg Life (in Years)	9.3	9.0
Formulas and recipes
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	18,354,000	22,404,000
Accumulated Amortization	(10,047,000)	(11,914,000)
Weighted-Avg Life (in Years)	8.8	8.5
Non-compete covenants
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	5,370,000	7,200,000
Accumulated Amortization	(5,124,000)	(6,275,000)
Weighted-Avg Life (in Years)	4.6	4.4
Distribution network
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	4,120,000	4,120,000
Accumulated Amortization	(3,371,000)	(2,959,000)
Weighted-Avg Life (in Years)	10.0	10.0
Other intangibles
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	8,660,000	9,740,000
Accumulated Amortization	$ (4,981,000)	$ (5,011,000)
Weighted-Avg Life (in Years)	7.4	6.8

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Schedule of purchase commitments

(in thousands)
2012	$ 1,646,758
2013	1,016,381
2014	780,275
2015	659,322
2016	650,682
Later years	2,551,871
Total	$ 7,305,289

Schedule of noncancelable operating lease commitments

(in thousands)
2012	$ 12,742
2013	8,412
2014	5,480
2015	4,307
2016	3,423
Later years	6,432
Total	$ 40,796

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Purchase commitments
2012	$ 1,646,758,000
2013	1,016,381,000
2014	780,275,000
2015	659,322,000
2016	650,682,000
Later years	2,551,871,000
Total	7,305,289,000
Purchases under contracts	1,800,000,000	1,900,000,000	1,600,000,000
Noncancelable operating lease commitments
2012	12,742,000
2013	8,412,000
2014	5,480,000
2015	4,307,000
2016	3,423,000
Later years	6,432,000
Total	40,796,000
Expenses under noncancelable operating lease commitments	23,100,000	25,100,000	23,000,000
Approximate amount of commitments to complete construction in progress at various locations	78,400,000
Standby letters of credit	41,800,000
Renewable standby letter of credit	$ 4,800,000
Hogs and turkeys
Purchase commitments
Purchase commitments, maximum time period	10 years
Grow-out contracts
Purchase commitments
Purchase commitments, maximum time period	25 years
Corn, soybean meal and other feed
Purchase commitments
Purchase commitments, maximum time period	three years

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Table)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive loss

							Accumulated
	Foreign				Deferred		Other
	Currency		Pension &		Gain (Loss)		Comprehensive
(in thousands)	Translation		Other Benefits		— Hedging		Loss
Balance at October 26, 2008	$ 4,243		$  (77,608	)	$(40,651	)	$ (114,016	)
Unrecognized losses	(862	)	(200,150	)	(8,323	)	(209,335	)
Reclassification into net earnings	–		9,200		55,053		64,253
Tax effect	–		72,996		(18,967	)	54,029
Net of tax amount	(862	)	(117,954	)	27,763		(91,053	)
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment (net of $912 tax effect)	–		1,459		–		1,459
Balance at October 25, 2009	$ 3,381		$ (194,103	)	$(12,888	)	$ (203,610	)
Unrecognized gains (losses)	5,468		(38,490	)	23,511		(9,511	)
Reclassification into net earnings	–		22,244		28,672		50,916
Tax effect	–		5,106		(18,811	)	(13,705	)
Net of tax amount	5,468		(11,140	)	33,372		27,700
Balance at October 31, 2010	$ 8,849		$ (205,243	)	$ 20,484		$ (175,910	)
Unrecognized gains (losses)	843		(15,115	)	39,480		25,208
Reclassification into net earnings	–		20,363		(45,103	)	(24,740	)
Tax effect	–		(2,188	)	2,147		(41	)
Net of tax amount	843		3,060		(3,476	)	427
Balance at October 30, 2011	$ 9,692		$ (202,183	)	$ 17,008		$(175,483	)

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Long-term debt and other borrowings arrangements
Less current maturities		$ 350,000,000
Total	250,000,000
Interest paid	31,700,000	26,500,000	28,300,000
Fair value of long-term debt	266,900,000	371,800,000
6.625% Senior unsecured notes, due June 2011
Long-term debt and other borrowings arrangements
Long-term debt		350,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.625%
4.125% Senior unsecured notes, due April 2021
Long-term debt and other borrowings arrangements
Long-term debt	250,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.125%
Revolving line of credit
Long-term debt and other borrowings arrangements
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 300,000,000
Variable rate basis	LIBOR

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009	Oct. 26, 2008	Oct. 30, 2011 Foreign Currency Translation	Oct. 31, 2010 Foreign Currency Translation	Oct. 25, 2009 Foreign Currency Translation	Oct. 30, 2011 Pension & Other Benefits	Oct. 31, 2010 Pension & Other Benefits	Oct. 25, 2009 Pension & Other Benefits	Oct. 25, 2009 Pension & Other Benefits ASC 715 measurement date adjustment	Oct. 30, 2011 Deferred Gain (Loss) Hedging	Oct. 31, 2010 Deferred Gain (Loss) Hedging	Oct. 25, 2009 Deferred Gain (Loss) Hedging	Oct. 30, 2011 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Oct. 31, 2010 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Oct. 25, 2009 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Oct. 25, 2009 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ASC 715 measurement date adjustment
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance at beginning of period	$ (175,483)	$ (175,910)	$ (203,610)	$ (114,016)	$ 8,849	$ 3,381	$ 4,243	$ (205,243)	$ (194,103)	$ (77,608)		$ 20,484	$ (12,888)	$ (40,651)	$ (175,910)	$ (203,610)	$ (114,016)
Unrecognized gains (losses)					843	5,468	(862)
Unrecognized gains (losses)								(15,115)	(38,490)	(200,150)
Unrecognized gains (losses)												39,480	23,511	(8,323)
Unrecognized gains (losses)															25,208	(9,511)	(209,335)
Reclassification into net earnings								20,363	22,244	9,200
Reclassification into net earnings												(45,103)	28,672	55,053
Reclassification into net earnings															(24,740)	50,916	64,253
Tax effect								(2,188)	5,106	72,996
Tax effect												2,147	(18,811)	(18,967)
Tax effect															(41)	(13,705)	54,029
Net of tax amount					843	5,468	(862)
Net of tax amount								3,060	(11,140)	(117,954)
Net of tax amount												(3,476)	33,372	27,763
Net of tax amount															427	27,700	(91,053)
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment (net of $912 tax effect), Pension & Other Benefits											1,459							1,459
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment, tax effect											912							912
Balance at end of period	$ (175,483)	$ (175,910)	$ (203,610)	$ (114,016)	$ 9,692	$ 8,849	$ 3,381	$ (202,183)	$ (205,243)	$ (194,103)		$ 17,008	$ 20,484	$ (12,888)	$ (175,483)	$ (175,910)	$ (203,610)

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

SEGMENT REPORTING

Schedule of operating profit and other financial information

(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Sales to Unaffiliated
Customers
Grocery Products	$	1,064,558		$	1,040,455		$	924,682
Refrigerated Foods	4,189,224			3,818,788			3,436,242
Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,467,222			1,310,412			1,227,709
Specialty Foods	835,584			782,958			708,730
All Other	338,501			268,106			236,308
Total	$	7,895,089		$	7,220,719		$	6,533,671
Intersegment Sales
Grocery Products	$	-		$	-		$	-
Refrigerated Foods	14,101			9,152			7,236
Jennie-O Turkey Store	124,868			111,262			97,064
Specialty Foods	127			118			172
All Other	-			-			-
Total	139,096			120,532			104,472
Intersegment elimination	(139,096		)	(120,532		)	(104,472		)
Total	$	-		$	-		$	-
Net Sales
Grocery Products	$	1,064,558		$	1,040,455		$	924,682
Refrigerated Foods	4,203,325			3,827,940			3,443,478
Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,592,090			1,421,674			1,324,773
Specialty Foods	835,711			783,076			708,902
All Other	338,501			268,106			236,308
Intersegment elimination	(139,096		)	(120,532		)	(104,472		)
Total	$	7,895,089		$	7,220,719		$	6,533,671
Segment Operating Profit
Grocery Products	$	162,556		$	155,922		$	162,531
Refrigerated Foods	292,624			276,315			226,171
Jennie-O Turkey Store	204,940			143,644			86,909
Specialty Foods	76,905			80,727			68,484
All Other	36,250			26,126			27,631
Total segment operating profit	$	773,275		$	682,734		$	571,726
Net interest and investment expense (income)	23,448			22,024			8,432
General corporate expense	35,992			40,348			38,312
Noncontrolling interest	5,001			4,189			3,165
Earnings before income taxes	$	718,836		$	624,551		$	528,147

(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Assets
Grocery Products	$	670,398	$	591,082	$	445,340
Refrigerated Foods	1,177,588		1,173,540		1,098,133
Jennie-O Turkey Store	805,459		760,566		728,049
Specialty Foods	475,289		432,820		449,558
All Other	196,957		178,642		163,611
Corporate	918,700		917,268		807,364
Total	$	4,244,391	$	4,053,918	$	3,692,055
Additions to Property, Plant   and Equipment
Grocery Products	$	10,910	$	27,018	$	51,438
Refrigerated Foods	45,244		38,417		28,303
Jennie-O Turkey Store	29,507		15,986		11,247
Specialty Foods	3,470		1,807		2,922
All Other	1,145		788		732
Corporate	6,635		5,807		2,319
Total	$	96,911	$	89,823	$	96,961
Depreciation and   Amortization
Grocery Products	$	15,597	$	15,084	$	15,232
Refrigerated Foods	65,689		64,051		62,317
Jennie-O Turkey Store	25,379		26,898		27,280
Specialty Foods	9,817		11,831		14,082
All Other	1,387		1,305		1,204
Corporate	6,296		6,422		7,023
Total	$	124,165	$	125,591	$	127,138

Schedule of percentages of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products

	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
	2011	2010	2009
Perishable meat	55.1%	54.3%	53.9%
Poultry	19.1	18.7	19.3
Shelf-stable	16.8	17.5	17.3
Other	9.0	9.5	9.5
	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%

Schedule of revenues attributable to U.S. and all foreign countries

	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
United States	$7,431,798	$6,874,150	$6,198,818
Foreign	463,291	346,569	334,853
	$7,895,089	$7,220,719	$6,533,671

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PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Pension Benefits
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.33%	5.82%
Rate of future compensation increase (as a percent)	3.93%	4.03%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs
Discount rate (as a percent)	5.82%	6.28%	7.30%
Rate of future compensation increase (as a percent)	4.03%	4.08%	4.09%
Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent)	8.00%	8.25%	8.25%
Effect of one-percentage-point change
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on expense	$ (10,652)
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on expense	13,153
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on benefit obligation	(111,456)
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on benefit obligation	138,020
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	3,664
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	(3,664)
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in rate of future compensation increase on expense	2,196
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in rate of future compensation increase on expense	(2,108)
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in rate of future compensation increase on benefit obligation	11,060
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in rate of future compensation increase on benefit obligation	(10,660)
Post-retirement Benefits
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs
Increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits assumed for next fiscal year (as a percent)	8.00%
Expected decrease in pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rate (as a percent)	5.00%
Year that reaches the ultimate trend rate	2017
Effect of one-percentage-point change
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on expense	936
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on expense	2,564
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in discount rate on benefit obligation	(33,208)
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in discount rate on benefit obligation	39,679
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in health care cost trend rate on expense	1,774
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in health care cost trend rate on expense	(1,478)
Effect of one-percentage-point increase in health care cost trend rate on benefit obligation	32,101
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease in health care cost trend rate on benefit obligation	$ (27,631)

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 4) (USD $) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011 segment
Revenues from major customer
Number of reportable business segments	5
Revenues | Customer concentration | Wal-Mart Stores
Revenues from major customer
Revenues	1.08
Concentration risk (as a percent)	12.50%

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Derivatives fair value
Asset Derivatives, Other current assets	$ 58,874	$ 56,532
Liability Derivatives, Accounts payable	351	6,390
Derivatives designated as hedges | Commodity contracts
Derivatives fair value
Asset Derivatives, Other current assets	58,753	54,395
Liability Derivatives, Accounts payable	351	6,390
Derivatives not designated as hedges | Commodity contracts
Derivatives fair value
Asset Derivatives, Other current assets	$ 121	$ 2,137

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 102,065	$ 102,357
Brand/tradename/trademarks
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	94,081	94,373
Other intangibles
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 7,984	$ 7,984

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Note C

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average common shares outstanding after adjusting for potential common shares from stock options. For all years presented, the reported net earnings attributable to the Company were used when computing basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation is as follows:

(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	266,394	266,732	268,454
Dilutive potential common shares	5,521	3,966	2,525
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	271,915	270,698	270,979

For fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, a total of 0.7 million, 3.6 million, and 10.0 million weighted-average outstanding stock options, respectively, were not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares since their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Details 3) (USD $)			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011 Commodity contracts	Jan. 30, 2011 Commodity contracts	Oct. 30, 2011 Commodity contracts Cost of products sold	Oct. 31, 2010 Commodity contracts Cost of products sold	Oct. 30, 2011 Foreign exchange contracts Net sales	Oct. 31, 2010 Foreign exchange contracts Net sales	Oct. 31, 2010 Option contracts Cost of products sold	Oct. 30, 2011 Cash Flow Hedges Commodity contracts	Oct. 31, 2010 Cash Flow Hedges Commodity contracts	Oct. 30, 2011 Cash Flow Hedges Commodity contracts Cost of products sold	Oct. 31, 2010 Cash Flow Hedges Commodity contracts Cost of products sold	Oct. 30, 2011 Fair Value Hedges Commodity contracts Cost of products sold	Oct. 31, 2010 Fair Value Hedges Commodity contracts Cost of products sold
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL) (Effective Portion)								$ 39,480,000	$ 23,511,000
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (Effective Portion)										45,103,000	(28,672,000)
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Effective Portion)												(24,373,000)	(8,216,000)
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings (Ineffective Portion)										(8,704,000)	9,947,000	132,000	(17,000)
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings, Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges			(1,981,000)	(86,000)	(129,000)	(1,000)	1,883,000
Hedging gains, before tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to de-designated commodity derivatives previously designated as cash flow hedges	$ 6,900,000	$ 17,700,000

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010		Oct. 25, 2009
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	266,394,000	266,732,000	[1]	268,454,000	[1]
Dilutive potential common shares	5,521,000	3,966,000		2,525,000
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	271,915,000	270,698,000	[1]	270,979,000	[1]
Weighted average stock options not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares (in shares)	700,000	3,600,000		10,000,000

[1] Shares and per share figures have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011.

