Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised its full year net sales guidance to 3% to 5% growth compared to the prior year, driven by strong performance in the coffee segment and Uncrustables [29][36] - Adjusted earnings per share guidance remains at $8.5 to $9.5, reflecting the impact of higher costs from U.S. tariffs [29][42] - The company aims to generate over $1,000,000,000 in free cash flow annually, with a long-term target for capital expenditures at approximately 3.5% of net sales [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The coffee segment is performing well despite record high green coffee prices, with favorable price elasticity of demand trends [6][39] - Uncrustables brand is expected to grow annual net sales to over $1,000,000,000, driven by marketing, distribution gains, and innovation [9][15] - The pet segment, particularly Meow Mix, is experiencing positive momentum, while Milk Bone faces challenges due to consumer caution in discretionary spending [17][60] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. retail coffee market shows resilience, with over 70% of coffee consumed at home, making it affordable despite inflation [39] - The convenience store channel is expanding for Uncrustables, with over 30,000 convenience stores now selling the product [14] - The cat food category is benefiting from pet population growth, with Meow Mix leading in new buyers [21][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth through brand building, innovation, and capital deployment strategies [4][30] - Key growth platforms include Cafe Bustelo, Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Milk Bone, and Hostess Brands, with a strong emphasis on consumer-led innovation [5][16] - The Hostess brand is undergoing a strategy to stabilize and position for long-term growth by reducing SKU count and enhancing marketing efforts [22][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expresses confidence in the company's ability to create long-term value for shareholders despite navigating a dynamic environment [5][28] - The company acknowledges challenges from inflation and tariffs but remains optimistic about sustaining organic growth [36][42] - Future expectations include low single-digit net sales growth and a commitment to a disciplined capital deployment model [30][33] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend for the twenty-fourth consecutive fiscal year, reflecting a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [32] - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction, aiming to pay down $500,000,000 of debt annually [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key takeaways from recent results - The company delivered 3% comparable growth and raised top line guidance based on strong coffee performance and Uncrustables [34][36] Question: Coffee category consumer behavior - The coffee portfolio is performing well due to affordability and strong brand positioning, despite significant inflation [39][40] Question: EPS outlook and reinvestment strategy - The company aims to balance earnings recovery with reinvestment in brand growth, expecting sequential improvement in margins [46][47] Question: Progress in Sweet Baked Snacks - The company is focused on stabilization and expects sequential profit improvement, with positive trends in key customer channels [48][49] Question: Uncrustables performance and competition - Uncrustables continues to perform excellently with strong distribution gains and innovation, maintaining a competitive edge through brand building [51][55] Question: U.S. Retail pet foods outlook - Meow Mix is performing well, while Milk Bone faces challenges; however, innovation and brand building efforts are expected to drive recovery [59][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company comparable net sales increased by 2%, and when excluding contract manufacturing sales related to divested pet food brands, net sales increased by 3% compared to the prior year [6][31] - Adjusted gross profit decreased by $89 million or 11% compared to the prior year, reflecting higher commodity costs and unfavorable volume mix [33] - Adjusted earnings per share was $1.90, a decrease of 22% versus the prior year, driven by reduced gross profit and increased marketing investments [35][48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Uncrustables brand grew net sales in double digits, driven by national advertising and distribution gains [7][11] - Cafe Bustelo brand net sales increased by 36%, with a 17% increase in volume mix [11] - Milk Bone brand experienced a decline in net sales due to lapping prior year distribution gains, while Meow Mix brand saw an increase in volume mix [12][13] - Sweet Baked Snacks segment net sales decreased by 24%, primarily driven by a decrease in snack cakes [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. retail coffee segment, net sales increased by 15%, with net price realization contributing an 18 percentage point increase [35] - Pet foods segment net sales decreased by 8%, reflecting declines in dog snacks and contract manufacturing sales related to divested brands [37] - International and away from home segment net sales grew by 7%, driven by strong performance in the away from home business [27][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: accelerating organic growth, embedding transformation, and fostering a bold mindset [5][18] - Actions include prioritizing resources towards key growth platforms and optimizing SKU counts to improve operational efficiencies [14][15] - The company aims to generate over $1 billion in free cash flow annually and has achieved $100 million in total run rate synergies from the Hostess Brands acquisition [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the external environment remains dynamic, with ongoing input inflation and changes in consumer behavior impacting outlook [42] - The company anticipates net sales to increase by 3% to 5% for the fiscal year, reflecting improved price elasticity of demand assumptions [42][43] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth outlook and the ability to deliver shareholder value despite