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HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/ - Quarter Report: 2020 April (Form 10-Q)

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 26, 2020
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________________________________ to ________________________________________
Commission File Number: 1-2402
HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
41-0319970
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1 Hormel Place
Austin, MN  55912
(Address of Principal Executive Office, including zip code)

(507) 437-5611
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
None
(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 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 June 1, 2020
 
Common Stock
 
$.01465
par value
538,951,833

 
Common Stock Non-Voting
 
$.01
par value
0

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
April 26,
2020
 
October 27,
2019
 
(Unaudited)
 
 

Assets
 

 
 

Current Assets
 

 
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
606,073

 
$
672,901

Short-term Marketable Securities
16,841

 
14,736

Accounts Receivable
536,009

 
574,396

Inventories
1,048,992

 
1,042,362

Income Taxes Receivable
342

 
19,924

Prepaid Expenses
24,229

 
22,637

Other Current Assets
16,410

 
14,457

Total Current Assets
2,248,896

 
2,361,413

 
 
 
 
Goodwill
2,682,839

 
2,481,645

 
 
 
 
Other Intangibles
1,023,936

 
1,033,862

 
 
 
 
Pension Assets
147,878

 
135,915

 
 
 
 
Investments In and Receivables From Affiliates
303,194

 
289,157

 
 
 
 
Other Assets
238,273

 
177,901

 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
Land
54,670

 
49,758

Buildings
1,152,119

 
1,083,902

Equipment
2,017,183

 
1,965,478

Construction in Progress
325,075

 
256,190

Less: Allowance for Depreciation
(1,798,882
)
 
(1,726,217
)
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
1,750,165

 
1,629,111

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
8,395,181

 
$
8,109,004

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3


HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
April 26,
2020
 
October 27,
2019
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment
 

 
 

Current Liabilities
 

 
 

Accounts Payable
$
502,133

 
$
590,033

Accrued Expenses
67,481

 
62,031

Accrued Workers Compensation
25,339

 
24,272

Accrued Marketing Expenses
111,657

 
96,305

Employee Related Expenses
179,328

 
213,515

Taxes Payable
54,765

 
6,208

Interest and Dividends Payable
125,595

 
112,685

Current Maturities of Long-term Debt
258,295

 

Total Current Liabilities
1,324,595

 
1,105,049

 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt–Less Current Maturities
56,861

 
250,000

 
 
 
 
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits
542,753

 
536,490

 
 
 
 
Other Long-term Liabilities
139,517

 
115,356

 
 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
165,253

 
176,574

 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Investment
 
 
 
Preferred Stock, Par Value $.01 a Share–
 
 
 
Authorized 160,000,000 Shares; Issued–None
 
 
 
Common Stock, Non-voting, Par Value $.01 a Share–
 
 
 
Authorized 400,000,000 Shares; Issued–None


 


Common Stock, Par Value $.01465 a Share–
7,896

 
7,830

Authorized 1,600,000,000 Shares;
 
 
 
Shares Issued as of April 26, 2020: 538,949,485
 
 
 
Shares Issued as of October 27, 2019: 534,488,746
 
 
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
265,128

 
184,921

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(447,908
)
 
(399,500
)
Retained Earnings
6,336,946

 
6,128,207

Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders' Investment
6,162,061

 
5,921,458

Noncontrolling Interest
4,140

 
4,077

Total Shareholders' Investment
6,166,202

 
5,925,535

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment
$
8,395,181

 
$
8,109,004

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4


HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Net Sales
$
2,422,465

 
$
2,344,744

 
$
4,806,899

 
$
4,705,099

Cost of Products Sold
1,945,113

 
1,875,595

 
3,861,127

 
3,747,616

Gross Profit
477,352

 
469,149

 
945,773

 
957,483

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative
193,912

 
170,076

 
389,433

 
363,620

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
10,021

 
13,291

 
17,608

 
24,749

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
293,460

 
312,364

 
573,948

 
618,612

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income and Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and Investment Income (Expense)
(3,474
)
 
11,297

 
9,777

 
18,171

Interest Expense
(3,497
)
 
(5,615
)
 
(7,074
)
 
(11,762
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Before Income Taxes
286,489

 
318,046

 
576,651

 
625,021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for Income Taxes
58,873

 
35,410

 
106,083

 
100,866

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings
227,615

 
282,636

 
470,568

 
524,155

Less: Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(119
)
 
207

 
(39
)
 
301

Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation
$
227,734

 
$
282,429

 
$
470,606

 
$
523,854

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.42

 
$
0.53

 
$
0.88

 
$
0.98

Diluted
$
0.42

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.86

 
$
0.96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
538,119

 
535,480

 
536,597

 
534,988

Diluted
546,373

 
546,330

 
545,594

 
546,724

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


5


HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Net Earnings
$
227,615

 
$
282,636

 
$
470,568

 
$
524,155

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation
(26,206
)
 
5,901

 
(18,268
)
 
7,747

Pension and Other Benefits
3,582

 
1,770

 
7,093

 
5,209

Deferred Hedging
(32,103
)
 
6,707

 
(37,206
)
 
6,346

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(54,727
)
 
14,378

 
(48,381
)
 
19,302

Comprehensive Income
172,888

 
297,014

 
422,187

 
543,457

Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(217
)
 
378

 
(12
)
 
441

Comprehensive Income Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation
$
173,105

 
$
296,636

 
$
422,199

 
$
543,016

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


6


HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
Thirteen Weeks Ended April 28, 2019
 
Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Non-
controlling
Interest
 
Total
Shareholders’
Investment
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 27, 2019
534,170

 
$
7,826

 

 
$

 
$
130,196

 
$
5,856,029

 
$
(292,342
)
 
$
4,070

 
$
5,705,779

Net Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
282,429

 
 
 
207

 
282,636

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14,207

 
171

 
14,378

Purchases of Common Stock
 
 
 
 
(562
)
 
(22,813
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(22,813
)
Stock-based Compensation Expense
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
5,567

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,568

Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares
2,485

 
35

 
 
 
 
 
28,390

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28,425

Shares Retired
(562
)
 
(8
)
 
562

 
22,813

 
(173
)
 
(22,632
)
 
 
 
 
 

Declared Cash Dividends – $0.21 per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
(112,189
)
 
 
 
 
 
(112,189
)
Balance at April 28, 2019
536,093

 
$
7,854

 

 
$

 
$
163,980

 
$
6,003,637

 
$
(278,135
)
 
$
4,448

 
$
5,901,784

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended April 26, 2020
 
Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Non-
controlling
Interest
 
Total
Shareholders’
Investment
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 26, 2020
537,415

 
$
7,873

 

 
$

 
$
230,529

 
$
6,246,641

 
$
(393,278
)
 
$
4,281

 
$
6,096,045

Net Earnings


 


 


 


 


 
227,734

 

 
(119
)
 
227,615

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


 


 


 


 


 


 
(54,630
)
 
(98
)
 
(54,727
)
Contribution from Noncontrolling Interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76

 
76

Purchases of Common Stock


 


 
(302
)
 
(12,360
)
 


 


 


 


 
(12,360
)
Stock-based Compensation Expense


 
1

 


 


 
6,166

 


 


 


 
6,167

Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares
1,836

 
26

 


 


 
28,582

 


 


 


 
28,608

Shares Retired
(302
)
 
(4
)
 
302

 
12,360

 
(149
)
 
(12,207
)
 


 


 

Declared Cash Dividends – $0.2325 per Share


 


 


 


 


 
(125,222
)
 


 


 
(125,222
)
Balance at April 26, 2020
538,949

 
$
7,896

 

 
$

 
$
265,128

 
$
6,336,946

 
$
(447,908
)
 
$
4,140

 
$
6,166,202



7


 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended April 28, 2019
 
Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Non-
controlling
Interest
 
Total
Shareholders’
Investment
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 28, 2018
534,135

 
$
7,825

 

 
$

 
$
106,528

 
$
5,729,956

 
$
(243,498
)
 
$
4,007

 
$
5,604,818

Net Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
523,854

 
 
 
301

 
524,155

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,162

 
140

 
19,302

Purchases of Common Stock
 
 
 
 
(1,627
)
 
(67,622
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(67,622
)
Stock-based Compensation Expense
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
13,513

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,514

Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares
3,585

 
52

 
 
 
 
 
44,371

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44,423

Shares Retired
(1,627
)
 
(24
)
 
1,627

 
67,622

 
(432
)
 
(67,166
)
 
 
 
 
 

Cumulative Effect Adjustment from the Adoption of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    ASU 2016-16
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(10,475
)
 
 
 
 
 
(10,475
)
    ASU 2017-12
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21

 
(21
)
 
 
 

    ASU 2018-02
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52,342

 
(53,778
)
 
 
 
(1,436
)
Declared Cash Dividends – $0.42 per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(224,895
)
 
 
 
 
 
(224,895
)
Balance at April 28, 2019
536,093

 
$
7,854

 

 
$

 
$
163,980

 
$
6,003,637

 
$
(278,135
)
 
$
4,448

 
$
5,901,784

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended April 26, 2020
 
Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Non-
controlling
Interest
 
Total
Shareholders’
Investment
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at October 27, 2019
534,489

 
$
7,830

 

 
$

 
$
184,921

 
$
6,128,207

 
$
(399,500
)
 
$
4,077

 
$
5,925,535

Net Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
470,606

 
 
 
(39
)
 
470,568

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(48,408
)
 
27

 
(48,381
)
Contribution from Noncontrolling Interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76

 
76

Purchases of Common Stock
 
 
 
 
(302
)
 
(12,360
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(12,360
)
Stock-based Compensation Expense
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
15,464

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15,465

Exercise of Stock Options/Restricted Shares
4,762

 
69

 
 
 
 
 
64,892

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64,961

Shares Retired
(302
)
 
