olivlawolivlaw

olivLaw · US equity research

Smithfield Foods, Inc. SFD

Meat Packing Plants · SIC 2011 · Vertical: Food products (SIC 201x)

19.72USD+7.41% · 1 dayClose 04 Nov 2026

Smithfield Foods is an American producer of packaged meats and fresh pork, majority owned by Hong Kong-based WH Group, with sales above 7 billion USD in the first half of fiscal 2026. The company reported record first-half operating profit, while it revised its 2026 outlook because of macroeconomic pressures.

The AI analysis may be outdated: new filings came after its sources (see the «AI analysis» section).

At the close of 04 Nov 2026, Smithfield Foods, Inc. (SFD) stock was 19.72 USD (+7.41% on the day), with market capitalisation 7.8 bn USD, P/E 8.6 on diluted EPS of 2.28 USD over the last 12 months, dividend yield 6.02%, beta 0.32, 52-week range 18.22–29.59 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q3 2026): revenue of 3.4 bn USD (−8.3% YoY), net income of 89.0 m USD (−64.1% YoY), diluted EPS 0.23 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
7.8 bn USD
shares as of 25 Oct 2026
P/E (TTM)
8.6
Diluted EPS TTM 2.28 · TTM to 27 Sept 2026
E/P (TTM)
11.56%
TTM to 27 Sept 2026
Dividend yield
6.02%
DPS 12m 1.19
Beta (2y)
0.32
Volatility (1y) 26%
52-week range
18.2229.59

Price history

Loading chart…

Technical reading

RSI (14)
60.8
strong (55–70)
Bollinger (20, 2)
17.90 – 19.19
above the upper band · %B 1.41 · band width 7.0%
SMA 50 / 200
19.54 / 23.96
mixed trend
MACD (12, 26, 9)
-0.20 / -0.38
MACD above signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month+5.3%−1.1%+6.4 pp—
3 months−21.8%−0.5%−21.4 pp—
6 months−24.6%+4.4%−29.0 pp—
Year to date−11.7%+12.3%−24.0 pp—
1 year−10.4%+13.5%−24.0 pp−1.9%
3 yearsunavailable+76.4%unavailable+13.5%
5 yearsunavailable+63.7%unavailable—
Max drawdown (1y)
−38.4%
09 Apr 2026 → 13 Oct 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−38.4%
09 Apr 2026 → 13 Oct 2026
Compound annual growth (5y)
unavailable
S&P 500 +10.4%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q3 2026 · 27 Sept 2026

Revenue
3.4 bn USD
−8.3% YoY
Net income
89.0 m USD
−64.1% YoY
Diluted EPS
0.23
−63.5% YoY
net / operating
2.6% / 3.7%

Quarterly margins

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26Q3 '26
Revenue4.0 bn3.8 bn3.8 bn3.7 bn4.2 bn3.8 bn3.7 bn3.4 bn
Cost of revenue3.4 bn3.3 bn3.3 bn3.3 bn3.6 bn3.3 bn3.2 bn3.1 bn
Gross profit533.0 m510.0 m499.0 m479.0 m602.0 m511.0 m478.0 m313.0 m
SG&A246.0 m197.0 m268.0 m178.0 m206.0 m180.0 m191.0 m193.0 m
Operating income335.0 m321.0 m260.0 m310.0 m400.0 m333.0 m290.0 m127.0 m
Depreciation & amortisation86.0 m83.0 m82.0 m82.0 m84.0 m83.0 m85.0 m86.0 m
Interest expense14.0 m11.0 m11.0 m11.0 m8.0 m8.0 m8.0 m6.0 m
Pre-tax income316.0 m304.0 m254.0 m318.0 m394.0 m323.0 m299.0 m120.0 m
Income tax106.0 m72.0 m62.0 m71.0 m78.0 m72.0 m64.0 m30.0 m
Net income204.0 m224.0 m188.0 m248.0 m327.0 m246.0 m238.0 m89.0 m
Diluted EPS0.54 ≈0.570.480.630.83 ≈0.620.600.23
Operating cash flow—-166.0 m274.0 m ≈13.0 m ≈—-65.0 m269.0 m ≈161.0 m ≈
Capex82.0 m79.0 m78.0 m88.0 m95.0 m88.0 m77.0 m ≈116.0 m ≈
Dividends paid18.0 m0197.0 m ≈100.0 m ≈99.0 m——138.0 m ≈