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INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES

Schedule of investments in and receivable from affiliates

			October 30,	October 31,
(in thousands)	Segment	% Owned	2011	2010
MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	50%	$205,523	$122,447
Purefoods-Hormel Company	All Other	40%	65,140	63,894
San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	All Other	49%	17,442	20,501
Other	Various	Various	7,593	7,547
Total			$295,698	$214,389

Schedule of equity in earnings of affiliates

(in thousands)	Segment	2011		2010		2009
MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	$24,532		$11,996		$   N/A
Purefoods-Hormel Company	All Other	5,182		3,523		1,561
San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	All Other	(3,059	)	(1,315	)	(210	)
Other	Various	102		(1,078	)	3,442
Total		$26,757		$13,126		$4,793

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Schedule of change in the carrying amount of goodwill

	Grocery	Refrigerated
(in thousands)	Products	Foods	JOTS	Specialty Foods	All Other	Total
Balance as of October 25, 2009	$123,316	$85,923	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$620,155
Goodwill acquired	–	8,868	–	–	–	8,868
Balance as of October 31, 2010	$123,316	$94,791	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$629,023
Goodwill acquired	–	1,861	–	–	–	1,861
Balance as of October 30, 2011	$123,316	$96,652	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$630,884

Schedule of gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets

	October 30, 2011				October 31, 2010
	Gross			Weighted-	Gross			Weighted-
	Carrying	Accumulated		Average	Carrying	Accumulated		Average
(in thousands)	Amount	Amortization		Life (in Years)	Amount	Amortization		Life (in Years)
Customer lists/relationships	$22,378	$(12,556	)	10.9	$22,378	$(10,194	)	10.9
Proprietary software & technology	22,000	(14,822	)	9.3	23,650	(13,974	)	9.0
Formulas & recipes	18,354	(10,047	)	8.8	22,404	(11,914	)	8.5
Non-compete covenants	5,370	(5,124	)	4.6	7,200	(6,275	)	4.4
Distribution network	4,120	(3,371	)	10.0	4,120	(2,959	)	10.0
Other intangibles	8,660	(4,981	)	7.4	9,740	(5,011	)	6.8
Total	$80,882	$(50,901	)	9.1	$89,492	$(50,327	)	8.8

Schedule of estimated annual amortization expense

2012	$8,906
2013	7,699
2014	6,303
2015	3,192
2016	1,023

Schedule of carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Brand/tradename/trademarks	$	94,081	$	94,373
Other intangibles	7,984		7,984
Total	$	102,065	$	102,357

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INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Current:
U.S. Federal	$ 202,084,000	$ 170,326,000	$ 159,208,000
State	26,978,000	22,896,000	22,027,000
Foreign	3,826,000	2,124,000	1,245,000
Total current	232,888,000	195,346,000	182,480,000
Deferred:
U.S. Federal	6,358,000	27,009,000	(392,000)
State	394,000	2,420,000	81,000
Total deferred	6,752,000	29,429,000	(311,000)
Total provision for income taxes	239,640,000	224,775,000	182,169,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax over book depreciation	(92,848,000)	(81,821,000)
Pension assets	(30,029,000)	(22,809,000)
Book/tax basis difference from acquisitions	(27,593,000)	(30,262,000)
Commodity hedging contracts	(10,337,000)	(16,327,000)
Other, net	(61,824,000)	(54,273,000)
Deferred tax assets:
Post-retirement benefits	134,117,000	133,684,000
Pension benefits	57,961,000	52,445,000
Stock options	29,321,000	29,092,000
Deferred compensation	21,961,000	21,409,000
Insurance accruals	14,786,000	14,318,000
Vacation accruals	13,636,000	13,857,000
Promotional accruals	9,867,000	7,208,000
Federal benefit of state tax	9,596,000	14,799,000
Other, net	60,403,000	61,809,000
Net deferred tax assets	129,017,000	143,129,000
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate
U.S. statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent)	2.70%	3.10%	2.90%
Manufacture deduction (as a percent)	(2.60%)	(1.70%)	(1.60%)
All other, net (as a percent)	(1.80%)	(0.40%)	(1.80%)
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	33.30%	36.00%	34.50%
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures	56,500,000
Income taxes paid	227,300,000	212,600,000	160,300,000
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Balance at the beginning of the period	26,073,000	42,762,000
Tax positions related to the current period
Increases	2,493,000	3,102,000
Tax positions related to prior periods:
Increases	5,646,000	4,194,000
Decreases	(672,000)	(18,313,000)
Settlements	(10,770,000)	(2,650,000)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(1,372,000)	(3,022,000)
Balance at the end of the period	21,398,000	26,073,000	42,762,000
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties	28,100,000
Portion of unrecognized tax benefit including interest and penalties, that if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	18,600,000
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions recognized in income tax expense	(4,200,000)
Accrued interest and penalties, associated with unrecognized tax benefits	$ 6,700,000

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INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
INVENTORIES
Finished products	$ 463,491	$ 431,285
Raw materials and work-in-process	251,324	205,355
Materials and supplies	171,008	157,131
Total	$ 885,823	$ 793,771

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Schedule of long-term debt

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 6.625%, interest due semi-annually through June 2011 maturity date	$	–	$	350,000
Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 4.125%, interest due semi-annually through April 2021 maturity date	250,000		–
Less current maturities	–		350,000
Total	$	250,000	$	–

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PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Schedule of net periodic cost of defined benefit plans

	Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010	2009
Service cost	$  24,206		$ 21,998		$ 18,004		$  2,219		$  2,477	$  2,262
Interest cost	50,282		48,305		47,251		18,891		20,703	22,464
Expected return on plan assets	(62,989	)	(55,128	)	(52,296	)	–		–	–
Amortization of prior service cost	(607	)	(607	)	(607	)	4,341		4,341	5,505
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	16,633		16,133		5,142		(4	)	2,377	(841	)
Settlement charges	–		1,192		6,788		–		–	–
Curtailment charge	–		131		–		–		–	–
Special termination cost	–		386		–		–		109	–
Net periodic cost	$  27,525		$ 32,410		$ 24,282		$25,447		$30,007	$29,390

Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the plans

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$878,630		$785,560		$346,707		$346,106
Service cost	24,206		21,998		2,219		2,477
Interest cost	50,282		48,305		18,891		20,703
Plan amendments	(51,283	)	–		(2,082	)	–
Special termination cost	–		386		–		109
Actuarial loss	84,958		64,231		7,276		2,446
Benefits paid	(44,167	)	(41,850	)	(21,877	)	(25,134	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$942,626		$878,630		$351,134		$346,707

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$802,449		$689,759		$           –		$           –
Actual return on plan assets	86,748		81,993		–		–
Employee contributions	–		–		2,749		2,362
Employer contributions	25,893		72,547		26,120		29,304
Benefits paid	(44,167	)	(41,850	)	(28,869	)	(31,666	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$870,923		$802,449		$           –		$           –
Funded status at end of year	$(71,703	)	$(76,181	)	$(351,134	)	$(346,707	)

Schedule of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Pension assets	$   80,208		$   61,272		$           –		$           –
Accrued expenses	(2,924	)	(3,273	)	(26,433	)	(25,889	)
Pension and post-retirement benefits	(148,987	)	(134,180	)	(324,701	)	(320,818	)
Net amount recognized	$  (71,703	)	$  (76,181	)	$(351,134	)	$(346,707	)

Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine defined benefit pension plan obligations

	2011	2010
Discount rate	5.33%	5.82%
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	3.93%	4.03%

Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost

	2011	2010	2009
Discount rate	5.82%	6.28%	7.30%
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	4.03%	4.08%	4.09%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	8.00%	8.25%	8.25%

Schedule of effects of one-percentage-point change in assumed discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increase, and health care cost trend rate

	1-Percentage-Point
	Expense				Benefit Obligation
(in thousands)	Increase		Decrease		Increase		Decrease
Pension Benefits:
Discount rate	$(10,652	)	$13,153		$(111,456	)	$138,020
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	$   3,664		$ (3,664	)	-		-
Rate of future compensation increase	$   2,196		$ (2,108	)	$   11,060		$ (10,660	)
Post-retirement Benefits:
Discount rate	$936		$  2,564		$  (33,208	)	$  39,679
Health care cost trend rate	$   1,774		$ (1,478	)	$   32,101		$ (27,631	)

Schedule of actual and target weighted-average asset allocations for pension plan assets

	2011		2010
Asset Category	Actual	Target Range	Actual	Target Range
Large Capitalization Equity	22.1%	20-35%	24.1%	22-32%
Hormel Foods Corporation Stock	5.7%	0-10%	9.0%	-
Small Capitalization Equity	11.9%	5-15%	14.0%	3-13%
International Equity	18.1%	15-25%	17.8%	15-25%
Private Equity	2.5%	0-15%	1.2%	0-15%
Total Equity Securities	60.3%	55-75%	66.1%	55-75%
Fixed Income	38.3%	25-45%	31.8%	25-45%
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1.4%	-	2.1%	-

Schedule of benefits expected to be paid over the next ten fiscal years

		Post-
	Pension	retirement
(in thousands)	Benefits	Benefits
2012	$  44,334	$  23,826
2013	45,309	22,359
2014	47,464	22,534
2015	49,769	22,646
2016	52,449	22,680
2017 - 2021	308,135	108,761

Schedule of fair values of the defined benefit pension plan investments

	Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2011
		Quoted Prices
		in Active	Significant Other	Significant
		Markets for	Observable	Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs	Inputs
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value	(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$  11,732	$  11,732	$            -	$          -
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic	$215,924	$191,158	$  24,766	$          -
Foreign	26,103	26,103	-	-
Total Large Capitalization Equity	$242,027	$217,261	$  24,766	$          -
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic	$  92,083	$  92,083	$            -	$          -
Foreign	11,585	11,585	-	-
Total Small Capitalization Equity	$103,668	$103,668	$            -	$          -
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund	$  38,757	$            -	$  38,757	$          -
Collective trust	119,239	-	119,239	-
Total International Equity	$157,996	$            -	$157,996	$          -
Private Equity(5)
Domestic	$  18,794	$            -	$            -	$18,794
International	3,053	-	-	3,053
Total Private Equity	$  21,847	$            -	$            -	$21,847
Total Equity	$525,538	$320,929	$182,762	$21,847
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues	$118,863	$118,863	$            -	$          -
Municipal issues	18,463	18,463	-	-
Corporate issues – domestic	165,778	112,767	53,011	-
Corporate issues – foreign	30,549	30,549	-	-
Total Fixed Income	$333,653	$280,642	$  53,011	$          -
Total Investments at Fair Value	$870,923	$613,303	$235,773	$21,847

	Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2010
		Quoted Prices
		in Active	Significant Other	Significant
		Markets for	Observable	Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs	Inputs
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value	(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$  16,642	$  16,642	$            -	$        -
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic	$247,748	$215,152	$  32,596	$        -
Foreign	18,023	18,023	-	-
Total Large Capitalization Equity	$265,771	$233,175	$  32,596	$        -
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic	$101,953	$101,953	$            -	$        -
Foreign	10,206	10,206	-	-
Total Small Capitalization Equity	$112,159	$112,159	$            -	$        -
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund	$  40,301	$            -	$  40,301	$        -
Collective trust	102,566	-	102,566	-
Total International Equity	$142,867	$            -	$142,867	$        -
Private Equity(5)
Domestic	$    6,951	$            -	$            -	$6,951
International	2,377	-	-	2,377
Total Private Equity	$    9,328	$            -	$            -	$9,328
Total Equity	$530,125	$345,334	$175,463	$9,328
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues	$106,987	$106,987	$            -	$        -
Municipal issues	1,931	1,931	-	-
Corporate issues – domestic	124,802	87,181	37,621	-
Corporate issues – foreign	21,878	21,878	-	-
Total Fixed Income	$255,598	$217,977	$  37,621	$        -
Other
Real Estate - mineral interest	$           3	$            -	$            -	$       3
Total Other	$           3	$            -	$            -	$       3
Total Investments at Fair Value	$802,368	$579,953	$213,084	$9,331

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

(1)	Cash Equivalents: These Level 1 investments consist primarily of money market mutual funds that are highly liquid and traded in active markets.
(2)	Large Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investment includes a mutual fund consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks that is valued at the publicly available net asset value (NAV) of shares held by the pension plans at year end.
(3)	Small Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
(4)	International Equity: These Level 2 investments include a mix of collective investment funds and mutual funds. The mutual funds are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end. The value of the collective investment funds is based on the fair value of the underlying investments and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(5)	Private Equity: These Level 3 investments consist of various collective investment funds, which are managed by a third party, that invest in a well diversified portfolio of equity investments from top performing, high quality firms that focus on U.S. and foreign small to mid markets; and venture capitalists and entrepreneurs with a concentration in areas of innovation. Investment strategies include buyouts, growth capital, build-ups, and distressed; and early stages of company development mainly in the U.S. The fair value of the units for these investments is based on the fair value of the underlying investments, and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(6)	Fixed Income: The Level 1 investments include a mix of U.S. government and municipal securities, and domestic and foreign securities, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investments consist primarily of mutual funds invested in long duration corporate bonds that are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end.

Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

(in thousands)	2011		2010
Beginning Balance, October 31, 2010	$ 9,331		$ 3,108
Purchases, issuances, and settlements (net)	9,886		5,373
Unrealized gains	2,633		717
Realized (losses) gains	(3	)	124
Interest and dividend income	-		9
Ending Balance, October 30, 2011	$ 21,847		$ 9,331

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Note B

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

							Accumulated
	Foreign				Deferred		Other
	Currency		Pension &		Gain (Loss)		Comprehensive
(in thousands)	Translation		Other Benefits		— Hedging		Loss
Balance at October 26, 2008	$ 4,243		$  (77,608	)	$(40,651	)	$ (114,016	)
Unrecognized losses	(862	)	(200,150	)	(8,323	)	(209,335	)
Reclassification into net earnings	–		9,200		55,053		64,253
Tax effect	–		72,996		(18,967	)	54,029
Net of tax amount	(862	)	(117,954	)	27,763		(91,053	)
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment (net of $912 tax effect)	–		1,459		–		1,459
Balance at October 25, 2009	$ 3,381		$ (194,103	)	$(12,888	)	$ (203,610	)
Unrecognized gains (losses)	5,468		(38,490	)	23,511		(9,511	)
Reclassification into net earnings	–		22,244		28,672		50,916
Tax effect	–		5,106		(18,811	)	(13,705	)
Net of tax amount	5,468		(11,140	)	33,372		27,700
Balance at October 31, 2010	$ 8,849		$ (205,243	)	$ 20,484		$ (175,910	)
Unrecognized gains (losses)	843		(15,115	)	39,480		25,208
Reclassification into net earnings	–		20,363		(45,103	)	(24,740	)
Tax effect	–		(2,188	)	2,147		(41	)
Net of tax amount	843		3,060		(3,476	)	427
Balance at October 30, 2011	$ 9,692		$ (202,183	)	$ 17,008		$(175,483	)

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INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

INCOME TAXES

Schedule of components of provision for income taxes

(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
Current:
U.S. Federal	$202,084	$170,326	$159,208
State	26,978	22,896	22,027
Foreign	3,826	2,124	1,245
Total current	232,888	195,346	182,480
Deferred:
U.S. Federal	6,358	27,009	(392	)
State	394	2,420	81
Total deferred	6,752	29,429	(311	)
Total provision for income taxes	$239,640	$224,775	$182,169

Schedule of significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities and assets

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax over book depreciation	$ (92,848	)	$ (81,821	)
Pension assets	(30,029	)	(22,809	)
Book/tax basis difference from acquisitions	(27,593	)	(30,262	)
Commodity hedging contracts	(10,337	)	(16,327	)
Other, net	(61,824	)	(54,273	)
Deferred tax assets:
Post-retirement benefits	134,117		133,684
Pension benefits	57,961		52,445
Stock options	29,321		29,092
Deferred compensation	21,961		21,409
Insurance accruals	14,786		14,318
Vacation accruals	13,636		13,857
Promotional accruals	9,867		7,208
Federal benefit of state tax	9,596		14,799
Other, net	60,403		61,809
Net deferred tax assets	$129,017		$143,129

