HRL: Leadership change

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers . On October 21, 2026, Sally J. Smith notified Hormel Foods Corporation (the “Company”) of her decision to retire as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective upon the expiration of her current term at the Company’s 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2027 Annual Meeting”). As a result, Ms. Smith will not stand for re-election at the 2027 Annual Meeting. Ms. Smith’s decision to retire and not stand for re-election was not because of any disagreement with the Company. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION Dated: October 23, 2026 By: /s/ Colleen Batcheler Name: Colleen Batcheler Title: Senior Vice President, External Affairs, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary