Form 10-Q - Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended April 28, 2024


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

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

Commission File Number: 1-2402

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


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


1 Hormel Place, Austin Minnesota						55912-3680
(Address of principal executive offices)						(Zip Code)

(507) 437-5611

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

$0.01465

par value

HRL

New York Stock Exchange

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

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


Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class	Outstanding at May 27, 2024
Common Stock	$0.01465	par value	548,305,384
Common Stock Nonvoting	$0.01	par value	0

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	4
	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position	5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Investment	6
	Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	8
	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements	9
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22
	Results of Operations	22
	Overview	22
	Consolidated Results	22
	Segment Results	24
	Related Party Transactions	26
	Non-GAAP Measures	26
	Liquidity and Capital Resources	28
	Critical Accounting Estimates	30
	Forward-looking Statements	30
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	32
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION		32
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	32
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	33
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	33
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	33
Item 5.	Other Information	34
Item 6.	Exhibits	34
SIGNATURES		35

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Unaudited


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands, except per share amounts	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632
Cost of Products Sold	2,383,546		2,486,220		4,871,723		4,961,263
Gross Profit	503,806		491,419		1,012,539		987,369
Selling, General, and Administrative	266,668		212,492		507,054		434,548

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	15,182		16,870		31,273		32,429
Operating Income	252,320		295,798		536,758		585,250

Interest and Investment Income	13,497		1,365		32,932		11,461
Interest Expense	21,679		18,323		40,005		36,670
Earnings Before Income Taxes	244,139		278,839		529,685		560,041
Provision for Income Taxes	54,931		61,624		121,749		125,175
Net Earnings	189,207		217,215		407,936		434,866
Less: Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(70)		(24)		(204)		(92)
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$	189,278	$	217,239	$	408,140	$	434,958

Net Earnings Per Share
Basic	$	0.35	$	0.40	$	0.75	$	0.80
Diluted	$	0.34	$	0.40	$	0.74	$	0.79

Weighted-average Shares Outstanding
Basic	547,868		546,424		547,444		546,404
Diluted	548,685		549,013		548,303		549,522

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unaudited


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Earnings	$	189,207	$	217,215	$	407,936	$	434,866
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign Currency Translation	(19,315)		22,887		(7,856)		37,934
Pension and Other Benefits	2,068		2,183		4,197		5,173
Derivatives and Hedging	11,998		(19,063)		17,205		(33,577)
Equity Method Investments	(6,444)		1,408		(3,561)		1,408
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(11,693)		7,416		9,985		10,938
Comprehensive Income	177,515		224,631		417,921		445,804
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(220)		18		(146)		172
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$	177,735	$	224,613	$	418,067	$	445,632

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Unaudited


In thousands, except share and per share amounts	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1,486,368	$	736,532
Short-term Marketable Securities	23,074		16,664
Accounts Receivable (Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of $3,691 at April 28, 2024, and $3,557 at October 29, 2023)	731,984		817,391
Inventories	1,673,500		1,680,406

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	61,592		46,256

Total Current Assets	3,976,519		3,297,249


Goodwill	4,929,034		4,928,464
Other Intangibles	1,748,778		1,757,171
Pension Assets	195,530		204,697
Investments in Affiliates	710,029		725,121
Other Assets	412,359		370,252
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Land	74,760		74,626
Buildings	1,469,520		1,458,354
Equipment	2,801,333		2,781,730
Construction in Progress	241,749		195,665
Less: Allowance for Depreciation	(2,424,237)		(2,344,557)
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment	2,163,124		2,165,818
Total Assets	$	14,135,373	$	13,448,772
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment
Accounts Payable	$	691,498	$	771,397

Accrued Expenses	66,235		51,679
Accrued Marketing Expenses	117,731		87,452
Employee-related Expenses	238,709		263,330
Interest and Dividends Payable	179,773		172,178
Taxes Payable	53,573		15,212
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt	957,292		950,529
Total Current Liabilities	2,304,811		2,311,776
Long-term Debt Less Current Maturities	2,852,604		2,358,719
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits	356,048		349,268
Deferred Income Taxes	504,907		498,106
Other Long-term Liabilities	220,551		191,917
Shareholders’ Investment
Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 a Share — Authorized 160,000,000 Shares; Issued — None	—		—
Common Stock, Nonvoting, Par Value $0.01 a Share — Authorized 400,000,000 Shares; Issued — None	—		—
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01465 a Share — Authorized 1,600,000,000 Shares; Shares Issued as of April 28, 2024: 548,029,632 Shares Issued as of October 29, 2023: 546,599,420	8,028		8,007
Additional Paid-in Capital	549,130		506,179
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(262,325)		(272,252)
Retained Earnings	7,591,157		7,492,952
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment	7,885,990		7,734,885
Noncontrolling Interest	10,462		4,100
Total Shareholders’ Investment	7,896,452		7,738,985
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment	$	14,135,373	$	13,448,772

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

Unaudited


	Quarter Ended April 30, 2023
		Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders
	Common Stock			Treasury Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Non- controlling Interest		Total Shareholders’ Investment
In thousands, except per share amounts	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Balance at January 29, 2023	546,466	$	8,006	—	$	—	$	477,470	$	7,380,689	$	(252,261)	$	5,089	$	7,618,993
Net Earnings (Loss)									217,239				(24)		217,215
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)											7,374		42		7,416

Purchases of Common Stock				(310)	(12,303)										(12,303)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	44	—					10,711								10,711
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares	56	1					(81)								(80)
Shares Retired	(310)	(5)		310	12,303		(277)		(12,021)						—
Declared Dividends – $0.2750 per Share							277		(150,614)						(150,337)
Balance at April 30, 2023	546,255	$	8,002	—	$	—	$	488,100	$	7,435,292	$	(244,887)	$	5,108	$	7,691,615

	Quarter Ended April 28, 2024
		Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders
	Common Stock			Treasury Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Non- controlling Interest		Total Shareholders’ Investment
In thousands, except per share amounts	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Balance at January 28, 2024	547,596	$	8,021	—	$	—	$	529,715	$	7,557,157	$	(250,783)	$	4,455	$	7,848,566
Net Earnings (Loss)									189,278				(70)		189,207
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)											(11,543)		(150)		(11,693)
Contribution from Noncontrolling Interest													6,228		6,228

Stock-based Compensation Expense	52	1					10,559								10,561
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares	382	6					8,555								8,561

Declared Dividends – $0.2825 per Share							300		(155,278)						(154,977)
Balance at April 28, 2024	548,030	$	8,028	—	$	—	$	549,130	$	7,591,157	$	(262,325)	$	10,462	$	7,896,452

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

Unaudited


	Six Months Ended April 30, 2023
		Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders
	Common Stock			Treasury Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Non- controlling Interest		Total Shareholders’ Investment
In thousands, except per share amounts	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Balance at October 30, 2022	546,237	$	8,002	—	$	—	$	469,468	$	7,313,374	$	(255,561)	$	4,936	$	7,540,219
Net Earnings (Loss)									434,958				(92)		434,866
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)											10,674		264		10,938

Purchases of Common Stock				(310)	(12,303)										(12,303)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	44	—					15,912								15,912
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares	284	4					2,551								2,555
Shares Retired	(310)	(5)		310	12,303		(277)		(12,021)						—
Declared Dividends – $0.5500 per Share							446		(301,019)						(300,574)
Balance at April 30, 2023	546,255	$	8,002	—	$	—	$	488,100	$	7,435,292	$	(244,887)	$	5,108	$	7,691,615

	Six Months Ended April 28, 2024
		Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders
	Common Stock			Treasury Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Non- controlling Interest		Total Shareholders’ Investment
In thousands, except per share amounts	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Balance at October 29, 2023	546,599	$	8,007	—	$	—	$	506,179	$	7,492,952	$	(272,252)	$	4,100	$	7,738,985
Net Earnings (Loss)									408,140				(204)		407,936
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)											9,927		59		9,985
Contribution from Noncontrolling Interest													6,508		6,508

Stock-based Compensation Expense	52	1					15,004								15,005
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares	1,378	20					27,439								27,459

Declared Dividends – $0.5650 per Share							509		(309,935)						(309,426)
Balance at April 28, 2024	548,030	$	8,028	—	$	—	$	549,130	$	7,591,157	$	(262,325)	$	10,462	$	7,896,452

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited


	Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Operating Activities
Net Earnings	$	407,936	$	434,866
Adjustments to Reconcile to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	127,696		123,243
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	(31,273)		(32,429)
Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees	25,731		13,652
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes	(468)		(479)
Non-cash Investment Activities	(14,804)		(7,097)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	15,005		15,912


Operating Lease Cost	18,191		10,029

Other Non-cash, Net	13,501		7,108
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Decrease (Increase) in Accounts Receivable	87,685		106,129
Decrease (Increase) in Inventories	7,386		(27,310)
Decrease (Increase) in Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	10,279		(58,626)
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Post-retirement Benefits	21,504		20,206
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	(77,665)		(205,218)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Income Taxes Payable	29,423		11,769
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	640,127		411,754
Investing Activities
Net Sale (Purchase) of Securities	(5,499)		(47)


Purchases of Property, Plant, and Equipment	(107,175)		(90,581)
Proceeds from Sales of Property, Plant, and Equipment	397		5,035
Proceeds from (Purchases of) Affiliates and Other Investments	(450)		(427,407)
Proceeds from Company-owned Life Insurance	11		1,933
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(112,716)		(511,068)
Financing Activities

Proceeds from Long-term Debt	497,765		—
Payment of Debt Issuance Costs	(1,105)		—
Repayments of Long-term Debt and Finance Leases	(4,520)		(4,376)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock	(305,035)		(292,616)
Share Repurchase	—		(12,303)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options	27,459		2,555
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interest	6,508		—
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	221,072		(306,739)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	1,353		4,442
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	749,836		(401,611)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	736,532		982,107
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	1,486,368	$	580,496

Supplemental Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable	$	14,147	$	3,488

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited

NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S.) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for comprehensive financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results and cash flows for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

These statements should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and associated notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023. The significant accounting policies used in preparing these interim consolidated financial statements are consistent with those described in Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements in the Form 10-K. The Company has determined there have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies, including estimates and assumptions, as disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023.

Rounding: Certain amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements and associated notes may not foot due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. Amortization related to operating leases and debt issuance costs were reclassified from Amortization to separate line items within the operating activities section of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. These reclassifications had no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position, or the Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.

Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The update is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. The ASU requires disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment’s profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU also requires all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 to be included in interim periods. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The update is intended to enhance transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU updates income tax disclosure requirements by requiring specific categories and greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

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

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NOTE B - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill: The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 28, 2024, is:


In thousands	Retail		Foodservice		International		Total





Balance at October 29, 2023	$	2,916,796	$	1,750,594	$	261,074	$	4,928,464

Foreign Currency Translation	—		—		570		570
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	2,916,796	$	1,750,594	$	261,644	$	4,929,034

Intangible Assets: The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Brands/Trade Names/Trademarks	$	1,636,807	$	1,636,807
Other Intangibles	184		184
Foreign Currency Translation	(5,860)		(5,893)
Total Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$	1,631,131	$	1,631,098

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are:


	April 28, 2024				October 29, 2023
In thousands	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer Lists/Relationships	$	168,239	$	(88,355)	$	168,239	$	(82,658)
Other Intangibles	59,241		(17,982)		59,241		(15,857)
Trade Names/Trademarks	6,210		(5,377)		6,540		(5,089)

Foreign Currency Translation	—		(4,329)		—		(4,344)
Total Definite-lived Intangible Assets	$	233,690	$	(116,044)	$	234,020	$	(107,947)

Amortization expense on intangible assets is as follows:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Amortization Expense	$	3,978	$	4,594	$	8,442	$	9,201

Estimated annual amortization expense on intangible assets for the five fiscal years after October 29, 2023, is as follows:


In thousands	Amortization Expense
2024	$	16,381
2025	14,681
2026	14,210
2027	13,940
2028	13,009

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NOTE C - INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates consists of:


		Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	% Owned	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
MegaMex Foods, LLC(1)	50%	$	8,288	$	12,932	$	16,379	$	26,613
Other Equity Method Investments(2)	Various (20-50%)	6,894		3,939		14,894		5,816
Total Equity in Earnings of Affiliates		$	15,182	$	16,870	$	31,273	$	32,429

(1) MegaMex Foods, LLC is reflected in the Retail segment.

(2) Other Equity Method Investments are primarily reflected in the International segment but also include corporate venturing investments.

Distributions received from equity method investees include:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Dividends	$	10,000	$	10,000	$	25,731	$	13,652

On December 15, 2022, the Company purchased from various minority shareholders a 29% common stock interest in PT Garudafood Putra Putri Jaya Tbk (Garudafood), a food and beverage company in Indonesia. On April 12, 2023, the Company purchased additional shares increasing the ownership interest to 30%. This investment expands the Company’s presence in Southeast Asia and supports the global execution of the entertaining and snacking strategy. The Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over Garudafood; therefore, the investment is accounted for under the equity method.

The Company obtained its Garudafood interest for a purchase price of $425.8 million, including associated transaction costs. The transaction was funded using the Company’s cash on hand. Based on a third-party valuation, the Company’s basis difference between the fair value of the investment and proportionate share of the carrying value of Garudafood’s net assets is $324.8 million. The basis difference related to inventory, property, plant and equipment, and certain intangible assets is being amortized through Equity in Earnings of Affiliates over the associated useful lives. As of April 28, 2024, the remaining basis difference was $314.8 million, which includes the impact of foreign currency translation. Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the common stock held in Garudafood was $275.4 million as of April 26, 2024.

The Company recognized a basis difference of $21.3 million associated with the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC, of which $8.9 million is remaining as of April 28, 2024. This difference is being amortized through Equity in Earnings of Affiliates.

NOTE D - INVENTORIES

Principal components of inventories are:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Finished Products	$	959,385	$	954,432
Raw Materials and Work-in-Process	445,586		448,535
Operating Supplies	152,904		168,289
Maintenance Materials and Parts	115,624		109,151
Total Inventories	$	1,673,500	$	1,680,406

NOTE E - DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Company uses hedging programs to manage risk associated with commodity purchases and interest rates. These programs utilize futures, swaps, and options contracts to manage the Company’s exposure to market fluctuations. The Company has determined its designated hedging programs to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows generated by the items hedged. Effectiveness testing is performed on a quarterly basis to ascertain a high level of effectiveness for cash flow and fair value hedging programs. If the requirements of hedge accounting are no longer met, hedge accounting is discontinued immediately and any future changes to fair value are recorded directly through earnings.

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Cash Flow Commodity Hedges: The Company uses futures, swaps, and options contracts to offset price fluctuations in the Company’s future purchases of grain, lean hogs, natural gas, and diesel fuel. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges; therefore, effective gains or losses related to these cash flow hedges are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL) and reclassified into earnings, through Cost of Products Sold, in the periods in which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The Company typically does not hedge its grain, natural gas, or diesel fuel exposure beyond the next two upcoming fiscal years and its lean hog exposure beyond the next fiscal year.

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

Cash Flow Interest Rate Hedges: In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company designated two separate interest rate locks as cash flow hedges to manage interest rate risk associated with the anticipated debt transactions required to fund the acquisition of the Planters® snack nuts business. The total notional amount of the Company’s locks was $1.25 billion. In the third quarter of fiscal 2021, the associated unsecured senior notes were issued with a tenor of seven and thirty years and both locks were lifted (See Note J - Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements). Mark-to-market gains and losses on these instruments were deferred as a component of AOCL. The resulting gain in AOCL is reclassified to Interest Expense in the period in which the hedged transactions affect earnings.

