EX-13.1 3 a16-22026_1ex13d1.htm EX-13.1

Exhibit 13.1

Selected Financial Data

(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
Operations |  |  |  |  |
Net Sales | $9,523,224 | $9,263,863 | $9,316,256 | $8,751,654 | $8,230,670
Net Earnings | 890,517 | 687,264 | 606,026 | 530,076 | 504,961
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation | 890,052 | 686,088 | 602,677 | 526,211 | 500,050
% of net sales | 9.35% | 7.41% | 6.47% | 6.01% | 6.08%
EBIT (1) | 1,323,430 | 1,066,144 | 928,271 | 802,124 | 759,763
% of net sales | 13.90% | 11.51% | 9.96% | 9.17% | 9.23%
EBITDA (2) | 1,455,398 | 1,199,578 | 1,058,315 | 926,974 | 879,257
% of net sales | 15.28% | 12.95% | 11.36% | 10.59% | 10.68%
Return on Invested Capital (3) | 19.04% | 15.62% | 15.79% | 14.92% | 16.43%
Financial Position |  |  |  |  |
Total Assets | 6,370,067 | 6,139,831 | 5,455,619 | 4,915,880 | 4,563,966
Long-term Debt less Current Maturities | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment | 4,448,006 | 3,998,198 | 3,605,678 | 3,311,040 | 2,819,455
Selected Cash Flow Data |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and Amortization | 131,968 | 133,434 | 130,044 | 124,850 | 119,494
Capital Expenditures | 255,524 | 144,063 | 159,138 | 106,762 | 132,303
Acquisitions of Businesses | 280,889 | 770,587 | 466,204 | 665,415 | 168
Share Repurchase | 87,885 | 24,928 | 58,937 | 70,819 | 61,366
Dividends Paid | $ 296,493 | $ 250,834 | $ 203,156 | $ 174,320 | $ 152,204
Common Stock** |  |  |  |  |
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Basic | 529,290 | 528,143 | 527,624 | 528,635 | 526,932
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted | 542,473 | 541,002 | 540,431 | 540,449 | 537,782
Earnings per Share – Basic | $ 1.68 | $ 1.30 | $ 1.14 | $ 1.00 | $ 0.95
Earnings per Share – Diluted | 1.64 | 1.27 | 1.12 | 0.97 | 0.93
Dividends per Share | 0.58 | 0.50 | 0.40 | 0.34 | 0.30
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment per Share | 8.42 | 7.57 | 6.84 | 6.28 | 5.36

The Company provides EBIT, EBITDA, and Return on Invested Capital because these measures are useful to investors as indicators of operating strength and performance relative to prior years, and are typically used to benchmark our Company’s performance against other companies in our industry. Management uses EBIT as a component of certain executive incentive plans, but does not utilize EBITDA for any material purpose. These measures are calculated as follows:

(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
(1) EBIT: |  |  |  |  |
Net Earnings Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation | $ 890,052 | $ 686,088 | $ 602,677 | $ 526,211 | $ 500,050
Plus: Income Tax Expense | 426,698 | 369,879 | 316,126 | 268,431 | 253,374
Plus: Interest Expense | 12,871 | 13,111 | 12,704 | 12,453 | 12,859
Less: Interest and Investment Income | 6,191 | 2,934 | 3,236 | 4,971 | 6,520
EBIT | $1,323,430 | $1,066,144 | $ 928,271 | $ 802,124 | $ 759,763
(2) EBITDA: |  |  |  |  |
EBIT per (1) above | 1,323,430 | 1,066,144 | 928,271 | 802,124 | 759,763
Plus: Depreciation and Amortization | 131,968 | 133,434 | 130,044 | 124,850 | 119,494
EBITDA | $1,455,398 | $1,199,578 | $1,058,315 | $ 926,974 | $ 879,257
(3) Return on Invested Capital: |  |  |  |  |
EBIT per (1) above | 1,323,430 | 1,066,144 | 928,271 | 802,124 | 759,763
X (1 – Effective Tax Rate*) | 67.59% | 64.97% | 65.59% | 66.22% | 66.37%
After-tax EBIT | $ 894,506 | $ 692,674 | $ 608,887 | $ 531,166 | $ 504,257
Divided by: |  |  |  |  |
Total Debt | 250,000 | 435,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment | 4,448,006 | 3,998,198 | 3,605,678 | 3,311,040 | 2,819,455
Total Debt and Shareholders’ Investment | $4,698,006 | $4,433,198 | $3,855,678 | $3,561,040 | $3,069,455
Return on Invested Capital | 19.04% | 15.62% | 15.79% | 14.92% | 16.43%

* Excluding earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.

** Shares and per share figures have been restated to reflect the two-for-one stock split distributed on February 9, 2016.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Executive Overview

Fiscal 2016: Hormel Foods achieved record earnings for fiscal 2016, as we celebrated the Company’s 125th anniversary. Sales for the year were $9.5 billion, a 3 percent increase from last year with three of five segments contributing to the sales growth. Fiscal 2016 included an extra week compared to the prior year. Net earnings attributable to the Company for fiscal 2016 were $890.1 million, a 30 percent increase from $686.1 million in fiscal 2015 with four segments delivering double-digit earnings growth. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2016 increased 29 percent to $1.64 compared to $1.27 per share last year. Fiscal 2016 net earnings increased 25 percent over 2015 non-GAAP adjusted net earnings of $714.4 million. Fiscal 2016 diluted earnings per share increased 24 percent over 2015 non-GAAP adjusted net earnings of $1.32 per share (see explanation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Consolidated Results section).

Significant performance improvements, including double-digit earnings increases for the Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store (JOTS), Grocery Products, and Specialty Foods segments, drove financial results for the year. The International & Other segment also had improved profitability compared to the prior year. Financial performance for the Refrigerated Foods segment was led by solid gains in many value-added products including foodservice sales of Hormel® Bacon1 TM fully cooked bacon and Hormel® Fire Braised TM meats and retail sales of Hormel Gatherings® party trays and Hormel® Natural Choice® lunchmeats. The addition of Applegate and favorable market conditions also benefited the Refrigerated Foods segment. The JOTS segment delivered significant sales and earnings growth as they recovered from the effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the prior year. Strong demand for fresh, lean ground turkey products was a leading contributor to the year’s improved performance. The Grocery Products segment experienced notable sales growth for SKIPPY® peanut butter, the SPAM® family of products, and Hormel® chili. The segment was also aided by growth of Wholly Guacamole® refrigerated dips and Herdez® salsas in MegaMex Foods along with favorable input costs. Specialty Foods segment profit improved on the contributions of Muscle Milk® sports nutrition products, offsetting the impacts of the divestiture of Diamond Crystal Brands (DCB) in May. The International & Other segment results exceeded last year as improved contributions from pork exports and growth of SKIPPY® peanut butter in China covered higher

raw material costs and soft demand for retail meat products in China. General corporate expense was higher due primarily to an increase in employee-related expenses.

Our financial performance continued to generate strong operating cash flows. We acquired Justin’s, LLC, for $280.9 million. The Justin’s® brand is a leader in the nut butter-based snacking category. We repurchased 2.4 million shares of common stock in fiscal 2016, spending $87.9 million. The annual dividend for 2017 will be $0.68 per share and marks the 51st consecutive year of dividend increases, representing an increase of 17 percent after a 16 percent increase last year.

Fiscal 2017 Outlook: We are pleased with our momentum heading into fiscal 2017 and expect revenue growth to continue as we progress through the year. The inclusion of Justin’s® specialty nut butters and contributions from branded products such as SKIPPY® peanut butter and Herdez® salsas are expected to drive improved Grocery Products results. We anticipate strong demand for value-added retail and foodservice products in Refrigerated Foods, supported by contributions from Applegate and favorable input costs. Refrigerated Foods sales growth will be muted by the anticipated sale of Farmer John. The JOTS segment should benefit from increased demand for Jennie-O® branded products and stable grain prices. Specialty Foods is expected to generate sales and earnings growth net of the DCB divestiture, benefiting from continued growth of Muscle Milk® protein nutrition products. We expect the International & Other segment to achieve year-over-year improved results through the expansion of our business in China, led by the opening of our new plant in Jiaxing, China, along with increased sales of the SPAM® and SKIPPY® family of products.

We continue to put a top priority on product innovation, process improvement, and building our branded, value-added product lines. We strive to stay current with the dynamics of a changing marketplace and changing consumer needs, introducing new flavors, convenience, and creative menu options in order to keep our products relevant with consumers and customers. We plan to support numerous iconic brands with continued advertising in fiscal 2017. Strong cash flow, along with a solid balance sheet, will enable us to continue to return cash to shareholders while providing the foundation to expand our business through internal investment and strategic acquisitions.

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Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon the consolidated financial statements of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company), which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates, on an ongoing basis, its estimates for reasonableness as changes occur in its business environment. The Company bases its estimates on experience, the use of independent third-party specialists, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments, estimates, and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes the following are its critical accounting policies:

Stock Split: Unless otherwise noted, all prior year share amounts and per share calculations throughout this Annual Report have been restated to reflect the impact of the two-for-one stock split distributed on February 9, 2016.

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales when title passes upon delivery of its products to customers, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances. Products are delivered upon receipt of customer purchase orders with acceptable terms, including price and reasonably assured collectability.

The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives that are offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances, and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reductions of revenue at the time title passes. Coupons are used as an incentive for consumers to purchase various products. The coupons reduce revenues at the time they are offered, based on estimated redemption rates. Promotional contracts are performed by customers to promote the Company’s products to consumers. These incentives reduce revenues at the time of performance through direct payments and accrued promotional funds. Accrued promotional funds are unpaid liabilities for promotional contracts in process or completed at the end of a quarter or fiscal year. Promotional contractual accruals are based on agreements with customers for defined performance. The liability relating to these agreements is based on a review of the outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place but for which the promotional payments relating to such contracts remain unpaid as of the

end of the fiscal year. The level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates are significant estimates used to determine these liabilities.

Inventory Valuation: The Company values its pork inventories at the lower of cost or USDA market prices (primal values). When the carcasses are disassembled and transferred from primal processing to various manufacturing departments, the primal values, as adjusted by the Company for product specifications and further processing, become the basis for calculating inventory values. Turkey raw materials are represented by the deboned meat quantities. The Company values these raw materials using a concept referred to as the “meat cost pool.” The meat cost pool is determined by combining the cost to grow turkeys with processing costs, less any net sales revenue from by-products created from the processing and not used in producing Company products. The Company has developed a series of ratios using historical data and current market conditions (which themselves involve estimates and judgment determinations by the Company) to allocate the meat cost pool to each meat component. Substantially all inventoriable expenses, meat, packaging, and supplies are valued by the average cost method.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles: Indefinite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition and the residual of the purchase price is recorded to goodwill. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.

In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes actual and projected growth trends for net sales, gross margin, and segment profit for each reporting unit, as well as historical performance versus plan and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market-related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results.

If performed, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process performed at the reporting unit level. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its corresponding carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value of each

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reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash flow valuations (Level 3), which incorporate assumptions regarding future growth rates, terminal values, and discount rates. The estimates and assumptions used consider historical performance and are consistent with the assumptions used in determining future profit plans for each reporting unit, which are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. If the first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

During fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014, as a result of the qualitative testing performed, no impairment charges were recorded other than for the DCB assets held for sale in fiscal 2016 and 2015.

In conducting the annual impairment test for its indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company concludes this is the case, then a quantitative test for impairment must be performed. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform a quantitative test.

In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes growth rates for historical and projected net sales and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, the Company assesses critical areas that may impact its intangible assets or the applicable royalty rates to determine if there are factors that could indicate impairment of the asset.

If performed, the quantitative impairment test compares the fair value to the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is primarily determined on the basis of estimated discounted value, using the relief from royalty method (Level 3). This method incorporates assumptions regarding future sales projections and discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded. Even if not required, the Company periodically elects to perform the quantitative test in order to confirm the qualitative assessment.

Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal 2016, performance of the quantitative test was not required for any of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. No impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal 2016, 2015, or 2014.

Employee Benefit Plans: The Company incurs expenses relating to employee benefits, such as noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement health care benefits. In accounting for these employment costs, management must make a variety of assumptions and estimates including

mortality rates, discount rates, overall compensation increases, expected return on plan assets, and health care cost trend rates. The Company considers historical data as well as current facts and circumstances when determining these estimates. The Company uses third-party specialists to assist management in the determination of these estimates and the calculation of certain employee benefit expenses and the outstanding obligation.

Income Taxes: The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law. Changes in enacted tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.

The Company computes its provision for income taxes based on the statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to it in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining its annual tax provision. While the Company considers all of its tax positions fully supportable, the Company is occasionally challenged by various tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. The Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. That position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. A change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will be recognized in earnings in the quarter of such change.

Contingent Liabilities: At any time, the Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the on-going operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. Such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, contract disputes, wage and hour laws, employment practices, or other actions brought by employees, consumers, competitors, or suppliers. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood of any adverse outcomes related to these matters on a case by case basis, as well as the potential ranges of losses and fees. The Company establishes accruals for its potential exposure, as appropriate, for claims against the Company when losses become probable and reasonably estimable. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range which constitutes the Company’s best estimate. The Company also discloses the nature and range of loss for claims against the Company when losses are reasonably possible and material. These accruals and disclosures are determined based on the facts and circumstances related to the individual cases and require estimates and judgments regarding the interpretation of facts and laws, as well as the effectiveness of strategies or factors beyond our control.

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Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

The Company is a processor of branded and unbranded food products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers. The Company operates in the following five reportable segments:

Segment |  | Business Conducted
Grocery Products |  | This segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of shelf-stable food products sold predominantly in the retail market. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex Foods, LLC (MegaMex) joint venture.
Refrigerated Foods |  | This segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork, beef, chicken, and turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.
Jennie-O Turkey Store |  | This segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product customers.
Specialty Foods |  | This segment consists of the processing, marketing, and sale of nutritional and private label shelf-stable products to retail, foodservice, and industrial customers.
International & Other |  | This 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.

The Company’s fiscal year consisted of 53 weeks in 2016. Fiscal years 2015 and 2014 consisted of 52 weeks.

FISCAL YEARS 2016 AND 2015:

Consolidated Results

Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in millions, except per share amounts) | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net earnings | $243.9 | $187.2 | 30.3 | $890.1 | $686.1 | 29.7
Diluted earnings per share | 0.45 | 0.35 | 28.6 | 1.64 | 1.27 | 29.1
Adjusted net earnings | 243.9 | 199.9(1) | 22.0 | 890.1 | 714.4(1) | 24.6
Adjusted diluted earnings per share | 0.45 | 0.37(1) | 21.6 | 1.64 | 1.32(1) | 24.2

(1) The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements are presented to provide investors additional information to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements are used for internal purposes to evaluate the results of operations and to measure a component of certain employee incentive plans in fiscal year 2015. 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.

Adjusted net earnings and diluted net earnings per share exclude charges relating to the closure of the Stockton, California, manufacturing facility and the exit from international joint venture businesses in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, and charges relating to the goodwill impairment charge associated with the DCB business and an adjustment to the contingent consideration accrual for CytoSport in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The tables below show the calculations to reconcile from the non-GAAP adjusted measures to the GAAP measures in both the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2015.

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| Fourth Quarter
|  | 2015 | Diamond | CytoSport |
|  | Non-GAAP | Crystal | Contingent |
| 2016 | Adjusted | Brands | Consideration | 2015 GAAP
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | Earnings | Earnings | Impairment | Adjustment | Earnings
Grocery Products | $ 82,734 | $ 78,772 | $ – | $ – | $ 78,772
Refrigerated Foods | 168,040 | 111,287 | – | – | 111,287
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 92,299 | 73,227 | – | – | 73,227
Specialty Foods | 20,182 | 35,015 | (21,537) | 8,870 | 22,348
International & Other | 19,570 | 23,300 | – | – | 23,300
Total segment operating profit | $ 382,825 | $ 321,601 | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 308,934
General corporate expense | (17,325) | (16,649) | – | – | (16,649)
Net interest & investment expense | (1,017) | (3,341) | – | – | (3,341)
Earnings before income taxes | $ 364,483 | $ 301,611 | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 288,944
Income taxes | (120,543) | (101,713) | – | – | (101,713)
Net earnings attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation | $ 243,940 | $ 199,898 | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 187,231
Diluted net earnings per share | $ 0.45 | $ 0.37 | $ (0.04) | $ 0.02 | $ 0.35
| Fiscal Year
|  | 2015 |  |  | Diamond | CytoSport |
|  | Non-GAAP | Stockton |  | Crystal | Contingent |
(in thousands, | 2016 | Adjusted | Plant | International | Brands | Consideration | 2015 GAAP
except per share amounts) | Earnings | Earnings | Closure | Business Exit | Impairment | Adjustment | Earnings
Grocery Products | $ 268,461 | $ 239,108 | $(10,526) | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ 228,582
Refrigerated Foods | 585,652 | 424,968 | – | – | – | – | 424,968
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 329,427 | 276,217 | – | – | – | – | 276,217
Specialty Foods | 110,917 | 105,925 | – | – | (21,537) | 8,870 | 93,258
International & Other | 78,409 | 87,864 | – | (9,546) | – | – | 78,318
Total segment operating profit | $1,372,866 | $1,134,082 | $(10,526) | $(9,546) | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $1,101,343
General corporate expense | (49,436) | (35,199) | – | – | – | – | (35,199)
Net interest & investment expense | (6,680) | (10,177) | – | – | – | – | (10,177)
Earnings before income taxes | $1,316,750 | $1,088,706 | $(10,526) | $(9,546) | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $1,055,967
Income taxes | (426,698) | (374,334) | 3,685 | 770 | – | – | (369,879)
Net earnings attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation | $ 890,052 | $ 714,372 | $ (6,841) | $(8,776) | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 686,088
Diluted net earnings per share | $ 1.64 | $ 1.32 | $ (0.01) | $ (0.02) | $ (0.04) | $ 0.02 | $ 1.27

Net Sales

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in millions) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net sales |  | $2,627.9 | $2,400.9 | 9.5 | $9,523.2 | $9,263.9 | 2.8
Tonnage (lbs.) |  | 1,421.0 | 1,308.3 | 8.6 | 5,192.0 | 5,109.5 | 1.6

Four of the Company’s five segments posted sales growth in the fourth quarter, more than offsetting lower sales for the Specialty Foods segment, which was impacted by the divestiture of DCB on May 9, 2016. Strong value-added sales for the Refrigerated Foods and JOTS segments drove higher sales for the fourth quarter.

Positive momentum in the second half of the year led to improved net sales results for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year. Sales in the first half of the year were tempered by lower turkey volumes in the JOTS segment and soft export demand in the International & Other segment. JOTS posted strong results in both the fourth quarter and fiscal year as production volumes returned to normalized levels during the third quarter. The Refrigerated Foods and Grocery Products segments experienced strong value-added product sales. Due to challenging market conditions in China, fiscal 2016 net sales declined for the International & Other segment.

