Generally speaking, we will sell a stock for one of four reasons: (1) the safety of the dividend payment has come into question due to unexpected fundamental weakness; (2) the company's long term
earnings power appears to have become impaired as a result of new competition, secular changes, etc; (3) the stock's valuation reaches seemingly excessive levels; or (4) we have a new stock idea with a more attractive valuation and fundamental outlook.
The recent correction in Hormel's stock price
appears to be driven by short - term fears (declining turkey prices, which are near a seven - year low) rather than issues that could affect Hormel's long - term
earnings power (Hormel's other businesses remain stable to moderately growing, and management reaffirmed 2017 guidance).