Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the fiscal first quarter were $73.5 million, up from $64.5 million in the prior year period, representing a comparable sales growth of negative 2.5% [10][12] - Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was 29.9%, compared to 29% in the prior year quarter, influenced by tariffs on imported ingredients [11][12] - Labor costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 32.5% from 32.9% in the prior year, attributed to operational initiatives [6][11] - Net loss was $3.1 million, or negative $0.25 per share, compared to a net loss of $1 million, or negative $0.08 per share in the prior year [12][14] - Adjusted net loss was $2.8 million, or negative $0.23 per share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $1 million, or negative $0.08 per share in the prior year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened four new restaurants in the first quarter and has 10 units under construction, with plans to open one more in the fiscal second quarter [4][7] - Restaurant-level operating profit as a percentage of sales was 15.1%, down from 18.2% in the prior year quarter [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales in the West Coast market were negative 2.8%, and in the Southwest market, they were negative 2.7% [10] - Effective pricing for the quarter was 3.5%, with expectations for the second quarter to be 4.5% after lapping prior year increases [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open 16 new units in fiscal 2026, maintaining an annual unit growth rate above 20% [14] - The focus on aggressive cost management has reduced general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales by 80 basis points on an adjusted basis [4] - The company is leveraging technology, such as robotic dishwashers, to improve operational efficiency [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving qualitative comparable sales for the year, citing strong momentum from the end of the first quarter into the second [4][26] - The management noted that the pricing taken in November has led to improved traffic and sales, indicating a positive consumer response [26][32] - There is optimism regarding the potential for improved margins and sales as the company navigates tariff impacts and operational efficiencies [32][46] Other Important Information - The company has $78.5 million in cash and no debt, indicating strong liquidity [14] - The company is currently engaged in marketing campaigns tied to popular IPs, which have been well received by customers [8][105] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on decoupling the reservation system from loyalty - Management noted that more than half of visits by rewards members are through the reservation system, indicating better-than-expected uptake [21][22] Question: Expectations for Q2 comparable sales - Management expects positive comps for Q2, supported by strong performance in November and December [26] Question: Impact of tariffs on food costs - Management indicated that food costs are expected to be around 30%, with a significant impact from tariffs, but negotiations have helped mitigate some costs [31][32] Question: Future promotions and collaborations - Management highlighted successful collaborations with popular IPs and plans for future promotions, including Sanrio and Jujutsu Kaisen [107] Question: Long-term growth targets - Management reiterated the target of 16 new units for the year, with no changes to the long-term growth target of 300 units in the U.S. [95][61]

Beer and wine company Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) is expected to report another double-beat in revenue and earnings per share, signaling that tariff concerns may be manageable. The company reports third-quarter financial results Wednesday after market close.Here are the earnings estimates, what analysts are saying ahead of the report, and the key items to watch.Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Constellation Brands to report third-quarter revenue of $2.16 billion. That’s down from $2.46 billion in las ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the third quarter were $989 million, down from $1.09 billion in the same period last year, generally in line with expectations [27] - Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.90, compared to $2.59 in the previous year, exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $0.37 [6][29] - Gross margins were 38.6%, down from 39.8% in the previous year's third quarter, primarily due to tariffs [28] - The company ended the quarter with a net cash position of $174 million, compared to a net debt position of $119 million in the same period last year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale segment net sales were $977 million, down from $1.07 billion last year, mainly due to lower sales from Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger licensed businesses [27] - Retail segment net sales increased to $46 million from $42 million, driven by solid comp sales increases across North American DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld stores [27] - Donna Karan is expected to grow by 40% in fiscal 2026, reflecting strong consumer demand and