Net sales declined 5.2% year over year, which Fachner said was “mostly” tied to the bakery business as the company focused on higher-margin opportunities. He said about $18 million of the revenue decline came from bakery, including roughly $13 million related to SKU optimization efforts under Project Apollo. The remaining bakery declines were described as lower-margin products consistent with portfolio optimization.Management highlighted a 200 basis-point improvement in consolidated gross margin to 27.9% , ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $27 million on sales of $343.8 million for Q1 2026, representing a 7% increase in adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year [5] - Gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 27.9% year-over-year, driven by early savings from Project Apollo and improved product mix [5][12] - Net sales declined by 5.2% to $343.8 million, primarily due to a $18 million revenue decline in the bakery business [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales decreased by $19.7 million, or 8.3%, to $219.2 million, with $18 million of the decline attributed to the lower-margin bakery business [11] - Handheld sales in the food service segment declined by approximately $5 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by $3.6 million, or about 6.9% [11] - Retail segment net sales increased by $1.2 million, or 2.6%, to $45.9 million, driven by a $1.8 million increase in handheld volume [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a dip in dollar sales in mid-November due to a pause in SNAP benefits, with the largest impact seen in frozen novelties [6] - Dippin' Dots sales increased by approximately 4% in Q1, supported by retail growth and expansion into theaters and amusement centers [9] - The company noted improved theater trends in January, primarily due to the success of the Avatar movie, with a promising movie slate for the remainder of the fiscal year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on higher-margin opportunities and operational excellence as part of its transformation initiatives under Project Apollo [5][41] - A new $50 million share repurchase authorization was announced, reflecting confidence in the business and commitment to returning cash to shareholders [7] - The company aims to achieve a $20 million run-rate operating income once all Project Apollo initiatives are fully activated [7][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the early benefits of Project Apollo and the potential for low single-digit growth for the full year, despite a 3% headwind from SKU rationalization [25][26] - The company anticipates that commodity pricing will be more favorable this year compared to the previous year, which faced significant headwinds [32] - Management remains confident in the ability to deliver the full benefits of Project Apollo and drive long-term value creation [41] Other Important Information - The company generated approximately $36 million in operating cash flow and invested $19 million in capital expenditures during the quarter [17] - Operating expenses increased by $95.4 million, including $6.1 million in non-recurring plant closure costs [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales and Project Apollo - Analyst inquired about the full-year sales expectations considering the SKU rationalization impact and the company's long-term growth objectives [19] - Management responded that they expect low single-digit growth for the year, despite the SKU rationalization headwind [25][26] Question: Cost Savings from Project Apollo - Analyst asked about the $20 million annual run rate for cost savings from Project Apollo and the timeline for achieving it [28] - Management indicated that they expect to reach the full run rate in Q2, with significant progress already made [29] Question: Commodity Environment and Gross Margin - Analyst requested an update on commodity costs and their impact on gross margin moving forward [31] - Management noted that commodity pricing is expected to be more favorable this year, contributing to gross margin improvements [32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $27 million on sales of $343.8 million, representing a 7% increase in adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year [5] - Gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 27.9% versus the prior year, driven by early savings from Project Apollo and improved product mix [5][12] - Net sales declined by 5.2% to $343.8 million, primarily due to a decline in the bakery business [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by $19.7 million, or 8.3%, to $219.2 million, with $18 million of the decline attributed to the lower-margin bakery business [11] - Handheld sales in the food service segment declined approximately $5 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by $3.6 million, or about 6.9% [11] - Retail segment net sales increased by $1.2 million, or 2.6%, to $45.9 million, driven by a $1.8 million increase in handheld volume [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a dip in dollar sales in mid-November coinciding with a pause in SNAP benefits, impacting frozen novelties the most [6] - Dippin' Dots sales were up approximately 4% in the first quarter, fueled by retail growth and theater expansion [9] - The company anticipates incremental distribution gains across regional and national customers in fiscal 2026 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on higher-margin opportunities and operational excellence as part of its strategic direction [41] - Project Apollo is expected to deliver $20 million in run-rate operating income once fully implemented, with significant progress already made [7][29] - The company is committed to returning cash to shareholders, having completed a $42 million share repurchase and announced a new $50 million repurchase authorization [7][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the theater performance for the balance of fiscal 2026, despite a disappointing box office performance in the first quarter [10] - The company expects to achieve low single-digit growth for the entire year, factoring in the impact of SKU rationalization [25][26] - Management