Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of ongoing inflation on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and suggests focusing on low-beta defensive stocks to navigate market volatility [2][3][10] Economic Context - Inflation has risen, with the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index increasing by 2.8% year-over-year in November, moving further away from the Federal Reserve's 2% target [6][8] - Personal income growth has slowed, with increases of 0.1% in October and 0.3% in November, below analysts' expectations [9] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-beta defensive stocks, particularly in the utility and consumer staples sectors, to mitigate market fluctuations [4][5] - Featured stocks include: - **Ameren Corp. (AEE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.58, dividend yield of 2.78% [12][13] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.50, dividend yield of 3.46% [14][15] - **ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 11.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.81, dividend yield of 3.47% [16] - **Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.33, dividend yield of 4.76% [17] - **J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.5%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.34, dividend yield of 3.43% [18][19]

Exec Edge hosted a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 with Dan Fachner, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman at J&J Snack Foods Corp. (Nasdaq: JJSF). The in-person interview was joined by Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks, and they discussed the company’s more than 30 strategic acquisitions including the Dippin’ Dots acquisition, how J&J is positioning itself for improved margins and long-term growth, among other topics. About Dan Fachner Dan Fachner has been President and Chief Executive Off ...

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Jan. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  J & J Snack Foods Corp. (Nasdaq: JJSF) today announced that it will release financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 27, 2025, before the stock market opens on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The Company will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss the results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time that same day. Investors interested in participating in the live call can pre-register by clicking on this Registration Link to receive the dial-in ...

Core Viewpoint - J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF) is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank 1 and a notable increase in earnings estimates, making it attractive for investors [1] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for J&J Snack Foods' current year earnings has increased by 6.5% over the last 60 days [1] - The company's price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) stands at 20.38, which is lower than the S&P's P/E of 25.45, indicating a potentially undervalued stock [1] Value Characteristics - J&J Snack Foods possesses a Value Score of A, reflecting its strong value characteristics that may appeal to investors [1]

Core Insights - Investors are gravitating towards safer, low-beta stocks due to anticipated market uncertainty [1] - Companies are increasingly utilizing complex borrowing methods for funding data center projects, contributing to market nervousness [1] Stock Recommendations - Suggested low-beta stocks include J & J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF), USA Compression Partners, LP (USAC), Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS), and The Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO) [2] Stock Characteristics - Beta measures the volatility of a stock relative to the market, with a beta of less than 1 indicating lower volatility [3][4] - A beta range of 0 to 0.6 is used as a screening criterion for less volatile stocks [5] Screening Criteria - Stocks must have a positive price change over the last four weeks [5] - Average 20-day trading volume should exceed 50,000 [6] - Stock price must be at least $5 [6] - Zacks Rank of 1 indicates strong buy potential [6] Company Profiles - **J & J Snack Foods**: Strong balance sheet, negligible debt, focused on capital return to shareholders, and plans to accelerate stock repurchases [7] - **USA Compression Partners**: Positioned to benefit from rising demand for cleaner fuels and LNG exports, with plans to add new equipment by year-end [8][9] - **Natural Gas Services**: Benefits from increased LNG exports, leading to higher demand for compression equipment [10] - **The Vita Coco Company**: Leading producer of coconut water, experiencing strong demand growth across regions [11]

Core Viewpoint - J&J Snack Foods Corp. is identified as a strong dividend stock with a potential upside of 21% based on average price targets, and up to 43% according to the highest estimates from analysts [1][2]. Financial Performance - For Q4 FY25, J&J Snack Foods reported net sales of $410.2 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 3.9%. The Frozen Beverage segment experienced a significant drop, contributing to over 50% of the sales decrease [2]. - The company's operating income for Q4 was $11.5 million, down from $39.8 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Diluted EPS was reported at $0.58, compared to $1.52 in the same quarter last year [2]. Dividend Announcement - On November 20, J&J Snack Foods announced a quarterly dividend of $0.80 per share, payable on January 6, 2026, to shareholders recorded by December 16, 2025 [3]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is launching several major commercial programs in fiscal 2026 and has a robust innovation pipeline focused on healthier product attributes. A comprehensive business transformation program is expected to generate at least $20 million in annualized operating income once fully implemented [3]. - The ongoing plant consolidation has led to approximately $24 million in non-recurring charges in Q4. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with $106 million in cash and no debt, positioning it well for sustainable growth [3]. Product Range - J&J Snack Foods manufactures and sells a variety of snacks and frozen drinks across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including soft pretzels, frozen treats, churros, baked goods, handheld snacks, and ICEE beverages [3].