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Moving into fiscal 2017, the Company expects continued growth for value-added products such as SKIPPY® peanut butter and Herdez® salsas, along with the addition of Justin’s® specialty nut butters in the Grocery Products segment. JOTS should benefit from increased demand for Jennie-O® branded products and stable grain prices. Continued strong momentum of both retail and foodservice value-added sales is anticipated for the Refrigerated Foods segment. The International & Other segment should show growth through increased export sales and sales growth in the Company’s China operations. Growth of Muscle Milk® protein nutrition products is expected to drive sales for the Specialty Foods segment.

Cost of Products Sold

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in millions) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Cost of products sold |  | $2,029.4 | $1,905.8 | 6.5 | $7,365.0 | $7,455.3 | (1.2)

The increase in cost of products sold for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 is primarily a result of higher sales volumes of JOTS products. JOTS sales volumes declined in fiscal 2015 as HPAI significantly impacted the availability of raw materials. For the fiscal year, cost of products sold decreased due to lower pork input costs for the Refrigerated Foods and Grocery Products segments along with lower grain costs for JOTS and favorable input costs for Specialty Foods. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, charges totaling $10.5 million were recognized for the closure of the Stockton, California, manufacturing facility.

Gross Profit

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in millions) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Gross profit |  | $598.5 | $495.0 | 20.9 | $2,158.2 | $1,808.6 | 19.3
Percentage of net sales |  | 22.8 | 20.6 |  | 22.7 | 19.5 |

Higher margins from the JOTS, Refrigerated Foods, Grocery Products, and Specialty Foods segments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 offset lower results in the International & Other segment. The improved gross profit for JOTS is the result of strong value-added sales following the recovery from HPAI. Margins in the Refrigerated Foods and Grocery Products segments were driven by value-added sales growth and favorable market conditions. For fiscal 2016, strong value-added sales results across the Company’s segments boosted margins.

The Company expects overall favorable market conditions in fiscal 2017. Continued low input costs should benefit the value-added products within the Refrigerated Foods and Grocery Products segments, while stable grain prices will benefit JOTS. The International & Other segment is entering 2017 anticipating improved results in China. The Specialty Foods segment expects to deliver increases through growth of Muscle Milk® protein nutrition products.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A)

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in millions) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
SG&A |  | $244.0 | $189.0 | 29.1 | $872.0 | $743.6 | 17.3
Percentage of net sales |  | 9.3 | 7.9 |  | 9.2 | 8.0 |

The Company increased advertising expense by $58.8 million and incurred $24.2 million higher employee-related expenses in fiscal 2016. Fiscal 2016 includes higher advertising for the Company’s value-added products along with the addition of Applegate’s advertising expenses. In fiscal 2017, the Company intends to continue to build brand awareness through advertising investments and anticipates advertising expense to be similar to fiscal 2016. The Company will continue to invest in key brands such as Jennie-O® products, Hormel® Natural Choice® meats, Hormel® pepperoni, SKIPPY® peanut butter, the SPAM® family of products, Wholly Guacamole® dips, and Muscle Milk® protein nutrition products.

Research and development expenses were $9.6 million and $34.7 million for the fiscal 2016 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $8.5 million and $32.0 million in fiscal 2015.

Goodwill Impairment Charge: Goodwill impairment charges related to the divestiture of DCB of $1.0 million and $21.5 million were recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, respectively.

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Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in millions) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Equity in earnings of affiliates |  | $11.2 | $8.0 | 40.0 | $38.7 | $23.9 | 61.9

The increase for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2016 was largely the result of improved earnings from the Company’s 50 percent-owned MegaMex joint venture.

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 receivables from other affiliates, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as investments in and receivables from affiliates. The composition of this line item at October 30, 2016, was as follows:

(in thousands) | Investments/Receivables
Country |
United States | $180,437
Foreign | 59,153
Total | $239,590

Effective Tax Rate

|  |  |  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  |  |  | October 30, | October 25, | October 30, | October 25,
|  |  |  | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015
Effective tax rate |  |  |  | 33.0% | 35.2% | 32.4% | 35.0%

The lower comparative tax rate for the fourth quarter was due to the impact of the fiscal 2015 DCB goodwill impairment charge. The fiscal 2016 rate was lower due to the benefit from a foreign tax credit, along with a comparison to the unfavorable impact of the exit from international joint venture businesses in fiscal 2015. The Company expects the effective tax rate in fiscal 2017 to be between 33.0 and 33.5 percent.

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 that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below. (Additional segment financial information can be found in Note P “Segment Reporting.”)

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Grocery Products |  | $ 491,724 | $ 422,570 | 16.4 | $1,684,756 | $1,617,680 | 4.1
Refrigerated Foods |  | 1,237,276 | 1,149,496 | 7.6 | 4,647,173 | 4,372,347 | 6.3
Jennie-O Turkey Store |  | 541,409 | 420,312 | 28.8 | 1,740,968 | 1,635,776 | 6.4
Specialty Foods |  | 216,674 | 269,887 | (19.7) | 939,134 | 1,103,359 | (14.9)
International & Other |  | 140,858 | 138,593 | 1.6 | 511,193 | 534,701 | (4.4)
Total Net Sales |  | $2,627,941 | $2,400,858 | 9.5 | $9,523,224 | $9,263,863 | 2.8
Segment Operating Profit |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Grocery Products |  | $ 82,734 | $ 78,772 | 5.0 | $ 268,461 | $ 228,582 | 17.4
Refrigerated Foods |  | 168,040 | 111,287 | 51.0 | 585,652 | 424,968 | 37.8
Jennie-O Turkey Store |  | 92,299 | 73,227 | 26.0 | 329,427 | 276,217 | 19.3
Specialty Foods |  | 20,182 | 22,348 | (9.7) | 110,917 | 93,258 | 18.9
International & Other |  | 19,570 | 23,300 | (16.0) | 78,409 | 78,318 | 0.1
Total Segment Operating Profit |  | $ 382,825 | $ 308,934 | 23.9 | $1,372,866 | $1,101,343 | 24.7
Net interest and investment expense (income) | 1,017 | 3,341 | (69.6) | 6,680 | 10,177 | (34.4)
General corporate expense |  | 17,325 | 16,649 | 4.1 | 49,436 | 35,199 | 40.4
Less: Noncontrolling interest |  | 250 | 212 | 17.9 | 465 | 1,176 | (60.5)
Earnings Before Income Taxes |  | $ 364,733 | $ 289,156 | 26.1 | $1,317,215 | $1,057,143 | 24.6

21

Grocery Products: Results for the Grocery Products segment compared to the prior year are as follows:

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net sales |  | $491,724 | $422,570 | 16.4 | $1,684,756 | $1,617,680 | 4.1
Tonnage (lbs.) |  | 258,386 | 230,170 | 12.3 | 906,202 | 890,735 | 1.7
Segment profit |  | $ 82,734 | $ 78,772 | 5.0 | $ 268,461 | $ 228,582 | 17.4

Results reflect the addition of Justin’s acquired on May 25, 2016. Justin’s contributed incremental sales of $24.3 million in the fourth quarter and $36.8 million for the twelve months ended October 30, 2016. Increased sales of SPAM® luncheon meat, SKIPPY® peanut butter, Wholly Guacamole® dips, and Herdez® salsas also contributed to the improved sales results in the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2016.

Fourth quarter and full year segment profit results benefited from the net sales growth noted above along with favorable beef and pork input costs. Charges totaling $10.5 million related to the closure of the Stockton, California, manufacturing facility impacted the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2017, the Company anticipates positive momentum in SKIPPY® peanut butter products, Herdez® salsas, and Wholly Guacamole® dips in addition to Justin’s® for Grocery Products.

Refrigerated Foods: Results for the Refrigerated Foods segment compared to the prior year are as follows:

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net sales |  | $1,237,276 | $1,149,496 | 7.6 | $4,647,173 | $4,372,347 | 6.3
Tonnage (lbs.) |  | 658,506 | 601,857 | 9.4 | 2,493,358 | 2,368,804 | 5.3
Segment profit |  | $ 168,040 | $ 111,287 | 51.0 | $ 585,652 | $ 424,968 | 37.8

Results reflect the addition of Applegate acquired on July 13, 2015, contributing an incremental $236.8 million of net sales and 36.0 million pounds for fiscal 2016.

Many of the Company’s value-added products enjoyed strong sales growth during the fourth quarter. Foodservice sales of Hormel® Bacon 1 TM fully cooked bacon and Hormel® Fire Braised TM meats along with retail sales of Applegate® deli meats, Hormel® Natural Choice® meats, and Hormel Gatherings® party trays drove the sales growth for the fourth quarter.

Segment profit results for the fourth quarter were driven by strong results from the Company’s value-added products and favorable raw material markets. Fiscal 2016 benefitted from lower input costs, the addition of Applegate, and strong foodservice results.

Looking forward, the Company anticipates low input costs to provide a benefit for the Refrigerated Foods value-added products in addition to positive momentum in both retail and foodservice channels. In November 2016, subsequent to the end of the fiscal year, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of Farmer John, which will partially offset the sales gains expected for value-added products.

Jennie-O Turkey Store: Results for the JOTS segment compared to the prior year are as follows:

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net sales |  | $541,409 | $420,312 | 28.8 | $1,740,968 | $1,635,776 | 6.4
Tonnage (lbs.) |  | 291,587 | 221,528 | 31.6 | 902,073 | 849,418 | 6.2
Segment profit |  | $ 92,299 | $ 73,227 | 26.0 | $ 329,427 | $ 276,217 | 19.3

Net sales and segment profit exceeded last year, which was negatively impacted by HPAI. The HPAI outbreak last year created large volume shortfalls and corresponding declines in sales and operational efficiencies. Value-added sales of Jennie-O® foodservice products were strong in the fourth quarter, with growth coming from items in the raw boneless breast and sliced meat categories.

22

Retail sales of Jennie-O® lean ground turkey and Jennie-O® turkey bacon improved during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. For the year, lean ground tray pack, turkey bacon, and Jennie-O® Oven Ready® products drove the improved sales results.

Segment profit for the fourth quarter improved over last year, as the 2015 results reflected the impact of HPAI. Favorable input costs this year also provided benefits in both the quarter and year-to-date results.

JOTS expects to improve on its segment profit performance in fiscal 2017. The Company looks to continue the positive momentum in branded Jennie-O® products next year supported with continued media and promotional support.

Specialty Foods: Results for the Specialty Foods segment compared to the prior year are as follows:

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net sales |  | $216,674 | $269,887 | (19.7) | $939,134 | $1,103,359 | (14.9)
Tonnage (lbs.) |  | 127,053 | 177,784 | (28.5) | 583,267 | 702,110 | (16.9)
Segment profit |  | $ 20,182 | $ 22,348 | (9.7) | $110,917 | $ 93,258 | 18.9

The results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year reflect the May 9, 2016, divestiture of DCB, resulting in lower sales and tonnage in fiscal 2016. Muscle Milk® branded items posted strong sales growth throughout the fiscal year with increases across many product lines including protein powders and ready-to-drink protein beverages.

Fourth quarter segment profit declined versus the prior year primarily due to increased advertising. For the fiscal year, favorable input costs and operational synergies drove segment profit gains.

The Company expects the Specialty Foods segment to deliver sales and profit increases through the growth of Muscle Milk® protein nutrition products in fiscal 2017.

International & Other: Results for the International & Other segment compared to the prior year are as follows:

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 30, | October 25, |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  | 2016 | 2015 | % Change | 2016 | 2015 | % Change
Net sales |  | $140,858 | $138,593 | 1.6 | $511,193 | $534,701 | (4.4)
Tonnage (lbs.) |  | 85,454 | 76,953 | 11.0 | 307,127 | 298,421 | 2.9
Segment profit |  | $ 19,570 | $ 23,300 | (16.0) | $ 78,409 | $ 78,318 | 0.1

Pork exports drove net sales growth during the fourth quarter, as volumes and markets improved compared to the prior year. For the fiscal year, challenging market conditions and unfavorable exchange rates resulted in an overall decline in export sales compared to fiscal 2015. In China, the Company also experienced softness in the meat business throughout fiscal 2016, while the SKIPPY® peanut butter business continued to grow in both retail and foodservice channels.

Segment profit results for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year primarily reflect weaker margins for the China meat business and lower exports of branded items. These losses offset improved profitability for pork exports and growth in the China SKIPPY® peanut butter business. Stronger equity in earnings results did provide a benefit for the year. Fiscal 2015 results also included charges of $9.5 million related to the exit from international joint venture businesses.

Entering 2017, the International & Other segment expects improved export results across all key brands, including SPAM®, SKIPPY®, and Muscle Milk®. The Company anticipates pork markets will remain favorable in fiscal 2017, benefitting pork exports. Continued expansion in China is also projected as the Company’s new plant in Jiaxing, China, will provide additional capacity and in-country SPAM® luncheon meat production beginning in the spring of 2017. Hog costs in China are projected to remain high in the near-term, but are expected to moderate in the second half, which should enhance segment margins.

Unallocated Income and Expense: The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating 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.

23

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 30, | October 25,
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015
Net interest and investment expense (income) | $ 1.0 | $ 3.3 | $ 6.7 | $ 10.2
Interest expense | 3.3 | 3.8 | 12.9 | 13.1
General corporate expense | 17.3 | 16.6 | 49.4 | 35.2
Noncontrolling interest earnings | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.2

Net interest and investment expense was lower than last year due to higher interest income, favorable currency exchange, and improved returns on the rabbi trust. General corporate expense was higher for the both the fourth quarter and fiscal year primarily reflecting higher employee-related expenses.

FISCAL YEARS 2015 AND 2014:

Consolidated Results

Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Share

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in millions, except per share amounts) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net earnings | $187.2 | $171.3 | 9.3 | $686.1 | $602.7 | 13.8
Diluted earnings per share | 0.35 | 0.32 | 9.4 | 1.27 | 1.12 | 13.4
Adjusted net earnings | 199.9(1) | 171.3 | 16.7 | 714.4(1) | 602.7 | 18.5
Adjusted diluted earnings per share | 0.37(1) | 0.32 | 15.6 | 1.32(1) | 1.12 | 17.9

(1) The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements are presented to provide investors additional information to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements are used for internal purposes to evaluate the results of operations and to measure a component of certain employee incentive plans in fiscal 2015. 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.

Adjusted net earnings and diluted net earnings per share exclude charges relating to the closure of the Stockton, California, manufacturing facility and the exit from international joint venture businesses in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, and charges relating to the goodwill impairment charge associated with the DCB business and an adjustment to the contingent consideration accrual for CytoSport in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The tables below show the calculations to reconcile from the non-GAAP adjusted measures to the GAAP measures in both the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2015.

| Fourth Quarter
| 2015 | Diamond | CytoSport |
| Non-GAAP | Crystal | Contingent |
| Adjusted | Brands | Consideration | 2015 GAAP
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | Earnings | Impairment | Adjustment | Earnings
Grocery Products | $ 78,772 | $ – | $ – | $ 78,772
Refrigerated Foods | 111,287 | – | – | 111,287
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 73,227 | – | – | 73,227
Specialty Foods | 35,015 | (21,537) | 8,870 | 22,348
International & Other | 23,300 |  |  | 23,300
Total segment operating profit | $ 321,601 | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 308,934
General corporate expense | (16,649) | – | – | (16,649)
Net interest & investment expense | (3,341) | – | – | (3,341)
Earnings before income taxes | $ 301,611 | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 288,944
Income taxes | (101,713) | – | – | (101,713)
Net earnings attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation | $ 199,898 | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 187,231
Diluted net earnings per share | $ 0.37 | $ (0.04) | $ 0.02 | $ 0.35

24

| Fiscal Year 2015
| 2015 |  |  | Diamond | CytoSport |
| Non-GAAP | Stockton | International | Crystal | Contingent |
| Adjusted | Plant | Business | Brands | Consideration | 2015 GAAP
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | Earnings | Closure | Exit | Impairment | Adjustment | Earnings
Grocery Products | $ 239,108 | $(10,526) | $ – | $ – | $ – | $ 228,582
Refrigerated Foods | 424,968 | – | – | – | – | 424,968
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 276,217 | – | – | – | – | 276,217
Specialty Foods | 105,925 | – | – | (21,537) | 8,870 | 93,258
International & Other | 87,864 | – | (9,546) | – | – | 78,318
Total segment operating profit | $ 1,134,082 | $(10,526) | $(9,546) | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $1,101,343
General corporate expense | (35,199) | – | – | – | – | (35,199)
Net interest & investment expense | (10,177) | – | – | – | – | (10,177)
Earnings before income taxes | $ 1,088,706 | $(10,526) | $(9,546) | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $1,055,967
Income taxes | (374,334) | 3,685 | 770 | – | – | (369,879)
Net earnings attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation | $ 714,372 | $ (6,841) | $(8,776) | $(21,537) | $8,870 | $ 686,088
Diluted net earnings per share | $ 1.32 | $ (0.01) | $ (0.02) | $ (0.04) | $ 0.02 | $ 1.27

Net Sales

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net sales | $2,400.9 | $2,543.8 | (5.6) | $9,263.9 | $9,316.3 | (0.6)
Tonnage (lbs.) | 1,308.3 | 1,336.5 | (2.1) | 5,109.5 | 5,000.9 | 2.2

Lower sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2015 were primarily due to turkey supply shortages in the JOTS segment and price deflation in pork markets, impacting sales within the Refrigerated Foods and International & Other segments along with the dissolution of the Precept Foods joint venture at the end of fiscal 2014.

Net sales and tonnage for the fiscal 2015 fourth quarter and year were positively impacted by the following incremental sales from Applegate, CytoSport, and additional MegaMex products not included in the prior year:

(in thousands) |  |  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
Segment |  |  | Net Sales | Tonnage (lbs.) | Net Sales | Tonnage (lbs.)
Specialty Foods |  |  | $ 13,209 | 5,463 | $237,829 | 102,915
Grocery Products |  |  | 26,478 | 16,415 | 95,942 | 64,404
Refrigerated Foods |  |  | 80,352 | 12,670 | 92,796 | 14,646

Despite a strong start to fiscal 2015, the effects of HPAI on the turkey supply chain significantly impacted JOTS as the number of birds through the Company’s facilities was reduced in the second half of fiscal 2015. Value-added sales across the Company’s segments were strong, but price reductions taken on certain items in the Refrigerated Foods and International & Other segments due to declining pork markets tempered top-line results.

Cost of Products Sold

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Cost of products sold | $1,905.8 | $2,120.2 | (10.1) | $7,455.3 | $7,751.3 | (3.8)

Lower pork input costs for the Refrigerated Foods, Grocery Products, and International & Other segments led to the decrease for the quarter and fiscal year of 2015, partially offset by additional product costs from the acquisition of Applegate for the fourth quarter and CytoSport for the fiscal year. Results for fiscal year 2015 also reflect charges totaling $10.5 million related to the closure of the Stockton, California, manufacturing facility.

