Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, net sales were $7.7 billion, down from $8.2 billion in the previous year, reflecting a 1.6% growth when excluding the $582 million benefit from an extra week in last year's quarter [22][23] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA was $552 million, slightly above the midpoint of the outlook provided earlier, with a Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $116 million compared to $133 million in the prior year [27][28] - Free cash flow for Q4 was $86 million, bringing the full-year total to approximately $240 million, a significant improvement from a cash use of about $90 million in fiscal 2024 [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The natural segment grew by 9% on a comparable 13-week basis, outperforming the market, while conventional segment sales declined by 6% [23] - For the full year, net sales rose 4.6%, with volume growth of 1.4% and inflation at about 1.8% [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting a $90 billion addressable market, focusing on natural, organic, specialty, multicultural, and conventional grocery retailers [10] - The company expects net sales to grow in the low single digits on average from fiscal 2024 to 2027, reflecting better-than-projected organic growth [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the food industry's most valued partner by providing innovative products and services to help retailers and suppliers grow profitably [9] - The refresh strategy focuses on creating more value for customers and suppliers while becoming a more effective and efficient business [10][12] - The company plans to enhance capabilities in merchandising, revenue growth management, and technology to drive long-term growth [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory and ability to create sustainable long-term value despite challenges faced during the cyber incident [20] - The company anticipates continued execution of its strategy and another year of profitable growth, with adjusted EBITDA expected to exceed $730 million by fiscal 2027 [18][34] Other Important Information - The company reduced net debt to around $1.8 billion, the lowest level since 2018, and reduced net leverage by 0.7 turns compared to the previous year [8][29] - The company is focused on improving the experience for independent customers and emerging suppliers, which are critical to the industry's vitality [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities in natural merchandising initiatives - Management highlighted three key areas: innovation for natural retailers, deepening involvement in categories for conventional retailers, and simplifying the experience for emerging suppliers [37] Question: Improving conventional profitability - Management noted that natural products have historically higher margins, and efforts are focused on improving product mix, driving efficiency, and embedding lean practices [40] Question: Updated three-year guidance and customer attrition - Management indicated solid growth in the customer file and better-than-expected organic growth, particularly in natural and organic segments [46] Question: Industry promotional backdrop - Management observed a disciplined increase in promotional activities, with volume sold on deal still below 2019 levels [48] Question: Volume metrics and cyber incident impact - Management clarified that volume growth was skewed towards natural products, with a heavier impact from the cyber incident on conventional sales [51] Question: Factors leading to raised adjusted EBITDA algorithm - Management cited stronger top-line growth, continuous progress on shrink reduction, and productivity efforts as key contributors [52] Question: Relationship with Amazon - Management refrained from commenting on specific customers but emphasized a tailored strategy for enterprise accounts [56] Question: Capital investment and facility expansion - Management confirmed ongoing rationalization and optimization of distribution centers, with plans for automation and modernization [62] Question: Margin gain flow in 2026 - Management outlined key components for EBITDA growth, including the exit of unprofitable contracts and continuous shrink reduction efforts [66] Question: Tariff impact - Management is closely monitoring tariffs and working with suppliers and customers to manage costs effectively [68]

during the break. I didn't even check what he's got for the mad dash, but I'll let let's see. Cracker Barrel.>> Yeah. >> Why. >> Well, because they had to eat some crow here.Uh Julie Msino, it's been on my show multiple times talking about the refresh that they were doing at Cracker Barrel cuz it had gotten old and it was certainly a good idea to refresh. >> It seemed like a good idea except that apparently a lot of people objected to it. people like the oldtimer uh that is traditional and I think that she ...