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Post(POST) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report
2025-11-21 16:41
Financial Performance - Net sales increased by $235.4 million, or 3%, to $8,158.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2025, driven by higher sales in the Foodservice segment [226]. - Operating profit rose by $5.8 million, or 1%, to $799.3 million, primarily due to higher segment profit in Foodservice and Refrigerated Retail segments [228]. - Net earnings decreased by $31.0 million, or 8%, to $335.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2025 [226]. - The Post Consumer Brands segment reported a net sales decline of $85.0 million, or 2%, to $4,024.6 million, impacted by lower pet food and cereal volumes [240]. - Segment profit for Post Consumer Brands decreased by $47.3 million, or 9%, to $493.9 million, primarily due to lower net sales and higher employee-related expenses [241]. - Net sales for the Foodservice segment increased by $333.9 million, or 14%, to $2,641.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2025, compared to the prior year [244]. - Segment profit for the Foodservice segment rose by $91.6 million, or 30%, to $399.7 million, driven by higher net sales, partially offset by $157.2 million in higher raw material costs [245]. - Net sales for the Refrigerated Retail segment decreased by $8.9 million, or 1%, to $953.3 million, primarily due to lower side dish and cheese volumes [247]. - Segment profit for the Refrigerated Retail segment increased by $12.4 million, or 16%, to $88.3 million, supported by higher average net selling prices and lower warehousing and freight costs [248]. Expenses and Costs - Interest expense increased by $44.9 million, or 14%, to $361.4 million, attributed to higher average outstanding debt and a higher weighted-average interest rate of 5.3% [229]. - General corporate expenses increased by $20.1 million, or 10%, to $221.8 million, primarily due to prior year gains lapsing and increased net losses on equity security investments [249]. - A goodwill impairment charge of $29.8 million was recorded related to the Cheese and Dairy reporting unit, with no such charges in the prior year [250]. - Inflationary pressures on certain input costs eased during fiscal 2025 and 2024, but other costs continued to face inflation, with expectations for this trend to continue into fiscal 2026 [276]. - The company anticipates continued inflationary pressures on input costs, which may impact operating margins and results of operations [276]. Cash Flow and Financing - Cash provided by operating activities increased by $66.6 million to $998.3 million, driven by lower tax payments, despite higher interest payments [265]. - Cash used in investing activities was $1,419.3 million, primarily due to net cash payments related to acquisitions and capital expenditures [267]. - Cash used in financing activities was $188.6 million, including $600.0 million from the issuance of senior notes and $709.0 million for share repurchases [269]. - The company expects to receive approximately $375.0 million in cash from the sale of the Pasta Business, expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [253]. - Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2024, was $415.6 million, with total net repayments of debt amounting to $2,041.6 million [270]. - The company received proceeds of $1,200.0 million from the issuance of 6.375% senior notes and $1,000.0 million from 6.25% senior secured notes [270]. - The company repurchased 3.0 million shares of common stock at an average price of $101.74 per share, totaling $303.1 million, including accrued excise tax and broker's commissions [260]. - The company entered into a new revolving credit facility of $1,000.0 million, replacing the previous facility of $750.0 million, with a maturity date extended to February 20, 2029 [260]. - The company redeemed $464.9 million principal value of its 5.625% senior notes during fiscal 2025 [269]. - As of September 30, 2025, the company was in compliance with its financial covenants, maintaining a secured net leverage ratio not exceeding 4.25 to 1.00 [271]. Goodwill and Fair Value - A goodwill impairment charge of $42.2 million was recorded for the Cheese and Dairy reporting unit during the year ended September 30, 2023, and an additional charge of $29.8 million was recorded in fiscal 2025 [293]. - The estimated fair value of all indefinite-lived trademarks and brands exceeded book value by 13% or greater in fiscal 2025 and 9% or greater in fiscal 2024 [290]. - The Weetabix reporting unit's fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately 8.7% as of fiscal 2025, impacted by cost inflation and U.K. economic pressures [295]. - A one percentage point decrease in assumed discount rates would have increased recorded benefit obligations by approximately $69 million for pensions and $5 million for other postretirement benefits [298]. - The fair value estimates for indefinite-lived intangible assets are based on significant assumptions regarding future revenue growth and discount rates [288]. - Changes in assumptions for estimating fair value could result in impairment charges in future periods [292]. - The company did not record a goodwill impairment charge during the year ended September 30, 2024, as all reporting units passed the quantitative test [294]. Market and Economic Conditions - The exchange rates used to translate foreign sales positively affected consolidated net sales by less than 1% during the year ended September 30, 2025 [279]. - The expected return on U.S. pension plan assets decreased from 7.00% to 6.00%, which would increase net periodic benefit cost by approximately $7 million [299]. - Approximately 1% of annual net sales represent variable consideration that will be resolved in the subsequent period [283]. - The company expects impacts on the Weetabix reporting unit's profitability to be transitory, despite inherent risks to cash flows [295].