25

Gross Profit

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Gross profit | $495.0 | $423.6 | 16.9 | $1,808.6 | $1,565.0 | 15.6
Percentage of net sales | 20.6 | 16.7 |  | 19.5 | 16.8 |

Higher margins from the Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, and International & Other segments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 offset lower margins in the JOTS and Specialty Foods segments. Favorable raw material and plant operating costs along with improved equity in earnings contributed to the growth for Grocery Products. The Refrigerated Foods segment posted solid margin gains in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 led by strong performance from Affiliated Foods. Positive results in China along with favorable costs on products such as SPAM® luncheon meat and SKIPPY® peanut butter in the International & Other segment aided margins. JOTS finished below fiscal 2014 as shortfalls due to flocks lost to HPAI lowered plant processing and sales volumes. For the year, synergies captured within the CytoSport and Century Foods operations contributed to the improved margins in fiscal 2015. Additionally, the Company’s value-added businesses within the Refrigerated Foods segment benefited from the lower input costs referenced above.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A)

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
SG&A | $189.0 | $165.9 | 13.9 | $743.6 | $650.9 | 14.2
Percentage of net sales | 7.9 | 6.5 |  | 8.0 | 7.0 |

The Company incurred $40.4 million higher employee-related expenses and $31.0 million higher advertising expenses in fiscal 2015 in addition to the added expenses related to the acquisitions of Applegate during the fourth quarter and CytoSport for the fiscal year 2015.

Research and development expenses were $8.5 million and $32.0 million for the fiscal 2015 fourth quarter and year, respectively, compared to $7.5 million and $29.9 million in fiscal 2014.

Goodwill Impairment Charge: A goodwill impairment charge of $21.5 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 as the Company decided to sell a portion of DCB and classify it as held for sale.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Equity in earnings of affiliates | $8.0 | $5.7 | 40.4 | $23.9 | $17.6 | 35.8

The increase for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2015 is largely the result of improved earnings from the Company’s 50 percent owned MegaMex joint venture, reflecting the impact of incentive expenses on the Fresherized Foods acquisition recognized in the prior year.

26

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 receivables from other affiliates, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as investments in and receivables from affiliates. The composition of this line item at October 25, 2015, was as follows:

(in thousands) | Investments/Receivables
Country |
United States | $200,110
Foreign | 58,888
Total | $258,998

Effective Tax Rate

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, | October 25, | October 26,
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014
Effective tax rate | 35.2% | 34.1% | 35.0% | 34.3%

The higher rate for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 is due to the impact of the goodwill impairment charge. Fiscal 2015 was also impacted by the unfavorable impact of the exit from international joint venture businesses.

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 that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below. (Additional segment financial information can be found in Note P “Segment Reporting.”)

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |
Grocery Products | $ 422,570 | $ 405,166 | 4.3 | $1,617,680 | $1,558,265 | 3.8
Refrigerated Foods | 1,149,496 | 1,211,890 | (5.1) | 4,372,347 | 4,644,179 | (5.9)
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 420,312 | 509,980 | (17.6) | 1,635,776 | 1,672,452 | (2.2)
Specialty Foods | 269,887 | 277,559 | (2.8) | 1,103,359 | 907,120 | 21.6
International & Other | 138,593 | 139,176 | (0.4) | 534,701 | 534,240 | 0.1
Total Net Sales | $2,400,858 | $2,543,771 | (5.6) | $9,263,863 | $9,316,256 | (0.6)
Segment Operating Profit |  |  |  |  |  |
Grocery Products | $ 78,772 | $ 50,051 | 57.4 | $ 228,582 | $ 195,064 | 17.2
Refrigerated Foods | 111,287 | 87,296 | 27.5 | 424,968 | 338,020 | 25.7
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 73,227 | 95,253 | (23.1) | 276,217 | 272,362 | 1.4
Specialty Foods | 22,348 | 13,747 | 62.6 | 93,258 | 71,514 | 30.4
International & Other | 23,300 | 22,629 | 3.0 | 78,318 | 84,745 | (7.6)
Total Segment Operating Profit | $ 308,934 | $ 268,976 | 14.9 | $1,101,343 | $ 961,705 | 14.5
Net interest and investment expense (income) | 3,341 | 2,626 | 27.2 | 10,177 | 9,468 | 7.5
General corporate expense | 16,649 | 6,192 | 168.9 | 35,199 | 33,434 | 5.3
Less: Noncontrolling interest | 212 | 584 | (63.7) | 1,176 | 3,349 | (64.9)
Earnings Before Income Taxes | $ 289,156 | $ 260,742 | 10.9 | $1,057,143 | $ 922,152 | 14.6

27

Grocery Products: Results for the Grocery Products segment for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 are as follows:

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net sales | $ 422,570 | $ 405,166 | 4.3 | $ 1,617,680 | $ 1,558,265 | 3.8
Tonnage (lbs.) | 230,170 | 218,912 | 5.1 | 890,735 | 850,844 | 4.7
Segment profit | $ 78,772 | $ 50,051 | 57.4 | $ 228,582 | $ 195,064 | 17.2

Additional MegaMex products not included in the prior year contributed an incremental $26.4 million of net sales and 16.4 million lbs. for the fourth quarter, and $95.9 million of net sales and 64.4 million lbs. for the year in fiscal 2015. Strong sales of SKIPPY® peanut butter, Dinty Moore® stew, and Hormel® chili also contributed to the improved net sales results for the fourth quarter, offsetting sales declines of Hormel® Compleats® microwave meals.

Lower pork and beef input costs and improved manufacturing productivity drove segment profit results in the fourth quarter, as well as improved equity in earnings results. Segment profit results for the year in fiscal 2015 were impacted by charges totaling $10.5 million related to the closure of the Stockton, California, manufacturing facility.

Refrigerated Foods: Results for the Refrigerated Foods segment for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 are as follows:

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net sales | $ 1,149,496 | $ 1,211,890 | (5.1) | $ 4,372,347 | $ 4,644,179 | (5.9)
Tonnage (lbs.) | 601,857 | 587,862 | 2.4 | 2,368,804 | 2,351,898 | 0.7
Segment profit | $ 111,287 | $ 87,296 | 27.5 | $ 424,968 | $ 338,020 | 25.7

The comparative results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year reflect the addition of Applegate acquired on July 13, 2015, contributing an incremental $80.4 million of net sales and 12.6 million lbs. for the fourth quarter and $92.8 million of net sales and 14.6 million lbs. for fiscal 2015.

Many of the Company’s value-added products enjoyed strong sales growth during the fourth quarter. On the retail side, sales gains were led by sales of Hormel® refrigerated entrees, Hormel® pepperoni, and Hormel Gatherings® party trays. Within foodservice, sales of Hormel® Fire Braised TM meats and Hormel® pizza toppings experienced gains for the quarter. Despite robust value-added sales, overall sales declined for the fourth quarter and fiscal year due to price reductions taken on certain items in light of lower pork markets compared to the record high pork markets in the prior year and the dissolution of the Precept Foods joint venture at the end of fiscal 2014. Tonnage was higher in fiscal 2015, as the impact of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) in the industry reduced volumes processed through the Company’s harvest facilities in fiscal 2014.

Segment profit results for the fourth quarter were driven by strong results from Affiliated Foods, higher pork operating margins, and the addition of Applegate on July 13, 2015. Fiscal 2015 benefitted from lower input costs. For the full year, $9.0 million of transaction costs offset the results from Applegate.

Jennie-O Turkey Store: Results for the JOTS segment for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 are as follows:

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net sales | $ 420,312 | $ 509,980 | (17.6) | $ 1,635,776 | $ 1,672,452 | (2.2)
Tonnage (lbs.) | 221,528 | 280,810 | (21.1) | 849,418 | 892,965 | (4.9)
Segment profit | $ 73,227 | $ 95,253 | (23.1) | $ 276,217 | $ 272,362 | 1.4

Both top and bottom-line results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2015 were negatively impacted by HPAI, which created large volume shortfalls in operations and sales. Although JOTS was able to purchase some turkey meat to partially offset flock losses, turkey breast prices remained at a record high due to overall industry shortages. The strong value-added product sales enjoyed during the first half of the year along with second half price increases and controlled spending allowed JOTS to finish above last year in segment profit with lower volume and sales.

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Specialty Foods: Results for the Specialty Foods segment compared for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 are as follows:

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net sales | $269,887 | $277,559 | (2.8) | $1,103,359 | $907,120 | 21.6
Tonnage (lbs.) | 177,784 | 175,285 | 1.4 | 702,110 | 612,415 | 14.6
Segment profit | $ 22,348 | $ 13,747 | 62.6 | $ 93,258 | $ 71,514 | 30.4

The comparative results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year reflect the addition of CytoSport acquired on August 11, 2014, which contributed an incremental $13.2 million of net sales and 5.5 million lbs. to top-line results for the fourth quarter and $237.8 million of net sales and 102.9 million lbs. for fiscal 2015. Full year sales benefited from the addition of Muscle Milk® protein nutrition products, but were unable to offset lower contract packaging sales in the fourth quarter.

Fiscal year 2015 fourth quarter segment profit results reflect synergies captured within the CytoSport and Century Foods supply chain and a beneficial comparison to fiscal year 2014 CytoSport acquisition-related costs of $9.3 million. The Company made the decision to explore the sale of a portion of DCB and classified it as held for sale in fiscal year 2015. The fair value of the net assets to be sold was determined utilizing a market participant bid along with internal valuations of the business. The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $21.5 million for the assets held for sale, which was partially offset by an $8.9 million reduction to a contingent consideration liability related to the CytoSport acquisition.

International & Other: Results for the International & Other segment for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 are as follows:

| Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
| October 25, | October 26, |  | October 25, | October 26, |
(in thousands) | 2015 | 2014 | % Change | 2015 | 2014 | % Change
Net sales | $138,593 | $139,176 | (0.4) | $534,701 | $534,240 | 0.1
Tonnage (lbs.) | 76,953 | 73,585 | 4.6 | 298,421 | 292,790 | 1.9
Segment profit | $ 23,300 | $ 22,629 | 3.0 | $ 78,318 | $ 84,745 | (7.6)

Strong export sales of the SPAM® family of products and continued growth in China were offset by softer pork export sales in the fourth quarter. For fiscal 2015, robust performance from China and sales growth for SKIPPY® peanut butter products drove top-line results.

Fourth quarter segment profit results for fiscal 2015 were driven by growth in our core product lines and strong results in China, as noted above, along with improved royalties. Profitability on pork exports remained significantly below the prior year. For the 2015 fiscal year, International & Other segment profits were negatively impacted by pork markets, port challenges experienced in the first half of the year, and charges of $9.5 million related to the exit from international joint venture businesses.

On March 16, 2015, the Company purchased the remaining 19.29% ownership interest in its Shanghai Hormel Foods Corporation joint venture from the minority partner Shanghai Shangshi Meat Products Co. Ltd., resulting in 100.0% ownership at the end of the second quarter.

Unallocated Income and Expense: The Company does not allocate investment income, interest expense, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating 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.

|  | Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended
|  | October 25, | October 26, | October 25, | October 26,
(in millions) |  | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014
Net interest and investment expense (income) |  | $ 3.3 | $2.6 | $10.2 | $ 9.5
Interest expense |  | 3.8 | 3.4 | 13.1 | 12.7
General corporate expense |  | 16.6 | 6.2 | 35.2 | 33.4
Noncontrolling interest earnings |  | 0.2 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 3.3

The increased expense for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2015 is primarily due to higher interest expense associated with Applegate-related debt, as the Company utilized short-term financing along with its revolving line of credit to fund the Applegate acquisition in the third quarter.

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The higher expense for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 reflects higher employee-related expenses and increased professional and legal fees. General corporate expense for the fiscal year 2015 was higher compared to last year, primarily the result of the fourth quarter expenses mentioned above.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company purchased 0.8 million shares of common stock from The Hormel Foundation at $31.16 per share, representing the average closing price for the three days of September 15, September 16, and September 17, 2015. Settlement took place on September 18, 2015.

The Company was not party to any other material related party transactions during fiscal years 2016, 2015, or 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents were $415.1 million at the end of fiscal 2016 compared to $347.2 million at the end of fiscal 2015 and $334.2 million at the end of fiscal 2014.

During fiscal 2016, cash provided by operating activities was $992.8 million compared to $992.0 million in fiscal 2015 and $746.9 million in fiscal 2014. Continued higher earnings led to the increase in fiscal 2016, offsetting higher working capital.

Cash used in investing activities decreased to $409.0 million in fiscal 2016 from $900.9 million in fiscal 2015 and $616.8 million in fiscal 2014. Fiscal 2016 included $280.9 million to purchase Justin’s, which was offset by the sale of DCB for $110.1 million. Fiscal 2015 included $774.1 million used to purchase Applegate. Fiscal 2014 included $424.3 million used to purchase CytoSport Holdings, Inc. and $41.9 million used to purchase the China-based SKIPPY® peanut butter business in Weifang, China. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2016 increased to $255.5 million, from $144.1 million in 2015, and $159.1 million in 2014. The increased expenditures are primarily related to the Company’s new plant in Jiaxing, China, and a lean ground turkey expansion at JOTS. The primary reason for lower capital expenditures in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 was the Company’s decision to delay the addition of capacity at JOTS in the face of lower turkey supply due to the impacts of HPAI. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2017 are estimated to be approximately $250.0 million as several projects in process during fiscal 2016 will be completed, including construction of the Jiaxing, China, plant.

Cash used in financing activities was $509.6 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $70.6 million in fiscal 2015 and $229.4 million in fiscal 2014. In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, in connection with the purchase of Justin’s, the Company borrowed $145.0 million under a revolving credit facility. At the end of fiscal 2016,

no amounts were owed on the revolving credit facility. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, in connection with the purchase of Applegate, the Company borrowed $300.0 million under a term loan facility and $50.0 million under a revolving credit facility, of which $165.0 million was paid down in the fourth quarter. On March 16, 2015, the Company purchased the remaining 19.29% ownership interest in its Shanghai Hormel Foods Corporation joint venture from the minority partner Shanghai Shangshi Meat Products Co. Ltd., resulting in 100.0% ownership at the end of the second quarter. The interest was purchased with $11.7 million in cash, along with the transfer of land use rights and buildings held by the joint venture.

The Company used $87.9 million for common stock repurchases during fiscal 2016, compared to $24.9 million in fiscal 2015 and $58.9 million in fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2016, the Company repurchased 2.4 million shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $36.84. During fiscal year 2015, 0.8 million shares were repurchased from The Hormel Foundation at the average closing price for the three days of September 15, September 16, and September 17, 2015, of $31.16. On January 29, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 10.0 million shares of its common stock with no expiration date, which was adjusted for the stock split during the first quarter of fiscal 2016. As of the end of fiscal 2016, there were 13.2 million shares remaining for repurchase under that authorization.

Cash dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders continues to be an ongoing financing activity for the Company, with $296.5 million in dividends paid in fiscal 2016, compared to $250.8 million in the fiscal 2015 and $203.2 million in fiscal 2014. The dividend rate was $0.58 per share in 2016, which reflected a 16.0 percent increase over the fiscal 2015 rate of $0.50 per share. The Company has paid dividends for 353 consecutive quarters. The annual dividend rate for fiscal 2017 was increased 17 percent to $0.68 per share, representing the 51st consecutive annual dividend increase.

Cash flows from operating activities continue to provide the Company with its principal source of liquidity. The Company does not anticipate a significant risk to cash flows from this source in the foreseeable future because the Company operates in a relatively stable industry and has strong brands across many categories and channels.

The Company intends to continue the longstanding policy of increasing the dividend returned to shareholders year-after-year. The Company remains focused on growing the business through supporting innovation to drive organic growth, along with strategic acquisitions. Reinvesting in the business is a key focus, with employee safety and food safety taking top priority. Capital spending to enhance and expand current operations will also be a significant cash outflow in fiscal 2017.

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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table outlines the Company’s future contractual financial obligations as of October 30, 2016, (for additional information regarding these obligations, see Note F “Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements” and Note N “Commitments and Contingencies”):

| Payments Due by Periods
|  | Less Than |  |  | More Than
Contractual Obligations (in thousands) | Total | 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | 5 Years
Purchase obligations: |  |  |  |  |
Hog and turkey commitments(1) | $2,348,215 | $ 909,430 | $ 998,297 | $387,748 | $ 52,740
Grain commitments(1) | 39,578 | 38,596 | 982 | – | –
Turkey grow-out contracts(2) | 57,821 | 9,392 | 15,817 | 9,780 | 22,832
Other(3) | 1,058,542 | 589,298 | 215,362 | 119,872 | 134,010
Current and long-term debt | 250,000 | – | – | 250,000 | –
Interest payments on long-term debt | 46,010 | 10,313 | 20,625 | 15,072 | –
Capital expenditures(4) | 165,437 | 148,837 | 13,300 | 3,300 | –
Leases | 36,078 | 11,085 | 13,417 | 7,422 | 4,154
Other long-term liabilities(5)(6) | 66,770 | 4,811 | 7,988 | 8,443 | 45,528
Total Contractual Cash Obligations | $4,068,451 | $1,721,762 | $1,285,788 | $801,637 | $259,264

(1) In the normal course of business, the Company commits to purchase fixed quantities of livestock and grain from producers to ensure a steady supply of production inputs. Certain of these contracts are based on market prices at the time of delivery, for which the Company has estimated the purchase commitment using current market prices as of October 30, 2016. The Company also utilizes various hedging programs to manage the price risk associated with these commitments. As of October 30, 2016, these hedging programs result in a net decrease of $3.1 million in future cash payments associated with the purchase commitments, which is not reflected in the table above.

(2) The Company also utilizes grow-out contracts with independent farmers to raise turkeys for the Company. Under these contracts, the turkeys, feed, and other supplies are owned by the Company. The farmers provide the required labor and facilities, and receive a fee per pound when the turkeys are delivered. Some of the facilities are sub-leased by the Company to the independent farmers. As of October 30, 2016, the Company had approximately 90 active contracts ranging from one to twenty-five years in duration. The grow-out activity is assumed to continue through the term of these active contracts, and amounts in the table represent the Company’s obligation based on turkeys expected to be delivered from these farmers.

(3) Amounts presented for other purchase obligations represent all known open purchase orders and all known contracts exceeding $1.0 million, related to the procurement of raw materials, supplies, and various services. The Company primarily purchases goods and services on an as-needed basis. Therefore, the amounts in the table represent only a portion of expected future cash expenditures.

(4) Amounts presented for capital expenditures represent only the Company’s current commitments to complete construction in progress at various locations. The Company estimates total capital expenditures for fiscal year 2017 to be approximately $250.0 million.

(5) Other long-term liabilities represent payments under the Company’s deferred compensation plans. Excluded from the table above are payments under the Company’s defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. (See estimated benefit payments for the next ten fiscal years in Note G “Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits.”)

