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Smithfield Foods — Third Quarter 2026 Earnings Summary

  • Financial Performance:

    • Consolidated sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 were $3.4 billion, a decrease of 8.3% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
    • Operating profit for the third quarter was $127 million, down from $310 million in the prior year quarter; adjusted operating profit was $145 million.
    • Consolidated operating profit margin was 3.7% in the third quarter of 2026, compared to 8.3% in the prior year; adjusted operating profit margin was 4.2%.
    • Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.23 for the third quarter of 2026, compared to $0.63 in the prior year; adjusted diluted EPS was $0.26.
    • For the first nine months of fiscal 2026, consolidated sales were $10.9 billion, down 3.2% year-over-year.
    • Operating profit for the first nine months was $750 million, compared to $892 million in the prior year; adjusted operating profit was $783 million.
    • Diluted EPS for the first nine months was $1.45, compared to $1.68 in the prior year; adjusted diluted EPS was $1.52.
    • Net cash flows from operating activities for the first nine months were $365 million, an increase of $244 million from the prior year period.
    • As of September 27, 2026, available liquidity was $3,481 million, consisting of $1,178 million in cash and cash equivalents and $2,303 million in availability under committed credit facilities.
    • The ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA on a trailing twelve-month basis was 0.5x.
  • Guidance and Future Outlook:

    • Total company sales for fiscal 2026 are expected to be down low-single-digits compared to fiscal 2025.
    • Packaged Meats segment adjusted operating profit is projected to range from $1,090 million to $1,140 million.
    • Fresh Pork segment adjusted operating results are projected to range from a loss of $50 million to breakeven.
    • Hog Production segment adjusted operating results are projected to range from a loss of $25 million to a profit of $25 million.
    • Total company adjusted operating profit is projected to range from $900 million to $1,000 million.
    • Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are expected to be between $350 million and $375 million, excluding investments in the proposed Sioux Falls processing facility.
    • The effective tax rate for fiscal 2026 is projected to be between 22.5% and 24.5%.
    • The fiscal 2026 outlook includes 53 weeks of results and approximately two months of results for Nathan's Famous following the October 26, 2026 acquisition close.
  • Business Segments and Product Lines:

    • Packaged Meats operating profit for the third quarter was $230 million, up from $226 million in the prior year, with an operating profit margin of 11.6% compared to 10.8%.
    • Fresh Pork operating profit for the third quarter was a loss of $89 million, compared to a profit of $10 million in the prior year, with an operating profit margin of (4.9)% versus 0.5%.
    • Hog Production operating profit for the third quarter was $34 million, down from $89 million in the prior year, with an operating profit margin of 5.0% compared to 10.9%.
    • Packaged Meats sales for the third quarter were $1,982 million, down 5.2% from the prior year.
    • Fresh Pork sales for the third quarter were $1,814 million, down 17.0% from the prior year.
    • Hog Production sales for the third quarter were $691 million, down 15.0% from the prior year.
    • The company completed the acquisition of Nathan's Famous, bolstering its Packaged Meats brand portfolio.
    • Packaged Meats is on track to deliver its fifth consecutive year above $1 billion in operating profit in fiscal 2026.
  • Market and Competitive Landscape:

    • Upstream segments (Fresh Pork and Hog Production) were challenged by lower pork commodity markets.
    • The company expects commodity market pressure in upstream businesses to continue in the fourth quarter.
    • Macroeconomic challenges include softer fresh pork and hog commodity markets.
  • Risks and Challenges:

    • Cyclical nature of operations and fluctuations in commodity prices.
    • Dependence on third-party suppliers.
    • Ability to execute on strategy to optimize the size of hog production operations.
    • Geopolitical risks including increased tariffs on exports.
    • Higher input costs and ability to mitigate them through productivity improvements.
    • Ability to compete successfully in the food industry and anticipate consumer trends.
    • Compliance with laws and regulations, including environmental, cybersecurity, and tax laws.
    • Litigation risks and cybersecurity threats.
    • Status as a "controlled company" and potential conflicts of interest.
  • Management Commentary and Tone:

    • CEO Shane Smith stated that adjusted operating profit was within the range provided in September, led by strong Packaged Meats results.
    • Management emphasized operational discipline to navigate the environment of commodity market pressure.
    • The company highlighted a strong balance sheet and solid cash generation supporting dividend payments and reinvestment.
    • Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to create shareholder value and position for long-term growth.
  • Other Key Points:

    • The company paid dividends of $0.3125 per share on April 21, May 28, and August 27, 2026.
    • A remaining quarterly dividend of $0.3125 per share is anticipated for fiscal 2026, resulting in an annual dividend rate of $1.25 per share.
    • The fiscal 2026 outlook excludes the impact of the investment in the new processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
    • Non-GAAP measures used include adjusted operating profit, adjusted EBITDA, and net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio.
Company
SMITHFIELD FOODS INC
Sector
Consumer Defensive
Industry
Packaged Foods