Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][18] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, with net sales increasing by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [5][19] - Operating expenses increased by 24% to $118.8 million, which is 29% of sales, including $24.8 million of non-recurring charges related to Project Apollo [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by 3.6% [14] - Retail segment net sales declined by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, partially offset by higher pretzel volume [15] - Frozen beverage segment sales declined by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [12] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound in 2026, supported by a strong lineup of movies [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated Project Apollo, aimed at generating sustainable efficiencies and cost savings, with expected annualized operating income of at least $20 million once fully implemented [7][8] - The company is focusing on consolidating its manufacturing network and optimizing its distribution system to reduce expenses [8][9] - A robust innovation pipeline is planned for fiscal 2026, including new product launches and commercial activities [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding consumer sentiment and operational execution as they move into fiscal 2026 [31] - The company anticipates benefits from Project Apollo and expects to see improvements in both top-line growth and margins [32][66] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing challenges faced in fiscal 2025, including commodity cost inflation and foreign exchange impacts [32] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt, maintaining a strong financial position [12][18] - Share repurchases totaled $3 million in the quarter, with plans to accelerate buybacks in the current quarter [13][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1%-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [25][26] Question: Macro environment and 2026 outlook - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for improved performance [31][32] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and automation - The second phase of Project Apollo focusing on automation and efficiencies is expected to be implemented in 2027, with initial benefits seen in 2026 [46] Question: Challenges in the frozen novelty business - Management acknowledged challenges in the frozen novelty segment but is optimistic about recovery through increased marketing and trade spend [49][51] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margins above 30% toward the mid-30s, leveraging savings from Project Apollo [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][21] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, while net sales increased by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [6][22] - Operating expenses increased by 24% to $118.8 million, which included $24.8 million of non-recurring charges related to Project Apollo [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, with soft pretzel sales increasing by 3.6% [16] - Retail segment net sales declined by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, although higher pretzel volume partially offset this [17] - Frozen beverage segment sales declined by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [14] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound in 2026, supported by a strong lineup of movies [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a business transformation program called Project Apollo, expected to generate at least $20 million of annualized operating income once fully implemented in 2026 [8][9] - The focus of Project Apollo includes the consolidation of manufacturing facilities, with three facilities announced for closure [9][10] - The company plans to increase share repurchase activity, with $3 million in repurchases during the quarter and intentions to accelerate this in the current quarter [15][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal 2026, citing operational execution improvements and a strong innovation pipeline [7][34] - The macro environment remains cautious, particularly in retail, but management is encouraged by early results in Q1 of fiscal 2026 [34] - Challenges faced in 2025 included consumer sentiment, foreign exchange impacts, and commodity cost inflation, but management is bullish about overcoming these in 2026 [35] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt, maintaining a strong financial position [14][21] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.58, down from $1.60 in the prior year, with a significantly lower effective tax rate of 4.8% compared to 26.8% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [28][29] Question: Macro environment and 2026 outlook - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for benefits from plant closures and innovation [34][35] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and automation - The second phase of Project Apollo focusing on automation and efficiencies is expected to be implemented in 2027, with initial benefits from plant closures anticipated by Q2 of fiscal 2026 [50][68] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margin above 30% toward the mid-30s, with savings from Project Apollo contributing to this goal [68] Question: Capital allocation and share repurchase plans - Management plans to accelerate stock buybacks, with $42 million remaining on the authorization and intentions to buy back stock in the current quarter [41][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][18] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, while net sales increased by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [5][19] - Consolidated gross profit was $130.2 million, with a gross margin of 31.7%, slightly down from 31.8% the previous year [16] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.58, compared to $1.60 in the prior year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by 3.6% [14] - Retail segment net sales fell by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, although higher pretzel volume partially offset this decline [15] - Frozen beverage segment sales decreased by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with industry projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [12] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound, supported by a strong lineup of movies [12][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a business transformation program called Project Apollo, expected to generate at least $20 million in annualized operating income once fully implemented [7][8] - The focus of Project Apollo includes the consolidation of manufacturing facilities, with three facilities announced for closure [7][8] - The company plans to increase share repurchase activity, with $3 million in repurchases during the quarter and intentions to accelerate this in the current quarter [13][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal 2026, citing operational execution improvements and a strong innovation pipeline [6][27] - The macro environment remains cautious, particularly in the retail sector, but management is encouraged by early results in Q1 2026 [27][28] - Challenges faced in 2025 included a significant LTO for churros and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts, but management is bullish about 2026 [29] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial position with approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt [12][18] - Marketing expenses increased by 4.8% year-over-year, driven by new sponsorships and promotional activities [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [22][24] Question: Macro environment and its impact on 2026 - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for theater industry recovery [27][28] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and expected benefits - The full run rate for plant closure benefits is expected to be reached by Q2 2026, with additional savings anticipated in the latter half of the year [31] Question: Details on commercial opportunities for fiscal 2026 - Key opportunities include a churro LTO with a major customer and a frozen beverage rollout with a large convenience store operator [54] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margins above 30% toward the mid-30s, with savings from Project Apollo contributing to this goal [56]