Schedule of reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate

	2011		2010		200	9
U.S. statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit	2.7		3.1		2.9
Manufacture deduction	(2.6	)	(1.7	)	(1.6	)
All other, net	(1.8	)	(0.4	)	(1.8	)
Effective tax rate	33.3	%	36.0	%	34.5	%

Schedule of changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties

(in thousands)
Balance as of October 25, 2009	$ 42,762
Tax positions related to the current period:
Increases	3,102
Decreases	–
Tax positions related to prior periods:
Increases	4,194
Decreases	(18,313	)
Settlements	(2,650	)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(3,022	)
Balance as of October 31, 2010	$ 26,073
Tax positions related to the current period:
Increases	2,493
Decreases	–
Tax positions related to prior periods:
Increases	5,646
Decreases	(672	)
Settlements	(10,770	)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(1,372	)
Balance as of October 30, 2011	$ 21,398

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011 week M	Oct. 31, 2010 week	Oct. 25, 2009 week
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Number of weeks in a fiscal year	52	53	52
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Maximum term of original maturity to classify instruments as cash equivalents (in months)	3
Rabbi trust
Investments
Gains (Losses) related to securities held	1.2	5.4	15.3
Short-term marketable securities
Investments
Gains (Losses) related to securities held	0.5	0.6

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PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 3) (USD $) Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Discretionary contribution	$ 23,600,000	$ 70,300,000
Pension Benefits
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Number of shares of common stock of the company included in plan assets	1.7	1.7
Market value of shares of common stock of the company included in plan assets	49,700,000	76,100,000
Market value percentage of employer common stock in total plan assets (as a percent)	6.00%	9.00%
Dividends paid on employer shares held by the plan	1,100,000
Number of employer shares issued pursuant to stock split	1.1
Number of employer shares sold	1.1
Employers contribution in next fiscal year	21,200,000
Expected future benefit payments
2012	44,334,000
2013	45,309,000
2014	47,464,000
2015	49,769,000
2016	52,449,000
2017 - 2021	308,135,000
Expected contribution representing benefit payments for unfunded plans during next fiscal year	29,400,000
Pension Benefits | Large Capitalization Equity
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	22.10%	24.10%
Pension Benefits | Large Capitalization Equity | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	35.00%	32.00%
Pension Benefits | Large Capitalization Equity | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	20.00%	22.00%
Pension Benefits | Hormel Foods Corporation Stock
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	5.70%	9.00%
Pension Benefits | Hormel Foods Corporation Stock | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	10.00%
Pension Benefits | Hormel Foods Corporation Stock | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	0.00%
Pension Benefits | Small Capitalization Equity
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	11.90%	14.00%
Pension Benefits | Small Capitalization Equity | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	15.00%	13.00%
Pension Benefits | Small Capitalization Equity | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	5.00%	3.00%
Pension Benefits | International Equity
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	18.10%	17.80%
Pension Benefits | International Equity | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	25.00%	25.00%
Pension Benefits | International Equity | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	15.00%	15.00%
Pension Benefits | Private Equity
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	2.50%	1.20%
Pension Benefits | Private Equity | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	15.00%	15.00%
Pension Benefits | Private Equity | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%
Pension Benefits | Equity
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	60.30%	66.10%
Pension Benefits | Equity | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	75.00%	75.00%
Pension Benefits | Equity | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	55.00%	55.00%
Pension Benefits | Fixed Income
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	38.30%	31.80%
Pension Benefits | Fixed Income | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	45.00%	45.00%
Pension Benefits | Fixed Income | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Target range of weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	25.00%	25.00%
Pension Benefits | Cash equivalents
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Actual weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent)	1.40%	2.10%
Post-retirement Benefits
Expected future benefit payments
2012	23,826,000
2013	22,359,000
2014	22,534,000
2015	22,646,000
2016	22,680,000
2017 - 2021	108,761,000
Expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits per year through 2021	$ 2,800,000

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2011		Oct. 31, 2010
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$ 4,000		$ 4,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	[1]	$ 0.01	[1]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	160,000,000	[1]	160,000,000	[1]
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	[1]	0	[1]
Common stock, nonvoting
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	[1]	$ 0.01	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	[1]	400,000,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	0	[1]	0	[1]
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0293	[1]	$ 0.0293	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	[1]	800,000,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	263,963,251	[1]	265,963,080	[1]

[1] Shares and par values have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 30, 2011 Grocery Products	Oct. 31, 2010 Grocery Products	Oct. 25, 2009 Grocery Products	Oct. 30, 2011 Refrigerated Foods	Oct. 31, 2010 Refrigerated Foods	Oct. 30, 2011 JOTS	Oct. 31, 2010 JOTS	Oct. 25, 2009 JOTS	Oct. 30, 2011 Specialty Foods	Oct. 31, 2010 Specialty Foods	Oct. 25, 2009 Specialty Foods	Oct. 30, 2011 All Other	Oct. 31, 2010 All Other	Oct. 25, 2009 All Other
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 629,023	$ 620,155	$ 123,316	$ 123,316	$ 123,316	$ 94,791	$ 85,923	$ 203,214	$ 203,214	$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$ 207,028	$ 207,028	$ 674	$ 674	$ 674
Goodwill acquired	1,861	8,868				1,861	8,868
Balance at the end of the period	$ 630,884	$ 629,023	$ 123,316	$ 123,316	$ 123,316	$ 96,652	$ 94,791	$ 203,214	$ 203,214	$ 203,214	$ 207,028	$ 207,028	$ 207,028	$ 674	$ 674	$ 674

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 479,196	$ 399,776	$ 345,978
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	114,689	115,059	116,774
Amortization of intangibles	9,476	10,532	10,364
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends	(22,726)	(13,126)	(4,793)
Provision for deferred income taxes	6,752	29,429	(311)
(Gain) loss on property/equipment sales and plant facilities	(632)	(394)	128
Gain on dissolution of joint venture	0	0	(3,591)
Non-cash investment activities	3,995	(1,760)	(3,555)
Stock-based compensation expense	17,229	14,402	12,054
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(15,205)	(10,298)	(1,313)
Other	486	7,595	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(30,171)	(58,647)	38,718
(Increase) decrease in inventories	(92,052)	(73,909)	62,116
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,513	39,289	61,470
Increase (decrease) in pension and post-retirement benefits	5,197	(35,265)	(85,947)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,732	62,849	10,676
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	490,479	485,532	558,768
Investing Activities
Sale of available-for-sale securities	0	0	6,270
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	0	0	(2,371)
Net purchase of trading securities	(20,000)	(50,000)	0
Acquisitions of businesses/intangibles	(7,207)	(28,104)	(701)
Purchases of property/equipment	(96,911)	(89,823)	(96,961)
Proceeds from sales of property/equipment	4,386	4,915	5,003
(Increase) decrease in investments, equity in affiliates, and other assets	(51,253)	(95,464)	3,532
Distributions from affiliates	0	0	0
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(170,985)	(258,476)	(85,228)
Financing Activities
Principal payments on short-term debt	0	0	(100,000)
Proceeds from long-term debt, net	247,564	0	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	(350,000)	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	(129,975)	(109,374)	(101,376)
Share repurchase	(152,930)	(69,574)	(38,147)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	53,780	22,884	2,387
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	15,205	10,298	1,313
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(8,000)	0	(7,999)
Other	147	1,303	756
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(324,209)	(144,463)	(243,066)
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(4,715)	82,593	230,474
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	467,845	385,252	154,778
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$ 463,130	$ 467,845	$ 385,252

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011 Y	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009	Oct. 30, 2011 Stock options Y	Oct. 31, 2010 Stock options Y	Oct. 25, 2009 Stock options Y	Oct. 30, 2011 Nonvested shares	Oct. 31, 2010 Nonvested shares	Oct. 25, 2009 Nonvested shares
Stock-based compensation
Cash received from stock options exercised				$ 53,800,000	$ 22,900,000	$ 2,400,000
Tax benefit realized from stock options, aggregate				20,800,000	18,900,000	1,300,000
Reconciliation of Stock Options
Outstanding, at the beginning of the period (in shares)				22,048,000
Granted (in shares)				2,658,000
Exercised (in shares)				4,750,000
Forfeited (in shares)				24,000
Outstanding, at the end of the period (in shares)				19,932,000	22,048,000
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)				13,499,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)				$ 16.47
Granted (in dollars per share)				$ 24.96
Exercised (in dollars per share)				$ 15.27
Forfeitures (in dollars per share)				$ 19.11
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)				$ 17.89	$ 16.47
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)				$ 16.66
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the end of the period (in years)				5.7
Exercisable at end of period (in years)				4.5
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period				240,451,000
Exercisable at end of period				179,436,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted, and the total intrinsic value of options exercised
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)				$ 5.54	$ 4.55	$ 2.93
Intrinsic value of exercised options				54,859,000	32,378,000	5,049,000
Weighted-average assumptions used to calculate fair value of each ordinary option award
Risk free interest rate (as a percent)				2.90%	3.40%	3.20%
Expected Dividend Rate (as a percent)				2.00%	2.20%	2.50%
Expected stock price volatility rate (as a percent)				21.00%	22.00%	22.00%
Expected option Term (in years)				8	8	8
Reconciliation of the nonvested shares
Nonvested shares at the beginning of the period							206,000
Nonvested shares granted in period							52,000
Nonvested shares vested in period							(43,000)
Nonvested shares at the end of the period							215,000	206,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value and total fair value of nonvested shares granted and vested
Nonvested shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)							$ 18.13
Nonvested shares granted in period (in dollars per share)							$ 25.11	$ 19.56	$ 15.27
Nonvested shares vested in period (in dollars per share)							$ 17.43
Nonvested shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share)							$ 19.94	$ 18.13
Fair value of nonvested shares granted							1,299,000	978,000	865,000
Fair value of nonvested shares vested							751,000	664,000	204,000
Stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit
Stock based compensation expense recognized	17,229,000	14,402,000	12,054,000
Income tax benefit recognized	(6,542,000)	(5,510,000)	(4,633,000)
Stock based compensation expense, net of tax	10,687,000	8,892,000	7,421,000
Stock-based compensation expense unrecognized	$ 12,300,000
Period for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in years)	2.6
Number of shares available for future grants	32,600,000	35,300,000	38,000,000

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

Derivatives and hedging

Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments

		Fair Value(1)
	Location on Consolidated	October 30,	October 31,
	Statement of Financial Position	2011	2010
Asset Derivatives:
Derivatives Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$58,753	$54,395
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	121	2,137
Total Asset Derivatives		$58,874	$56,532
Liability Derivatives:
Derivatives Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Accounts payable	$     351	$  6,390
Total Liability Derivatives		$     351	$  6,390

  (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 Statement of Financial Position. See Note N - Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Schedule of gains or losses (before tax) related to derivative instruments

	Gain/(Loss) Recognized
	in Accumulated Other			Gain/(Loss) Reclassified			Gain/(Loss)
	Comprehensive Loss (AOCL)			from AOCL into Earnings			Recognized in Earnings
	(Effective Portion)(1)			(Effective Portion)(1)			(Ineffective Portion)(2)(3)
	Fiscal Year Ended			Fiscal Year Ended			Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	Location on Consolidated	October 30,	October 31,		October 30,		October 31,
Cash Flow Hedges:	2011	2010	Statement of Operations	2011	2010		2011		2010
Commodity contracts	$39,480	$23,511	Cost of products sold	$45,103	$(28,672	)	$(8,704	)	$9,947

		Gain/(Loss)				Gain/(Loss)
		Recognized in Earnings				Recognized in Earnings
		(Effective Portion)(4)				(Ineffective Portion)(2)(5)
		Fiscal Year Ended				Fiscal Year Ended
	Location on Consolidated	October 30,		October 31,		October 30,	October 31,
Fair Value Hedges:	Statement of Operations	2011		2010		2011	2010
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$(24,373	)	$(8,216	)	$132	$(17	)
		Gain/(Loss)
		Recognized in Earnings
		Fiscal Year Ended
Derivatives Not	Location on Consolidated	October 30,		October 31,
Designated as Hedges:	Statement of Operations	2011		2010
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$(1,981	)	$   (86	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Net sales	$  (129	)	$     (1	)
Option contracts	Cost of products sold	$       -		$1,883

(1)	Amounts represent gains or losses in AOCL before tax. See Note B for the after tax impact of these gains or losses on net earnings.
(2)	There were no gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the fiscal year.
(3)	There were no gains or losses resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the fiscal year. However, effective January 30, 2011, the Company de-designated and discontinued hedge accounting for its soybean meal futures contracts. At the date of de-designation of these hedges, gains of $17.7 million (before tax) were deferred in AOCL, with $6.9 million (before tax) remaining as of October 30, 2011. These gains will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of de-designation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.
(4)	Amounts represent losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the fiscal year, which were offset by a corresponding gain 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.
(5)	There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge during the fiscal year.

Cash Flow Hedges

Derivatives and hedging

Schedule of outstanding commodity or foreign exchange contracts

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		20.8 million bushels	21.1 million bushels
Soybean meal		–	190,400 tons
Natural gas		0.5 million MMBTU’s	1.6 million MMBTU’s

Fair Value Hedges

Derivatives and hedging

Schedule of outstanding commodity or foreign exchange contracts

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		12.4 million bushels	9.9 million bushels
Lean hogs		1.3 million cwt	1.1 million cwt

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Derivatives and hedging

Schedule of outstanding commodity or foreign exchange contracts

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		–	1.5 million bushels
Soybean meal		4,300 tons	1,200 tons

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 2)	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Percentage of revenue by classes of products
Percentage of total revenues	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Perishable meat
Percentage of revenue by classes of products
Percentage of total revenues	55.10%	54.30%	53.90%
Poultry
Percentage of revenue by classes of products
Percentage of total revenues	19.10%	18.70%	19.30%
Shelf-stable
Percentage of revenue by classes of products
Percentage of total revenues	16.80%	17.50%	17.30%
Other
Percentage of revenue by classes of products
Percentage of total revenues	9.00%	9.50%	9.50%

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QUARTERLY RESULTS OR OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

Note P

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following tabulations reflect the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010.

						Net Earnings
						Attributable to
						Hormel Foods		Basic Earnings		Diluted Earnings
(in thousands, except per share data)	Net Sales	Gross Profit		Net Earnings		Corporation(1)		Per Share		Per Share
2011
First quarter	$ 1,921,558	$ 374,005		$ 150,035		$ 148,826		$ 0.56		$ 0.55
Second quarter	1,959,041	326,227		110,702		109,579		0.41		0.40
Third quarter	1,910,592	297,855		99,964		98,481		0.37		0.36
Fourth quarter	2,103,898	336,026		118,495		117,309		0.44		0.43
2010
First quarter	$ 1,727,447	$ 318,387		$ 112,269		$ 111,207		$0.42		$0.41
Second quarter	1,699,782	280,467	(2)	78,535	(3)	77,862	(3)	0.29	(3)	0.29	(3)
Third quarter	1,730,451	284,915		86,364		85,370		0.32		0.32
Fourth quarter	2,063,039	354,973		122,608		121,148		0.46		0.45

(1)   Excludes net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests.

(2)   Includes a one-time pre-tax charge of $9.7 million related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh Plant in Turlock, California.

