Core Insights - MGP Ingredients, Inc. announced the retirement of Karen Seaberg from its Board of Directors after over 15 years of service, effective December 14, 2025, and the appointment of Julie Francis as a new director, effective December 15, 2025 [1][2][3] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Karen Seaberg has served as a long-standing director and Chairman of the Board from 2014 to 2024, providing leadership during significant growth and transformation periods for the company [2] - Julie Francis, the current CEO, has been recognized for her strong leadership and strategic focus, which is expected to enhance the Board's effectiveness as the company continues to execute its long-term strategy [3] Group 2: Company Background - MGP Ingredients, Inc. has been operational since 1941, focusing on the alcoholic beverage and specialty ingredient industries through three segments: Branded Spirits, Distilling Solutions, and Ingredient Solutions [4] - The company is a leading spirits distiller with a portfolio of premium brands, including Penelope, Rebel, Remus, and Yellowstone bourbons, as well as El Mayor tequila, and operates distilleries in Indiana and Kentucky [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales decreased by 29% to $121.7 million compared to the prior year period [23] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 46% to $21.8 million, primarily due to lower gross profits [26] - Adjusted earnings per common share decreased to $0.36 per share, while operating cash flows increased by nearly 82% to $44.7 million [8][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded Spirits segment sales declined by 4%, but the Premium Plus portfolio posted a solid growth of 7% [23][9] - Distilling Solutions segment sales declined by 45%, driven by a 49% decline in brown goods sales [23] - Ingredient Solutions sales decreased by 26%, impacted by supply challenges and decreased sales volume of specialty wheat starches [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall American whiskey category is responding to the current environment with deeper production cuts, with total whiskey production down 4% for the full year [15][16] - The company expects net whiskey put away to be down materially in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting a decision to right-size excess inventory [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on fewer but more attractive growth opportunities within its Branded Spirits portfolio [9] - Key initiatives include stabilizing the brown goods business, repositioning branded spirits for growth, and enhancing productivity [5][6] - The company is taking proactive actions to strengthen partnerships with customers in the Distilling Solutions segment [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the proactive steps taken to stabilize the business and improve performance throughout the year [6] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting net sales in the range of $520 million to $540 million [21] - Management noted that while industry-wide barrel whiskey inventories remain elevated, early signs of stabilization are encouraging [6][31] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress in fortifying its balance sheet, including upsizing its credit facility and extending its private placement shelf [20][28] - The board of directors is taking steps to strengthen its ranks in anticipation of the next chapter of growth [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility into the outlook for Distilling Solutions - Management confirmed that discussions with 100% of contracted customers have led to modifications in volume and pricing, providing greater visibility for 2025 [35][36] Question: Outlook for the Distilling Solutions segment and margin expectations - Management expects sales for the Distilling Solutions segment to be down 50% for the year, with gross profit down 65% [41] Question: Quantification of new distillate negotiations and branded spirits stabilization - Management indicated that they expect to conclude negotiations with the remaining 25% of customers soon and are implementing price support for mid and value brands [47][49] Question: Optimism for Ingredient Solutions despite challenges - Management highlighted ongoing operational improvements and key projects that are expected to enhance performance in the second half of the year [51][54] Question: Impact of anticipated tariffs on customer demand - Management noted that there has been no significant pull forward in demand due to anticipated tariffs [79] Question: Performance of the Penelope brand - Management acknowledged that Penelope's performance exceeded expectations, leading to an increase in contingent liability on the balance sheet [68][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales decreased by 29% to $121.7 million compared to the prior year period [21] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 46% to $21.8 million, primarily due to lower gross profits [25] - Adjusted earnings per common share declined to $0.36, while operating cash flows increased by nearly 82% to $44.7 million [6][26] - Gross profit decreased by 31% to $43.3 million, with gross margin declining by 120 basis points to 35.6% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded Spirits segment sales decreased by 4%, while the Premium Plus portfolio posted a 7% growth [21][6] - Distilling Solutions segment sales declined by 45%, primarily driven by a 49% decline in brown goods sales [21] - Ingredient Solutions sales decreased by 26%, impacted by supply challenges and decreased sales volume of specialty wheat starches [22][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall American whiskey category is experiencing a production decline, with total whiskey production down 4% for the full year and down 15% in the last three months of 2024 [14] - The company is seeing a shift in consumer behavior, with more consumers opting to drink what they have at home rather than purchasing new products [98] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on fewer but more attractive growth opportunities within its Branded Spirits portfolio [7] - Key initiatives include stabilizing the brown goods business, repositioning branded spirits for growth, and enhancing productivity [5][4] - The company is taking proactive actions to strengthen partnerships with customers in the Distilling Solutions segment [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the proactive steps being taken to stabilize the business and improve performance throughout the year [5] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting net sales in the range of $520 million to $540 million and adjusted EBITDA between $105 million and $115 million [20] - Management noted that while the current environment is challenging, there are early signs of stabilization across all three segments [29] Other Important Information - The company has made substantial progress in fortifying its balance sheet, including upsizing its credit facility and extending its private placement shelf [19][27] - The company is prioritizing strong cash generation by managing working capital and reducing barrel inventory put away [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Visibility into the outlook for Distilling Solutions - Management confirmed that discussions with 100% of contracted customers have led to modifications in orders and pricing, providing greater visibility for 2025 [34][35] Question: Outlook for the Distilling Solutions segment - Management expects sales for the Distilling Solutions segment to be down 50% for the year, with gross profit down 65% [39] Question: Quantification of new distillate negotiations - Management indicated that they expect to conclude negotiations with the remaining 25% of customers soon, with no negative feedback affecting their guidance [45][46] Question: Optimism for Ingredient Solutions - Management highlighted operational improvements and upcoming projects that are expected to enhance performance in the Ingredient Solutions segment [49][50] Question: Impact of anticipated tariffs on customer demand - Management stated that they have not seen any significant impact on customer demand related to anticipated tariffs [76] Question: Performance of the Penelope brand - Management noted that the Penelope brand performed better than expected, leading to an increase in contingent liability on the balance sheet [66][80]