Core Viewpoint - Pet Valu Holdings Ltd. has raised its 2025 financial outlook and announced a succession plan for its CEO, indicating strong business performance and strategic leadership transition [1][3][4]. Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, Pet Valu reported system-wide sales of $369.9 million, a 4.6% increase compared to Q2 2024, with same-store sales growth of 2.6% [7][11]. - Revenue reached $280.6 million, up 5.8% from $265.2 million in Q2 2024, driven by growth in franchise and retail sales [10]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $60.2 million, a 4.2% increase from $57.7 million in Q2 2024, representing 21.4% of revenue [14]. - Net income increased to $21.8 million from $17.8 million in Q2 2024, attributed to higher operating income and lower net interest expense [16]. - Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share rose to $0.38, compared to $0.36 in Q2 2024 [18]. 2025 Outlook - The company expects revenue between $1.18 billion and $1.21 billion for 2025, with Adjusted EBITDA projected between $257 million and $262 million [3][23]. - Same-store sales growth is anticipated to be between 1% and 4%, supported by approximately 40 new store openings [23]. - Net Capital Expenditures are estimated at approximately $45 million for the year [24]. CEO Succession Plan - Richard Maltsbarger will transition from CEO to Senior Advisor effective September 21, 2025, with Greg Ramier, the current President and COO, succeeding him [4][5]. - Maltsbarger has led the company since 2018, overseeing significant growth and transformation initiatives [6][8]. Shareholder Returns - The Board declared a dividend of $0.12 per common share, payable on September 15, 2025 [22]. - The company repurchased 2.3 million common shares for a total consideration of $65.5 million [7]. Operational Highlights - Pet Valu completed a multi-year distribution center network transformation, enhancing its omnichannel supply chain capabilities [3]. - The company opened 3 new stores, bringing the total to 833 across its network [7]. Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures - Free Cash Flow for Q2 2025 was $27.1 million, significantly up from $7.7 million in Q2 2024, driven by increased cash from operating activities [20]. - Net Capital Expenditures were $11.9 million in Q2 2025, a slight decrease from $12.5 million in Q2 2024 [19]. Inventory Management - Inventory at the end of Q2 2025 was $140.6 million, an increase from $124.6 million at the end of Q4 2024, supporting store network growth [21].