Key Takeaways SMPL beat Q1 FY26 EPS and revenue estimates despite year-over-year declines in both metrics.Quest growth offset weaker results at Atkins and OWYN, which faced quality and inventory challenges.SMPL reaffirmed full-year guidance and expects margin recovery to build in the second half.The Simply Good Foods Company (SMPL) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein both the top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate but decreased year over year.Management maintained its full-ye ...

Adjusted EBITDA was $55.6 million, down 20.6%. Net income was $25.3 million versus $38 million a year ago, and diluted EPS was $0.26 versus $0.38. Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.39 compared with $0.49 in the prior-year quarter.Profitability fell year-over-year as the company absorbed higher costs. Gross profit was $109.9 million, down 15.8%, and gross margin was 32.3% on a GAAP basis, down 590 basis points. Beeler attributed the decline primarily to inflationary input costs—especially cocoa—and the first full ...

The Simply Good Foods Company (NasdaqCM:SMPL) Q1 2026 Earnings Call January 08, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsRobert Moskow - Managing DirectorGeoff Tanner - President, CEO, and DirectorJoshua Levine - VP of Investor Relations and TreasuryMatt Smith - DirectorChris Bealer - CFOTyler Prause - Senior Research AssociateMegan Clapp - Executive DirectorConference Call ParticipantsBrian Holland - Managing Director and Senior Research AnalystPeter Grom - Equity Research AnalystSteve Powers - Equity Research ...

The Simply Good Foods Company (NasdaqCM:SMPL) Q1 2026 Earnings Call January 08, 2026 08:30 AM ET Speaker1Greetings. Welcome to the Simply Good Foods Company's first quarter fiscal year 2026 earnings call. At this time, all participants will be in listen-only mode. The question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero from your telephone keypad. Please note this conference is being recorded. At this time ...

Financial Performance & Outlook - Q1 2026 net sales were $340.2 million, a slight decrease of 0.3% year-over-year[33] - Q1 2026 adjusted EBITDA decreased by 20.6% year-over-year to $55.6 million[37] - The company reaffirms its fiscal year 2026 outlook for net sales, projecting a range of -2% to +2%[11] - The company reaffirms its fiscal year 2026 outlook for adjusted EBITDA, projecting a range of -4% to +1%[11] - Gross margin for fiscal year 2026 is expected to decline by -150 to -100 basis points[44] Brand Performance - Quest and OWYN accounted for 71% of the company's Q1 net sales and grew aggregate consumption by 13%[11] - Quest Q1 retail takeaway grew 12%[13] - Atkins Q1 retail takeaway declined 19%[18] - OWYN Q1 retail takeaway grew 18%[25] Capital Allocation - The company repurchased approximately 7% of its outstanding shares through January 6, 2026, totaling nearly $150 million[11] - An additional share repurchase authorization of $200 million was announced, leaving approximately $224 million available as of January 6, 2026[12]

Core Thesis - The Simply Good Foods Company (SMPL) is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity following a market overreaction to its fourth-quarter earnings report, with shares trading at $18.99 as of December 2nd [1][2] Financial Performance - SMPL reported a GAAP loss per share of $0.12 due to a one-time, non-cash impairment of approximately $60 million related to the revaluation of the Atkins brand and other intangibles [2] - Excluding the impairment, the company would have reported an adjusted profit of around $0.46 per share, indicating robust core business performance [3] - The impairment is a paper reduction in asset value and does not affect cash flow, with the company also realizing $9 million in marketing savings year-over-year, highlighting efficient cost management [4] Growth Potential - The OWYN brand, which specializes in allergen-free protein shakes and powders, represents a significant growth avenue alongside established brands like Quest and Atkins [5] - The company's strong cash flow generation and growth potential in the health and diet food sector make it an attractive investment, especially as investor sentiment normalizes [5] Market Reaction - The stock has depreciated approximately 51.33% since previous coverage due to the one-time impairment, but the core business remains profitable, suggesting that the market's reaction is an overreaction and presents a buying opportunity [6][7]