Fair Value Interest Rate Hedge: In the first quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to protect against changes in the fair value of a portion of previously issued senior unsecured notes attributable to the change in the benchmark interest rate. The hedge specifically designated the last $450 million of the notes due June 2024 (the 2024 Notes). The Company terminated the swap in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The loss related to the swap was recorded as a fair value hedging adjustment to the hedged debt and will be amortized through earnings over the remaining life of the debt.

Other Derivatives: The Company holds certain futures and swap contracts to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in grain and pork commodity markets. The Company has not applied hedge accounting to these positions. Activity related to derivatives not designated as hedges is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Volume: The Company’s outstanding contracts related to its commodity hedging programs include:


In millions	April 28, 2024	October 29, 2023
Corn	28.5 bushels	30.7 bushels
Lean Hogs	174.0 pounds	144.2 pounds
Natural Gas	3.2 MMBtu	3.0 MMBtu
Diesel Fuel	0.9 gallons	— gallons

Fair Value of Derivatives: The gross fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments designated as hedges are:


In thousands	Location on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Commodity Contracts(1)	Other Current Assets	$	1,081	$	(13,233)

(1) Amounts represent the gross fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities. The Company nets the derivative assets and liabilities for each of its commodity 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 commodity derivative on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position. The gross asset position as of April 28, 2024 excludes the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $11.5 million contained within the master netting arrangement. The gross liability position as of October 29, 2023 is offset by the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $32.2 million. See Note H - Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of these net amounts as reported on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position.

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Fair Value Hedge - Assets (Liabilities): The carrying amount of the Company’s fair value hedged assets (liabilities) are:


In thousands	Location on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Commodity Contracts	Accounts Payable(1)	$	(1,785)	$	(4,914)
Interest Rate Contracts	Current Maturities of Long-term Debt(2)	(448,798)		(442,549)

(1) Represents the carrying amount of fair value hedged assets and liabilities, which are offset by other assets included in master netting arrangements described above.

(2) Represents the carrying amount of the hedged portion of the 2024 Notes. As of April 28, 2024, the carrying amount of the 2024 Notes included a cumulative fair value hedging adjustment of $1.2 million from discontinued hedges.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Impact: As of April 28, 2024, the Company included in AOCL hedging losses (before tax) of $1.2 million on commodity contracts and gains (before tax) of $12.0 million related to interest rate settled positions. The Company expects to recognize the majority of the losses on commodity contracts over the next twelve months. Gains on interest rate contracts offset the hedged interest payments over the tenor of the associated debt instruments.

The effect on AOCL for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company’s derivative instruments are:


	Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL(1)				Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings(1)				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Quarter Ended				Quarter Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts	$	7,299	$	(23,161)	$	(8,155)	$	732	Cost of Products Sold
Excluded Component(2)	657		(1,036)		—		—
Interest Rate Contracts	—		—		247		247		Interest Expense

	Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL (1)				Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (1)				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Six Months Ended				Six Months Ended
in thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts	$	1,685	$	(31,551)	$	(19,756)	$	11,591	Cost of Products Sold
Excluded Component (2)	1,813		(691)		—		—
Interest Rate Contracts	—		—		494		494		Interest Expense

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

(2) Represents the time value of commodity options excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for which the difference between changes in fair value and periodic amortization is recorded in AOCL.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations Impact: The effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company’s derivative instruments are:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$	189,278	$	217,239	$	408,140	$	434,958

Cash Flow Hedges - Commodity Contracts
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	(8,155)		732		(19,756)		11,591
Amortization of Excluded Component from Options	(850)		(1,497)		(2,006)		(2,909)

Fair Value Hedges - Commodity Contracts
Gain (Loss) on Commodity Futures(1)	1,033		1,563		4,628		(1,459)
Total Gain (Loss) on Commodity Contracts(2)	(7,972)		798		(17,134)		7,223

Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Contracts
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	247		247		494		494
Fair Value Hedge - Interest Rate Contracts

Amortization of Loss Due to Discontinuance of Fair Value Hedge(3)	(3,125)		(3,125)		(6,250)		(6,250)
Total Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Contracts(4)	(2,878)		(2,878)		(5,755)		(5,755)

Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$	(10,849)	$	(2,080)	$	(22,890)	$	1,468

(1) Represents gains or losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the quarter and six months ended April 28, 2024, and April 30, 2023, which were offset by a corresponding gain or loss on the underlying hedged purchase commitment. Additional gains or losses related to changes in the fair value of open commodity contracts, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged purchase commitment, are also marked-to-market through earnings with no impact on a net basis.

(2) Total Gain (Loss) on Commodity Contracts is recognized in earnings through Cost of Products Sold.

(3) Represents the fair value hedging adjustment amortized through earnings.

(4) Total Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Contracts is recognized in earnings through Interest Expense.

NOTE F - PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Net periodic cost for pension and other post-retirement benefit plans consists of:


	Pension Benefits
	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Service Cost	$	9,023	$	8,902	$	18,076	$	17,804
Interest Cost	18,336		17,157		36,672		34,315
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(19,377)		(19,571)		(38,755)		(39,142)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	(221)		(461)		(443)		(921)
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	3,317		3,325		6,634		6,650

Net Periodic Cost	$	11,077	$	9,353	$	22,183	$	18,706

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	Post-retirement Benefits
	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Service Cost	$	41	$	62	$	82	$	123
Interest Cost	2,896		3,014		5,792		6,028
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	2		2		4		4
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	(318)		(7)		(635)		(14)

Net Periodic Cost	$	2,622	$	3,071	$	5,244	$	6,141

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

NOTE G - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are as follows:


In thousands	Foreign Currency Translation		Pension & Other Benefits			Derivatives & Hedging			Equity Method Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at January 28, 2024	$	(74,772)	$	(181,863)		$	(3,877)		$	9,730		$	(250,783)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)	—					—
Gross	(19,165)		(29)			7,955			(4,556)			(15,795)
Tax Effect	—		—			(1,943)			—			(1,943)
Reclassification into Net Earnings	—		—			—						—
Gross	—		2,780		(1)	7,908		(2)	(1,888)		(3)	8,800
Tax Effect	—		(683)			(1,922)			—			(2,605)
Change Net of Tax	(19,165)		2,068			11,998			(6,444)			(11,543)
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	(93,937)	$	(179,795)		$	8,121		$	3,286		$	(262,325)

Balance at October 29, 2023	$	(86,022)	$	(183,993)		$	(9,084)		$	6,847		$	(272,252)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	(7,915)		3			3,498			(34)			(4,447)
Tax Effect	—		—			(869)			—			(869)
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	—		5,560		(1)	19,262		(2)	(3,527)		(3)	21,295
Tax Effect	—		(1,366)			(4,687)			—			(6,053)
Change Net of Tax	(7,915)		4,197			17,205			(3,561)			9,927
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	(93,937)	$	(179,795)		$	8,121		$	3,286		$	(262,325)

(1) Included in computation of net periodic cost. See Note F - Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits for additional information.

(2) Included in Cost of Products Sold and Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note E - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information.

(3) Included in Equity in Earnings of Affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

NOTE H - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires assets and liabilities measured at fair value to be categorized into one of the three levels below based on the inputs used in the valuation.

Level 1: Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

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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.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy are presented in the tables below.


	Fair Value Measurements at April 28, 2024
In thousands	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	1,486,368	$	1,485,411	$	957	$	—
Short-term Marketable Securities(2)	23,074		4,679		18,395		—
Other Trading Securities(3)	202,054		—		202,054		—
Commodity Derivatives(4)	7,311		8,947		(1,636)		—
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	1,718,807	$	1,499,037	$	219,771	$	—
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)	$	60,770	$	—	$	60,770	$	—
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$	60,770	$	—	$	60,770	$	—


	Fair Value Measurements at October 29, 2023
In thousands	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	736,532	$	735,387	$	1,145	$	—
Short-term Marketable Securities(2)	16,664		2,499		14,164		—
Other Trading Securities(3)	188,162		—		188,162		—
Commodity Derivatives(4)	9,330		9,603		(273)		—
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	950,688	$	747,489	$	203,199	$	—
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)	$	55,222	$	—	$	55,222	$	—
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$	55,222	$	—	$	55,222	$	—

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities above:

(1) The Company’s cash equivalents considered Level 1 consist primarily of bank deposits, money market funds rated AAA, or other highly liquid investment accounts, and have a maturity date of three months or less. Cash equivalents considered Level 2 are funds holding agency bonds or securities recognized at amortized cost.

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

(3) The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred compensation plans. The majority of the funds held in the rabbi trust relate to supplemental executive retirement plans and have been invested primarily in fixed income funds managed by a third party. The declared rate on these funds is set based on a formula using the yield of the general account investment portfolio supporting the fund as adjusted for expenses and other charges. The rate is guaranteed for one year at issue and may be reset annually on the policy anniversary, subject to a guaranteed minimum rate. As the value is based on adjusted market rates and the fixed rate is only reset on an annual basis, these funds are classified as Level 2.

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Under the Company’s deferred compensation plans, participants can defer certain types of compensation and elect to receive a return based on the changes in fair value of various investment options, which include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. The Company also offers a fixed rate investment option to participants. The rate earned on these investments is adjusted annually based on a specified percent of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) applicable federal rates. These liabilities are classified as Level 2. The Company maintains funding in the rabbi trust generally mirroring the selections within the deferred compensation plans. These funds are managed by a third-party insurance policy, the values of which represent their cash surrender value based on the fair value of the underlying investments in the account. These policies are classified as Level 2.

The rabbi trust is included in Other Assets and deferred compensation liabilities in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position. Securities held by the rabbi trust are classified as trading securities. Unrealized gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. During the quarter and six months ended April 28, 2024, securities held by the rabbi trust generated gains of $2.4 million, and $13.9 million, respectively, compared to gains of less than $0.1 million and $7.1 million for the quarter and six months ended April 30, 2023, respectively.

(4) The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures, swaps, and options contracts used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn, natural gas, diesel fuel, hogs, and pork, 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 are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade, while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. These are active markets with quoted prices available, and these contracts are classified as Level 1. The Company holds natural gas, diesel fuel, and pork swap contracts that are over-the-counter instruments classified as Level 2. The value of the natural gas and diesel fuel swap contracts is calculated using quoted prices from the New York Mercantile Exchange, and the value of the pork swap contracts are calculated using a futures implied USDA estimated pork cut-out value. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. The net balance for commodity derivatives is included in Other Current Assets or Accounts Payable, as appropriate, on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position. As of April 28, 2024, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $11.5 million from various counterparties (including cash of $15.8 million less $4.2 million of realized loss). As of October 29, 2023, the Company had recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $32.2 million from various counterparties (including cash of $42.6 million less $10.4 million of realized loss).

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other liabilities, for which carrying value approximates fair value. The Company does not carry its long-term debt at fair value on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position. The fair value of long-term debt, utilizing discounted cash flows (Level 2), was $3.3 billion as of April 28, 2024, and $2.7 billion as of October 29, 2023. See Note J - Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements for additional information.

The Company measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value, which are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis (e.g., goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment). There were no material remeasurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition during the quarter and six months ended April 28, 2024, and April 30, 2023.

NOTE I - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Except as described below, there were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business during the quarter and six months ended April 28, 2024, to the contractual obligations and other commitments last disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023.

Legal Proceedings: The Company is a party to various legal proceedings related to the ongoing operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. At any time, such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, labeling, contracts, antitrust regulations, intellectual property, competition laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, customers, consumers, competitors, or suppliers. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. However, future developments or settlements are uncertain and may require the Company to change such accruals as proceedings progress. Resolution of any currently known matter, 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.

Pork Antitrust Litigation

Beginning in June 2018, a series of putative class action complaints were filed against the Company, as well as several other pork-processing companies and a benchmarking service called Agri Stats, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota styled In re Pork Antitrust Litigation (the Pork Antitrust Litigation). The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that beginning in January 2009, the defendants conspired and combined to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price of pork and pork products—including through the use of Agri Stats—in violation of federal antitrust laws. The complaints on behalf of the putative classes of indirect purchasers also include causes of action under various state unfair competition laws, consumer protection laws, and unjust enrichment common laws. The plaintiffs seek treble damages, injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees. Class Plaintiffs consist of the Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs, Commercial and Institutional Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs, and Consumer Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs. Since the original filing, certain non-class direct-action plaintiffs have opted out of class treatment and are proceeding with individual direct actions making similar claims, and others may do so in the future.

Although the Company strongly denies liability, continues to deny the allegations asserted by the Class Plaintiffs, and believes it has valid defenses, to avoid the uncertainty, risk, expense, and distraction of continued litigation involving the Class Plaintiffs, the Company agreed to settle with the Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs for $4.9 million, the Commercial and

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Institutional Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs for $2.4 million, and the Consumer Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs for $4.5 million. These proposed settlements were filed with the Court on April 5, 2024, and are subject to final approval by the Court. The settlement amounts were recorded in Selling, General, and Administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and as an Accrued Expense on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 and are expected to be paid following final Court approval. The Company intends to continue vigorously defending against non-class claims not resolved by these three individual Class settlements.

The Offices of the Attorney General in New Mexico and Alaska, as non-class plaintiffs, have separately filed state-court complaints against the Company and certain of its pork subsidiaries, as well as several other pork-processing companies and Agri Stats. The complaints are based on allegations similar to those asserted in the Pork Antitrust Litigation and allege violations of state antitrust, unfair trade practice, and unjust enrichment laws based on allegations of conspiracies to exchange information and manipulate the supply of pork. The Company has not recorded any liability for the non-class matters as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations.

Turkey Antitrust Litigation

Beginning in December 2019, a series of putative class action complaints were filed against the Company, as well as several other turkey-processing companies and a benchmarking service called Agri Stats, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois styled In re Turkey Antitrust Litigation. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that from at least 2010 to 2017, the defendants conspired and combined to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price of turkey products—including through the use of Agri Stats—in violation of federal antitrust laws. The complaints on behalf of the putative classes of indirect purchasers also include causes of action under various state unfair competition laws, consumer protection laws, and unjust enrichment common laws. The plaintiffs seek treble damages, injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees. Since the original filing, certain direct-action plaintiffs have opted out of class treatment and are proceeding with individual direct actions making similar claims, and others may do so in the future. The Company has not recorded any liability for these matters as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations.

Poultry Wages Antitrust Litigation

In December 2019, a putative class of non-supervisory production and maintenance employees at poultry-processing plants in the continental U.S. filed an amended consolidated class action complaint against Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. and various other poultry processing companies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland styled Jien, et al. v. Perdue Farms, Inc., et al. The plaintiffs allege that since 2009, the defendants directly and through a wage survey and benchmarking service exchanged information regarding compensation in an effort to depress and fix wages and benefits for employees at poultry-processing plants, feed mills, and hatcheries in violation of federal antitrust laws. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, treble monetary damages, punitive damages, restitution, and pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief. In July 2022, the Court partially granted the Company’s motion to dismiss, and dismissed plaintiffs’ per se wage-fixing claim as to the Company. The Company has not recorded any liability for this matter as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations.

Red Meat Wages Antitrust Litigation

In November 2022, a putative class of non-supervisory production and maintenance employees at “red meat” processing plants in the continental U.S. filed a class action complaint against the Company and various other beef- and pork-processing companies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado styled Brown, et al. v. JBS USA Food Co., et al. The plaintiffs allege that since 2014, the defendants directly and through a wage survey and benchmarking service exchanged information regarding compensation in an effort to depress and fix wages and benefits for employees at beef- and pork-processing plants in violation of federal antitrust laws. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, treble monetary damages, punitive damages, restitution, and pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief. The Company has not recorded any liability for this matter as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations.