believes commodity pricing will be more favorable this year compared to the previous year, which faced significant headwinds [32] Other Important Information - Operating expenses increased by $95.4 million, including non-recurring plant closure costs [14] - The effective tax rate was 27%, with reported earnings per diluted share at $0.05 compared to $0.26 last year [17] - The company generated approximately $36 million in operating cash flow and invested $19 million in capital expenditures during the quarter [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales and SKU Rationalization Impact - Analyst inquired about the full-year sales expectations considering the SKU rationalization impact of about 3 percentage points [19] Response - Management indicated that despite the SKU rationalization, they expect low single-digit growth for the year, supported by new business and innovation [25][26] Question: Project Apollo Cost Savings - Analyst asked about the $20 million annual run rate for Project Apollo and what needs to happen to achieve it [28] Response - Management believes they will reach the $20 million run rate starting in Q2, with most of the work related to plant consolidation already completed [29] Question: Commodity Environment and Gross Margin - Analyst requested an update on commodity costs and their impact on gross margin moving forward [31] Response - Management noted that commodity pricing is expected to be more favorable this year, contributing to gross margin improvements [32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was $27 million on sales of $343.8 million, representing a 7% increase in adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year [5] - Gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 27.9% versus the prior year, driven by early Apollo savings and improved product mix [5][12] - Net sales declined by 5.2% to $343.8 million, primarily due to a decline in the bakery business [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by $19.7 million, or 8.3%, to $219.2 million, with $18 million of the decline attributed to the lower-margin bakery business [11] - Handheld sales in the food service segment declined approximately $5 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by $3.6 million, or about 6.9% [11] - Retail segment net sales increased by $1.2 million, or 2.6%, to $45.9 million, driven by a $1.8 million increase in handheld volume [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the quarter were impacted by the government shutdown and the pause in SNAP benefits, with a noted dip in dollar sales in mid-November [6] - Dippin' Dots sales increased approximately 4% in Q1, fueled by retail growth and theater expansion [9] - The company saw improved theater trends in January, primarily from the success of the Avatar movie [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on higher-margin opportunities and operational excellence as part of its transformation initiatives under Project Apollo [5][38] - A new $50 million share repurchase authorization was announced, demonstrating confidence in the business and commitment to returning cash to shareholders [7] - The innovation pipeline remains robust, with several new products set to launch in Q2 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about achieving low single-digit growth for the full year despite a 3% impact from SKU rationalization [22] - The company anticipates achieving a $20 million annual run rate in cost savings from Project Apollo by Q2 [25][26] - Commodity pricing is expected to be more favorable this year compared to the previous year, which faced significant headwinds [29] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate was 27%, and on a reported basis, earnings per diluted share was $0.05 compared to $0.26 last year [15] - The company generated approximately $36 million in operating cash flow and invested $19 million in capital expenditures during the quarter [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales and Project Apollo - Inquiry about the full-year sales expectations considering SKU rationalization and underlying growth objectives [17] - Management indicated that they expect low single-digit growth for the year despite the SKU impact [22] Question: Cost Savings from Project Apollo - Follow-up on the $20 million annual run rate for cost savings and the timeline for achieving it [25] - Management confirmed that they expect to reach the full run rate in Q2 [26] Question: Commodity Environment and Gross Margin - Question regarding the current commodity environment and its impact on gross margin [27] - Management noted that commodity pricing is expected to be more favorable this year, contributing to gross margin improvements [29]

Core Insights - The company reported an earnings recovery with adjusted EBITDA of $27 million on sales of $343.8 million for Q1 2026, marking a 7% increase in adjusted EBITDA year-over-year [5][12] - Despite a 5.2% decline in net sales, the company is focusing on higher-margin opportunities, particularly through its Project Apollo transformation initiatives [6][31] - The gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 27.9%, driven by operational improvements and a better product mix [5][12] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was $27 million, up from $25.3 million in the previous year [15] - Net sales decreased to $343.8 million, primarily due to a $19.7 million decline in the foodservice segment, with $18 million attributed to the lower-margin bakery business [6][12] - The company incurred $1 million in product disposal costs during the quarter, which impacted gross profit [29] Project Apollo and Strategic Initiatives - Project Apollo is expected to yield $20 million in annual run rate operating income once fully implemented, with $3 million in net savings realized in Q1 [7][24] - The company is in the ramp-up phase of Project Apollo, with plant consolidations expected to be completed by the end of Q2 2026 [7][24] - SKU optimization efforts related to Project Apollo are anticipated to result in a 3% decline in sales for fiscal 2026 [6][19] Market and Product Performance - The company experienced a 6.9% increase in pretzel sales in the food service