(4
)
 
302

 
12,360

 
(149
)
 
(12,207
)
 
 
 
 
 

Declared Cash Dividends – $0.465 per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(249,660
)
 
 
 
 
 
(249,660
)
Balance at April 26, 2020
538,949

 
$
7,896

 

 
$

 
$
265,128

 
$
6,336,946

 
$
(447,908
)
 
$
4,140

 
$
6,166,202

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


8


HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Operating Activities
 

 
 

Net Earnings
$
470,568

 
$
524,155

Adjustments to Reconcile to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation
82,532

 
74,458

Amortization
17,385

 
6,285

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
(17,608
)
 
(24,749
)
Distribution from Equity Method Investees
20,000

 
10,000

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes
(1,607
)
 
(37,940
)
Loss (Gain) on Property/Equipment Sales and Plant Facilities
255

 
458

Gain on Sale of Business

 
(16,469
)
Non-cash Investment Activities
(1,635
)
 
(17,632
)
Stock-based Compensation Expense
15,465

 
13,514

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Acquisitions:
 
 
 
Decrease (Increase) in Accounts Receivable
47,174

 
32,634

Decrease (Increase) in Inventories
20,625

 
(111,601
)
(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
(52,500
)
 
(7,198
)
Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Post-retirement Benefits
2,590

 
6,380

(Decrease) Increase in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
(120,224
)
 
(108,347
)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Income Taxes Payable
65,270

 
21,645

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
548,290

 
365,593

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Net (Purchase) Sale of Securities
(1,991
)
 
(6,664
)
Proceeds from Sale of Business

 
473,885

Acquisitions of Businesses/Intangibles
(268,878
)
 

Purchases of Property/Equipment
(138,563
)
 
(87,621
)
Proceeds from Sales of Property/Equipment
1,121

 
31,167

(Increase) Decrease in Investments, Equity in Affiliates, and Other Assets
(16,004
)
 
(110
)
Proceeds from Company-owned Life Insurance
1,180

 
14,170

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
(423,135
)
 
424,827

 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Repayments of Long-term Debt and Finance Leases
(4,069
)
 
(374,840
)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
(236,750
)
 
(212,287
)
Share Repurchase
(12,360
)
 
(67,622
)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options
64,372

 
44,277

Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interest
76

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
(188,731
)
 
(610,472
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
(3,252
)
 
243

(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(66,828
)
 
180,191

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
672,901

 
459,136

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Quarter
$
606,073

 
$
639,327


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9


HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO 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 generally accepted accounting principles 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 all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete 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 for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.  The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at October 27, 2019, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2019. The significant accounting policies used in preparing these 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 with the exception of new requirements adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company has considered the impact of COVID-19 and 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 27, 2019.

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.

Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in Current Fiscal Year 

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

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
 
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). The update provides guidance on the measurement of credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The amendment replaces the current incurred loss impairment approach with a methodology to reflect expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to explain credit loss estimates. The updated guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective approach and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. The Company will adopt the provisions of this new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal 2021 and is in the process of evaluating the impact.
 
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820).  The updated guidance requires entities to disclose changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Amendments in this guidance also require disclosure of transfers into and out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, purchases and issues of Level 3 assets and liabilities, and clarify that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is as of the reporting date. The guidance removes requirements to disclose the amounts and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, policy for timing between of transfers between levels, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. The Company will adopt the provisions of this new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal 2021 and is in the process of evaluating the impact.


10


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

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

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


NOTE B - ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
 
Acquisition: On March 2, 2020, the Company acquired the assets comprising the Sadler's Smokehouse business (Sadler's) for a preliminary purchase price of $268.9 million, subject to customary working capital adjustments. Sadler's is an authentic, pit-smoked meats business based in Henderson, Texas. This acquisition strengthens the Company's foodservice position and provides an opportunity to further extend the Sadler's product line into the retail and deli channels.

The transaction was funded with cash on hand and accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. Allocations of the purchase price to acquired assets, including goodwill and intangibles assets, is pending the completion of a third-party valuation. See Note D - Goodwill and Intangible Assets for preliminary amounts assigned to goodwill.

Operating results for this acquisition have been included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition and are reflected in the Refrigerated Foods segment. Pro forma results are not material for inclusion.

Divestiture: On April 15, 2019, the Company completed the sale of CytoSport, Inc. (CytoSport), which included the Muscle Milk® and Evolve® brands, to PepsiCo, Inc., and received final proceeds of $479.8 million. The divestiture resulted in a pretax gain of $16.5 million recognized in Selling, General and Administrative expense and a tax benefit of $17.0 million recognized within the Provision for Income Taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

CytoSport's results of operations through the date of divestiture are included within Earnings Before Income Taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are reported within the Grocery Products and International & Other segments (See Note N - Segment Reporting).


NOTE C - INVENTORIES
 
Principal components of inventories are:
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
October 27,
2019
Finished Products
$
596,966

 
$
604,035

Raw Materials and Work-in-Process
254,431

 
255,474

Operating Supplies
128,774

 
116,981

Maintenance Materials and Parts
68,820

 
65,872

Total
$
1,048,992

 
$
1,042,362





11


NOTE D - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
Goodwill: The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, are:
(in thousands)
Grocery
Products
 
Refrigerated
Foods
 
Jennie-O
Turkey Store
 
International
& Other
 
Total
Balance at January 26, 2020
$
632,301

 
$
1,458,692

 
$
176,628

 
$
216,467

 
$
2,484,088

Goodwill Acquired

 
212,871

 

 

 
212,871

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 

 
(14,120
)
 
(14,120
)
Balance at April 26, 2020
$
632,301

 
$
1,671,563

 
$
176,628

 
$
202,347

 
$
2,682,839

(in thousands)
Grocery
Products
 
Refrigerated
Foods
 
Jennie-O
Turkey Store
 
International
& Other
 
Total
Balance at October 27, 2019
$
632,301

 
$
1,458,692

 
$
176,628

 
$
214,024

 
$
2,481,645

Goodwill Acquired

 
212,871

 

 

 
212,871

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 

 
(11,677
)
 
(11,677
)
Balance at April 26, 2020
$
632,301

 
$
1,671,563

 
$
176,628

 
$
202,347

 
$
2,682,839



The increase to goodwill during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, is related to the acquisition of Sadler's. The allocation from goodwill to identifiable assets is pending a third party valuation.

Intangible Assets: The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are:
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
October 27,
2019
Brands/Tradenames/Trademarks
$
953,190

 
$
959,400

Other Intangibles
184

 
184

Foreign Currency Translation
(6,211
)
 
(3,803
)
Total
$
947,163

 
$
955,781



The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are:
 
April 26, 2020
 
October 27, 2019
(in thousands)
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Customer Lists/Relationships
$
113,739

 
$
(41,350
)
 
$
113,739

 
$
(36,744
)
Tradenames/Trademarks
10,536

 
(2,447
)
 
4,326

 
(1,589
)
Other Intangibles
2,631

 
(1,920
)
 
2,631

 
(1,228
)
Foreign Currency Translation

 
(4,415
)
 

 
(3,054
)
Total
$
126,906

 
$
(50,132
)
 
$
120,696

 
$
(42,615
)

 
Amortization expense was $3.4 million and $6.2 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, respectively, compared to $3.1 million and $6.3 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 28, 2019.
 
Estimated annual amortization expense for the five fiscal years after October 27, 2019, is:
(in thousands)
 
2020
$
11,700

2021
12,000

2022
11,644

2023
10,739

2024
8,921





12


NOTE E - PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
Net periodic benefit cost for pension and other post-retirement benefit plans consists of:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Service Cost
$
8,896

 
$
6,511

 
$
17,792

 
$
13,021

Interest Cost
13,411

 
15,095

 
26,821

 
30,192

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(25,321
)
 
(23,121
)
 
(50,642
)
 
(46,246
)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost
(542
)
 
(699
)
 
(1,084
)
 
(1,397
)
Recognized Actuarial Loss
5,597

 
3,701

 
11,192

 
7,402

Curtailment Loss (Gain)

 

 

 
2,825

Net Periodic Cost
$
2,041

 
$
1,487

 
$
4,079

 
$
5,797

 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Service Cost
$
193

 
$
173

 
$
387

 
$
347

Interest Cost
2,329

 
3,009

 
4,789

 
6,174

Amortization of Prior Service Cost
(663
)
 
(669
)
 
(1,326
)
 
(1,338
)
Recognized Actuarial Loss
247

 

 
523

 

Curtailment Loss (Gain)

 

 

 
(620
)
Net Periodic Cost
$
2,106

 
$
2,513

 
$
4,373

 
$
4,563


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

Curtailments recognized in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2019 were due to the sale of the Fremont, Nebraska, production facility.


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

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

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

Other Derivatives:  The Company holds certain futures and options contract positions as part of a merchandising program and to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity markets.  The Company has not

13


applied hedge accounting to these positions. Activity related to derivatives not designated as hedges is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Volume: As of April 26, 2020, and October 27, 2019, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures and options contracts related to its hedging programs:
 
 
Volume
Commodity Contracts
 
April 26, 2020
 
October 27, 2019
Corn
 
20.4 million bushels
 
30.4 million bushels
Lean Hogs
 
199.1 million pounds
 
187.3 million pounds

 
Fair Value of Derivatives:  The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of April 26, 2020, and October 27, 2019, are:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value (1)
(in thousands)
 
Location on Consolidated Statements
of Financial Position
 
April 26,
2020
 
October 27,
2019
Derivatives Designated as Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity Contracts
 
Other Current Assets
 
$
(32,187
)
 
$
6,405

(1)  Amounts represent the gross fair value of derivative assets and liabilities.  The Company nets the derivative assets and liabilities for each of its hedging programs, including cash collateral, when a master netting arrangement exists between the Company and the counterparty to the derivative contract. The amount or timing of cash collateral balances may impact the classification of the derivative in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  The gross liability position as of April 26, 2020 is offset by cash collateral of $42.0 million contained within the master netting arrangement. See Note K - Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
 
Fair Value Hedge - Assets (Liabilities): The carrying amount of the Company's fair value hedge assets (liabilities) as of April 26, 2020, and October 27, 2019, are:
Location on Consolidated Statements
    of Financial Position
 
Carrying Amount of the Hedged
Assets/(Liabilities)
(in thousands)
 
April 26,
2020
 
October 27, 2019
Accounts Payable
 
$
(5,642
)
 
$
(2,805
)


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Impact: As of April 26, 2020, the Company included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss hedging losses of $46.1 million (before tax) relating to its positions. The Company expects to recognize the majority of these losses over the next twelve months.