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NOTE J - LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term Debt consists of:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 3.050% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2051 Maturity Date	$	600,000	$	600,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2030 Maturity Date	1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.700% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2028 Maturity Date	750,000		750,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 4.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through March 2027 Maturity Date	500,000		—
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 0.650% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2024 Maturity Date	950,000		950,000
Unamortized Discount on Senior Notes	(7,112)		(7,016)
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs	(17,215)		(16,278)
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities(1)	(1,202)		(7,451)
Finance Lease Liabilities	31,772		36,085
Other Financing Arrangements	3,653		3,908
Total	3,809,896		3,309,247
Less: Current Maturities of Long-term Debt	957,292		950,529
Long-term Debt Less Current Maturities	$	2,852,604	$	2,358,719

(1) See Note E - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information.

Senior Unsecured Notes: On March 8, 2024, the Company issued senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million due March 2027. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.800% per annum. Interest will accrue on the notes from March 8, 2024, and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 30 and September 30 of each year commencing September 30, 2024. The notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the prospectus supplement. If a change of control triggering event occurs, the Company must offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

On June 3, 2021, the Company issued $950.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 0.650% notes due 2024 (2024 Notes), $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 1.700% notes due 2028 (2028 Notes), and $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.050% notes due 2051 (2051 Notes). The 2024 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part one year after their issuance without penalty for early partial payments or full redemption. The 2028 Notes and 2051 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the applicable redemption price. Interest will accrue per annum at the stated rates with interest on the notes being paid semi-annually in arrears on June 3 and December 3 of each year, commencing December 3, 2021. Interest rate risk was hedged utilizing interest rate locks on the 2028 Notes and 2051 Notes. The Company lifted the hedges in conjunction with the issuance of these notes. See Note E - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information. If a change of control triggering event occurs, the Company must offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

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

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility: On May 6, 2021, the Company entered into an unsecured revolving credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, U.S. Bank National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and BofA Securities, Inc. as syndication agents and the lenders party thereto. The revolving credit agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with an aggregate principal commitment amount at any time outstanding of up to $750.0 million with an uncommitted increase option of an additional $375.0 million upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.

On April 17, 2023, the Company entered into a first amendment (Amendment) to the Company’s $750.0 million revolving credit agreement. The Amendment provides for, among other things (i) the replacement of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) with Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and Daily Simple Singapore Overnight Rate Average (SORA) for the Eurocurrency Rate for U.S. Dollars and Singapore Dollars, including applicable credit spread adjustments and relevant SOFR

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benchmark provisions, (ii) permitting two one-year extension options to be exercised at any anniversary, (iii) removing the change in debt ratings notice requirement, (iv) shortening the notice period requirements for Base Rate Loans to allow for same day notice, and (v) increasing the number of permitted interest periods from 8 to 15.

The unsecured revolving line of credit bears interest, at the Company’s election, at either a Base Rate plus margin of 0.0% to 0.150% or the Adjusted Term SOFR, Adjusted Daily Simple Risk-Free Rate (RFR) or Eurocurrency Rate plus margin of 0.575% to 1.150% and a variable fee of 0.050% to 0.100% is paid for the availability of this credit line. Extensions of credit under the facility may be made in the form of revolving loans, swingline loans, and letters of credit. The lending commitments under the agreement are scheduled to expire on May 6, 2026, at which time the Company will be required to pay in full all obligations then outstanding. As of April 28, 2024, and October 29, 2023, the Company had no outstanding draws from this facility.

Debt Covenants: The Company is required by certain covenants in its debt agreements to maintain specified levels of financial ratios and financial position. As of April 28, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

NOTE K - INCOME TAXES

The Company’s tax provision is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate and adjusted for discrete taxable events that may occur during the quarter. The effects of tax legislation are recognized in the period in which the law is enacted. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the related temporary differences are anticipated to reverse.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter and six months ended April 28, 2024, was 22.5% and 23.0%, respectively, compared to 22.1% and 22.4%, respectively, for the corresponding periods a year ago. The Company benefited from the impact of higher federal deductions in the prior year.

Unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, are recorded in Other Long-term Liabilities. If recognized as of April 28, 2024, these benefits would impact the Company’s effective tax rate by $16.6 million compared to $19.3 million as of April 30, 2023. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in Provision for Income Taxes, with immaterial losses included during the quarter ended April 28, 2024, and April 30, 2023. The amount of accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $2.5 million at April 28, 2024, and $3.0 million at April 30, 2023.

The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities. The IRS concluded its examination of fiscal 2021 in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. The IRS placed the Company in the Bridge phase of the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) for fiscal years 2020 and 2023. In this phase, the IRS will not accept any disclosures, conduct any reviews, or provide any assurances. The Company has elected to participate in CAP for fiscal years through 2025. The objective of CAP is to contemporaneously work with the IRS to achieve federal tax compliance and resolve all or most of the issues prior to filing of the tax return. The Company may elect to continue participating in CAP for future tax years; the Company may withdraw from the program at any time.

The Company is in various stages of audit by several state taxing authorities on a variety of fiscal years, as far back as 2015. While it is reasonably possible that one or more of these audits may be completed within the next 12 months and the related unrecognized tax benefits may change based on the status of the examinations, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the effect of any amount of such change to previously recorded uncertain tax positions.

NOTE L - EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

The reported net earnings attributable to the Company were used when computing basic and diluted earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share was calculated using the treasury stock method. The shares used as the denominator for those computations are as follows:


	Quarter Ended		Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024	April 30, 2023	April 28, 2024	April 30, 2023
Basic Weighted-average Shares Outstanding	547,868	546,424	547,444	546,404
Dilutive Potential Common Shares	817	2,588	859	3,118
Diluted Weighted-average Shares Outstanding	548,685	549,013	548,303	549,522

Antidilutive Potential Common Shares	18,214	7,165	18,053	5,202

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NOTE M - 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 three segments: Retail, Foodservice, and International, which is consistent with how the Company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) assesses performance and allocates resources.

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

The Foodservice segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of food and nutritional products for foodservice, convenience store, and commercial customers.

The International segment processes, markets, and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures, equity method investments, and royalty arrangements.

Financial measures for each of the Company’s reportable segments are set forth below. Intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation and are not reviewed when evaluating segment performance. The Company does not allocate deferred compensation, non-recurring expenses associated with the transform and modernize initiative, investment income, interest expense, or interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and expenses at the corporate level. Equity in Earnings of Affiliates is included in segment profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s corporate venturing investments and noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as Net Unallocated Expense and Noncontrolling Interest when reconciling to Earnings Before Income Taxes.

The Company is an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations, and sharing of assets. Therefore, the Company does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the profit and other financial information shown below.


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Sales
Retail	$	1,788,556	$	1,916,243	$	3,699,827	$	3,874,040
Foodservice	932,003		881,441		1,845,090		1,716,191
International	166,794		179,955		339,346		358,400
Total Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632

Segment Profit
Retail	$	132,399	$	153,226	$	281,904	$	307,903
Foodservice	149,302		145,399		299,466		281,841
International	23,202		13,595		43,234		33,500
Total Segment Profit	304,903		312,220		624,603		623,244
Net Unallocated Expense	60,694		33,356		94,714		63,111

Noncontrolling Interest	(70)		(24)		(204)		(92)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	$	244,139	$	278,839	$	529,685	$	560,041

The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. Total revenue contributed by classes of similar products are:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Perishable	$	2,029,418	$	2,073,238	$	4,135,989	$	4,153,699
Shelf-stable	857,934		904,401		1,748,274		1,794,933


Total Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632

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Perishable includes fresh meats, frozen items, refrigerated meal solutions, bacon, sausages, hams, guacamole, and other items that require refrigeration. Shelf-stable includes canned luncheon meats, nut butters, snack nuts, chili, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, hash, stews, tortillas, salsas, tortilla chips, nutritional food supplements, and other items that do not require refrigeration.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded food products. The Company’s three reportable segments, Retail, Foodservice, and International, are described in Note M - Segment Reporting in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The Company reported diluted net earnings per share of $0.34 for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, down 15 percent compared to last year. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share(1) was $0.38. Significant factors impacting the quarter were:

•Net sales for the second quarter decreased 3 percent. The benefit from higher volume and net sales in the Foodservice segment was more than offset by lower volume and net sales in the Retail and International segments.

•Segment profit for the second quarter decreased 2 percent, as improved results in the International and Foodservice segments were more than offset by a decline in the Retail segment.

•Earnings before income taxes for the second quarter decreased 12 percent, as the benefit from lower logistics expenses and higher interest and investment income was more than offset by the impact from lower net sales and higher selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses. Adjusted earnings before income taxes(1), excluding the impact of expenses related to the Company’s transform and modernize initiative and pork antitrust litigation settlements, decreased 4 percent.

•International segment profit increased significantly, resulting from favorable costs in China, growth from our partnerships in the Philippines, South Korea, and Indonesia, as well as growth in Brazil.

•Foodservice segment profit increased primarily due to higher sales and lower logistics expenses.

•Retail segment profit declined due to lower sales and higher SG&A expenses, which included increased advertising investments. These factors more than offset the benefit from lower logistics expenses and supply chain improvement.

•Year-to-date cash flow from operations was $640 million, an increase of 55 percent compared to the prior year.

•The pre-tax impact of expenses related to the Company’s transform and modernize initiative and pork antitrust litigation settlements in the second quarter was $23.6 million.

Consolidated Results

Volume, Net Sales, Earnings, and Diluted Earnings Per Share


	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands, except per share amounts	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Volume (lbs.)	1,059,843		1,099,563		(3.6)	2,161,397		2,161,774		—
Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	(3.0)	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632	(1.1)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	244,139		278,839		(12.4)	529,685		560,041		(5.4)
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	189,278		217,239		(12.9)	408,140		434,958		(6.2)
Diluted Earnings Per Share	0.34		0.40		(15.0)	0.74		0.79		(6.3)
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (1)	0.38		0.40		(5.0)	0.79		0.79		—

(1) See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of the Company’s use of measures not defined by United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Net Sales

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased as the benefit from higher volume and net sales in the Foodservice segment was more than offset by lower volume and net sales in the Retail and International segments.

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For the first six months of fiscal 2024, the benefit from improved volume in the Foodservice segment was more than offset by lower net sales in the Retail and International segments. The declines in net sales are related to a significant year-over-year decline in whole bird turkey markets, primarily impacting the Retail segment, and lower export sales and lower net sales in China, impacting the International segment.

Cost of Products Sold


	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Cost of Products Sold	$	2,383,546	$	2,486,220	(4.1)	$	4,871,723	$	4,961,263	(1.8)

Cost of products sold for the second quarter and the first six months of fiscal 2024 decreased due primarily to lower sales. On a per pound basis for the first six months of fiscal 2024, cost of products sold decreased 2 percent.

Costs are expected to continue to moderate relative to the high levels of inflation the business has absorbed since the beginning of fiscal 2021. Raw material input costs for pork, beef, and feed are anticipated to remain volatile and above historical levels. The Company expects its transform and modernize initiative to deliver cost savings throughout fiscal 2024, targeting packaging, logistics, and production costs.

Gross Profit


	Quarter Ended							Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024			April 30, 2023			% Change	April 28, 2024			April 30, 2023			% Change
Gross Profit	$	503,806		$	491,419		2.5	$	1,012,539		$	987,369		2.5
Percent of Net Sales	17.4		%	16.5		%		17.2		%	16.6		%

Gross profit as a percent of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 increased due primarily to improvement in the Retail and International segments. For the first six months of fiscal 2024, gross profit as a percent of net sales increased for all segments. All segments benefited from lower logistics expenses on a volume basis. Logistics expenses declined due to lower industry-wide freight rates and savings realized as part of the Company’s transform and modernize initiative.

Looking ahead to the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company expects gross profit as a percent of net sales to be comparable to last year. The Company expects gross profit as a percent of net sales to increase for the International segment and be comparable for the Retail and Foodservice segments.

Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A)


	Quarter Ended							Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024			April 30, 2023			% Change	April 28, 2024			April 30, 2023			% Change
SG&A	$	266,668		$	212,492		25.5	$	507,054		$	434,548		16.7
Percent of Net Sales	9.2		%	7.1		%		8.6		%	7.3		%
Adjusted SG&A(1)	$	244,898		$	212,492		15.3	$	476,568		$	434,548		9.7
Adjusted Percent of Net Sales(1)	8.5		%	7.1		%		8.1		%	7.3		%

(1) See the “Non-GAAP Measures” section below for a description of the Company’s use of measures not defined by GAAP.

For the second quarter and the first six months of fiscal 2024, SG&A and SG&A as a percent of net sales increased. This was due to higher employee-related and external expenses, driven in part by the Company’s transform and modernize initiative as well as the impact from pork antitrust litigation settlements. Adjusted SG&A as a percent of net sales(1) increased compared to last year.

Advertising investments in the second quarter were $44 million, an increase of 27 percent compared to last year. For the first six months of fiscal 2024, advertising investments were $88 million, an increase of 9 percent compared to last year. The Company expects full-year advertising expense to increase compared to the prior year.

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Equity in Earnings of Affiliates


	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	$	15,182	$	16,870	(10.0)	$	31,273	$	32,429	(3.6)

Equity in earnings of affiliates for the second quarter and the first six months of fiscal 2024 decreased due to lower results for MegaMex Foods, LLC, partially offset by improvement from our international partnerships.

Interest and Investment Income and Interest Expense


	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Interest and Investment Income	$	13,497	$	1,365	889.0	$	32,932	$	11,461	187.3
Interest Expense	21,679		18,323		18.3	40,005		36,670		9.1

Interest and investment income for the second quarter and the first six months of fiscal 2024 increased as interest income due to a higher cash balance and more favorable market interest rates as well as improved performance from the rabbi trust more than offset higher interest expense associated with the recent debt issuance.

Effective Tax Rate


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Effective Tax Rate	22.5	%	22.1	%	23.0	%	22.4	%

The higher effective tax rate in the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2024 is primarily due to the impact of higher federal deductions last year. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2024 is expected to be between 22.0% and 23.0%. For further information, refer to Note K - Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Segment Results

Net sales and segment profit for each of the Company’s reportable segments are set forth below. The Company does not allocate deferred compensation, non-recurring expenses associated with the transform and modernize initiative, investment income, interest expense, or interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and expenses at the corporate level. Equity in Earnings of Affiliates is included in segment profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s corporate venturing investments and noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as Net Unallocated Expense and Noncontrolling Interest when reconciling to Earnings Before Income Taxes.

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	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Net Sales
Retail	$	1,788,556	$	1,916,243	(6.7)	$	3,699,827	$	3,874,040	(4.5)
Foodservice	932,003		881,441		5.7	1,845,090		1,716,191		7.5
International	166,794		179,955		(7.3)	339,346		358,400		(5.3)
Total Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	(3.0)	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632	(1.1)

Segment Profit
Retail	$	132,399	$	153,226	(13.6)	$	281,904	$	307,903	(8.4)
Foodservice	149,302		145,399		2.7	299,466		281,841		6.3
International	23,202		13,595		70.7	43,234		33,500		29.1
Total Segment Profit	304,903		312,220		(2.3)	624,603		623,244		0.2
Net Unallocated Expense	60,694		33,356		82.0	94,714		63,111		50.1
Noncontrolling Interest	(70)		(24)		(196.7)	(204)		(92)		(121.4)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	$	244,139	$	278,839	(12.4)	$	529,685	$	560,041	(5.4)

Retail


	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Volume (lbs.)	724,994		766,330		(5.4)	1,490,406		1,519,217		(1.9)
Net Sales	$	1,788,556	$	1,916,243	(6.7)	$	3,699,827	$	3,874,040	(4.5)
Segment Profit	132,399		153,226		(13.6)	281,904		307,903		(8.4)

For the second quarter of fiscal 2024, volume growth from the bacon and emerging brands verticals was more than offset by declines in value-added meats. Net sales increased for many items, including Hormel® Black Label® bacon, the SPAM® family of products, Applegate® natural and organic meats, Hormel® Square Table™ entrees, and Planters® snack nuts. These gains were negated by a significant year-over-year volume and pricing decline for whole bird turkeys and lower net sales in the convenient meals and proteins vertical. For the first six months of fiscal 2024, net sales declined primarily as a result of significant year-over-year volume and pricing declines for whole bird turkeys.

