Core Insights - Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ) is anticipated to report fiscal Q4 2025 results on February 12, 2026, with expected quarterly revenue of approximately $344.65 million and a GAAP EPS of $0.27, indicating a positive outlook from Wall Street with 73% of analysts maintaining a Buy rating [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings - Scott Marks from Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating on Utz Brands with a price target of $15 on January 27 [2] - DA Davidson also maintained a Buy rating with a $15 price target on January 14 [2] Group 2: Preliminary Results - DA Davidson noted modest preliminary Q4 2025 results, with expected net sales between $342 million and $343 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.3% to 0.6% [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter is projected to be between $62 million and $64 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 17% to 21% [4] - Despite modest expectations, DA Davidson considers the results strong given the challenging consumer packaged goods market environment [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Utz Brands, Inc. manufactures and sells a variety of snacks under brands such as Utz, On The Border, Zapp's, and Boulder Canyon, including products like potato chips, pretzels, cheese snacks, tortilla chips, salsas, and bold-flavored kettle chips [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $27 million on sales of $343.8 million for Q1 2026, representing a 7% increase in adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year [5] - Gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 27.9% year-over-year, driven by early savings from Project Apollo and improved product mix [5][12] - Net sales declined by 5.2% to $343.8 million, primarily due to a $18 million revenue decline in the bakery business [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales decreased by $19.7 million, or 8.3%, to $219.2 million, with $18 million of the decline attributed to the lower-margin bakery business [11] - Handheld sales in the food service segment declined by approximately $5 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by $3.6 million, or about 6.9% [11] - Retail segment net sales increased by $1.2 million, or 2.6%, to $45.9 million, driven by a $1.8 million increase in handheld volume [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a dip in dollar sales in mid-November due to a pause in SNAP benefits, with the largest impact seen in frozen novelties [6] - Dippin' Dots sales increased by approximately 4% in Q1, supported by retail growth and expansion into theaters and amusement centers [9] - The company noted improved theater trends in January, primarily due to the success of the Avatar movie, with a promising movie slate for the remainder of the fiscal year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on higher-margin opportunities and operational excellence as part of its transformation initiatives under Project Apollo [5][41] - A new $50 million share repurchase authorization was announced, reflecting confidence in the business and commitment to returning cash to shareholders [7] - The company aims to achieve a $20 million run-rate operating income once all Project Apollo initiatives are fully activated [7][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the early benefits of Project Apollo and the potential for low single-digit growth for the full year, despite a 3% headwind from SKU rationalization [25][26] - The company anticipates that commodity pricing will be more favorable this year compared to the previous year, which faced significant headwinds [32] - Management remains confident in the ability to deliver the full benefits of Project Apollo and drive long-term value creation [41] Other Important Information - The company generated approximately $36 million in operating cash flow and invested $19 million in capital expenditures during the quarter [17] - Operating expenses increased by $95.4 million, including $6.1 million in non-recurring plant closure costs [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales and Project Apollo - Analyst inquired about the full-year sales expectations considering the SKU rationalization impact and the company's long-term growth objectives [19] - Management responded that they expect low single-digit growth for the year, despite the SKU rationalization headwind [25][26] Question: Cost Savings from Project Apollo - Analyst asked about the $20 million annual run rate for cost savings from Project Apollo and the timeline for achieving it [28] - Management indicated that they expect to reach the full run rate in Q2, with significant progress already made [29] Question: Commodity Environment and Gross Margin - Analyst requested an update on commodity costs and their impact on gross margin moving forward [31] - Management noted that commodity pricing is expected to be more favorable this year, contributing to gross margin improvements [32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $27 million on sales of $343.8 million, representing a 7% increase in adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year [5] - Gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 27.9% versus the prior year, driven by early savings from Project Apollo and improved product mix [5][12] - Net sales declined by 5.2% to $343.8 million, primarily due to a decline in the bakery business [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by $19.7 million, or 8.3%, to $219.2 million, with $18 million of the decline attributed to the lower-margin bakery business [11] - Handheld sales in the food service segment declined approximately $5 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by $3.6 million, or about 6.9% [11] - Retail segment net sales increased