Post Holdings Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Sales Up 11.8% Y/Y
ZACKS· 2025-11-21 16:35
Core Insights - Post Holdings, Inc. reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results with net sales in line with estimates and adjusted earnings exceeding expectations, both metrics showing year-over-year growth [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $2.09, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92, and increased from $1.53 in the same quarter last year [2] - Net sales reached $2,247 million, an 11.8% increase year over year, including $249.4 million from acquisitions; excluding acquisitions, growth was offset by declines in Post Consumer Brands [3] - Gross profit was $602.1 million, a 4.6% year-over-year increase, while gross margin contracted to 26.8% from 28.6% [3] - SG&A expenses rose 2.5% to $350.1 million, representing 15.6% of net sales compared to 17% in the prior year; included $14.4 million in integration costs related to acquisitions [4] - Operating profit decreased 11.8% to $168.4 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 22% to $425.4 million from $348.7 million in the previous year [4] Segment Performance - **Post Consumer Brands**: Net sales of $1,158.8 million, up 10.6% year over year, but missed estimates; volumes declined 11.5% excluding contributions from 8th Avenue [5] - **Weetabix**: Net sales of $145 million, up 3.6% year over year, exceeding estimates; volumes decreased 2.9% [6] - **Foodservice**: Net sales grew 20.4% to $718 million, beating estimates; segment profit surged 63.7% to $128.2 million [7] - **Refrigerated Retail**: Net sales of $228.2 million, up 0.8% year over year, but below estimates; segment profit rose 82.8% to $23.4 million [8] Future Outlook - For fiscal year 2026, Post Holdings expects adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1,500-$1,540 million, including contributions from 8th Avenue's pasta business; capital expenditures projected between $350 million and $390 million [9][12] - The company plans continued investment in cage-free egg facility expansion and completion of a precooked egg facility expansion in Norwalk, Iowa, totaling $80-$90 million [12] Share Repurchase Activity - In Q4, Post Holdings repurchased 2.5 million shares for $273.8 million; total repurchases for fiscal 2025 amounted to 6.4 million shares for $708.5 million [11]
Post(POST) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-21 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter consolidated net sales were $2.2 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $425 million, representing a 12% increase in sales driven by the acquisition of Eighth Avenue [13][14] - Excluding the acquisition, net sales declined due to lower pet food and cereal volumes, partially offset by avian influenza-driven pricing and egg volume growth [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the consumer brands segment decreased 8% versus the prior year, while adjusted EBITDA for foodservice increased 50% [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer brands net sales, excluding Eighth Avenue, decreased 13%, with cereal volumes down 8% and pet volumes down 13% [14][15] - Foodservice net sales increased 20%, driven by an 11% volume increase and avian influenza-driven pricing [15] - Refrigerated retail net sales were flat, with volumes, excluding PPI impact, falling 4% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.K. cereal category showed improvement, with Weetabix's net sales increasing 4% year-over-year, although overall volumes decreased by 3% [16] - The pet food category faced challenges, with Nutrich brand adjustments expected to improve performance by mid-fiscal year [9][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on cost reduction and profitable brand investments in retail while expecting volume growth in foodservice [7][10] - Management is reviewing M&A opportunities while also considering share buybacks as a capital allocation strategy [8][22] - The company plans to make targeted investments in innovation across various categories, including cereal and refrigerated retail [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating regulatory changes and consumer sentiment challenges, highlighting the resilience of their diversified portfolio [5][6] - The outlook for FY 2026 includes expectations for increased free cash flow and continued volume growth in foodservice [8][17] - Management anticipates a more normalized environment in cold chain businesses and targeted investments to support volume growth [12] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 6.4 million shares in fiscal 2025, with an additional 1 million shares bought back post-quarter [16][17] - Net leverage at the end of the fiscal year was 4.4 times, remaining flat compared to the beginning of the year [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Industry volume