Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of ongoing inflation on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and suggests focusing on low-beta defensive stocks to navigate market volatility [2][3][10] Economic Context - Inflation has risen, with the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index increasing by 2.8% year-over-year in November, moving further away from the Federal Reserve's 2% target [6][8] - Personal income growth has slowed, with increases of 0.1% in October and 0.3% in November, below analysts' expectations [9] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to consider low-beta defensive stocks, particularly in the utility and consumer staples sectors, to mitigate market fluctuations [4][5] - Featured stocks include: - **Ameren Corp. (AEE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.58, dividend yield of 2.78% [12][13] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.2%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.50, dividend yield of 3.46% [14][15] - **ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 11.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.81, dividend yield of 3.47% [16] - **Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.33, dividend yield of 4.76% [17] - **J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 4.5%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.34, dividend yield of 3.43% [18][19]

Exec Edge hosted a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 with Dan Fachner, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman at J&J Snack Foods Corp. (Nasdaq: JJSF). The in-person interview was joined by Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks, and they discussed the company’s more than 30 strategic acquisitions including the Dippin’ Dots acquisition, how J&J is positioning itself for improved margins and long-term growth, among other topics. About Dan Fachner Dan Fachner has been President and Chief Executive Off ...

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Jan. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  J & J Snack Foods Corp. (Nasdaq: JJSF) today announced that it will release financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 27, 2025, before the stock market opens on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The Company will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss the results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time that same day. Investors interested in participating in the live call can pre-register by clicking on this Registration Link to receive the dial-in ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][18] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, with net sales increasing by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [5][19] - Operating expenses increased by 24% to $118.8 million, which is 29% of sales, including $24.8 million of non-recurring charges related to Project Apollo [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by 3.6% [14] - Retail segment net sales declined by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, partially offset by higher pretzel volume [15] - Frozen beverage segment sales declined by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [12] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound in 2026, supported by a strong lineup of movies [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated Project Apollo, aimed at generating sustainable efficiencies and cost savings, with expected annualized operating income of at least $20 million once fully implemented [7][8] - The company is focusing on consolidating its manufacturing network and optimizing its distribution system to reduce expenses [8][9] - A robust innovation pipeline is planned for fiscal 2026, including new product launches and commercial activities [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding consumer sentiment and operational execution as they move into fiscal 2026 [31] - The company anticipates benefits from Project Apollo and expects to see improvements in both top-line growth and margins [32][66] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing challenges faced in fiscal 2025, including commodity cost inflation and foreign exchange impacts [32] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt, maintaining a strong financial position [12][18] - Share repurchases totaled $3 million in the quarter, with plans to accelerate buybacks in the current quarter [13][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1%-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [25][26] Question: Macro environment and 2026 outlook - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for improved performance [31][32] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and automation - The second phase of Project Apollo focusing on automation and efficiencies is expected to be implemented in 2027, with initial benefits seen in 2026 [46] Question: Challenges in the frozen novelty business - Management acknowledged challenges in the frozen novelty segment but is optimistic about recovery through increased marketing and trade spend [49][51] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margins above 30% toward the mid-30s, leveraging savings from Project Apollo [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][21] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, while net sales increased by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [6][22] - Operating expenses increased by 24% to $118.8 million, which included $24.8 million of non-recurring charges related to Project Apollo [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, with soft pretzel sales increasing by 3.6% [16] - Retail segment net sales declined by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, although higher pretzel volume partially offset this [17] - Frozen beverage segment sales declined by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [14] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound in 2026, supported by a strong lineup of movies [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a business transformation program called Project Apollo, expected to generate at least $20 million of annualized operating income once fully implemented in 2026 [8][9] - The focus of Project Apollo includes the consolidation of manufacturing facilities, with three facilities announced for closure [9][10] - The company plans to increase share repurchase activity, with $3 million in repurchases during the quarter and intentions to accelerate this in the current quarter [15][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal 2026, citing operational execution improvements and a strong innovation pipeline [7][34] - The macro environment remains cautious, particularly in retail, but management is encouraged by early results in Q1 of fiscal 2026 [34] - Challenges faced in 2025 included consumer sentiment, foreign exchange impacts, and commodity cost inflation, but management is bullish about overcoming these in 2026 [35] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt, maintaining a strong financial position [14][21] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.58, down from $1.60 in the prior year, with a significantly lower effective tax rate of 4.8% compared to 26.8% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [28][29] Question: Macro environment and 2026 outlook - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for benefits from plant closures and innovation [34][35] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and automation - The second phase of Project Apollo focusing on automation and efficiencies is expected to be implemented in 2027, with initial benefits from plant closures anticipated by Q2 of fiscal 2026 [50][68] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margin above 30% toward the mid-30s, with savings from Project Apollo contributing to this goal [68] Question: Capital allocation and share repurchase plans - Management plans to accelerate stock buybacks, with $42 million remaining on the authorization and intentions to buy back stock in the current quarter [41][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $57.4 million on sales of $410.2 million, a 3.9% decline in sales compared to the previous year [5][18] - For the full year, adjusted EBITDA was $180.9 million, while net sales increased by 0.5% to $1.58 billion [5][19] - Consolidated gross profit was $130.2 million, with a gross margin of 31.7%, slightly down from 31.8% the previous year [16] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.58, compared to $1.60 in the prior year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment net sales declined by 1.1% to $259.3 million, while soft pretzel sales increased by 3.6% [14] - Retail segment net sales fell by 8.1%, primarily due to lower frozen novelty volumes, although higher pretzel volume partially offset this decline [15] - Frozen beverage segment sales decreased by 8.3%, attributed to lower beverage volume in the quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales for the period aligned with fiscal 2025 were up 10% compared to the prior year, with industry projections for a 9% increase in North America box office sales for fiscal 2026 [12] - The theater industry is expected to continue its rebound, supported by a strong lineup of movies [12][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company initiated a business transformation program called Project Apollo, expected to generate at least $20 million in annualized operating income once fully implemented [7][8] - The focus of Project Apollo includes the consolidation of manufacturing facilities, with three facilities announced for closure [7][8] - The company plans to increase share repurchase activity, with $3 million in repurchases during the quarter and intentions to accelerate this in the current quarter [13][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal 2026, citing operational execution improvements and a strong innovation pipeline [6][27] - The macro environment remains cautious, particularly in the retail sector, but management is encouraged by early results in Q1 2026 [27][28] - Challenges faced in 2025 included a significant LTO for churros and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts, but management is bullish about 2026 [29] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial position with approximately $106 million in cash and no long-term debt [12][18] - Marketing expenses increased by 4.8% year-over-year, driven by new sponsorships and promotional activities [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of portfolio optimization on sales - Management indicated that portfolio optimization could lead to a 1-1.5% impact on overall sales growth, with expectations of mid-single-digit growth year over year [22][24] Question: Macro environment and its impact on 2026 - Management noted cautious consumer sentiment but expressed positive momentum entering 2026, with expectations for theater industry recovery [27][28] Question: Timeline for Project Apollo and expected benefits - The full run rate for plant closure benefits is expected to be reached by Q2 2026, with additional savings anticipated in the latter half of the year [31] Question: Details on commercial opportunities for fiscal 2026 - Key opportunities include a churro LTO with a major customer and a frozen beverage rollout with a large convenience store operator [54] Question: Gross margin potential post-Apollo - Management aims to improve gross margins above 30% toward the mid-30s, with savings from Project Apollo contributing to this goal [56]

Core Insights - J & J Snack Foods Corp. reported a decline in net sales and earnings for the fourth quarter, with net sales at $410.2 million, down 4% year-over-year, and net earnings at $11.4 million, down 62% compared to the previous year [2][3][5]. Financial Performance - Fourth quarter operating income was $11.5 million, a significant decrease of 71% from the prior year quarter [2][9]. - Adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter was $37.7 million, down 10% year-over-year [2][9]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $57.4 million, reflecting a 4% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2][3]. - Earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter were $0.58, down 62% from $1.52 in the prior year quarter [2][9]. Segment Performance - The Food Service segment saw a slight sales decrease of 1.1%, while the Retail Supermarket segment experienced an 8.1% decline in sales [7][14]. - The Frozen Beverage segment reported an 8.3% decrease in sales, primarily due to lower theater volumes following the success of the Inside Out 2 movie last year [7][14]. Cost and Expenses - Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter were $118.8 million, representing 29% of sales, compared to 22.4% in the prior year quarter [8][9]. - Marketing and selling expenses increased by 4.8% to $32.6 million, while distribution expenses decreased by 8.3% to $42.2 million [13]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is launching several major commercial programs in fiscal 2026 and has a robust innovation pipeline focused on healthier product attributes [4]. - A comprehensive business transformation program has been initiated, expected to generate at least $20 million in annualized operating income once fully implemented [4]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - The company reported a strong balance sheet with $106 million in cash and no debt, positioning it well for sustainable growth [4]. - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $105.9 million, up from $73.4 million at the end of the previous year [29].