by $1.2 million, or 2.6%, to $45.9 million, driven by a $1.8 million increase in handheld volume [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a dip in dollar sales in mid-November coinciding with a pause in SNAP benefits, impacting frozen novelties the most [6] - Dippin' Dots sales were up approximately 4% in the first quarter, fueled by retail growth and theater expansion [9] - The company anticipates incremental distribution gains across regional and national customers in fiscal 2026 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on higher-margin opportunities and operational excellence as part of its strategic direction [41] - Project Apollo is expected to deliver $20 million in run-rate operating income once fully implemented, with significant progress already made [7][29] - The company is committed to returning cash to shareholders, having completed a $42 million share repurchase and announced a new $50 million repurchase authorization [7][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the theater performance for the balance of fiscal 2026, despite a disappointing box office performance in the first quarter [10] - The company expects to achieve low single-digit growth for the entire year, factoring in the impact of SKU rationalization [25][26] - Management believes commodity pricing will be more favorable this year compared to the previous year, which faced significant headwinds [32] Other Important Information - Operating expenses increased by $95.4 million, including non-recurring plant closure costs [14] - The effective tax rate was 27%, with reported earnings per diluted share at $0.05 compared to $0.26 last year [17] - The company generated approximately $36 million in operating cash flow and invested $19 million in capital expenditures during the quarter [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales and SKU Rationalization Impact - Analyst inquired about the full-year sales expectations considering the SKU rationalization impact of about 3 percentage points [19] Response - Management indicated that despite the SKU rationalization, they expect low single-digit growth for the year, supported by new business and innovation [25][26] Question: Project Apollo Cost Savings - Analyst asked about the $20 million annual run rate for Project Apollo and what needs to happen to achieve it [28] Response - Management believes they will reach the $20 million run rate starting in Q2, with most of the work related to plant consolidation already completed [29] Question: Commodity Environment and Gross Margin - Analyst requested an update on commodity costs and their impact on gross margin moving forward [31] Response - Management noted that commodity pricing is expected to be more favorable this year, contributing to gross margin improvements [32]

Core Insights - Tilray Brands, Inc. is preparing for a major sports event on February 8, 2026, by offering exclusive game day experiences at its craft beer tap rooms across the U.S. [1] - The company aims to enhance fan engagement through special promotions, food, and entertainment options during the game [1][15]. Tap Room Promotions - Montauk Brewing Company is offering $10 crowlers and a buy-two-get-one-free deal on 6-packs leading up to the game [3]. - Blue Point Brewing Co will host a promotion where guests can win a 75" smart TV and is offering catering packages that need to be ordered by February 6 [4]. - SweetWater Brewing Co in Atlanta is providing live music and exclusive draft beer specials, along with game-ready to-go deals for $20 [5]. - Terrapin Beer Co will have extended hours and half-priced pints, along with food offerings from a food truck [6]. - Breckenridge Brewing is offering various to-go specials, including wings and beer packages [7][14]. - Atwater Brewery has a Super 60 Deal for $60, which includes pizza, wings, and a growler or 12-pack [11]. - 10 Barrel Brewing is promoting a Touchdown Meal Deal for $50, along with bingo and raffles for in-house guests [12]. - Hop Valley Brewing is offering a Jumbo Pretzel Pack and other to-go specials for fans [13]. Company Overview - Tilray Brands, Inc. is a global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in multiple regions, including North America and Europe [15]. - The company focuses on creating memorable experiences through its diverse portfolio of brands, which includes cannabis, beverages, and wellness products [15].

Core Viewpoint - Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ) is identified as a promising mid-cap consumer staples stock, with a current Buy rating from Bank of America Securities despite a target price reduction from $15 to $14, indicating a potential upside of nearly 41% [1]. Financial Performance - The company's preliminary Q4 results revealed organic sales growth between 0.3% and 0.6%, which fell short of analyst expectations of 2.7% and consensus forecasts of 2.9%, attributed to macroeconomic headwinds affecting consumption [2]. - Organic sales growth forecasts have been revised down from 3% to approximately 2.5%, while adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be around $217 million [3]. Analyst Ratings and Outlook - Mizuho Securities analyst John Baumgartner reaffirmed a Buy rating with a target price of $16, suggesting a potential upside of 61%, following positive management meetings [4]. - Baumgartner expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve volumetric growth and margin expansion in 2026, which is expected to enhance free cash flows and support financial deleveraging efforts [5]. Company Overview - Utz Brands specializes in selling snack foods to consumers, warehouse clubs, and merchandisers, with a diverse product range including pretzels, potato chips, tortillas, and ready-to-eat popcorn, marketed under various brands such as Utz, Golden Flake, and TGI Fridays [6].