challenges and capital allocation decisions - Management acknowledged industry volume challenges and indicated a more thoughtful approach to M&A versus share buybacks, focusing on risk-return perspectives [20][22] Question: Cost reduction actions in cereal category - Management noted that while larger cost reduction actions have been taken, there are still opportunities for line optimization [23][24] Question: Normalized growth outlook for segments - Management indicated that the PCB legacy business is expected to be flat, while other segments align with growth algorithms [28] Question: Performance in refrigerated retail - Management expects high teens EBITDA margins in refrigerated retail, with seasonal fluctuations impacting performance [33] Question: Innovation investments in 2026 - Management plans to invest in brand innovation across categories, including new product lines in cereal and pet food [39] Question: Demand for value-added products in foodservice - Management expressed confidence in sustained demand for value-added products due to operational efficiencies and customer stickiness [41][42] Question: Key moving parts in pet segment - Management highlighted the impact of private label losses and expected recovery in the pet segment by mid-fiscal year [48] Question: Pricing rationality in cereal category - Management noted competitive pressure and promotional activities affecting pricing dynamics in the cereal category [49] Question: M&A environment and opportunities - Management remains optimistic about M&A opportunities but noted reluctance from counterparties due to current multiples [68]
Post(POST) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-21 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q4 were $2.2 billion, with a 12% increase driven by the acquisition of Eighth Avenue; excluding this acquisition, net sales declined due to lower pet food and cereal volumes [12][13] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $425 million, with a 50% increase in foodservice adjusted EBITDA driven by avian influenza pricing and volume growth [12][13] - Free cash flow for the quarter was approximately $150 million, with full-year free cash flow nearing $500 million [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Post's consumer brands net sales, excluding Eighth Avenue, decreased by 13%, with cereal volumes down 8% and pet volumes down 13% [12][13] - Foodservice net sales increased by 20%, with an 11% volume increase; adjusted EBITDA increased by 50% [12][13] - Refrigerated retail net sales were flat, with volumes down 4% excluding PPI impact; adjusted EBITDA increased by 44% [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cold chain business showed strong performance, particularly in egg and potato volumes, with higher margin egg products growing nearly 9% in Q4 [9][10] - The U.K. cereal category showed improvement, with Weetabix's net sales increasing by 4% [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on cost reduction and profitable brand investments in retail while expecting volume growth in foodservice [6][8] - There is an ongoing review of M&A opportunities, with a balanced approach between acquisitions and share buybacks based on risk-return perspectives [20][21] - The company plans to make targeted investments in innovation across various categories, including protein and granola products in cereal [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating regulatory changes and consumer sentiment challenges, highlighting the resilience of their diversified portfolio [5][6] - For FY 2026, the company expects adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $1.50 billion to $1.54 billion, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1%-4% [16] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2.6 million shares in Q4, totaling 6.4 million shares for FY 2025 [15][16] - Capital expenditure guidance for FY 2026 is set at $350 million to $390 million, significantly lower than FY 2025 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Industry volume challenges and capital allocation decisions - Management acknowledged the structural versus cyclical nature of current industry challenges and emphasized a more thoughtful approach to capital allocation, balancing M&A and share buybacks [19][20] Question: Cost optimization in cereal segment - Management indicated that while there are additional cost reduction opportunities, larger actions like plant closures have already been taken, focusing now on line optimization [22][23] Question: Normalized growth outlook for segments - Management expects the PCB legacy business to remain flat, while other segments are projected to align with growth algorithms [26][27] Question: Performance in refrigerated retail - Management noted that while pricing benefits inflated margins, they expect high teens margins to be reasonable, with a return to around 16% during slower periods [32] Question: Innovation investments in 2026 - Management plans to invest in brand innovation across categories, including new product lines in cereal and pet food [37] Question: Demand for value-added products in foodservice - Management expressed confidence in sustained demand for value-added products due to historical trends and operational efficiencies [39][40] Question: Key moving parts in pet segment - Management highlighted the impact of lost private label business and expected a return to flat or slight growth in the second half of FY 2026 [45] Question: Pricing rationality in cereal category - Management noted competitive pressure and promotional activities affecting pricing dynamics in the cereal category [47]
