Revised outlook
Following the Q3âŻFYâŻ2025 results, Hormel Foods raised its fullâyear 2025 guidance to $7.3âŻbillion in net sales (up from the prior $7.0âŻbillion estimate) and lifted its earningsâperâshare target to $1.15 (versus $1.08 previously forecast). The company now expects a 2â3âŻ% topâline expansion and a 6â7âŻ% improvement in profitability yearâoverâyear, driven by solid performance of its âSpecialtyâ and âFresh meatâ segments and continued marginâenhancing initiatives.
Trading implications
- Fundamentals: The upwardârevision signals that Hormilâs growth narrativeâhigherâmargin branded foods, pricing discipline, and costâefficiency gainsâis materializing. The improved EPS outlook narrows the discount to its historical valuation (â12â14âŻ% below its 5âyear average PE), suggesting the stock may still be underâpriced.
- Technicals: HRLâs price has been in a stable upâtrend channel (â$38â$44) since the start of 2025. The recent rally to $42.8 met a shortâterm resistance near $43; a break above with volume could trigger a midâterm surge toward $46â$48. Conversely, a pullâback to the 20âday EMA (~$39.5) offers a lowerârisk entry point before testing the channelâs upper range.
- Actionable play: Consider adding to positions on a dip to $39â$40 or initiating a modest long position if the price clears $43 on strength. Keep a stop just below the 20âday EMA to protect against a reversal, and monitor upcoming quarterly updates for any further guidance adjustments.