The effect of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company's derivative instruments for the thirteen weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, are:
 
 
Gain/(Loss)
Recognized
 in AOCL (1)
 
Location on
Consolidated
Statements
of Operations
 
Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCL into Earnings (1)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity Contracts
 
$
(47,944
)
 
$
505

 
Cost of Products Sold
 
$
(5,477
)
 
$
(532
)
Excluded Component (2)
 

 
5,930

 
 
 
 
 
 


14


The effect of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for gains or losses (before tax) related to the Company's derivative instruments for the twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020 and April 28, 2019, are:
 
 
Gain/(Loss)
Recognized
 in AOCL (1)
 
Location on
Consolidated
Statements
of Operations
 
Gain/(Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCL into Earnings (1)
 
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity Contracts
 
$
(56,571
)
 
$
(337
)
 
Cost of Products Sold
 
$
(7,352
)
 
$
(1,775
)
Excluded Component (2)
 

 
5,243

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
See Note H - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the after-tax impact of these gains or losses on Net Earnings.
(2)
Represents the time value amount of lean hog 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 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, are:
 
 
Cost of Products Sold
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
$
1,945,113

 
$
1,875,595

 
$
3,861,127

 
$
3,747,616

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges - Commodity Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL
 
(5,477
)
 
(532
)
 
(7,352
)
 
(1,775
)
 Amortization of Excluded Component from Options
 

 
(1,110
)
 

 
(2,468
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Hedges - Commodity Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Gain (Loss) on Commodity Futures (1)
 
5,960

 
705

 
9,146

 
1,637

Total Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
 
$
483

 
$
(937
)

$
1,794


$
(2,606
)

(1)  
Amounts represent losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the
thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, which were offset by a corresponding gain on the underlying hedged purchase commitment. Additional gains or losses related to changes in the fair value of open commodity contracts, along with the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged purchase commitment, are also marked-to-market through earnings with no impact on a net basis.


NOTE G - INVESTMENTS IN AND RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATES
 
The Company accounts for its majority-owned operations under the consolidation method.  Investments in which the Company owns a minority interest, and for which there are no other indicators of control, are accounted for under the equity or cost method.  These investments, along with any related receivables from affiliates, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as Investments In and Receivables From Affiliates.
 
Investments In and Receivables From Affiliates consist of:
 
(in thousands)
Segment
 
% Owned
 
April 26,
2020
 
October 27,
2019
MegaMex Foods, LLC
Grocery Products
 
50%
 
$
221,591

 
$
218,592

Other Joint Ventures
International & Other
 
Various (20-40%)
 
81,602

 
70,565

Total
 
 
 
 
$
303,194

 
$
289,157




15


Equity in Earnings of Affiliates consists of:
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
 
Segment
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
MegaMex Foods, LLC
Grocery Products
 
$
7,679

 
$
13,479

 
$
17,140

 
$
23,981

Other Joint Ventures
International & Other
 
2,342

 
(188
)
 
469

 
768

Total
 
 
$
10,021

 
$
13,291

 
$
17,608

 
$
24,749


 
For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, $10.0 million and $20.0 million of dividends were received from affiliates, compared to $10.0 million of dividends received for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 28, 2019.

The Company recognized a basis difference of $21.3 million associated with the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC, of which $12.3 million is remaining as of April 26, 2020.  This difference is being amortized through Equity in Earnings of Affiliates.


NOTE H - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are:

(in thousands)
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Pension &
Other
Benefits
 
Hedging
Deferred
Gain (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance at January 26, 2020
$
(45,184
)
 
$
(345,364
)
 
 
$
(2,730
)
 
 
$
(393,278
)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
(26,108
)
 
78

 
 
(47,944
)
 
 
(73,975
)
Tax Effect

 

 
 
11,702

 
 
11,702

Reclassification into Net Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross

 
4,639

(1) 
 
5,477

(2) 
 
10,116

Tax Effect

 
(1,136
)
 
 
(1,337
)
 
 
(2,473
)
Net of Tax Amount
(26,108
)
 
3,582

 
 
(32,103
)
 
 
(54,630
)
Balance at April 26, 2020
$
(71,292
)
 
$
(341,783
)
 
 
$
(34,833
)
 
 
$
(447,908
)

(in thousands)
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Pension &
Other
Benefits
 
Hedging
Deferred
Gain (Loss)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance at October 27, 2019
$
(52,996
)
 
$
(348,877
)
 
 
$
2,373

 
 
$
(399,500
)
Unrecognized Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross
(18,296
)
 
68

 
 
(56,571
)
 
 
(74,799
)
Tax Effect

 

 
 
13,807

 
 
13,807

Reclassification into Net Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross

 
9,305

(1) 
 
7,352

(2) 
 
16,657

Tax Effect

 
(2,279
)
 
 
(1,794
)
 
 
(4,073
)
Net of Tax Amount
(18,296
)
 
7,093

 
 
(37,206
)
 
 
(48,408
)
Balance at April 26, 2020
$
(71,292
)
 
$
(341,783
)
 
 
$
(34,833
)
 
 
$
(447,908
)

(1) 
Included in the computation of net periodic cost. See Note E - Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits for additional details.
(2) 
Included in Cost of Products Sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.



16


NOTE I - 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.

On December 22, 2017, the United States (U.S.) enacted comprehensive tax legislation into law, H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the Tax Act. Except for certain provisions, the Tax Act is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. As a fiscal year U.S. taxpayer, the majority of the provisions, such as eliminating the domestic manufacturing deduction, creating new taxes on certain foreign sourced income, and introducing new limitations on certain business deductions, applied to the Company in fiscal 2019. For fiscal 2019 and future periods, the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate is 21.0 percent.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (Topic 740), allowing a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts. As of January 27, 2019, the Company completed the accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act.

During fiscal 2018, the Company provisionally recorded the transition tax on its foreign earnings. Those foreign earnings have been deemed repatriated for U.S. federal tax purposes. The Company maintains all earnings are permanently reinvested. Accordingly, no additional income taxes have been provided for withholding tax, state tax, or other taxes.

The Company's effective tax rate for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, was 20.6 percent and 18.4 percent, respectively, compared to 11.1 percent and 16.1 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 28, 2019. The lower rate for the second quarter of 2019 resulted from the net tax benefits generated from the CytoSport divestiture and equity based compensation.

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, is recorded in Other Long-term Liabilities.  If recognized as of April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, $24.0 million and $27.7 million, respectively, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.  The Company includes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in Income Tax Expense. Interest and penalties included in income tax expense was immaterial for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $6.1 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities.  The United States Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) concluded its examination of fiscal 2017 in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company has elected to participate in the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) for fiscal years 2018 through 2021.  The objective of CAP is to contemporaneously work with the I.R.S. to achieve federal tax compliance and resolve all or most of the issues prior to filing of the tax return.  The Company may elect to continue participating in CAP for future tax years. The Company may withdraw from the program at any time.

The Company is in various stages of audit by several state taxing authorities on a variety of fiscal years, dating back to 2011.  While it is reasonably possible that one or more of these audits may be completed within the next 12 months and the related unrecognized tax benefits may change, based on the status of the examinations it is not possible to reasonably estimate the effect of any amount of such change to previously recorded uncertain tax positions.


NOTE J - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
The Company issues stock options, restricted stock units, and restricted shares as part of its stock incentive plans for employees and non-employee directors. During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, stock-based compensation expense was $6.2 million and $15.5 million, respectively, compared to $5.6 million and $13.5 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 28, 2019. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the vesting period or the individual's retirement eligibility date. The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to retirement-eligible individuals is expensed at the time of grant.

At April 26, 2020, there was $31.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense from stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans.  This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years.  During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, cash received from stock option exercises was $28.0 million and $64.4 million, respectively, compared to $28.3 million and $44.3 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 28, 2019.

Shares issued for option exercises, restricted stock units, and restricted shares may be either authorized but unissued shares or shares of treasury stock.


17


Stock Options: The Company’s policy is to grant options with the exercise price equal to the market price of the common stock on the date of grant.  Options typically vest over four years and expire ten years after the date of the grant. 

Effective with fiscal 2020 grants, the Company has determined the equity award value for eligible employees will be delivered fifty percent in stock options as described above and fifty percent in time-vested restricted stock units with a three-year cliff vesting.