Navigating Friday’s Volatility: Futures Mixed as AI Bubble Concerns Persist
Stock Market News· 2025-11-21 14:07
Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is experiencing volatility with mixed signals in premarket trading following a significant sell-off, driven by concerns over AI stock valuations and uncertainty regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy [1][2][10] - Major indexes closed sharply lower in the previous session, with the Nasdaq Composite down 2.15%, S&P 500 down 1.56%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.84%, indicating a potential for significant weekly losses [5] Premarket Trading and Futures - Nasdaq 100 futures are down approximately 0.2% to 0.5%, while Dow Jones futures are up between 0.4% and 0.8%, and S&P 500 futures are largely unchanged or up around 0.3% to 0.6% [2] - The sentiment in premarket trading is characterized by a "risk-off" mood, particularly affecting the tech sector and cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin trading around $82,800, its lowest since April 11 [3] Treasury Yields and Commodities - The yield on the 10-year Treasury note has slightly decreased to 4.07% from approximately 4.10% [4] - WTI crude futures have dropped 2.2% to $57.85 per barrel, and gold futures are down 0.6% at $4,035 per ounce [4] Upcoming Economic Events - Key economic events include remarks from Federal Reserve officials and the release of PMI Composite Flash and Consumer Sentiment data, which could influence market direction [6] - Investors are anticipating crucial economic data for the week of November 24th, including the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI), Retail Sales, and Consumer Confidence, which may impact the Federal Reserve's stance [7] Corporate Earnings and Stock Movements - Nvidia (NVDA) shares fell 3.2% despite strong third-quarter results, reflecting concerns over AI sector valuations [13] - Walmart (WMT) saw a 6.5% increase in shares after exceeding expectations and raising its fiscal outlook [13] - Gap (GPS) shares rose 5.6% due to strong comparable sales, while Intuit (INTU) climbed 3.2% after better-than-expected fiscal results [13] - New Fortress Energy (NFE) surged 19.86% in premarket trading amid debt restructuring efforts [13] - Microsoft (MSFT) reported strong first-quarter results, while Alphabet (GOOGL) shares increased 8% following earnings, driven by AI momentum [13] - Meta Platforms (META) experienced a nearly 22% drop due to concerns over spending on AI projects [13] - Palantir (PLTR) shares fell 22% despite strong results, attributed to high valuation expectations [13]
Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POST) Surpasses Earnings Expectations
Financial Modeling Prep· 2025-11-21 07:00
Core Insights - Post Holdings, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the quarter ending September 2025, with earnings per share (EPS) of $2.09, exceeding estimates of $1.87 and showing a significant increase from $1.53 in the same quarter last year [2][6] - The company generated approximately $2.25 billion in revenue, marking an 11.8% increase year-over-year, although slightly below estimates [3][6] - For the entire fiscal year, Post Holdings achieved net sales of $8.2 billion, an operating profit of $799.3 million, and net earnings of $335.7 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA of $1.54 billion [4] Financial Metrics - The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is approximately 17.27, and the price-to-sales ratio is about 0.71, indicating favorable market valuation [5][6] - The enterprise value to sales ratio stands around 1.60, and the enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 14.01, reflecting solid valuation metrics [5] - The debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 1.98, indicating financial leverage, while the current ratio of approximately 1.67 suggests the company's ability to cover short-term liabilities [5]
Compared to Estimates, Post Holdings (POST) Q4 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics
ZACKS· 2025-11-21 00:31
Core Insights - Post Holdings reported revenue of $2.25 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting an 11.8% increase year-over-year and matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with an EPS of $2.09 compared to $1.53 in the previous year [1] - The company achieved an EPS surprise of +8.85%, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.92 [1] Revenue Performance - Net Sales for Weetabix reached $145 million, surpassing the average estimate of $141.04 million, marking a year-over-year increase of +3.6% [4] - Net Sales for Post Consumer Brands were $1.16 billion, below the estimated $1.24 billion, but still showing a +10.6% change compared to the previous year [4] - Foodservice net sales amounted to $718 million, exceeding the average estimate of $637.73 million, with a year-over-year increase of +20.5% [4] - Refrigerated Retail net sales were $228.2 million, slightly below the estimated $232.5 million, reflecting a +0.8% change year-over-year [4] EBITDA Analysis - Adjusted EBITDA for Post Consumer Brands was $208 million, lower than the average estimate of $227.48 million [4] - Weetabix's Adjusted EBITDA was $32.6 million, slightly below the estimate of $33.75 million [4] - Foodservice Adjusted EBITDA reached $161.1 million, significantly above the estimated $127.83 million [4] - Corporate/Other Adjusted EBITDA was reported at -$21.9 million, better than the average estimate of -$23.67 million [4] - Refrigerated Retail Adjusted EBITDA was $45.6 million, exceeding the estimate of $36.63 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Post Holdings have returned -1.8%, compared to a -0.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]
Post Holdings (POST) Q4 Earnings and Revenues Top Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-11-21 00:11
Core Insights - Post Holdings (POST) reported quarterly earnings of $2.09 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92 per share, and up from $1.53 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +8.85% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $2.25 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, slightly surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.01%, and an increase from $2.01 billion year-over-year [2] - Post Holdings has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates over the last four quarters, achieving this four times [2] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.96 on revenues of $2.2 billion, while for the current fiscal year, the estimate is $7.92 on revenues of $8.68 billion [7] - The company's earnings outlook will be influenced by management's commentary during the earnings call, which is crucial for understanding future stock performance [3][4] Industry Context - The Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which Post Holdings belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 22% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - Empirical research suggests a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5] Stock Performance - Post Holdings shares have declined approximately 6.6% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 12.9% [3] - The current Zacks Rank for Post Holdings is 3 (Hold), suggesting that the stock is expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [6]
Post(POST) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Results
2025-11-20 22:05
Financial Performance - Net sales for Q4 2025 were $2,247.0 million, an increase of 11.8% or $236.9 million compared to $2,010.1 million in Q4 2024[5] - Gross profit for Q4 2025 was $602.1 million, representing 26.8% of net sales, an increase of 4.6% or $26.7 million from $575.4 million in Q4 2024[5] - Net earnings for Q4 2025 were $51.0 million, a decrease of 37.5% or $30.6 million compared to $81.6 million in Q4 2024[7] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $425.4 million, an increase of 22.0% or $76.7 million compared to $348.7 million in Q4 2024[9] - For fiscal year 2025, net sales were $8,158.1 million, an increase of $235.4 million compared to $7,922.7 million in fiscal year 2024[10] - Fiscal year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was $1,538.8 million, an increase of 9.6% or $135.2 million compared to $1,403.6 million in fiscal year 2024[13] - Diluted earnings per share for FY 2025 were $5.51, a decrease from $5.64 in FY 2024[42] - Operating profit for Q4 FY 2025 was $168.4 million, compared to $190.9 million in Q4 FY 2024, reflecting a decline of 11.8%[42] Segment Performance - The Foodservice segment reported Q4 2025 net sales of $718.0 million, an increase of 20.4% or $121.9 million compared to Q4 2024[19] - Segment profit for Foodservice increased significantly to $399.7 million, up 29.7% from $308.1 million in 2024[48] - Segment Profit for Post Consumer Brands was $493.9 million, representing 12.3% of Net Sales[74] - Operating Profit for the Refrigerated segment was $399.7 million, with a segment profit margin of 15.1%[74] - Segment Profit for the Weetabix segment was $74.0 million, accounting for 13.6% of Net Sales[74] Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Operating activities generated cash of $998.3 million, up from $931.7 million in the previous year, reflecting a growth of 7.0%[46] - Free Cash Flow for the year ended September 30, 2025, was $488.1 million, compared to $502.2 million in 2024[77] - Capital expenditures for the year ended September 30, 2025, were $510.2 million[77] - Capital expenditures for FY 2026 are expected to range from $350 million to $390 million, with $80 million to $90 million allocated for foodservice investments[29] Shareholder Actions - Post repurchased 2.5 million shares for $273.8 million at an average price of $106.48 per share in Q4 FY 2025[28] - The company had $282.6 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization as of November 19, 2025[28] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to $13,528.4 million as of September 30, 2025, up from $12,854.2 million in 2024, representing a growth of 5.2%[44] - Total current liabilities rose to $1,213.1 million, an increase of 28.5% from $944.9 million in 2024[44] - Long-term debt increased to $7,421.7 million, up from $6,811.6 million, marking a rise of 8.9%[44] Impairments and Expenses - The company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $29.8 million in Q4 2025 related to its Cheese and Dairy reporting unit[23] - The company reported an impairment of goodwill of $29.8 million in the Refrigerated segment[74] - General corporate expenses for the year ended September 30, 2025, totaled $221.8 million[74] - Depreciation and amortization expenses for the year ended September 30, 2025, were $243.4 million[74] Leadership Changes - The company announced a leadership change with Robert V. Vitale becoming Chairman of the Board effective December 16, 2025[32] Guidance and Expectations - The company expects fiscal year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA to range between $1,500 million and $1,540 million[7] - Adjusted EBITDA guidance for FY 2026 is projected to be between $1,500 million and $1,540 million, including contributions from 8th Avenue's pasta business[29]
Post Holdings Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025
Prnewswire· 2025-11-20 22:00
Core Insights - Post Holdings, Inc. reported a 11.8% increase in net sales for the fourth fiscal quarter, reaching $2,247.0 million, compared to $2,010.1 million in the prior year period [5] - The company experienced a decrease in net earnings by 37.5%, totaling $51.0 million, down from $81.6 million in the previous year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $425.4 million, reflecting a 22.0% increase compared to $348.7 million in the prior year [8] Financial Performance - **Fourth Quarter Results**: - Net sales increased to $2,247.0 million, up $236.9 million from the previous year [5] - Gross profit was $602.1 million, representing 26.8% of net sales, an increase of 4.6% from the prior year [5] - SG&A expenses rose to $350.1 million, or 15.6% of net sales, an increase of 2.5% compared to the previous year [6] - Operating profit decreased to $168.4 million, down 11.8% from $190.9 million in the prior year [6] - **Fiscal Year 2025 Results**: - Total net sales reached $8,158.1 million, an increase of $235.4 million from $7,922.7 million in the prior year [9] - Gross profit was $2,339.4 million, or 28.7% of net sales, a slight increase from the previous year [9] - SG&A expenses decreased to $1,308.6 million, or 16.0% of net sales, down from 16.8% in the prior year [10] - Operating profit was $799.3 million, a marginal increase of 0.7% from the previous year [10] Segment Performance - **Post Consumer Brands**: - Fourth quarter net sales were $1,158.8 million, a 10.6% increase, but volumes decreased by 11.5% excluding acquisitions [15] - Fiscal year net sales were $4,024.6 million, a decrease of 2.1% from the prior year [16] - **Weetabix**: - Fourth quarter net sales increased to $145.0 million, a 3.6% rise, while fiscal year sales were $542.2 million, a slight decrease of 0.2% [18][19] - **Foodservice**: - Fourth quarter net sales reached $718.0 million, a 20.4% increase, with fiscal year sales at $2,641.0 million, up 14.5% [20][21] - **Refrigerated Retail**: - Fourth quarter net sales were $228.2 million, a modest increase of 0.8%, while fiscal year sales decreased to $953.3 million, down 0.9% [22][23] Acquisitions and Divestitures - Post completed the acquisition of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions on July 1, 2025, and plans to sell its pasta business by December 2025 [3][12] - The acquisition of Potato Products of Idaho was completed on March 3, 2025, contributing to the Refrigerated Retail and Foodservice segments [4] Shareholder Actions - In the fourth quarter, Post repurchased 2.5 million shares for $273.8 million, and for the fiscal year, 6.4 million shares were repurchased for $708.5 million [29]