Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 5.4% to $1.17 billion, with comparable store sales up by 1.2% [4][24] - Adjusted EBITDA was $67 million, exceeding guidance due to favorable tax impacts [5][27] - Gross profit rose by 3% to $355.1 million, with a gross margin of 30.4%, down 70 basis points year-over-year [25][26] - Net income decreased to $11.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $24.2 million, or $0.24 last year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 13 new stores and closed 2, ending the quarter with 563 stores across 16 states [24] - Comparable store sales growth was driven by a 1.8% increase in transactions, partially offset by a 60 basis points decrease in average transaction size [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects same-store sales growth for Q4 to be between flat and up 1% due to recent promotional adjustments [5][29] - The percentage of sales from electronic benefits transfer payments, largely related to SNAP benefits, was approximately 9% last year [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four strategic imperatives: improving new store performance, securing top talent, addressing execution gaps, and enhancing execution at scale [6][19] - A store refresh program is being rolled out to improve customer experience and drive comparable sales growth, with plans to complete approximately 150 stores by the end of 2026 [12][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed dissatisfaction with current comparable performance but noted significant progress in strategic initiatives that should lead to stronger performance in 2026 [22][32] - The company is adjusting its guidance for the year, anticipating a range of 0.6%-0.9% for comparable store sales growth [29] Other Important Information - The company is investing in technology to enhance inventory visibility and improve operational efficiency for independent operators [8][9] - New leadership hires in operations and supply chain are expected to strengthen the company's execution capabilities [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What was the split of transaction versus average ticket for Q3? - Management noted that transactions were running just under 2% while basket sizes were down slightly, leading to a 1.2% comp growth [33] Question: Can you provide more detail on the promotional activity and marketing mix? - Management indicated that adjustments in promotions and marketing led to a correlation with comp performance, with a return to positive comps after course corrections [34][36] Question: What is the expected comp growth needed to leverage SG&A? - The company indicated that around 2.5% comp growth is needed to achieve SG&A leverage [56] Question: How is the refresh program performing in different markets? - Management reported positive results from the refresh program across various markets, with significant improvements in basket size and customer experience [57] Question: What impact do you expect from SNAP benefits changes? - Management stated that while SNAP accounts for about 9% of sales, historical data showed no significant impact on sales during previous reductions in benefits [44]

Pop tarts protein. Why. Oh, why.Why do we need this. I don't think that Kilonova thinks anyone is going to consider this healthier than an apple or a bowl of oatmeal. This is about people choosing between options and going for the choice that has a little bit of something extra, a little bit of a nutritional boost.And what people are looking for these days increasingly is protein. So what is this supposed to compete with. Like protein bars that you're supposed to, you know, eat this right after you go to th ...