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

A reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable (in thousands) as of April 26, 2020 is:
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Stock Options Outstanding at October 27, 2019
25,994

 
$
26.49

 
 
 
 
Granted
1,209

 
45.86

 
 
 
 
Exercised
4,927

 
15.40

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
124

 
36.41

 
 
 
 
Stock Options Outstanding at April 26, 2020
22,152

 
29.96

 
5.6
 
$
369,036

Stock Options Exercisable at April 26, 2020
15,141

 
$
25.63

 
4.3
 
$
317,637


 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of options exercised (in thousands) during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, are:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value
$
7.92

 
$
8.21

 
$
7.71

 
$
9.24

Intrinsic Value of Exercised Options
55,948

 
75,545

 
153,894

 
107,786


 
The fair value of each option award is calculated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model utilizing the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Risk-free Interest Rate
1.5
%
 
2.6
%
 
1.7
%
 
2.8
%
Dividend Yield
2.0
%
 
2.0
%
 
2.0
%
 
1.9
%
Stock Price Volatility
19.0
%
 
19.0
%
 
19.0
%
 
19.0
%
Expected Option Life
8 years

 
8 years

 
8 years

 
8 years


 
As part of the annual valuation process, the Company reassesses the appropriateness of the inputs used in the valuation models.  The Company establishes the risk-free interest rate using U.S. Treasury yields as of the grant date.  The dividend yield is based on the dividend rate approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the stock price on the grant date.  The expected volatility assumption is based primarily on historical volatility.  As a reasonableness test, implied volatility from exchange traded options is also examined to validate the volatility range obtained from the historical analysis.  The expected life assumption is based on an analysis of past exercise behavior by option holders.  In performing the valuations for option grants, the Company has not stratified option holders as exercise behavior has historically been consistent across all employees.

Restricted Stock Units: Restricted stock units are valued equal to the market price of the common stock on the date of grant and vest after three years. These awards accumulate dividend equivalents, which are provided as additional units and are subject to the same vesting requirements as the underlying grant.


18


A reconciliation of the restricted stock units (in thousands) as of April 26, 2020 is:
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding at October 27, 2019

 
$

 
 
 
 
Granted
203

 
45.86

 
 
 
 
Vested
7

 
45.54

 
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding at April 26, 2020
196

 
$
45.87

 
2.1
 
$
9,114



The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted and the total fair value (in thousands) of restricted stock units granted during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, are:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value
$
47.43

 
$

 
$
45.86

 
$

Fair Value of Restricted Stock Units Granted
1,625

 

 
9,320

 



Restricted Shares: Restricted shares awarded to non-employee directors annually on February 1 are subject to a restricted period which expires the date of the Company’s next annual stockholders meeting. Newly elected directors receive a prorated award of restricted shares of the Company's common stock, which expires on the date of the Company's second succeeding annual stockholders meeting. A reconciliation of the restricted shares (in thousands) as of April 26, 2020 is:
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Restricted Shares Outstanding at October 27, 2019
51

 
$
42.23

Granted
41

 
47.29

Vested
47

 
42.08

Restricted Shares Outstanding at April 26, 2020
45

 
$
47.03


 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted shares granted, the total fair value (in thousands) of restricted shares granted, and the fair value (in thousands) of shares that have vested during the twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, are:
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Weighted-average Grant Date Fair Value
$
47.29

 
$
42.23

Fair Value of Restricted Shares Granted
1,973

 
2,134

Fair Value of Shares Vested
1,974

 
1,760




NOTE K - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
Pursuant to the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820), the Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value or discloses the fair value of certain assets and liabilities recorded at cost in the consolidated financial statements.  Fair value is calculated as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires assets and liabilities measured at fair value to be categorized into one of three levels based on the inputs used in the valuation.  The Company classifies assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement.  The three levels are defined as follows:
 
Level 1:  Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2: Observable inputs, other than those included in Level 1, based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets.
 

19


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 as of April 26, 2020, and October 27, 2019, and their level within the fair value hierarchy, are:
 
Fair Value Measurements at April 26, 2020
(in thousands)
Total Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents (1)
$
606,073

 
$
604,583

 
$
1,490

 
$

Short-term Marketable Securities (2)
16,841

 
6,848

 
9,993

 

Other Trading Securities (3)
159,190

 

 
159,190

 

Commodity Derivatives (4)
15,072

 
15,072

 

 

Total Assets at Fair Value
$
797,176

 
$
626,503

 
$
170,673

 
$

Liabilities at Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Compensation (3)
$
57,902

 
$

 
$
57,902

 
$

Total Liabilities at Fair Value
$
57,902

 
$

 
$
57,902

 
$

 
Fair Value Measurements at October 27, 2019
(in thousands)
Total Fair
Value
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents (1)
$
672,901

 
$
672,458

 
$
443

 
$

Short-term Marketable Securities (2)
14,736

 
5,186

 
9,550

 

Other Trading Securities (3)
157,526

 

 
157,526

 

Commodity Derivatives (4)
12,882

 
12,882

 

 

Total Assets at Fair Value
$
858,045

 
$
690,526

 
$
167,519

 
$

Liabilities at Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Compensation (3)
$
62,373

 
$

 
$
62,373

 
$

Total Liabilities at Fair Value
$
62,373

 
$

 
$
62,373

 
$

 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities above:
(1) 
The Company’s cash equivalents considered Level 1 consist primarily of bank deposits, money market funds rated AAA, or other highly liquid investment accounts, and have a maturity date of three months or less. Cash equivalents considered Level 2 are funds holding agency bonds or securities 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.  Under the plans, the participants can defer certain types of compensation and elect to receive a return on the deferred amounts based on the changes in fair value of various investment options, primarily a variety of mutual funds. The majority of the funds held in the rabbi trust relate to the supplemental executive retirement plans and have been invested in fixed income funds managed by a third party.  The declared rate on these funds is set based on a formula using the yield of the general account investment portfolio supporting the fund, adjusted for expenses and other charges.  The rate is guaranteed for one year at issue and may be reset annually on the policy anniversary, subject to a guaranteed minimum rate.  As the value is based on adjusted market rates and the fixed rate is only reset on an annual basis, these funds are classified as Level 2.  The remaining funds held are also managed by a third-party insurance policy, the values of which represent their cash surrender value based on the fair value of the underlying investments in the account and include equity

20


securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market.  Therefore, these policies are also classified as Level 2.  The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position with investment options generally mirroring those funds held by the rabbi trust.  These balances are classified as Level 2.  The Company also offers a fixed rate investment option to participants.  The rate earned on these investments is adjusted annually based on a specified percentage of the I.R.S. applicable federal rates.  These balances are classified as Level 2. Securities held by the trust are classified as trading securities. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company's earnings. During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, securities held by the trust generated losses of $11.4 million and $6.7 million, respectively, compared to gains of $4.8 million and $6.2 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 28, 2019.
(4) 
The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts and options used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn and hogs, and to minimize the price risk assumed when forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers.  The Company’s futures contracts for corn are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade, while futures contracts for lean hogs are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  These are active markets with quoted prices available, and these contracts are classified as Level 1. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance.  The net balance for each program is included in Other Current Assets or Accounts Payable, as appropriate, in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  As of April 26, 2020, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $47.5 million from various counterparties (including $5.5 million of realized gains on closed positions and cash of $42.0 million).  As of October 27, 2019, the Company had recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $6.5 million from various counterparties (including $10.5 million of realized gains on closed positions offset by cash owed of $4.0 million).
 
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other liabilities, for which carrying value approximates fair value.  The Company does not carry its long-term debt at fair value in its Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  Based on borrowing rates available to the Company for long-term financing with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of long-term debt, utilizing discounted cash flows (Level 2), was $254.1 million as of April 26, 2020, and $257.7 million as of October 27, 2019.

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value, which are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment).   During the twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, there were no material remeasurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.


NOTE L - LEASES

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

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

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

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

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


21


Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of April 26, 2020, are:
(in thousands)
Location on Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
 
April 26, 2020
Right-of-Use Assets
 
 
 

Operating
Other Assets
 
$
59,054

Finance
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
 
65,059

Total Right-of-Use Assets
 
$
124,114

Liabilities
 
 
 
Current
 
 
 
Operating
Accrued Expenses
 
$
13,767

Finance
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt
 
8,295

Noncurrent
 
 
 
Operating
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
47,339

Finance
Long-Term Debt - Less Current Maturities
 
56,861

Total Lease Liabilities

 
$
126,263



Lease expenses for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, are:
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
 
April 26, 2020
April 26, 2020
Operating Lease Cost (1)
 
$
5,366

$
10,490

Finance Lease Cost
 
 

 
Amortization of Right-of-Use Assets
 
2,001

4,000

Interest on Lease Liabilities
 
587

1,192

Variable Lease Cost (2)
 
106,866

209,534

Net Lease Cost
 
$
114,820

$
225,216


(1) 
Includes short-term lease costs, which are immaterial.
(2) 
ASC 842 - Leases requires disclosure of payments related to agreements with an embedded lease that are not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet. The Company's variable lease costs primarily include inventory related expenses, such as materials, labor, and overhead from manufacturing and service agreements that contain embedded leases. Variability of these costs is determined based on usage or output and may vary for other reasons such as changes in material prices.

The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for lease liabilities included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 26, 2020, are:
 
 
April 26, 2020
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
 
 
Operating Leases
 
7.37 years

Finance Leases
 
8.59 years

Weighted Average Discount Rate
 
 
Operating Leases
 
2.29
%
Finance Leases
 
3.57
%



22


Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases for the twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, are:
(in thousands)
 
April 26, 2020
Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities
 
 

Operating Cash Flows from Operating Leases
 
$
7,258

Operating Cash Flows from Finance Leases
 
1,192

Financing Cash Flows from Finance Leases
 
4,069

 
 
 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
 
3,600



The maturity of the Company's lease liabilities as of April 26, 2020, are:
(in thousands)
Operating Leases(1)
 
Finance Leases (2)
 
Total
2020 (twenty-six weeks remaining)
$
9,055

 
$
5,240

 
$
14,296

2021
12,787

 
10,324

 
23,111

2022
10,087

 
9,934

 
20,021

2023
8,428

 
9,738

 
18,166

2024
5,598

 
9,612

 
15,209

2025
3,415

 
8,117

 
11,532

2026 and beyond
18,644

 
21,192

 
39,836

Total Lease Payments
$
68,015

 
$
74,157

 
$
142,172

Less: Imputed Interest
6,908

 
9,001

 
15,909

Present Value of Lease Liabilities
$
61,107

 
$
65,156

 
$
126,263

(1) 
Operating lease payments exclude $0.2 million of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.
(2) 
Over the life of the lease contracts, finance lease payments include $8.7 million related to purchase options which are reasonably certain of being exercised.