For the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2024, segment profit declined due to lower sales and higher SG&A, which included increased advertising investments. These factors more than offset the benefit from lower logistics expenses and supply chain improvement.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2024, Retail segment profit is expected to decline compared to prior year due to lower volume, lower commodity whole bird turkey prices, and pressure from the estimated impact of an unplanned production interruption at the Suffolk, Virginia, facility.

Foodservice


	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Volume (lbs.)	261,832		254,575		2.9	517,839		491,662		5.3
Net Sales	$	932,003	$	881,441	5.7	$	1,845,090	$	1,716,191	7.5
Segment Profit	149,302		145,399		2.7	299,466		281,841		6.3

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Volume and net sales growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 were driven primarily by strength across the bacon, premium prepared proteins and turkey categories. Products such as Hormel® Bacon 1™ cooked bacon, Hormel® Fire Braised™ meats, Austin Blues® smoked meats, Café H® globally inspired proteins and Corn Nuts® corn kernels each delivered double-digit net sales growth. For the first six months of fiscal 2024, volume and net sales growth was broad-based and across numerous categories

Segment profit increased for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2024 primarily due to higher sales and lower logistics expenses.

For the third quarter, Foodservice expects segment profit to be in line with prior year, with the impact from volume growth expected to be offset by higher SG&A compared to last year. Risks to this outlook include a softening of foodservice industry demand and higher-than-expected operating costs.

International


	Quarter Ended					Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		% Change
Volume (lbs.)	73,017		78,659		(7.2)	153,153		150,896		1.5
Net Sales	$	166,794	$	179,955	(7.3)	$	339,346	$	358,400	(5.3)
Segment Profit	23,202		13,595		70.7	43,234		33,500		29.1

During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, double-digit volume and net sales increases for SPAM® luncheon meat and refrigerated exports were more than offset by lower commodity export volume and lower net sales in China. For the first six months of fiscal 2024, net sales declined, resulting from lower export sales and lower net sales in China.

Segment profit in the second quarter increased significantly, resulting from favorable costs in China, growth from our partnerships in the Philippines, South Korea, and Indonesia, as well as growth in Brazil. For the first six months of fiscal 2024, segment profit increased due to improvement from our international partnerships, favorable costs in China, and growth in Brazil.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, International anticipates segment profit to increase significantly compared to last year. This recovery is expected to be driven by improvement across the business, including increased branded exports, growth in China and Brazil, and contributions from our investments in the Philippines, South Korea, and Indonesia. Risks to this outlook include continued softness in China and commodity headwinds impacting the export business.

Unallocated Income and Expense


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Unallocated Expense	$	60,694	$	33,356	$	94,714	$	63,111
Noncontrolling Interest	(70)		(24)		(204)		(92)

For the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2024, net unallocated expense increased driven by transform and modernize initiative costs, the impact from pork antitrust litigation settlements, and higher employee-related expenses, partially offset by higher interest income and favorable rabbi trust performance.

Related Party Transactions

There has been no material change in the information regarding Related Party Transactions as disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023.

(1)Non-GAAP Measures

This filing includes measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. The Company utilizes these non-GAAP measures to understand and evaluate operating performance on a consistent basis. These measures may also be used when making decisions regarding resource allocation and in determining incentive compensation. The Company believes these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors because they aid analysis and understanding of the Company’s results

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and business trends relative to past performance and the Company’s competitors. Non-GAAP measures are not intended to be a substitute for GAAP measures in analyzing financial performance. These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

Transform and Modernize Initiative

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company announced a multi-year transform and modernize initiative. In presenting non-GAAP measures, the Company adjusts for (i.e., excludes) expenses for this initiative that are non-recurring, comprised primarily of project-based external consulting fees and asset write-offs related to portfolio optimization (i.e., reducing the complexity and optimizing the assortment of the product portfolio). The Company believes the non-recurring costs are not reflective of the Company’s ongoing operating cost structure; therefore, the Company is excluding these discrete costs. The Company does not adjust for (i.e., does not exclude) certain costs related to the transform and modernize initiative that are expected to continue after the project ends, such as software license fees and internal employee expenses, because those costs are considered ongoing in nature as a component of normal operating costs.

Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements

In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company agreed to settle with three classes of plaintiffs in the pork antitrust litigation. See Note I - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. These settlement amounts are not indicative of the Company’s core operating performance, do not reflect expected future operating costs, and may not be meaningful when comparing the Company’s operating performance against that of prior periods.

The table below shows the calculations to reconcile from the GAAP measures to the non-GAAP measures. The tax impacts were calculated using the effective tax rate for the quarter in which the expenses were incurred.


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands, except per share amounts	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cost of Products Sold (GAAP)	$	2,383,546	$	2,486,220	$	4,871,723	$	4,961,263
Transform and Modernize Initiative(1)	(1,823)		—		(3,420)		—

Adjusted Cost of Products Sold (Non-GAAP)	$	2,381,723	$	2,486,220	$	4,868,303	$	4,961,263






SG&A (GAAP)	$	266,668	$	212,492	$	507,054	$	434,548
Transform and Modernize Initiative(2)	(10,021)		—		(18,736)		—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	(11,750)		—		(11,750)		—
Adjusted SG&A (Non-GAAP)	$	244,898	$	212,492	$	476,568	$	434,548

Operating Income (GAAP)	$	252,320	$	295,798	$	536,758	$	585,250
Transform and Modernize Initiative(1)(2)	11,843		—		22,156		—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	11,750		—		11,750		—
Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP)	$	275,914	$	295,798	$	570,665	$	585,250

Earnings Before Income Taxes (GAAP)	$	244,139	$	278,839	$	529,685	$	560,041
Transform and Modernize Initiative(1)(2)	11,843		—		22,156		—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	11,750		—		11,750		—
Adjusted Earnings Before Income Taxes (Non-GAAP)	$	267,732	$	278,839	$	563,591	$	560,041

Provision for Income Taxes (GAAP)	$	54,931	$	61,624	$	121,749	$	125,175
Transform and Modernize Initiative(1)(2)	2,665		—		4,985		—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	2,644		—		2,644		—
Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes (Non-GAAP)	$	60,240	$	61,624	$	129,378	$	125,175






Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation (GAAP)	$	189,278	$	217,239	$	408,140	$	434,958
Transform and Modernize Initiative(1)(2)	9,179		—		17,171		—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	9,106		—		9,106		—
Adjusted Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation (Non-GAAP)	$	207,562	$	217,239	$	434,418	$	434,958

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	Quarter Ended						Six Months Ended
In thousands, except per share amounts	April 28, 2024			April 30, 2023			April 28, 2024			April 30, 2023

Diluted Net Earnings Per Share (GAAP)	$	0.34		$	0.40		$	0.74		$	0.79
Transform and Modernize Initiative(1)(2)	0.02			—			0.03			—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	0.02			—			0.02			—
Adjusted Diluted Net Earnings Per Share (Non-GAAP)	$	0.38		$	0.40		$	0.79		$	0.79

SG&A as a Percent of Net Sales (GAAP)	9.2		%	7.1		%	8.6		%	7.3		%
Transform and Modernize Initiative(2)	(0.3)			—			(0.3)			—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	(0.4)			—			(0.2)			—
Adjusted SG&A as a Percent of Net Sales (Non-GAAP)	8.5		%	7.1		%	8.1		%	7.3		%

Operating Margin (GAAP)	8.7		%	9.9		%	9.1		%	9.8		%
Transform and Modernize Initiative(1)(2)	0.4			—			0.4			—
Pork Antitrust Litigation Settlements(3)	0.4			—			0.2			—
Adjusted Operating Margin (Non-GAAP)	9.6		%	9.9		%	9.7		%	9.8		%

(1) Comprised primarily of asset write-offs related to portfolio optimization.

(2) Comprised primarily of project-based external consulting fees.

(3) Settlements for pork antitrust litigation. Refer to Note I - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

When assessing liquidity and capital resources, the Company evaluates cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, income from operations, and borrowing capacity.

Cash Flow Highlights


	Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	1,486,368	$	580,496
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	640,127		411,754
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(112,716)		(511,068)
Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	221,072		(306,739)
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	749,836		(401,611)

Cash and cash equivalents increased $750 million during the first six months of fiscal 2024, primarily as a result of proceeds received from the issuance of long-term debt. Additionally, cash provided by operating activities was sufficient to cover dividend payments and capital expenditures. The purchase of a minority interest in PT Garudafood Putra Putri Jaya Tbk (Garudafood) was the primary driver of the decline in cash and cash equivalents in the prior year. Additional details related to significant drivers of cash flows are provided below.

Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

•Cash flows from operating activities were largely impacted by changes in operating assets and liabilities.

–Accounts receivable decreased $88 million and $106 million during the six months ended April 28, 2024 and April 30, 2023, respectively, primarily due to lower sales.

–Prepaid expenses and other assets decreased $10 million during the six months ended April 28, 2024, compared to an increase of $59 million during the six months ended April 30, 2023. This activity was primarily due to cash collateral requirements associated with the Company’s hedging activities.

–Inventory decreased $7 million during the first six months of fiscal 2024 compared to an increase of $27 million in the comparable period of the prior year. The decrease in inventory during fiscal 2024 was due to improvements in the Company’s supply chain, partially offset by higher levels of turkey on hand. The increase in inventory during fiscal 2023 was due to production outpacing sales.

–Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $78 million during the first six months of fiscal 2024 due to general timing of payments, feed and livestock deferral payments, and annual incentive payments. These decreases were partially offset by higher accruals for marketing, incentives, and legal expenses. Accounts payable

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and accrued expenses decreased $205 million during the first six months of fiscal 2023 due to general timing of payments and annual incentive payments.

Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

•Capital expenditures were $107 million and $91 million during the first six months of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. The largest spend during fiscal 2024 was for the transition from harvest to value-added capacity at the facility in Barron, Wisconsin and wastewater infrastructure to support operations in Austin, Minnesota. The largest spend during fiscal 2023 was related to capacity expansion for pepperoni and the SPAM® family of products.

•During the first six months of fiscal 2023, the Company purchased a minority interest in Garudafood for $426 million.

Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

•Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt were $498 million during the first six months fiscal 2024. The Company issued senior unsecured notes with aggregate principal amount of $500 million. The proceeds were placed in a short-term bank deposit, which is classified as Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position.

•Cash dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders were $305 million during the first six months of fiscal 2024, compared to $293 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2023.

•Proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $27 million in the first six months of fiscal 2024, compared to $3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2023. The increase in proceeds was due to more options exercised during fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023.

•There were no share repurchases during the first six months of fiscal 2024. Share repurchases of $12 million were made during the first six months of fiscal 2023.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The Company’s balanced business model, with diversification across raw material inputs, channels, and categories, provides stability in ever-changing economic environments. The Company maintains a disciplined capital allocation strategy by applying a waterfall approach, which focuses first on required uses of cash, such as capital expenditures to maintain facilities, dividend returns to investors, mandatory debt repayments, and pension obligations. Next, the Company looks to strategic items in support of growth initiatives, such as capital projects, acquisitions, additional dividend increases, and working capital investments. Finally, the Company evaluates opportunistic uses, including incremental debt repayment and share repurchases.

The Company believes its anticipated income from operations, cash on hand, borrowing capacity under the current credit facility, and access to capital markets will be adequate to meet all short-term and long-term commitments. The Company continues to look for opportunities to make investments and acquisitions that align with its strategic priorities. The Company’s ability to leverage its balance sheet through the issuance of debt provides the flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities which may require additional funding.

Dividend Payments

The Company remains committed to providing returns to investors through cash dividends. The Company has paid 383 consecutive quarterly dividends since becoming a public company in 1928. The annual dividend rate for fiscal 2024 increased to $1.13 per share, representing the 58th consecutive annual dividend increase.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures are first allocated to required maintenance and then growth opportunities based on the needs of the business. Capital expenditures supporting growth opportunities in fiscal 2024 are expected to focus on projects related to value-added capacity, infrastructure, and new technology. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 are estimated to be $280 million.

Debt

As of April 28, 2024, the Company’s outstanding debt included $3.8 billion of fixed rate unsecured senior notes due in fiscal 2024, 2027, 2028, 2030, and 2051 with interest payable semi-annually. During the first six months of fiscal 2024, the Company made $28 million of interest payments and expects to make an additional $41 million of interest payments during fiscal 2024 on these notes. On March 8, 2024, the Company issued senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $500 million, which is intended, along with cash on hand, to pay the $950 million notes due June 2024 upon maturity. See Note J - Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Borrowing Capacity

As a source of short-term financing, the Company maintains a $750 million unsecured revolving credit facility. The maximum commitment under this credit facility may be further increased by $375 million, generally by mutual agreement of the lenders and the Company, subject to certain customary conditions. Funds drawn from this facility may be used by the Company to refinance existing debt, for working capital or other general corporate purposes, and for funding acquisitions. The lending commitments under the facility are scheduled to expire on May 6, 2026, at which time the Company will be required to pay in full all obligations then outstanding. As of April 28, 2024, the Company had no outstanding draws from this facility.

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Debt Covenants

The Company’s debt and credit agreements contain customary terms and conditions including representations, warranties, and covenants. These debt covenants limit the ability of the Company to, among other things, incur debt for borrowed money secured by certain liens, engage in certain sale and leaseback transactions, and require maintenance of certain consolidated leverage ratios. As of April 28, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and expects to maintain compliance in the future.

Cash Held by International Subsidiaries

As of April 28, 2024, the Company had $195 million of cash and cash equivalents held by international subsidiaries. The Company maintains all undistributed earnings as permanently reinvested. The Company evaluates the balance and uses of cash held internationally based on the needs of the business.

Share Repurchases

The Company is authorized to repurchase 3,677,494 shares of common stock as part of an existing plan approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company did not repurchase any shares of stock during the first six months of fiscal 2024. The Company continues to evaluate share repurchases as part of its capital allocation strategy.

Commitments

On March 8, 2024, the Company issued senior unsecured notes with an aggregate principal amount of $500 million with a three-year tenor due March 2027. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.800% per annum and pay semi-annually. See Note J - Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company expects to utilize cash on hand to pay approximately $12 million to settle with certain plaintiffs from the pork antitrust litigation. Refer to Note I - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Outside of the items mentioned above, there have been no material changes to the information regarding the Company’s future contractual financial obligations previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023.

TRADEMARKS

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

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that can have a meaningful effect on the reporting of consolidated financial statements. The significant accounting policies used in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements are consistent with those described in Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K.

Critical accounting estimates are defined as those reflective of significant judgments, estimates, and uncertainties, which may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. There have been no material changes in the Company’s Critical Accounting Estimates as disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023.

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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders, other filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company’s press releases, and oral statements made by the

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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 discussions of risk factors in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain certain cautionary statements regarding the Company’s business, which should be considered by investors and others. Such risk factors should be considered in conjunction with any discussions of operations or results by the Company or its representatives, including any forward-looking discussion, as well as comments contained in press releases, presentations to securities analysts or investors, or other communications by the Company.

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

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which represent current views as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are inherently at risk to changes in the national and worldwide economic environment, which could include, among other things, risks related to the deterioration of economic conditions; risks associated with acquisitions, joint ventures, equity investments, and divestitures; potential disruption of operations, including at co-manufacturers, suppliers, logistics providers, customers, or other third-party service providers; failure to realize anticipated cost savings or operating efficiencies associated with strategic initiatives; risk of loss of a material contract; the Company’s inability to protect information technology systems against, or effectively respond to, cyber attacks or security breaches; deterioration of labor relations, labor availability or increases to labor costs; general risks of the food industry, including food contamination; outbreaks of disease among livestock and poultry flocks; fluctuations in commodity prices and availability of raw materials and other inputs; fluctuations in market demand for the Company’s products; damage to the Company’s reputation or brand image; climate change, or legal, regulatory, or market measures to address climate change; risks of litigation; potential sanctions and compliance costs arising from government regulation; compliance with stringent environmental regulations and potential environmental litigation; and risks arising from the Company’s foreign operations.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to various forms of market risk as a part of its ongoing business practices. The Company utilizes derivative instruments to mitigate earnings fluctuations due to market volatility.

