Continued Challenges Affected Flowers Foods (FLO) in Q3

Core Insights - Palm Valley Capital Fund appreciated 2.35% in Q3 2025, underperforming compared to the S&P SmallCap 600's 9.11% gain and the Morningstar Small Cap Total Return Index's 7.99% rise [1] - The Fund's cash equivalents increased from 73.5% to 74.1% during the quarter, indicating a cautious investment strategy [1] - Small-cap stocks outperformed large caps due to expectations of Federal Reserve easing and reduced tariff concerns impacting corporate profits [1] Company Analysis: Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) - Flowers Foods, Inc. experienced a one-month return of -10.89% and a 52-week loss of 43.74%, with its stock closing at $12.77 and a market capitalization of $2.691 billion on October 7, 2025 [2] - The company faced challenges in the branded bread category, leading to a shift from branded to private-label breads among consumers due to rising living costs [3] - Flowers Foods is innovating its portfolio and expanding into higher-growth "better-for-you" segments, with encouraging results in organic breads and snacks [3] - Despite current operating pressures, a stabilization in core branded bread volumes and growth in health-oriented categories is expected to support a return to normalized profit margins in 2026 [3] - The stock is trading at 13 times the estimated 2025 EPS, and the company maintains market-leading brands and generates significant cash flow [3]