external challenges [29][49] Other Important Information - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction, aiming to pay down approximately $500 million of debt in each of the next two fiscal years [41] - Free cash flow projection has been increased by $100 million to approximately $975 million, driven by accelerated R&D and tax deductions [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the coffee segment given the current inflationary pressures? - Management indicated that the coffee category remains resilient despite inflation, with approximately 70% of coffee drinking occasions occurring at home, providing an affordable alternative to coffee shops [22][29] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the Sweet Baked Snacks segment? - The company is taking decisive actions to stabilize the Hostess brand, including SKU optimization and closing a manufacturing facility to improve margins and operational efficiencies [14][15] Question: What is the outlook for the pet food segment? - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth outlook for the pet portfolio, driven by positive pet population trends and premiumization opportunities [25][29]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 1% decrease in net sales for the first quarter, while comparable net sales increased by 2%, excluding prior year sales related to divested businesses and foreign currency exchange [31] - Adjusted gross profit decreased by $89 million or 11% compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher commodity costs and unfavorable volume mix [33] - Adjusted earnings per share was $1.90, a decrease of 22% versus the prior year, but exceeded expectations due to better-than-anticipated net sales [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the US retail coffee segment, net sales increased by 15%, driven by an 18 percentage point increase from net price realization [34] - The US retail pet foods segment saw a decrease in net sales by 8%, primarily due to a decline in dog snacks and lower contract manufacturing sales related to divested pet food brands [36] - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment experienced a 24% decrease in net sales, with a 54% decrease in segment profit reflecting unfavorable volume mix and higher costs [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The away from home business grew net sales by 14% on a comparable basis, driven by coffee and Uncrustables sandwiches [39] - International net sales decreased by 6% on a comparable basis, primarily reflecting a decrease in the coffee portfolio [39] - The company anticipates a higher US tariff impact on green coffee costs, which is expected to be a 50¢ headwind for the fiscal year [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: accelerating organic growth, embedding transformation in everyday operations, and fostering a bold mindset [5] - The Uncrustables brand is projected to generate over $1 billion in net sales by the end of the fiscal year, continuing strong double-digit growth [11] - The company is reducing SKU count by 25% for the Hostess brand to improve operational efficiencies and drive margin expansion [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the external environment remains dynamic, with ongoing input inflation and changes in consumer behavior impacting the fiscal year outlook [41] - The company is revising its full-year net sales expectations to increase by 3% to 5%, primarily due to the strength of the coffee portfolio [28] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth outlook and the ability to deliver shareholder value despite external challenges [30] Other Important Information - The company achieved $100 million in total run rate synergies from the Hostess Brands acquisition [16] - Free cash flow for the first quarter was negative $94.9 million, reflecting a decrease in cash provided by operating activities [39] - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction, aiming to pay down approximately $500 million of debt in each of the next two fiscal years [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the coffee segment? - The coffee segment is expected to remain resilient despite inflationary pressures, with approximately 70% of coffee drinking occasions occurring at home [21] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of tariffs? - The company is working to mitigate cost increases through alternative sourcing strategies and responsible pricing [45] Question: What is the outlook for the Sweet Baked Snacks segment? - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment is anticipated to improve sequentially, with increased dollar sales and volume growth noted in the Hostess brand [25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered positive results in fiscal year 2025, reflecting top line growth supported by strong consumer demand and bottom line growth driven by disciplined cost management [2][3] - Approximately $700 million of debt was repaid in fiscal year 2025, with plans to pay down an additional $500 million in each of the next two fiscal years [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on key growth platforms including Uncrustables, Cafe Bustelo, Meow Mix, Milk Bone, and Hostess Brands to drive organic growth [3][4] - A comprehensive plan is being executed to stabilize the Hostess brand and return it to growth [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company remains well positioned to navigate dynamic input costs, including green coffee volatility, through its strong portfolio [4] - Approximately 90% of U.S. homes have a product from the company's portfolio, indicating a strong market presence [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is amplifying successful strategies and evolving its approach where needed, with a focus on driving organic growth and embedding a transformation mindset [3] - There is a commitment to consumer-led innovation and leveraging data and insights to anticipate consumer needs [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and the strength of its brand portfolio, anticipating continued growth and shareholder value [4][24] - The external