Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue increased by 2.9% year over year to $307 million, up from $298.4 million in the prior year quarter [11] - Gross profit rose by 0.5% to $50.4 million, compared to $50.2 million in the prior year quarter [11] - Adjusted EBITDA surged by 41.5% year over year to $11.7 million, compared to $8.3 million in the prior year quarter [12] - Net loss improved to $0.9 million from a loss of $3.8 million in the third quarter of 2024 [12] - Adjusted net income increased to $4.3 million, compared to $2.2 million in the prior year period [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The increase in net revenue was primarily driven by volume increases and improved pricing in the meat, poultry, and seafood categories [11] - Gross profit margin remained relatively consistent at 16.4%, compared to 16.8% in the same period in 2024, due to a higher proportion of sales from lower-margin products, particularly seafood [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced lower foot traffic consistent with broader industry trends, but this was offset by strong volume in select markets and pricing actions taken [5] - Specific markets, such as Salt Lake City, showed effective product rationalization leading to better business performance [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its supplier base and exploring alternative sourcing strategies to ensure continuity and cost-effectiveness in its supply chain [5] - Strategic facility enhancements are underway, including the renovation of the Charlotte Distribution Center and the expansion of cold storage capacity in Atlanta, which is expected to double capacity in the region [8] - M&A remains a core pillar of the company's growth strategy, with a focus on expanding geographic footprint and capturing operational synergies [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth strategy despite ongoing macro challenges, including tariff pressures and shifts in consumer spending behaviors [4] - The company anticipates Q4 results to be similar to Q3, with a strong foundation built for future growth [5] - The digital transformation initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency and customer service through a unified ERP platform [6] Other Important Information - The company announced the acquisition of a Chicago warehouse, which is expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce facility costs [8] - The strategic acquisition is part of the ongoing transformation plan to strengthen organic growth through cross-selling opportunities [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capacity increases for 2026 - Management indicated that the cold storage capacity in Atlanta will effectively double, moving from a 100,000 sq ft warehouse to approximately 190,000 sq ft [18] Question: Cost savings from restructuring the Salesforce - Management emphasized that the restructuring aims for efficiency while maintaining customer understanding and service quality, with normalization expected by mid-Q1 2026 [19][20] Question: Monthly cadence and government shutdown impact - Management noted that Q3 followed the trend of Q2, with some impact from tariffs and government shutdowns affecting specific markets like Virginia [21] Question: Maintenance CapEx and organic growth outlook - Management stated that typical maintenance CapEx fluctuates between $10-$15 million annually, with potential increases due to strategic acquisitions [27] - Organic growth is expected to ramp up in 2026, particularly in the frozen seafood segment in the Southeast market [29]