Commodity Price Risk: The Company is subject to commodity price risk primarily through grain, lean hog, natural gas, and diesel fuel markets. To reduce these exposures and offset the fluctuations caused by changes in market conditions, the Company employs hedging programs. These programs utilize futures, swaps, and options contracts and are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The fair value of the Company’s cash flow commodity contracts as of April 28, 2024 was $0.3 million, compared to $(17.1) million as of October 29, 2023. The Company measures its market risk exposure on its cash flow commodity contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in the market prices. A 10 percent decrease in the market price would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company’s cash flow commodity contracts as of April 28, 2024 by $28.2 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost on purchased commodities by a similar amount.

Interest Rate Risk: The Company is subject to interest rate risk primarily from changes in fair value of long-term fixed rate debt. As of April 28, 2024, the Company’s long-term debt had a fair value of $3.3 billion compared to $2.7 billion as of October 29, 2023. The Company measures its market risk exposure of long-term fixed rate debt using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a 10 percent change in interest rates. A 10 percent decrease in interest rates would have positively impacted the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of April 28, 2024 by $83.6 million. A 10 percent increase would have negatively impacted the long-term debt by $77.9 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk: The fair values of certain assets are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s net asset position in foreign currencies as of April 28, 2024 and October 29, 2023 was $1.1 billion, with most of the exposure existing in Chinese yuan, Indonesian rupiah, and Brazilian real. The Company currently does not use market risk sensitive instruments to manage this risk.

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Investment Risk: The Company has corporate-owned life insurance policies classified as trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. As of April 28, 2024, the balance of these securities totaled $202.1 million compared to $188.2 million as of October 29, 2023. The rabbi trust is invested primarily in 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 negatively impacted the Company’s pretax earnings by approximately $9.1 million, while a 10 percent increase in value would have a positive impact of the same amount.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) 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 its 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, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information the Company is required to disclose in reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Internal Controls.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) through the second quarter of fiscal 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information regarding legal proceedings is available in Note I - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company’s business, operations, and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties. There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023, except as follows:

Business and Operational Risks

Deterioration of labor relations, labor availability or increases in labor costs could harm the Company’s business. As of October 29, 2023, the Company employed approximately 20,000 people worldwide, of which approximately 20 percent were represented by labor unions, principally the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Union contracts at two of the Company's manufacturing facilities, covering approximately 250 employees, expire during fiscal 2024. A new union agreement was ratified by one of these facilities in the second quarter. A significant increase in labor costs or a deterioration of labor relations at any of the Company’s facilities or co-manufacturing facilities resulting in work slowdowns or stoppages could harm the Company’s financial results. Labor and skilled labor availability challenges could continue to have an adverse effect on the Company's business.

Industry Risks

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

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

HPAI was detected within the Company’s turkey supply chain during the first half of fiscal 2024. The impact of HPAI has reduced and will continue to reduce production volume in the Company’s turkey facilities throughout fiscal 2024. The Company is continuing to monitor the situation and will take appropriate actions to protect the health of the turkeys across the supply chain.

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.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There were no issuer purchases of equity securities in the quarter ended April 28, 2024. On January 29, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock with no expiration date. On January 26, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock to be effective January 27, 2016. As part of the stock split resolution, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the repurchase plans or programs as of April 28, 2024 is 3,677,494.

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

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Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

During the fiscal quarter ended April 28, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as the terms are defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

Item 6. EXHIBITS




4.1			Form of 4.800% Notes Due March 30, 2027 . (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 .1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8 , 202 4 , File No. 001-02402.)

31.1			Certification Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2			Certification Required Under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1			Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101			The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 28, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Investment, (v) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

104			The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 28, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101).

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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
		(Registrant)

Date: May 30, 2024	By:	/s/ JACINTH C. SMILEY
		JACINTH C. SMILEY
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)



Date: May 30, 2024	By:	/s/ PAUL R. KUEHNEMAN
		PAUL R. KUEHNEMAN
		Vice President and Controller
		(Principal Accounting Officer)

EXHIBIT 31.1

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

I, James P. Snee, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hormel Foods Corporation for the period ended April 28, 2024;

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 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 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: May 30, 2024	Signed:	/s/ JAMES P. SNEE
		JAMES P. SNEE
		Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.2

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

I, Jacinth C. Smiley, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hormel Foods Corporation for the period ended April 28, 2024;

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: May 30, 2024	Signed:	/s/ JACINTH C. SMILEY
		JACINTH C. SMILEY
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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 Quarterly Report of Hormel Foods Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 28, 2024, 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: May 30, 2024			/s/ JAMES P. SNEE
			JAMES P. SNEE
			Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer



Dated: May 30, 2024			/s/ JACINTH C. SMILEY
			JACINTH C. SMILEY
			Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

COVER - shares	6 Months Ended
COVER - shares	Apr. 28, 2024	May 27, 2024
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Apr. 28, 2024
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-2402
Entity Registrant Name	HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	41-0319970
Entity Address, Address Line One	1 Hormel Place
Entity Address, City or Town	Austin
Entity Address, State or Province	MN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	55912-3680
City Area Code	507
Local Phone Number	437-5611
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	HRL
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Smaller Reporting Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000048465
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-27
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Common Stock $0.01465 par value
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		548,305,384
Common Stock Nonvoting $0.01 par value
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 2,887,352	$ 2,977,639	$ 5,884,263	$ 5,948,632
Cost of Products Sold	2,383,546	2,486,220	4,871,723	4,961,263
Gross Profit	503,806	491,419	1,012,539	987,369
Selling, General, and Administrative	266,668	212,492	507,054	434,548
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	15,182	16,870	31,273	32,429
Operating Income	252,320	295,798	536,758	585,250
Interest and Investment Income	13,497	1,365	32,932	11,461
Interest Expense	21,679	18,323	40,005	36,670
Earnings Before Income Taxes	244,139	278,839	529,685	560,041
Provision for Income Taxes	54,931	61,624	121,749	125,175
Net Earnings	189,207	217,215	407,936	434,866
Less: Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(70)	(24)	(204)	(92)
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$ 189,278	$ 217,239	$ 408,140	$ 434,958
Net Earnings Per Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.40	$ 0.75	$ 0.80
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.40	$ 0.74	$ 0.79
Weighted-average Shares Outstanding
Basic (in shares)	547,868	546,424	547,444	546,404
Diluted (in shares)	548,685	549,013	548,303	549,522

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings	$ 189,207	$ 217,215	$ 407,936	$ 434,866
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign Currency Translation	(19,315)	22,887	(7,856)	37,934
Pension and Other Benefits	2,068	2,183	4,197	5,173
Derivatives and Hedging	11,998	(19,063)	17,205	(33,577)
Equity Method Investments	(6,444)	1,408	(3,561)	1,408
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(11,693)	7,416	9,985	10,938
Comprehensive Income	177,515	224,631	417,921	445,804
Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(220)	18	(146)	172
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$ 177,735	$ 224,613	$ 418,067	$ 445,632

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 1,486,368	$ 736,532
Short-term Marketable Securities	23,074	16,664
Accounts Receivable (Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of $3,691 at April 28, 2024, and $3,557 at October 29, 2023)	731,984	817,391
Inventories	1,673,500	1,680,406
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	61,592	46,256
Total Current Assets	3,976,519	3,297,249
Goodwill	4,929,034	4,928,464
Other Intangibles	1,748,778	1,757,171
Pension Assets	195,530	204,697
Investments in Affiliates	710,029	725,121
Other Assets	412,359	370,252
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Land	74,760	74,626
Buildings	1,469,520	1,458,354
Equipment	2,801,333	2,781,730
Construction in Progress	241,749	195,665
Less: Allowance for Depreciation	(2,424,237)	(2,344,557)
Net Property, Plant, and Equipment	2,163,124	2,165,818
Total Assets	14,135,373	13,448,772
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment
Accounts Payable	691,498	771,397
Accrued Expenses	66,235	51,679
Accrued Marketing Expenses	117,731	87,452
Employee-related Expenses	238,709	263,330
Interest and Dividends Payable	179,773	172,178
Taxes Payable	53,573	15,212
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt	957,292	950,529
Total Current Liabilities	2,304,811	2,311,776
Long-term Debt Less Current Maturities	2,852,604	2,358,719
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits	356,048	349,268
Deferred Income Taxes	504,907	498,106
Other Long-term Liabilities	220,551	191,917
Shareholders’ Investment
Preferred Stock	0	0
Additional Paid-in Capital	549,130	506,179
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(262,325)	(272,252)
Retained Earnings	7,591,157	7,492,952
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment	7,885,990	7,734,885
Noncontrolling Interest	10,462	4,100
Total Shareholders’ Investment	7,896,452	7,738,985
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment	14,135,373	13,448,772
Common Stock, Nonvoting
Shareholders’ Investment
Common Stock	0	0
Common Stock
Shareholders’ Investment
Common Stock	$ 8,028	$ 8,007

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (PARENTHETICAL) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$ 3,691	$ 3,557
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Authorized Shares (in shares)	160,000,000	160,000,000
Preferred Stock, Issued Shares (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock, Nonvoting
Common Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Authorized Shares (in shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common Stock, Issued Shares (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock
Common Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01465	$ 0.01465
Common Stock, Authorized Shares (in shares)	1,600,000,000	1,600,000,000
Common Stock, Issued Shares (in shares)	548,029,632	546,599,420

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning balance	$ 7,848,566	$ 7,618,993	$ 7,738,985	$ 7,540,219
Net Earnings (Loss)	189,207	217,215	407,936	434,866
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(11,693)	7,416	9,985	10,938
Contribution from Noncontrolling Interest	6,228		6,508
Purchases of Common Stock		(12,303)		(12,303)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	10,561	10,711	15,005	15,912
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares	8,561	(80)	27,459	2,555
Shares Retired		0		0
Declared Dividends	(154,977)	(150,337)	(309,426)	(300,574)
Ending balance	$ 7,896,452	$ 7,691,615	$ 7,896,452	$ 7,691,615
Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning balance (in shares)	547,596	546,466	546,599	546,237
Beginning balance	$ 8,021	$ 8,006	$ 8,007	$ 8,002
Stock-based Compensation Expense (in shares)	52	44	52	44
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$ 1		$ 1
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares (in shares)	382	56	1,378	284
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares	$ 6	$ 1	$ 20	$ 4
Shares Retired (in shares)		(310)		(310)
Shares Retired		$ (5)		$ (5)
Ending balance (in shares)	548,030	546,255	548,030	546,255
Ending balance	$ 8,028	$ 8,002	$ 8,028	$ 8,002
Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning balance (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Beginning balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Purchases of Common Stock (in shares)		(310)		(310)
Purchases of Common Stock		$ (12,303)		$ (12,303)
Shares Retired (in shares)		(310)		(310)
Shares Retired		$ 12,303		$ 12,303
Ending balance (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Additional Paid-in Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning balance	529,715	477,470	506,179	469,468
Stock-based Compensation Expense	10,559	10,711	15,004	15,912
Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares	8,555	(81)	27,439	2,551
Shares Retired		(277)		(277)
Declared Dividends	300	277	509	446
Ending balance	549,130	488,100	549,130	488,100
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning balance	7,557,157	7,380,689	7,492,952	7,313,374
Net Earnings (Loss)	189,278	217,239	408,140	434,958
Shares Retired		(12,021)		(12,021)
Declared Dividends	(155,278)	(150,614)	(309,935)	(301,019)
Ending balance	7,591,157	7,435,292	7,591,157	7,435,292
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning balance	(250,783)	(252,261)	(272,252)	(255,561)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(11,543)	7,374	9,927	10,674
Ending balance	(262,325)	(244,887)	(262,325)	(244,887)
Non- controlling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning balance	4,455	5,089	4,100	4,936
Net Earnings (Loss)	(70)	(24)	(204)	(92)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(150)	42	59	264
Contribution from Noncontrolling Interest	6,228		6,508
Ending balance	$ 10,462	$ 5,108	$ 10,462	$ 5,108

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (PARENTHETICAL) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Declared Dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.2825	$ 0.2750	$ 0.5650	$ 0.5500

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Operating Activities
Net Earnings	$ 407,936	$ 434,866
Adjustments to Reconcile to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	127,696	123,243
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	(31,273)	(32,429)
Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees	25,731	13,652
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes	(468)	(479)
Non-cash Investment Activities	(14,804)	(7,097)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	15,005	15,912
Operating Lease Cost	18,191	10,029
Other Non-cash, Net	13,501	7,108
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Decrease (Increase) in Accounts Receivable	87,685	106,129
Decrease (Increase) in Inventories	7,386	(27,310)
Decrease (Increase) in Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	10,279	(58,626)
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Post-retirement Benefits	21,504	20,206
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	(77,665)	(205,218)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Income Taxes Payable	29,423	11,769
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	640,127	411,754
Investing Activities
Net Sale (Purchase) of Securities	(5,499)	(47)
Purchases of Property, Plant, and Equipment	(107,175)	(90,581)
Proceeds from Sales of Property, Plant, and Equipment	397	5,035
Proceeds from (Purchases of) Affiliates and Other Investments	(450)	(427,407)
Proceeds from Company-owned Life Insurance	11	1,933
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(112,716)	(511,068)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from Long-term Debt	497,765	0
Payment of Debt Issuance Costs	(1,105)	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt and Finance Leases	(4,520)	(4,376)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock	(305,035)	(292,616)
Share Repurchase	0	(12,303)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options	27,459	2,555
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interest	6,508	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	221,072	(306,739)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	1,353	4,442
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	749,836	(401,611)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	736,532	982,107
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	1,486,368	580,496
Supplemental Non-cash Financing and Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 14,147	$ 3,488

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Apr. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S.) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for comprehensive financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results and cash flows for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These statements should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and associated notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023. The significant accounting policies used in preparing these interim consolidated financial statements are consistent with those described in Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements in the Form 10-K. The Company has determined there have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies, including estimates and assumptions, as disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023. Rounding: Certain amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements and associated notes may not foot due to rounding. All percentages have been calculated using unrounded amounts. Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. Amortization related to operating leases and debt issuance costs were reclassified from Amortization to separate line items within the operating activities section of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. These reclassifications had no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position, or the Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements: New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The update is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. The ASU requires disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment’s profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU also requires all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 to be included in interim periods. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The update is intended to enhance transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU updates income tax disclosure requirements by requiring specific categories and greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions. Recently issued accounting standards or pronouncements not disclosed have been excluded as they are currently not relevant to the Company.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

NOTE B - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill: The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 28, 2024, is:


In thousands	Retail		Foodservice		International		Total





Balance at October 29, 2023	$	2,916,796	$	1,750,594	$	261,074	$	4,928,464

Foreign Currency Translation	—		—		570		570
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	2,916,796	$	1,750,594	$	261,644	$	4,929,034

Intangible Assets: The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Brands/Trade Names/Trademarks	$	1,636,807	$	1,636,807
Other Intangibles	184		184
Foreign Currency Translation	(5,860)		(5,893)
Total Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$	1,631,131	$	1,631,098

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are:


	April 28, 2024				October 29, 2023
In thousands	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer Lists/Relationships	$	168,239	$	(88,355)	$	168,239	$	(82,658)
Other Intangibles	59,241		(17,982)		59,241		(15,857)
Trade Names/Trademarks	6,210		(5,377)		6,540		(5,089)

Foreign Currency Translation	—		(4,329)		—		(4,344)
Total Definite-lived Intangible Assets	$	233,690	$	(116,044)	$	234,020	$	(107,947)

Amortization expense on intangible assets is as follows:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Amortization Expense	$	3,978	$	4,594	$	8,442	$	9,201

Estimated annual amortization expense on intangible assets for the five fiscal years after October 29, 2023, is as follows:


In thousands	Amortization Expense
2024	$	16,381
2025	14,681
2026	14,210
2027	13,940
2028	13,009

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

NOTE C - INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates consists of:


		Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	% Owned	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
MegaMex Foods, LLC(1)	50%	$	8,288	$	12,932	$	16,379	$	26,613
Other Equity Method Investments(2)	Various (20-50%)	6,894		3,939		14,894		5,816
Total Equity in Earnings of Affiliates		$	15,182	$	16,870	$	31,273	$	32,429

(1) MegaMex Foods, LLC is reflected in the Retail segment.