NOTE M - EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA
 
The reported net earnings attributable to the Company were used when computing basic and diluted earnings per share.  The following table sets forth the shares used as the denominator for those computations:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding
538,119

 
535,480

 
536,597

 
534,988

Dilutive Potential Common Shares
8,254

 
10,850

 
8,997

 
11,736

Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding
546,373

 
546,330

 
545,594

 
546,724

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive Potential Common Shares
2,172

 
2,145

 
2,453

 
1,607


 


23


NOTE N - SEGMENT REPORTING
 
The Company develops, processes, and distributes a wide array of food products in a variety of markets.  The Company reports its results in the following four segments:  Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International & Other.
 
The Grocery Products segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market, along with the sale of nutritional and private label shelf-stable products to retail, foodservice, and industrial customers.  This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex joint venture.
 
The Refrigerated Foods segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork, beef, and poultry products for retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers.
 
The Jennie-O Turkey Store segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.
 
The International & Other segment includes Hormel Foods International, which manufactures, markets, and sells Company products internationally.  This segment also includes the results from the Company’s international joint ventures and royalty arrangements.
 
Intersegment sales are recorded at prices that approximate cost and are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, or interest income to its segments when measuring performance.  The Company also retains various other income and expenses at the corporate level.  Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded.  These items are included below as Net Unallocated Expense and Noncontrolling Interest when reconciling to Earnings Before Income Taxes.
 
Sales and operating profits for each of the Company’s reportable segments and reconciliation to Earnings Before Income Taxes are set forth below.  The Company is an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations, and sharing of assets.  Therefore, the Company does not represent these segments, if operated independently, would report the profit and other financial information shown below.
 

24


 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
Sales to Unaffiliated Customers
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
$
683,250

 
$
635,319

 
$
1,223,876

 
$
1,242,144

Refrigerated Foods
1,247,336

 
1,257,884

 
2,599,127

 
2,536,631

Jennie-O Turkey Store
343,056

 
305,256

 
673,183

 
626,490

International & Other
148,823

 
146,285

 
310,714

 
299,834

Total
$
2,422,465

 
$
2,344,744

 
$
4,806,899

 
$
4,705,099

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intersegment Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
$
6

 
$

 
$
13

 
$
22

Refrigerated Foods
5,248

 
3,273

 
11,051

 
5,451

Jennie-O Turkey Store
28,878

 
30,050

 
56,720

 
58,861

International & Other

 

 

 

Total
34,132

 
33,323

 
67,784

 
64,334

Intersegment Elimination
(34,132
)
 
(33,323
)
 
(67,784
)
 
(64,334
)
Total
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
$
683,256

 
$
635,319

 
$
1,223,889

 
$
1,242,166

Refrigerated Foods
1,252,584

 
1,261,157

 
2,610,178

 
2,542,082

Jennie-O Turkey Store
371,934

 
335,306

 
729,903

 
685,351

International & Other
148,823

 
146,285

 
310,714

 
299,834

Intersegment Elimination
(34,132
)
 
(33,323
)
 
(67,784
)
 
(64,334
)
Total
$
2,422,465

 
$
2,344,744

 
$
4,806,899

 
$
4,705,099

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
$
127,763

 
$
104,499

 
$
196,198

 
$
199,796

Refrigerated Foods
131,431

 
158,088

 
298,775

 
320,681

Jennie-O Turkey Store
27,348

 
17,749

 
65,899

 
55,653

International & Other
23,164

 
14,325

 
43,115

 
39,303

Total Segment Profit
309,706

 
294,661

 
603,986

 
615,433

Net Unallocated Expense
23,098

 
(23,178
)
 
27,297

 
(9,287
)
Noncontrolling Interest
(119
)
 
207

 
(39
)
 
301

Earnings Before Income Taxes
$
286,489

 
$
318,046

 
$
576,651

 
$
625,021



Revenue has been disaggregated into the categories below to show how sales channels affect the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. The amount of total revenues contributed by sales channel for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, are:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
U.S. Retail
$
1,455,652

 
$
1,255,507

 
$
2,682,082

 
$
2,508,822

U.S. Foodservice
566,814

 
716,407

 
1,275,920

 
1,406,312

U.S. Deli
223,034

 
212,715

 
483,672

 
463,991

International
176,966

 
160,115

 
365,226

 
325,974

Total
$
2,422,465

 
$
2,344,744

 
$
4,806,899

 
$
4,705,099



The shift in revenues from the U.S. Foodservice to U.S. Retail channel in the thirteen weeks ended April 26, 2020, was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shelter-in-place restrictions.

25


The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. The amount of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 26, 2020, and April 28, 2019, are: 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Perishable
$
1,250,330

 
$
1,317,455

 
$
2,650,525

 
$
2,658,607

Shelf-stable
619,353

 
444,831

 
1,070,058

 
881,728

Poultry
482,959

 
427,663

 
942,041

 
869,055

Miscellaneous
69,823

 
154,795

 
144,275

 
295,709

Total
$
2,422,465

 
$
2,344,744

 
$
4,806,899

 
$
4,705,099



Perishable includes fresh meats, frozen items, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, guacamole, and bacon (excluding Jennie-O Turkey Store products). Shelf-stable includes canned luncheon meats, peanut butter, chilies, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, hash, stews, meat spreads, flour and corn tortillas, salsas, tortilla chips, and other items that do not require refrigeration. The Poultry category is composed primarily of Jennie-O Turkey Store products. The Miscellaneous category primarily consists of nutritional food products and supplements, dessert and drink mixes, and industrial gelatin products. The reduction in the Miscellaneous category during fiscal 2020 is due to the divestiture of CytoSport on April 15, 2019.


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. It operates in four reportable segments as described in Note N - Segment Reporting in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
The Company reported net earnings per diluted share of $0.42 for the second quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to $0.52 per diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. Significant factors impacting the quarter were:
 
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shelter-in-place restrictions, the Company experienced significant demand shifts from its foodservice business to its retail business. The Company also experienced operational interruptions as its manufacturing facilities and suppliers were impacted by COVID-19.
Segment profit increased due to strong growth from Grocery Products, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International & Other more than offsetting a decline in Refrigerated Foods.
Net earnings decreased due primarily to one-time gains resulting from the CytoSport divestiture last year and losses on investments during the quarter.
Grocery Products profit increased significantly due to higher sales and an improved mix across the portfolio.
Jennie-O Turkey Store segment profit increased due to higher sales and improved plant and live production performance.
International & Other profit increased as higher branded export margins and income from affiliates more than offset weaker results in China and lower fresh pork export margins.
Refrigerated Foods segment profit decreased as improved results from many branded retail products were more than offset by the adverse profit impact from significantly lower foodservice sales and higher operational costs.
Year-to-date cash flow from operations was $548.3 million, up 50 percent compared to last year due to lower levels of inventory and accounts receivable.
The Company acquired Sadler's Smokehouse for $268.9 million during the quarter. The transaction closed on March 2, 2020.

Response to COVID-19

The Company is committed to making the necessary investments to keep its team members safe. Enhanced safety procedures have been implemented across the Company's facilities, including providing personal protective equipment for all production team members, frequent disinfecting of high-touch areas, reconfiguration of common areas and workstations, temperature and wellness screenings, revised shift scheduling, reducing production line speeds, new guidelines on carpooling, more extensive social distancing measures throughout each facility and where possible, providing remote work opportunities and facilitating access to rapid testing for employees. The Company has also announced over $11 million in bonuses to all full- and part-time plant production team members.


26


Consolidated Results
 
Volume, Net Sales, Earnings, and Diluted Earnings per Share
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
%
Change
Volume (lbs.)
1,233,072

 
1,180,007

 
4.5

 
2,420,059

 
2,376,900

 
1.8

Organic Volume (1)
1,229,343

 
1,143,879

 
7.5

 
2,416,329

 
2,304,939

 
4.8

Net Sales
$
2,422,465

 
$
2,344,744

 
3.3

 
$
4,806,899

 
$
4,705,099

 
2.2

Organic Net Sales (1)
2,400,855

 
2,275,422

 
5.5

 
4,785,289

 
4,570,623

 
4.7

Earnings Before Income Taxes
286,489

 
318,046

 
(9.9
)
 
576,651

 
625,021

 
(7.7
)
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation
227,734

 
282,429

 
(19.4
)
 
470,606

 
523,854

 
(10.2
)
Diluted Earnings per Share
0.42

 
0.52

 
(19.2
)
 
0.86

 
0.96

 
(10.4
)
Adjusted Earnings Before Income Taxes (1)
286,489

 
301,577

 
(5.0
)
 
576,651

 
608,552

 
(5.2
)
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (1)
0.42

 
0.46

 
(8.7
)
 
0.86

 
0.90

 
(4.4
)

(1)The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements of adjusted earnings before income taxes (adjusted pretax earnings) and adjusted diluted earnings per share are presented to provide investors with additional information to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Adjusted earnings per share excludes the one-time gain associated with the divestiture of the CytoSport business in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, which was recognized in net unallocated expense and provision for income taxes. The tax benefit was driven by the sale of shares of the CytoSport legal entity.

The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements of organic net sales and organic volume are presented to provide investors with additional information to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Organic net sales and organic volume are defined as net sales and volume, excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures. Organic net sales and organic volume exclude the impacts of the Sadler's Smokehouse acquisition (March 2020) in the Refrigerated Foods segment and the CytoSport divestiture (April 2019) in the Grocery Products and International & Other segments.