(3)   Includes one-time charges of $6.3 million ($0.02 per share) related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh Plant in Turlock, California, and an income tax charge of $7.1 million ($0.03 per share) primarily due to the change in tax treatment of Medicare Part D reimbursements by health care laws enacted during fiscal 2010.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Schedule of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

	Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2011
		Quoted Prices in
	Fair Value at	Active Markets	Significant Other	Significant
	October 30,	for Identical	Observable	Unobservable
(in thousands)	2011	Assets (Level 1)	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$341,447	$341,447	$           -	$-
Short-term marketable securities(2)	76,077	358	75,719	-
Other trading securities(3)	105,367	34,588	70,779	-
Commodity derivatives(4)	7,174	7,174	-	-
Total Assets at Fair Value	$530,065	$383,567	$146,498	$-
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity derivatives(4)	$      351	$           -	$       351	$-
Deferred compensation(3)	44,956	15,379	29,577	-
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$  45,307	$  15,379	$  29,928	$-

	Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2010
		Quoted Prices in
	Fair Value at	Active Markets	Significant Other	Significant
	October 31,	for Identical	Observable	Unobservable
(in thousands)	2010	Assets (Level 1)	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$360,064	$360,064	$            -	$-
Short-term marketable securities(2)	50,595	66	50,529	-
Other trading securities(3)	109,153	49,889	59,264	-
Commodity derivatives(4)	11,604	11,604	-	-
Total Assets at Fair Value	$531,416	$421,623	$109,793	$-
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity derivatives(4)	$    6,390	$           -	$    6,390	$-
Deferred compensation(3)	42,141	13,298	28,843	-
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$  48,531	$  13,298	$  35,233	$-

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 consist of money market funds rated AAA. As these investments have a maturity date of three months or less, the carrying value approximates fair value.
(2)	The Company holds trading 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 and highly rated money market funds held by the portfolio are classified as Level 1. The current investment portfolio also includes corporate bonds, agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities for which there is an active, quoted market. Market prices are obtained from a variety of industry standard 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 also holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. The rabbi trust is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is valued based on the underlying fair value of each fund held by the trust. A portion of the funds held related to the supplemental executive retirement plans 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 that supports the fund, 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. The remaining funds held are also managed by a third party, and include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these securities are classified as Level 1. The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are valued based on the underlying investment selections held in each participant’s account. Investment options generally mirror those funds held by the rabbi trust, for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these investment balances are classified as Level 1. 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 I.R.S. Applicable Federal Rates in effect and therefore these balances are classified as Level 2.
(4)	The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts, option contracts, and swaps used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn, soybean meal, and natural gas, and to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. The Company’s futures and options contracts for corn and soybean meal are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are active markets with quoted prices available and therefore these contracts are classified as Level 1. The Company’s natural gas swaps are settled based on quoted prices from the New York Mercantile Exchange. As the swaps settle based on quoted market prices, but are not held directly with the exchange, the swaps are classified as Level 2. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. 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 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 30, 2011, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $20.1 million from, and the obligation to return cash collateral of $71.8 million to, various counterparties. As of October 31, 2010, the Company had recognized the obligation to return cash collateral of $44.9 million to various counterparties.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (POLICIES)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

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

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal year 2011 consisted of 52 weeks, fiscal year 2010 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal year 2009 consisted of 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, consisted entirely of money market funds rated AAA.

Fair Value Measurements

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 Notes I, M, and N.

Investments

Investments: The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, which 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 gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. Securities held by the trust generated a gain of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, a gain of $5.4 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, and a gain of $15.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2009. The Company has transitioned the majority of this portfolio to more fixed return investments to reduce the exposure to volatility in equity markets.

The Company also holds securities as part of an investment portfolio, which are classified as short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These investments are also trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses are included in the Company’s earnings. The Company recorded a gain of $0.5 million related to these investments for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, compared to a gain of $0.6 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.

Inventories

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method.

Property, Plant and Equipment

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, machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years.

Software development and implementation costs are expensed until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits, and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all qualified external implementation costs, and purchased software costs, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives, not exceeding five years.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles: Goodwill and other intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition, and are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. The Company’s reporting units represent operating segments (aggregations of business units that have similar economic characteristics and share the same production facilities, raw materials, and labor force). Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, using a process similar to that used to test long-lived assets for impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes that no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.

In conducting the initial 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, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results.

If required, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process 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 first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2011, performance of the quantitative two-step test was not required for any of the Company’s reporting units, and no goodwill impairment charges were recorded.

Impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets also compares the fair value and carrying value of the 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 and discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. No material impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal 2011.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Impairment of Long-lived Assets: 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. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made the decision to close its Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California. The facilities in that location were evaluated during that process and the Company recorded a pretax charge of $6.6 million to reduce the property, plant and equipment to its current estimated fair value. No other material write-downs were recorded in fiscal years 2011, 2010, or 2009.

Contingent Liabilities

Contingent Liabilities: The Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the on-going 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, or other actions brought by employees, 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. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range that constitutes the Company’s best estimate.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the current exchange rate as of the statement of financial position date, and amounts in the statement 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

Derivatives and Hedging Activity: The Company uses commodity and currency 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 M.

Equity Method Investments

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. 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 our 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 equity 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 2011, 2010, or 2009.

See additional discussion regarding the Company’s equity method investments in Note G.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales when title passes upon delivery of its products to customers, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances. Products are delivered upon receipt of customer purchase orders with acceptable terms, including price and collectability that is reasonably assured.

The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives that are offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances, and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reduction of revenue at the time title passes. 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 the 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 contract accruals are based on a review of the unpaid outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place. Estimates used to determine the revenue reduction include the level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubful 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 Expenses: Advertising costs are 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 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $115.3 million, $112.3 million, and $93.6 million, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company’s shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of products sold.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses incurred for fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $29.4 million, $27.6 million, and $25.4 million, respectively.

Income taxes

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.

Employee Stock Options

Employee Stock Options: 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.

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QUARTERLY RESULTS OR OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	May 01, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 25, 2010	Apr. 25, 2010	Jan. 24, 2010	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010		Oct. 25, 2009
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Net Sales	$ 2,103,898,000	$ 1,910,592,000	$ 1,959,041,000	$ 1,921,558,000	$ 2,063,039,000	$ 1,730,451,000	$ 1,699,782,000	$ 1,727,447,000	$ 7,895,089,000	$ 7,220,719,000		$ 6,533,671,000
Gross Profit	336,026,000	297,855,000	326,227,000	374,005,000	354,973,000	284,915,000	280,467,000	318,387,000	1,334,113,000	1,238,742,000		1,098,871,000
Net Earnings	118,495,000	99,964,000	110,702,000	150,035,000	122,608,000	86,364,000	78,535,000	112,269,000	479,196,000	399,776,000		345,978,000
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	117,309,000	98,481,000	109,579,000	148,826,000	121,148,000	85,370,000	77,862,000	111,207,000	474,195,000	395,587,000		342,813,000
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.37	$ 0.41	$ 0.56	$ 0.46	$ 0.32	$ 0.29	$ 0.42	$ 1.78	$ 1.48	[1]	$ 1.28	[1]
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.36	$ 0.40	$ 0.55	$ 0.45	$ 0.32	$ 0.29	$ 0.41	$ 1.74	$ 1.46	[1]	$ 1.27	[1]
Write-down of fixed assets and employee related costs, charged to net earnings, pre-tax							9,700,000
Write-down of fixed assets and employee related costs, charged to net earnings, net of tax							6,300,000
Write-down of fixed assets and employee related costs, charged to net earnings, per share (in dollars per share)							$ 0.02
Income tax expense due to change in enacted health care laws							$ 7,100,000
Income tax expense due to change in enacted health care laws per diluted share (in dollars per share)							$ 0.03

[1] Shares and per share figures have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation and to conform with recent accounting pronouncements and guidance. The reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or operating cash flows as previously reported.

Stock Split: On November 22, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock, which was subsequently approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting on January 31, 2011, and effected on February 1, 2011. The Company’s common stock was reclassified by reducing the par value from $.0586 per share to $.0293 per share and the number of authorized shares was increased from 400,000,000 to 800,000,000 shares, in order to effect a two-for-one stock split. The number of authorized shares of nonvoting common stock and preferred stock was also increased to 400,000,000 shares and 160,000,000 shares, respectively, with no change in the par value of those shares.

Unless otherwise noted, all prior year share amounts and per share calculations throughout this Annual Report have been restated to reflect the impact of this split, and to provide data on a basis comparable to fiscal 2011. Such restatements include calculations regarding the Company’s weighted-average shares, earnings per share, and dividends per share, as well as disclosures regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and share repurchase activity.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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.

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal year 2011 consisted of 52 weeks, fiscal year 2010 consisted of 53 weeks, and fiscal year 2009 consisted of 52 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 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, consisted entirely of money market funds rated AAA.

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 Notes I, M, and N.

Investments: The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, which 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 gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. Securities held by the trust generated a gain of $1.2 million for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, a gain of $5.4 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, and a gain of $15.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2009. The Company has transitioned the majority of this portfolio to more fixed return investments to reduce the exposure to volatility in equity markets.

The Company also holds securities as part of an investment portfolio, which are classified as short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These investments are also trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses are included in the Company’s earnings. The Company recorded a gain of $0.5 million related to these investments for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, compared to a gain of $0.6 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method.

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, machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years.

Software development and implementation costs are expensed until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits, and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all qualified external implementation costs, and purchased software costs, are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives, not exceeding five years.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles: Goodwill and other intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition, and are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. The Company’s reporting units represent operating segments (aggregations of business units that have similar economic characteristics and share the same production facilities, raw materials, and labor force). Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are evaluated for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, using a process similar to that used to test long-lived assets for impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes that no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.

In conducting the initial 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, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results.

If required, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process 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 first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2011, performance of the quantitative two-step test was not required for any of the Company’s reporting units, and no goodwill impairment charges were recorded.

Impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets also compares the fair value and carrying value of the 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 and discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. No material impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal 2011.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets: 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. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made the decision to close its Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California. The facilities in that location were evaluated during that process and the Company recorded a pretax charge of $6.6 million to reduce the property, plant and equipment to its current estimated fair value. No other material write-downs were recorded in fiscal years 2011, 2010, or 2009.

Contingent Liabilities: The Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the on-going 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, or other actions brought by employees, 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. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range that constitutes the Company’s best estimate.

Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the current exchange rate as of the statement of financial position date, and amounts in the statement 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 and currency 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 M.

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. 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 our 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 equity 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 2011, 2010, or 2009.

See additional discussion regarding the Company’s equity method investments in Note G.

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales when title passes upon delivery of its products to customers, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances. Products are delivered upon receipt of customer purchase orders with acceptable terms, including price and collectability that is reasonably assured.

The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives that are offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances, and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reduction of revenue at the time title passes. 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 the 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 contract accruals are based on a review of the unpaid outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place. Estimates used to determine the revenue reduction include the level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates.

Allowance for Doubful 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 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 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $115.3 million, $112.3 million, and $93.6 million, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company’s shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of products sold.

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses incurred for fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $29.4 million, $27.6 million, and $25.4 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.

Employee Stock Options: 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.

Share Repurchases: On October 2, 2002, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of common stock with no expiration date. On a pre-split basis, the Company purchased 1.1 million shares at an average price of $39.78 during fiscal 2010 under this authorization, which fully depleted that program. The Company had also purchased 1.2 million shares at an average price of $33.10 under this authorization during fiscal 2009.

On May 26, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase an additional 5.0 million shares of common stock with no expiration date. On a pre-split basis, the Company purchased 0.6 million shares at an average price of $42.86 during fiscal 2010 under this new authorization.

On November 22, 2010, the Board of Directors also authorized a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock. As part of the Board’s approval of that stock split, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately. On a post-split basis, 5.5 million shares at an average price of $27.82 were purchased during fiscal 2011 under the current authorization in place.

Supplemental Statement of Operations Information: Net earnings for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, include two non-recurring charges recorded by the Company. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made the decision to close its Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California. Valley Fresh® canned meats were produced at this facility. A write-down of fixed assets and the recording of employee related costs resulted in a charge of $6.3 million after tax ($0.02 per diluted share). Health care laws enacted in fiscal 2010 also required the Company to reduce the value of its deferred tax assets as a result of a change to the tax treatment of Medicare Part D subsidies. As a result, the Company recorded a charge of $7.1 million ($0.03 per diluted share) to income tax expense during the second quarter, primarily related to these new health care laws.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Non-cash investment activities presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows generally consist of unrealized gains or losses on the Company’s rabbi trust and other investments, amortization of affordable housing investments, and amortization of bond financing costs. Additionally, the Company had a $7.9 million negative reserve adjustment related to supplier contracts for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2009. The noted investments are included in other assets or short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Changes in the value of these investments are included in the Company’s net earnings and are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as either interest and investment income or interest expense, as appropriate.

Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated the guidance within ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The update gives companies the option to first perform a qualitative assessment for goodwill impairment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If a company concludes that this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment must still be performed. Otherwise, a company does not need to perform the two-step test. The updated guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted if a company’s financial statements have not yet been issued. As allowed, the Company early adopted the new provisions of this accounting standard and used the qualitative assessment option for its annual goodwill impairment test performed for fiscal 2011. The testing procedures and results are described under Goodwill and Other Intangibles above.

In June 2011, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. The update eliminates the option for companies to report other comprehensive income and its related components in the Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. Instead, companies have the option to present total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous Statement of Comprehensive Income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance is to be applied retrospectively, and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2013, and adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements, as it relates to presentation only.

In May 2011, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The update amends and clarifies current fair value measurement guidance, and requires additional disclosures. The most significant disclosure requirement relates to quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement that is categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on the consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010		Oct. 25, 2009
Net sales	$ 7,895,089	$ 7,220,719		$ 6,533,671
Cost of products sold	6,560,976	5,981,977		5,434,800
Gross Profit	1,334,113	1,238,742		1,098,871
Selling, general and administrative	618,586	605,293		567,085
Equity in earnings of affiliates	26,757	13,126		4,793
Operating Income	742,284	646,575		536,579
Other income and expense:
Interest and investment (loss) income	(786)	4,565		19,563
Interest expense	(22,662)	(26,589)		(27,995)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	718,836	624,551		528,147
Provision for income taxes	239,640	224,775		182,169
Net Earnings	479,196	399,776		345,978
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	5,001	4,189		3,165
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$ 474,195	$ 395,587		$ 342,813
Net Earnings Per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.78	$ 1.48	[1]	$ 1.28	[1]
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.74	$ 1.46	[1]	$ 1.27	[1]
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	266,394	266,732	[1]	268,454	[1]
Diluted (in shares)	271,915	270,698	[1]	270,979	[1]

[1] Shares and per share figures have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Note K

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In order to ensure a steady supply of hogs and turkeys, and to 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. The Company has also contracted for the purchase of corn, soybean meal, and other feed ingredients from independent suppliers for periods up to three years. Under these contracts, the Company is committed at October 30, 2011, to make purchases, assuming current price levels, as follows:

(in thousands)
2012	$ 1,646,758
2013	1,016,381
2014	780,275
2015	659,322
2016	650,682
Later years	2,551,871
Total	$ 7,305,289

Purchases under these contracts for fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $1.8 billion, $1.9 billion, and $1.6 billion, respectively.

The Company had noncancelable operating lease commitments on facilities and equipment at October 30, 2011, as follows:

(in thousands)
2012	$ 12,742
2013	8,412
2014	5,480
2015	4,307
2016	3,423
Later years	6,432
Total	$ 40,796

The Company expensed $23.1 million, $25.1 million, and $23.0 million for rent in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company had commitments to expend approximately $78.4 million to complete construction in progress at various locations as of October 30, 2011.