(2) Other Equity Method Investments are primarily reflected in the International segment but also include corporate venturing investments.

Distributions received from equity method investees include:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Dividends	$	10,000	$	10,000	$	25,731	$	13,652

INVENTORIES

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

NOTE D - INVENTORIES

Principal components of inventories are:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Finished Products	$	959,385	$	954,432
Raw Materials and Work-in-Process	445,586		448,535
Operating Supplies	152,904		168,289
Maintenance Materials and Parts	115,624		109,151
Total Inventories	$	1,673,500	$	1,680,406

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

NOTE E - DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

Volume: The Company’s outstanding contracts related to its commodity hedging programs include:


In millions	April 28, 2024	October 29, 2023
Corn	28.5 bushels	30.7 bushels
Lean Hogs	174.0 pounds	144.2 pounds
Natural Gas	3.2 MMBtu	3.0 MMBtu
Diesel Fuel	0.9 gallons	— gallons

Fair Value of Derivatives: The gross fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments designated as hedges are:


In thousands	Location on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Commodity Contracts(1)	Other Current Assets	$	1,081	$	(13,233)

Fair Value Hedge - Assets (Liabilities): The carrying amount of the Company’s fair value hedged assets (liabilities) are:


In thousands	Location on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Commodity Contracts	Accounts Payable(1)	$	(1,785)	$	(4,914)
Interest Rate Contracts	Current Maturities of Long-term Debt(2)	(448,798)		(442,549)

(1) Represents the carrying amount of fair value hedged assets and liabilities, which are offset by other assets included in master netting arrangements described above.

The effect on AOCL for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company’s derivative instruments are:


	Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL(1)				Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings(1)				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Quarter Ended				Quarter Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts	$	7,299	$	(23,161)	$	(8,155)	$	732	Cost of Products Sold
Excluded Component(2)	657		(1,036)		—		—
Interest Rate Contracts	—		—		247		247		Interest Expense

	Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL (1)				Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (1)				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Six Months Ended				Six Months Ended
in thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts	$	1,685	$	(31,551)	$	(19,756)	$	11,591	Cost of Products Sold
Excluded Component (2)	1,813		(691)		—		—
Interest Rate Contracts	—		—		494		494		Interest Expense

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

(2) Represents the time value of commodity options excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for which the difference between changes in fair value and periodic amortization is recorded in AOCL.

Consolidated Statements of Operations Impact: The effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company’s derivative instruments are:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$	189,278	$	217,239	$	408,140	$	434,958

Cash Flow Hedges - Commodity Contracts
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	(8,155)		732		(19,756)		11,591
Amortization of Excluded Component from Options	(850)		(1,497)		(2,006)		(2,909)

Fair Value Hedges - Commodity Contracts
Gain (Loss) on Commodity Futures(1)	1,033		1,563		4,628		(1,459)
Total Gain (Loss) on Commodity Contracts(2)	(7,972)		798		(17,134)		7,223

Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Contracts
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	247		247		494		494
Fair Value Hedge - Interest Rate Contracts

Amortization of Loss Due to Discontinuance of Fair Value Hedge(3)	(3,125)		(3,125)		(6,250)		(6,250)
Total Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Contracts(4)	(2,878)		(2,878)		(5,755)		(5,755)

Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$	(10,849)	$	(2,080)	$	(22,890)	$	1,468

(2) Total Gain (Loss) on Commodity Contracts is recognized in earnings through Cost of Products Sold.

(3) Represents the fair value hedging adjustment amortized through earnings.

(4) Total Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Contracts is recognized in earnings through Interest Expense.

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

NOTE F - PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Net periodic cost for pension and other post-retirement benefit plans consists of:


	Pension Benefits
	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Service Cost	$	9,023	$	8,902	$	18,076	$	17,804
Interest Cost	18,336		17,157		36,672		34,315
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(19,377)		(19,571)		(38,755)		(39,142)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	(221)		(461)		(443)		(921)
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	3,317		3,325		6,634		6,650

Net Periodic Cost	$	11,077	$	9,353	$	22,183	$	18,706


	Post-retirement Benefits
	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Service Cost	$	41	$	62	$	82	$	123
Interest Cost	2,896		3,014		5,792		6,028
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	2		2		4		4
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	(318)		(7)		(635)		(14)

Net Periodic Cost	$	2,622	$	3,071	$	5,244	$	6,141

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

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

NOTE G - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are as follows:


In thousands	Foreign Currency Translation		Pension & Other Benefits			Derivatives & Hedging			Equity Method Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at January 28, 2024	$	(74,772)	$	(181,863)		$	(3,877)		$	9,730		$	(250,783)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)	—					—
Gross	(19,165)		(29)			7,955			(4,556)			(15,795)
Tax Effect	—		—			(1,943)			—			(1,943)
Reclassification into Net Earnings	—		—			—						—
Gross	—		2,780		(1)	7,908		(2)	(1,888)		(3)	8,800
Tax Effect	—		(683)			(1,922)			—			(2,605)
Change Net of Tax	(19,165)		2,068			11,998			(6,444)			(11,543)
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	(93,937)	$	(179,795)		$	8,121		$	3,286		$	(262,325)

Balance at October 29, 2023	$	(86,022)	$	(183,993)		$	(9,084)		$	6,847		$	(272,252)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	(7,915)		3			3,498			(34)			(4,447)
Tax Effect	—		—			(869)			—			(869)
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	—		5,560		(1)	19,262		(2)	(3,527)		(3)	21,295
Tax Effect	—		(1,366)			(4,687)			—			(6,053)
Change Net of Tax	(7,915)		4,197			17,205			(3,561)			9,927
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	(93,937)	$	(179,795)		$	8,121		$	3,286		$	(262,325)

(1) Included in computation of net periodic cost. See Note F - Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits for additional information.

(2) Included in Cost of Products Sold and Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note E - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information.

(3) Included in Equity in Earnings of Affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

NOTE H - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Level 1: Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy are presented in the tables below.


	Fair Value Measurements at April 28, 2024
In thousands	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	1,486,368	$	1,485,411	$	957	$	—
Short-term Marketable Securities(2)	23,074		4,679		18,395		—
Other Trading Securities(3)	202,054		—		202,054		—
Commodity Derivatives(4)	7,311		8,947		(1,636)		—
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	1,718,807	$	1,499,037	$	219,771	$	—
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)	$	60,770	$	—	$	60,770	$	—
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$	60,770	$	—	$	60,770	$	—


	Fair Value Measurements at October 29, 2023
In thousands	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	736,532	$	735,387	$	1,145	$	—
Short-term Marketable Securities(2)	16,664		2,499		14,164		—
Other Trading Securities(3)	188,162		—		188,162		—
Commodity Derivatives(4)	9,330		9,603		(273)		—
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	950,688	$	747,489	$	203,199	$	—
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)	$	55,222	$	—	$	55,222	$	—
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$	55,222	$	—	$	55,222	$	—

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities above:

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Apr. 28, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE I - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Except as described below, there were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business during the quarter and six months ended April 28, 2024, to the contractual obligations and other commitments last disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023. Legal Proceedings: The Company is a party to various legal proceedings related to the ongoing operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. At any time, such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, labeling, contracts, antitrust regulations, intellectual property, competition laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, customers, consumers, competitors, or suppliers. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. However, future developments or settlements are uncertain and may require the Company to change such accruals as proceedings progress. Resolution of any currently known matter, 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. Pork Antitrust Litigation Beginning in June 2018, a series of putative class action complaints were filed against the Company, as well as several other pork-processing companies and a benchmarking service called Agri Stats, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota styled In re Pork Antitrust Litigation (the Pork Antitrust Litigation). The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that beginning in January 2009, the defendants conspired and combined to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price of pork and pork products—including through the use of Agri Stats—in violation of federal antitrust laws. The complaints on behalf of the putative classes of indirect purchasers also include causes of action under various state unfair competition laws, consumer protection laws, and unjust enrichment common laws. The plaintiffs seek treble damages, injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees. Class Plaintiffs consist of the Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs, Commercial and Institutional Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs, and Consumer Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs. Since the original filing, certain non-class direct-action plaintiffs have opted out of class treatment and are proceeding with individual direct actions making similar claims, and others may do so in the future. Although the Company strongly denies liability, continues to deny the allegations asserted by the Class Plaintiffs, and believes it has valid defenses, to avoid the uncertainty, risk, expense, and distraction of continued litigation involving the Class Plaintiffs, the Company agreed to settle with the Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs for $4.9 million, the Commercial and Institutional Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs for $2.4 million, and the Consumer Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs for $4.5 million. These proposed settlements were filed with the Court on April 5, 2024, and are subject to final approval by the Court. The settlement amounts were recorded in Selling, General, and Administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and as an Accrued Expense on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 and are expected to be paid following final Court approval. The Company intends to continue vigorously defending against non-class claims not resolved by these three individual Class settlements. The Offices of the Attorney General in New Mexico and Alaska, as non-class plaintiffs, have separately filed state-court complaints against the Company and certain of its pork subsidiaries, as well as several other pork-processing companies and Agri Stats. The complaints are based on allegations similar to those asserted in the Pork Antitrust Litigation and allege violations of state antitrust, unfair trade practice, and unjust enrichment laws based on allegations of conspiracies to exchange information and manipulate the supply of pork. The Company has not recorded any liability for the non-class matters as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations. Turkey Antitrust Litigation Beginning in December 2019, a series of putative class action complaints were filed against the Company, as well as several other turkey-processing companies and a benchmarking service called Agri Stats, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois styled In re Turkey Antitrust Litigation. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that from at least 2010 to 2017, the defendants conspired and combined to fix, raise, maintain, and stabilize the price of turkey products—including through the use of Agri Stats—in violation of federal antitrust laws. The complaints on behalf of the putative classes of indirect purchasers also include causes of action under various state unfair competition laws, consumer protection laws, and unjust enrichment common laws. The plaintiffs seek treble damages, injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees. Since the original filing, certain direct-action plaintiffs have opted out of class treatment and are proceeding with individual direct actions making similar claims, and others may do so in the future. The Company has not recorded any liability for these matters as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations. Poultry Wages Antitrust Litigation In December 2019, a putative class of non-supervisory production and maintenance employees at poultry-processing plants in the continental U.S. filed an amended consolidated class action complaint against Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. and various other poultry processing companies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland styled Jien, et al. v. Perdue Farms, Inc., et al. The plaintiffs allege that since 2009, the defendants directly and through a wage survey and benchmarking service exchanged information regarding compensation in an effort to depress and fix wages and benefits for employees at poultry-processing plants, feed mills, and hatcheries in violation of federal antitrust laws. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, treble monetary damages, punitive damages, restitution, and pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief. In July 2022, the Court partially granted the Company’s motion to dismiss, and dismissed plaintiffs’ per se wage-fixing claim as to the Company. The Company has not recorded any liability for this matter as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations. Red Meat Wages Antitrust Litigation In November 2022, a putative class of non-supervisory production and maintenance employees at “red meat” processing plants in the continental U.S. filed a class action complaint against the Company and various other beef- and pork-processing companies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado styled Brown, et al. v. JBS USA Food Co., et al. The plaintiffs allege that since 2014, the defendants directly and through a wage survey and benchmarking service exchanged information regarding compensation in an effort to depress and fix wages and benefits for employees at beef- and pork-processing plants in violation of federal antitrust laws. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, treble monetary damages, punitive damages, restitution, and pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief. The Company has not recorded any liability for this matter as it does not believe a loss is probable, and it cannot reasonably estimate any reasonably possible loss as the Company believes that it has valid and meritorious defenses against the allegations.

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

NOTE J - LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term Debt consists of:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 3.050% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2051 Maturity Date	$	600,000	$	600,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2030 Maturity Date	1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.700% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2028 Maturity Date	750,000		750,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 4.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through March 2027 Maturity Date	500,000		—
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 0.650% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2024 Maturity Date	950,000		950,000
Unamortized Discount on Senior Notes	(7,112)		(7,016)
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs	(17,215)		(16,278)
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities(1)	(1,202)		(7,451)
Finance Lease Liabilities	31,772		36,085
Other Financing Arrangements	3,653		3,908
Total	3,809,896		3,309,247
Less: Current Maturities of Long-term Debt	957,292		950,529
Long-term Debt Less Current Maturities	$	2,852,604	$	2,358,719

(1) See Note E - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information.

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Apr. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE K - INCOME TAXES The Company’s tax provision is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate and adjusted for discrete taxable events that may occur during the quarter. The effects of tax legislation are recognized in the period in which the law is enacted. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years the related temporary differences are anticipated to reverse. The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter and six months ended April 28, 2024, was 22.5% and 23.0%, respectively, compared to 22.1% and 22.4%, respectively, for the corresponding periods a year ago. The Company benefited from the impact of higher federal deductions in the prior year. Unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, are recorded in Other Long-term Liabilities. If recognized as of April 28, 2024, these benefits would impact the Company’s effective tax rate by $16.6 million compared to $19.3 million as of April 30, 2023. The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in Provision for Income Taxes, with immaterial losses included during the quarter ended April 28, 2024, and April 30, 2023. The amount of accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $2.5 million at April 28, 2024, and $3.0 million at April 30, 2023. The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities. The IRS concluded its examination of fiscal 2021 in the second quarter of fiscal 2023. The IRS placed the Company in the Bridge phase of the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) for fiscal years 2020 and 2023. In this phase, the IRS will not accept any disclosures, conduct any reviews, or provide any assurances. The Company has elected to participate in CAP for fiscal years through 2025. The objective of CAP is to contemporaneously work with the IRS to achieve federal tax compliance and resolve all or most of the issues prior to filing of the tax return. The Company may elect to continue participating in CAP for future tax years; the Company may withdraw from the program at any time. The Company is in various stages of audit by several state taxing authorities on a variety of fiscal years, as far back as 2015. While it is reasonably possible that one or more of these audits may be completed within the next 12 months and the related unrecognized tax benefits may change based on the status of the examinations, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the effect of any amount of such change to previously recorded uncertain tax positions.

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

NOTE L - EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA


	Quarter Ended		Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024	April 30, 2023	April 28, 2024	April 30, 2023
Basic Weighted-average Shares Outstanding	547,868	546,424	547,444	546,404
Dilutive Potential Common Shares	817	2,588	859	3,118
Diluted Weighted-average Shares Outstanding	548,685	549,013	548,303	549,522

Antidilutive Potential Common Shares	18,214	7,165	18,053	5,202

SEGMENT REPORTING

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT REPORTING

NOTE M - SEGMENT REPORTING

The Foodservice segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of food and nutritional products for foodservice, convenience store, and commercial customers.