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 29 percentile of its own 7-quarter history (min 7.6, median 9.4, max 10.5; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year20122013201420152022202320242025
Revenue13.1 bn13.9 bn15.0 bn14.4 bn16.2 bn14.6 bn14.1 bn15.5 bn
Revenue YoY+7.3%+6.1%+8.2%−3.9%unavailable−9.6%−3.4%+9.8%
Net income361.3 m120.7 m556.1 m452.3 m870.0 m17.0 m953.0 m987.0 m
Net income YoY−30.7%−66.6%+360.7%−18.7%unavailable−98.0%+5,505.9%+3.6%
Diluted EPS2.211.26unavailableunavailable2.290.052.512.51
Diluted EPS YoY−29.2%−43.0%unavailableunavailableunavailable−97.8%+4,920.0%0.0%
net %2.8%0.9%3.7%3.1%5.4%0.1%6.7%6.4%
Free cash flow279.4 m-105.3 munavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable

Reported results vs expectations

Loading…

Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 28 Dec 2025

Cash
1.5 bn USD
Financial debt
2.0 bn USD
Net debt
450.0 m USD
Equity
6.8 bn USD
Total assets
12.2 bn USD
Debt / equity
0.29x
Current ratio
2.97x
ROE
15.6%
ROA
8.5%
FCF margin
unavailable

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Margins

Income statement · USD

Revenue
2023
14.6 bn
2024
14.1 bn
2025
15.5 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Cost of revenue
2023
13.8 bn
2024
12.2 bn
2025
13.4 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Gross profit
2023
889.0 m
2024
1.9 bn
2025
2.1 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Research & development
2023
175.0 m
2024
144.0 m
2025
214.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

SG&A
2023
1.1 bn
2024
840.0 m
2025
849.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Operating income
2023
-56.0 m
2024
1.1 bn
2025
1.3 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Depreciation & amortisation
2023
427.0 m
2024
339.0 m
2025
332.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

EBITDA
2023
371.0 m ≈
2024
1.5 bn ≈
2025
1.6 bn ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026derived

Interest expense
2023
76.0 m
2024
66.0 m
2025
41.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
-129.0 m
2024
1.1 bn
2025
1.3 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Income tax
2023
-41.0 m
2024
271.0 m
2025
283.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Net income
2023
17.0 m
2024
953.0 m
2025
987.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
0.05
2024
2.51
2025
2.51

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
380.1 m
2024
380.1 m
2025
392.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Dividend per share
2023
—
2024
—
2025
1.00

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
687.0 m
2024
943.0 m
2025
1.5 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Receivables
2023
577.0 m
2024
558.0 m
2025
1.0 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Inventories
2023
2.5 bn
2024
2.4 bn
2025
2.3 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Current assets
2023
4.9 bn
2024
4.2 bn
2025
5.2 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Property, plant & equipment, net
2023
—
2024
3.2 bn
2025
3.2 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 28 Apr 2026verified

Goodwill
2023
1.6 bn
2024
1.6 bn
2025
1.6 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Intangibles (excl. goodwill)
2023
1.3 bn
2024
1.3 bn
2025
1.3 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Total assets
2023
13.3 bn
2024
11.1 bn
2025
12.2 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Accounts payable
2023
789.0 m
2024
777.0 m
2025
856.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Short-term debt
2023
5.0 m
2024
0
2025
3.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Long-term debt
2023
2.0 bn
2024
2.0 bn
2025
2.0 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Current liabilities
2023
2.5 bn
2024
1.7 bn
2025
1.7 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Equity
2023
7.2 bn
2024
5.8 bn
2025
6.8 bn †

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Capex
2023
353.0 m
2024
350.0 m
2025
341.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Dividends paid
2023
323.0 m
2024
288.0 m
2025
396.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 24 Mar 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
9.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue CAGR 3Y
-1.4%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Revenue CAGR 5Y
unavailable
input data missing
EBIT growth (YoY)
15.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income growth (YoY)
3.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income CAGR 3Y
4.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Net income CAGR 5Y
unavailable
input data missing
EPS growth (YoY)
0.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
3.1%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
EPS CAGR 5Y
unavailable
input data missing
FCF growth (YoY)
unavailable
input data missing

Profitability

Gross margin
12.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
EBITDA margin
9.8%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
EBIT margin
7.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
Net margin
5.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
FCF margin
unavailable
input data missing

Returns

ROE
13.4%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
ROA
7.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
ROIC
14.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
ROCE
11.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
52.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
Payout ratio (FCF)
unavailable
input data missing

Balance sheet

Net debt
-576.0 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Net debt / EBITDA
-0.4x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Debt / equity
0.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Interest coverage
38.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026

Liquidity

Current ratio
2.4x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Quick ratio
1.2x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Cash ratio
0.6x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026

