Hormel Foods (HRL) vs Smithfield Foods (SFD)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Smithfield Foods (SFD) has outperformed Hormel Foods (HRL) over the past year, losing 17.1% versus a loss of 18.5%. Hormel Foods is the larger company by market cap ($10.76 billion vs $7.28 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while Smithfield Foods is growing revenue faster (+9.8% vs +1.6%). On valuation, Smithfield Foods trades at a lower forward P/E (8.4x vs 12.5x for Hormel Foods).
Smithfield Foods offers the higher dividend yield (6.08% vs 5.97%). Smithfield Foods converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.4% versus 4.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | HRL | SFD |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $19.55 | $18.50 |
| Market cap | $10.76B | $7.28B |
| 1-day change | -1.66% | -1.49% |
| YTD return | -17.51% | -17.15% |
| 1-year return | -18.54% | -17.11% |
| 5-year return | -54.17% | — |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 31.53 | 6.88 |
| Forward P/E | 12.47 | 8.43 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.62 | $2.69 |
| Dividend yield | 5.97% | 6.08% |
| Annual dividend | $1.17 | $1.13 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $12.11B | $15.53B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +1.55% | +9.82% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $478.20M | $987.00M |
| Gross margin | 15.63% | 13.45% |
| Operating margin | 5.94% | 8.32% |
| Net margin | 3.95% | 6.36% |
| 52-week high | $26.60 | $29.81 |
| 52-week low | $19.42 | $18.43 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -26.50% | -37.93% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +32.69% | +40.92% |
| Average volume | 4.59M | 1.69M |
| Shares outstanding | 550.35M | 393.77M |
| Employees | 20,000 | 34,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
| Industry | Meat/Poultry/Fish | Meat/Poultry/Fish |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Hormel Foods trades at a higher earnings multiple (31.5x vs 6.9x trailing P/E).
- Smithfield Foods grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.82% vs +1.55%).
About Hormel Foods
HRL stock →Hormel Foods Corporation develops, processes, and distributes various meat, nut, and other food products to foodservice, convenience stores, and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail, Foodservice, and International.
Consumer Staples · Meat/Poultry/Fish · 20,000 employees
About Smithfield Foods
SFD stock →Smithfield Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, produces various packaged meats and fresh pork products in the United States and internationally. It operates through Packaged Meats, Fresh Pork, Hog Production, and Other segments.
Consumer Staples · Meat/Poultry/Fish · 34,000 employees
HRL vs SFD FAQ
Which is bigger, Hormel Foods or Smithfield Foods?
Hormel Foods (HRL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $10.76B compared with $7.28B for Smithfield Foods (SFD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HRL or SFD?
SFD returned -17.11% over the past 12 months, compared with -18.54% for HRL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, HRL or SFD?
SFD has the lower trailing P/E at 6.9, versus 31.5 for HRL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Hormel Foods or Smithfield Foods?
Smithfield Foods has the higher yield at 6.08%, compared with 5.97% for Hormel Foods.
Are Hormel Foods and Smithfield Foods in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Meat/Poultry/Fish industry within the Consumer Staples sector.