Shares of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFD – Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by the six analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $29.3750.
A number of research analysts have commented on SFD shares. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Smithfield Foods from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, March 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of Smithfield Foods in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Smithfield Foods from $29.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday.
Read Our Latest Research Report on Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods Price Performance
Smithfield Foods (NASDAQ:SFD – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 24th. The company reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $4.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.19 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.52 EPS. Smithfield Foods’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year.
Smithfield Foods Increases Dividend
The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 21st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, April 7th will be given a $0.3125 dividend. This represents a $1.25 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, April 7th. This is a positive change from Smithfield Foods’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. Smithfield Foods’s payout ratio is 45.05%.
Smithfield Foods News Roundup
Here are the key news stories impacting Smithfield Foods this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat and record fiscal 2025 results — Smithfield reported $0.83 EPS (vs. ~$0.67 est.), $4.23B revenue (+7% YoY), record annual operating profit of ~$1.3B and raised its outlook; management highlighted strong packaged‑meats performance and $1B+ operating cash flow. Smithfield Foods Reports Record Fiscal 2025 Results
- Positive Sentiment: Dividend hike — Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3125 (25% increase) implying a $1.25 annualized payout and ~5.1% yield; signals strong cash generation and shareholder returns. Smithfield Foods Reports Record Fiscal 2025 Results
- Positive Sentiment: M&A: announced acquisition of Nathan’s Famous (~$450M) — strategic move to own an iconic brand, capture retail margin upside and accelerate earnings growth. Smithfield Foods Reports Record Fiscal 2025 Results
- Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades/price target raises — Morgan Stanley raised its target to $31 and put an Overweight; Bank of America reiterated Buy and lifted its target to $32, giving double‑digit upside vs. current levels and supporting further upside momentum. Benzinga Buy Rating on Smithfield Foods — TipRanks
- Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary and investor materials — earnings call transcript, slide deck and media pieces offer detail for investors evaluating sustainability of margin gains and the FY‑2026 outlook (low‑single‑digit sales growth; adjusted operating profit guide). Earnings Call Transcript
- Neutral Sentiment: Broker/coverage pieces and “revisit” articles — several outlets discuss whether SFD is due for more upside after a strong one‑year gain; useful for sentiment but not new fundamental news. Is It Time To Revisit Smithfield Foods (SFD)?
- Neutral Sentiment: Short‑interest posts appear inconsistent/erroneous in filings (entries report 0 shares / NaN changes), so no clear short squeeze signal at present.
- Negative Sentiment: Cost pressure risk — commentary noting higher labor/input costs could weigh on margins going forward; investors should watch whether productivity gains offset inflationary headwinds. Labor Costs Move Higher — Zacks
Institutional Investors Weigh In On Smithfield Foods
Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SFD. Strs Ohio lifted its holdings in shares of Smithfield Foods by 76.5% in the 3rd quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 1,080 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 468 shares during the last quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new stake in Smithfield Foods in the fourth quarter worth $25,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its position in Smithfield Foods by 88.2% in the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,099 shares of the company’s stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 515 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new stake in Smithfield Foods in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Oakworth Capital Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Smithfield Foods during the fourth quarter valued at $31,000.
Smithfield Foods Company Profile
Smithfield Foods, Inc (NASDAQ: SFD) is one of the world’s largest pork processors and hog producers. Founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, the company has grown from a regional ham producer into a fully integrated food company offering a broad range of fresh pork, value-added meats and prepared foods. Its product portfolio includes bacon, ham, sausage, ribs and deli meats marketed under well-known brands such as Smithfield®, Nathan’s Famous® and Eckrich®.
Smithfield operates a network of hog production facilities, processing plants and distribution centers across the United States, Europe and Latin America.
Further Reading
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