Cash

Operating cash flow
unavailable
input data missing
Capital expenditure
376.0 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
Free cash flow
unavailable
input data missing
FCF conversion
unavailable
input data missing
Cash conversion
unavailable
input data missing

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
25 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Days inventory outstanding
69 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Days payables outstanding
17 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Cash conversion cycle
77 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
7.8 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Enterprise value
7.2 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Market cap / net income TTM
8.6x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
P/E (TTM)
8.6x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
Earnings yield
11.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
P/B
1.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
P/S
0.5x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
EV/EBITDA
4.8x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
EV/EBIT
6.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
EV/Sales
0.5x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
P/FCF
unavailable
input data missing
FCF yield
unavailable
input data missing
Dividend yield
6.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
Shareholder yield (distributions)
6.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026

1 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Neutral profile

Score: 78 / 100

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

Closing price

19.72 USD

04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 7.8 bn USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
7.8 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
P/E (TTM)
8.6x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
P/B
1.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
EV/EBITDA
4.8x
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
ROE
13.4%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026 · balance sheet at 27 Sept 2026
Net margin
5.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026
Revenue growth (YoY)
9.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Dividend yield
6.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 27 Sept 2026

Coverage and freshness

30/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 27 Sept 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 27 Sept 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 25 Oct 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 27 Oct 2026
verified 1490derived 58

Score by group

  • Valuation88
  • Returns89
  • Quality100
  • Balance sheet100
  • Growth10

Estimated value range

Low
31.09
USD per share
Mid
35.90
USD per share
High
50.15
USD per share
Price: 19.72 USD
The price is below the range
Potential to the central value: 82.0% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: 45.1% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: low · 2 methods used · 2 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 13.14 – 82.63 USD.

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · the input exists, but its latest figure is far older than the latest reported period: not used
  • Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · not enough peers
  • Peers: P/E49.04 – 82.63 (Mid 56.72)
    5 companies used · median multiple 24.9x · quartiles 21.5x – 36.2x
    HRL, JBS, PPC, TSN, WYHG
  • Dividend discount (DDM)13.14 – 17.67 (Mid 15.07)
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Food products (SIC 201x)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Neutral profile · Score 78/100

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROIC · Quality14.9%100 (vs peers)13%
Net margin · Quality5.9%100 (vs peers)8%
FCF conversion · Qualityunavailableunavailable—
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth-1.4%0 (on a fixed band)10%
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth3.1%21 (on a fixed band)10%
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheet-0.4x100 (on a fixed band)13%
Interest coverage · Balance sheet38.3x100 (on a fixed band)8%
Current ratio · Balance sheet2.4x100 (on a fixed band)5%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation8.6x83 (vs peers)13%
EV/EBITDA · Valuation4.8x92 (on a fixed band)13%
FCF yield · Valuationunavailableunavailable—
Shareholder yield (distributions) · Returns6.2%89 (on a fixed band)8%
Payout ratio (FCF) · Returnsunavailableunavailable—

Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.

Score groups

  • Balance sheet100/100 · 3/3 factors with a value
  • Growth10/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Quality100/100 · 2/3 factors with a value
  • Returns· partial89/100 · 1/2 factors with a value
  • Valuation88/100 · 2/3 factors with a value

A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.

Memo

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. (SFD). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-09-27.

Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 15.5 bn USD in 2025; YoY growth 9.8%; net margin 5.9%; ROE 13.4%; net debt/EBITDA -0.4x.

The estimated value range is 31.09–50.15 USD per share (median of 2 methods, agreement: low); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 35.90 USD, the price of 19.72 USD leaves a potential of 82.0% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of 45.1% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

olivLaw score 78/100, methodological classification: neutral profile (score, margin of safety and method agreement together; not a judgement of the right price). Groups assessed only in part: returns. Not investment advice.

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • ROIC: 14.9%
  • Net margin: 5.9%
  • Net debt / EBITDA: -0.4x
  • Interest coverage: 38.3x
  • Current ratio: 2.4x
  • P/E (TTM): 8.6x
  • EV/EBITDA: 4.8x
  • Shareholder yield (distributions): 6.2%
  • The price is below the estimated value range

What contradicts it

  • Revenue CAGR 3Y: -1.4%
  • EPS CAGR 3Y: 3.1%
  • The valuation methods diverge

Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): FCF conversion, FCF yield, Payout ratio (FCF).

