Peter Galbo's questions to HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/ (HRL) leadership • Q3 2025
Question
Peter Galbo of Bank of America asked when the company expects to recover from the price/cost lag. He also questioned the decision to increase inventory at the peak of the commodity cycle and asked if there is a systemic visibility problem on costs.
Answer
President John Ghingo noted that recovery timing varies, with pass-through pricing catching up over time while retail pricing requires a more balanced approach. CFO Jacinth Smiley asserted, "we do not have an inventory problem," explaining the build was intentional to meet demand and improve service levels, and that the balance is also inflated by higher input costs.