(6) As discussed in Note K “Income Taxes,” the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, at October 30, 2016, was $19.5 million, which is not included in the table above as the ultimate amount or timing of settlement of the Company’s reserves for income taxes cannot be reasonably estimated.

In addition to the commitments set forth in the above table, at October 30, 2016, the Company had $44.4 million in standby letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company. The standby letters of credit are primarily related to the Company’s self-insured workers compensation programs.

The Company believes its financial resources, including a revolving credit facility for $400.0 million and anticipated funds from operations, will be adequate to meet all current commitments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of October 30, 2016, the Company had $44.4 million 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. However, that amount also includes revocable standby letters of credit totaling $4.0 million 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.

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 the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders, other filings by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange 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,”

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“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 following discussion of risk factors 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, 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.

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 which may cause food contamination are found generally in livestock and in the environment and thus may be present in our products as a result of food processing. 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 also 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 also limit the Company’s ability to benefit from market gains if commodity prices become more favorable than those that have been secured under the Company’s hedging programs. Most recently, due to market volatility the Company temporarily suspended the use of the special hedge accounting exemption for JOTS corn futures contracts in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. During the time of suspension, all gains or losses related to these contracts were recognized as ineffectiveness in earnings as incurred.

Additionally, if a highly pathogenic disease outbreak developed in the United States, it may negatively impact the national economy, demand for Company products, 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 continue to update these plans as

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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. This has resulted 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 costs for live hogs that are higher than 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.

JOTS raises turkeys and also contracts with turkey growers to meet its raw material requirements for whole birds and processed turkey products. Additionally, the Company owns various hog raising facilities that supplement its supply of raw materials. 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 levels. 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 supply of natural and organic proteins may impact the Company’s ability to ensure a continuing supply of these products. To manage 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 which could lower prices. The Company occasionally utilizes in-country production to limit this exposure.

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 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), pneu-mo-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 disease 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. Most recently, HPAI impacted the Company’s operations and several of the Company’s independent turkey suppliers. The impact of HPAI in the industry reduced volume through the Company’s turkey facilities through the first part of fiscal 2016. 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.

Market demand for the Company’s products may fluctuate. The Company faces competition from producers of alternative meats and protein sources, including pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, peanut butter, and whey. The bases 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 and 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 bases in the future.

The Company’s operations are subject to the general risks associated with acquisitions. The Company has made several acquisitions in recent years, most recently the acquisitions of Justin’s and Applegate, and regularly reviews opportunities for strategic growth through acquisitions. Potential risks associated with acquisitions include the inability to integrate new operations successfully, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, the potential loss of key employees and customers of the acquired companies, the possible assumption of unknown liabilities, potential disputes with the 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.

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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 adversely 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 state and local authorities that oversee workforce immigration laws, 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, and the ability to comply with any modifications to these laws and regulations, is material to the

Company’s business. New matters or sites may be identified in the future that will require additional investigation, assessment, or expenditures. In addition, 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. The occurrence of any of these events, the implementation of new laws and regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws or regulations could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

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-attacks 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 an attempt to mitigate this risk, the Company has implemented and continues to evaluate security initiatives and disaster recovery plans.

Deterioration of labor relations or increases in labor costs could harm the Company’s business. As of October 30, 2016, the Company had approximately 21,100 employees worldwide, of which approximately 5,500 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.

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks

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. Purchased hogs under contract accounted for 94 percent of the total hogs purchased by the Company in both fiscal 2016 and 2015. 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.

Certain procurement contracts allow for future hog deliveries (firm commitments) to be forward priced. The Company generally hedges these firm commitments by using hog futures contracts. These futures contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges. The change in the market value of such futures contracts is highly effective at offsetting changes in price movements of the hedged item, and the Company evaluates the effectiveness of the contracts at least quarterly. Changes in the fair value of the futures contracts, along with the gain or loss on the firm commitment, are marked-to-market through earnings and are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as a current asset and liability, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s open futures contracts as of October 30, 2016, was $1.4 million compared to $1.2 million as of October 25, 2015.

The Company measures its market risk exposure on its hog futures contracts using a sensitivity analysis, which considers a hypothetical 10 percent change in market prices. A 10 percent increase in market prices would have negatively impacted the fair value of the Company’s October 30, 2016, open contracts by $1.2 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost of purchased hogs by a similar amount.

Turkey and Hog Production Costs: The Company raises or contracts for live turkeys and hogs to meet some of its raw material supply requirements. Production costs in raising turkeys and hogs 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 and hogs are offset by proportional changes in their respective markets.

To reduce the Company’s exposure to changes in grain prices, the Company utilizes a hedge program to offset the fluctuation in the Company’s future direct grain purchases. This program currently utilizes corn futures for JOTS, and these contracts are accounted for under cash flow hedge accounting. The fair value

of the Company’s open futures contracts as of October 30, 2016, was $(3.2) million compared to $(2.9) million, before tax, as of October 25, 2015.

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 October 30, 2016, open grain contracts by $8.6 million, which in turn would lower the Company’s future cost on purchased grain by a similar amount.

Long-Term Debt: A principal market risk affecting the Company is the exposure to changes in interest rates on the Company’s fixed-rate, long-term debt. Market risk for fixed-rate, long-term debt is estimated as the potential increase in fair value, resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent decrease in interest rates, and amounts to approximately $2.1 million. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated using discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Investments: The Company holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. As of October 30, 2016, the balance of these securities totaled $122.3 million compared to $119.7 million as of October 25, 2015. 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 direct negative impact to the Company’s pre-tax earnings of approximately $4.0 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 October 30, 2016, was $443.1 million, compared to $277.5 million as of October 25, 2015, with most of the exposure existing in Chinese yuan and Philippine pesos. Changes in currency exchange rates impact the fair values of Company assets either currently through the Consolidated Statements of Operations as currency gains/losses, or by affecting 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, as of October 30, 2016. A 10 percent strengthening in the value of the yuan relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive income of approximately $38.3 million pre-tax. A 10 percent weakening in the value of the yuan relative to the U.S. dollar would result in other comprehensive loss of approximately $31.3 million pre-tax.

35

Report of Management

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Statements

The accompanying financial statements were prepared by the management of Hormel Foods Corporation which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances and, as such, include amounts that are based on our best estimates and judgments.

Hormel Foods Corporation has developed a system of internal controls designed to assure that the records reflect the transactions of the Company and that the established policies and procedures are adhered to. This system is augmented by well-communicated written policies and procedures, a strong program of internal audit, and well-qualified personnel.

These financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and their report is included herein. The audit was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and includes a review of the Company’s accounting and financial controls and tests of transactions.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of outside directors, meets periodically with the independent auditors, management, and the internal auditors to assure that each is carrying out its responsibilities. Both Ernst & Young LLP and our internal auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee, with or without the presence of management, to discuss the results of their audit work and their opinions on the adequacy of internal controls and the quality of financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Hormel Foods Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards. Under the supervision, and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).

Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 30, 2016. Our internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2016, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

James P. Snee | James N. Sheehan
President, Chief Executive | Senior Vice President
Officer, and Director | and Chief Financial Officer

36

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders Hormel Foods Corporation

We have audited Hormel Foods Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), (the COSO criteria). Hormel Foods Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management entitled Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Hormel Foods Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial position of Hormel Foods Corporation at October 30, 2016 and October 25, 2015 and the related statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 30, 2016 and our report dated December 21, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 21, 2016

37

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders Hormel Foods Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Hormel Foods Corporation as of October 30, 2016 and October 25, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ investment, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 30, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hormel Foods Corporation at October 30, 2016 and October 25, 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 30, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Hormel Food Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated December 21, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 21, 2016

38

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

| October 30, | October 25,
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2016 | 2015
Assets |  |
Current Assets |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 415,143 | $ 347,239
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,045 at October 30, 2016, and $4,086 at October 25, 2015) | 591,310 | 605,689
Inventories | 985,683 | 993,265
Income taxes receivable | 18,282 | 6,132
Deferred income taxes | – | 86,902
Prepaid expenses | 13,775 | 14,383
Other current assets | 5,719 | 9,422
Total Current Assets | 2,029,912 | 2,063,032
Deferred Income Taxes | 6,223 | –
Goodwill | 1,834,497 | 1,699,484
Other Intangibles | 903,258 | 827,219
Pension Assets | 68,901 | 132,861
Investments in and Receivables from Affiliates | 239,590 | 258,998
Other Assets | 182,237 | 146,498
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |
Land | 67,557 | 71,192
Buildings | 805,858 | 815,643
Equipment | 1,675,549 | 1,679,100
Construction in progress | 218,351 | 79,964
| 2,767,315 | 2,645,899
Less allowance for depreciation | (1,661,866) | (1,634,160)
| 1,105,449 | 1,011,739
Total Assets | $ 6,370,067 | $ 6,139,831
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment |  |
Current Liabilities |  |
Accounts payable | $ 481,826 | $ 495,317
Short-term debt | – | 185,000
Accrued expenses | 82,145 | 71,777
Accrued workers compensation | 36,612 | 37,009
Accrued marketing expenses | 119,583 | 119,153
Employee related expenses | 251,433 | 232,309
Taxes payable | 4,331 | 6,764
Interest and dividends payable | 77,266 | 66,696
Total Current Liabilities | 1,053,196 | 1,214,025
Long-Term Debt – less current maturities | 250,000 | 250,000
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits | 522,356 | 509,261
Other Long-Term Liabilities | 93,109 | 101,056
Deferred Income Taxes | – | 64,096
Shareholders’ Investment* |  |
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 a share – authorized 160,000,000 shares; issued – none |  |
Common stock, nonvoting, par value $0.01 a share – authorized 400,000,000 shares; issued – none |  |
Common stock, par value $0.01465 a share – authorized 1,600,000,000 shares; issued 528,483,868 shares October 30, 2016 issued 528,411,628 shares October 25, 2015 | 7,742 | 7,741
Additional paid-in capital | – | –
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (296,303) | (225,668)
Retained earnings | 4,736,567 | 4,216,125
Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders’ Investment | 4,448,006 | 3,998,198
Noncontrolling Interest | 3,400 | 3,195
Total Shareholders’ Investment | 4,451,406 | 4,001,393
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment | $ 6,370,067 | $ 6,139,831

* Shares and par values have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split distributed on February 9, 2016.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

39

Consolidated Statements of Operations

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2016 | 2015* | 2014*
Net sales | $9,523,224 | $9,263,863 | $9,316,256
Cost of products sold | 7,365,049 | 7,455,282 | 7,751,273
Gross Profit | 2,158,175 | 1,808,581 | 1,564,983
Selling, general and administrative | 871,974 | 743,611 | 650,948
Goodwill impairment charge | 991 | 21,537 | –
Equity in earnings of affiliates | 38,685 | 23,887 | 17,585
Operating Income | 1,323,895 | 1,067,320 | 931,620
Other income and expense: |  |  |
Interest and investment income | 6,191 | 2,934 | 3,236
Interest expense | (12,871) | (13,111) | (12,704)
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 1,317,215 | 1,057,143 | 922,152
Provision for income taxes | 426,698 | 369,879 | 316,126
Net Earnings | 890,517 | 687,264 | 606,026
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest | 465 | 1,176 | 3,349
Net Earnings Attributable to |  |  |
Hormel Foods Corporation | $ 890,052 | $ 686,088 | $ 602,677
Net Earnings Per Share: |  |  |
Basic | $ 1.68 | $ 1.30 | $ 1.14
Diluted | $ 1.64 | $ 1.27 | $ 1.12
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding: |  |  |
Basic | 529,290 | 528,143 | 527,624
Diluted | 542,473 | 541,002 | 540,431

* Shares and par values have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split distributed on February 9, 2016.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Net earnings | $890,517 | $687,264 | $606,026
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |  |  |
Foreign currency translation | (6,718) | (7,135) | (1,921)
Pension and other benefits | (69,286) | (21,280) | (52,985)
Deferred hedging | 5,109 | 9,823 | (3,590)
Total Other Comprehensive Loss | (70,895) | (18,592) | (58,496)
Comprehensive income | 819,622 | 668,672 | 547,530
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 205 | 947 | 3,339
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Hormel Foods Corporation | $819,417 | $667,725 | $544,191

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

40

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Investment

| Hormel Foods Corporation Shareholders |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Accumulated |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  | Additional |  | Other | Non- | Total
(in thousands, | Common Stock |  | Treasury Stock |  | Paid-In | Retained | Comprehensive | controlling | Shareholders’
except per share amounts) | Shares* | Amount |  | Shares* | Amount |  | Capital | Earnings | Income (Loss) | Interest | Investment
Balance at October 27, 2013 | 527,316 | $7,725 |  | – | $ – |  | $ – | $3,452,529 | $(149,214) | $5,539 | $3,316,579
Net earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 602,677 |  | 3,349 | 606,026
Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (58,486) | (10) | (58,496)
Purchases of common stock |  |  |  | (2,514) | (58,937) |  |  |  |  |  | (58,937)
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 1 |  |  |  |  | 14,392 |  |  |  | 14,393
Exercise of stock options/ nonvested shares | 2,424 | 35 |  |  |  |  | 6,068 |  |  |  | 6,103
Shares retired | (2,514) | (37) |  | 2,514 | 58,937 |  | (20,460) | (38,440) |  |  | –
Distribution to noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,500) | (2,500)
Declared cash dividends – $0.40 per share* |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (211,112) |  |  | (211,112)
Balance at October 26, 2014 | 527,226 | $7,724 |  | – | $ – |  | $ – | $3,805,654 | $(207,700) | $6,378 | $3,612,056
Net earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 686,088 |  | 1,176 | 687,264
Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (18,363) | (229) | (18,592)
Purchases of common stock |  |  |  | (800) | (24,928) |  |  |  |  |  | (24,928)
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 1 |  |  |  |  | 15,716 |  |  |  | 15,716
Exercise of stock options/ nonvested shares | 1,986 | 28 |  |  |  |  | 9,527 |  |  |  | 9,555
Purchase of additional ownership from noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  |  |  | (11,881) |  | 395 | (2,549) | (14,035)
Shares retired | (800) | (12) |  | 800 | 24,928 |  | (13,362) | (11,554) |  |  | –
Distribution to noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,581) | (1,581)
Declared cash dividends – $0.50 per share* |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (264,063) |  |  | (264,063)
Balance at October 25, 2015 | 528,412 | $7,741 |  | – | $ – |  | $ – | $4,216,125 | $(225,668) | $3,195 | $4,001,393
Net earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 890,052 |  | 465 | 890,517
Other comprehensive loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (70,635) | (260) | (70,895)
Purchases of common stock |  |  |  | (2,386) | (87,885) |  |  |  |  |  | (87,885)
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 1 |  |  |  |  | 17,828 |  |  |  | 17,829
Exercise of stock options/ nonvested shares | 2,458 | 35 |  |  |  |  | 7,476 |  |  |  | 7,511
Shares retired | (2,386) | (35) |  | 2,386 | 87,885 |  | (25,304) | (62,546) |  |  | –
Declared cash dividends – $0.58 per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (307,064) |  |  | (307,064)
Balance at October 30, 2016 | 528,484 | $7,742 |  | – | $ – |  | $ – | $4,736,567 | $(296,303) | $3,400 | $4,451,406

* Shares and par values have been restated, as appropriate, to reflect the two-for-one stock split distributed on February 9, 2016.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

41

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Operating Activities |  |  |
Net earnings | $ 890,517 | $ 687,264 | $ 606,026
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |
Depreciation | 123,581 | 125,292 | 120,692
Amortization of intangibles | 8,387 | 8,142 | 9,352
Goodwill impairment charge | 991 | 21,537 | –
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends | 7,505 | 13,438 | 5,246
Provision for deferred income taxes | 44,327 | 19,979 | 9,800
Loss (gain) on property/equipment sales and plant facilities | 80 | (5,240) | (1,667)
Non-cash investment activities | (1,287) | (847) | (1,387)
Stock-based compensation expense | 17,829 | 15,717 | 14,393
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation | (47,657) | (22,950) | (24,700)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |  |  |
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable | 21,389 | 22,451 | (20,486)
(Increase) decrease in inventories | (12,281) | 82,437 | (21,645)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets | 48,656 | 62,635 | 11,592
(Decrease) increase in pension and post-retirement benefits | (34,510) | (28,999) | (32,644)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses | (74,679) | (7,429) | 72,307
Other | – | (1,435) | –
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 992,848 | 991,992 | 746,879
Investing Activities |  |  |
Sale of business | 110,149 | – | –
Acquisitions of businesses/intangibles | (280,889) | (770,587) | (466,204)
Purchases of property/equipment | (255,524) | (144,063) | (159,138)
Proceeds from sales of property/equipment | 6,227 | 18,501 | 10,285
Decrease (increase) in investments, equity in affiliates, and other assets | 11,078 | (4,798) | (1,718)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (408,959) | (900,947) | (616,775)
Financing Activities |  |  |
Proceeds from short-term debt | 245,000 | 350,000 | 115,000
Principal payments on short-term debt | (430,000) | (165,000) | (115,000)
Dividends paid on common stock | (296,493) | (250,834) | (203,156)
Share repurchase | (87,885) | (24,928) | (58,937)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 12,075 | 10,468 | 10,523
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation | 47,657 | 22,950 | 24,700
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | – | (1,581) | (2,500)
Payments to noncontrolling interest | – | (11,702) | –
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (509,646) | (70,627) | (229,370)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | (6,339) | (7,353) | (574)
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 67,904 | 13,065 | (99,840)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 347,239 | 334,174 | 434,014
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year | $ 415,143 | $ 347,239 | $ 334,174

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

42

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements October 30, 2016

Note A

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hormel Foods Corporation (the Company) and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts, transactions, and profits.

Stock Split: On November 23, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company’s voting common stock, which was subsequently approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting on January 26, 2016, and effected on January 27, 2016. The Company’s voting common stock was reclassified by reducing the par value from $.0293 per share to $.01465 per share and the number of authorized shares was increased from 800 million to 1.6 billion shares, in order to effect the two-for-one stock split. The Company distributed the additional shares of $.01465 par value common stock on February 9, 2016, and the shares began trading at the post-split price on February 10, 2016.

Unless otherwise noted, all prior year share amounts and per share calculations throughout this Annual Report have been restated to reflect the impact of this split and to provide data on a comparable basis. Such restatements include calculations regarding the Company’s weighted-average shares, earnings per share, and dividends per share, as well as disclosures regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and share repurchase activity.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in October. Fiscal year 2016 consisted of 53 weeks and fiscal years 2015 and 2014 consisted of 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less on their acquisition date to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash equivalents as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, consisted primarily of bank deposits, money market funds rated AAA, or other highly liquid investment accounts. The Net Asset Value (NAV) of the Company’s money market funds is based on the market value of the securities in their portfolio.

