Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 4.6% increase in net sales for Q2 fiscal 2026, reaching $314.8 million compared to $301.1 million in Q2 fiscal 2025 [9] - Diluted earnings per share increased by approximately 32% for the quarter, driven by strategic initiatives [2] - Gross profit increased by $6.9 million, or 13.2%, to $59.2 million, with gross profit margin rising to 18.8% from 17.4% in the prior year [11][12] - Net income for Q2 fiscal 2026 was $18 million, or $1.53 per diluted share, compared to $13.6 million, or $1.16 per diluted share in Q2 fiscal 2025 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer distribution channel saw an 8.4% decline in sales volume, primarily due to a 7.9% drop in private brand sales [10] - Sales volume in the contract manufacturing channel decreased by 26.5%, attributed to reduced granola volume processed [11] - The commercial ingredients channel remained relatively unchanged, with a slight decline of 1.1% in sales volume [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The snack nut and trail mix category experienced a 4% decline in pounds but a 3% increase in dollars, indicating higher prices [21] - The recipe nut category grew by 2% in pounds and 14% in dollars, driven by seasonal demand and higher prices [22] - The bar category saw a 6% growth in pounds and dollars, indicating a rebound in the market [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on accelerating its snack and energy bar business, particularly in the protein-forward segment [4] - Strategic investments are being made to enhance operational efficiency and expand production capacity [4] - The long-range plan emphasizes growth in private brand business and branded distribution through innovation [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from shifting consumer behavior and elevated retail prices impacting sales volume [3] - There is cautious optimism for the second half of fiscal 2026, supported by recent commercial momentum and new business secured [25] - The company remains committed to navigating challenges and creating long-term shareholder value through strategic initiatives [25] Other Important Information - A special dividend of $1 per share was distributed, reflecting the company's strong financial position [4] - The company is investing in new bar manufacturing capabilities, with 85% of new equipment on-site or in transit [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of equipment delivery and quality assurance - The company confirmed that 85% of the equipment is being delivered and will be operational by July 2026, with confidence in the quality based on prior experience with manufacturers [30][32] Question: Pricing strategy in response to higher nut costs - The company explained that there is typically a 6-month price review with retailers, followed by a 60-90 day timeline to implement price changes [33]

为了备战春节年货市场，现在这里的19条智能化生产线正开足马力。今年这里还做起了直播，让消 费者可以通过直播实时了解观看仓库情况，线上直接下单，减少中间环节，将年货更快送到消费者手 中。 距离春节还有30多天，年货准备逐渐被提上日程。这两天，为了保障春节前市场供应，位于安徽合 肥的一处坚果生产基地生产线全开，每天要生产690多吨坚果来供应市场。 记者在现场看到，这里采用了立体化存储，仓库高度24米，货架有9层，共有13500个存储位。货物 几乎已经储存到了天花板的位置。得益于智能化的运用，货物可沿着轨道，实现自动存取，所以这里不 需要预留人行道或物流通道，使同一平面内的可用存储空间进一步增加。 仓储中心内布满传送带，货物正在通过它们进行分拣。7辆全自动小货车沿着仓库内的轨道运行， 将货物精准地投递到它的位置。工作人员只需要一台电脑，就可以实时掌握仓库的情况。自动化和智能 化让这里节省约70%的人力。 这么大的产量，如何保证高效存储呢？ ...

