Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal 2026 started strong with Q1 adjusted EBITDA significantly above expectations, leading to an increase in guidance [4] - The company maintained net leverage flat despite aggressive share repurchases and the sale of the 8th Avenue pasta business [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The foodservice normalized run rate was updated positively, reflecting strong operating performance [4] - The cereal category has recently returned to a low single-digit growth rate after previous declines, attributed to changes in SNAP and trade-down behavior from other categories [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant change in the cereal category's trajectory, with improvements in both cereal and peanut butter segments [12] - The pet food segment experienced volume challenges, particularly in the dog category, while cat food remained stronger [78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on share repurchases as a primary use of free cash flow, while remaining opportunistic regarding M&A as market valuations change [10] - There is an ongoing assessment of promotional spending and assortment adjustments to enhance efficiency in the cereal category [29] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the normalized run rate for foodservice, expecting continued growth driven by value propositions for operators [45] - The company is balancing its focus between the foodservice segment and the RTD shakes plan, ensuring not to overemphasize the latter [39] Other Important Information - The company has successfully closed two cereal facilities, with cost savings expected to impact the P&L starting in Q3 [80] - Management indicated that the portfolio is well-aligned with updated dietary guidelines, with no immediate changes anticipated [74] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market valuations and M&A activity - Management noted that as market multiples change, M&A opportunities become more attractive, but current valuations may not yet warrant significant changes in capital allocation [10] Question: Cereal category performance - Management observed a recent improvement in the cereal category, attributing it to SNAP changes and a shift towards more affordable breakfast options [12] Question: Foodservice business expectations - Management indicated that the balance of the portfolio remains in line with initial expectations, with no material changes anticipated [22] Question: Pricing dynamics in pet food - Management confirmed that pricing challenges were primarily driven by the pet segment, particularly with the Nutrish brand [53] Question: Private label business performance - The private label business is performing as expected, with growth opportunities identified in mashed potatoes and mac and cheese [65] Question: Trends in the pet category - Management noted that the dog food segment remains softer compared to cat food, with expectations for gradual recovery [78]

Core Viewpoint - The Simply Good Foods Company will report its financial results for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 on January 8, 2026, with a live conference call scheduled for the same day [1]. Group 1: Financial Reporting - The financial results announcement will be followed by a live conference call at 6:30 a.m. Mountain Time (8:30 a.m. Eastern Time) [1]. - The call will feature Geoff Tanner, President and CEO, and Chris Bealer, CFO [1]. Group 2: Participation Details - Investors can participate in the live call by dialing 877-407-0792 from the U.S. or 201-689-8263 from international locations [2]. - A live webcast and supplemental slide presentation will be available on the Company's website [2]. Group 3: Replay Information - A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion and will remain accessible until January 15, 2026 [3]. - The replay can be accessed by dialing 844-512-2921 from the U.S. or 412-317-6671 from international locations, using confirmation code 13757298 [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - The Simply Good Foods Company is a consumer-packaged food and beverage company based in Denver, Colorado, focusing on nutritional snacking [4]. - The company offers a variety of products under trusted brands such as Quest™, Atkins™, and OWYN™, including high protein snacks and low sugar options [4]. - The company aims to expand its healthy lifestyle platform through innovation-driven organic growth and external investment opportunities [4].

Core Insights - BellRing Brands has extended its partnership with Numerator, emphasizing the importance of consumer panel data in enhancing visibility and insights for strategic decision-making [1][2][3] Company Overview - Numerator is a data and tech company that integrates first-party data from over 1 million US households with advanced technology to provide comprehensive consumer insights for the market research industry [4] - The company has a workforce of 5,400 employees globally and serves 80 of the top 100 CPG brands [4] Industry Trends - The health and wellness category is rapidly evolving, with protein becoming a significant focus for consumers [2] - There is a growing demand for convenience, value, and innovation in protein-based nutrition, influenced by the rise of GLP-1 medications [3] Strategic Focus - BellRing Brands aims to expand household penetration of ready-to-drink (RTD) shakes and strengthen its leadership position in the protein market [3] - The partnership with Numerator provides BellRing Brands with deep consumer insights to tailor products effectively and position the brand for sustained growth [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q2 were $2 billion, a decrease of 2% compared to the previous year, primarily due to lower overall volumes in retail businesses, partially offset by elevated avian influenza-driven pricing in foodservice and volume growth in shakes [14][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $347 million, with a decrease in foodservice adjusted EBITDA of approximately $20 million compared to Q1, attributed to $30 million in costs ahead of pricing impacts [9][14] - Year-to-date cash flow was $240 million, with free cash flow of approximately $70 million net of CapEx spend, reflecting a decrease sequentially from the previous quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Post Consumer Brands (PCB) net sales decreased by 7%, driven by lower volumes in both cereal and pet segments, with cereal volumes down 6% and pet volumes down 5% [14][15] - Foodservice net sales increased by 10%, with volumes up by 3%, reflecting elevated pricing and higher shake sales, although excluding shakes, volumes were down by 1% [15][16] - Refrigerated retail net sales decreased by 7%, with volumes down by 5%, impacted by the timing of Easter and avian influenza [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cereal category experienced a decline of 3.7%, with the branded portfolio slightly behind at a decline of 4.5%, leading to pressures on manufacturing utilization and cost structure [10] - The pet segment faced a decline in volume consumption of 4.5%, while the overall category remained flat, indicating challenges in demand for specific brands [10][15] - Weetabix saw a 5% decrease in net sales, with volumes down by 7%, affected by lower promotions and pricing decisions [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on managing costs and optimizing its asset base, including the closure of two plants by the end of the calendar year to address manufacturing pressures [10][15] - The strategy includes a focus on driving volumes in the sides business and