pricing power [9][56] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw double-digit growth compared to last year, while Europe posted high single-digit growth during the Black Friday period [5] - Digital traffic increased over 20% across owned dot-com, leading to substantial growth in conversion rates and overall sales [5][21] - The company experienced robust digital performance across North America and Europe, with nearly 20% growth in digital sales [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving both near and long-term growth through brand strength, direct-to-consumer initiatives, international expansion, and category expansion through licensing [7][8] - Strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and talent are prioritized to enhance business efficiency [7] - The company aims to capture long-term potential of owned brands, which are seen as sustainable drivers of profitability [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage through a dynamic marketplace, despite challenges from tariffs and the exit of PVH licenses [3][4] - The company is taking a prudent approach to its outlook for the remainder of the year, mindful of the global consumer environment [5] - Fiscal 2026 guidance was updated to expect net sales of approximately $2.98 billion and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $2.80-$2.90 [26][30] Other Important Information - The company introduced its first-ever dividend program, declaring an initial quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share [30] - The gross impact of tariffs is estimated to be approximately $135 million, with an unmitigated impact of about $65 million for fiscal 2026 [31] - The company is redeploying talent and resources to accelerate growth in its go-forward brands as it winds down PVH licenses [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the gross margin performance? - Management indicated that gross margins were better than expected due to strong full-price selling, despite the impact of tariffs [40][41] Question: What are the preliminary thoughts around the top line or bottom line goals for next year? - Management mentioned that they are exploring various strategic opportunities, including acquisitions and licenses, but are not in a rush [47] Question: How has the order trend been changing for your own brands? - Management noted that demand was significantly higher at the full-price channel, with strong sell-throughs across all brands [75] Question: What are the priority levers to keep momentum for owned brands like Donna Karan? - Management highlighted the importance of repeat customers and expanding distribution in premium department stores as key growth drivers [56][80]

This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. At the close of 2025, finance leaders are expecting modest gains in both revenue and profit going into the new year. That’s among the findings from a fourth-quarter outlook survey conducted Nov. 3-25 by the AICPA and CIMA. On average, respondents said they expect revenue to grow about 2% over the next 12 months, up from expectations of 1.5% in the third-quarter survey. Profi ...

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) today announced results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 ended November 1, 2025. "We are pleased to report record third-quarter and first-nine-months revenue, driven by continued strong store performance in our Direct-to-Consumer segment, and double-digit revenue growth for our Commercial segment. These achievements were further reinforced by opening over 50 net new units on a year-to-date basis, inclusive of our entry into seven a ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a sequential acceleration in comparable net sales growth, with a projected top line growth of 4% on a reported basis and about 5.5% comparable growth year over year [40][68] - The second quarter segment profit margin in coffee was 18.2%, with expectations for slight improvement in the third quarter but not surpassing 20% [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in the sweet baked snacks segment exceeded expectations, with improved performance noted in convenience stores and a focus on a streamlined portfolio [7][20] - The sweet baked snacks bottom line did not meet expectations due to costs absorbed during the transition of the bakery network, but improvements are anticipated in the third and fourth quarters [20][21] - The pet portfolio is expected to see low single-digit growth in the third and fourth quarters, driven by the Milk-Bone and Meow Mix brands [25][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a $75 million impact from coffee tariffs in the third quarter, which will be a headwind for fiscal 2026 but a tailwind for fiscal 2027 [10][16] - The spreads portfolio, particularly peanut butter, faced challenges in the second quarter, contributing to a reduced net sales expectation for frozen handhelds and spreads [27][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in long-term brand health, with marketing dollars projected to increase year-over-year, maintaining about 5.5% of net sales [18] - A three-pronged plan to strengthen the portfolio by eliminating 25% of SKUs has shown positive