Fair Value Measurements: Pursuant to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (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.

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.

See additional discussion regarding the Company’s fair value measurements in Notes G, H, and M.

Investments: The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans, which is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The securities held by the trust are classified as trading securities and consist mainly of fixed return investments. Therefore, unrealized gains and losses associated with these investments are included in the Company’s earnings. Securities held by the trust generated gains of $2.6 million, $2.4 million, and $2.9 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method. Adjustments to the Company’s lower of cost or market inventory reserve are reflected in cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. The Company uses the straight-line method in computing depreciation. The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally using the following ranges of asset lives: buildings 20 to 40 years, machinery and equipment 5 to 10 years.

Internal-use software development and implementation costs are expensed until the Company has determined that the software will result in probable future economic benefits, and management has committed to funding the project. Thereafter, all material development and implementation costs, and purchased software costs, are capitalized as part of machinery and equipment and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives.

43

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles: Indefinite-lived intangible assets are originally recorded at their estimated fair values at date of acquisition and the residual of the purchase price is recorded to goodwill. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are allocated to reporting units that will receive the related sales and income. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

In conducting the annual impairment test for goodwill, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes this is the case, then a two-step quantitative test for goodwill impairment is performed for the appropriate reporting units. Otherwise, the Company concludes no impairment is indicated and does not perform the two-step test.

In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes actual and projected growth trends for net sales, gross margin, and segment profit for each reporting unit, as well as historical performance versus plan and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, the Company assesses critical areas that may impact its business, including macroeconomic conditions and the related impact, market-related exposures, any plans to market all or a portion of their business, competitive changes, new or discontinued product lines, changes in key personnel, or any other potential risks to their projected financial results.

If performed, the quantitative goodwill impairment test is a two-step process performed at the reporting unit level. First, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its corresponding carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash flow valuations (Level 3), which incorporate assumptions regarding future growth rates, terminal values, and discount rates. The estimates and assumptions used consider historical performance and are consistent with the assumptions used in determining future profit plans for each reporting unit, which are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. If the first step results in the carrying value exceeding the fair value of any reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

During fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, as a result of the qualitative testing performed, no impairment charges were recorded other than for the Company’s Diamond Crystal Brands (DCB) assets held for sale. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s assets held for sale in Note E.

In conducting the annual impairment test for its indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (> 50% likelihood) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company concludes that this is the case, then a quantitative test for impairment must be performed. Otherwise, the Company does not need to perform a quantitative test.

In conducting the initial qualitative assessment, the Company analyzes growth rates for historical and projected net sales and the results of prior quantitative tests performed. Additionally, each reporting unit assesses critical areas that may impact their intangible assets or the applicable royalty rates to determine if there are factors that could indicate impairment of the asset.

If performed, the quantitative impairment test compares the fair value and carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is primarily determined on the basis of estimated discounted value, using the relief from royalty method (Level 3), which incorporates assumptions regarding future sales projections and discount rates. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the indefinite-lived intangible asset is considered impaired and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Even if not required, the Company periodically elects to perform the quantitative test in order to confirm the qualitative assessment.

Based on the qualitative assessment conducted in fiscal year 2016, performance of the quantitative test was not required for any of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. No impairment charges were recorded for indefinite-lived intangible assets for fiscal years 2016, 2015, or 2014.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets: Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets and any related goodwill, the carrying value is reduced to the estimated fair value. No material write-downs were recorded in fiscal years 2016, 2015, or 2014.

Assets Held For Sale: The Company classifies assets as held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan of sale with the expectation the sale will be completed within one year. The net assets of the business held for sale are then recorded at the lower of their current carrying value or the fair market value, less costs to sell. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s assets held for sale in Note E.

Employee Benefit Plans: The Company has elected to use the corridor approach to recognize expenses related to its defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. Under the corridor approach, actuarial gains or losses resulting from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions are deferred and amortized over future periods. For the defined benefit pension plans, the unrecognized gains

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and losses are amortized when the net gain or loss exceeds 10.0% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. For the other post-retirement plans, the unrecognized gains and losses are amortized when the net gain or loss exceeds 10.0% of the accumulated pension benefit obligation at the beginning of the year. For plans with active employees, net gains or losses in excess of the corridor are amortized over the average remaining service period of participating employees expected to receive benefits under those plans. For plans with only retiree participants, net gains or losses in excess of the corridor are amortized over the average remaining life of the retirees receiving benefits under those plans.

Contingent Liabilities: The Company may be subject to investigations, legal proceedings, or claims related to the on-going operation of its business, including claims both by and against the Company. Such proceedings typically involve claims related to product liability, contract disputes, wage and hour 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. Where the Company is able to reasonably estimate a range of potential losses, the Company records the amount within that range which constitutes the Company’s best estimate. The Company also discloses the nature of and range of loss for claims against the Company when losses are reasonably possible and material.

Foreign Currency Translation: Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated at the current exchange rate as of the statement of financial position date, and amounts in the statement of operations are translated at the average monthly exchange rate. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ investment.

When calculating foreign currency translation, the Company deemed its foreign investments to be permanent in nature and has not provided for taxes on currency translation adjustments arising from converting the investment in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

Derivatives and Hedging Activity: The Company uses commodity and currency positions to manage its exposure to price fluctuations in those markets. The contracts are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position within other current assets or accounts payable. Additional information on hedging activities is presented in Note H.

Equity Method Investments: The Company has a number of investments in joint ventures where its voting interests are in excess of 20 percent but not greater than 50 percent and for which there are no other indicators of control. The Company accounts for such investments under the equity method of accounting, and its underlying share of each investee’s equity is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as part of investments in and receivables from affiliates.

The Company regularly monitors and evaluates the fair value of our equity investments. If events and circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair value of these assets has occurred and is other than temporary, the Company will record a charge in equity in earnings of affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s equity investments do not have a readily determinable fair value as none of them are publicly traded. The fair values of the Company’s private equity investments are determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows of each entity. These cash flow estimates include assumptions on growth rates and future currency exchange rates (Level 3). Excluding charges related to the exit from international joint venture businesses in fiscal year 2015, there were no other charges on any of the Company’s equity investments in fiscal years 2016, 2015, or 2014. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s equity method investments in Note I.

Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes sales when title passes upon delivery of its products to customers, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns, and allowances. Products are delivered upon receipt of customer purchase orders with acceptable terms, including price and reasonably assured collectability.

The Company offers various sales incentives to customers and consumers. Incentives that are offered off-invoice include prompt pay allowances, will call allowances, spoilage allowances, and temporary price reductions. These incentives are recognized as reductions of revenue at the time title passes. Coupons are used as an incentive for consumers to purchase various products. The coupons reduce revenues at the time they are offered, based on estimated redemption rates. Promotional contracts are performed by customers to promote the Company’s products to consumers. These incentives reduce revenues at the time of performance through direct payments and accrued promotional funds. Accrued promotional funds are unpaid liabilities for promotional contracts in process or completed at the end of a quarter or fiscal year. Promotional contract accruals are based on a review of the unpaid outstanding contracts on which performance has taken place. Estimates used to determine the revenue reduction include the level of customer performance and the historical spend rate versus contracted rates.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors, including the age of its accounts receivable balances, customer history, collection experience, and current market factors. Additionally, a specific reserve may be established if the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations.

Advertising Expenses: Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising expenses include all media advertising but exclude the costs associated with samples, demonstrations, and market research. Advertising costs for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $204.1 million, $145.3 million, and $114.4 million, respectively.

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Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company’s shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of products sold.

Research and Development Expenses: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses incurred for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $34.7 million, $32.0 million, and $29.9 million, respectively.

Income Taxes: The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes ultimately payable or recoverable based on enacted tax law. Changes in enacted tax rates are reflected in the tax provision as they occur.

In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognizes a tax position in its financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. That position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Employee Stock Options: The Company records stock-based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. For options subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the vesting period or requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense for grants made to retirement-eligible employees is recognized on the date of grant.

Share Repurchases: On January 29, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 10.0 million shares of its common stock with no expiration date. On a pre-split basis, 0.4 million shares were purchased from The Hormel Foundation under this authorization at the average closing price for the three days of September 15, September 16, and September 17, 2015, or $62.32. The Company purchased 1.3 million shares at an average price of $46.87 during fiscal year 2014 on a pre-split basis.

On November 23, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one split of the Company’s voting common stock. As part of the Board’s approval of that stock split, the number of shares remaining to be repurchased was adjusted proportionately. On a post-split basis, 2.4 million shares at an average price of $36.84 were purchased during fiscal year 2016 under the current authorization in place.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Non-cash investment activities presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows generally consist of unrealized gains or losses on the Company’s rabbi trust. The noted investments are included in other assets or short-term marketable securities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Changes in the value of these investments are included in the Company’s net

earnings and are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as either interest and investment income or interest expense, as appropriate.

On March 16, 2015, the Company purchased the remaining 19.29% ownership interest in its Shanghai Hormel Foods Corporation joint venture from the minority partner Shanghai Shangshi Meat Products Co. Ltd., resulting in 100.0% ownership of that business. The interest was purchased with $11.7 million in cash, along with the transfer of land use rights and buildings held by the joint venture. The difference between the fair value of the consideration given and the reduction in the noncontrolling interest was recognized as an $11.9 million reduction in additional paid-in capital attributable to the Company. The Company will continue to manufacture at the Shanghai facility by leasing the land use rights and buildings from the previous minority partner.

Accounting Changes and Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated the guidance within ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The update provides guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects qualifying for the low-income housing tax credit. The amendments modify the conditions a reporting entity must meet to be eligible to use a method other than the equity or cost methods to account for qualified affordable housing project investments. If the modified conditions are met, the amendments permit an entity to make an accounting policy election to amortize the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the amount of tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognize the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). Additionally, the amendments introduce new recurring disclosures about all investments in qualified affordable housing projects irrespective of the method used to account for the investments. The updated guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2016, and adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This topic converges the guidance within U.S. GAAP and international financial reporting standards and supersedes ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. The new standard requires companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard will

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also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions which were not previously addressed comprehensively, and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements. On July 8, 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, and early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Accordingly, the Company expects to adopt the provisions of this new accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2019, and is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated financial statements with a focus on arrangements with customers.

In April 2015, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 835, Interest. The update provides guidance on simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendments require debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2017, and adoption will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits. The update provides guidance on simplifying the measurement date for defined benefit plan assets and obligations. The amendments allow employers with fiscal year ends that do not coincide with a calendar month end to make an accounting policy election to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the end of the month closest to their fiscal year ends. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2016, with no accounting policy change elected.

In May 2015, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The update provides guidance on the disclosures for investments in certain entities that calculate NAV per share (or its equivalent). The amendments remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient. The updated guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2017, and adoption is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements as it will impact year-end disclosures only.

In November 2015, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 740, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The update requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new provisions of this accounting standard prospectively at the beginning of fiscal year 2016, and adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 842, Leases. The update requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets while recognizing expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to current U.S. GAAP. The guidance also eliminates current real estate-specific provisions for all entities. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

In March 2016, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. The update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period, with adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

In June 2016, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. 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 amendments replace the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

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In August 2016, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 230, Statement of Cash Flows. The update makes eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted provided all amendments are adopted in the same period. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

In October 2016, the FASB updated the guidance within ASC 740, Income Taxes. The updated guidance requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity asset transfer, other than transfers of inventory, when the transfer occurs. For intra-entity transfers of inventory, the income tax effects will continue to be deferred until the inventory has been sold to a third party. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted only within the first interim period of a fiscal year. The guidance is required to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

Note B

Acquisitions

On May 26, 2016, the Company acquired Justin’s, LLC (Justin’s) of Boulder, Colorado, for a preliminary purchase price of $280.9 million. The transaction provides a cash flow benefit resulting from the amortization of the tax basis of assets, the net present value of which is approximately $70.0 million. The purchase price is preliminary pending final purchase accounting adjustments, and was funded by the Company with cash on hand and by utilizing short-term financing. Primary assets acquired include goodwill of $186.4 million and intangibles of $89.9 million.

Justin’s is a pioneer in nut butter-based snacking and this acquisition allows the Company to enhance its presence in the specialty natural and organic nut butter category, complementing SKIPPY® peanut butter products.

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 Grocery Products segment.

On July 13, 2015, the Company acquired Applegate Farms, LLC (Applegate) of Bridgewater, New Jersey, for a final purchase price of $774.1 million in cash. The purchase price was funded by the Company with cash on hand and by utilizing short-term financing.

Applegate® is the No. 1 brand in natural and organic value-added prepared meats and this acquisition will allow the Company to expand the breadth of its protein offerings to provide consumers more choice in this fast growing category.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. The Company obtained an independent appraisal. A final allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets, liabilities, and goodwill is presented in the table below.

(in thousands) |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | $ 25,574 |
Inventory |  | 22,212 |
Prepaid and other assets |  | 2,987 |
Property, plant and equipment |  | 3,463 |
Intangible assets |  | 275,900 |
Goodwill |  | 488,235 |
Current liabilities |  | (23,420 | )
Deferred taxes |  | (20,888 | )
Purchase price |  | $774,063 |

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets recognized. The goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition primarily reflects the value of the potential to expand product distribution. A portion of the goodwill balance is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill and intangible assets have been allocated to the Refrigerated Foods segment.

The Company recognized approximately $9.0 million of transaction costs in fiscal year 2015 related to the acquisition and the charges were reported in selling, general and administrative expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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.

On August 11, 2014, the Company acquired CytoSport Holdings, Inc. (CytoSport) of Benicia, California, for a final purchase price of $420.9 million in cash. The purchase price was funded by the Company with cash on hand and by utilizing funds from its revolving line of credit. The agreement provides for a potential additional payment of up to $20.0 million subject to meeting specific financial performance criteria over the two years subsequent to the year of acquisition. The Company recorded adjustments to income to recognize the liability at its fair value as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, of $1.4 million in fiscal year 2016 and $8.9 million in fiscal year 2015.

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CytoSport is the maker of Muscle Milk® products and is a leading provider of premium protein products in the sports nutrition category. CytoSport’s brands align with the Company’s focus on protein while further diversifying the Company’s portfolio.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. The Company has estimated the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, using independent appraisals and other analyses, and determined final working capital adjustments. The final allocation of the purchase price to the acquired assets, liabilities, and goodwill is presented in the table below.

(in thousands) |  |  |
Accounts receivable |  | $ 30,580 |
Inventory |  | 62,246 |
Prepaid and other assets |  | 3,133 |
Property, plant and equipment |  | 8,119 |
Intangible assets |  | 188,500 |
Goodwill |  | 270,925 |
Current liabilities |  | (52,811 | )
Long-term liabilities |  | (30,140 | )
Deferred taxes |  | (59,700 | )
Purchase price |  | $420,852 |

The liabilities shown above include $15.0 million representing potential payments owed under a supplier agreement, which are contingent on future production levels through fiscal year 2018.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets recognized. The goodwill recorded as part of the acquisition primarily reflects the value of the assembled workforce, manufacturing synergies, and the potential to expand presence in alternate channels. The goodwill balance is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill and intangible assets have been allocated to the Specialty Foods and International & Other segments.

The Company recognized approximately $4.8 million of transaction costs in fiscal year 2014 related to the acquisition and the charges were reported in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

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 Specialty Foods and International & Other segments.

On November 26, 2013, the Company acquired the China-based SKIPPY ® peanut butter business, for a final purchase price of $41.9 million in cash. This acquisition included the Weifang, China, manufacturing facility and all sales in Mainland China. The purchase price was funded by the Company with cash on hand.

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 International & Other reporting segment.

SKIPPY® is a well-established brand that allows the Company to expand its presence in the center of the store with a non-meat protein product and reinforces the Company’s balanced product portfolio. The acquisition also provides the opportunity to strengthen the Company’s global presence and complements the international sales strategy for the SPAM® family of products.

Pro forma results of operations are not presented, as no acquisitions in fiscal years 2016, 2015, or 2014 were considered material, individually or in the aggregate, to the consolidated Company.

Note C

Inventories

Principal components of inventories are:

| October 30, | October 25,
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015
Finished products | $553,634 | $553,298
Raw materials and work-in-process | 253,662 | 239,174
Materials and supplies | 178,387 | 200,793
Total | $985,683 | $993,265

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Note D

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, are presented in the table below. Additions during the fiscal year ended October 30, 2016, relate to the acquisition of Justin’s on May 26, 2016, and are preliminary pending final purchase accounting adjustments. Purchase adjustments are related to the Applegate and CytoSport acquisitions. Other reductions during the fiscal year ended October 30, 2016, are due to the sale of DCB on May 9, 2016. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s assets held for sale in Note E.

|  | Grocery | Refrigerated |  | Specialty | International |
(in thousands) |  | Products | Foods | JOTS | Foods | & Other | Total
Balance as of October 26, 2014 |  | $322,942 | $ 96,643 | $203,214 | $470,857 | $132,750 | $1,226,406
Goodwill acquired |  | – | 488,476 | – | – | – | 488,476
Purchase adjustments |  | – | – | – | 7,096 | – | 7,096
Impairment charge |  | – | – | – | (21,537) | – | (21,537)
Product line disposal |  | (521) | (435) | – | – | (1) | (957)
Balance as of October 25, 2015 |  | $322,421 | $584,684 | $203,214 | $456,416 | $132,749 | $1,699,484
Goodwill acquired |  | 186,379 | – | – | – | – | 186,379
Purchase adjustments |  | – | (241) | – | – | – | (241)
Goodwill sold |  | – | – | – | (50,134) | – | (50,134)
Impairment charge |  | – | – | – | (991) | – | (991)
Balance as of October 30, 2016 |  | $508,800 | $584,443 | $203,214 | $405,291 | $132,749 | $1,834,497

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets are presented in the table below. In fiscal year 2016, customer relationships of $5.8 million and non-compete agreements of $1.4 million were acquired related to Justin’s. In fiscal year 2015, customer relationships of $25.1 million and non-compete agreements of $1.2 million were acquired related to Applegate. Through the final purchase accounting valuation of CytoSport in fiscal year 2015, the value of the customer relationships was raised to $23.3 million. Once fully amortized, the definite-lived intangible assets are removed from the table.

| October 30, 2016 | October 25, 2015
| Gross |  | Weighted- | Gross |  | Weighted-
| Carrying | Accumulated | Avg Life | Carrying | Accumulated | Avg Life
(in thousands) | Amount | Amortization | (in Years) | Amount | Amortization | (in Years)
Customer lists/relationships | $88,240 | $(20,737) | 12.2 | $ 83,190 | $(13,939) | 12.1
Formulas and recipes | 1,950 | (1,796) | 10.0 | 7,490 | (6,865) | 7.2
Proprietary software and technology | – | – | N/A | 7,010 | (6,901) | 8.1
Other intangibles | 3,520 | (1,677) | 6.3 | 2,370 | (1,195) | 7.5
Total | $93,710 | $(24,210) | 11.9 | $100,060 | $(28,900) | 11.3

Amortization expense for the last three fiscal years was as follows:

(in millions) |  |  |
2016 |  | $8.4 |
2015 |  | 8.1 |
2014 |  | 9.4 |

Estimated annual amortization expense for the five fiscal years after October 30, 2016, is as follows:

(in millions) |  |  |
2017 |  | $8.3 |
2018 |  | 7.8 |
2019 |  | 7.6 |
2020 |  | 7.4 |
2021 |  | 7.4 |

The carrying amounts for indefinite-lived intangible assets are in the following table. The increases represent the fair value of the tradenames acquired with Justin’s in fiscal year 2016 and Applegate in fiscal year 2015.

|  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  | 2016 | 2015 |
Brands/tradenames/trademarks |  | $825,774 | $748,075 |
Other intangibles |  | 7,984 | 7,984 |
Total |  | $833,758 | $756,059 |

During the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Company completed the required annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. No impairment charges were recorded as a result of this test. Upon disposition of the Company’s DCB assets held for sale, the Company recorded a $1.0 million impairment in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s assets held for sale in Note E. Useful lives of intangible assets were also reviewed during this process, with no changes identified.

