SPGI · News · 20260909N

Ratings performance

S&P Global Inc. · 2026-09-09 · Importance 17 · Surprise 24

S&P Global Ratings upgraded Smithfield Foods' issuer credit rating to BBB from BBB-. The action followed an upgrade of parent company WH Group to BBB+ and reflected expectations for less volatile commodity hog production, stronger WH Group cash flow, and Smithfield's progress in rationalizing hog production and improving processing efficiency. Smithfield's low leverage was cited as providing capacity for growth capital expenditures and strategic mergers and acquisitions.

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