environment is expected to remain dynamic, but the company is excited about future opportunities [4] Other Important Information - The company recognized the retirement of board member Alex Schumate, highlighting his contributions over 16 years [5] - The annual meeting included voting on three management proposals, all of which were approved by shareholders [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: When do you anticipate the Hostess debt will be repaid? - The company plans to pay down approximately $500 million of debt annually in each of the next two fiscal years, aiming for a leverage ratio at or below three times net debt to adjusted EBITDA by the end of fiscal year 2027 [17] Question: How do you manage hyper politicization of publicly traded corporations? - The company approaches each decision with responsibility, considering alignment with values and potential for positive change, prioritizing the needs of consumers and shareholders [18][19] Question: What effect will global tariffs have on the company? - The company is monitoring trade policy and tariffs, particularly regarding coffee, which cannot be grown in the U.S., and anticipates a 25% adjusted earnings per share impact for fiscal year 2026 due to tariffs [20][21] Question: Did my shares count in the voting? - All shares are treated equally for voting purposes, as the company stopped differentiating long-term shares in 2022 [22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered positive results in FY 2025, reflecting top line growth supported by strong consumer demand and bottom line growth driven by disciplined cost management [2][3] - Approximately $700 million of debt was repaid in FY 2025, with plans to pay down an additional $500 million in each of the next two fiscal years [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on key growth platforms including Uncrustables, Cafe Bustelo, Meow Mix, Milk Bone, and Hostess Brands to drive organic growth [3][4] - A comprehensive plan is being executed to stabilize the Hostess brand and return it to growth [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company remains well positioned to navigate dynamic input costs, including green coffee volatility, through its strong portfolio [4] - Approximately 90% of U.S. homes have a product from the company's portfolio, indicating a strong market presence [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is amplifying successful strategies and evolving its approach where necessary, with a focus on driving organic growth and embedding a transformation mindset [3] - There is a commitment to consumer-led innovation and leveraging data and insights to anticipate consumer needs [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a dynamic environment and highlighted the strength of its brand portfolio [4] - The company anticipates a leverage ratio at or below three times net debt to adjusted EBITDA by the end of FY 2027, providing financial flexibility for capital deployment [17] Other Important Information - Alex Schumate, a long-serving board member, is retiring, and his contributions were acknowledged [5][6] - The company plans to publicly announce final voting results on or before August 19, 2025 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: When do you anticipate the Hostess debt will be repaid? - The company plans to pay down approximately $500 million of debt annually in each of the next two fiscal years, aiming for a leverage ratio at or below three times net debt to adjusted EBITDA by the end of FY 2027 [17] Question: How do you manage issues related to the hyper politicization of publicly traded corporations? - The company approaches each decision with responsibility, considering alignment with values and potential for positive change, while prioritizing business operations and stakeholder interests [18][19] Question: What effect will global tariffs have on the company? - The company is monitoring trade policy and tariffs, particularly regarding coffee, which cannot be grown in the U.S., and anticipates a 25% adjusted earnings per share impact for FY 2026 due to tariffs [20][21] Question: Did my shares count in the voting? - All shares are treated equally for voting purposes, as the company stopped treating long-term shares differently in 2022 [22][23]

Core Insights - Food companies are facing increased price sensitivity, uneven volume trends, and challenges to brand loyalty as consumers seek value [1] - Companies that can protect margins, manage input costs, and adapt to changing consumption habits are likely to succeed [1] The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) - SJM is undergoing a strategic transformation, focusing on portfolio optimization through acquisitions and divestitures, including the acquisition of Hostess Brands in late 2023 [3][4] - The Hostess acquisition enhances SJM's position in the snacking category, with a 3% year-over-year sales increase in its International and Away From Home segment [4] - Despite growth, SJM's adjusted gross profit declined by 9% year-over-year in the fiscal fourth quarter due to higher input costs and weaker volume [5] - SJM is increasing marketing investments for key brands, leading to a 3% rise in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses [6] Post Holdings, Inc. (POST) - POST is strengthening its position through consistent performance, with Foodservice segment net sales rising 9.6% year-over-year to $607.9 million in Q2 fiscal 2025 [7] - Strategic pricing actions have allowed POST to protect margins amid inflation, offsetting input cost inflation and volume softness [8][9] - POST's recent acquisitions, including 8th Avenue Food & Provisions and Potato Products of Idaho, support a diversified growth strategy [10] - POST benefits from a well-diversified portfolio and disciplined execution, positioning it as a resilient player in the food industry [11] Financial Comparisons - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for POST's fiscal 2025 EPS is $6.63, while SJM's estimate has decreased by 4% to $9.28 [12] - POST trades at a forward P/E of 14.54x compared to SJM's 11.1x, reflecting stronger earnings momentum for POST [13] - In the past three months, POST's stock has declined by 6.9%, outperforming SJM's 8.8% drop, justifying the valuation gap [13] Conclusion - SJM is in a rebuilding phase, focusing on long-term growth through portfolio reshaping, while POST is growing through strategic pricing and disciplined execution [16] - In the current inflation-sensitive market, POST is viewed as the safer and smarter investment choice [16]