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Note E

Assets Held for Sale

At the end of fiscal year 2016, the Company was actively marketing Clougherty Packing, LLC, parent company of Farmer John and Saag’s Specialty Meats, along with PFFJ, LLC farm operations in California, Arizona, and Wyoming. Through this process, the Company identified the specific assets and liabilities to be sold and allocated goodwill based on the relative fair values of the assets held for sale and the assets that will be retained by the Company. In November 2016, subsequent to the end of the fiscal year, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale. The assets held for sale are reported within the Company’s Refrigerated Foods segment. The assets held for sale are not material to the Company’s annual net sales, net earnings, or earnings per share.

Amounts classified as assets and liabilities held for sale on October 30, 2016, are presented on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position within their respective accounts, and include the following:

Assets held for sale (in thousands) |  |  |
Current assets |  | $ 80,861 |
Goodwill |  | 12,703 |
Intangibles |  | 14,321 |
Property, plant and equipment |  | 74,812 |
Total assets held for sale |  | $182,697 |
Liabilities held for sale (in thousands) |  |  |
Total current liabilities held for sale |  | $ 44,066 |

In fiscal year 2015, the Company began actively marketing a portion of DCB. Through this process, the Company identified the specific assets and liabilities to be sold and allocated goodwill based on the relative fair values of the assets held for sale and the assets that will be retained by the Company. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale and recorded a $1.0 million impairment charge based on the valuation of the assets as implied by the agreed-upon sales price. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, a $21.5 million goodwill impairment charge was recorded for the portion of DCB held for sale. The fair value of the net assets to be sold was determined using Level 2 inputs utilizing a market participant bid along with internal valuations of the business. Impairment charge was recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations on the line item “Goodwill impairment charge.” The transaction closed on May 9, 2016, resulting in proceeds, net of selling costs, of a preliminary closing price of $110.1 million, pending working capital adjustments. DCB was reported within the Company’s Specialty Foods segment. DCB provided approximately $256 million of net sales in fiscal year 2015. Net earnings and earnings per share were not material to the consolidated Company.

Amounts classified as assets and liabilities held for sale on October 25, 2015, were presented on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position within their respective accounts, and include the following:

Assets held for sale (in thousands) |  |  |
Current assets |  | $ 26,057 |
Goodwill |  | 51,811 |
Intangibles |  | 5,389 |
Property, plant and equipment |  | 31,678 |
Total assets held for sale |  | $114,935 |
Liabilities held for sale (in thousands) |  |  |
Total current liabilities held for sale |  | $ 3,191 |

Note F

Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements

Long-term debt consists of:

|  |  | October 30, | October 25, |
(in thousands) |  |  | 2016 | 2015 |
Senior unsecured notes, with interest at 4.125%, interest due semi-annually through April 2021 maturity date |  |  | $250,000 | $250,000 |
Less current maturities |  |  | – | – |
Total |  |  | $250,000 | $250,000 |

The Company has a $400.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit which was extended by one year during fiscal year 2016 at the Company’s discretion and matures in June 2021. The Company retains an option in 2017 to extend the facility for an additional year. The unsecured revolving line of credit bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, and a fixed fee is paid for the availability of this credit line. As of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, the Company had no outstanding draws from this line of credit.

The Company also has a $300.0 million term loan facility expiring in December 2016. As of October 30, 2016, the Company had no outstanding draws from this line of credit. As of October 25, 2015, the Company had $185.0 million outstanding on the term loan facility.

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 current fiscal year, the Company was in compliance with all of these covenants.

Total interest paid in the last three fiscal years is as follows:

(in millions) |  |  |
2016 |  | $12.9 |
2015 |  | 13.1 |
2014 |  | 12.7 |

51

Note G

Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits

The Company has several defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans covering most employees. Total costs associated with the Company’s defined contribution benefit plans in fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $33.5 million, $31.7 million, and $30.1 million, respectively. Benefits for defined benefit pension plans covering hourly employees are provided based on stated amounts for each year of service, while plan benefits covering salaried employees are based on final average compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to make annual contributions of not less than the minimum required by applicable regulations. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 9-23 years.

Certain groups of employees are eligible for post-retirement health or welfare benefits. Benefits for retired employees vary for each group depending on respective retirement dates and applicable plan coverage in effect. Contribution requirements for retired employees are governed by the Retiree Health Care

Payment Program and may change each year as the cost to provide coverage is determined. Eligible employees hired after January 1, 1990, may receive post-retirement medical coverage but must pay the full cost of the coverage. On October 17, 2012, the plan was amended, effective April 1, 2013, to terminate coverage for certain nonunion retirees who retired on or after August 1, 2002, and who are or will be Medicare eligible. If the cost of the nonunion retiree coverage is currently subsidized by the Company for the affected retirees, credits will be established in a health reimbursement account to help reimburse the retiree for the cost of purchasing coverage in the individual market. Actuarial gains and losses and any adjustments resulting from plan amendments are deferred and amortized to expense over periods ranging from 5-24 years.

In fiscal year 2011, an amendment was enacted for a defined benefit plan which included a change in the pension formula effective January 1, 2017. The amended formula remains a defined benefit formula, but will base the accrued benefit credit on age and service and define the benefit as a lump sum. Effective October 31, 2016, the 401(k) match for these participants was increased.

Net periodic cost of defined benefit plans included the following:

|  |  | Pension Benefits |  |  | Post-retirement Benefits |
(in thousands) |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Service cost |  |  | $ 26,951 |  |  | $ 28,795 |  |  | $ 25,935 |  |  | $ 1,297 |  |  | $ 1,795 |  |  | $ 1,963 |
Interest cost |  |  | 55,728 |  |  | 52,522 |  |  | 53,030 |  |  | 13,346 |  |  | 13,479 |  |  | 15,279 |
Expected return on plan assets |  |  | (88,681 | ) |  | (88,792 | ) |  | (83,702 | ) |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | – |
Amortization of prior service cost |  |  | (4,120 | ) |  | (4,878 | ) |  | (4,971 | ) |  | (4,282 | ) |  | (1,337 | ) |  | (1,337 | )
Recognized actuarial loss (gain) |  |  | 20,318 |  |  | 18,476 |  |  | 12,697 |  |  | 1,617 |  |  | (2 | ) |  | (2 | )
Curtailment (gain) charge |  |  | (4,438 | ) |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | – |
Net periodic cost |  |  | $ 5,758 |  |  | $ 6,123 |  |  | $ 2,989 |  |  | $11,978 |  |  | $13,935 |  |  | $15,903 |
The following amounts have not been recognized in net periodic pension cost and are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
|  |  | Pension Benefits |  |  | Post-retirement Benefits |
(in thousands) |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Unrecognized prior service credit |  |  | $ 17,049 |  |  | $ 32,490 |  |  | $ 13,845 |  |  | $ 2,844 |
Unrecognized actuarial losses |  |  | (464,091 | ) |  | (360,949 | ) |  | (44,258 | ) |  | (40,590 | )

The following amounts are expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit expense in fiscal year 2017:

|  |  | Post- |
| Pension |  | retirement |
(in thousands) | Benefits |  | Benefits |
Amortized prior service credit | $(3,000) |  | $(4,274) |
Recognized actuarial losses | 26,166 |  | 2,424 |

52

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the plans as of the October 30, 2016, and the October 25, 2015, measurement dates:

|  |  | Pension Benefits |  |  | Post-retirement Benefits |
(in thousands) |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Change in benefit obligation: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |  |  | $1,248,209 |  |  | $1,235,769 |  |  | $334,544 |  |  | $330,841 |
Service cost |  |  | 26,951 |  |  | 28,795 |  |  | 1,297 |  |  | 1,795 |
Interest cost |  |  | 55,728 |  |  | 52,522 |  |  | 13,346 |  |  | 13,479 |
Actuarial loss (gain) |  |  | 112,208 |  |  | (16,872 | ) |  | 5,285 |  |  | 10,339 |
Plan amendments |  |  | 6,884 |  |  | – |  |  | (15,283 | ) |  | – |
Curtailment (gain) loss |  |  | (674 | ) |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | – |
Participant contributions |  |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | 2,959 |  |  | 2,798 |
Medicare Part D subsidy |  |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | 2,090 |  |  | 1,313 |
Benefits paid |  |  | (54,436 | ) |  | (52,005 | ) |  | (26,766 | ) |  | (26,021) |
Benefit obligation at end of year |  |  | $1,394,870 |  |  | $1,248,209 |  |  | $317,472 |  |  | $334,544 |
|  |  | Pension Benefits |  |  | Post-retirement Benefits |
(in thousands) |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Change in plan assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |  |  | $1,179,777 |  |  | $1,168,765 |  |  | $ – |  |  | $ – |
Actual return on plan assets |  |  | 76,756 |  |  | 35,870 |  |  | – |  |  | – |
Participant contributions |  |  | – |  |  | – |  |  | 2,959 |  |  | 2,798 |
Employer contributions |  |  | 30,529 |  |  | 27,147 |  |  | 23,807 |  |  | 23,223 |
Benefits paid |  |  | (54,436 | ) |  | (52,005 | ) |  | (26,766 | ) |  | (26,021) |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |  |  | $1,232,626 |  |  | $1,179,777 |  |  | $ – |  |  | $ – |
Funded status at end of year |  |  | $ (162,244 | ) |  | $ (68,432 | ) |  | $(317,472 | ) |  | $(334,544) |
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, are as follows:
|  |  | Pension Benefits |  |  | Post-retirement Benefits |
(in thousands) |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Pension assets |  |  | $ 68,901 |  |  | $ 132,861 |  |  | $ – |  |  | $ – |
Employee related expenses |  |  | (5,425 | ) |  | (4,931 | ) |  | (20,836 | ) |  | (21,645) |
Pension and post-retirement benefits |  |  | (225,720 | ) |  | (196,362 | ) |  | (296,636 | ) |  | (312,899) |
Net amount recognized |  |  | $(162,244 | ) |  | $ (68,432 | ) |  | $(317,472 | ) |  | $(334,544) |

The following table provides information for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:

(in thousands) | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Projected benefit obligation | $231,145 |  |  | $201,293 |
Accumulated benefit obligation | 225,364 |  |  | 193,913 |
Fair value of plan assets | – |  |  | – |
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Discount rate |  | 3.94% |  |  | 4.50% |
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level) |  | 3.96% |  |  | 3.92% |

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

|  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Discount rate |  |  | 4.50% |  |  | 4.31% |  |  | 4.89% |
Rate of future compensation increase (for plans that base benefits on final compensation level) |  |  | 3.92% |  |  | 3.94% |  |  | 3.91% |
Expected long-term return on plan assets |  |  | 7.60% |  |  | 7.70% |  |  | 7.80% |

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on fair value and is developed in consultation with outside advisors. A range is determined based on the composition of the asset portfolio, historical long-term rates of return, and estimates of future performance.

53

For measurement purposes, an 8.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits for pre-Medicare and post-Medicare retirees’ coverage is assumed for 2017. The pre-Medicare and post-Medicare rate is assumed to decrease to 5.0% for 2022, and remain at that level thereafter.

The assumed discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of future compensation increase, and health care cost trend rate have a significant impact on the amounts reported for the benefit plans. A one-percentage-point change in these rates would have the following effects:

| 1-Percentage-Point
| Expense | Benefit Obligation
(in thousands) | Increase | Decrease | Increase | Decrease
Pension Benefits: |  |  |  |
Discount rate | $(14,259) | $16,745 | $(181,910) | $230,150
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | (12,125) | 12,125 | – | –
Rate of future compensation increase | 2,577 | (2,263) | 1,421 | (1,332)
Post-retirement Benefits: |  |  |  |
Discount rate | $ (1,011) | $ 4,710 | $ (31,075) | $ 37,551
Health care cost trend rate | 1,575 | (1,347) | 33,249 | (28,432)

Based on the October 30, 2016, measurement date, the Company anticipates making contributions of $17.2 million to fund the pension plans during fiscal year 2017. The Company also expects to make contributions of $26.8 million during fiscal year 2017 that represent benefit payments for unfunded plans.

Benefits expected to be paid over the next ten fiscal years are as follows:

|  | Post-
| Pension | retirement
(in thousands) | Benefits | Benefits
2017 | $ 56,099 | $ 21,227
2018 | 58,466 | 21,393
2019 | 61,024 | 21,519
2020 | 63,940 | 21,461
2021 | 66,871 | 21,384
2022-2026 | 378,191 | 101,662

Post-retirement benefits are net of expected federal subsidy receipts related to prescription drug benefits granted under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are estimated to be $0.8 million per year through 2026.

The actual and target weighted-average asset allocations for the Company’s pension plan assets as of the plan measurement date are as follows:

| 2016 | 2015
Asset Category | Actual | Target Range | Actual | Target Range
Large Capitalization Equity | 21.7% | 12-22% | 38.8% | 15-35%
Small Capitalization Equity | 5.2% | 3-13% | 5.4% | 5-15%
International Equity | 13.7% | 10-20% | 14.0% | 15-25%
Global Equity | 10.5% | 5-20% | – | –
Private Equity | 5.5% | 0-15% | 6.1% | 0-15%
Total Equity Securities | 56.6% | 50-75% | 64.3% | 50-75%
Fixed Income | 36.4% | 25-45% | 34.3% | 25-45%
Real Estate | 5.0% | 0-10% | – | 0-10%
Cash and Cash Equivalents | 2.0% | – | 1.4% | –

Target allocations are established in consultation with outside advisors through the use of asset-liability modeling to attempt to match the duration of the plan assets with the duration of the Company’s projected benefit liability. The asset allocation strategy attempts to minimize the long-term cost of pension benefits, reduce the volatility of pension expense, and achieve a healthy funded status for the plans.

54

The fair values of the defined benefit pension plan investments as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, by asset category and fair value hierarchy level, are as follows:

| Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2016
|  | Quoted Prices |  |
|  | in Active | Significant Other | Significant
|  | Markets for | Observable | Unobservable
| Total | Identical Assets | Inputs | Inputs
(in thousands) | Fair Value | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value: |  |  |  |
Cash Equivalents(1) | $ 24,412 | $ 24,412 | $ – | $ –
Large Capitalization Equity(2) |  |  |  |
Domestic | $ 234,633 | $156,495 | $ 78,138 | $ –
Foreign | 32,795 | 32,795 | – | –
Total Large Capitalization Equity | $ 267,428 | $189,290 | $ 78,138 | $ –
Small Capitalization Equity(3) |  |  |  |
Domestic | $ 52,599 | $ 52,599 | $ – | $ –
Foreign | 11,173 | 11,173 | – | –
Total Small Capitalization Equity | $ 63,772 | $ 63,772 | $ – | $ –
International Equity(4) |  |  |  |
Mutual fund | $ 99,635 | $ – | $ 99,635 | $ –
Collective trust | 69,184 | – | 69,184 | –
Total International Equity | $ 168,819 | $ – | $168,819 | $ –
Global Equity – Mutual Fund(5) | $ 129,014 | $ – | $129,014 | $ –
Private Equity(6) |  |  |  |
Domestic | $ 54,613 | $ – | $ – | $ 54,613
International | 13,489 | – | – | 13,489
Total Private Equity | $ 68,102 | $ – | $ – | $ 68,102
Total Equity | $ 697,135 | $253,062 | $375,971 | $ 68,102
Fixed Income(7) |  |  |  |
US government issues | $ 153,333 | $126,673 | $ 26,660 | $ –
Municipal issues | 21,451 | – | 21,451 | –
Corporate issues – domestic | 224,963 | – | 224,963 | –
Corporate issues – foreign | 48,328 | – | 48,328 | –
Total Fixed Income | $ 448,075 | $126,673 | $321,402 | $ –
Real Estate – Domestic(8) | $ 63,004 | $ – | $ – | $ 63,004
Total Investments at Fair Value | $1,232,626 | $404,147 | $697,373 | $131,106

55

| Fair Value Measurements at October 25, 2015
|  | Quoted Prices |  |
|  | in Active | Significant Other | Significant
|  | Markets for | Observable | Unobservable
| Total | Identical Assets | Inputs | Inputs)
(in thousands) | Fair Value | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3)
Investments at Fair Value: |  |  |  |
Cash Equivalents(1) | $ 16,551 | $ 16,551 | $ – | $ –
Large Capitalization Equity(2) |  |  |  |
Domestic | $ 300,735 | $175,206 | $125,529 | $ –
Foreign | 36,637 | 36,637 | – | –
World | 120,206 | – | 120,206 | –
Total Large Capitalization Equity | $ 457,578 | $211,843 | $245,735 | $ –
Small Capitalization Equity(3) |  |  |  |
Domestic | $ 55,513 | $ 55,513 | $ – | $ –
Foreign | 8,246 | 8,246 | – | –
Total Small Capitalization Equity | $ 63,759 | $ 63,759 | $ – | $ –
International Equity(4) |  |  |  |
Mutual fund | $ 101,062 | $ – | $101,062 | $ –
Collective trust | 63,861 | – | 63,861 | –
Total International Equity | $ 164,923 | $ – | $164,923 | $ –
Private Equity(6) |  |  |  |
Domestic | $ 54,748 | $ – | $ – | $54,748
International | 17,027 | – | – | 17,027
Total Private Equity | $ 71,775 | $ – | $ – | $71,775
Total Equity | $ 758,035 | $275,602 | $410,658 | $71,775
Fixed Income(7) |  |  |  |
US government issues | $ 130,456 | $104,460 | $ 25,996 | $ –
Municipal issues | 20,211 | – | 20,211 | –
Corporate issues – domestic | 210,035 | – | 210,035 | –
Corporate issues – foreign | 44,489 | – | 44,489 | –
Total Fixed Income | $ 405,191 | $104,460 | $300,731 | $ –
Total Investments at Fair Value | $1,179,777 | $396,613 | $711,389 | $71,775

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy:

(1) Cash Equivalents: These Level 1 investments consist primarily of money market mutual funds that are highly liquid and traded in active markets.