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

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


27


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ADJUSTED EARNINGS (NON-GAAP)
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
 
 
GAAP Earnings
 
GAAP Earnings
Gain on CytoSport Sale
Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings
 
% Change
Total Segment Profit
$
309,706

 
$
294,661

$

$
294,661

 
5.1

Net Unallocated Expense
23,098

 
(23,178
)
16,469

(6,709
)
 
(444.3
)
Noncontrolling Interest
(119
)
 
207


207

 
(157.5
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
$
286,489

 
$
318,046

$
(16,469
)
$
301,577

 
(5.0
)
Provision for Income Taxes
58,873

 
35,410

16,972

52,382

 
12.4

Net Earnings
$
227,615

 
$
282,636

$
(33,441
)
$
249,195

 
(8.7
)
Less: Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(119
)
 
207


207

 
(157.5
)
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation
$
227,734

 
$
282,429

$
(33,441
)
$
248,988

 
(8.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
0.42

 
$
0.52

$
(0.06
)
$
0.46

 
(8.7
)

 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
 
 
GAAP Earnings
 
GAAP Earnings
Gain on CytoSport Sale
Non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings
 
% Change
Total Segment Profit
$
603,986

 
$
615,433

$

$
615,433

 
(1.9
)
Net Unallocated Expense
27,297

 
(9,287
)
16,469

7,182

 
280.1

Noncontrolling Interest
(39
)
 
301


301

 
(113.0
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
$
576,651

 
$
625,021

$
(16,469
)
$
608,552

 
(5.2
)
Provision for Income Taxes
106,083

 
100,866

16,972

117,838

 
(10.0
)
Net Earnings
$
470,568

 
$
524,155

$
(33,441
)
$
490,714

 
(4.1
)
Less: Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(39
)
 
301


301

 
(113.0
)
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation
$
470,606

 
$
523,854

$
(33,441
)
$
490,413

 
(4.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
0.86

 
$
0.96

$
(0.06
)
$
0.90

 
(4.4
)


28


ORGANIC VOLUME AND NET SALES (NON-GAAP)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
 
(in thousands)
Reported GAAP
Acquisitions
Organic (Non-GAAP)
 
Reported GAAP
Divestitures
Organic (Non-GAAP)
 
Organic
% Change
Volume (lbs.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
363,703


363,703

 
340,602

(35,103
)
305,499

 
19.1

Refrigerated Foods
576,543

(3,730
)
572,813

 
578,795


578,795

 
(1.0
)
Jennie-O Turkey Store
209,477


209,477

 
175,611


175,611

 
19.3

International & Other
83,350


83,350

 
84,999

(1,025
)
83,974

 
(0.7
)
   Total Volume
1,233,072

(3,730
)
1,229,343

 
1,180,007

(36,128
)
1,143,879

 
7.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
$
683,250

$

$
683,250

 
$
635,319

$
(67,415
)
$
567,904

 
20.3

Refrigerated Foods
1,247,336

(21,610
)
1,225,726

 
1,257,884


1,257,884

 
(2.6
)
Jennie-O Turkey Store
343,056


343,056

 
305,256


305,256

 
12.4

International & Other
148,823


148,823

 
146,285

(1,907
)
144,378

 
3.1

   Total Net Sales
$
2,422,465

$
(21,610
)
$
2,400,855

 
$
2,344,744

$
(69,322
)
$
2,275,422

 
5.5


 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
 
(in thousands)
Reported GAAP
Acquisitions
Organic (Non-GAAP)
 
Reported GAAP
Divestitures
Organic (Non-GAAP)
 
Organic
% Change
Volume (lbs.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
656,621


656,621

 
679,345

(69,910
)
609,435

 
7.7
Refrigerated Foods
1,182,152

(3,730
)
1,178,422

 
1,168,151


1,168,151

 
0.9
Jennie-O Turkey Store
406,676


406,676

 
357,770


357,770

 
13.7
International & Other
174,610


174,610

 
171,634

(2,052
)
169,583

 
3.0
   Total Volume
2,420,059

(3,730
)
2,416,329

 
2,376,900

(71,962
)
2,304,939

 
4.8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grocery Products
$
1,223,876

$

$
1,223,876

 
$
1,242,144

$
(130,588
)
$
1,111,556

 
10.1
Refrigerated Foods
2,599,127

(21,610
)
2,577,516

 
2,536,631


2,536,631

 
1.6
Jennie-O Turkey Store
673,183


673,183

 
626,490


626,490

 
7.5
International & Other
310,714


310,714

 
299,834

(3,889
)
295,946

 
5.0
   Total Net Sales
$
4,806,899

$
(21,610
)
$
4,785,289

 
$
4,705,099

$
(134,477
)
$
4,570,623

 
4.7

Net Sales

The increase in net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 was primarily related to higher branded retail sales across the enterprise and higher sales of commodity items in Jennie-O Turkey Store and Refrigerated Foods. These increases more than offset significantly lower foodservice sales and the impact from the CytoSport divestiture last year. Due to shelter-in-place orders and restaurant closures across the country during the quarter, consumer shopping patterns dramatically shifted away from foodservice toward the retail channel.

For the first six months of fiscal 2020, the increase in net sales was attributed to higher branded retail sales in Grocery Products and Refrigerated Foods and higher commodity sales in Jennie-O Turkey Store and Refrigerated Foods. These increases more than offset lower foodservice sales in Refrigerated Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store and the impact from the CytoSport divestiture last year.


29


Cost of Products Sold
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26, 2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
Cost of Products Sold
$
1,945,113

 
$
1,875,595

 
3.7
 
$
3,861,127

 
$
3,747,616

 
3.0

Cost of products sold for the second quarter increased driven by higher sales and approximately $20 million of higher operational costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cost of products sold for the first six months of fiscal 2020 increased primarily due to higher sales.

The Company expects to absorb another $60-$80 million in COVID-19 related operational costs in the second half of the year, weighted primarily to the third quarter. The majority of the increased costs are expected to be temporary.

Gross Profit
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
 
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
Gross Profit
$
477,352

 
$
469,149

 
1.7
 
 
$
945,773

 
$
957,483

 
(1.2
)
Percentage of Net Sales
19.7
%
 
20.0
%
 
 
 
 
19.7
%
 
20.3
%
 
 
 
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined for the second quarter. The primary driver of the decline was sales mix due to lower enterprise-wide foodservice sales and higher operational costs related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Offsetting some of this impact was improved mix within the Grocery Products segment due to strong demand for branded retail items.

For the first six months of fiscal 2020, gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined due to the mix impact from lower foodservice sales across the Company, higher pork and beef raw material costs during the first quarter and higher operational costs due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Looking ahead to the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company expects to be negatively impacted by operational interruptions, record high input costs, lower foodservice demand and higher operating costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company expects continued strength from branded, value-added retail products to offset a portion of these impacts.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26, 2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
SG&A
$
193,912

 
$
170,076

 
14.0
 
$
389,433

 
$
363,620

 
7.1
Percentage of Net Sales
8.0
%
 
7.3
%
 
 
 
8.1
%
 
7.7
%
 
 
 
For the second quarter, SG&A expenses increased primarily due to the inclusion of a one-time gain resulting from the CytoSport divestiture in fiscal 2019. For the first six months of fiscal 2020, SG&A expenses increased as fiscal 2019 benefited from both the one-time gain from the divestiture of CytoSport and a legal settlement.

Advertising investments in the second quarter were even with the prior year but declined for the first half of fiscal 2020 due to the divestiture of CytoSport.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
%
Change
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
$
10,021

 
$
13,291

 
(24.6
)
 
$
17,608

 
$
24,749

 
(28.9
)
 
The decline in equity in earnings of affiliates for the second quarter was attributed to weak foodservice demand and higher operational costs from a temporary plant closure at MegaMex due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first six months of fiscal 2020, equity in earnings of affiliates declined due to lower earnings for MegaMex.


30


Effective Tax Rate
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Effective Tax Rate
20.6
%
 
11.1
%
 
18.4
%
 
16.1
%

The lower effective tax rate in fiscal 2019 was due to the benefit of the tax gain from the CytoSport divestiture. For further information, refer to Note I - Income Taxes.


31


Segment Results
 
Net sales and operating profits for each of the Company’s reportable segments are set forth below.  The Company is an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations, and sharing of assets.  Therefore, the Company does not represent these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below. 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26, 2020
 
April 28, 2019
 
% Change
 
April 26, 2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
% Change
Net Sales
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Grocery Products
$
683,250

 
$
635,319

 
7.5

 
$
1,223,876

 
$
1,242,144

 
(1.5
)
Refrigerated Foods
1,247,336

 
1,257,884

 
(0.8
)
 
2,599,127

 
2,536,631

 
2.5

Jennie-O Turkey Store
343,056

 
305,256

 
12.4

 
673,183

 
626,490

 
7.5

International & Other
148,823

 
146,285

 
1.7

 
310,714

 
299,834

 
3.6

Total
$
2,422,465

 
$
2,344,744

 
3.3

 
$
4,806,899

 
$
4,705,099

 
2.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Profit
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Grocery Products
$
127,763

 
$
104,499

 
22.3

 
$
196,198

 
$
199,796

 
(1.8
)
Refrigerated Foods
131,431

 
158,088

 
(16.9
)
 
298,775

 
320,681

 
(6.8
)
Jennie-O Turkey Store
27,348

 
17,749

 
54.1

 
65,899

 
55,653

 
18.4

International & Other
23,164

 
14,325

 
61.7

 
43,115

 
39,303

 
9.7

Total Segment Profit
309,706

 
294,661

 
5.1

 
603,986

 
615,433

 
(1.9
)
Net Unallocated Expense
23,098

 
(23,178
)
 
(199.7
)
 
27,297

 
(9,287
)
 
(393.9
)
Noncontrolling Interest
(119
)
 
207

 
(157.5
)
 
(39
)
 
301

 
(113.0
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
$
286,489

 
$
318,046

 
(9.9
)
 
$
576,651

 
$
625,021

 
(7.7
)
 
 
Grocery Products
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
Volume (lbs.)
363,703

 
340,602

 
6.8
 
656,621

 
679,345

 
(3.3
)
Net Sales
$
683,250

 
$
635,319

 
7.5
 
$
1,223,876

 
$
1,242,144

 
(1.5
)
Segment Profit
127,763

 
104,499

 
22.3
 
196,198

 
199,796

 
(1.8
)

Net sales for the second quarter increased as a result of higher consumer demand for branded retail products, driven by growth from products such as the SPAM® family of products, Skippy® peanut butter, Hormel® chili and Hormel® Compleats® microwave meals. These gains more than offset the impact from the CytoSport divestiture in fiscal 2019. For the first six months of fiscal 2020, net sales declined as growth from many center store brands did not fully offset the impact from the CytoSport divestiture last year.

