Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 2025 net sales were $439.3 million, a decrease of 4.7% compared to $461.1 million in Q3 2024. Base business net sales, excluding divestitures, were down 2.7% [6][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $70.4 million, flat year-over-year, representing 16% of net sales [16][25] - Adjusted net income increased to $11.7 million, or $0.15 per adjusted diluted share, compared to $10.1 million or $0.13 per share in Q3 2024 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen and vegetables business unit saw a decline in net sales of 6.7% but an increase in adjusted EBITDA of $3 million due to favorable crop pack costs and productivity improvements [20] - The spices and seasonings business unit grew net sales by 2.1%, benefiting from fresh food and protein growth, although adjusted EBITDA was impacted by tariffs [7][18] - The meals business unit experienced a 1.4% decline in net sales, but adjusted EBITDA increased by approximately $0.6 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The divestiture of Don Pepino and Sclafani brands removed approximately $10.3 million of net sales and $3.2 million in adjusted EBITDA from Q3 [8][14] - The company expects the fourth quarter to show continued improvement, with net sales projected to be down approximately 2%-3% excluding the impact of the 53rd week [10][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - B&G Foods is focused on reshaping its portfolio through divestitures to create a more focused and efficient company, aiming for adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales to approach 20% [9][30] - The company plans to reduce its consolidated leverage ratio to six times within the next nine months through divestiture proceeds and improved cash flow generation [12][34] - Future growth is expected to come from a simplified portfolio and strategic acquisitions, with a long-term goal of achieving a leverage ratio between 4.5 and 5.5 [35][84] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a challenging consumer environment impacting sales, but expressed optimism for stabilization in base business trends towards a long-term growth objective of 1% [12][35] - The company is closely monitoring inflation and input costs, with expectations of modest inflation in 2025 [22][106] - Management highlighted the importance of cost-saving initiatives and pricing strategies to offset tariff impacts and maintain profitability [10][33] Other Important Information - The consolidated leverage ratio was reported at 6.88 times, with expectations to reduce it to six times by mid-2026 [11][29] - The company has executed targeted pricing to recover incremental tariffs, which will take effect for most customers starting in November [11][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the shift in sales guidance for Q4? - Management narrowed the sales guidance range to reflect the impact of divestitures and consistent base business net sales trends observed in Q3 [39] Question: How is the pricing affecting volume elasticity in the spices segment? - Management noted that pricing changes were implemented recently, and while some elasticity is expected, it is projected to be minimal [43][46] Question: What are the trends in the food service and private label business? - The food service business has shown stable trends with modest growth, while the private label business has experienced mid-single-digit growth [56][58] Question: How does the divestiture of Green Giant impact leverage targets? - The divestiture is expected to contribute to a full turn of deleveraging, with stabilization of EBITDA and improved working capital management also playing a role [65] Question: Have there been any early signs of SNAP cutbacks impacting grocery sales? - Management indicated it is too early to determine the impact, but a temporary effect is expected if the situation persists [67][68] Question: What is the outlook for input cost inflation into 2026? - Management anticipates modest input cost inflation, with strategies in place to recover costs through pricing adjustments [106]