segment, reflecting strong demand for its Bavarian formulas [8][12] - Retail segment net sales increased by 2.6% to $45.9 million, driven by a $1.8 million increase in handheld volume [13] - Dippin' Dots sales grew approximately 4% in Q1, supported by retail growth and expansion into theaters and amusement centers [9][12] Shareholder Returns and Financial Health - The company completed a share repurchase authorization, buying back $42 million worth of stock, and announced a new $50 million repurchase authorization [8][18] - The balance sheet remains strong with approximately $67 million in cash and no long-term debt, alongside $210 million of borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][18] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, with net sales increasing by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [5][19] - Operating expenses increased by 24% to $118.8 million, which is 29% of sales, including $24.8 million of non-recurring charges related to Project Apollo [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by 3.6% [14] - Retail segment net sales declined by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, partially offset by higher pretzel volume [15] - Frozen beverage segment sales declined by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [12] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound in 2026, supported by a strong lineup of movies [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated Project Apollo, aimed at generating sustainable efficiencies and cost savings, with expected annualized operating income of at least $20 million once fully implemented [7][8] - The company is focusing on consolidating its manufacturing network and optimizing its distribution system to reduce expenses [8][9] - A robust innovation pipeline is planned for fiscal 2026, including new product launches and commercial activities [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding consumer sentiment and operational execution as they move into fiscal 2026 [31] - The company anticipates benefits from Project Apollo and expects to see improvements in both top-line growth and margins [32][66] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing challenges faced in fiscal 2025, including commodity cost inflation and foreign exchange impacts [32] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt, maintaining a strong financial position [12][18] - Share repurchases totaled $3 million in the quarter, with plans to accelerate buybacks in the current quarter [13][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1%-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [25][26] Question: Macro environment and 2026 outlook - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for improved performance [31][32] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and automation - The second phase of Project Apollo focusing on automation and efficiencies is expected to be implemented in 2027, with initial benefits seen in 2026 [46] Question: Challenges in the frozen novelty business - Management acknowledged challenges in the frozen novelty segment but is optimistic about recovery through increased marketing and trade spend [49][51] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margins above 30% toward the mid-30s, leveraging savings from Project Apollo [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][21] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, while net sales increased by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [6][22] - Operating expenses increased by 24% to $118.8 million, which included $24.8 million of non-recurring charges related to Project Apollo [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, with soft pretzel sales increasing by 3.6% [16] - Retail segment net sales declined by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, although higher pretzel volume partially offset this [17] - Frozen beverage segment sales declined by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [14] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound in 2026, supported by a strong lineup of movies [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a business transformation program called Project Apollo, expected to generate at least $20 million of annualized operating income once fully implemented in 2026 [8][9] - The focus of Project Apollo includes the consolidation of manufacturing facilities, with three facilities announced for closure [9][10] - The company plans to increase share repurchase activity, with $3 million in repurchases during the quarter and intentions to accelerate this in the current quarter [15][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal 2026, citing operational execution improvements and a strong innovation pipeline [7][34] - The macro environment remains cautious, particularly in retail, but management is encouraged by early results in Q1 of fiscal 2026 [34] - Challenges faced in 2025 included consumer sentiment, foreign exchange impacts, and commodity cost inflation, but management is bullish about overcoming these in 2026 [35] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt, maintaining a strong financial position [14][21] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.58, down from $1.60 in the prior year, with a significantly lower effective tax rate of 4.8% compared to 26.8% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [28][29] Question: Macro environment and 2026 outlook - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for benefits from plant closures and innovation [34][35] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and automation - The second phase of Project Apollo focusing on automation and efficiencies is expected to be implemented in 2027, with initial benefits from plant closures anticipated by Q2 of fiscal 2026 [50][68] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margin above 30% toward the mid-30s, with savings from Project Apollo contributing to this goal [68] Question: Capital allocation and share repurchase plans - Management plans to accelerate stock buybacks, with $42 million remaining on the authorization and intentions to buy back stock in the current quarter [41][42]