For the second quarter, segment profit increased due to higher sales and an improved mix across the portfolio. Segment profit decreased for the first six months of fiscal 2020 due primarily to the divestiture of CytoSport last year. Grocery Products also benefited from a legal settlement in fiscal 2019.

The Company anticipates continued strong demand for its branded retail items in the third quarter. Profits may be impacted by higher beef and pork trim prices due to lower supplies from operational disruptions in the industry.
  
 

32


Refrigerated Foods
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
Volume (lbs.)
576,543

 
578,795

 
(0.4
)
 
1,182,152

 
1,168,151

 
1.2

Net Sales
$
1,247,336

 
$
1,257,884

 
(0.8
)
 
$
2,599,127

 
$
2,536,631

 
2.5

Segment Profit
131,431

 
158,088

 
(16.9
)
 
298,775

 
320,681

 
(6.8
)

Second quarter net sales declined as strong branded retail and deli products sales, commodity sales and the Sadler's Smokehouse acquisition did not fully offset a dramatic decline in foodservice sales due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first six months of fiscal 2020, net sales increases from branded retail products and commodity sales more than offset declines in foodservice sales.  

Refrigerated Foods segment profit declined for the second quarter, as improved results from products such as Hormel® Black Label® bacon, Applegate® natural and organic meats, Columbus® charcuterie, Hormel® pepperoni and Lloyd's® barbecue meats were more than offset by the adverse profit impact from significantly lower foodservice sales and higher operational costs. Segment profit declined for the first six months of fiscal 2020 primarily due to lower foodservice sales and earnings.
 
Looking ahead to the third quarter, Refrigerated Foods is expected to be negatively impacted by higher input costs, lower foodservice demand and higher operating costs. These costs are primarily related to lower production volumes, the cost of enhanced safety measures in the Company's production facilities, and special employee bonuses.

Jennie-O Turkey Store
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
Volume (lbs.)
209,477

 
175,611

 
19.3
 
406,676

 
357,770

 
13.7
Net Sales
$
343,056

 
$
305,256

 
12.4
 
$
673,183

 
$
626,490

 
7.5
Segment Profit
27,348

 
17,749

 
54.1
 
65,899

 
55,653

 
18.4
 
For the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2020, improved commodity, retail and whole-bird sales more than offset a decline in foodservice sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Segment profit for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2020 increased due to higher sales and improved plant and live production performance.
 
Jennie-O Turkey Store anticipates being negatively impacted by operational interruptions during the third quarter.

International & Other
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
%
Change
Volume (lbs.)
83,350

 
84,999

 
(1.9
)
 
174,610

 
171,634

 
1.7
Net Sales
$
148,823

 
$
146,285

 
1.7

 
$
310,714

 
$
299,834

 
3.6
Segment Profit
23,164

 
14,325

 
61.7

 
43,115

 
39,303

 
9.7
 
Sales for the second quarter increased as strong global demand for SPAM® luncheon meat and other branded exports overcame softer foodservice sales, especially in China. For the first six months of fiscal 2020, net sales increased due to higher branded and fresh pork export volume.
 
Segment profit for the second quarter increased as higher branded export margins and income from affiliates more than offset weaker results in China and lower fresh pork export margins. Segment profit for the first six months of fiscal 2020 increased due to improved results from branded exports and higher income from affiliates.

International & Other expects continued strong demand for branded exports and retail items in China. Higher input costs in China and Brazil are expected to negatively impact results.




33


Unallocated Income and Expenses
 
The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, or interest income to its segments when measuring performance.  The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at the corporate level.  Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included in the segment table for the purpose of reconciling segment results to earnings before income taxes.
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands)
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
 
April 26,
2020
 
April 28,
2019
Net Unallocated Expense
$
23,098

 
$
(23,178
)
 
$
27,297

 
$
(9,287
)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
(119
)
 
207

 
(39
)
 
301

 
Net unallocated expense increased significantly for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2020 due primarily to the one-time gain from the CytoSport divestiture last year and losses on investments.

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 27, 2019.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Cash and cash equivalents were $606.1 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2020 compared to $639.3 million at the end of the comparable fiscal 2019 period.
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $548.3 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2020 compared to $365.6 million in the same period of fiscal 2019.  Lower levels of inventory and accounts receivable drove the majority of the increase. Cash flows from operating activities continue to provide the Company with its principal source of liquidity.  The COVID-19 pandemic has caused supply chain disruptions, market volatility and a shift in consumer behavior. The Company believes its balanced business model and strong balance sheet make it well-positioned to weather the pandemic.

Cash used in investing activities was $423.1 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2020 compared to cash provided by investing activities of $424.8 million in the same period of fiscal 2019.  In the second quarter of 2020, the Company acquired Sadler's Smokehouse for $268.9 million. In fiscal 2019, the Company received proceeds of $473.9 million for the sale of CytoSport. Capital expenditures in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2020 increased to $138.6 million from $87.6 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2019.  The Company estimates its fiscal 2020 capital expenditures to be approximately $340.0 million.  Key projects for the year include an expansion of the Company's Burke Corporation pizza-toppings facility in Nevada, Iowa; a new dry sausage production facility in Nebraska; Project Orion; and other projects to support growth of branded products.
 
Cash used in financing activities was $188.7 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2020 compared to $610.5 million in the same period of fiscal 2019. The Company repurchased $12.4 shares of common stock in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2020 compared to $67.6 million repurchased during the same period of the prior year.  In the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2019, the Company repaid $374.8 million of debt related to the purchase of Columbus. For additional information pertaining to the Company’s share repurchase plans or programs, see Part II, Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
Cash dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders continue to be an ongoing financing activity for the Company.  Dividends paid in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2020 were $236.8 million compared to $212.3 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2019.  For fiscal 2020, the annual dividend rate was increased to $0.93 per share, representing the 54th consecutive annual dividend increase.  The Company has paid dividends for 367 consecutive quarters and expects to continue doing so.

The Company is required by certain covenants in its debt agreements to maintain specified levels of financial ratios and financial position.  At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of these debt covenants. The Company recently renewed its shelf registration statement and will be looking at near-term opportunities to access the debt capital markets to refinance existing debt maturing in April 2021 and to maintain ample liquidity at favorable interest rates.
 
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company remains confident in its ability to meet its cash flow needs and remains dedicated to returning excess cash flow to shareholders through dividend payments.  Top priorities for the Company include reinvestments to ensure employee and food safety.  Growing the business through innovation and evaluating opportunities for strategic acquisitions remain a focus for the Company.  Capital spending to enhance and expand current operations will also be a significant cash outflow for fiscal 2020.

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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The Company records income taxes in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company is unable to determine its contractual obligations by year related to this pronouncement, as the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of its reserves for income taxes cannot be reasonably estimated. The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at April 26, 2020, was $24.0 million.

There have been no other 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 27, 2019.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of April 26, 2020, and October 27, 2019, the Company had $46.5 million and $44.8 million, respectively, of standby letters of credit issued on its behalf.  The standby letters of credit are primarily related to the Company’s self-insured workers compensation programs.  This amount includes $2.7 million as of April 26, 2020, and October 27, 2019, of revocable standby letters of credit for obligations of an affiliated party that may arise under workers compensation claims.  Letters of credit are not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
 
Trademarks
 
References to the Company’s brands or products in italics within this report represent valuable trademarks owned or licensed by Hormel Foods, LLC or other subsidiaries of Hormel Foods Corporation.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that can have a meaningful impact on the reporting of consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting policies are defined as those reflective of significant judgments, estimates, and uncertainties, which may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has considered the impact of COVID-19 and determined there have been no material changes in the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies as disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2019. As conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic evolve, the Company expects these judgments and estimates may be subject to change, which could materially impact future periods.

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 Commission), the Company’s press releases, and oral statements made by the Company’s representatives, the words or phrases “should result,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “are expected to,” “targeted,” “will continue,” “will approximate,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those anticipated or projected.

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Reform Act, the Company is identifying risk factors that could affect financial performance and cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods.  The discussion of risk factors in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain cautionary statements regarding the Company’s business, which should be considered by investors and others.  Such risk factors should be considered in conjunction with any discussions of operations or results by the Company or its representatives, including any forward-looking discussion, as well as comments contained in press releases, presentations to securities analysts or investors, or other communications by the Company.
 
In making these statements, the Company is not undertaking, and specifically declines to undertake, any obligation to address or update each or any factor in future filings or communications regarding the Company’s business or results, and is not undertaking to address how any of these factors may have caused changes to discussions or information contained in previous filings or communications. Though the Company has attempted to list comprehensively these important cautionary risk factors,

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the Company wishes to caution investors and others that other factors may in the future prove to be important in affecting the Company’s business or results of operations.
 