Core Insights - J&J Snack Foods reported a mixed Q4 earnings report, beating adjusted EPS but missing on revenue and EPS [2][3] - The company announced cost-cutting measures, including the consolidation of factories under Project Apollo, which has led to job losses [5][6][7] - Despite softer sales in some segments, the company expressed optimism about future growth and new product launches [4][10] Financial Performance - The company experienced softer sales compared to the previous year, particularly due to strong comparisons from blockbuster movies in July [3] - The pretzel segment showed strong performance, with an 8% increase in sales for the Super Pretzel brand in the last quarter [9] Strategic Initiatives - Project Apollo is a key transformational initiative involving the consolidation of three plants to improve efficiency and reduce costs [5][7] - The company has invested in new production lines and distribution systems to support this consolidation [7] Product Development - J&J Snack Foods is focusing on health-conscious products, including a protein-enriched pretzel and innovations in the Luigi's Italian Ice brand [10][11] - The company is responding to consumer trends by developing products that cater to health and wellness, such as bite-sized snacks [20] Market Conditions - The retail sector is a concern for the company, as consumers are feeling the effects of inflation and "shrinkflation" [16][18] - Tariffs on key ingredients like chocolate and palm oil are being monitored, with potential relief expected from the government [19][20]

Revenue Breakdown - Soft pretzel sales accounted for 18% of the Company's revenue in fiscal year 2025, 18% in fiscal year 2024, and 19% in fiscal year 2023[24]. - Frozen novelties sales represented 16% of the Company's revenue in fiscal year 2025, 17% in fiscal year 2024, and 17% in fiscal year 2023[28]. - Churro sales were 6% of the Company's sales in fiscal year 2025, 7% in fiscal year 2024, and 7% in fiscal year 2023[32]. - Bakery products sales amounted to 27% of the Company's sales in fiscal year 2025, 26% in fiscal year 2024, and 26% in fiscal year 2023[34]. - Frozen beverage sales constituted 14% of the Company's revenue in fiscal year 2025, 15% in fiscal year 2024, and 14% in fiscal year 2023[35]. - The top ten customers accounted for 46% of the Company's sales in fiscal year 2025, 45% in fiscal year 2024, and 43% in fiscal year 2023[40]. - Revenue from equipment sales and repair and maintenance services totaled 9% of the Company's sales in each of the fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023[36]. Business Segments and Operations - The Company operates in three business segments: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets, and Frozen Beverages[19]. - The Company has a significant trademark portfolio, including brands such as SUPERPRETZEL, DIPPIN' DOTS, and ICEE[48]. - The Company develops and introduces new products on a routine basis, evaluating success based on sales and profit levels[45]. - Sales from foreign operations were $69.6 million, $73.4 million, and $70.2 million in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, with total assets in foreign operations at $79.1 million or 5.7% of total assets as of September 27, 2025[56]. - The top ten customers accounted for 46% of sales in fiscal year 2025, 45% in 2024, and 43% in 2023, with the largest customer representing 10% of sales in 2025[77]. Workforce and Employment - Approximately 4,600 full and part-time employees and 600 staffing agency workers were employed as of September 27, 2025, with about 1,400 production and distribution employees covered by collective bargaining agreements[59]. Safety and Compliance - The Company’s Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) incident rates were lower than food manufacturing averages, indicating a strong safety performance[60]. - Compliance with government regulations did not materially affect capital expenditures or earnings in fiscal 2025 and is not expected to impact fiscal 2026 significantly[57]. - The Company’s facilities are Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certified, ensuring adherence to stringent safety and quality standards[58]. Economic and Market Risks - The Company competes with larger manufacturers and distributors, which could lead to downward pressure on prices and a decline in market share[79]. - The Company faces risks from economic conditions that could negatively impact consumer demand and affect sales of higher-margin products[66]. - The company faces risks related to manufacturing capacity constraints, which could negatively affect customer service levels and demand for products[82]. - Increased health care costs due to rising health care expenses and legislative changes could adversely impact the company's financial position and results of operations[89]. Operational Changes and Initiatives - The company is pursuing cost productivity initiatives in procurement, manufacturing, and logistics to enhance operating efficiencies and manage costs effectively[99]. - The Company reported a significant increase in operational efficiency through Project Apollo, expected to generate at least $20 million in run-rate operating income by fiscal 2026[125]. - The Company closed three manufacturing facilities, incurring approximately $24 million in plant closure costs, primarily related to non-cash write-downs and severance[125]. - The Company has opened three regional distribution centers, projected to drive cost reductions in warehousing and distribution[126]. - The Company added six new production lines, significantly expanding capacity for core products such as pretzels, churros, and frozen novelties[126]. - The Company launched the Hola! Churro brand in fiscal year 2023 and expanded the SuperPretzel brand with Bavarian Sticks[126]. Financial Performance - Net sales increased by $8.5 million, or 1%, to $1,583.2 million in fiscal 2025, driven by growth in the foodservice segment[132]. - Gross profit decreased by $16.3 million, or 3%, to $469.8 million, with gross profit as a percentage of sales declining to 29.7% from 30.9%[133]. - Total operating expenses rose by $17.0 million, or 5%, to $385.6 million, increasing as a percentage of sales to 24.4%[135]. - Operating income fell by $33.2 million, or 28.3%, to $84.3 million, impacted by rising raw material costs and inflationary pressures[145]. - Net earnings decreased by $21.0 million, or 24%, to $65.6 million, translating to $3.36 per diluted share[139]. - Food service segment sales increased by $16.2 million, or 1.6%, to $1,001.4 million, with soft pretzel sales up 3.5%[147]. - Retail supermarket segment sales declined by $7.5 million, or 3.4%, to $213.8 million, with operating income down 30.6%[150]. - Investment income increased by $0.4 million, or 11%, to $3.6 million due to higher average cash balances[137]. - The effective tax rate decreased to 24.1% from 27.2% primarily due to a change in estimate on blended state tax rate[138]. - New product sales reached approximately $3.9 million in the first twelve months since introduction, mainly from churros added to a major fast-food customer's menu[148]. - Sales of products to retail supermarkets decreased by $7.5 million, or 3%, to $213.8 million in fiscal year 2025[152]. - Operating income in the Retail Supermarkets segment decreased by $5.9 million, or 31%, to $13.3 million in fiscal 2025[154]. - Total frozen beverage segment sales decreased slightly by $0.2 million, to $368.0 million in fiscal 2025[155]. - Beverage-related sales decreased by 5%, or $10.7 million, in fiscal 2025, primarily due to weakness in certain channels[155]. Acquisitions and Investments - The Company completed the acquisition of the Thinsters cookie business for approximately $7.0 million in cash on April 8, 2024[158]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash flows from operating activities provided $165.1 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $173.1 million in fiscal 2024[160]. - As of September 27, 2025, the Company had $105.9 million in cash and cash equivalents[165]. - The Company had approximately $133 million in purchase commitments for raw materials as of September 27, 2025[171]. - As of September 27, 2025, the company had no debt outstanding, indicating a strong balance sheet[198]. Risk Management and Controls - The company minimizes purchasing risk through forward purchasing of raw materials for periods from 1 to 12 months[199]. - The company has not entered into any forward exchange contracts to hedge foreign currency risk, as it does not consider the exposure significant[200]. - Management identified a material weakness in internal controls related to information technology general controls as of September 28, 2024, but concluded that controls were effective as of September 27, 2025[208][211]. - The independent registered public accounting firm expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 27, 2025[213].

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of enabling Javascript and cookies in browsers to ensure proper functionality and access to content [1] Group 1 - The article emphasizes that users may be blocked from proceeding if an ad-blocker is enabled [1]

Core Insights - J & J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ:JJSF) reported strong financial performance with an EPS of $1.58, surpassing the estimated $1.06 [1][5] - The company's revenue for Q4 was $410.2 million, slightly below the estimated $413 million, but it achieved an adjusted operating income of $37.7 million [2][5] Financial Metrics - JJSF has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 19.73, indicating favorable market valuation of its earnings [3][5] - The price-to-sales ratio is about 1.03, suggesting investors are paying slightly over one dollar for every dollar of sales [3] - The enterprise value to sales ratio stands at 1.09, reflecting the company's total valuation relative to its sales [3] Financial Health - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 12.02, indicating strong cash flow generation [4] - JJSF maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, suggesting a conservative approach to leveraging debt [4][5] - A current ratio of approximately 2.38 highlights the company's strong liquidity position, ensuring effective coverage of short-term liabilities [4]