The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM), headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, is a leading American manufacturer of branded food and beverage products. With a market cap of $11.5 billion, the company has evolved from its origins in apple butter production to encompass a diverse portfolio of consumer goods. Smucker operates through four primary segments: U.S. Retail Coffee, U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads, U.S. Retail Pet Foods, and Sweet Baked Snacks. Companies with a market value of $10 billion or more are c ...

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 - 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 [34][39] - Adjusted earnings per share guidance remains at $8.50 to $9.50, reflecting the impact of higher costs from U.S. tariffs [34][35] - The company aims to generate over $1 billion in free cash flow annually, with a disciplined capital deployment model [3][35] 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 [4][42] - Uncrustables brand is expected to exceed $1 billion in annual net sales, driven by marketing, distribution gains, and innovation [10][34] - The pet segment, particularly Milk-Bone and Meow Mix, is experiencing growth, with Milk-Bone's Peanut Buttery Bites being a significant innovation [18][56] 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 [42] - The cat food category is benefiting from positive pet population trends, with Meow Mix showing strong momentum [21][56] - The frozen handheld and spreads market is seeing increased distribution for Uncrustables, now available in over 30,000 convenience stores [16][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth through brand-building and innovation, particularly in key growth platforms like Café Bustelo and Uncrustables [3][4] - A strategy to reduce SKU count by 25% for the Hostess brand aims to simplify offerings and enhance profitability [22][32] - The company is committed to maintaining a balanced approach to capital deployment, including debt reduction and dividend growth [35][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate a dynamic environment while delivering organic growth [39][40] - The outlook for coffee remains strong, with expectations of continued resilience despite significant inflation [45][46] - Management anticipates sequential profit improvement across various segments, including Sweet Baked Snacks and Uncrustables [49][50] Other Important Information - The company is closing its Indianapolis manufacturing facility, which is expected to deliver $30 million in annual cost savings [22] - The Milk-Bone brand is leveraging cultural relevance to connect with younger consumers, enhancing its market position [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key takeaways from recent results? - The company delivered 3% comparable growth and raised its top-line guidance, primarily due to strong coffee performance [39][40] Question: How is the coffee category performing in terms of consumer behavior? - The coffee portfolio is performing well, with consumption remaining solid due to affordability at home despite inflation [42][43] Question: What are the expectations for Uncrustables moving forward? - Uncrustables is expected to continue its strong performance with new distribution and innovative product offerings [51][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company increased its free cash flow outlook from $875 million to $975 million for the full fiscal year, driven by benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will provide ongoing annual benefits [40][41] - The midpoint guidance for the full year remains at $9, with expectations for overall growth despite increased tariffs impacting costs [9][10][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The coffee segment is expected to see pricing benefits in the mid-20% range, with anticipated volume impacts in the low to mid-teens, leading to overall growth in the low to mid-teens year over year [8][10][56] - Milk Bone is projected to return to growth in the second half of the fiscal year, supported by advertising and innovation, despite cautious consumer spending in discretionary categories [17][19] - The Sweet Baked Snacks segment is undergoing SKU rationalization, with expected savings of $30 million, and profitability is anticipated to improve sequentially throughout the fiscal year [31][65] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing positive momentum in its coffee portfolio, with strong margins expected in the fourth quarter, and ongoing benefits from stabilization efforts within the Hostess portfolio [35][36] - The away-from-home business continues to perform well, contributing positively to the overall portfolio [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic investments, consumer-led innovation, and shifting its portfolio towards growth, while managing controllable factors and reacting positively to external challenges [74] - A dedicated sales organization is being implemented to enhance execution and focus on key areas, particularly in the convenience store channel [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the impact of increased tariffs on coffee, which has led to a net $0.25 impact on guidance, but remains optimistic about the resilience of the coffee category and the strength of its brands [57][68] - The company continues to monitor the impact of GLP-1 drugs on consumer behavior but has not observed any significant effects on its product categories thus far [50][62] Other Important Information - The company is actively engaging with industry associations to advocate for favorable trade policies and tariff relief, particularly concerning coffee [49] - The company plans to achieve a three times leverage profile by the end of fiscal 2027 through ongoing debt paydown efforts [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updated expectations on coffee pricing benefits due to tariffs - The coffee segment's pricing outlook has shifted to the mid-20s, with additional pricing actions expected in early winter due to increased tariffs [8] Question: Changes in EPS guidance and quarterly performance - The overall profit outlook remains intact, with some profit shifting to the third and fourth quarters due to timing of coffee costs [29] Question: Clarification on SKU rationalization impact - SKU rationalization is ongoing, and while it has not impacted first-quarter volume, it is expected to improve profitability over time [25][31] Question: Future visibility and confidence in fiscal 2027 - The company is optimistic about strong margins in the coffee portfolio and ongoing growth in key brands, providing a positive outlook for fiscal 2027 [35][36] Question: Impact of GLP-1 drugs on consumer behavior - Management has not seen a meaningful impact from GLP-1 drugs on its categories, as the products remain appealing to consumers [50][62] Question: Timing of benefits from SKU rationalization - The company expects to see about $10 million in savings from SKU rationalization in the fourth quarter, with the remaining benefits impacting fiscal 2027 [31] Question: Clarification on tariff impacts and potential exemptions - Should tariff relief be granted, the company would revise its guidance accordingly, but timing factors would affect the realization of benefits [68]

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]

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]