Versus the vertical median

Food products (SIC 201x) · same industry group (3-digit SIC) · compared with 7 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
8.6x
vertical median 30.6x
below median (−71.7%)
EV/EBITDA
4.8x
vertical median —
P/S
0.5x
vertical median 0.9x
below median (−44.9%)
P/B
1.1x
vertical median 1.5x
below median (−24.9%)
ROE
13.4%
vertical median 4.8%
above median (+176.4%)
Net margin
5.9%
vertical median 2.3%
above median (+152.7%)
EBIT margin
7.6%
vertical median 4.0%
above median (+90.7%)
Revenue YoY
9.8%
vertical median 3.3%
above median (+199.2%)
Net debt/EBITDA
-0.4x
vertical median 0.3x
below median (−248.4%)
Dividend yield
6.0%
vertical median —

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
SFDSmithfield Foods, Inc.7.8 bn8.613.4%5.9%+9.8%−10% / unavailable
PPCPilgrim’s Pride Corporation6.9 bn21.58.6%1.7%+3.5%−24% / +13%
MAMAMama’s Creations, Inc.629.4 m78.17.5%3.5%+39.2%+18% / +230%
WYHGWing Yip Food Holdings Group Limited200.3 m24.94.8%5.9%−6.5%+8% / unavailable
BRIDBridgford Foods Corporation49.3 m—-12.3%-6.1%+3.3%−32% / −49%
TSNTyson Foods, Inc.—37.03.2%1.0%+2.1%+3% / +28%
JBSJbs N.V.—6.925.6%2.3%+11.7%−12% / unavailable
HRLHormel Foods Corporation—36.24.3%2.8%+1.6%−2% / −26%

1- and 3-year price returns: for SFD from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.

Bear
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Base
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Bull
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Nothing is saved.

Estimated price (USD)

Estimated priceBearBaseBull
1 years
10.99
Total return -40% · Per year -40%
19.49
Total return 5% · Per year 5%
29.44
Total return 56% · Per year 56%
3 years
9.44
Total return -40% · Per year -15%
18.95
Total return 14% · Per year 4%
31.60
Total return 83% · Per year 22%
5 years
8.11
Total return -40% · Per year -10%
18.43
Total return 22% · Per year 4%
33.92
Total return 111% · Per year 16%
What moves the 3-year price the most
  • Exit P/E± 4.74
  • Net margin± 3.32
  • Annual revenue growth± 2.89
  • Annual dilution± 0.28

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 11 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (27 Oct 2026 · results), 10-Q (27 Oct 2026).

In brief

Smithfield Foods is an American producer of packaged meats and fresh pork, majority owned by Hong Kong-based WH Group, with sales above 7 billion USD in the first half of fiscal 2026 23. The company reported record first-half operating profit, while it revised its 2026 outlook because of macroeconomic pressures 3.

SWOT

Strengths

  • A portfolio of recognized brands, a leading position in packaged meats and a balance sheet that provides financial flexibility.
  • A vertically integrated model that gives control over raw material supply.
  • Long-standing relationships with large retailers and a broad customer base.

Weaknesses

  • Results are cyclical and sensitive to prices of hogs, feed and energy.
  • Reliance on one major customer creates a concentration risk for sales.
  • The Fresh Pork segment has had thin margins in recent quarters.

Opportunities

  • Growth in value-added and premium products could improve margins.
  • The Nathan's Famous acquisition could extend the brand portfolio if completed.
  • Global demand for pork could open new export channels.

Threats

  • Tariffs and tensions with China could reduce access to exports.
  • Higher costs for feed, energy and transport could pressure margins.
  • Animal disease or food safety events could affect production and demand.

Risks

  • Cyclical raw material priceshigh

    Results are sensitive to hog, grain and fuel prices, which can fluctuate significantly 1.

  • Animal disease riskhigh

    Outbreaks among livestock could reduce production and supply across the chain 1.

  • Tariffs and trade relationsmedium

    Changes in trade policy, especially with China, could affect exports 12.

  • Dependence on a major customermedium

    Walmart and other large retailers hold a significant share of sales, and losing them would have a material effect 1.

  • Acquisition and investment riskslow

    The Nathan's deal and the Sioux Falls project depend on approvals and execution, which could affect the balance sheet if delayed 13.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • The company reported record first-half 2026 operating profit, showing that its integrated model and brands can support results even in a difficult environment 3.
  • The Packaged Meats segment, which generates most of the profit, holds a strong position and could benefit from protein consumption trends 1.
  • Low leverage and high liquidity provide flexibility for investments and acquisitions 3.

What would break the thesis

  • The 2026 outlook was lowered and total sales are expected to be roughly flat, indicating macroeconomic pressure 3.
  • Packaged Meats profit fell in the first half of 2026 compared with the prior year, while Fresh Pork and Hog Production have fragile margins 3.
  • Tariff risks and raw material costs could weigh on results if conditions worsen 1.