integrating the newly acquired PPI business, with expectations for improved margins in the latter half of the year [12][57] - The company is leaning into share repurchases, having bought approximately 6% of its shares since the beginning of the fiscal year, indicating a strong position for opportunistic capital allocation [13][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer sentiment is weak, and there is a need to focus on demand drivers and flawless supply chain execution [6][8] - The uncertainty in capital markets complicates M&A valuations, leading to a focus on smaller tactical transactions [12] - Management expects to recover unfavorable costs seen in Q2 during the remainder of fiscal 2025, assuming no additional outbreaks of avian influenza [9][19] Other Important Information - The company has increased its adjusted EBITDA guidance range to $1.43 billion to $1.47 billion for the fiscal year [19] - The recent tariff actions and volatility in capital markets have slowed the M&A pipeline, with a focus on transactions with clear synergies [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term run rate expectations for Foodservice unit - Management indicated that the long-term run rate is likely higher than previously thought, but a couple of quarters of normalcy are needed to make a better assessment [21][23] Question: Maintaining profitability in PCB despite volume declines - Management aims to manage costs effectively to maintain profitability, with expectations of a gradual improvement in cereal category declines [24][26] Question: Setup for PCB in fiscal 2026 - Management believes that the transition year for Pet will yield benefits next year, potentially offsetting headwinds in the cereal business [30][32] Question: Key drivers of price mix downturn in PCB - Management noted that the category is expected to remain pressured, particularly in cereal, while larger pack sizes are affecting mix negatively [36][37] Question: Options for Eighth Avenue business - Management expressed confidence in the business operations and indicated that a resolution regarding near-term maturities will be forthcoming [39] Question: Savings from cereal plant closures - Management expects about $20 million in annualized benefits from the plant closures, with potential offsets depending on category performance [42][43] Question: Impact of cautious consumers on pet business - Management noted that a shift towards value brands could favor their offerings, although market share dynamics differ from cereal [46][47] Question: Expectations for Refrigerated Retail and distribution expansion - Management highlighted improved capacity post-PPI acquisition and plans for innovation and expansion in the category [54][57] Question: Sequential improvement in category trends - Management observed slight improvements in cereal category performance but cautioned against claiming victory too soon [74] Question: RTD shake manufacturing ramp progress - Management reported sequential improvements in shake production, although it remains a minor contributor to profit at current levels [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net sales for Q2 were $2 billion, a decrease of 2% compared to the previous year, primarily due to lower overall volumes in retail businesses, partially offset by elevated avian influenza-driven pricing in foodservice and volume growth in shakes [13][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $347 million, reflecting a decrease in foodservice adjusted EBITDA by approximately $20 million compared to Q1 due to avian influenza costs [8][13] - Year-to-date cash flow was $240 million, with free cash flow of approximately $70 million net of CapEx spend, indicating a decrease sequentially from the previous quarter [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Post Consumer Brands (PCB) net sales decreased by 7%, driven by lower volumes in both cereal and pet segments, with cereal volumes down 6% and pet volumes down 5% [13][14] - Foodservice net sales increased by 10%, with volumes up by 3%, reflecting elevated pricing and higher shake sales, although excluding shakes, volumes were down by 1% [14][15] - Refrigerated retail net sales decreased by 7%, with volumes down by 5%, impacted by the timing of Easter and avian influenza [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cereal category experienced a decline of 3.7%, with the branded portfolio slightly behind at a decline of 4.5%, leading to pressures on manufacturing utilization and cost structure [9][13] - The pet segment faced a decline in volume consumption of 4.5%, while the overall category remained flat, indicating challenges in demand and distribution [9][14] - Weetabix saw a 5% decrease in net sales, with volumes down by 7%, affected by lower promotions and pricing decisions [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on managing costs and optimizing its asset base to maintain profitability in the face of declining volumes in the cereal category [22][30] - The recent acquisition of PPI is expected to provide new capacity and opportunities for innovation, allowing the company to explore private label and value chain strategies [51][62] - The company plans to continue share repurchases and remains well-positioned for opportunistic capital allocation despite the current market uncertainties [12][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer sentiment is weak, and there is a need to focus on demand drivers and supply chain execution [6][8] - The company expects to recover unfavorable costs ahead of pricing impacts seen in Q2 during the remainder of fiscal 2025, assuming no additional avian influenza outbreaks [8][18] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by avian influenza and the need for a couple of quarters of normalcy to better assess long-term run rates for the foodservice unit [21] Other Important Information - The company has closed two plants by the end of the calendar year to address manufacturing utilization issues [9] - The company has repurchased approximately 6% of its shares since the beginning of the fiscal year, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [12][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term run rate expectations for the Foodservice unit - Management indicated that the long-term run rate is likely higher than previously thought, but a couple of quarters of normalcy are needed to make a better assessment [21] Question: Maintaining profitability in PCB despite volume declines - Management aims to manage costs effectively to maintain profitability, with expectations of a gradual improvement in cereal category declines [22][30] Question: Setup for PCB in fiscal 2026 - Management believes that the transition year for Pet will yield benefits next year, potentially offsetting headwinds in the cereal business [29][30] Question: Key drivers of price mix downturn in PCB - Management noted that the pricing recovery in foodservice will offset some of the pressures in the cereal category for the remainder of the fiscal year [33] Question: Options for Eighth Avenue business - Management expressed confidence in the business operations and indicated that a resolution regarding near-term maturities will be forthcoming [35] Question: Insights from the PPI acquisition - Initial learnings suggest some unexpected synergies and challenges in employee integration, but the acquisition is expected to fit well into the company's network [61][62] Question: Trends in grocery category performance - Management observed a dichotomy in consumer behavior, with premium products performing well while others are seeing reduced demand [67]