Summary of John B. Sanfilippo and Son (JBSS) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: John B. Sanfilippo and Son (JBSS) - **Ticker**: JBSS on NASDAQ - **Founded**: 1922 as a pecan shelling operation in Chicago - **Current Status**: Largest vertically integrated sheller and processor of nuts in the U.S. with annual sales of $1.1 billion and over 200 distribution points nationwide [3][4] Core Business and Product Offerings - **Product Range**: Includes recipe nuts, trail mix, snack bars, and confectionery products [3] - **Manufacturing Capabilities**: - Five manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and one main distribution center in Huntley, Illinois - Processes over 1 billion pounds of products annually [4] - **Unique Capabilities**: Over 75 processing lines and 40 packaging lines, allowing for diverse product offerings [5][6] Financial Performance - **Sales Growth**: - Pounds sold increased at a 3.5% CAGR over the last ten years - Gross margin improved from 15% to over 18% - EPS grew at a 6.8% CAGR and stock price at 7.7% CAGR [10] - **EBITDA**: Consistently around $100 million since FY 2021, with FY 2025 expected to be a record high [11] - **Dividends**: Regular dividend increased from $0.50 in FY 2017 to $0.90 in the current year, with over $40 million paid in dividends since 2012 [12] Strategic Focus and Market Trends - **Consumer Channel Growth**: Shifted from 60% in FY 2015 to 82% in FY 2025, focusing on value-added products with predictable profit margins [15] - **Snack and Trail Mix Growth**: Increased from 12% to 25% of the portfolio over 12 years, with snack bars accounting for 14% of sales [8][9] - **Private Label Strategy**: 83% of business is private label, with a focus on expanding this segment due to growing consumer preference for private label products [31][40] Market Dynamics - **Retail Trends**: - The nut category is flat to shrinking in volume but has seen inflation-driven dollar increases [22] - The bar category is growing, particularly in higher-end products like protein bars [24] - **Consumer Behavior**: Younger consumers are increasingly seeking lower-priced, healthy snack options, while older demographics focus on value [48] Future Opportunities - **Bar Category Expansion**: Significant growth potential in the bar category, with plans to diversify offerings beyond mainstream bars to include nutrition and kid-friendly options [44][45] - **Investment in Capacity**: $50 million CapEx in FY 2025 for new snack bar lines, expected to enhance production capacity in FY 2027 [13][67] Challenges and Risks - **Commodity Cost Volatility**: The company manages commodity risk through pricing reviews every six months, as there are no hedges available for nut commodities [21] - **Competitive Pricing Pressure**: Facing aggressive pricing from competitors in the commercial ingredients channel, leading to a strategic deprioritization of this segment [17] Conclusion - **Long-term Strategy**: Maintain core nut and trail business while aggressively pursuing growth in the bar category, leveraging strong private label positioning and consumer trends towards healthier snacks [37][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, the company reported net income of approximately $15.1 million and net income to common shareholders of $9.1 million, or $0.25 per share [26] - Adjusted FFO was about $2 million or $0.06 per share, compared to $5.1 million or $0.14 per share in the same quarter last year, indicating a year-over-year decrease [26][27] - Dividends declared per common share remained at $0.14 for both quarters [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fixed base cash rents decreased by about $5.7 million compared to the prior year quarter due to vacancies and structural changes in leases [27] - The company expects a total year-over-year decline of about $17 million in fixed base rents for fiscal year 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to lease adjustments [29] - Participation rents recorded during the current quarter amounted to approximately $465,000, primarily from cash collected on wine grape sales [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has about 103,000 acres of farmland across 15 states, with 29 different growing regions, and holds approximately 55,000 acre-feet of water assets [7][8] - The nut sector is vulnerable to tariffs, with 78% of U.S. grown almonds and pistachios exported annually, and the company is monitoring the impact of tariffs on pricing [21][22] - The weakening of the U.S. dollar may help mitigate some negative impacts from tariffs, as it could stabilize prices for U.S. nuts [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is cautious with new investments due to high interest rates and costs of capital, leading to a slow acquisition activity [9][35] - The current strategy includes adjusting lease structures to minimize fixed costs for tenants while allowing the company to participate in crop revenues [11][12] - The company plans to maintain liquidity and evaluate its dividend based on the 2025 harvest outcomes [33][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about high interest rates affecting farming operations and the ability to borrow for planting and harvesting crops [35][80] - The company anticipates inflation in the food sector to continue increasing, which may positively impact the value of underlying farmland over time [38] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for strong crop production in the upcoming year, particularly for almonds and pistachios [14][37] Other Important Information - The company has access to over $180 million of capital, including about $40 million in cash, and nearly $150 million of unpledged properties [31] - The company is currently evaluating options for vacant farms and considering potential new crops to plant [51] - The company has no immediate plans for share repurchases, prioritizing liquidity to manage potential future obligations [55][57] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on $17 million lower revenues in '25 versus '24 - Management confirmed that an additional farm was added to the participation rent structure, contributing to the increased revenue loss estimate for '25 [40] Question: Total participation rents expected in 2025 - Management indicated that the expected participation rents would include the $17 million plus additional amounts based on last year's run rate, but some participation rent would be lower due to lease adjustments [41][43] Question: Details on the $2.4 million termination fee - The termination fee was related to three almond farms that are now vacant, and management is exploring options to generate income from these properties [44] Question: Future asset sales and vacant properties - Management stated that they have listed some farms for sale but do not have contracts in place yet, and they are evaluating options for the vacant properties [49][50] Question: Thoughts on repurchasing shares given cash on hand - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining liquidity and being prepared for future obligations rather than repurchasing shares at this time [55][57] Question: Financing for upcoming preferred stock maturity - Management is considering options for financing the preferred stock due in January 2026, including potential asset sales and refinancing discussions with banks [67][71]