The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which represent current views as of the date made.  Forward-looking statements are inherently at risk to any changes in the national and worldwide economic environment, which could include, among other things, economic conditions, political developments, currency exchange rates, interest and inflation rates, accounting standards, taxes, and laws and regulations affecting the Company and its markets.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Hog Markets:  The Company’s earnings are affected by fluctuations in the live hog market.  To minimize the impact on earnings, and to ensure a steady supply of quality hogs, the Company has entered into contracts with producers for the purchase of hogs at formula-based prices over periods of up to 10 years.  Hogs purchased under contract accounted for 94 percent and 96 percent of the total hogs purchased by the Company during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The majority of these contracts use market-based formulas based on hog futures, hog primal values, or industry reported hog markets.  Other contracts use a formula based on the cost of production, which can fluctuate independently from hog markets.  The Company’s value-added branded portfolio helps mitigate changes in hog and pork market prices.  Therefore, a hypothetical 10 percent change in the cash hog market would have had an immaterial effect on the Company’s results of operations.
 
The Company utilizes a hedge program to reduce exposure and offset the fluctuations in the Company's future direct hog purchases. The program utilizes lean hog futures which are accounted for under cash flow hedge accounting. The fair value of the Company's open futures contracts in this program as of April 26, 2020 was $(24.4) million (before tax) compared to $5.8 million (before tax) as of October 27, 2019. The Company measures its market risk exposure on its lean hog futures contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in the market prices for lean hogs. A 10 percent decrease in the market price for lean hogs would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company's April 26, 2020, open lean hog contracts by $9.0 million, which in turn would lower the Company's future cost on purchased hogs by a similar amount.

Turkey Production Costs:  The Company raises or contracts for live turkeys to meet the majority of its raw material supply requirements.  Production costs in raising turkeys are subject primarily to fluctuations in feed prices, and to a lesser extent, fuel costs.  Under normal, long-term market conditions, changes in the cost to produce turkeys are offset by proportional changes in the turkey market.
 
The Company’s utilizes a hedge program to reduce exposure and offset the fluctuation in the Company's future direct grain purchases.  This program utilizes corn futures for Jennie-O Turkey Store, and these contracts are accounted for under cash flow hedge accounting.  The fair value of the Company’s open futures contracts as of April 26, 2020, was $(13.4) million (before tax) compared to $(2.2) million (before tax) as of October 27, 2019.  The Company measures its market risk exposure on its grain futures contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in the market prices for grain.  A 10 percent decrease in the market price for grain would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company’s April 26, 2020, open grain contracts by $6.7 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost on purchased grain by a similar amount.

Other Input Costs: The costs of raw materials, packaging materials, freight, fuel, and energy may cause the Company's results to fluctuate significantly. To manage input cost volatility, the Company pursues cost saving measures, forward pricing, derivatives, and pricing actions when necessary.
 
Investments:  The Company has corporate-owned life insurance policies classified as trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans.  As of April 26, 2020, the balance of these securities totaled $159.2 million compared to $157.5 million as of October 27, 2019.  A majority of these securities represent fixed income funds.  The Company is subject to market risk due to fluctuations in the value of the remaining investments, as unrealized gains and losses associated with these securities are included in the Company’s net earnings on a mark-to-market basis.  A 10 percent decline in the value of the investments not held in fixed income funds would have a negative impact to the Company’s pretax earnings of approximately $7.1 million, while a 10 percent increase in value would have a positive impact of the same amount.
 
International Assets:  The fair values of certain Company assets are subject to fluctuations in foreign currencies. The Company's net asset position in foreign currencies as of April 26, 2020 was $534.3 million, compared to $543.8 million as of October 27, 2019, with most of the exposure existing in Chinese yuan and Brazilian real. Changes in currency exchange rates impact the fair values of the Company assets either currently through the Consolidated Statements of Operations within Interest and Investment Income or through the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

The Company measures its foreign currency exchange risk by using a 10 percent sensitivity analysis on the Company's primary foreign net asset position, the Chinese yuan and Brazilian real, as of April 26, 2020. A 10 percent strengthening in the value of the Chinese yuan relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive income of approximately $33.4 million pretax. A

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10 percent weakening in the value of the Chinese yuan relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive loss of approximately $27.3 million pretax. A 10 percent strengthening in the value of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive income of approximately $11.2 million pretax. A 10 percent weakening in the value of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive loss of approximately $9.2 million pretax.

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 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.
The Company is in the midst of a multi-year transformation project (Project Orion) to achieve better analytics, customer service, and process efficiencies through the use of Oracle Cloud Solutions. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, the Company completed the implementation of certain human resources and payroll solutions. Additional phases will be implemented over the next several years. Emphasis has been on the maintenance of effective internal controls and assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of key control activities throughout development and deployment of all phases. The Company evaluated and concluded the first phase of Project Orion has not materially affected the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company will continue to evaluate as additional phases are deployed.


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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  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, contract disputes, intellectual property, competition laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors, or suppliers.  The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable.  However, future developments or settlements are uncertain and may require the Company to change such accruals as proceedings progress.  Resolutions of any currently known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
Risk Factors

The Company’s operations are subject to the general risks of the food industry.

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

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

Deterioration of economic conditions could harm the Company’s business.

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

Volatility in financial markets and the deterioration of national and global economic conditions could impact the Company’s operations as follows:

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

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

Additionally, if a highly pathogenic human disease outbreak developed in the United States or internationally, it may negatively impact the national or global economy, demand for Company products, supplies to the Company, the Company's production processes, and/or the Company’s workforce availability, and the Company’s financial results could suffer. The Company has developed contingency plans to address infectious disease scenarios and the potential impact on its operations, and will

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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.

The uncertain and rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

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

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

The Company has already seen many of these risks materialize and impact the business, but is unable to predict the ultimate extent of these impacts or the effects they will have on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation and the Company's understanding of its impacts are changing and evolving on a weekly if not daily basis. The additional risk factors identified here are based upon information known at this time. The COVID-19 pandemic may adversely impact the Company's operations in one or more ways not identified to date.


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Outbreaks of disease among livestock and poultry flocks could harm the Company’s revenues and operating margins.

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

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, as of November 2019, the outbreak of ASF in China has eliminated over 40 percent of the country's hog herd compared to the prior year. The disease has also spread to additional countries in Asia and Europe. If an outbreak of ASF were to occur in the United States, the Company's supply of hogs and pork could be materially impacted.

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

Fluctuations in commodity prices and availability of pork, poultry, beef, feed grains, avocados, peanuts, energy, and whey could harm the Company’s earnings.

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

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

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

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

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

Market demand for the Company’s products may fluctuate.

The Company faces competition from other producers of proteins such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, and fish, as well as providers of alternative proteins such as nut butters, whey, and plant-based proteins. The factors on which the Company competes include:
price;
product quality and attributes;
brand identification;
breadth of product line; and
customer service.

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


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The Company’s operations are subject to the general risks associated with acquisitions and divestitures.

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

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

The Company is involved on an ongoing basis in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Trends in litigation may include class actions involving employees, consumers, competitors, suppliers, shareholders, or injured persons, and claims relating to product liability, contract disputes, intellectual property, advertising, labeling, wage and hour laws, employment practices, or environmental matters. Litigation trends and the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and adverse litigation trends and outcomes could negatively affect the Company’s financial results.

The Company is subject to the loss of a material contract.

The Company is a party to several supply, distribution, contract packaging, and other material contracts. The loss of a material contract could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

Government regulation, present and future, exposes the Company to potential sanctions and compliance costs that could adversely affect the Company’s business.

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

The Company is subject to stringent environmental regulation and potentially subject to environmental litigation, proceedings, and investigations.

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


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The Company’s foreign operations pose additional risks to the Company’s business.

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

The Company may be adversely impacted if the Company is unable to protect information technology systems against, or effectively respond to, cyber-attacks or security breaches.

Information technology systems are an important part of the Company’s business operations. Attempted cyber-attack and other cyber incidents are occurring more frequently and are being made by groups and individuals with a wide range of motives and expertise.

In addition, the Company is in the midst of a multi-year transformation project (Project Orion) to achieve better analytics, customer service, and process efficiencies through the use of Oracle Cloud Solutions. This project is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of certain financial and business transaction processes and the underlying systems environment. The Company implemented human resources and payroll functionality in December 2019. Additional integrations are expected to take place throughout fiscal 2020 and over the next few years. Such an implementation is a major undertaking from a financial, management, and personnel perspective. The implementation of the enterprise resource planning system may prove to be more difficult, costly, or time consuming than expected, and there can be no assurance that this system will be beneficial to the extent anticipated.

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

Deterioration of labor relations or increases in labor costs could harm the Company’s business.

As of April 26, 2020, the Company had approximately 18,700 employees worldwide, of which approximately 3,230 were represented by labor unions, principally the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. A significant increase in labor costs or a deterioration of labor relations at any of the Company’s facilities or contracted hog processing facilities resulting in work slowdowns or stoppages could harm the Company’s financial results.

Item 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities in the Thirteen Weeks Ended April 26, 2020
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased1
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs1
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs1
January 27, 2020 - March 1, 2020



4,758,235

March 2, 2020 - March 29, 2020



4,758,235

March 30, 2020 - April 26, 2020
301,915

$
40.94

301,915

4,456,320

Total
301,915

$
40.94

301,915

 

1On 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.
 

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Item 6.  EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 
 
 
101
The following financial statements from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 26, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Investment, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.
 
 
104
The cover page from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 26, 2020, 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: June 2, 2020
By
/s/ JAMES N. SHEEHAN
 
 
JAMES N. SHEEHAN
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
Date: June 2, 2020
By
/s/ JANA L. HAYNES
 
 
JANA L. HAYNES
 
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)


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