Hormel Corp's Thanksgiving Bonus - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) -- Hormel Foods Corp. is continuing its popular Thanksgiving tradition -- giving its employees a share of the corporate profits.

The Austin, Minn.-based meatpacker said Wednesday that because of its record profits in 2012, eligible hourly and salaried employees will be sharing $16.9 million in profit-sharing checks.

The company didn't immediately return a message asking how many employees would receive checks and whether the money would be distributed equally.

A St. Paul Pioneer Press report says Hormel began its profit-sharing program in 1938 and has continued in each of the past 74 years.

The company produces familiar brands such as Spam, Hormel chili, Jennie-O turkey and Dinty Moore stew.

Hormel reported this week that its full-year net income climbed 6 percent to $500.1 million. Annual revenue was up 4 percent.