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Sales
Retail	$	1,788,556	$	1,916,243	$	3,699,827	$	3,874,040
Foodservice	932,003		881,441		1,845,090		1,716,191
International	166,794		179,955		339,346		358,400
Total Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632

Segment Profit
Retail	$	132,399	$	153,226	$	281,904	$	307,903
Foodservice	149,302		145,399		299,466		281,841
International	23,202		13,595		43,234		33,500
Total Segment Profit	304,903		312,220		624,603		623,244
Net Unallocated Expense	60,694		33,356		94,714		63,111

Noncontrolling Interest	(70)		(24)		(204)		(92)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	$	244,139	$	278,839	$	529,685	$	560,041

The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. Total revenue contributed by classes of similar products are:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Perishable	$	2,029,418	$	2,073,238	$	4,135,989	$	4,153,699
Shelf-stable	857,934		904,401		1,748,274		1,794,933


Total Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$ 189,278	$ 217,239	$ 408,140	$ 434,958

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
Insider Trading Arrangements	Apr. 28, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Apr. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S.) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for comprehensive financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results and cash flows for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These statements should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and associated notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023. The significant accounting policies used in preparing these interim consolidated financial statements are consistent with those described in Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements in the Form 10-K. The Company has determined there have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies, including estimates and assumptions, as disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2023.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. Amortization related to operating leases and debt issuance costs were reclassified from Amortization to separate line items within the operating activities section of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows. These reclassifications had no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position, or the Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.
Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements: New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The update is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant expenses. The ASU requires disclosures to include significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment’s profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU also requires all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 to be included in interim periods. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted and requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The update is intended to enhance transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU updates income tax disclosure requirements by requiring specific categories and greater disaggregation within the rate reconciliation and disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions. Recently issued accounting standards or pronouncements not disclosed have been excluded as they are currently not relevant to the Company.
Fair Value Measurements	Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires assets and liabilities measured at fair value to be categorized into one of the three levels below based on the inputs used in the valuation. 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.
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 three segments: Retail, Foodservice, and International, which is consistent with how the Company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) assesses performance and allocates resources. The Retail segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of food products sold predominantly in the retail market. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex Foods, LLC joint venture. The Foodservice segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of food and nutritional products for foodservice, convenience store, and commercial customers. The International segment processes, markets, and sells Company products internationally. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures, equity method investments, and royalty arrangements. Financial measures for each of the Company’s reportable segments are set forth below. Intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation and are not reviewed when evaluating segment performance. The Company does not allocate deferred compensation, non-recurring expenses associated with the transform and modernize initiative, investment income, interest expense, or interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and expenses at the corporate level. Equity in Earnings of Affiliates is included in segment profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s corporate venturing investments and noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as Net Unallocated Expense and Noncontrolling Interest when reconciling to Earnings Before Income Taxes.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 28, 2024, is:


In thousands	Retail		Foodservice		International		Total





Balance at October 29, 2023	$	2,916,796	$	1,750,594	$	261,074	$	4,928,464

Foreign Currency Translation	—		—		570		570
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	2,916,796	$	1,750,594	$	261,644	$	4,929,034

Schedule of carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets

The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Brands/Trade Names/Trademarks	$	1,636,807	$	1,636,807
Other Intangibles	184		184
Foreign Currency Translation	(5,860)		(5,893)
Total Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$	1,631,131	$	1,631,098

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

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are:


	April 28, 2024				October 29, 2023
In thousands	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer Lists/Relationships	$	168,239	$	(88,355)	$	168,239	$	(82,658)
Other Intangibles	59,241		(17,982)		59,241		(15,857)
Trade Names/Trademarks	6,210		(5,377)		6,540		(5,089)

Foreign Currency Translation	—		(4,329)		—		(4,344)
Total Definite-lived Intangible Assets	$	233,690	$	(116,044)	$	234,020	$	(107,947)

Schedule of amortization expense

Amortization expense on intangible assets is as follows:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Amortization Expense	$	3,978	$	4,594	$	8,442	$	9,201

Schedule of estimated annual amortization expense

Estimated annual amortization expense on intangible assets for the five fiscal years after October 29, 2023, is as follows:


In thousands	Amortization Expense
2024	$	16,381
2025	14,681
2026	14,210
2027	13,940
2028	13,009

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of equity in earnings of affiliates

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates consists of:


		Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	% Owned	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
MegaMex Foods, LLC(1)	50%	$	8,288	$	12,932	$	16,379	$	26,613
Other Equity Method Investments(2)	Various (20-50%)	6,894		3,939		14,894		5,816
Total Equity in Earnings of Affiliates		$	15,182	$	16,870	$	31,273	$	32,429

(1) MegaMex Foods, LLC is reflected in the Retail segment.

(2) Other Equity Method Investments are primarily reflected in the International segment but also include corporate venturing investments.

Schedule of distributions received from equity method investees

Distributions received from equity method investees include:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Dividends	$	10,000	$	10,000	$	25,731	$	13,652

INVENTORIES (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Schedule of principal components of inventories

Principal components of inventories are:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Finished Products	$	959,385	$	954,432
Raw Materials and Work-in-Process	445,586		448,535
Operating Supplies	152,904		168,289
Maintenance Materials and Parts	115,624		109,151
Total Inventories	$	1,673,500	$	1,680,406

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments

The gross fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments designated as hedges are:


In thousands	Location on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Commodity Contracts(1)	Other Current Assets	$	1,081	$	(13,233)

Schedule of fair value hedge assets (liabilities)

The carrying amount of the Company’s fair value hedged assets (liabilities) are:


In thousands	Location on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Financial Position	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Commodity Contracts	Accounts Payable(1)	$	(1,785)	$	(4,914)
Interest Rate Contracts	Current Maturities of Long-term Debt(2)	(448,798)		(442,549)

(1) Represents the carrying amount of fair value hedged assets and liabilities, which are offset by other assets included in master netting arrangements described above.

Schedule of gains or losses related to derivative instruments

The effect on AOCL for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company’s derivative instruments are:


	Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL(1)				Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings(1)				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Quarter Ended				Quarter Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts	$	7,299	$	(23,161)	$	(8,155)	$	732	Cost of Products Sold
Excluded Component(2)	657		(1,036)		—		—
Interest Rate Contracts	—		—		247		247		Interest Expense

	Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL (1)				Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings (1)				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Six Months Ended				Six Months Ended
in thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Cash Flow Hedges
Commodity Contracts	$	1,685	$	(31,551)	$	(19,756)	$	11,591	Cost of Products Sold
Excluded Component (2)	1,813		(691)		—		—
Interest Rate Contracts	—		—		494		494		Interest Expense

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

(2) Represents the time value of commodity options excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for which the difference between changes in fair value and periodic amortization is recorded in AOCL.

Consolidated Statements of Operations Impact: The effect on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company’s derivative instruments are:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$	189,278	$	217,239	$	408,140	$	434,958

Cash Flow Hedges - Commodity Contracts
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	(8,155)		732		(19,756)		11,591
Amortization of Excluded Component from Options	(850)		(1,497)		(2,006)		(2,909)

Fair Value Hedges - Commodity Contracts
Gain (Loss) on Commodity Futures(1)	1,033		1,563		4,628		(1,459)
Total Gain (Loss) on Commodity Contracts(2)	(7,972)		798		(17,134)		7,223

Cash Flow Hedges - Interest Rate Contracts
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	247		247		494		494
Fair Value Hedge - Interest Rate Contracts

Amortization of Loss Due to Discontinuance of Fair Value Hedge(3)	(3,125)		(3,125)		(6,250)		(6,250)
Total Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Contracts(4)	(2,878)		(2,878)		(5,755)		(5,755)

Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	$	(10,849)	$	(2,080)	$	(22,890)	$	1,468

(2) Total Gain (Loss) on Commodity Contracts is recognized in earnings through Cost of Products Sold.

(3) Represents the fair value hedging adjustment amortized through earnings.

(4) Total Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Contracts is recognized in earnings through Interest Expense.

Cash Flow Hedges

Derivative [Line Items]

Schedule of outstanding commodity futures contracts

The Company’s outstanding contracts related to its commodity hedging programs include:


In millions	April 28, 2024	October 29, 2023
Corn	28.5 bushels	30.7 bushels
Lean Hogs	174.0 pounds	144.2 pounds
Natural Gas	3.2 MMBtu	3.0 MMBtu
Diesel Fuel	0.9 gallons	— gallons

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of net periodic cost of defined benefit plans

Net periodic cost for pension and other post-retirement benefit plans consists of:


	Pension Benefits
	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Service Cost	$	9,023	$	8,902	$	18,076	$	17,804
Interest Cost	18,336		17,157		36,672		34,315
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(19,377)		(19,571)		(38,755)		(39,142)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	(221)		(461)		(443)		(921)
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	3,317		3,325		6,634		6,650

Net Periodic Cost	$	11,077	$	9,353	$	22,183	$	18,706


	Post-retirement Benefits
	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Service Cost	$	41	$	62	$	82	$	123
Interest Cost	2,896		3,014		5,792		6,028
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	2		2		4		4
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	(318)		(7)		(635)		(14)

Net Periodic Cost	$	2,622	$	3,071	$	5,244	$	6,141

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive loss

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are as follows:


In thousands	Foreign Currency Translation		Pension & Other Benefits			Derivatives & Hedging			Equity Method Investments			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at January 28, 2024	$	(74,772)	$	(181,863)		$	(3,877)		$	9,730		$	(250,783)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)	—					—
Gross	(19,165)		(29)			7,955			(4,556)			(15,795)
Tax Effect	—		—			(1,943)			—			(1,943)
Reclassification into Net Earnings	—		—			—						—
Gross	—		2,780		(1)	7,908		(2)	(1,888)		(3)	8,800
Tax Effect	—		(683)			(1,922)			—			(2,605)
Change Net of Tax	(19,165)		2,068			11,998			(6,444)			(11,543)
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	(93,937)	$	(179,795)		$	8,121		$	3,286		$	(262,325)

Balance at October 29, 2023	$	(86,022)	$	(183,993)		$	(9,084)		$	6,847		$	(272,252)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	(7,915)		3			3,498			(34)			(4,447)
Tax Effect	—		—			(869)			—			(869)
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	—		5,560		(1)	19,262		(2)	(3,527)		(3)	21,295
Tax Effect	—		(1,366)			(4,687)			—			(6,053)
Change Net of Tax	(7,915)		4,197			17,205			(3,561)			9,927
Balance at April 28, 2024	$	(93,937)	$	(179,795)		$	8,121		$	3,286		$	(262,325)

(1) Included in computation of net periodic cost. See Note F - Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits for additional information.

(2) Included in Cost of Products Sold and Interest Expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note E - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information.

(3) Included in Equity in Earnings of Affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy are presented in the tables below.


	Fair Value Measurements at April 28, 2024
In thousands	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	1,486,368	$	1,485,411	$	957	$	—
Short-term Marketable Securities(2)	23,074		4,679		18,395		—
Other Trading Securities(3)	202,054		—		202,054		—
Commodity Derivatives(4)	7,311		8,947		(1,636)		—
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	1,718,807	$	1,499,037	$	219,771	$	—
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)	$	60,770	$	—	$	60,770	$	—
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$	60,770	$	—	$	60,770	$	—


	Fair Value Measurements at October 29, 2023
In thousands	Total Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	736,532	$	735,387	$	1,145	$	—
Short-term Marketable Securities(2)	16,664		2,499		14,164		—
Other Trading Securities(3)	188,162		—		188,162		—
Commodity Derivatives(4)	9,330		9,603		(273)		—
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	950,688	$	747,489	$	203,199	$	—
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation(3)	$	55,222	$	—	$	55,222	$	—
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$	55,222	$	—	$	55,222	$	—

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities above:

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt

Long-term Debt consists of:


In thousands	April 28, 2024		October 29, 2023
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 3.050% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2051 Maturity Date	$	600,000	$	600,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2030 Maturity Date	1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.700% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2028 Maturity Date	750,000		750,000
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 4.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through March 2027 Maturity Date	500,000		—
Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 0.650% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2024 Maturity Date	950,000		950,000
Unamortized Discount on Senior Notes	(7,112)		(7,016)
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs	(17,215)		(16,278)
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities(1)	(1,202)		(7,451)
Finance Lease Liabilities	31,772		36,085
Other Financing Arrangements	3,653		3,908
Total	3,809,896		3,309,247
Less: Current Maturities of Long-term Debt	957,292		950,529
Long-term Debt Less Current Maturities	$	2,852,604	$	2,358,719

(1) See Note E - Derivatives and Hedging for additional information.

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

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

The shares used as the denominator for those computations are as follows:


	Quarter Ended		Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024	April 30, 2023	April 28, 2024	April 30, 2023
Basic Weighted-average Shares Outstanding	547,868	546,424	547,444	546,404
Dilutive Potential Common Shares	817	2,588	859	3,118
Diluted Weighted-average Shares Outstanding	548,685	549,013	548,303	549,522

Antidilutive Potential Common Shares	18,214	7,165	18,053	5,202

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 28, 2024

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of sales and operating profits for each of the reportable segments and reconciliation to earnings before income taxes


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Net Sales
Retail	$	1,788,556	$	1,916,243	$	3,699,827	$	3,874,040
Foodservice	932,003		881,441		1,845,090		1,716,191
International	166,794		179,955		339,346		358,400
Total Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632

Segment Profit
Retail	$	132,399	$	153,226	$	281,904	$	307,903
Foodservice	149,302		145,399		299,466		281,841
International	23,202		13,595		43,234		33,500
Total Segment Profit	304,903		312,220		624,603		623,244
Net Unallocated Expense	60,694		33,356		94,714		63,111

Noncontrolling Interest	(70)		(24)		(204)		(92)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	$	244,139	$	278,839	$	529,685	$	560,041

Schedule of total revenues contributed by sales channel

Total revenue contributed by classes of similar products are:


	Quarter Ended				Six Months Ended
In thousands	April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023		April 28, 2024		April 30, 2023
Perishable	$	2,029,418	$	2,073,238	$	4,135,989	$	4,153,699
Shelf-stable	857,934		904,401		1,748,274		1,794,933


Total Net Sales	$	2,887,352	$	2,977,639	$	5,884,263	$	5,948,632

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024 USD ($)
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	$ 4,928,464
Foreign Currency Translation	570
Ending Balance	4,929,034
Retail
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	2,916,796
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Ending Balance	2,916,796
Foodservice
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	1,750,594
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Ending Balance	1,750,594
International
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	261,074
Foreign Currency Translation	570
Ending Balance	$ 261,644

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets
Total Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$ 1,631,131	$ 1,631,098
Brands/Trade Names/Trademarks
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets
Total Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	1,636,807	1,636,807
Other Intangibles
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets
Total Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	184	184
Foreign Currency Translation
Carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets
Total Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$ 5,860	$ 5,893

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Definite Lived Intangibles Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 233,690	$ 234,020
Accumulated Amortization	(116,044)	(107,947)
Customer Lists/Relationships
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	168,239	168,239
Accumulated Amortization	(88,355)	(82,658)
Other Intangibles
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	59,241	59,241
Accumulated Amortization	(17,982)	(15,857)
Trade Names/Trademarks
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	6,210	6,540
Accumulated Amortization	(5,377)	(5,089)
Foreign Currency Translation
Gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	0	0
Accumulated Amortization	$ (4,329)	$ (4,344)

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization Expense	$ 3,978	$ 4,594	$ 8,442	$ 9,201

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Estimated Annual Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 29, 2023 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2024	$ 16,381
2025	14,681
2026	14,210
2027	13,940
2028	$ 13,009

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES - Schedule of Equity in Earnings of Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates
Total Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	$ 15,182	$ 16,870	$ 31,273	$ 32,429
MegaMex Foods, LLC
Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates
% Owned	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Total Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	$ 8,288	$ 12,932	$ 16,379	$ 26,613
Other Equity Method Investments
Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates
Total Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	$ 6,894	$ 3,939	$ 14,894	$ 5,816
Other Equity Method Investments \| Minimum
Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates
% Owned	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Other Equity Method Investments \| Maximum
Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates
% Owned	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES - Schedule of Distributions Received from Equity Method Investees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Investment, Affiliated Issuer
Investments In and Receivables from Affiliates
Dividends	$ 10,000	$ 10,000	$ 25,731	$ 13,652