As of October 30, 2011, the Company had $41.8 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 also includes a revocable $4.8 million standby letter of credit for obligations of an affiliated party that may arise under worker compensation claims. Letters of credit are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

The Company is involved on an ongoing basis in litigation 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.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 463,130	$ 467,845
Short-term marketable securities	76,077	50,595
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,000 at October 30, 2011 and $4,000 at October 31, 2010)	461,110	430,939
Inventories	885,823	793,771
Income taxes receivable	24,423	8,525
Deferred income taxes	69,203	70,703
Prepaid expenses	10,048	12,153
Other current assets	8,417	23,635
Total Current Assets	1,998,231	1,858,166
Deferred Income Taxes	59,814	72,426
Goodwill	630,884	629,023
Other Intangibles	132,046	141,522
Pension Assets	80,208	61,272
Investments in and Receivables from Affiliates	295,698	214,389
Other Assets	140,420	155,017
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	56,273	54,017
Buildings	749,143	729,718
Equipment	1,393,128	1,358,237
Construction in progress	50,286	45,283
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,248,830	2,187,255
Less allowance for depreciation	(1,341,740)	(1,265,152)
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	907,090	922,103
Total Assets	4,244,391	4,053,918
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	390,171	361,287
Accrued expenses	40,539	46,408
Accrued workers compensation	32,218	33,022
Accrued marketing expenses	77,363	76,552
Employee related expenses	195,258	187,116
Taxes payable	8,137	9,339
Interest and dividends payable	34,500	37,489
Current maturities of long-term debt		350,000
Total Current Liabilities	778,186	1,101,213
Long-Term Debt - less current maturities	250,000
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits	473,688	454,998
Other Long-Term Liabilities	82,701	91,068
Shareholders' Investment
Preferred stock, par value $.01 a share - authorized 160,000,000 shares; issued - none
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(175,483)	(175,910)
Retained earnings	2,824,331	2,568,774
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders' Investment	2,656,582	2,400,657
Noncontrolling Interest	3,234	5,982
Total Shareholders' Investment	2,659,816	2,406,639
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment	4,244,391	4,053,918
Common stock, nonvoting
Shareholders' Investment
Common stock
Common stock
Shareholders' Investment
Common stock	$ 7,734	$ 7,793

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Note L

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company issues stock options and nonvested shares as part of its stock incentive plans for employees and non-employee directors. 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 periods ranging from six months to four years and expire ten years after the date of the grant. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the requisite service period or vesting period. The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to retirement-eligible individuals is expensed at the time of grant.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company made a one-time grant of 100 stock options (pre-split) to each active, full-time employee of the Company on January 8, 2007. This grant was to vest upon the earlier of five years or attainment of closing stock price of $50.00 per share (pre-split) for five consecutive trading days, and had an expiration of ten years after the grant date. During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the options vested after the stock attained the required closing price per share for five consecutive trading days.

A reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable (in thousands) as of October 30, 2011, and changes during the fiscal year then ended, is as follows:

			Weighted-
		Weighted-	Average
		Average	Remaining	Aggregate
		Exercise	Contractual	Intrinsic
	Shares	Price	Term	Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2010	22,048	$16.47
Granted	2,658	24.96
Exercised	4,750	15.27
Forfeited	24	19.11
Outstanding at October 30, 2011	19,932	$ 17.89	5.7 yrs	$240,451
Exercisable at October 30, 2011	13,499	$ 16.66	4.5 yrs	$179,436

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 is as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$   5.54	$    4.55	$ 2.93
Intrinsic value of exercised options		$54,859	$32,378	$5,049

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 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Risk-free interest rate		2.9%	3.4%	3.2%
Dividend yield		2.0%	2.2%	2.5%
Stock price volatility		21.0%	22.0%	22.0%
Expected option life		8 years	8 years	8 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 stripped U.S. Treasury yields as of the grant date where the remaining term is approximately the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is set 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 set 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 set 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 employee and non-employee director groups.

The Company’s nonvested shares granted on or before September 26, 2010, vest after five years or upon retirement. Nonvested shares granted after September 26, 2010, vest after one year. A reconciliation of the nonvested shares (in thousands) as of October 30, 2011, and changes during the fiscal year then ended is as follows:

		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value
Nonvested at October 31, 2010	206	$ 18.13
Granted	52	25.11
Vested	43	17.43
Nonvested at October 30, 2011	215	$ 19.94

The weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted, the total fair value (in thousands) of non vested shares granted, and the fair value (in thousands) of shares that have vested during each of the past three fiscal years is as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$25.11	$19.56	$15.27
Fair value of nonvested shares granted		$1,299	$  978	$  865
Fair value of shares vested		$  751	$  664	$  204

Stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit, for each of the past three fiscal years is presented in the table below:

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,		October 31,		October 25,
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Stock-based compensation expense recognized		$17,229		$14,402		$12,054
Income tax benefit recognized		(6,542	)	(5,510	)	(4,633	)
After-tax stock-based compensation expense		$10,687		$ 8,892		$ 7,421

At October 30, 2011, there was $12.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years. During fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009, cash received from stock option exercises was $53.8 million, $22.9 million, and $2.4 million, respectively. The total tax benefit to be realized for tax deductions from these option exercises was $20.8 million, $18.9 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

Shares issued for option exercises and nonvested shares may be either authorized but unissued shares, or shares of treasury stock acquired in the open market or otherwise. The number of shares available for future grants was 32.6 million at October 30, 2011, 35.3 million at October 31, 2010, and 38.0 million at October 25, 2009.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Non-controlling Interest	Comprehensive Income
Balance at Oct. 26, 2008		$ 2,013,275	$ 7,883	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,112,873	$ (114,016)	$ 6,535
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 26, 2008	[1]		269,041	0
Comprehensive income
Net earnings		345,978				342,813		3,165	345,978
Foreign currency translation		(850)					(862)	12	(850)
Deferred hedging, net of reclassification adjustment		27,763					27,763		27,763
Pension and other benefits		(117,954)					(117,954)		(117,954)
Comprehensive income		254,937						3,177	254,937
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment (net of $912 tax effect)		(10,334)				(11,793)	1,459
Purchases of common stock		(38,147)		(38,147)
Purchases of common stock, shares	[1]			(2,305)
Stock-based compensation expense		12,054			12,054
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares		2,551	13	(15)	2,553
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares, shares	[1]		452	(1)
Shares retired		0	(68)	38,162	(14,607)	(23,487)
Shares retired, shares	[1]		(2,306)	2,306
Distribution to noncontrolling interest		(7,999)						(7,999)
Declared cash dividends - $.51, $.42 and $.38 per share for the year 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively		(102,016)				(102,016)
Balance at Oct. 25, 2009		2,124,321	7,828	0	0	2,318,390	(203,610)	1,713
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 25, 2009	[1]		267,187	0
Comprehensive income
Net earnings		399,776				395,587		4,189	399,776
Foreign currency translation		5,548					5,468	80	5,548
Deferred hedging, net of reclassification adjustment		33,372					33,372		33,372
Pension and other benefits		(11,140)					(11,140)		(11,140)
Comprehensive income		427,556						4,269	427,556
Purchases of common stock		(69,574)		(69,574)
Purchases of common stock, shares	[1]			(3,407)
Stock-based compensation expense		14,402			14,402
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares		21,764	65	(308)	22,007
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares, shares	[1]		2,198	(15)
Shares retired		0	(100)	69,882	(36,409)	(33,373)
Shares retired, shares	[1]		(3,422)	3,422
Declared cash dividends - $.51, $.42 and $.38 per share for the year 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively		(111,830)				(111,830)
Balance at Oct. 31, 2010		2,406,639	7,793	0	0	2,568,774	(175,910)	5,982
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010	[1]		265,963	0
Comprehensive income
Net earnings		479,196				474,195		5,001	479,196
Foreign currency translation		1,094					843	251	1,094
Deferred hedging, net of reclassification adjustment		(3,476)					(3,476)		(3,476)
Pension and other benefits		3,060					3,060		3,060
Comprehensive income		479,874						5,252	479,874
Purchases of common stock		(152,930)		(152,930)
Purchases of common stock, shares	[1]			(5,497)
Stock-based compensation expense		17,229			17,229
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares		53,039	102	(163)	53,100
Exercise of stock options/nonvested shares, shares	[1]		3,503	(6)
Shares retired		0	(161)	153,093	(70,329)	(82,603)
Shares retired, shares	[1]		(5,503)	5,503
Distribution to noncontrolling interest		(8,000)						(8,000)
Declared cash dividends - $.51, $.42 and $.38 per share for the year 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively		(136,035)				(136,035)
Balance at Oct. 30, 2011		$ 2,659,816	$ 7,734	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,824,331	$ (175,483)	$ 3,234
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 30, 2011	[1]		263,963	0

[1] Shares and per share figures have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011.

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GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Note F

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are presented in the table below. The additions during fiscal 2010 primarily relate to the Country Crock® acquisition.

	Grocery	Refrigerated
(in thousands)	Products	Foods	JOTS	Specialty Foods	All Other	Total
Balance as of October 25, 2009	$123,316	$85,923	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$620,155
Goodwill acquired	–	8,868	–	–	–	8,868
Balance as of October 31, 2010	$123,316	$94,791	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$629,023
Goodwill acquired	–	1,861	–	–	–	1,861
Balance as of October 30, 2011	$123,316	$96,652	$203,214	$207,028	$674	$630,884

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are presented in the table below.

	October 30, 2011				October 31, 2010
	Gross			Weighted-	Gross			Weighted-
	Carrying	Accumulated		Average	Carrying	Accumulated		Average
(in thousands)	Amount	Amortization		Life (in Years)	Amount	Amortization		Life (in Years)
Customer lists/relationships	$22,378	$(12,556	)	10.9	$22,378	$(10,194	)	10.9
Proprietary software & technology	22,000	(14,822	)	9.3	23,650	(13,974	)	9.0
Formulas & recipes	18,354	(10,047	)	8.8	22,404	(11,914	)	8.5
Non-compete covenants	5,370	(5,124	)	4.6	7,200	(6,275	)	4.4
Distribution network	4,120	(3,371	)	10.0	4,120	(2,959	)	10.0
Other intangibles	8,660	(4,981	)	7.4	9,740	(5,011	)	6.8
Total	$80,882	$(50,901	)	9.1	$89,492	$(50,327	)	8.8

Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, October 31, 2010, and October 25, 2009, was $9.5 million, $10.5 million, and $10.4 million, respectively.

Estimated annual amortization expense (in thousands) for the five fiscal years after October 30, 2011, is as follows:

2012	$8,906
2013	7,699
2014	6,303
2015	3,192
2016	1,023

The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are as follows.

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Brand/tradename/trademarks	$	94,081	$	94,373
Other intangibles	7,984		7,984
Total	$	102,065	$	102,357

During the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the Company completed the required annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill, with no material impairment indicated. Useful lives of intangible assets were also reviewed during this process, with no changes identified.

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INVENTORIES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES

Note E

INVENTORIES

Principal components of inventories are:

	October 30,	October 31,
(in thousands)	2011	2010
Finished products	$463,491	$431,285
Raw materials and work-in-process	251,324	205,355
Materials and supplies	171,008	157,131
Total	$885,823	$793,771

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SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

(In Thousands)

			Additions/(Benefits)
	Balance at		Charged to			Charged to					Balance at
	Beginning		Costs and			Other Accounts-		Deductions-			End of
Classification	of Period		Expenses			Describe		Describe			Period
Valuation reserve deduction from assets account:
Fiscal year ended October 30, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts								$	233	(1)
receivable	$	4,000	$	(149	)	$	0	(382		)(2)	$	4,000
Fiscal year ended October 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts								$	340	(1)
receivable	$	4,064	$	(307	)	$	0	(583		)(2)	$	4,000
Fiscal year ended October 25, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts								$	1,112	(1)
receivable	$	3,144	$	1,821		$	0	(211		)(2)	$	4,064

Note (1) – Uncollectible accounts written off.

Note (2) – Recoveries on accounts previously written off.

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

Note M

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Company uses hedging programs to manage price risk associated with commodity purchases. These programs utilize futures contracts and swaps to manage the Company’s exposure to price fluctuations in the commodities markets. The Company has determined that its programs which are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows generated by the items hedged.

Cash Flow Hedges: The Company utilizes corn and soybean meal futures to offset the price fluctuation in the Company’s future direct grain purchases, and has entered into various swaps to hedge the purchases of grain and natural gas at certain plant locations. The financial instruments are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges on a regular basis. 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. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. The Company typically does not hedge its grain or natural gas exposure beyond the next two upcoming fiscal years. As of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts and swaps that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		20.8 million bushels	21.1 million bushels
Soybean meal		–	190,400 tons
Natural gas		0.5 million MMBTU’s	1.6 million MMBTU’s

As of October 30, 2011, the Company has included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, hedging gains of $27.3 million (before tax) relating to its positions, compared to gains of $32.9 million (before tax) as of October 31, 2010. The Company expects to recognize the majority of these gains over the next 12 months. The balance as of October 30, 2011, includes gains of $6.9 million related to the Company’s soybean meal futures contracts. These contracts were de-designated as cash flow hedges effective January 30, 2011, as they were no longer highly effective. These gains will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of de-designation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

Fair Value Hedges: The Company utilizes futures to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. 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. The futures contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges on a regular basis. 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 are recorded on the Consolidated Statement 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. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. As of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts designated as fair value hedges:

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		12.4 million bushels	9.9 million bushels
Lean hogs		1.3 million cwt	1.1 million cwt

Other Derivatives: During fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the Company has held certain futures and options contract positions as part of a merchandising program and to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity markets and foreign currencies. The Company has not applied hedge accounting to these positions.

Additionally, as of January 30, 2011, the Company de-designated its soybean meal futures contracts that were previously designated as cash flow hedges, as these contracts were no longer highly effective. Hedge accounting is no longer being applied to these contracts, and gains or losses occurring after the date of de-designation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.

