[Form 4] HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/ Insider Trading Activity
Steven Andrew White, a director of Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL), reported an acquisition of 2,546.48 phantom stock units on 09/30/2025 under the company’s 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan. Each phantom unit equals one share of common stock and the reported price per unit was $24.74. After the grant and conversions of dividend equivalents through the transaction date, the reporting person’s total phantom/beneficial holdings equal 37,967.921 shares (direct) and there is an indirect holding of 47,127 shares through a spouse’s irrevocable trust. The phantom units become payable in shares on a director’s termination (lump sum or up to ten annual installments) or immediately if separation occurs within six months after a defined change in control.
- 2,546.48 phantom stock units acquired, increasing director alignment with shareholders
- Conversion of dividend equivalents added to holdings (covers period from 03/31/2025 through the transaction date)
- 37,967.921 beneficial direct units and 47,127 indirect shares via spouse’s trust show significant director ownership
- None.
Insights
Director received phantom units aligning compensation with shareholder value.
This Form 4 discloses a nonemployee director grant of 2,546.48 phantom stock units under the 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan, which convert to common shares after service ends. Such deferred equity grants are a common governance practice to align director interests with long‑term shareholders without immediate dilution.
The filing also shows the director holds 37,967.921 beneficial direct phantom/stock equivalents and an indirect stake of 47,127 shares via a spouse’s trust, indicating meaningful ownership relative to board oversight.
Transaction is a compensatory grant, not an open‑market purchase or sale.
The reported acquisition code (A) reflects receipt of phantom units, with a reported unit price of $24.74. The explanation states additional units resulted from conversion of dividend equivalents from 03/31/2025 through the transaction date, increasing the director’s deferred equity balance.
The units vest to shares upon termination or upon separation within six months after a change in control, which is a clear pay‑out trigger disclosed in the filing.