Beyond Meat (NasdaqGS:BYND) Q4 2025 Earnings call March 31, 2026 05:00 PM ET Speaker5Please note this event is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to turn today's conference over to Rafael Gross, partner of ICR Inc. Please go ahead.Speaker7Thank you. Hello, everyone, and thank you for participating in today's call. Joining me are Ethan Brown, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, and Lubi Kutua, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. By now, everyone should have access to our fourth quarter and ...

Core Insights - Beyond Meat has launched its latest Beyond Burger (Beyond IV) at all Hard Rock Cafe locations in North America, allowing customers to swap any beef burger for the plant-based option [1][2][7] - The collaboration aims to cater to plant-based and health-conscious consumers, enhancing menu versatility at Hard Rock Cafe [2][4] Company Overview - Beyond Meat, Inc. is a leading plant-based meat company founded in 2009, focusing on creating products that mimic the taste and texture of animal-based meat while being healthier and environmentally friendly [4] - The company emphasizes its commitment to using simple ingredients without GMOs, added hormones, or antibiotics, and offers products with 0mg of cholesterol per serving [4] Product Details - The new Beyond Burger is made from clean plant-based ingredients, including protein from peas, brown rice, red lentils, and faba beans, providing 20g of protein per 4oz serving, with only 2g of saturated fat [2][8] - The burger features a beefy flavor and high smoke point due to avocado oil, designed to caramelize and sizzle effectively [8] Strategic Partnership - The partnership with Hard Rock Cafe is expected to expand the reach of Beyond Meat's products to a broader audience, combining Hard Rock's culinary reputation with Beyond's plant-based offerings [2][4]

Core Insights - Beyond Meat is expanding its distribution with Walmart, increasing the availability of select products in over 2,000 stores nationwide [1][2] - The new Beyond Burger 6-Pack is being introduced as a value pack, aimed at providing consumers with a lower price point while maintaining nutritional benefits [2][10] Company Overview - Beyond Meat, Inc. is a leading plant-based meat company founded in 2009, offering products made from simple ingredients without GMOs, added hormones, or antibiotics [4] - The company's mission emphasizes the positive impact of shifting from animal-based meat to plant-based protein on human health, climate change, natural resource constraints, and animal welfare [4] Product Details - The new Beyond Burger 6-Pack contains 21g of protein, no cholesterol, and only 2g of saturated fat per serving, derived from heart-healthy avocado oil [2][10] - Beyond Chicken Pieces are recognized as the fastest growing unbreaded plant-based chicken product, providing 21g of protein and only 0.5g of saturated fat per serving [10] - Beyond Steak Korean BBQ-Style is noted for its growth in the flavored plant-based steak market, offering 20g of protein and just 1g of saturated fat per serving [10]

Company Overview - Burcon NutraScience Corporation is a global technology leader in plant-based protein innovation, focusing on high-performance plant-based proteins for the food and beverage industry [5] - The company has a strong patent portfolio covering novel proteins derived from various plant sources, including pea, canola, soy, hemp, and sunflower [5] Recent Developments - Burcon has successfully commenced commercial production of Puratein®C, a high-purity canola protein isolate with over 90% protein content, available for immediate delivery [1][3] - The production milestone is a significant step in Burcon's strategy to scale revenue and expand its portfolio of next-generation plant proteins [1][2] Product Details - Puratein C is extracted from non-GMO, North American-grown canola seeds and features a complete amino acid profile, including all nine essential amino acids [3] - The product has a Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1, indicating its high nutritional value [3] - Puratein C is suitable for a wide range of applications, including dairy alternatives, ready-to-drink beverages, meat analogues, sauces, and baked goods [3] Market Opportunity - The global demand for high-quality, sustainable protein is accelerating, positioning Burcon's proprietary canola protein technology as a compelling solution [2] - The successful production of three proteins at commercial scale demonstrates Burcon's technology platform and execution capability, creating multiple new revenue streams [2]

Core Insights - The Humble Seed, a brand under Tilray Wellness, has launched Whole Wheat Protein Crackers with 5g of plant-based protein per 30g serving, available in three flavors: Sea Salt, Garlic Herb, and Rosemary Sea Salt [1][2][5] Company Overview - The Humble Seed focuses on incorporating superseeds such as hemp, chia, flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower into their snacks, promoting a healthier snacking option [2][7] - Tilray Brands, Inc. operates globally in the lifestyle and consumer packaged goods sector, with a mission to inspire joy through innovative products across various categories, including hemp-based foods [7] Product Details - Each serving of the Whole Wheat Protein Crackers contains 5g of protein and is made with whole wheat flour, making it a nutritious snack option [2][5] - The crackers are plant-based, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Kosher, aligning with current consumer trends towards healthier, sustainable snacks [6][7] Market Trends - There is a growing consumer demand for protein-rich snacks beyond traditional options like shakes and bars, indicating a shift towards more protein-forward products in the snack category [4] - Whole Foods Market has noted an increase in interest for fiber-rich and protein-rich crackers, suggesting a favorable market environment for The Humble Seed's new product [4]