As of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding futures and options contracts related to other programs:

	Volume
Commodity		October 30, 2011	October 31, 2010
Corn		–	1.5 million bushels
Soybean meal		4,300 tons	1,200 tons

Fair Values: The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments (in thousands) as of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, were as follows:

		Fair Value(1)
	Location on Consolidated	October 30,	October 31,
	Statement of Financial Position	2011	2010
Asset Derivatives:
Derivatives Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$58,753	$54,395
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	121	2,137
Total Asset Derivatives		$58,874	$56,532
Liability Derivatives:
Derivatives Designated as Hedges:
Commodity contracts	Accounts payable	$     351	$  6,390
Total Liability Derivatives		$     351	$  6,390

  (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 Statement of Financial Position. See Note N - Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Derivative Gains and Losses: Gains or losses (before tax, in thousands) related to the Company’s derivative instruments for the fiscal year ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, were as follows:

	Gain/(Loss) Recognized
	in Accumulated Other			Gain/(Loss) Reclassified			Gain/(Loss)
	Comprehensive Loss (AOCL)			from AOCL into Earnings			Recognized in Earnings
	(Effective Portion)(1)			(Effective Portion)(1)			(Ineffective Portion)(2)(3)
	Fiscal Year Ended			Fiscal Year Ended			Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	Location on Consolidated	October 30,	October 31,		October 30,		October 31,
Cash Flow Hedges:	2011	2010	Statement of Operations	2011	2010		2011		2010
Commodity contracts	$39,480	$23,511	Cost of products sold	$45,103	$(28,672	)	$(8,704	)	$9,947

		Gain/(Loss)				Gain/(Loss)
		Recognized in Earnings				Recognized in Earnings
		(Effective Portion)(4)				(Ineffective Portion)(2)(5)
		Fiscal Year Ended				Fiscal Year Ended
	Location on Consolidated	October 30,		October 31,		October 30,	October 31,
Fair Value Hedges:	Statement of Operations	2011		2010		2011	2010
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$(24,373	)	$(8,216	)	$132	$(17	)
		Gain/(Loss)
		Recognized in Earnings
		Fiscal Year Ended
Derivatives Not	Location on Consolidated	October 30,		October 31,
Designated as Hedges:	Statement of Operations	2011		2010
Commodity contracts	Cost of products sold	$(1,981	)	$   (86	)
Foreign exchange contracts	Net sales	$  (129	)	$     (1	)
Option contracts	Cost of products sold	$       -		$1,883

(1)	Amounts represent gains or losses in AOCL before tax. See Note B for the after tax impact of these gains or losses on net earnings.
(2)	There were no gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the fiscal year.
(3)	There were no gains or losses resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the fiscal year. However, effective January 30, 2011, the Company de-designated and discontinued hedge accounting for its soybean meal futures contracts. At the date of de-designation of these hedges, gains of $17.7 million (before tax) were deferred in AOCL, with $6.9 million (before tax) remaining as of October 30, 2011. These gains will remain in AOCL until the hedged transactions occur or it is probable the hedged transactions will not occur. Gains or losses related to these contracts after the date of de-designation have been recognized in earnings as incurred.
(4)	Amounts represent losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the fiscal year, which were offset by a corresponding gain 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.
(5)	There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge during the fiscal year.

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PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Note I

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company has several defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans covering most employees. Total costs associated with the Company’s defined contribution benefit plans in 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $27.1 million, $26.6 million, and $25.8 million, respectively. 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. The Company’s funding policy is to make annual contributions of not less than the minimum required by applicable regulations. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 8-22 years.

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. Eligible employees hired after January 1, 1990, may receive post-retirement medical coverage but must pay the full cost of the coverage. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 7-19 years.

In 2011, several changes were enacted that affected the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at the measurement date. The defined benefit pension plan covering collectively bargained employees was amended as a result of labor negotiations, causing an increase in the benefit obligation. The benefit obligation for the other defined benefit plans was reduced as a result of a change in the pension formula effective January 1, 2017. The amended formula remains a defined benefit formula, but will base the accrued benefit credit on age and service and define the benefit as a lump sum. Effective October 31, 2016, the 401k match for these participants will be increased.

Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans included the following:

	Pension Benefits						Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010	2009
Service cost	$  24,206		$ 21,998		$ 18,004		$  2,219		$  2,477	$  2,262
Interest cost	50,282		48,305		47,251		18,891		20,703	22,464
Expected return on plan assets	(62,989	)	(55,128	)	(52,296	)	–		–	–
Amortization of prior service cost	(607	)	(607	)	(607	)	4,341		4,341	5,505
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	16,633		16,133		5,142		(4	)	2,377	(841	)
Settlement charges	–		1,192		6,788		–		–	–
Curtailment charge	–		131		–		–		–	–
Special termination cost	–		386		–		–		109	–
Net periodic cost	$  27,525		$ 32,410		$ 24,282		$25,447		$30,007	$29,390

Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension benefits at October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost: unrecognized prior service credit of $52.5 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $334.0 million, and unrecognized prior service credit of $1.8 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $289.4 million, respectively. The prior service credit and actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost during the fiscal year ending October 28, 2012, are $5.1 million and $20.1 million, respectively.

Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for post-retirement benefits at October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic post-retirement benefit cost: unrecognized prior service costs of $19.0 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $25.2 million, and unrecognized prior service costs of $25.5 million and unrecognized actuarial losses of $17.9 million, respectively. The prior service cost and actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and expected to be recognized in net periodic post-retirement benefit cost during the fiscal year ending October 28, 2012, are $3.6 million and $0.0 million, respectively.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the plans as of the October 30, 2011 and the October 31, 2010 measurement dates:

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$878,630		$785,560		$346,707		$346,106
Service cost	24,206		21,998		2,219		2,477
Interest cost	50,282		48,305		18,891		20,703
Plan amendments	(51,283	)	–		(2,082	)	–
Special termination cost	–		386		–		109
Actuarial loss	84,958		64,231		7,276		2,446
Benefits paid	(44,167	)	(41,850	)	(21,877	)	(25,134	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$942,626		$878,630		$351,134		$346,707

The post-retirement benefits paid are net of Medicare Part D subsidy receipts of $2.8 million and $4.2 million for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$802,449		$689,759		$           –		$           –
Actual return on plan assets	86,748		81,993		–		–
Employee contributions	–		–		2,749		2,362
Employer contributions	25,893		72,547		26,120		29,304
Benefits paid	(44,167	)	(41,850	)	(28,869	)	(31,666	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$870,923		$802,449		$           –		$           –
Funded status at end of year	$(71,703	)	$(76,181	)	$(351,134	)	$(346,707	)

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, are as follows:

	Pension Benefits				Post-retirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Pension assets	$   80,208		$   61,272		$           –		$           –
Accrued expenses	(2,924	)	(3,273	)	(26,433	)	(25,889	)
Pension and post-retirement benefits	(148,987	)	(134,180	)	(324,701	)	(320,818	)
Net amount recognized	$  (71,703	)	$  (76,181	)	$(351,134	)	$(346,707	)

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $151.9 million, $133.2 million, and $0.0 million, respectively, as of October 30, 2011, and $139.4 million, $113.1 million, and $2.0 million, respectively, as of October 31, 2010.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:

	2011	2010
Discount rate	5.33%	5.82%
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	3.93%	4.03%

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

	2011	2010	2009
Discount rate	5.82%	6.28%	7.30%
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level)	4.03%	4.08%	4.09%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	8.00%	8.25%	8.25%

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 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 2012. The pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rate is assumed to decrease to 5.0% for 2017, and remain at that level 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
	Expense				Benefit Obligation
(in thousands)	Increase		Decrease		Increase		Decrease
Pension Benefits:
Discount rate	$(10,652	)	$13,153		$(111,456	)	$138,020
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	$   3,664		$ (3,664	)	-		-
Rate of future compensation increase	$   2,196		$ (2,108	)	$   11,060		$ (10,660	)
Post-retirement Benefits:
Discount rate	$936		$  2,564		$  (33,208	)	$  39,679
Health care cost trend rate	$   1,774		$ (1,478	)	$   32,101		$ (27,631	)

The actual and target weighted-average asset allocations for the Company’s pension plan assets as of the plan measurement date are as follows:

	2011		2010
Asset Category	Actual	Target Range	Actual	Target Range
Large Capitalization Equity	22.1%	20-35%	24.1%	22-32%
Hormel Foods Corporation Stock	5.7%	0-10%	9.0%	-
Small Capitalization Equity	11.9%	5-15%	14.0%	3-13%
International Equity	18.1%	15-25%	17.8%	15-25%
Private Equity	2.5%	0-15%	1.2%	0-15%
Total Equity Securities	60.3%	55-75%	66.1%	55-75%
Fixed Income	38.3%	25-45%	31.8%	25-45%
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1.4%	-	2.1%	-

Target allocations are established in consultation with outside advisors through the use of asset-liability modeling to attempt to match the duration of the plan assets with the duration of the Company’s projected benefit liability. The asset allocation strategy 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 target range for ownership of the Company’s common stock was included within the Large Capitalization Equity target range in the prior year.

As of the 2011 measurement date, plan assets included 1.7 million shares of common stock of the Company having a market value of $49.7 million or 6% of total plan assets. Dividends paid during the year on shares held by the plan were $1.1 million. In 2011, the Company issued 1.1 million shares to the plan pursuant to the stock split, and the plan sold 1.1 million shares. In 2010, plan assets included a pre-split 1.7 million shares of common stock of the Company having a market value of $76.1 million or 9% of total plan assets.

The Company made discretionary contributions of $23.6 million and $70.3 million to the Company’s defined benefit plans in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Based on the October 30, 2011 measurement date, the Company anticipates making required contributions of $21.2 million to fund the pension plans during fiscal year 2012. The Company also expects to make contributions of $29.4 million during 2012 that represent benefit payments for unfunded plans.

Benefits expected to be paid over the next ten fiscal years are as follows:

		Post-
	Pension	retirement
(in thousands)	Benefits	Benefits
2012	$  44,334	$  23,826
2013	45,309	22,359
2014	47,464	22,534
2015	49,769	22,646
2016	52,449	22,680
2017 - 2021	308,135	108,761

Post-retirement benefits are net of expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits granted under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are estimated to be $2.8 million per year through 2021.

The fair values of the defined benefit pension plan investments as of October 30, 2011, by asset category and fair value hierarchy level, are as follows:

	Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2011
		Quoted Prices
		in Active	Significant Other	Significant
		Markets for	Observable	Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs	Inputs
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value	(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$  11,732	$  11,732	$            -	$          -
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic	$215,924	$191,158	$  24,766	$          -
Foreign	26,103	26,103	-	-
Total Large Capitalization Equity	$242,027	$217,261	$  24,766	$          -
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic	$  92,083	$  92,083	$            -	$          -
Foreign	11,585	11,585	-	-
Total Small Capitalization Equity	$103,668	$103,668	$            -	$          -
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund	$  38,757	$            -	$  38,757	$          -
Collective trust	119,239	-	119,239	-
Total International Equity	$157,996	$            -	$157,996	$          -
Private Equity(5)
Domestic	$  18,794	$            -	$            -	$18,794
International	3,053	-	-	3,053
Total Private Equity	$  21,847	$            -	$            -	$21,847
Total Equity	$525,538	$320,929	$182,762	$21,847
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues	$118,863	$118,863	$            -	$          -
Municipal issues	18,463	18,463	-	-
Corporate issues – domestic	165,778	112,767	53,011	-
Corporate issues – foreign	30,549	30,549	-	-
Total Fixed Income	$333,653	$280,642	$  53,011	$          -
Total Investments at Fair Value	$870,923	$613,303	$235,773	$21,847

	Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2010
		Quoted Prices
		in Active	Significant Other	Significant
		Markets for	Observable	Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs	Inputs
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value	(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$  16,642	$  16,642	$            -	$        -
Large Capitalization Equity(2)
Domestic	$247,748	$215,152	$  32,596	$        -
Foreign	18,023	18,023	-	-
Total Large Capitalization Equity	$265,771	$233,175	$  32,596	$        -
Small Capitalization Equity(3)
Domestic	$101,953	$101,953	$            -	$        -
Foreign	10,206	10,206	-	-
Total Small Capitalization Equity	$112,159	$112,159	$            -	$        -
International Equity(4)
Mutual fund	$  40,301	$            -	$  40,301	$        -
Collective trust	102,566	-	102,566	-
Total International Equity	$142,867	$            -	$142,867	$        -
Private Equity(5)
Domestic	$    6,951	$            -	$            -	$6,951
International	2,377	-	-	2,377
Total Private Equity	$    9,328	$            -	$            -	$9,328
Total Equity	$530,125	$345,334	$175,463	$9,328
Fixed Income(6)
US government issues	$106,987	$106,987	$            -	$        -
Municipal issues	1,931	1,931	-	-
Corporate issues – domestic	124,802	87,181	37,621	-
Corporate issues – foreign	21,878	21,878	-	-
Total Fixed Income	$255,598	$217,977	$  37,621	$        -
Other
Real Estate - mineral interest	$           3	$            -	$            -	$       3
Total Other	$           3	$            -	$            -	$       3
Total Investments at Fair Value	$802,368	$579,953	$213,084	$9,331

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

(1)	Cash Equivalents: These Level 1 investments consist primarily of money market mutual funds that are highly liquid and traded in active markets.
(2)	Large Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investment includes a mutual fund consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks that is valued at the publicly available net asset value (NAV) of shares held by the pension plans at year end.
(3)	Small Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded.
(4)	International Equity: These Level 2 investments include a mix of collective investment funds and mutual funds. The mutual funds are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end. The value of the collective investment funds is based on the fair value of the underlying investments and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(5)	Private Equity: These Level 3 investments consist of various collective investment funds, which are managed by a third party, that invest in a well diversified portfolio of equity investments from top performing, high quality firms that focus on U.S. and foreign small to mid markets; and venture capitalists and entrepreneurs with a concentration in areas of innovation. Investment strategies include buyouts, growth capital, build-ups, and distressed; and early stages of company development mainly in the U.S. The fair value of the units for these investments is based on the fair value of the underlying investments, and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.
(6)	Fixed Income: The Level 1 investments include a mix of U.S. government and municipal securities, and domestic and foreign securities, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investments consist primarily of mutual funds invested in long duration corporate bonds that are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end.

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)	2011		2010
Beginning Balance, October 31, 2010	$ 9,331		$ 3,108
Purchases, issuances, and settlements (net)	9,886		5,373
Unrealized gains	2,633		717
Realized (losses) gains	(3	)	124
Interest and dividend income	-		9
Ending Balance, October 30, 2011	$ 21,847		$ 9,331

The Company has commitments totaling $85.0 million for the private equity investments within the pension plans, of which $66.0 million and $77.0 million remain unfunded at fiscal year end 2011 and 2010, respectively. These commitments include $43.2 million and $22.8 million for domestic and foreign equity investments, respectively, for fiscal year end 2011 compared to the $53.3 million and $23.7 million for domestic and foreign equity investments, respectively, for fiscal year end 2010. Funding for future private equity capital calls will come from existing pension plan asset investments and not from additional cash contributions into the Company’s pension plans.

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Derivatives and hedging
Maximum number of upcoming fiscal years to hedge grain or natural gas exposure	2Y
Accumulated change, pretax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges	$ 27.3	$ 32.9
The Company expects to recognize the majority of hedging gains over this period	12M
Corn
Derivatives and hedging
Futures contracts and swaps, Volume	20,800,000	21,100,000
Futures contracts, Volume	12,400,000	9,900,000
Futures and options contracts, Volume		1,500,000
Soybean Meal
Derivatives and hedging
Futures contracts and swaps, Volume		190,400
Futures and options contracts, Volume	4,300	1,200
Natural Gas
Derivatives and hedging
Futures contracts and swaps, Volume	500,000	1,600,000
Lean Hogs
Derivatives and hedging
Futures contracts, Volume	1,300,000	1,100,000

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INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES

INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES

Note G

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 the following:

			October 30,	October 31,
(in thousands)	Segment	% Owned	2011	2010
MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	50%	$205,523	$122,447
Purefoods-Hormel Company	All Other	40%	65,140	63,894
San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	All Other	49%	17,442	20,501
Other	Various	Various	7,593	7,547
Total			$295,698	$214,389

Equity in earnings of affiliates consists of the following:

(in thousands)	Segment	2011		2010		2009
MegaMex Foods, LLC	Grocery Products	$24,532		$11,996		$   N/A
Purefoods-Hormel Company	All Other	5,182		3,523		1,561
San Miguel Purefoods (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.	All Other	(3,059	)	(1,315	)	(210	)
Other	Various	102		(1,078	)	3,442
Total		$26,757		$13,126		$4,793

MegaMex Foods, LLC

On October 26, 2009, the Company completed the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex), a 50/50 joint venture formed by the Company and Herdez Del Fuerte, S.A. de C.V. to market Mexican foods in the United States. On October 6, 2010, MegaMex acquired 100 percent of the stock of Don Miguel Foods Corp. (Don Miguel). Don Miguel is a leading provider of branded frozen and fresh authentic Mexican appetizers, snacks, and hand held items. On August 22, 2011, MegaMex acquired 100 percent of Fresherized Foods, which produces Wholly Guacamole,®Wholly Salsa,® and Wholly Queso®products.