(2) Large Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investment includes mutual funds consisting of a mix of U.S. and foreign common stocks that are valued at the publicly NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end.

(3) Small Capitalization Equity: The Level 1 investments include a mix of predominately U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded.

(4) International Equity: These Level 2 investments include a mix of collective investment funds and mutual funds. The mutual funds are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end. The value of the collective investment funds is based on the fair value of the underlying investments and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.

(5) Global Equity: The Level 2 investment includes an open-ended mutual fund consisting of a mix of U.S. common stocks and foreign common stocks, which is valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year end.

(6) Private Equity: These Level 3 investments consist of various collective investment funds, which are managed by a third party, that invest in a well-diversified portfolio of equity investments from top performing, high quality firms that focus on U.S. and foreign small to mid-markets, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs with a concentration in areas of innovation. Investment strategies include buyouts, growth capital, buildups, and distressed, as well as early stages of company development mainly in the U.S. The fair value of the units for these investments is based on the fair value of the underlying investments, and the NAV can be calculated for these funds.

(7) Fixed Income: The Level 1 investments include U.S. Treasury bonds and notes, which are valued at the closing price reported on the active market in which the individual securities are traded. The Level 2 investments consist principally of U.S. government securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources and mortgage-backed securities pricing sources; municipal, domestic, and foreign securities, which are valued daily using institutional bond quote sources; and mutual funds invested in long-duration corporate bonds that are valued at the publicly available NAV of shares held by the pension plans at year-end.

(8) Real Estate: These Level 3 investments include ownership in open-ended real estate funds, which manage diversified portfolios of commercial properties within the office, residential, retail, and industrial property sectors. Investment strategies aim to acquire, own, hold, or dispose of investments with the goal of achieving current income and/or capital appreciation. The real estate investments are valued at the NAV of shares held by the pension plans. Requests to redeem shares are granted on a quarterly basis with either 45 or 90 days advance notice, subject to availability of cash.

56

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows:

(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015
Beginning Balance | $ 71,775 | $58,723
Purchases, issuances, and settlements (net) | 52,891 | (3,574)
Unrealized (losses) gains | (5,177) | 7,741
Realized gains | 4,276 | 7,623
Interest and dividend income | 7,341 | 1,262
Ending Balance | $131,106 | $71,775

The Company has commitments totaling $85.0 million for the private equity investments within the pension plans. The unfunded private equity commitment balance for each investment category as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, is as follows:

(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015
Domestic equity | $ 4,696 | $ 9,264
International equity | 7,873 | 9,514
Unfunded commitment balance | $12,569 | $18,778

Funding for future private equity capital calls will come from existing pension plan asset investments and not from additional cash contributions into the Company’s pension plans.

Note H

Derivatives and Hedging

The Company uses hedging programs to manage price risk associated with commodity purchases. These programs utilize futures contracts, options, and swaps to manage the Company’s exposure to price fluctuations in the commodities markets. The Company has determined its programs which are designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows generated by the items hedged.

Cash Flow Hedges: The Company utilizes corn futures to offset price fluctuations in the Company’s future direct grain purchases. The financial instruments are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges at least quarterly. 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. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. The Company typically does not hedge its grain exposure beyond the next two

upcoming fiscal years. As of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:

| Volume
Commodity | October 30, 2016 | October 25, 2015
Corn | 22.4 million bushels | 20.1 million bushels

As of October 30, 2016, the Company has included in AOCL hedging gains of $9.2 million (before tax) relating to its positions, compared to gains of $1.0 million (before tax) as of October 25, 2015. The Company expects to recognize the majority of these gains over the next 12 months.

Fair Value Hedges: The Company utilizes futures to minimize the price risk assumed when fixed forward priced contracts are offered to the Company’s commodity suppliers. 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. The futures contracts are designated and accounted for as fair value hedges, and the Company measures the effectiveness of the hedges at least quarterly. 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 are recorded on the Consolidated Statement 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. Any gains or losses related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in the current period cost of products sold. As of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding commodity futures contracts designated as fair value hedges:

| Volume
Commodity | October 30, 2016 | October 25, 2015
Corn | 3.6 million bushels | 5.3 million bushels
Lean hogs | 0.2 million cwt | 0.4 million cwt

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 applied hedge accounting to these positions.

As of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding futures and options contracts related to these programs:

| Volume
Commodity | October 30, 2016 | October 25, 2015
Corn | 4.0 million bushels | 2.6 million bushels
Soybean meal | 11,000 tons | 11,500 tons

57

Fair Values: The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, were as follows:

|  | Fair Value(1)
| Location on Consolidated | October 30, | October 25,
(in thousands) | Statements of Financial Position | 2016 | 2015
Asset Derivatives: |  |  |
Derivatives Designated as Hedges: |  |  |
Commodity contracts | Other current assets | $(194) | $305
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges: |  |  |
Commodity contracts | Other current assets | 144 | 248
Total Asset Derivatives |  | $ (50) | $553

(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 Statement of Financial Position. See Note M for a discussion of these net amounts as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Derivative Gains and Losses: Gains or losses (before tax, in thousands) related to the Company’s derivative instruments for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, were as follows:

| Gain/(Loss) Recognized |  | Gain/(Loss) Reclassified | Gain/(Loss) Recognized
| in AOCL |  | from AOCL into Earnings | in Earnings
| (Effective Portion)(1) |  | (Effective Portion)(1) | (Ineffective Portion)(2)(4)
| Fiscal Year Ended |  | Fiscal Year Ended | Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | Location on Consolidated | October 30, | October 25, | October 30, | October 25,
Cash Flow Hedges: | 2016 | 2015 | Statements of Operations | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015
Commodity contracts | $6,852 | $3,409 | Cost of products sold | $(1,310) | $(12,369) | $(14,591) | $(6,127)

|  |  | Gain/(Loss) | Gain/(Loss)
|  |  | Recognized in Earnings | Recognized in Earnings
|  |  | (Effective Portion)(3) | (Ineffective Portion)(2)(5)
|  |  | Fiscal Year Ended | Fiscal Year Ended
|  |  | Location on Consolidated | October 30, | October 25, | October 30, | October 25,
Fair Value Hedges: |  |  | Statements of Operations | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 | 2015
Commodity contracts |  |  | Cost of products sold | $1,796 | $(4,297) | $4,849 | $2,547

|  |  | Gain/(Loss) |
|  |  | Recognized in Earnings |
|  |  | Fiscal Year Ended |
Derivatives Not |  |  | Location on Consolidated | October 30, | October 25, |  |
Designated as Hedges: |  |  | Statements of Operations | 2016 | 2015 |  |
Commodity contracts |  |  | Cost of products sold | $(796) | $(269) |  |

(1) Amounts represent gains or losses in AOCL before tax. See Note J for the after tax impact of these gains or losses on net earnings.

(2) There were no gains or losses excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the fiscal year. Fiscal years 2016 and 2015 include the mark-to-market impact on certain corn futures contracts which resulted from a temporary suspension of hedge accounting due to market volatility.

(3) Amounts represent losses on commodity contracts designated as fair value hedges that were closed during the fiscal year, 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.

(4) There were no gains or losses resulting from the discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the fiscal year.

(5) There were no gains or losses recognized as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge during the fiscal year.

Note I

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.

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Investments in and receivables from affiliates consists of the following:

|  |  | October 30, | October 25,
(in thousands) | Segment | % Owned | 2016 | 2015
MegaMex Foods, LLC | Grocery Products | 50% | $ 180,437 | $ 200,110
Foreign Joint Ventures | International & Other | Various (26 – 40%) | 59,153 | 58,888
Total |  |  | $ 239,590 | $ 258,998

Equity in earnings of affiliates consists of the following:

(in thousands) | Segment | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
MegaMex Foods, LLC | Grocery Products | $ 30,651 | $26,849 | $ 14,415
Foreign Joint Ventures | International & Other | 8,034 | (2,962) | 3,170
Total |  | $ 38,685 | $23,887 | $ 17,585

Equity in earnings of affiliates in fiscal year 2015 included charges related to the exit from international joint venture businesses. Dividends received from affiliates for the fiscal years ended October 30, 2016, October 25, 2015, and October 26, 2014, were $46.2 million, $37.3 million, and $22.8 million, respectively. The Company recognized a basis difference of $21.3 million associated with the formation of MegaMex Foods, LLC, of which $15.3 million is remaining as of October 30, 2016. This difference is being amortized through equity in earnings of affiliates.

Note J

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

|  |  |  | Accumulated
| Foreign |  | Deferred | Other
| Currency | Pension & | Gain (Loss) | Comprehensive
(in thousands) | Translation | Other Benefits | – Hedging | Loss
Balance at October 27, 2013 | $ 9,391 | $(153,001) | $ (5,604) | $(149,214)
Unrecognized gains (losses): |  |  |  |
Gross | (1,911) | (91,684) | (16,701) | (110,296)
Tax effect | – | 34,737 | 6,305 | 41,042
Reclassification into net earnings: |  |  |  |
Gross | – | 6,387(1) | 10,925(2) | 17,312
Tax effect | – | (2,425) | (4,119) | (6,544)
Net of tax amount | (1,911) | (52,985) | (3,590) | (58,486)
Balance at October 26, 2014 | $ 7,480 | $(205,986) | $ (9,194) | $(207,700)
Unrecognized gains (losses): |  |  |  |
Gross | (6,906) | (46,389) | 3,409 | (49,886)
Tax effect | – | 17,492 | (1,285) | 16,207
Reclassification into net earnings: |  |  |  |
Gross | – | 12,259(1) | 12,369(2) | 24,628
Tax effect | – | (4,642) | (4,670) | (9,312)
Net of tax amount | (6,906) | (21,280) | 9,823 | (18,363)
Purchase of additional ownership of noncontrolling interest | 395 | – | – | 395
Balance at October 25, 2015 | $ 969 | $(227,266) | $ 629 | $(225,668)
Unrecognized gains (losses): |  |  |  |
Gross | (6,458) | (124,783) | 6,852 | (124,389)
Tax effect | – | 47,068 | (2,792) | 44,276
Reclassification into net earnings: |  |  |  |
Gross | – | 13,533(1) | 1,310(2) | 14,843
Tax effect | – | (5,104) | (261) | (5,365)
Net of tax amount | (6,458) | (69,286) | 5,109 | (70,635)
Balance at October 30, 2016 | $ (5,489) | $(296,552) | $ 5,738 | $(296,303)

(1)Included in computation of net periodic cost (see Note G for additional details).

(2)Included in cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Note K

Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Current: |  |  |
U.S. Federal | $341,799 | $299,557 | $264,533
State | 33,753 | 39,817 | 34,034
Foreign | 6,819 | 10,526 | 7,759
Total current | 382,371 | 349,900 | 306,326
Deferred: |  |  |
U.S. Federal | 40,456 | 18,451 | 8,756
State | 3,770 | 1,070 | 873
Foreign | 101 | 458 | 171
Total deferred | 44,327 | 19,979 | 9,800
Total provision for income taxes | $426,698 | $369,879 | $316,126

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company believes that, based upon its lengthy and consistent history of profitable operations, it is more likely than not the net deferred tax assets of $6.2 million will be realized on future tax returns, primarily from the generation of future taxable income. Significant components of the deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

| O ctober 30, | O ctober 25,
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015
D eferred tax liabilities: |  |
G oodwill and intangible assets | $(250,330) | $ (213,312)
Tax over book depreciation and basis differences | (98,628) | (94,496)
O ther, net | (18,295) | (18,788)
D eferred tax assets: |  |
P ension and post-retirement benefits | 182,444 | 154,306
Employee compensation related liabilities | 107,343 | 109,061
M arketing and promotional accruals | 36,844 | 37,603
O ther, net | 46,845 | 48,432
N et deferred tax assets | $ 6,223 | $ 22,806

Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

| 2016 | 2015 | 2014
U.S. statutory rate | 35.0% | 35.0% | 35.0%
State taxes on income, net of federal tax benefit | 2.1 | 2.7 | 2.8
Domestic production activities deduction | (2.8) | (2.6) | (2.7)
Foreign tax credit | (0.9) | – | –
All other, net | (1.0) | (0.1) | (0.8)
Effective tax rate | 32.4% | 35.0% | 34.3%

In fiscal year 2016, the Company approved a repatriation of $38.0 million of foreign earnings related to an international entity restructuring which generated a U.S. tax benefit of $12.1 million. The Company recorded a favorable discrete tax event related to this transaction.

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures, aggregating to approximately $62.5 million at October 30, 2016, are considered to be permanently reinvested, and accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes has been provided thereon. It is not practicable to determine the deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to these foreign earnings.

Total income taxes paid during fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $372.0 million, $296.5 million, and $285.8 million, respectively.

The following table sets forth changes in the unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for fiscal years 2015 and 2016.

(in thousands) |
Balance as of October 26, 2014 | $ 22,608
Tax positions related to the current period: |
Increases | 2,920
Tax positions related to prior periods: |
Increases | 1,629
Decreases | (796)
Settlements | (2,839)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations | (2,185)
Balance as of October 25, 2015 | $ 21,337
Tax positions related to the current period: |
Increases | 3,587
Tax positions related to prior periods: |
Increases | 9,723
Decreases | (3,913)
Settlements | (1,273)
Decreases related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations | (2,072)
Balance as of October 30, 2016 | $ 27,389

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The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties is recorded in other long-term liabilities. If recognized as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, $19.5 million and $16.0 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, with gains of $0.5 million included in expense for fiscal year 2016. The amount of accrued interest and penalties at October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, associated with unrecognized tax benefits was $2.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

The Company is regularly audited by federal and state taxing authorities. The United States Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.) concluded their examination of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. The Company has elected to participate in the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) for fiscal years 2015 and 2016. 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, as far back as 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 L

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company issues stock options and nonvested shares as part of its stock incentive plans for employees and non-employee directors. 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. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense ratably over the shorter of the requisite service period or vesting period. The fair value of stock-based compensation granted to retirement-eligible individuals is expensed at the time of grant.

A reconciliation of the number of options outstanding and exercisable (in thousands) as of October 30, 2016, and changes during the fiscal year then ended, is as follows:

|  |  | Weighted- |
|  | Weighted- | Average |
|  | Average | Remaining | Aggregate
|  | Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic
| Shares | Price | Term | Value
Outstanding at October 25, 2015 | 34,397 | $13.83 |  |
Granted | 2,128 | 38.31 |  |
Exercised | 4,502 | 9.60 |  |
Forfeited | 25 | 22.03 |  |
Outstanding at October 30, 2016 | 31,998 | $16.05 | 4.8 yrs | $710,346
Exercisable at October 30, 2016 | 25,112 | $12.88 | 3.9 yrs | $636,449

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of options exercised (in thousands) during each of the past three fiscal years is as follows:

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Weighted-average grant date fair value | $ 7.82 | $ 4.92 | $ 4.85
Intrinsic value of exercised options | $135,593 | $67,516 | $74,972

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:

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Risk-free interest rate | 2.1% | 2.1% | 2.5%
Dividend yield | 1.5% | 1.9% | 1.8%
Stock price volatility | 19.0% | 19.0% | 20.0%
Expected option life | 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 stripped U.S. Treasury yields as of the grant date where the remaining term is approximately the expected life of the option.

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The dividend yield is set 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 set 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 set 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 employee and non-employee director groups.

Nonvested shares vest on the earlier of the day before the Company’s next annual meeting date or one year. A reconciliation of the nonvested shares (in thousands) as of October 30, 2016, and changes during the fiscal year then ended, is as follows:

|  | Weighted-
|  | Average
|  | Grant Date
| Shares | Fair Value
Nonvested at October 25, 2015 | 74 | $25.87
Granted | 47 | 41.01
Vested | 74 | 25.87
Nonvested at October 30, 2016 | 47 | $41.01

The weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested shares granted, the total fair value (in thousands) of nonvested shares granted, and the fair value (in thousands) of shares that have vested during each of the past three fiscal years is as follows:

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Weighted-average grant date fair value | $41.01 | $25.87 | $22.06
Fair value of nonvested shares granted | $1,920 | $1,920 | $1,760
Fair value of shares vested | $1,920 | $2,347 | $2,085

Stock-based compensation expense, along with the related income tax benefit, for each of the past three fiscal years is presented in the table below:

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Stock-based compensation expense recognized | $17,829 | $ 15,717 | $14,393
Income tax benefit recognized | (6,764) | (5,967) | (5,469)
After-tax stock-based compensation expense | $11,065 | $ 9,750 | $ 8,924

At October 30, 2016, there was $9.9 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 2.5 years. During fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, cash received from stock option exercises was $12.1 million, $10.5 million, and $10.5 million, respectively. The total tax benefit to be realized for tax deductions from these option exercises was $51.6 million, $25.6 million, and $28.4 million, respectively.

Shares issued for option exercises and nonvested shares may be either authorized but unissued shares, or shares of treasury stock acquired in the open market or otherwise. The number of shares available for future grants was 48.1 million at October 30, 2016, 50.1 million at October 25, 2015, and 53.2 million at October 26, 2014.

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Note M

Fair Value Measurements

Pursuant to the provisions of ASC 820, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements as of October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015, and their level within the fair value hierarchy, are presented in the table below.

| Fair Value Measurements at October 30, 2016
|  | Quoted Prices in |  |
| Fair Value at | Active Markets | Significant Other | Significant
| October 30, | for Identical | Observable | Unobservable
(in thousands) | 2016 | Assets (Level 1) | Inputs (Level 2) | Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value: |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents(1) | $415,143 | $415,143 | $ – | $ –
Other trading securities(2) | 122,305 | 39,903 | 82,402 | –
Commodity derivatives(3) | 3,094 | 3,094 | – | –
Total Assets at Fair Value | $540,542 | $458,140 | $82,402 | $ –
Liabilities at Fair Value: |  |  |  |
Deferred compensation(2) | $ 60,949 | $ 28,768 | $32,181 | $ –
Total Liabilities at Fair Value | $ 60,949 | $ 28,768 | $32,181 | $ –

| Fair Value Measurements at October 25, 2015
|  | Quoted Prices in |  |
| Fair Value at | Active Markets | Significant Other | Significant
| October 25, | for Identical | Observable | Unobservable
(in thousands) | 2015 | Assets (Level 1) | Inputs (Level 2) | Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at Fair Value: |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents(1) | $ 347,239 | $ 347,239 | $ – | $ –
Other trading securities(2) | 119,668 | 39,329 | 80,339 | –
Commodity derivatives(3) | 6,485 | 6,485 | – | –
Total Assets at Fair Value | $ 473,392 | $ 393,053 | $80,339 | $ –
Liabilities at Fair Value: |  |  |  |
Deferred compensation(2) | $ 57,869 | $ 25,272 | $32,597 | $ –
Total Liabilities at Fair Value | $ 57,869 | $ 25,272 | $32,597 | $ –

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 consist primarily of bank deposits, money market funds rated AAA, or other highly liquid investment accounts. As these investments have a maturity date of three months or less, the carrying value approximates fair value.