Core Insights - Simply Good Foods (SMPL) is well-positioned in the high-protein, low-sugar snack market, primarily through its Atkins and Quest brands, despite facing near-term challenges such as brand-specific slowdowns and inflationary pressures [2][3] - The company has demonstrated strong cash generation and disciplined expansion, suggesting that the market may be overly pessimistic about its valuation, presenting potential upside for patient investors [2][7] Financial Performance - The Quest brand saw a 13.4% increase in Q4 FY25 net sales, particularly in savory snacks, while the Atkins brand experienced a 12.9% decline, leading to a $60.9 million impairment charge [3] - Q4 FY25 net sales fell by 1.8% year-over-year, resulting in a net loss of $12.4 million, with anticipated fiscal 2026 net sales growth projected between -2% and +2% [3] - Simply Good Foods plans to invest $30-$40 million to enhance its salty snack production capacity, aiming to strengthen future growth avenues despite immediate margin pressures from inflation [3] Cash Flow and Valuation - The company boasts an impressive cash flow yield of 7.9%, with a revenue growth of 9.0% over the past 12 months, indicating an increase in cash reserves [7] - SMPL stock is currently trading 35% lower than its 3-month high, 51% below its 1-year high, and 54% below its 2-year high, suggesting a valuation discount [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported a 9% increase in net sales, with 3% organic growth and a 3% increase in adjusted EBITDA [6][32] - In Q4, reported net sales were $369 million, a decline of 1.8% year-over-year, while organic net sales grew 3.5% [28][29] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $66.2 million, down 14.5% from the previous year, primarily due to inflationary pressures and the impact of the 53rd week [30][32] - The company recorded a non-cash impairment loss of $60.9 million related to the Atkins brand [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quest generated nearly two-thirds of the company's net sales in Q4, with consumption growth of 11% and net sales growth of over 13% for the fiscal year [16][20] - Atkins experienced a consumption decline of 12% in Q4 and 10% for the full year, primarily due to distribution losses [20][21] - OWYN saw a consumption increase of 14% in Q4 and 34% for the full year, despite facing some product quality issues [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The nutritional snacking category grew by 13% in fiscal year 2025, reflecting a strong consumer trend towards high-protein, low-sugar, and low-carb products [7][16] - The company noted that over 70% of Americans are actively seeking more protein and fewer carbs in their diets [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company's vision is to be a leader in high-protein, low-sugar, and low-carb food and beverage, capitalizing on a generational shift towards these products [6][7] - The integration of OWYN has been largely completed, and the company is focusing on expanding its product offerings and marketing efforts [8][24] - The company is investing in innovation and expanding capacity to support its fast-growing salty snacks business [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges such as inflation and distribution losses for Atkins but expressed confidence in overcoming these issues [10][14] - The company expects net sales growth for fiscal year 2026 to be in the range of -2% to +2%, with a focus on Quest and OWYN offsetting declines in Atkins [39][40] - Management anticipates gross margins to decline by 100-150 basis points in fiscal year 2026, with a stronger second half expected [39][42] Other Important Information - The company repaid $150 million of its term loan debt in fiscal year 2025 and has a strong balance sheet with low net debt levels [35][36] - A $150 million increase to the stock repurchase program was approved by the board, reflecting confidence in the business [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of OWYN product quality issues on future sales - Management acknowledged the product quality issue related to pea protein but stated that it has been rectified and is confident in OWYN's growth trajectory moving forward [46][47][50] Question: Competition in the high-protein, low-sugar market - Management noted that competition is not new and emphasized the importance of agility and innovation to stay ahead in the market [55][59] Question: Top-line guidance and expected performance of Quest and OWYN - Management confirmed that Quest is expected to grow in the high single digits, while OWYN is projected to be in the double-digit range, with Atkins facing a decline [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported a 9% increase in net sales, with 3% organic growth and a 3% increase in adjusted EBITDA [6][32] - In Q4, reported net sales were $369 million, a decline of 1.8% year-over-year, while organic net sales grew 3.5% [28][29] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $66.2 million, down 14.5% from the previous year, primarily due to inflationary pressures and the impact of a 53rd week in the prior year [30][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quest generated nearly two-thirds of the company's net sales in Q4, with a year-over-year consumption growth of 11% and net sales growth of over 13% for the full year [16][20] - Atkins experienced a consumption decline of 12% in Q4 and 10% for the full year, largely due to distribution losses [20][21] - OWYN saw a consumption growth of 14% in Q4 and 34% for the full year, with household penetration increasing to 4.2% [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The