Core Insights - Palm Valley Capital Fund's performance in Q4 2025 was a 0.66% appreciation, underperforming the S&P SmallCap 600's 1.70% gain and the Morningstar Small Cap Total Return Index's 3.12% rise [1] - The Fund increased its allocation to Treasury bills from 74.1% to 76.3% during the quarter, while equity holdings rose by 1.12% [1] - Precious metals, particularly silver, significantly influenced the Fund's equity performance, which has been a major allocation for several years [1] Company Focus: Utz Brands, Inc. - Utz Brands, Inc. is a U.S.-based manufacturer of salty snacks, with a one-month return of 0.51% and a 52-week loss of 30.53% [2] - As of January 5, 2026, Utz's stock closed at $9.83 per share, with a market capitalization of $860.221 million [2] - The Fund initiated a position in Utz Brands during Q4 2025, alongside Domino's Pizza Group and Ingredion, with initial weightings being modest due to reaching minimum required discounts [3] - Utz has invested heavily in productivity and geographic expansion, averaging $100 million in capital expenditures annually over the past two years, with expectations to normalize to $60-$70 million in 2026 [3] - The company enjoys attractive margins, consistent demand, and strong free cash flow potential, with brands like Boulder Canyon chips performing well due to consumer demand for healthier snacks [3] - At the time of purchase, Utz shares traded at approximately 12 times the 2026 free cash flow estimate and offered a 2.6% dividend yield [3]

Core Insights - Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Utz Brands by 23.7% during Q2, owning 36,797 shares valued at $462,000 [2] - Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own 95.97% of Utz Brands' stock, indicating strong institutional interest [3] Institutional Activity - Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acquired a new position valued at approximately $196,000 in Q1 [3] - Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings by 7.2%, now owning 7,439,869 shares worth $104,753,000 after acquiring an additional 501,374 shares [3] - Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its holdings by 38.0%, owning 5,671,757 shares valued at $79,858,000 after acquiring 1,560,884 shares [3] - GW&K Investment Management LLC raised its holdings by 19.7%, now owning 1,531,986 shares worth $21,570,000 [3] Analyst Ratings - UBS Group lowered its price target from $13.50 to $11.50, maintaining a "neutral" rating [4] - Barclays reiterated an "overweight" rating with a price target of $14.00 [4] - TD Cowen reduced its price target from $14.00 to $12.00, setting a "hold" rating [4] - The consensus rating for Utz Brands is "Moderate Buy" with a target price of $16.07 [4] Stock Performance - Utz Brands stock opened at $10.52, with a market cap of $1.49 billion [5] - The company has a PE ratio of 150.34 and a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 [5] - The stock has a 12-month low of $10.19 and a high of $18.29 [5] Financial Results - For the latest quarter, Utz Brands reported an EPS of $0.23, meeting consensus estimates [6] - Revenue for the quarter was $377.80 million, up 3.4% year-over-year, exceeding the consensus estimate of $374.25 million [6] - The company has set FY 2025 EPS guidance at 0.824-0.847 [6] Dividend Information - Utz Brands announced a quarterly dividend of $0.061, representing an annualized yield of 2.3% [7] - The dividend payout ratio is currently 342.86% [7] Insider Transactions - Director Christina Choi sold 5,703 shares at an average price of $13.63, resulting in a 14.47% decrease in her position [8] - Insiders currently own 16.32% of the stock [8] Company Overview - Utz Brands, Inc. specializes in the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of snack foods, offering a variety of products including potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn under various brand names [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has maintained its expectation for EBITDA margins of around 16% in 2026, with an anticipated 100 basis points of expansion each year [23][28] - The company reported a 1% drag on pricing in the recent quarter, which was in line with expectations [42][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing strong growth in its Boulder Canyon brand, which is the number one potato chip brand in the natural channel, with velocities up about 35% [80] - The On the Border brand is experiencing short-term challenges, but management believes these issues are not structural and can be addressed [76][78] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a 1.9% market share in California, which represents a significant opportunity as the state accounts for about 10% of the salty snacks category in the U.S. [41] - Expansion markets such as Florida, Illinois, Colorado, and Missouri are averaging about 6% growth, outperforming the average expansion market share [114][115] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to make incremental investments to support its expansion into California, leveraging a proven playbook from previous market entries [26][27] - The strategy focuses on holding core markets while expanding into new geographies, with a strong emphasis on innovation and communication to drive growth [111][112] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the salty snacks category, noting that consumer participation is increasing and the pricing environment remains rational [120][121] - The company is committed to increasing marketing investments, particularly in retail media, to drive consumer engagement and support brand growth [124][125] Other Important Information - The company is addressing recent challenges related to potato supply quality, which impacted gross margins, but expects these issues to be isolated and resolved [61][66] - The company is focused on productivity improvements and supply chain optimization to enhance operational efficiency and support top-line growth [98][102] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the California route acquisition and its impact? - Management indicated that the acquired network will allow for product introduction in early 2026, with confidence in driving growth through existing customer relationships [40] Question: What is the outlook for pricing and volume mix? - The company experienced a 1% drag on pricing but expects to manage this through effective revenue management strategies [46][47] Question: How does the competitive landscape affect the company? - Management views competitor innovations as a net positive for the category, as they can drive consumer interest and engagement [88][90] Question: What are the expectations for market share dynamics? - The company is seeing incremental market share gains in core markets, driven by strong relationships with retailers and effective execution [111][112] Question: What is the company's approach to innovation? - Management believes that innovation can drive category growth and is focused on simplifying ingredients and addressing consumer trends [130][133]