Core Insights - Burcon NutraScience Corporation has successfully achieved its first commercial production of FavaPro™, a high-purity fava protein isolate with over 90% protein content, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy [1][3] - The launch of FavaPro™ is a response to the increasing consumer demand for healthy and sustainable protein alternatives, leveraging a proprietary process to extract and purify protein from fava beans, which are environmentally friendly and nutrient-rich [2][3] Company Overview - Burcon is recognized as a global technology leader in high-performance plant-based proteins, with a focus on delivering superior taste, texture, and functionality for the food and beverage industry [5] - The company has an extensive patent portfolio covering novel proteins derived from various plant sources, including pea, canola, soy, hemp, and sunflower, positioning it as a key player in the rapidly growing plant-based market [5] Product Features - FavaPro™ is naturally non-GMO, hypoallergenic, and features a neutral flavor profile, making it suitable for a wide range of food and beverage applications, including dairy alternatives, nutritional beverages, snacks, and baked goods [3] - The product is designed to meet the evolving needs of food formulators and eco-conscious consumers, delivering outstanding taste, color, nutrition, and sustainability [3]

Core Viewpoint - Burcon NutraScience Corporation is set to showcase its innovative Chipotle Black Bean Protein Hummus at the IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo, highlighting its advancements in plant-based protein technology [1][6]. Group 1: Product Innovation - The Chipotle Black Bean Protein Hummus is crafted using Burcon's proprietary triple blend of Peazazz®C pea protein, Puratein®C canola protein, and Solatein™ sunflower protein, resulting in a dip that is both flavorful and nutritious [6][8]. - Burcon's plant-based proteins boast over 90% purity, neutral flavor, and smooth mouthfeel, making them suitable for various food applications [6][9]. Group 2: Event Details - The IFT FIRST event will take place in Chicago from July 13-16, 2025, where Burcon will be located at booth S4066 [1][6]. - Attendees will have the opportunity to sample the Chipotle Black Bean Protein Hummus during a special tasting event on July 14 and 15, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM [7][9]. Group 3: Company Background - Burcon NutraScience is recognized as a global leader in high-performance plant-based proteins, with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the food and beverage industry [11]. - The company holds an extensive patent portfolio covering novel proteins derived from various plant sources, positioning itself as a key player in the growing plant-based market [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, net revenues decreased by 9.1% to $68.7 million compared to $75.6 million in the same period last year, primarily driven by an 11.2% decrease in volume sold, partially offset by a 2.4% increase in net revenue per pound [19][20] - Gross profit was a loss of $1.1 million, resulting in a gross margin of negative 1.5%, compared to a gross profit of $3.7 million and a gross margin of 4.9% in the prior year [27][28] - Net loss was $52.9 million in Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $54.4 million in the same quarter last year, with net loss per share improving from $0.84 to $0.69 [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Retail channel net revenues decreased by 15.4% to $31.4 million, driven by a 23.2% decrease in volume sold, partially offset by a 10% increase in net revenue per pound [21][22] - U.S. Foodservice net revenues decreased by 23.5% to $9.4 million, primarily due to a 22% decrease in volume sold and a 2% decrease in net revenue per pound [25] - International retail channel net revenues increased by 0.8% to $12.7 million, driven by a 10.3% increase in net revenue per pound, despite an 8.6% decrease in volume sold [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumption data indicated a progressive weakening in U.S. retail takeaway during Q1 2025, contributing to weaker shipments than expected [22][23] - International foodservice channel net revenues increased by 12.1% to $15.3 million, primarily due to a 13.5% increase in volume sold [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve EBITDA positive on a run rate basis by the end of 2026, focusing on reducing operational expenses and optimizing manufacturing towards margin objectives [11][34] - A new marketing campaign, "Real People, Real Results," is being launched to improve consumer perception and drive demand for plant-based products [16][17] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in Q1 2025 due to worsening category and macroeconomic conditions, impacting top-line recovery [5][6] - The company has withdrawn its full-year guidance due to elevated uncertainty in the operating environment, limiting revised outlook to Q2 net revenue expectations of $80 million to $85 million [34][70] Other Important Information - The company closed a financing facility providing up to $100 million in new senior secured debt, aimed at enhancing liquidity and supporting strategic priorities [17][32] - Operating expenses in Q1 2025 were $55.1 million, a decrease from $57.1 million in the previous year, including $7.2 million in transient expenses [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What initiatives could be taken to stabilize the top line in the U.S. market? - Management highlighted the importance of restoring distribution lost due to product transitions in retail and emphasized the need to improve consumer perception through effective messaging and marketing campaigns [39][42] Question: Can you provide more details on the financing agreement? - The financing facility has an initial term of approximately 4.75 years, with interest accruing at 12% initially and 17.5% thereafter, payable in kind [47][49] Question: What is the outlook regarding tariffs and demand uncertainty? - Management indicated that while there are discussions around tariffs, the direct impact on the business is minimal, but consumer confidence remains a concern that could affect demand [72][74] Question: What is the expected run rate for SG&A in the coming quarters? - Management noted that extraordinary items in Q1 would not repeat, and they expect a normalization of legal expenses, with ongoing impacts from the suspension of operations in China [76][86]