nutritional snacking category grew by 13% in fiscal year 2025, reflecting a strong consumer trend towards high protein and low sugar products [7][16] - The company noted that over 70% of Americans are actively seeking more protein and fewer carbs in their diets, indicating a favorable market environment [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a leader in high protein, low sugar, and low carb food and beverage, capitalizing on a generational shift in consumer preferences [6][7] - Investments in innovation and marketing have increased, with a focus on expanding distribution and enhancing product offerings [8][9] - The company is proactively managing the Atkins brand to align shelf space with sales and support the growth of Quest and OWYN [13][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges such as inflation and distribution losses for Atkins but expressed confidence in overcoming these hurdles [10][14] - The company expects net sales growth for fiscal year 2026 to be in the range of -2% to +2%, with a stronger second half anticipated [39][40] - Management emphasized the importance of innovation and marketing investments to drive growth and improve margins in the future [39][42] Other Important Information - The company repaid $150 million of its term loan debt in fiscal year 2025 and repurchased nearly 1.6 million shares [35][36] - A non-cash impairment loss of $60.9 million was recorded related to the Atkins brand, reflecting updated revenue projections [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of OWYN product quality issues on future sales - Management confirmed that the product quality issue related to pea protein has been addressed and expressed confidence in OWYN's growth trajectory moving forward [46][47][50] Question: Competition in the high protein, low sugar market - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape but emphasized the company's agility and robust supply chain as key advantages [55][59] Question: Top-line guidance and expected growth rates - Management indicated that Quest and OWYN are expected to grow in the high single digits and double digits respectively, while Atkins is projected to decline by about 20% [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, reported net sales were $369 million, a decline of 1.8% year-over-year, while organic net sales grew 3.5% [26][27] - Adjusted EBITDA was $66.2 million, down 14.5% from the previous year, primarily due to inflationary pressures and the impact of lapping the 53rd week [28][30] - Gross profit was $126.6 million, a decline of 13.3%, with gross margin at 34.3%, down 450 basis points year-over-year [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quest generated nearly two-thirds of the company's net sales in Q4, with consumption growth of 11% and net sales growth of over 13% for the full year [15][19] - Atkins experienced a consumption decline of 12% in Q4 and 10% for the full year, primarily due to distribution losses [19][20] - OWYN saw consumption growth of 14% in Q4 and 34% for the full year, with household penetration increasing to 4.2% [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The nutritional snacking category grew by 13% in fiscal 2025, with a significant shift towards high-protein, low-sugar, and low-carb products [6][14] - Quest and OWYN now represent nearly three-quarters of the company's net sales, both growing at double-digit rates [6][15] - The company is expanding its presence in mainstream aisles, indicating a shift in consumer purchasing behavior [66][67] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a leader in high-protein, low-sugar, and low-carb food and beverage, capitalizing on a generational shift in consumer preferences [5][14] - There is a focus on innovation, with increased investment in R&D and marketing to enhance product offerings and brand awareness [8][66] - The company is proactively managing the Atkins brand to align shelf space with sales, while prioritizing growth for Quest and OWYN [10][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges such as inflation and distribution losses for Atkins but expressed confidence in overcoming these headwinds [9][12] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 includes expected net sales growth in the range of -2% to +2%, with a focus on Quest and OWYN offsetting declines in Atkins [35][36] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining long-term growth strategies despite short-term challenges [24][36] Other Important Information - The company repaid $150 million of its term loan debt in fiscal 2025 and has a strong balance sheet with low net debt levels [32][33] - A $150 million increase to the stock repurchase program was approved, reflecting management's confidence in the business [33] - The company plans to invest $30 to $40 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2026 to support growth initiatives [40][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of OWYN's product quality issues on future sales - Management confirmed that the product quality issue related to pea protein has been addressed and expressed confidence in OWYN's growth trajectory moving forward [43][45] Question: Competition in the high-protein, low-sugar market - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape but emphasized the company's agility and robust supply chain as key advantages [50][52] Question: Top-line guidance and expected growth rates for Quest and OWYN - Management indicated that Quest is expected to grow in the high single digits, while OWYN is projected to grow in the double-digit range, with Atkins facing a decline [59][60]