results, particularly for core brands [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver financial outlooks for the fiscal year while advancing long-term objectives to increase shareholder value [70] - The company expects to see acceleration in growth across various segments, with a focus on innovation and marketing support [41][48] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve $975 million in free cash flow this fiscal year, supporting $500 million in debt repayment [62] - The pace of innovation has accelerated across various product lines, with notable advancements in Uncrustables and pet snacks [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on sweet baked goods performance - Management noted that the improvement in sweet baked snacks is sustainable, with a focus on core brands and a successful relaunch of Susie Q's [7] Question: Impact of tariffs on coffee pricing - The majority of the $0.50 tariff impact is related to green coffee tariffs, which will be a tailwind for fiscal 2027 [10] Question: SG&A guidance and marketing plans - Marketing investments will increase year-over-year, with a focus on growth brands while managing discretionary spending [18] Question: Profit results in sweet baked snacks - The second quarter's profit results did not meet expectations due to transitional costs, but improvements are expected in subsequent quarters [20] Question: Expectations for pet treats - Management anticipates strong growth for Milk-Bone in the third quarter, supported by marketing campaigns and innovation [24] Question: Reduced net sales expectation for frozen handhelds - The reduction is primarily driven by the spreads portfolio, with Uncrustables still on track for significant growth [27][30] Question: Coffee margin expectations - Coffee margins are expected to improve slightly in the third quarter but will not exceed 20% [37] Question: Tariff impact confirmation - The $75 million tariff expense is confirmed to be entirely due to coffee tariffs [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a second quarter segment profit margin in coffee of 18.2% with expectations for slight improvement in the third quarter but not surpassing 20% [41] - The company anticipates a net $0.50 impact from tariffs in fiscal year 2026, which will transition to a tailwind in fiscal year 2027 [11][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in the Sweet Baked Snacks segment exceeded expectations, with a focus on core brands leading to improved performance [6][7] - The Sweet Baked Snacks bottom line did not meet expectations due to costs associated with the transition of the bakery network [21] - The pet portfolio is expected to see low single-digit growth in the third and fourth quarters, driven by brands like Milk Bone and Meow Mix [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing strong growth in the away-from-home segment, contributing to overall sales momentum [45] - The Uncrustables brand is projected to reach $1 billion in sales by the end of the fiscal year, with low double-digit growth anticipated in the second half [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in long-term brand health, with marketing dollars projected to be up year over year [19] - A three-pronged plan to strengthen the portfolio by eliminating 25% of SKUs has been implemented, leading to improved performance in core brands [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver financial outlook for the fiscal year while advancing long-term objectives to increase shareholder value [75] - The company expects to see benefits from tariff relief in fiscal year 2027, contributing positively to the bottom line [48] Other Important Information - The company is focused on innovation across various segments, with notable advancements in Uncrustables and pet snacks [65] - The company aims to reduce net debt to EBITDA from around four times to three times by fiscal year 2027 [67] Q&A Session Summary Question: How sustainable is the improvement in Sweet Baked Snacks? - Management noted that the improvement is sustainable due to a focused portfolio and strong brand performance [6][8] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on coffee pricing? - The majority of the $0.50 tariff impact is related to green coffee, which will be a tailwind in fiscal year 2027 [11][17] Question: What are the expectations for marketing plans and SG&A? - Marketing investments will increase year over year, while SG&A spend has been sharpened across the network [19] Question: What is the outlook for the pet treats category? - Management expects a strong lap in the third quarter, with Milk Bone anticipated to return to growth [23][24] Question: How is the company addressing pricing in the current environment? - The company is committed to holding prices and providing value across its broad portfolio [71] Question: What is the expected growth for Uncrustables? - Uncrustables is expected to achieve low double-digit growth in the second half, supporting its path to $1 billion in sales [54] Question: How is the company managing innovation? - The pace of innovation has accelerated, with significant developments in various product lines [65] Question: What is the company's strategy for debt reduction? - The company