Financial Performance - Fourth quarter net sales were $410.2 million, a decrease of 4% compared to the prior year quarter, while full-year net sales increased by 1% to $1,583.2 million[2]. - Fourth quarter operating income was $11.5 million, down 71% year-over-year, and adjusted operating income was $37.7 million, a decrease of 10%[2][8]. - Fourth quarter net earnings were $11.4 million, a decline of 62% from the previous year, with adjusted EBITDA at $57.4 million, down 4%[2][3]. - The gross profit for the fourth quarter was $130.2 million, reflecting a gross margin of 31.7%, slightly down from 31.8% in the prior year[6]. - Net sales for the quarter ended September 27, 2025, were $410,243,000, a decrease of 3.6% compared to $426,756,000 for the same quarter in 2024[25]. - Gross profit for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2025, was $469,882,000, down from $486,125,000 in 2024, reflecting a decline of 3.3%[25]. - Operating income for the quarter was $11,467,000, significantly lower than $39,842,000 in the prior year, representing a decrease of 71.2%[25]. - Net earnings for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2025, were $65,595,000, down 24.2% from $86,551,000 in 2024[25]. - Earnings per diluted share for the quarter were $0.58, compared to $1.52 in the same quarter last year, a decline of 61.8%[25]. - The company reported a total operating income of $84,326,000 for the fiscal year 2025, down from $117,545,000 in 2024, a decrease of 28.3%[25]. - For the quarter ended September 27, 2025, net earnings were $11,381 thousand, a decrease from $29,641 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year, representing a decline of approximately 61.6%[34]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2025, was $180,857 thousand, down from $200,085 thousand in the previous fiscal year, reflecting a decrease of about 9.6%[34]. - Adjusted operating income for the quarter ended September 27, 2025, was $37,740 thousand, compared to $42,010 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year, indicating a decline of approximately 10.8%[35]. - Earnings per diluted share for the quarter ended September 27, 2025, were $0.58, down from $1.52 in the same quarter of the previous year, a decrease of about 61.8%[36]. - Adjusted earnings per diluted share for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2025, were $4.27, compared to $4.93 in the previous fiscal year, reflecting a decline of approximately 13.4%[37]. Operational Highlights - The company initiated a comprehensive business transformation program expected to generate at least $20 million in annualized operating income once fully implemented[4]. - Frozen Beverage segment sales decreased by 8.3% to $99.6 million, primarily due to lower theater volumes following the success of the Inside Out 2 movie last year[15]. - Retail Supermarket segment sales decreased by 8.1% to $51.4 million, while pretzel sales increased by 3.6% driven by growth in Bavarian varieties[15]. - New product sales and added placements with new customers contributed approximately $7.6 million in the quarter, driven by frozen novelties and churro-related products[15]. - The company incurred plant closure expenses of $24,073,000 during the fiscal year, impacting overall profitability[25]. - Strategic business transformation costs were recorded as $4,848 thousand for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2024, indicating ongoing investment in operational improvements[35]. - Integration costs for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2025, amounted to $427 thousand, reflecting the company's efforts in mergers and acquisitions[35]. Financial Position - The company reported $106 million in cash and no debt, positioning it well for sustainable growth and shareholder value creation[4]. - Total current assets increased to $478,332,000 as of September 27, 2025, from $450,414,000 a year earlier, marking a growth of 6.2%[27]. - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period rose to $105,893,000, up from $73,394,000, an increase of 44.4%[29]. - Total liabilities increased to $414,806,000 as of September 27, 2025, compared to $414,073,000 in the previous year, reflecting a slight increase of 0.2%[27]. - Depreciation and amortization expenses for the quarter ended September 27, 2025, were $19,165 thousand, an increase from $18,216 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year, representing a rise of about 5.2%[34]. - The company reported a net gain on the sale or disposal of assets of $171 thousand for the quarter ended September 27, 2025, compared to a gain of $34 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year[34].

Core Insights - J & J Snack Foods Corp. reported a decline in net sales and earnings for the fourth quarter, with net sales at $410.2 million, down 4% year-over-year, and net earnings at $11.4 million, down 62% compared to the previous year [2][3][5]. Financial Performance - Fourth quarter operating income was $11.5 million, a significant decrease of 71% from the prior year quarter [2][9]. - Adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter was $37.7 million, down 10% year-over-year [2][9]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $57.4 million, reflecting a 4% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2][3]. - Earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter were $0.58, down 62% from $1.52 in the prior year quarter [2][9]. Segment Performance - The Food Service segment saw a slight sales decrease of 1.1%, while the Retail Supermarket segment experienced an 8.1% decline in sales [7][14]. - The Frozen Beverage segment reported an 8.3% decrease in sales, primarily due to lower theater volumes following the success of the Inside Out 2 movie last year [7][14]. Cost and Expenses - Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter were $118.8 million, representing 29% of sales, compared to 22.4% in the prior year quarter [8][9]. - Marketing and selling expenses increased by 4.8% to $32.6 million, while distribution expenses decreased by 8.3% to $42.2 million [13]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is launching several major commercial programs in fiscal 2026 and has a robust innovation pipeline focused on healthier product attributes [4]. - A comprehensive business transformation program has been initiated, expected to generate at least $20 million in annualized operating income once fully implemented [4]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - The company reported a strong balance sheet with $106 million in cash and no debt, positioning it well for sustainable growth [4]. - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $105.9 million, up from $73.4 million at the end of the previous year [29].