Core Insights - Utz Brands reported Q2 2025 GAAP revenue of $366.7 million, exceeding analyst expectations by $4.57 million, while Non-GAAP earnings per share were $0.17, missing estimates by $0.01 [1][2] - The company experienced a 2.9% year-over-year increase in GAAP revenue, driven by a 5.4% organic growth in branded salty snacks, which represent 88% of total sales [5][6] - Despite revenue growth, escalating costs constrained margins, leading to a significant 60.2% decline in net income compared to the previous year [2][7] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP EPS for Q2 2025 was $0.17, down 10.5% from $0.19 in Q2 2024 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2.0% to $48.7 million, while adjusted gross profit margin improved to 39.8%, up 2.2 percentage points year-over-year [2][7] - Selling, distribution, and administrative costs rose to $119.5 million, representing 32.6% of sales, up from 29.4% in Q2 2024 [7] Business Strategy - The company focuses on geographic expansion and investment in its "Power Four" product families, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and distribution [4][5] - Utz's retail sales increased by 3.3% in a category that saw a 1.5% decline, indicating strong consumer demand for its branded products [6] - The company is consolidating its supply network, closing a facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to drive productivity savings [8] Future Outlook - Management raised the organic net sales growth forecast for FY2025 to at least 2.5%, while adjusting the adjusted EBITDA growth guidance to a range of 7% to 10% [11] - The outlook for adjusted earnings per share was lowered to 7% to 10% growth due to increased capital expenditures and rising interest expenses [11] - The company aims to reduce its net leverage ratio to around 3 times by the end of FY2025, down from 4.1 times currently [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EBITDA was roughly flat in the first half of the year, with a projected growth of 8.5% for the full year, implying high teens growth in the second half [6][19] - EPS guidance was revised from 10-15% growth to 7-10% growth, with a midpoint impact of about 3 cents due to increased interest expense and accelerated depreciation [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant growth was observed in potato chips, while tortilla chips and pretzels were below trend, with specific brands performing variably [23][26] - Boulder Canyon brand is expected to continue strong growth, with distribution gains across both core and expansion markets [71][72] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Distribution gains were noted across all 30 expansion geographies, with strong retailer support from national chains [33][34] - The convenience store channel is showing improvement, with expectations to reach flattish performance by year-end [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on westward expansion and infrastructure investments to support distribution gains [11][35] - Marketing strategies include increased spending in retail media and social media to support geographic expansion and brand introduction [91][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in achieving productivity savings and margin expansion, with a positive outlook for the second half of the year [9][56] - The company believes the category will continue to grow, driven by household penetration and repeat purchases [107][109] Other Important Information - The company is nearing the end of its manufacturing optimization efforts, with significant productivity improvements already realized [85][87] - CapEx spending is expected to peak in 2025, with a focus on automation and efficiency improvements [21][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives confidence in the EBITDA growth outlook despite flat performance in the first half? - Management cited investments in infrastructure and productivity savings as key drivers for expected growth in the second half [7][9] Question: Can you clarify the changes in EPS guidance? - EPS growth was revised down due to increased interest expenses and accelerated depreciation from higher CapEx spending [19][20] Question: What is driving the strong top-line results? - The company attributed growth to distribution gains, improved volume and value share in core markets, and investments in westward expansion [10][11] Question: How is the company addressing the performance of tortilla chips and pretzels? - Management noted that tortilla chips faced promotional overlaps, while pretzel performance varied by brand, with some brands performing well [26][27] Question: What is the outlook for the convenience store channel? - The company expects the convenience store channel to improve and reach flattish performance by year-end, supported by better product assortment [65] Question: How is the company managing supply chain and manufacturing efficiency? - The company has made significant strides in optimizing manufacturing and is now focusing on automation and efficiency improvements [85][87] Question: What is the long-term outlook for category growth? - Management remains bullish on long-term category growth, citing strong household penetration and repeat purchases as positive indicators [107][109] Question: How is the company addressing consumer interest in protein products? - The company is exploring opportunities in the protein segment while ensuring that products meet consumer taste preferences [111][112]