The Company recognized a basis difference of $21.3 million associated with the formation of MegaMex, which is being amortized through equity in earnings of affiliates.

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LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Note H

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt consists of:

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 6.625%, interest due semi-annually through June 2011 maturity date	$	–	$	350,000
Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 4.125%, interest due semi-annually through April 2021 maturity date	250,000		–
Less current maturities	–		350,000
Total	$	250,000	$	–

The Company has a $300.0 million revolving line of credit which bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR. As of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, the Company had not drawn from this line of credit. A fixed fee is paid for the availability of this credit line. On November 22, 2011, the Company amended the terms and conditions for this line of credit and extended the maturity date to November 2016.

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 during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $31.7 million, $26.5 million, and $28.3 million, respectively. Based on borrowing rates available to the Company for long-term financing with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities), utilizing discounted cash flows, was $266.9 million as of October 30, 2011, and $371.8 million as of October 31, 2010.

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INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

Note J

INCOME TAXES

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
Current:
U.S. Federal	$202,084	$170,326	$159,208
State	26,978	22,896	22,027
Foreign	3,826	2,124	1,245
Total current	232,888	195,346	182,480
Deferred:
U.S. Federal	6,358	27,009	(392	)
State	394	2,420	81
Total deferred	6,752	29,429	(311	)
Total provision for income taxes	$239,640	$224,775	$182,169

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. The Company believes that,based upon its lengthy and consistent history of profitable operations, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $129.0 million will be realized on future tax returns, primarily from the generation of future taxable income. Significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

	October 30,		October 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax over book depreciation	$ (92,848	)	$ (81,821	)
Pension assets	(30,029	)	(22,809	)
Book/tax basis difference from acquisitions	(27,593	)	(30,262	)
Commodity hedging contracts	(10,337	)	(16,327	)
Other, net	(61,824	)	(54,273	)
Deferred tax assets:
Post-retirement benefits	134,117		133,684
Pension benefits	57,961		52,445
Stock options	29,321		29,092
Deferred compensation	21,961		21,409
Insurance accruals	14,786		14,318
Vacation accruals	13,636		13,857
Promotional accruals	9,867		7,208
Federal benefit of state tax	9,596		14,799
Other, net	60,403		61,809
Net deferred tax assets	$129,017		$143,129

Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

	2011		2010		200	9
U.S. statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit	2.7		3.1		2.9
Manufacture deduction	(2.6	)	(1.7	)	(1.6	)
All other, net	(1.8	)	(0.4	)	(1.8	)
Effective tax rate	33.3	%	36.0	%	34.5	%

The Company has accumulated undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures of approximately $56.5 million as of October 30, 2011. These earnings are expected to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States.

Total income taxes paid during fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009 were $227.3 million, $212.6 million, and $160.3 million, respectively.

The following table sets forth changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

(in thousands)
Balance as of October 25, 2009	$ 42,762
Tax positions related to the current period:
Increases	3,102
Decreases	–
Tax positions related to prior periods:
Increases	4,194
Decreases	(18,313	)
Settlements	(2,650	)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(3,022	)
Balance as of October 31, 2010	$ 26,073
Tax positions related to the current period:
Increases	2,493
Decreases	–
Tax positions related to prior periods:
Increases	5,646
Decreases	(672	)
Settlements	(10,770	)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations:	(1,372	)
Balance as of October 30, 2011	$ 21,398

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at October 30, 2011, recorded in other long-term liabilities was $28.1 million, of which $18.6 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense, with $(4.2) million included in expense for fiscal 2011. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at October 30, 2011, associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $6.7 million.

The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities. During fiscal year 2010, the United States internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) concluded its examination of the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for the fiscal years through 2007. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 the I.R.S. opened an examination of the Company’s consolidated federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2008 and 2009. The Company is in various stages of audit by several state taxing authorities on a variety of fiscal years, as far back as 2004. While it is reasonably possible that one or more of these audits may be completed within the next 12 months and that 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.

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	May 01, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 25, 2010	Apr. 25, 2010	Jan. 24, 2010	Oct. 30, 2011 segment	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
SEGMENT REPORTING
Number of reportable business segments									5
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									$ 7,895,089	$ 7,220,719	$ 6,533,671
Intersegment Sales										0	0
Net sales	2,103,898	1,910,592	1,959,041	1,921,558	2,063,039	1,730,451	1,699,782	1,727,447	7,895,089	7,220,719	6,533,671
Segment Operating Profit									773,275	682,734	571,726
Net interest and investment expense (income)									23,448	22,024	8,432
General corporate expense									35,992	40,348	38,312
Noncontrolling interest									5,001	4,189	3,165
Earnings before income taxes									718,836	624,551	528,147
Assets	4,244,391				4,053,918				4,244,391	4,053,918	3,692,055
Additions to Property Plant and Equipment									96,911	89,823	96,961
Depreciation and Amortization									124,165	125,591	127,138
Total
Operating profit and other financial information
Intersegment Sales									139,096	120,532	104,472
Grocery Products
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									1,064,558	1,040,455	924,682
Net sales									1,064,558	1,040,455	924,682
Segment Operating Profit									162,556	155,922	162,531
Assets	670,398				591,082				670,398	591,082	445,340
Additions to Property Plant and Equipment									10,910	27,018	51,438
Depreciation and Amortization									15,597	15,084	15,232
Refrigerated Foods
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									4,189,224	3,818,788	3,436,242
Intersegment Sales									14,101	9,152	7,236
Net sales									4,203,325	3,827,940	3,443,478
Segment Operating Profit									292,624	276,315	226,171
Assets	1,177,588				1,173,540				1,177,588	1,173,540	1,098,133
Additions to Property Plant and Equipment									45,244	38,417	28,303
Depreciation and Amortization									65,689	64,051	62,317
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									1,467,222	1,310,412	1,227,709
Intersegment Sales									124,868	111,262	97,064
Net sales									1,592,090	1,421,674	1,324,773
Segment Operating Profit									204,940	143,644	86,909
Assets	805,459				760,566				805,459	760,566	728,049
Additions to Property Plant and Equipment									29,507	15,986	11,247
Depreciation and Amortization									25,379	26,898	27,280
Specialty Foods
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									835,584	782,958	708,730
Intersegment Sales									127	118	172
Net sales									835,711	783,076	708,902
Segment Operating Profit									76,905	80,727	68,484
Assets	475,289				432,820				475,289	432,820	449,558
Additions to Property Plant and Equipment									3,470	1,807	2,922
Depreciation and Amortization									9,817	11,831	14,082
All Other.
Operating profit and other financial information
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers									338,501	268,106	236,308
Net sales									338,501	268,106	236,308
Segment Operating Profit									36,250	26,126	27,631
Assets	196,957				178,642				196,957	178,642	163,611
Additions to Property Plant and Equipment									1,145	788	732
Depreciation and Amortization									1,387	1,305	1,204
Corporate
Operating profit and other financial information
Assets	918,700				917,268				918,700	917,268	807,364
Additions to Property Plant and Equipment									6,635	5,807	2,319
Depreciation and Amortization									6,296	6,422	7,023
Intersegment elimination
Operating profit and other financial information
Intersegment Sales									(139,096)	(120,532)	(104,472)
Net sales									$ (139,096)	$ (120,532)	$ (104,472)
Precept Foods, LLC
Operating profit and other financial information
Ownership percentage held by entity in joint venture (as a percent)									50.01%

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	May 01, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 25, 2010	Apr. 25, 2010	Jan. 24, 2010	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Revenues attributable to U.S. and Foreign countries
Net sales	$ 2,103,898	$ 1,910,592	$ 1,959,041	$ 1,921,558	$ 2,063,039	$ 1,730,451	$ 1,699,782	$ 1,727,447	$ 7,895,089	$ 7,220,719	$ 6,533,671
United States
Revenues attributable to U.S. and Foreign countries
Net sales									7,431,798	6,874,150	6,198,818
Foreign
Revenues attributable to U.S. and Foreign countries
Net sales									$ 463,291	$ 346,569	$ 334,853

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2010	Oct. 30, 2011 Y M	Oct. 31, 2010
Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities
Maximum maturity period of cash equivalents (in months)		3
Guarantee period at issue for rate of return on fixed income funds (in years)		1
Recognized right to reclaim cash collateral		$ 20,100,000
Recognized obligation to return cash collateral		71,800,000	44,900,000
Fair value, long-term debt
Fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities)		266,900,000	371,800,000
Fair value, nonrecurring basis - Property, plant and equipment
Pretax charge to reduce property, plant and equipment to its current estimated fair value	6,600,000
Recurring basis | Fair Value
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents		341,447,000	360,064,000
Short-term marketable securities		76,077,000	50,595,000
Other trading securities		105,367,000	109,153,000
Commodity asset derivatives, net of the effects of master netting arrangements		7,174,000	11,604,000
Total Assets at Fair Value		530,065,000	531,416,000
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity liability derivatives, net of the effects of master netting arrangements		351,000	6,390,000
Deferred compensation		44,956,000	42,141,000
Total Liabilities at Fair Value		45,307,000	48,531,000
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents		341,447,000	360,064,000
Short-term marketable securities		358,000	66,000
Other trading securities		34,588,000	49,889,000
Commodity asset derivatives, net of the effects of master netting arrangements		7,174,000	11,604,000
Total Assets at Fair Value		383,567,000	421,623,000
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Deferred compensation		15,379,000	13,298,000
Total Liabilities at Fair Value		15,379,000	13,298,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets at Fair Value:
Short-term marketable securities		75,719,000	50,529,000
Other trading securities		70,779,000	59,264,000
Total Assets at Fair Value		146,498,000	109,793,000
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity liability derivatives, net of the effects of master netting arrangements		351,000	6,390,000
Deferred compensation		29,577,000	28,843,000
Total Liabilities at Fair Value		$ 29,928,000	$ 35,233,000

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Schedule of reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable

			Weighted-
		Weighted-	Average
		Average	Remaining	Aggregate
		Exercise	Contractual	Intrinsic
	Shares	Price	Term	Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2010	22,048	$16.47
Granted	2,658	24.96
Exercised	4,750	15.27
Forfeited	24	19.11
Outstanding at October 30, 2011	19,932	$ 17.89	5.7 yrs	$240,451
Exercisable at October 30, 2011	13,499	$ 16.66	4.5 yrs	$179,436

Schedule of weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted, and the total intrinsic value of options exercised

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$   5.54	$    4.55	$ 2.93
Intrinsic value of exercised options		$54,859	$32,378	$5,049

Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to calculate fair value of each option award

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Risk-free interest rate		2.9%	3.4%	3.2%
Dividend yield		2.0%	2.2%	2.5%
Stock price volatility		21.0%	22.0%	22.0%
Expected option life		8 years	8 years	8 years

Schedule of reconciliation of the nonvested shares

		Weighted-
		Average
		Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value
Nonvested at October 31, 2010	206	$ 18.13
Granted	52	25.11
Vested	43	17.43
Nonvested at October 30, 2011	215	$ 19.94

Schedule of weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted, the total fair value of nonvested shares granted, and the fair value of nonvested shares vested

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
		2011	2010	2009
Weighted-average grant date fair value		$25.11	$19.56	$15.27
Fair value of nonvested shares granted		$1,299	$  978	$  865
Fair value of shares vested		$  751	$  664	$  204

Schedule of stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit

	Fiscal Year Ended
		October 30,		October 31,		October 25,
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Stock-based compensation expense recognized		$17,229		$14,402		$12,054
Income tax benefit recognized		(6,542	)	(5,510	)	(4,633	)
After-tax stock-based compensation expense		$10,687		$ 8,892		$ 7,421

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PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Cost of defined contribution plans	$ 27,100,000	$ 26,600,000	$ 25,800,000
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Pension assets	80,208,000	61,272,000
Pension and post-retirement benefits	(473,688,000)	(454,998,000)
Pension Benefits
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Service cost	24,206,000	21,998,000	18,004,000
Interest cost	50,282,000	48,305,000	47,251,000
Expected return on plan assets	(62,989,000)	(55,128,000)	(52,296,000)
Amortization of prior service cost	(607,000)	(607,000)	(607,000)
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss	16,633,000	16,133,000	5,142,000
Settlement charge		1,192,000	6,788,000
Curtailment charge		131,000
Special termination cost		386,000
Net periodic cost	27,525,000	32,410,000	24,282,000
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	(52,500,000)	(1,800,000)
Unrecognized actuarial gains (losses)	(334,000,000)	(289,400,000)
Amount of prior service credit (cost) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	5,100,000
Amount of actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	20,100,000
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	878,630,000	785,560,000
Service cost	24,206,000	21,998,000	18,004,000
Interest cost	50,282,000	48,305,000	47,251,000
Plan amendments	(51,283,000)
Special termination cost		386,000
Actuarial loss	84,958,000	64,231,000
Benefits paid	(44,167,000)	(41,850,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	942,626,000	878,630,000	785,560,000
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	802,449,000	689,759,000
Actual return on plan assets	86,748,000	81,993,000
Employer contributions	25,893,000	72,547,000
Benefits paid	(44,167,000)	(41,850,000)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	870,923,000	802,449,000	689,759,000
Funded status at end of year	(71,703,000)	(76,181,000)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Pension assets	80,208,000	61,272,000
Accrued expenses	(2,924,000)	(3,273,000)
Pension and post-retirement benefits	(148,987,000)	(134,180,000)
Net amount recognized	(71,703,000)	(76,181,000)
Accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	151,900,000	139,400,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	133,200,000	113,100,000
Fair value of plan assets	0	2,000,000
Pension Benefits | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments (in years)	22
Pension Benefits | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments (in years)	8
Post-retirement Benefits
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Service cost	2,219,000	2,477,000	2,262,000
Interest cost	18,891,000	20,703,000	22,464,000
Amortization of prior service cost	4,341,000	4,341,000	5,505,000
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss	(4,000)	2,377,000	(841,000)
Special termination cost		109,000
Net periodic cost	25,447,000	30,007,000	29,390,000
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	19,000,000	25,500,000
Unrecognized actuarial gains (losses)	(25,200,000)	(17,900,000)
Amount of prior service credit (cost) included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	(3,600,000)
Amount of actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized during next year	0
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	346,707,000	346,106,000
Service cost	2,219,000	2,477,000	2,262,000
Interest cost	18,891,000	20,703,000	22,464,000
Plan amendments	(2,082,000)
Special termination cost		109,000
Actuarial loss	7,276,000	2,446,000
Benefits paid	(21,877,000)	(25,134,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	351,134,000	346,707,000	346,106,000
Medicare Part D subsidy receipts	2,800,000	4,200,000
Change in plan assets:
Employee contributions	2,749,000	2,362,000
Employer contributions	26,120,000	29,304,000
Benefits paid	(28,869,000)	(31,666,000)
Funded status at end of year	(351,134,000)	(346,707,000)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Accrued expenses	(26,433,000)	(25,889,000)
Pension and post-retirement benefits	(324,701,000)	(320,818,000)
Net amount recognized	$ (351,134,000)	$ (346,707,000)
Post-retirement Benefits | Maximum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments (in years)	19
Post-retirement Benefits | Minimum
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Amortization period of actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments (in years)	7

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SEGMENT REPORTING

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING

Note O

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 five segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Specialty Foods, and All Other.