Core Insights - J & J Snack Foods Corp. will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year on November 17, 2025, before the market opens [1] - A conference call and webcast will be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the results [1] Company Overview - J & J Snack Foods Corp. is a leader and innovator in the snack food and frozen beverage industry, with over fifty years of experience [3] - The company specializes in a variety of snack and beverage brands, including SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE, and Dippin' Dots [3] - The brand portfolio also features LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID frozen ices, WHOLE FRUIT frozen fruit bars, DOGSTERS, ¡Hola! Churros, THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY products, and various bakery brands [3]

Core Insights - J & J Snack Foods Corp. reported strong third-quarter results for the period ending June 28, 2025, with record performance in key financial metrics, including net sales of $454.3 million and adjusted EBITDA of $72.0 million, reflecting the resilience of the business and the strength of its diversified portfolio [3][6]. Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 3.3% year-over-year to $454.3 million, driven primarily by higher sales in the Food Service and Frozen Beverage segments [6]. - Gross profit rose to $150.0 million, up from $147.8 million in the prior year, although gross margin slightly declined from 33.6% to 33.0% due to lower margins in the Frozen Beverage segment [6][9]. - Operating income increased by 21% to $60.6 million, compared to $50.1 million in the prior year quarter, while adjusted operating income was $53.4 million, a slight increase from $53.1 million [9][36]. - Net earnings reached $44.2 million, a 22% increase from $36.3 million in the prior year, with earnings per diluted share at $2.26, up from $1.87 [9][27]. Segment Performance - Food Service segment sales increased by 4.8% to $277.2 million, with pretzel sales growing by 12.8% [7][15]. - Retail Supermarket segment sales decreased by 7.1% to $63.9 million, impacted by reduced promotional activity and capacity constraints due to a facility fire [4][15]. - Frozen Beverage segment sales rose by 6.1% to $113.3 million, with machine sales increasing significantly by 73.4% [7][15]. Cost Management - Total operating expenses were $89.4 million, representing 19.7% of sales, down from 22.2% in the prior year quarter, aided by a $10.6 million gain on insurance proceeds [8][9]. - Marketing and selling expenses increased slightly to $33.8 million, while distribution expenses decreased to $44.7 million due to cost optimization initiatives [14]. Future Outlook - The company remains cautious about the consumer environment and potential tariff-related risks, while focusing on execution and innovation with several key product launches planned for fiscal 2026 [5][6]. - The company is also making progress on healthier product innovations, including high-protein pretzels and clean-label novelties [5].

Company Announcement - J & J Snack Foods Corp. has scheduled a conference call and webcast to discuss its fiscal 2025 third quarter financial results on August 5, 2025, at 10:00 am Eastern time [1] - The company expects to release its fiscal third quarter results for the period ended June 28, 2025, in the morning on the same day [2] Conference Call Details - Participants must pre-register to receive the dial-in number and personal PIN required for accessing the conference call [2] - A live webcast of the call will be available on the company's investor relations website, with a recommendation to allow 15 minutes for registration and software installation [3] Company Overview - J & J Snack Foods Corp. is a leader and innovator in the snack food and frozen beverage industry, with over fifty years of experience [4] - The company specializes in various snack and beverage brands, including SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE, and Dippin' Dots, among others [4] - The brand portfolio also features LUIGI'S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID frozen ices, WHOLE FRUIT frozen fruit bars, and several bakery brands [4]