Group 1: Company Overview - The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) is facing challenges entering fiscal 2026, with gross margin pressures due to cost inflation, unfavorable product mix, and soft volumes [1] - In Q4 of fiscal 2025, SJM reported a 9% year-over-year decline in adjusted gross profit and an 8% drop in adjusted operating income, primarily due to higher costs and reduced sales volume [1][8] Group 2: Financial Forecast - SJM expects the fiscal 2026 adjusted gross profit margin to be between 35.5% and 36%, influenced by elevated commodity and manufacturing costs, as well as negative volume/mix [2] - The company anticipates a 3% year-over-year increase in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in fiscal 2026, driven by higher marketing investments for key growth brands [3] Group 3: Strategic Focus - SJM is focusing on brand investment and operational efficiency to overcome margin pressures, which will require disciplined cost control and sustained consumer demand [4] - The total marketing spend is projected to reach 5.7% of net sales, an increase of 30 basis points from the previous year, aimed at supporting brands like Cafe Bustelo and Uncrustables [3][8] Group 4: Industry Context - SJM's peers, such as Conagra Brands and Lamb Weston, are also managing inflationary pressures and shifting consumer demand, with Conagra facing a 389 basis point decline in adjusted gross margin due to elevated costs [5] - Lamb Weston reported a 9% global volume growth while executing over 30 strategic projects, despite a 5% decline in price/mix due to pricing adjustments [6] Group 5: Stock Performance and Valuation - SJM shares have decreased by 5.5% over the past year, contrasting with the industry's growth of 3.1% [7] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 11.06X, below the industry average of 16.01X [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to be lower year over year at the midpoint, with a guidance range of $9, impacted by $0.80 from coffee inflation and $0.25 from tariffs [8][10][60] - Free cash flow for FY 2025 was reported at $817 million, approximately $100 million below expectations, primarily due to green coffee inflation and higher inventory balances [99] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment is expected to see a decline in segment profit, contributing an additional $0.20 impact to EPS guidance [10] - The coffee segment is projected to have around 20% net pricing factored into the FY 2026 outlook, with a negative 10% volume impact due to price elasticity [13][35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has observed a strong performance in the coffee portfolio, particularly with brands like Cafe Bustelo and Dunkin', which have stabilized due to normalized pricing [43] - The pet portfolio experienced a $20 million impact from inventory destocking at certain retailers, but overall momentum remains strong [93] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on optimizing its portfolio and investing in core brands like Donuts and Cupcakes to drive growth [20][21] - A strategic shift has been made to strengthen the core brands and improve execution through dedicated sales forces and streamlined operations [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the need for cautious guidance due to external factors impacting profitability, including coffee inflation and tariffs [10][60] - The company remains optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly through key growth platforms and brand building efforts [102] Other Important Information - The long-term growth rate for the Sweet Baked Snacks portfolio has been revised from 4% to 3%, reflecting a more conservative outlook based on category performance [31] - The company plans to address tariff impacts through pricing strategies and cost management efforts [53] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of higher green coffee costs on EPS growth - Management confirmed that higher green coffee costs and tariffs have significantly impacted EPS guidance, leading to a more subdued outlook [8][10] Question: Details on Hostess SKU and display rationalizations - Management emphasized the focus on core brands like Donuts and Cupcakes, indicating a need to optimize the portfolio for growth [19][20] Question: Pricing strategy for coffee segment - The company is implementing pricing across the entire coffee portfolio, with a significant focus on green coffee pricing [35] Question: Expectations for Sweet Baked Snacks performance - Management expects improvement in the Sweet Baked Snacks portfolio in the back half of the year due to stabilization efforts and easier comparisons [36][38] Question: Free cash flow guidance for FY 2026 - The company anticipates free cash flow of $875 million for FY 2026, driven by lower capital expenditures and effective working capital management [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) guidance for fiscal year 2026 at the midpoint of $9, which reflects a decline year-over-year when excluding impacts from coffee inflation and tariffs [10][32] - The adjusted EPS was impacted by $0.80 from green coffee inflation and $0.25 from tariffs, indicating a cautious outlook for the upcoming fiscal year [10][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment is expected to see a decline in segment profit on a comparable basis, contributing an additional $0.20 impact to the adjusted EPS [11] - The company is focusing on core brands like Donuts and Cupcakes for growth, emphasizing the need for innovation and marketing investments in these areas [20][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The coffee segment is experiencing a net pricing increase of around 20% for fiscal year 2026, with a negative volume impact