Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) is one of America’s most enduring Dividend Kings, having increased its dividend every single year for over 57 consecutive years — a streak that dates back to 1967 and that very few companies in any industry have matched. The company is best known for the SPAM brand, one of the most globally recognised canned meat products, but its portfolio spans a wide range of branded food products including Skippy peanut butter, Planters nuts, Applegate natural meats, Justin’s nut butters, and numerous foodservice brands sold to restaurants and institutions.
Hormel’s strength as a dividend investment lies in the defensive, non-discretionary nature of its products. People continue to buy food during recessions, inflation, and market downturns — and branded food companies with strong consumer loyalty maintain pricing power even in challenging environments. Hormel has demonstrated this repeatedly, navigating decades of commodity cost cycles, changing dietary preferences, and competitive pressures while consistently delivering dividend growth. The company operates with a relatively conservative balance sheet, which supports its ability to sustain payouts through difficult periods.
In recent years, Hormel has faced headwinds from rising input costs for pork, turkey, and other commodities, as well as integration costs from the significant Planters brand acquisition. The share price has at times reflected these earnings pressures, creating periods where the dividend yield is elevated relative to historical norms — which many dividend investors view as attractive entry points. For those building a long-term income portfolio around the highest-quality dividend growers, Hormel’s 57-year streak is one of the most compelling track records in the entire market.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Last updated May 02, 2026 by FluentBoost