What to watch

  • Completion of the Nathan's Famous acquisition and its effect on the balance sheetfirst half 2026
  • Board decision on the Sioux Falls project and regulatory approvals2027
  • Evolution of the adjusted 2026 outlook given costs and demandQ3 2026
  • Development of U.S.-China trade relations and export tariffsnext 10-K

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 11 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (27 Oct 2026 · results), 10-Q (27 Oct 2026).

The business

Smithfield, headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, produces a wide variety of packaged meats and fresh pork products, mainly in the United States, under brands such as Smithfield, Eckrich and Nathan's Famous 1. Operations run through three reportable segments, Packaged Meats, Fresh Pork and Hog Production, plus Mexico and Bioscience, reported together as 'Other' 1. The company is a majority-owned subsidiary of WH Group Limited and has been listed on Nasdaq under the ticker SFD since its initial public offering in January 2025 1.

Strategy emphasizes growing Packaged Meats through mix improvement, volume growth and innovation, and optimizing hog production by buying more from independent suppliers 1. The company agreed to acquire Nathan's Famous for 102.00 USD per share in cash and plans to replace its Sioux Falls, South Dakota plant with a preliminary investment of up to 1.3 billion USD 1. Both projects are pending and are excluded from the current outlook 3.

Customers are mostly U.S. retailers and foodservice operators, and Walmart accounted for about 15% of consolidated sales in fiscal 2025 1. Exports, particularly of pork products to China, Mexico and Japan, are a relevant part of the Fresh Pork segment 1.

Segments

Packaged Meats

This is the main growth segment, selling bacon, sausage, hot dogs and deli meats to retailers and foodservice. It generated 56% of sales and 85% of operating profit in fiscal 2025 1. Operating profit in the first half of 2026 was 540 million USD, down from 567 million USD a year earlier 3.

Fresh Pork

This segment processes live hogs into primal, sub-primal and offal products for domestic retail, foodservice, industrial and export channels. It faced thinner margins in the second quarter of 2026, with operating profit of 14 million USD 3. About one-third of its products are transferred to Packaged Meats 1.

Hog Production

This segment raises hogs on company-owned and contract farms, and nearly all output is processed by Fresh Pork 1. It returned to better results in the second quarter of 2026, with operating profit of 64 million USD, but its adjusted profit outlook was lowered 3.

Market context

The company operates in the large packaged and fresh meats market, with business concentrated in North America and an important export role, as the U.S. became the world's largest pork exporter in 2024 1. Demand is supported by long-term trends such as high-protein diets and preference for convenient products 1.

The market is sensitive to hog, feed and fuel prices and to competition from beef and chicken 1. Cautious consumer spending and higher input costs led the company to revise its 2026 outlook 3.

Trends

  • High-protein consumptiontailwind

    Demand for high-protein diets, quality nutrition and convenient products supports, according to the company, growth in overall meat consumption 1. If this trend continues, it could support volumes in Packaged Meats.

  • Cautious consumer spendingheadwind

    The company cites cautious consumer spending as a pressure on its 2026 outlook 3. If this caution persists, volumes could be affected.

  • Tariffs and trade tensionsheadwind

    Products exported to China face tariffs of 25% to 47%, and the pace of U.S.-China trade relations remains uncertain 1. The impact on export sales could be significant if conditions worsen.

  • Consolidation of hog productionmixed

    The company is reducing internal hog production and buying more from independent suppliers, which could reduce exposure to grain and hog price swings 1. The effect depends on market conditions and contracts with farmers.

Competitive position

Smithfield competes with vertically integrated producers that also own hog farms, and with processors that buy all raw materials on the market. The company notes that when hog prices are below production costs, competitors without hog farms may have a cost advantage 1.

The market is competitive, and the ability to hold prices and share depends on brand strength and relations with large retailers 1. The company states that it gained market share in key branded categories 3.

  • Hormel FoodsHRL

    American processed meat producer with a strong position in deli and packaged meats.

  • Tyson FoodsTSN

    American meat processor active in chicken, beef and pork.

  • Pilgrim's PridePPC

    American chicken producer, relevant to competition in the protein category.

  • Non-integrated hog buyers

    Processors that buy hogs on the market and can benefit from lower costs when hog prices are high.

News & filings

In the press

The latest news item in our archive is from 11 Sept 2026; the newest SEC filing is from 27 Oct 2026. The press archive comes from the RSS feeds we follow and does not necessarily cover the latest event — the filings alongside do.

SEC filings

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-28 · SEC / Smithfield Foods, Inc. · 24 Mar 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-28 · SEC / Smithfield Foods, Inc. · 11 Aug 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / Smithfield Foods, Inc. · 11 Aug 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.