(2) The Company holds trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund certain supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. The rabbi trust is included in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is valued based on the underlying fair value of each fund held by the trust. A majority of the funds held related to the supplemental executive retirement plans 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 that supports 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, and include equity securities, money market accounts, bond funds, or other portfolios for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these securities are classified as Level 1. The related deferred compensation liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are valued based on the underlying investment selections held in each participant’s account. Investment options generally mirror those funds held by the rabbi trust, for which there is an active quoted market. Therefore, these investment balances are classified as Level 1. 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.

(3) The Company’s commodity derivatives represent futures contracts used in its hedging or other programs to offset price fluctuations associated with purchases of corn and soybean meal, 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 and soybean meal 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 therefore these contracts are classified as Level 1. All derivatives are reviewed for potential credit risk and risk of nonperformance. 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 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 October 30, 2016, the Company has recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $3.1 million from various counterparties (including $7.1 million of realized gains offset by cash owed of $4.0 million on closed positions). As of October 25, 2015, the Company had recognized the right to reclaim net cash collateral of $2.3 million from various counterparties (including $13.7 million of cash less $11.4 million of realized losses on closed positions).

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The Company’s financial assets and liabilities also 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 $274.9 million as of October 30, 2016, and $268.4 million as of October 25, 2015.

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company also measures certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value that are recognized or disclosed on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment). In the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of DCB and recorded a $1.0 million impairment charge based on the valuation of the assets as implied by the agreed-upon sales price. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, a $21.5 million goodwill impairment charge was recorded for the portion of DCB held for sale. The fair value of the net assets to be sold was determined using Level 2 inputs utilizing a market participant bid along with internal valuations of the business. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s assets held for sale in Note E. During fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, there were no other material remeasurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition.

Note N

Commitments and Contingencies

In order to ensure a steady supply of hogs and turkeys, and to keep the cost of products stable, the Company has entered into contracts with producers for the purchase of hogs and turkeys at formula-based prices over periods up to 10 years. The Company has also entered into grow-out contracts with independent farmers to raise turkeys for the Company for periods up to 25 years. Under these arrangements, the Company owns the livestock, feed, and other supplies while the independent farmers provide facilities and labor. The Company has also contracted for the purchase of corn, soybean meal, and other feed ingredients from independent suppliers for periods up to

three years. Under these contracts, the Company is committed at October 30, 2016, to make purchases, assuming current price levels, as follows:

(in thousands) |
2017 | $ 957,418
2018 | 636,239
2019 | 378,857
2020 | 247,295
2021 | 150,233
Later Years | 75,572
Total | $2,445,614

Purchases under these contracts for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $1.6 billion, $1.6 billion, and $2.2 billion, respectively.

The Company has noncancelable operating lease commitments on facilities and equipment at October 30, 2016, as follows:

(in thousands) |
2017 | $11,085
2018 | 7,700
2019 | 5,717
2020 | 4,294
2021 | 3,128
Later Years | 4,154
Total | $36,078

The Company expensed $21.6 million, $22.4 million, and $21.1 million for rent in fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

The Company has commitments to expend approximately $165.4 million to complete construction in progress at various locations as of October 30, 2016.

The Company also has purchase obligations not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial position, representing open purchase orders and contracts related to the procurement of raw materials, supplies, and various services. As of October 30, 2016, commitments related to those purchase orders, and all known contracts exceeding $1.0 million, are shown below. The Company primarily purchases goods and services on an as-needed basis and therefore, amounts in the table represent only a portion of expected future cash expenditures.

(in thousands) |
2017 | $ 589,298
2018 | 140,924
2019 | 74,438
2020 | 64,599
2021 | 55,273
Later Years | 134,010
Total | $1,058,542

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As of October 30, 2016, the Company has $44.4 million 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. However, that amount also includes revocable standby letters of credit totaling $4.0 million 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.

The Company is involved in litigation on an ongoing basis arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Note O

Earnings Per Share Data

The reported net earnings attributable to the Company were used when computing basic and diluted earnings per share for all years presented. A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation is as follows:

(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding | 529,290 | 528,143 | 527,624
Dilutive potential common shares | 13,183 | 12,859 | 12,807
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding | 542,473 | 541,002 | 540,431

For fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, a total of 1.1 million, 0.9 million, and 0.8 million weighted-average outstanding stock options, respectively, were not included in the computation of dilutive potential common shares since their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

Note P

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 five segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Specialty Foods, 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. This segment also includes the results from the Company’s MegaMex Foods, LLC joint venture.

The Refrigerated Foods segment consists primarily of the processing, marketing, and sale of branded and unbranded pork, beef, chicken, and turkey products for retail, foodservice, and fresh product 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 Specialty Foods segment consists of the processing, marketing, and sale of nutritional and private label shelf-stable products to retail, foodservice, and industrial 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.

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, and interest income to its segments when measuring performance. The Company also retains various other income and unallocated expenses at corporate. Equity in earnings of affiliates is included in segment operating profit; however, earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests are excluded. These items are included below as net interest and investment expense (income), general corporate 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 that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below.

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(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Net Sales (to unaffiliated customers) |  |  |
Grocery Products | $1,684,756 | $1,617,680 | $1,558,265
Refrigerated Foods | 4,647,173 | 4,372,347 | 4,644,179
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 1,740,968 | 1,635,776 | 1,672,452
Specialty Foods | 939,134 | 1,103,359 | 907,120
International & Other | 511,193 | 534,701 | 534,240
Total | $9,523,224 | $9,263,863 | $9,316,256
Intersegment Sales |  |  |
Grocery Products | $ – | $ – | $ –
Refrigerated Foods | 11,341 | 13,058 | 23,163
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 120,742 | 128,195 | 144,137
Specialty Foods | 26 | 64 | 122
International & Other | – | – | –
Total | 132,109 | 141,317 | 167,422
Intersegment elimination | (132,109) | (141,317) | (167,422)
Total | $ – | $ – | $ –
Segment Net Sales |  |  |
Grocery Products | $1,684,756 | $1,617,680 | $1,558,265
Refrigerated Foods | 4,658,514 | 4,385,405 | 4,667,342
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 1,861,710 | 1,763,971 | 1,816,589
Specialty Foods | 939,160 | 1,103,423 | 907,242
International & Other | 511,193 | 534,701 | 534,240
Intersegment elimination | (132,109) | (141,317) | (167,422)
Total | $9,523,224 | $9,263,863 | $9,316,256
Segment Operating Profit |  |  |
Grocery Products | $ 268,461 | $ 228,582 | $ 195,064
Refrigerated Foods | 585,652 | 424,968 | 338,020
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 329,427 | 276,217 | 272,362
Specialty Foods | 110,917 | 93,258 | 71,514
International & Other | 78,409 | 78,318 | 84,745
Total segment operating profit | $1,372,866 | $1,101,343 | $ 961,705
Net interest and investment expense (income) | 6,680 | 10,177 | 9,468
General corporate expense | 49,436 | 35,199 | 33,434
Noncontrolling interest | 465 | 1,176 | 3,349
Earnings Before Income Taxes | $1,317,215 | $1,057,143 | $ 922,152

(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Assets |  |  |
Grocery Products | $1,472,316 | $1,214,988 | $1,249,631
Refrigerated Foods | 1,999,821 | 1,973,424 | 1,215,694
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 882,812 | 811,693 | 857,697
Specialty Foods | 837,107 | 988,455 | 1,013,420
International & Other | 479,394 | 446,164 | 406,249
Corporate | 698,617 | 705,107 | 712,928
Total | $6,370,067 | $6,139,831 | $5,455,619
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Grocery Products | $ 15,830 | $ 18,104 | $ 31,741
Refrigerated Foods | 93,430 | 54,074 | 61,183
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 61,340 | 32,250 | 25,761
Specialty Foods | 5,372 | 5,309 | 3,266
International & Other | 44,407 | 18,576 | 4,896
Corporate | 35,145 | 15,750 | 32,291
Total | $ 255,524 | $ 144,063 | $ 159,138
Depreciation and Amortization |  |  |
Grocery Products | $ 29,725 | $ 26,972 | $ 25,883
Refrigerated Foods | 53,229 | 53,325 | 57,709
Jennie-O Turkey Store | 29,225 | 28,262 | 27,091
Specialty Foods | 5,165 | 11,075 | 8,999
International & Other | 3,969 | 3,372 | 3,541
Corporate | 10,655 | 10,428 | 6,821
Total | $ 131,968 | $ 133,434 | $ 130,044

The Company’s products primarily consist of meat and other food products. The Perishable category includes fresh meats, frozen items, refrigerated meal solutions, sausages, hams, guacamole, and bacon (excluding JOTS products). The Poultry category is composed primarily of JOTS products. Shelf-stable includes canned luncheon meats, peanut butter, chilies, shelf-stable microwaveable meals, hash, stews, salsas, flour and corn tortillas, tortilla chips, and other items that do not require refrigeration. The Miscellaneous category primarily consists of nutritional food products and supplements, sugar and sugar

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substitutes, dessert and drink mixes, and industrial gelatin products. The percentages of total revenues contributed by classes of similar products for the last three fiscal years are as follows:

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Perishable | 53.1% | 53.0% | 54.5%
Poultry | 20.5 | 18.6 | 18.4
Shelf-stable | 18.2 | 18.4 | 19.0
Miscellaneous | 8.2 | 10.0 | 8.1
| 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0%

Revenues from external customers are classified as domestic or foreign based on the destination where title passes. No individual foreign country is material to the consolidated results. Additionally, the Company’s long-lived assets located in foreign

countries are not significant. Total revenues attributed to the U.S. and all foreign countries in total for the last three fiscal years are as follows:

| Fiscal Year Ended
| October 30, | October 25, | October 26,
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
United States | $9,012,797 | $8,721,722 | $8,708,042
Foreign | 510,427 | 542,141 | 608,214
| $9,523,224 | $9,263,863 | $9,316,256

In fiscal year 2016, sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) represented $1.45 billion or 13.7 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenues (measured as gross sales less returns and allowances). In fiscal year 2015, sales to Wal-Mart represented $1.43 billion or 13.9 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenues. Wal-Mart is a customer for all five segments of the Company.

Note Q

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following tabulations reflect the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 30, 2016, and October 25, 2015.

|  |  |  | Net Earnings |  |
|  |  |  | Attributable to | Basic | Diluted
|  | Gross | Net | Hormel Foods | Earnings | Earnings
(in thousands, except per share data) | Net Sales | Profit | Earnings | Corporation(1) | Per Share | Per Share
2016 |  |  |  |  |  |
First quarter | $2,292,672 | $558,011 | $235,167 | $235,061 | $0.44 | $0.43
Second quarter | 2,300,235 | 526,359 | 215,384 | 215,397 | 0.41 | 0.40
Third quarter | 2,302,376 | 475,285 | 195,776 | 195,654 | 0.37 | 0.36
Fourth quarter | 2,627,941 | 598,520 | 244,190 | 243,940 | 0.46 | 0.45
2015 |  |  |  |  |  |
First quarter | $2,395,073 | $444,605 | $172,430 | $171,718 | $0.33 | $0.32
Second quarter | 2,279,345 | 459,556 | 180,435 | 180,201 | 0.34 | 0.33
Third quarter | 2,188,587 | 409,390 | 146,956 | 146,938 | 0.28 | 0.27
Fourth quarter | 2,400,858 | 495,030 | 187,443 | 187,231 | 0.35 | 0.35

(1)Excludes net earnings attributable to the Company’s noncontrolling interests.

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Shareholder Information

Independent Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP

220 South Sixth Street, Ste. 1400

Minneapolis, MN 55402-4509

Stock Listing

| Hormel Foods Corporation’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HRL. The CUSIP number is 440452100.
There are approximately 12,300 record stockholders and 89,000 stockholders whose shares are held in street name by brokerage firms and financial institutions.

Common Stock Data

The high and low prices of the company’s common stock and the dividends per share declared (as adjusted for the two-for-one stock split distributed on February 9, 2016) for each fiscal quarter of 2016 and 2015, respectively, are shown below:

2016 | High | Low | Dividend
First Quarter | $40.390 | $32.920 | $0.145
Second Quarter | 45.720 | 37.490 | 0.145
Third Quarter | 40.535 | 33.700 | 0.145
Fourth Quarter | 40.000 | 35.870 | 0.145
2015 | High | Low | Dividend
First Quarter | $27.700 | $25.030 | $0.125
Second Quarter | 29.490 | 25.065 | 0.125
Third Quarter | 29.680 | 27.075 | 0.125
Fourth Quarter | 34.483 | 28.443 | 0.125

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Wells Fargo Shareowner Services

1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101

MAC N9173-010

Mendota Heights, MN 55120

www.shareowneronline.com

For the convenience of stockholders, a toll free number (1-877-536-3559) can be used whenever questions arise regarding changes in registered ownership, lost or stolen certificates, address changes, or other matters pertaining to the transfer of stock or stockholder records. When requesting information, stockholders must provide their Wells Fargo account number or tax identification number, the name(s) in which their stock is registered, and their record address.

The company participates in the Direct Registration Profile Modification System (DRPMS). Transfers or issuances of shares are now issued in book-entry form, unless you specifically request a stock certificate. A statement will be delivered to you reflecting any transactions processed in your account.

The transfer agent makes stockholder account data available to stockholders of record via the Internet. This service allows stockholders to view various account details, such as certificate information, dividend payment history, and/or dividend reinvestment plan records, over a secure Internet connection with the required entry of an account number and authentication ID. Information is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. If you are interested, you may use the web site www.shareowneronline. com and access “Sign Up Now!” to arrange for setup.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Hormel Foods Corporation’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan, available to record stockholders, allows for full dividend reinvestment and voluntary cash purchases with brokerage commissions or other service fees paid by the Company. Automatic debit for cash contribution is also available. This is a convenient method to have money automatically withdrawn each month from a checking or savings account and invested in your Dividend Reinvestment Plan account. To enroll in the plan or obtain additional information, contact Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, using the address or telephone number provided, listed previously in this section as Company transfer agent and registrar. Enrollment in the plan is also available on the Internet at www.shareowneronline.com.

An optional direct dividend deposit service offers stockholders a convenient method of having quarterly dividend payments electronically deposited into their personal checking or savings account. The dividend payment is made in the account each payment date, providing stockholders with immediate use of their money. For information about the service and how to participate, contact Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, transfer agent. You may also activate this feature on the Internet at www.shareowneronline.com.

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Dividends

The declaration of dividends and all dates related to the declaration of dividends are subject to the judgment and discretion of the Board of Directors of Hormel Foods Corporation. Quarterly dividends are typically paid on the 15th of February, May, August, and November. Postal delays may cause receipt dates to vary.

Reports and Publications

Copies of the Company’s Form 10-K (annual report) and Form 10-Q (quarterly report) to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), proxy statement, all news releases and other corporate literature are available free upon request by calling (507) 437-5345 or by accessing the information on the Internet at www.hormelfoods.com. Notice and access to the Company’s Annual Report is mailed approximately one month before the Annual Meeting. The Annual Report can be viewed at the Web site named above or a hard copy will be available free upon request via email, mail, or by calling (507) 437-5571.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, in the Richard L. Knowlton Auditorium at Austin (Minn.) High School. The meeting will convene at 8:00 p.m. (CT).

Questions about Hormel Foods

Stockholder Inquiries

(507) 437-5944

Analyst/Investor Inquiries

(507) 437-5248

Media Inquiries

(507) 437-5345

Consumer Response

Inquiries regarding products of Hormel Foods Corporation should be addressed:

Consumer Response

Hormel Foods Corporation

1 Hormel Place

Austin, MN 55912-3680

or call 1-800-523-4635

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.

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Corporate Officers

James P. Snee* | Lawrence C. Lyons | Gary L. Jamison
President and | Senior Vice President, | Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer | Human Resources | Treasurer
(effective 10/31/2016) |  |
| Lori J. Marco | Brian D. Johnson
Steven G. Binder | Senior Vice President, | Vice President and
Executive Vice President; | External Affairs and General Counsel | Corporate Secretary
President, Hormel Business Units |  |
| Kevin L. Myers, Ph.D. | Kurt F. Mueller
James N. Sheehan | Senior Vice President, | Vice President,
Senior Vice President and | Research and Development | Senior Vice President, Sales
Chief Financial Officer |  | Consumer Products Sales
(effective 10/31/2016) | D. Scott Aakre |
| Vice President, | Swen Neufeldt
Jeffrey R. Baker | Corporate Innovation | Vice President,
Group Vice President, | and New Product Development | Meat Products Marketing
Foodservice |  | (effective 10/31/2016)
| Richard A. Carlson |
Deanna T. Brady | Vice President, | Mark J. Ourada
Group Vice President; | Quality Management | Vice President,
President, Consumer Products Sales |  | Foodservice Sales
| Mark A. Coffey |
Thomas R. Day | Vice President, | Patrick J. Schwab
Group Vice President, | Affiliated Business Units | Vice President,
Refrigerated Foods | Refrigerated Foods | Senior Vice President, Sales
|  | Consumer Products Sales
Donald H. Kremin | Patrick J. Connor |
Group Vice President, | Vice President, | Donald J. Temperley
Specialty Foods | Senior Vice President, Sales | Vice President,
| Consumer Products Sales | Refrigerated Foods Operations
Glenn R. Leitch |  |
Group Vice President; | Timothy J. Fritz | Mark D. Vaupel
President, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. | Vice President, | Vice President,
| Grocery Products Operations | Information Technology Services
Luis G. Marconi |  |
Group Vice President, | Jeffrey A. Grev | Steven J. Venenga
Grocery Products | Vice President, | Vice President,
(effective 10/31/2016) | Legislative Affairs | Grocery Products Marketing
|  | (effective 10/31/2016)
James M. Splinter | Fred D. Halvin |
Group Vice President, | Vice President, | Wendy A. Watkins
Corporate Strategy | Corporate Development | Vice President,
(effective 10/31/2016) |  | Corporate Communications
| Jana L. Haynes |
Larry L. Vorpahl | Vice President and | David F. Weber
Group Vice President; | Controller | Vice President,
President, Hormel Foods |  | Foodservice Marketing
International Corporation | Tyler L. Hulsebus |
| Vice President, | James T. Anderson
Bryan D. Farnsworth | Engineering | Assistant Controller
Senior Vice President, |  |
Supply Chain |  | *Director

| Printed on recycled paper. Please recycle. |  |
| Cover and pages 1-14 contain 10% total recovered fiber/all post-consumer waste, FSC:® Certified Fiber. Pages 15-70 contain 30% total recovered fiber/all post-consumer waste, FSC:® Certified Fiber. |

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