Earnings Expectations - Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) is expected to report quarterly earnings of 65 cents per share on revenue of $5.16 billion [2] - J&J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ:JJSF) is anticipated to post quarterly earnings of $1.19 per share on revenue of $419.09 million [2] - Aecom (NYSE:ACM) is projected to report quarterly earnings of $1.34 per share on revenue of $4.31 billion [2] - Helmerich and Payne Inc. (NYSE:HP) is expected to post quarterly earnings of 25 cents per share on revenue of $973.68 million [2] Stock Performance - Aramark shares fell 1.3% to close at $38.03 on Friday [2] - J&J Snack Foods shares rose 0.6% to close at $83.09 on Friday [2] - Sohu.com Ltd. (NASDAQ:SOHU) reported third-quarter earnings of 33 cents per share, compared to a loss of 39 cents per share a year ago, with sales of $180.161 million, up from $151.992 million [2] - Sohu.com shares fell 3.2% to close at $14.32 on Friday [2] - Aecom shares gained 0.3% to $133.89 in after-hours trading [2] - Helmerich and Payne shares gained 3.2% to close at $27.83 on Friday [2]

Core Insights - J & J Snack Foods Corp. will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year on November 17, 2025, before the market opens [1] - A conference call and webcast will be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the results [1] Company Overview - J & J Snack Foods Corp. is a leader and innovator in the snack food and frozen beverage industry, with over fifty years of experience [3] - The company specializes in a variety of snack and beverage brands, including SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE, and Dippin' Dots [3] - The brand portfolio also features LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID frozen ices, WHOLE FRUIT frozen fruit bars, DOGSTERS, ¡Hola! Churros, THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY products, and various bakery brands [3]

Core Insights - The analyst has a strong background in equity research and investment analysis, with a focus on the U.S. equity market and consumer staples sector, indicating a belief in the resilience of defensive stocks for long-term investment opportunities [1]. Group 1: Analyst Qualifications - The analyst is a certified FMVA and FPWMP, which provides expertise in financial statement analysis, valuation modeling, and investment portfolio construction [1]. - Participation in the CFA Research Challenge has equipped the analyst with practical experience in equity analysis and industry research [1]. - The analyst holds a degree in Finance from Alexandria University, graduating in 2024 with a CGPA of 3.6, showcasing a solid academic foundation [1]. Group 2: Professional Experience - The analyst has worked with a confidential client, preparing investment reports across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer staples, and industrials, enhancing the ability to evaluate companies across diverse industries [1]. - In 2023, the analyst joined AIESEC, further developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through global exchange and project collaboration [1].

Core Insights - The consumer staples sector is experiencing significant overselling, presenting potential buying opportunities for undervalued companies [1][2] Company Summaries - **National Beverage Corp (NASDAQ:FIZZ)**: The company reported weaker-than-expected quarterly sales, with a stock decline of approximately 10% over the past month and a 52-week low of $36.27. The RSI value is 28.6, indicating oversold conditions. The stock closed at $36.92, with a momentum score of 15.34 and a value score of 54.79 [7] - **Sprouts Farmers Market Inc (NASDAQ:SFM)**: Announced a $1 billion share repurchase authorization, but the stock fell around 22% over the past month, reaching a 52-week low of $107.65. The RSI value is 13.6, indicating strong oversold conditions. The stock closed at $108.80 [7] - **J&J Snack Foods Corp (NASDAQ:JJSF)**: Reported strong quarterly earnings with net sales of $454.3 million and adjusted EBITDA of $72.0 million. Despite this, the stock fell around 12% over the past month, with a 52-week low of $94.13. The RSI value is 28.4, indicating oversold conditions. The stock closed at $96.09 [7]

Group 1 - J&J Snack Foods Corp (NASDAQ:JJSF) is considered one of the best FMCG stocks to invest in, with a 'Buy' rating and a $150 price target from Benchmark analysts following meetings with senior management [1][2] - The company has shown an improving revenue and margin outlook, leading to raised fiscal year 2026 estimates based on recent performance [2] - In the third quarter, J&J Snack Foods reported earnings per share of $2.00, exceeding consensus estimates of $1.84, with revenue totaling $454.3 million compared to an expected $441.2 million [3] Group 2 - The company manufactures and distributes a diverse range of branded snack foods and beverages for food service and retail outlets across the U.S., including popular items like soft pretzels and frozen drinks [4]