Net sales for the 13-week period ended July 26, 2009 were $1.57 billion, a 6.2% decrease, compared to $1.68 billion in the corresponding period of the prior year.

For the 39-week period ended July 26, 2009, the company's net earnings increased to $238.93 million or $1.76 earnings per diluted share, from $217.69 million or $1.58 earnings per diluted share in the same period of 2008. Net sales for the period were $4.86 billion compared to $4.89 billion in the same period of 2008.

Jeffrey Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Hormel Foods, said: "Our Refrigerated Foods segment rebounded to post higher earnings on an enhanced sales mix and lower costs, despite weak cutout margins during much of the quarter. Sales and volumes were down overall, as we made intentional reductions to our turkey production and the effects of the economy took their toll on certain portions of the business."

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.