plans to generate $975 million in free cash flow this fiscal year to support debt paydown [67]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the impact of tariffs on global supply chains, particularly freight flows from China to the USA, and the transportation sector's performance in light of these dynamics [1][4][10]. Core Observations - **Freight Volume Trends**: - Laden vessels from China to the USA decreased by 3% week-over-week (WoW) and 26% year-over-year (YoY) [1][3]. - Expected TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) into the Port of Los Angeles are projected to increase by 26% next week, followed by a moderation of 6% two weeks out [3][10]. - Rail intermodal volumes along the West Coast were down 11% YoY, indicating a decline in import trends post-summer [3][11]. - **Ocean Container Rates**: - Ocean container rates fell by 31% sequentially and are down 62% YoY, reflecting pressure from shipper attempts to implement General Rate Increases (GRIs) [3][35]. - **Truck Load Availability**: - Truck load availability on the West Coast decreased by 32% YoY, despite the peak season [3][49]. Tariff Impact and Market Dynamics - The report highlights the ongoing volatility in freight flows due to tariff-related uncertainties, which have led to a pull-forward in demand and subsequent indecision among shippers regarding inventory levels [6][7]. - The long-duration freight recession is indicated by ISM manufacturing readings below 50, exhausting investor sentiment and leading to a downward trajectory in earnings per share (EPS) for transport stocks [6][7]. Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, there is a positive outlook for a recovery cycle in the medium to long term, driven by: - Anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, which historically benefit transport shares [8]. - Increased investments in US manufacturing by major corporations, potentially boosting domestic freight flows [8]. - The potential for re-shoring or nearshoring strategies to enhance US manufacturing and freight volumes [8][9]. Additional Insights - The report notes that the volatile nature of weekly data can obscure trends, and a multi-week perspective is recommended for assessing tariff-related impacts [5][10]. - The Logistics Managers Index indicates upstream inventory expansion but a compression in downstream retail inventories, suggesting a mixed outlook for supply chain dynamics [66]. Conclusion - The transportation sector is currently facing significant challenges due to tariff impacts and changing market dynamics, but there are signs of potential recovery driven by macroeconomic factors and shifts in corporate strategies [6][8][9].

Financial Performance & Guidance - Q3 2025 revenue was $353 million, a decrease of $48 million compared to Q3 2024[39] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $42 million, down $9 million from Q3 2024[39] - The company projects Q4 2025 Adjusted Free Cash Flow to be between $25 million and $30 million[39] - 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance is $135-140 million[39] Segment Performance - Cellulose Specialties Q3 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was $66 million with a 32% margin[39, 40] - Biomaterials Q3 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was $1 million with a 13% margin[39, 45] - Cellulose Commodities Q3 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was negative $3 million with a negative 4% margin[39, 48] - Paperboard Q3 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was $1 million with a 3% margin[39, 54] - High-Yield Pulp Q3 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was negative $9 million with a negative 38% margin[39, 60] Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to restore Temiscaming profitability with $10 million annual EBITDA improvement through cost reduction and $10 million annual EBITDA improvement by improving Paperboard Operational Equipment Efficiency (OEE)[20] - The company expects Biomaterials to contribute approximately $31 million of proportional run-rate EBITDA in 2027 and approximately $80 million including proportional AGE EBITDA in 2028[34]

Third Quarter 2025 Performance - Non-GAAP revenue grew by 8% on a constant currency basis, reaching $371 million[5] - Non-GAAP operating profit increased by 29% year-over-year to $101 million[5] - Non-GAAP earnings per share grew by 38% year-over-year to $1.32[5] Business Highlights - The incremental value of new contracts was $124 million[5] - Unrecognized contract revenue was $1,714 million[5] - The amount of unrecognized contract revenue expected to be recognized within the next 12 months increased 17% from Q3 2024, reaching $507 million[5] Full Year 2025 Guidance (Non-GAAP) - Revenue is projected to be between $1,510 million and $1,530 million, representing 85% to 100% growth on a constant currency basis[5] - Operating profit is expected to be between $412 million and $424 million[5] - Earnings per share are projected to be between $540 and $555[5] Impact of Tariffs - Updated 2025 guidance incorporates an increase of $16 million to $17 million to cost of sales for fiscal 2025, representing a 110 basis point impact to margin and a 22 cent to 24 cent impact to EPS[30]