The Grocery Products segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex) joint venture.

The Refrigerated Foods segment includes the Hormel Refrigerated operating segment and the Affiliated Business Units. This segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork and beef products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers. The Affiliated Business Units include the Farmer John, Burke Corporation, Dan’s Prize, Saag’s Products, Inc., and Precept Foods businesses. Precept Foods, LLC, is a 50.01 percent owned joint venture.

The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.

The Specialty Foods segment includes the Diamond Crystal Brands, Century Foods International, and Hormel Specialty Products operating segments. This segment consists of the packaging and sale of various sugar and sugar substitute products, salt and pepper products, liquid portion products, dessert mixes, ready-to-drink products, sports nutrition products, gelatin products, and private label canned meats to retail and foodservice customers. This segment also includes the processing, marketing, and sale of nutritional food products and supplements to hospitals, nursing homes, and other marketers of nutritional products.

The All Other segment includes the Hormel Foods International operating segment, which manufactures, markets, and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures and miscellaneous corporate sales.

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, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as net interest and investment expense (income), general corporate expense, and noncontrolling interest when reconciling to earnings before income taxes.

Sales and operating profits for each of the Company’s report able 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 operating profit and other financial information shown below.

(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Sales to Unaffiliated
Customers
Grocery Products	$	1,064,558		$	1,040,455		$	924,682
Refrigerated Foods	4,189,224			3,818,788			3,436,242
Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,467,222			1,310,412			1,227,709
Specialty Foods	835,584			782,958			708,730
All Other	338,501			268,106			236,308
Total	$	7,895,089		$	7,220,719		$	6,533,671
Intersegment Sales
Grocery Products	$	-		$	-		$	-
Refrigerated Foods	14,101			9,152			7,236
Jennie-O Turkey Store	124,868			111,262			97,064
Specialty Foods	127			118			172
All Other	-			-			-
Total	139,096			120,532			104,472
Intersegment elimination	(139,096		)	(120,532		)	(104,472		)
Total	$	-		$	-		$	-
Net Sales
Grocery Products	$	1,064,558		$	1,040,455		$	924,682
Refrigerated Foods	4,203,325			3,827,940			3,443,478
Jennie-O Turkey Store	1,592,090			1,421,674			1,324,773
Specialty Foods	835,711			783,076			708,902
All Other	338,501			268,106			236,308
Intersegment elimination	(139,096		)	(120,532		)	(104,472		)
Total	$	7,895,089		$	7,220,719		$	6,533,671
Segment Operating Profit
Grocery Products	$	162,556		$	155,922		$	162,531
Refrigerated Foods	292,624			276,315			226,171
Jennie-O Turkey Store	204,940			143,644			86,909
Specialty Foods	76,905			80,727			68,484
All Other	36,250			26,126			27,631
Total segment operating profit	$	773,275		$	682,734		$	571,726
Net interest and investment expense (income)	23,448			22,024			8,432
General corporate expense	35,992			40,348			38,312
Noncontrolling interest	5,001			4,189			3,165
Earnings before income taxes	$	718,836		$	624,551		$	528,147

(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Assets
Grocery Products	$	670,398	$	591,082	$	445,340
Refrigerated Foods	1,177,588		1,173,540		1,098,133
Jennie-O Turkey Store	805,459		760,566		728,049
Specialty Foods	475,289		432,820		449,558
All Other	196,957		178,642		163,611
Corporate	918,700		917,268		807,364
Total	$	4,244,391	$	4,053,918	$	3,692,055
Additions to Property, Plant   and Equipment
Grocery Products	$	10,910	$	27,018	$	51,438
Refrigerated Foods	45,244		38,417		28,303
Jennie-O Turkey Store	29,507		15,986		11,247
Specialty Foods	3,470		1,807		2,922
All Other	1,145		788		732
Corporate	6,635		5,807		2,319
Total	$	96,911	$	89,823	$	96,961
Depreciation and   Amortization
Grocery Products	$	15,597	$	15,084	$	15,232
Refrigerated Foods	65,689		64,051		62,317
Jennie-O Turkey Store	25,379		26,898		27,280
Specialty Foods	9,817		11,831		14,082
All Other	1,387		1,305		1,204
Corporate	6,296		6,422		7,023
Total	$	124,165	$	125,591	$	127,138

The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. Perishable meat includes fresh meats, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, wieners, and bacon (excluding JOTS products). The Poultry category is composed primarily of JOTS products. Shelf-stable includes canned products, tortillas, salsas, and other items that do not require refrigeration. The Other category primarily consists of nutritional food products and supplements, sugar and sugar substitutes, dessert and drink mixes, and industrial gelatin products. The percentages of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products for the last three fiscal years are as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
	2011	2010	2009
Perishable meat	55.1%	54.3%	53.9%
Poultry	19.1	18.7	19.3
Shelf-stable	16.8	17.5	17.3
Other	9.0	9.5	9.5
	100.0%	100.0%	100.0%

Revenues from external customers are classified as domestic or foreign based on the final customer 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 as follows:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	October 30,	October 31,	October 25,
(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
United States	$7,431,798	$6,874,150	$6,198,818
Foreign	463,291	346,569	334,853
	$7,895,089	$7,220,719	$6,533,671

In fiscal 2011, sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) represented $1.08 billion or 12.5 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenues (measured as gross sales less returns and allowances). Wal-Mart is a customer for all five segments of the Company.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Schedule of denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

(in thousands)	2011	2010	2009
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	266,394	266,732	268,454
Dilutive potential common shares	5,521	3,966	2,525
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	271,915	270,698	270,979

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INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES (Details 2) (MegaMex Foods, LLC)	Oct. 06, 2010 Don Miguel Foods Corp (Don Miguel)	Aug. 22, 2011 Fresherized Foods
Business acquisitions by the joint venture
Percent of stock acquired (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2010	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010 charge	Oct. 25, 2009	Dec. 05, 2010 Numerator Common stock	Dec. 05, 2010 Denominator Common stock	Oct. 31, 2010 Before stock split	Oct. 25, 2009 Before stock split	May 26, 2010 Before stock split	Oct. 02, 2002 Before stock split	Oct. 30, 2011 After stock split	Oct. 30, 2011 Minimum, greater than	Oct. 30, 2011 Maximum	Oct. 30, 2011 Buildings Y	Oct. 30, 2011 Machinery and equipment Y	Oct. 30, 2011 Software Y
Property, plant and equipment
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)														20	5
Estimated usefull life, maximum (in years)														40	10	5
Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage												20.00%	50.00%
Income Taxes
Percentage of likelihood of realization of recognized tax benefit												50.00%
Shares Repurchases
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)											5,500,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)									5,000,000	10,000,000
Stock repurchased (in shares)							1,100,000	1,200,000
Stock repurchased under new authorization (in shares)							600,000
Average price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share)							$ 39.78	$ 33.1			$ 27.82
Average price of shares repurchased under new authorization,(in dollars per share)							$ 42.86
Authorized stock split ratio					2	1
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Pretax impairment charges	$ 6.6
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs		115.3	112.3	93.6
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expense		29.4	27.6	25.4
Supplemental Statement of Operations Information
Number of non-recurring charges recorded by the Company			2
Write-down of fixed assets and employee related costs, charged to net earnings	6.3
Write-down of fixed assets and employee related costs, charged to net earnings, per diluted share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02
Income tax expense due to change in enacted health care laws	7.1
Income tax expense due to change in enacted health care laws per diluted share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Negative reserve adjustment related to supplier contracts				$ 7.9

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011		Oct. 31, 2010		Oct. 25, 2009
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
ASC 715 measurement date adjustment, tax effect					$ 912
Declared cash dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	[1]	$ 0.42	[1]	$ 0.38	[1]

[1] Shares and per share figures have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected February 1, 2011.

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ACQUISITIONS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS

Note D

ACQUISITIONS

Effective February 1, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of the Country Crock® chilled side dish business from Unilever United States Inc. This line of microwaveable, refrigerated side dishes complements the Company’s Hormel®refrigerated entrées and Lloyd’s® barbeque product lines within the Refrigerated Foods segment. Country Crock®remains a registered trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies and is being used under license.

Operating results for this product line are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations are not presented, as the acquisition was not material to the consolidated Company.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2007 day	Oct. 30, 2011
Stock options
Stock-based compensation
Vesting period low end of range		6M
Vesting period high end of the range		4Y
Stock option expiration period		10Y
Number of options granted (pre-split) during one-time stock option grant to full time employees of the company on January 8, 2007	100
The terms under which the universal stock option grant will vest	This grant was to vest upon the earlier of five years or attainment of closing stock price of $50.00 per share (pre-split) for five consecutive trading days, and had an expiration of ten years after the grant date.
The per share closing price of common stock on attainment of which the grants will vest	$ 50.00
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the specific price in order for the granted stocks to get vested (in days)	5
Nonvested shares
Stock-based compensation
Vesting period for nonvested shares issued after September 26, 2010		1Y
Vesting period for nonvested shares issued on or before September 26, 2010		5Y

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SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Details) (Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 25, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
Change in valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 4,000	$ 4,064	$ 3,144
Additions/(Benefits) Charged to Cost and Expenses	(149)	(307)	1,821
Additions/(Benefits) Charged to Other Accounts Describe	0	0	0
Deductions-Describe, uncollectible accounts written off	233	340	1,112
Deductions-Describe, recoveries on accounts previously written off	(382)	(583)	(211)
Balance at End of Period	$ 4,000	$ 4,000	$ 4,064

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INVENTORIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

INVENTORIES

Principal components of inventories

	October 30,	October 31,
(in thousands)	2011	2010
Finished products	$463,491	$431,285
Raw materials and work-in-process	251,324	205,355
Materials and supplies	171,008	157,131
Total	$885,823	$793,771

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QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Table)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

Schedule of unaudited quarterly results of operations

						Net Earnings
						Attributable to
						Hormel Foods		Basic Earnings		Diluted Earnings
(in thousands, except per share data)	Net Sales	Gross Profit		Net Earnings		Corporation(1)		Per Share		Per Share
2011
First quarter	$ 1,921,558	$ 374,005		$ 150,035		$ 148,826		$ 0.56		$ 0.55
Second quarter	1,959,041	326,227		110,702		109,579		0.41		0.40
Third quarter	1,910,592	297,855		99,964		98,481		0.37		0.36
Fourth quarter	2,103,898	336,026		118,495		117,309		0.44		0.43
2010
First quarter	$ 1,727,447	$ 318,387		$ 112,269		$ 111,207		$0.42		$0.41
Second quarter	1,699,782	280,467	(2)	78,535	(3)	77,862	(3)	0.29	(3)	0.29	(3)
Third quarter	1,730,451	284,915		86,364		85,370		0.32		0.32
Fourth quarter	2,063,039	354,973		122,608		121,148		0.46		0.45

(1)   Excludes net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests.

(2)   Includes a one-time pre-tax charge of $9.7 million related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh Plant in Turlock, California.

(3)   Includes one-time charges of $6.3 million ($0.02 per share) related to the closing of the Company’s Valley Fresh Plant in Turlock, California, and an income tax charge of $7.1 million ($0.03 per share) primarily due to the change in tax treatment of Medicare Part D reimbursements by health care laws enacted during fiscal 2010.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2011

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Note N

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820) for its financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value of those assets and liabilities as of October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, and their level within the fair value hierarchy, are presented in the tables below.

	Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2011
		Quoted Prices in
	Fair Value at	Active Markets	Significant Other	Significant
	October 30,	for Identical	Observable	Unobservable
(in thousands)	2011	Assets (Level 1)	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$341,447	$341,447	$           -	$-
Short-term marketable securities(2)	76,077	358	75,719	-
Other trading securities(3)	105,367	34,588	70,779	-
Commodity derivatives(4)	7,174	7,174	-	-
Total Assets at Fair Value	$530,065	$383,567	$146,498	$-
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity derivatives(4)	$      351	$           -	$       351	$-
Deferred compensation(3)	44,956	15,379	29,577	-
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$  45,307	$  15,379	$  29,928	$-

	Fair Value Measurements at October 31, 2010
		Quoted Prices in
	Fair Value at	Active Markets	Significant Other	Significant
	October 31,	for Identical	Observable	Unobservable
(in thousands)	2010	Assets (Level 1)	Inputs (Level 2)	Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents(1)	$360,064	$360,064	$            -	$-
Short-term marketable securities(2)	50,595	66	50,529	-
Other trading securities(3)	109,153	49,889	59,264	-
Commodity derivatives(4)	11,604	11,604	-	-
Total Assets at Fair Value	$531,416	$421,623	$109,793	$-
Liabilities at Fair Value:
Commodity derivatives(4)	$    6,390	$           -	$    6,390	$-
Deferred compensation(3)	42,141	13,298	28,843	-
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$  48,531	$  13,298	$  35,233	$-

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 consist of money market funds rated AAA. As these investments have a maturity date of three months or less, the carrying value approximates fair value.
(2)	The Company holds trading 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 and highly rated money market funds held by the portfolio are classified as Level 1. The current investment portfolio also includes corporate bonds, agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities for which there is an active, quoted market. Market prices are obtained from a variety of industry standard 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 also holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. The rabbi trust is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is valued based on the underlying fair value of each fund held by the trust. A portion of the funds held related to the supplemental executive retirement plans 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 that supports the fund, 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. The remaining funds held are also managed by a third party, and include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these securities are classified as Level 1. The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are valued based on the underlying investment selections held in each participant’s account. Investment options generally mirror those funds held by the rabbi trust, for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these investment balances are classified as Level 1. 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 I.R.S. Applicable Federal Rates in effect and therefore these balances are classified as Level 2.
(4)	The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts, option contracts, and swaps used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn, soybean meal, and natural gas, and to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. The Company’s futures and options contracts for corn and soybean meal are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are active markets with quoted prices available and therefore these contracts are classified as Level 1. The Company’s natural gas swaps are settled based on quoted prices from the New York Mercantile Exchange. As the swaps settle based on quoted market prices, but are not held directly with the exchange, the swaps are classified as Level 2. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. 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 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 30, 2011, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $20.1 million from, and the obligation to return cash collateral of $71.8 million to, various counterparties. As of October 31, 2010, the Company had recognized the obligation to return cash collateral of $44.9 million to various counterparties.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities also include cash, 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. Based on borrowing rates available to the Company for long-term financing with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities), utilizing discounted cash flows, was $266.9 million as of October 30, 2011, and $371.8 million as of October 31, 2010.

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company also measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value that are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment). During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company made the decision to close its Valley Fresh plant in Turlock, California. The facilities in that location were evaluated during that process and the Company recorded a pretax charge of $6.6 million to reduce the property, plant and equipment to its current estimated fair value. During the fiscal years ended October 30, 2011, and October 31, 2010, there were no other material remeasurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.