of approximately 10% due to price elasticity of demand [14][37] - The away-from-home coffee business is expected to see high single-digit pricing increases, indicating a strong focus on recovering costs in this segment [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to investing in key growth platforms, particularly around brands like Cafe Bustelo and Uncrustables, to support long-term growth [10][102] - A strategic focus on optimizing the portfolio and enhancing brand building efforts is emphasized, particularly in the Sweet Baked Snacks and coffee segments [22][102] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the importance of ongoing marketing investments to support growth platforms and indicated a cautious approach to guidance due to external factors impacting profitability [11][62] - The company remains optimistic about stabilizing the Hostess brand and believes that focusing on core products will drive future growth [25][80] Other Important Information - The company reported free cash flow of $817 million for fiscal year 2025, which was below expectations due to higher inventory balances and green coffee inflation [99] - Fiscal year 2026 free cash flow guidance is set at $875 million, with expectations of improved management of working capital and lower capital expenditures [99] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of higher green coffee costs on EPS growth - Management confirmed that higher green coffee costs and tariffs have significantly impacted the EPS outlook, leading to a more subdued forecast for fiscal year 2026 [10][32] Question: Details on SKU and display rationalizations for Hostess - Management indicated a focus on core brands like Donuts and Cupcakes, emphasizing the need for clarity and optimization in the product portfolio [20][22] Question: Pricing strategy for the coffee segment - The company is implementing pricing across the entire coffee portfolio, with a significant focus on recovering costs associated with green coffee inflation and tariffs [37] Question: Long-term growth outlook for Hostess - The long-term growth rate for the Sweet Baked Snacks portfolio has been revised from 4% to 3%, reflecting a more cautious outlook based on category performance [32] Question: Free cash flow guidance and debt management - Management outlined that the anticipated free cash flow for fiscal year 2026 will be used for debt paydown and dividend payments, with a combination of generated cash and excess cash from the balance sheet [99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a total net sales decline of 3% in the fourth quarter, with comparable net sales decreasing by 1% when excluding divestitures and foreign currency impacts [33][34] - Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $2.31, a decrease of 13% compared to the prior year [36] - Free cash flow for the fourth quarter was $299 million, slightly up from $298 million in the prior year, with full-year free cash flow reaching $817 million, an increase of $174 million [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Uncrustables brand achieved approximately $920 million in net sales, growing over $125 million in fiscal year 2025, driven by advertising and distribution gains [7][8] - The Cafe Bustelo brand grew net sales by 19% in the US retail coffee portfolio, ending fiscal year 2025 with approximately $400 million in net sales [9] - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment saw a significant decline in net sales, decreasing by 26% versus the prior year, with a 72% drop in segment profit [40][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the US retail coffee segment, net sales increased by 11%, primarily due to higher net pricing for Folgers and Cafe Bustelo [36] - The US retail pet foods segment experienced a 13% decline in net sales, attributed to unexpected retailer inventory headwinds [20][38] - International and away-from-home net sales grew by 4%, driven by strong performance in the away-from-home business [22][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to stabilize and refocus the Sweet Baked Snacks segment for sustainable growth, with a long-term net sales growth expectation of 3% [12][33] - Strategic priorities for fiscal year 2026 include accelerating organic growth by investing in key platforms and embedding transformation in everyday operations [25][26] - The company anticipates that key platforms, including Uncrustables and Cafe Bustelo, will deliver over 80% of the company's growth over the next five years [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the dynamic operating environment, including inflationary pressures and evolving consumer behavior, which necessitates cautious guidance for fiscal year 2026 [26][45] - The company expects full-year net sales to increase by 2% to 4%, with comparable net sales anticipated to grow approximately 4.5% at the midpoint of the guidance range [27][45] - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy and ability to navigate challenges while focusing on long-term growth and shareholder value [30][51] Other Important Information - The company recognized significant impairment charges totaling $980 million related to the Sweet Baked Snacks segment and Hostess brand [32] - Capital expenditures for the year were $394 million, representing 4.5% of net sales, with a target of approximately 3.5% of net sales in the long term [43][44] - The company plans to prioritize debt reduction, aiming to pay down approximately $500 million of debt annually over the next two years [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the Sweet Baked Snacks segment? - Management anticipates low single-digit declines in comparable net sales for the Sweet Baked Snacks segment as they work to stabilize the Hostess brand [46] Question: How is the company addressing inflationary pressures? - The company is implementing price increases to recover costs associated with rising green coffee prices and other inflationary pressures [18][49] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow? - The company projects free cash flow of approximately $875 million at the midpoint of adjusted earnings per share guidance [50]