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 15, 2022	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 26, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 12, 2023	Oct. 26, 2009
Garudafood
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	29.00%				30.00%
Purchase price	$ 425.8
Basis difference between fair value and carrying value of investment	$ 324.8	$ 314.8
Fair value			$ 275.4
MegaMex Foods, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		50.00%		50.00%
Basis difference between fair value and carrying value of investment		$ 8.9				$ 21.3

INVENTORIES - Schedule of Principal Components of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Finished Products	$ 959,385	$ 954,432
Raw Materials and Work-in-Process	445,586	448,535
Operating Supplies	152,904	168,289
Maintenance Materials and Parts	115,624	109,151
Total Inventories	$ 1,673,500	$ 1,680,406

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 25, 2021	Apr. 28, 2024 USD ($)	Jan. 30, 2022 USD ($)	Apr. 25, 2021 USD ($) derivative
Commodity Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedging gains (losses) to be recognized within next twelve months		$ (1.2)
Natural Gas
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum length of time to hedge exposure		2 years
Corn
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum length of time to hedge exposure		2 years
Lean Hogs
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum length of time to hedge exposure		12 months
Interest Rate Locks \| Derivatives designated as hedges \| Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of hedging instruments \| derivative				2
Total notional amount of hedging				$ 1,250.0
Interest Rate Locks \| Derivatives designated as hedges \| Cash Flow Hedges \| Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Tenor of hedging contracts	7 years
Interest Rate Locks \| Derivatives designated as hedges \| Cash Flow Hedges \| Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Tenor of hedging contracts	30 years
Interest Rate Swap \| Derivatives designated as hedges \| Fair Value Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional amount of hedging			$ 450.0
Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Hedging gains (losses) to be recognized within next twelve months		$ 12.0

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING - Outstanding Commodity Future Contracts (Details) - Cash Flow Hedges - Derivatives designated as hedges lb in Millions, gal in Millions, bu in Millions, MMBTU in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024 MMBTU lb bu gal	Oct. 29, 2023 MMBTU lb bu gal
Corn
Derivative [Line Items]
Futures contracts, volume (in bushels) \| bu	28.5	30.7
Futures contracts, volume (in gallons) \| bu	28.5	30.7
Lean Hogs
Derivative [Line Items]
Futures contracts, mass (in pounds) \| lb	174.0	144.2
Natural Gas
Derivative [Line Items]
Futures contracts, energy (in MMBTu) \| MMBTU	3.2	3.0
Diesel Fuel
Derivative [Line Items]
Futures contracts, volume (in bushels) \| gal	0.9	0.0
Futures contracts, volume (in gallons) \| gal	0.9	0.0

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING - Fair Value of Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Derivatives fair value
Liability, right to reclaim net cash collateral	$ 11,500	$ 32,200
Derivatives designated as hedges \| Cash Flow Hedges \| Commodity Contracts \| Other Current Assets
Derivatives fair value
Gross fair value	$ 1,081	$ (13,233)

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING - Fair Value Hedge Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Derivatives fair value
Cumulative basis adjustment of carrying amount of hedged portion of 2024 Notes	$ 1,202	$ 7,451
Fair Value Hedges \| Commodity Contracts \| Accounts Payable
Derivatives fair value
Carrying amount of fair value hedged assets (liabilities)	(1,785)	(4,914)
Fair Value Hedges \| Interest Rate Contracts \| Current Maturities of Long-term Debt
Derivatives fair value
Carrying amount of fair value hedged assets (liabilities)	$ (448,798)	$ (442,549)

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING - Effects on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gains and Losses (Before Tax) of Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives designated as hedges - Cash Flow Hedges - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Commodity Contracts
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings	$ (8,155)	$ 732	$ (19,756)	$ 11,591
Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings	247	247	494	494
Cost of Products Sold \| Commodity Contracts
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL	7,299	(23,161)	1,685	(31,551)
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings	(8,155)	732	(19,756)	11,591
Cost of Products Sold \| Corn Options
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)
Excluded Component	657	(1,036)	1,813	(691)
Excluded Component	0	0	0	0
Interest Expense \| Interest Rate Contracts
Derivative instruments gains or losses (before tax)
Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCL	0	0	0	0
Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings	$ 247	$ 247	$ 494	$ 494

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING - Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations Impact of Gains or Losses on Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Derivative [Line Items]
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation	$ 189,278	$ 217,239	$ 408,140	$ 434,958
Fair Value Hedges
Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	(10,849)	(2,080)	(22,890)	1,468
Derivatives designated as hedges \| Commodity Contracts
Fair Value Hedges
Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	(7,972)	798	(17,134)	7,223
Derivatives designated as hedges \| Interest Rate Contracts
Fair Value Hedges
Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings	(2,878)	(2,878)	(5,755)	(5,755)
Derivatives designated as hedges \| Cash Flow Hedges \| Commodity Contracts
Cash Flow Hedges
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	(8,155)	732	(19,756)	11,591
Amortization of Excluded Component from Options	(850)	(1,497)	(2,006)	(2,909)
Derivatives designated as hedges \| Cash Flow Hedges \| Interest Rate Contracts
Cash Flow Hedges
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL	247	247	494	494
Derivatives designated as hedges \| Fair Value Hedges \| Commodity Contracts
Fair Value Hedges
Gain (loss) on Commodity Futures and Interest Rate Swap	1,033	1,563	4,628	(1,459)
Derivatives designated as hedges \| Fair Value Hedges \| Interest Rate Contracts
Fair Value Hedges
Amortization of Loss Due to Discontinuance of Fair Value Hedge	$ (3,125)	$ (3,125)	$ (6,250)	$ (6,250)

PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS - Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Interest Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Excluding Service Cost, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization of Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income	Interest and Investment Income
Pension Benefits
Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans
Service Cost	$ 9,023	$ 8,902	$ 18,076	$ 17,804
Interest Cost	18,336	17,157	36,672	34,315
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(19,377)	(19,571)	(38,755)	(39,142)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	(221)	(461)	(443)	(921)
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	3,317	3,325	6,634	6,650
Net Periodic Cost	11,077	9,353	22,183	18,706
Post-retirement Benefits
Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans
Service Cost	41	62	82	123
Interest Cost	2,896	3,014	5,792	6,028
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	2	2	4	4
Recognized Actuarial (Gain) Loss	(318)	(7)	(635)	(14)
Net Periodic Cost	$ 2,622	$ 3,071	$ 5,244	$ 6,141

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Schedule of Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 28, 2024
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 7,734,885
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	$ (15,795)	(4,447)
Tax Effect	(1,943)	(869)
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	8,800	21,295
Tax Effect	(2,605)	(6,053)
Change Net of Tax	(11,543)	9,927
Ending Balance	7,885,990	7,885,990
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(250,783)	(272,252)
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Ending Balance	(262,325)	(262,325)
Foreign Currency Translation
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(74,772)	(86,022)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	(19,165)	(7,915)
Tax Effect	0	0
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	0	0
Tax Effect	0	0
Change Net of Tax	(19,165)	(7,915)
Ending Balance	(93,937)	(93,937)
Pension & Other Benefits
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(181,863)	(183,993)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	(29)	3
Tax Effect	0	0
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	2,780	5,560
Tax Effect	(683)	(1,366)
Change Net of Tax	2,068	4,197
Ending Balance	(179,795)	(179,795)
Derivatives & Hedging
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(3,877)	(9,084)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	7,955	3,498
Tax Effect	(1,943)	(869)
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	7,908	19,262
Tax Effect	(1,922)	(4,687)
Change Net of Tax	11,998	17,205
Ending Balance	8,121	8,121
Equity Method Investments
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	9,730	6,847
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
Gross	(4,556)	(34)
Tax Effect	0	0
Reclassification into Net Earnings
Gross	(1,888)	(3,527)
Tax Effect	0	0
Change Net of Tax	(6,444)	(3,561)
Ending Balance	$ 3,286	$ 3,286

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Financial Assets and Liabilities Carried at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Oct. 29, 2023
Assets at Fair Value
Derivative Asset, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Right To Reclaim Net Cash Collateral, Commodity Derivatives [Abstract]
Right to reclaim net cash collateral	$ 11,500		$ 11,500		$ 32,200
Right to reclaim net cash collateral, cash portion	15,800		15,800		42,600
Realized loss on closed positions	4,200		4,200		10,400
Rabbi trust
Right To Reclaim Net Cash Collateral, Commodity Derivatives [Abstract]
Gains related to securities held by the trust, (less than for quarter ending April 30, 2023)	2,400	$ 100	13,900	$ 7,100
Recurring basis
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,486,368		1,486,368		736,532
Short-term Marketable Securities	23,074		23,074		16,664
Other Trading Securities	202,054		202,054		188,162
Commodity Derivatives	7,311		7,311		9,330
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,718,807		1,718,807		950,688
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation	60,770		60,770		55,222
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	60,770		60,770		55,222
Recurring basis \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,485,411		1,485,411		735,387
Short-term Marketable Securities	4,679		4,679		2,499
Other Trading Securities	0		0		0
Commodity Derivatives	8,947		8,947		9,603
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,499,037		1,499,037		747,489
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation	0		0		0
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	0		0		0
Recurring basis \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents	957		957		1,145
Short-term Marketable Securities	18,395		18,395		14,164
Other Trading Securities	202,054		202,054		188,162
Commodity Derivatives	(1,636)		(1,636)		(273)
Total Assets at Fair Value	219,771		219,771		203,199
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation	60,770		60,770		55,222
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	60,770		60,770		55,222
Recurring basis \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0		0		0
Short-term Marketable Securities	0		0		0
Other Trading Securities	0		0		0
Commodity Derivatives	0		0		0
Total Assets at Fair Value	0		0		0
Liabilities at Fair Value
Deferred Compensation	0		0		0
Total Liabilities at Fair Value	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Apr. 28, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of long-term debt, utilizing discounted cash flows (Level 2)	$ 3.3	$ 2.7

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details) - Settled Litigation $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 05, 2024 settlement	Apr. 28, 2024 USD ($)
Pork Antitrust Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of claims settled \| settlement	3
Pork Antitrust Litigation, Direct Purchaser Plaintiffs
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages awarded		$ 4.9
Pork Antitrust Litigation, Commercial and Institutional Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages awarded		2.4
Pork Antitrust Litigation, Consumer Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages awarded		$ 4.5

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 28, 2024	Mar. 08, 2024	Oct. 29, 2023	Jun. 03, 2021	Jun. 11, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs	$ (17,215)		$ (16,278)
Interest Rate Swap Liabilities	(1,202)		(7,451)
Finance Lease Liabilities	31,772		36,085
Other Financing Arrangements	3,653		3,908
Total	3,809,896		3,309,247
Less: Current Maturities of Long-term Debt	957,292		950,529
Long-term Debt Less Current Maturities	2,852,604		2,358,719
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Discount on Senior Notes	$ (7,112)		(7,016)
Senior Notes \| Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 3.050% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2051 Maturity Date
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.05%			3.05%
Senior Notes	$ 600,000		600,000
Senior Notes \| Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2030 Maturity Date
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.80%				1.80%
Senior Notes	$ 1,000,000		1,000,000
Senior Notes \| Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 1.700% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2028 Maturity Date
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.70%			1.70%
Senior Notes	$ 750,000		750,000
Senior Notes \| Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 4.800% Interest Due Semi-annually through March 2027 Maturity Date
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.80%	4.80%
Senior Notes	$ 500,000		0
Senior Notes \| Senior Unsecured Notes, with Interest at 0.650% Interest Due Semi-annually through June 2024 Maturity Date
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.65%			0.65%
Senior Notes	$ 950,000		$ 950,000

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 08, 2024 USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2023 extension_option interest_period	Jun. 03, 2021 USD ($)	May 06, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 11, 2020 USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2024 USD ($)	Oct. 29, 2023 USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2023 interest_period
Senior Notes \| Senior Unsecured Notes Due March 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued	$ 500,000,000
Interest rate	4.80%					4.80%
Redemption price, percentage	101.00%
Senior Notes \| 2024 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued			$ 950,000,000
Interest rate			0.65%			0.65%
Redemption price, percentage			101.00%
Period to redeem in whole or in part after the issuance date			1 year
Senior Notes \| 2028 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued			$ 750,000,000
Interest rate			1.70%			1.70%
Redemption price, percentage			101.00%
Senior Notes \| 2051 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued			$ 600,000,000
Interest rate			3.05%			3.05%
Redemption price, percentage			101.00%
Senior Notes \| Senior Unsecured Notes Due June 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued					$ 1,000,000,000
Interest rate					1.80%	1.80%
Redemption price, percentage					101.00%
Credit Facility \| Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity under credit facility				$ 750,000,000
Additional uncommitted option under credit facility				$ 375,000,000
Number of extension options \| extension_option		2
Extension option, period		1 year
Number of permitted interest periods \| interest_period		15						8
Amount outstanding under credit facility						$ 0	$ 0
Credit Facility \| Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable fee percentage for availability of line of credit				0.05%
Credit Facility \| Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin over interest rate percentage				0.00%
Credit Facility \| Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum \| Eurocurrency rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin over interest rate percentage				0.575%
Credit Facility \| Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable fee percentage for availability of line of credit				0.10%
Credit Facility \| Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin over interest rate percentage				0.15%
Credit Facility \| Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum \| Eurocurrency rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin over interest rate percentage				1.15%

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	22.50%	22.10%	23.00%	22.40%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$ 16.6	$ 19.3	$ 16.6	$ 19.3
Accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits	$ 2.5	$ 3.0	$ 2.5	$ 3.0

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA - Shares Used as Denominator (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic Weighted-average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	547,868	546,424	547,444	546,404
Dilutive Potential Common Shares (in shares)	817	2,588	859	3,118
Diluted Weighted-average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	548,685	549,013	548,303	549,522
Antidilutive Potential Common Shares (in shares)	18,214	7,165	18,053	5,202

SEGMENT REPORTING - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
SEGMENT REPORTING - Narrative (Details)	Apr. 28, 2024 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

SEGMENT REPORTING - Sales and Operating Profits for Each Reportable and Reconciliation to Earnings Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Operating profit and other financial information
Total Net Sales	$ 2,887,352	$ 2,977,639	$ 5,884,263	$ 5,948,632
Segment Profit	252,320	295,798	536,758	585,250
Net Unallocated Expense	60,694	33,356	94,714	63,111
Noncontrolling Interest	(70)	(24)	(204)	(92)
Earnings Before Income Taxes	244,139	278,839	529,685	560,041
Retail
Operating profit and other financial information
Total Net Sales	1,788,556	1,916,243	3,699,827	3,874,040
Foodservice
Operating profit and other financial information
Total Net Sales	932,003	881,441	1,845,090	1,716,191
International
Operating profit and other financial information
Total Net Sales	166,794	179,955	339,346	358,400
Operating Segments
Operating profit and other financial information
Segment Profit	304,903	312,220	624,603	623,244
Operating Segments \| Retail
Operating profit and other financial information
Segment Profit	132,399	153,226	281,904	307,903
Operating Segments \| Foodservice
Operating profit and other financial information
Segment Profit	149,302	145,399	299,466	281,841
Operating Segments \| International
Operating profit and other financial information
Segment Profit	$ 23,202	$ 13,595	$ 43,234	$ 33,500

SEGMENT REPORTING - Revenue Contributed by Sales Channel (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023	Apr. 28, 2024	Apr. 30, 2023
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Net Sales	$ 2,887,352	$ 2,977,639	$ 5,884,263	$ 5,948,632
Perishable
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Net Sales	2,029,418	2,073,238	4,135,989	4,153,699
Shelf-stable
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Net Sales	$ 857,934	$ 904,401	$ 1,748,274	$ 1,794,933