Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales grew 3.3% to a record $454.3 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased 1.6% to a record $72 million, and adjusted EPS was $2 per share compared to $1.98 last year [6][21] - Gross margin was 33%, reflecting a seasonal mix shift towards higher margin products and progress on pricing initiatives [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food service segment sales increased 4.8%, driven by price increases and volume growth in pretzels, with pretzel sales up 12.8% [9][21] - Retail segment sales decreased by 7.1%, primarily due to a decline in frozen novelty and handheld sales, although Dogsters and Dipping Dots Sundays continued to grow [11][21] - Frozen beverage segment sales increased by 6.1%, with a modest decline in beverage volume offset by higher machine revenue [13][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Box office sales increased 37% year-over-year, driven by the success of the Minecraft movie, which helped to compensate for sluggish performance in other channels [7][21] - Beverage sales were negatively impacted by foreign exchange headwinds, which affected total frozen beverage segment sales by approximately 270 basis points [13][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on targeted pricing actions, cost reduction initiatives, and consumer-led innovation across its portfolio to address near-term challenges [19][20] - Plans to innovate around better-for-you products and eliminate certain artificial ingredients from products served in schools by 2026 [18][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious about the consumer backdrop, tariff-related risks, and projections for box office sales to be down in Q4 [19][20] - The company is optimistic about growth prospects, including potential permanent menu placements with major QSR customers [10][16] Other Important Information - The quarter included a non-recurring gain of $10.6 million from insurance proceeds related to last year's plant fire and a $1.5 million brand impairment charge [21] - The balance sheet remains strong with approximately $77 million in cash and no long-term debt [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Retail segment promotional activity pullback - Management acknowledged insufficient promotional depth in the retail segment and plans to correct this in the future [30] Question: Handheld capacity outsourcing plans - Management confirmed that capacity from a shut-down plant has been successfully shifted to another facility, which can now produce more than before [31][33] Question: Cost structure around marketing and distribution - Marketing expenses increased due to summer promotions, while distribution costs improved through freight optimization and lower fuel expenses [37][39] Question: Handhelds volume expectations for fiscal 2026 - Management expects a 10% lift in handhelds next year, with capacity in one plant rising about 37% [46] Question: Materiality of new programs with QSR chains - Management indicated that tests with churros and frozen beverages could have a meaningful impact on sales for 2026, with positive indications from ongoing tests [48][49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue increase of 4.1% to $362.6 million, driven by volume increases and pricing [5][19] - Gross margin declined to 25.9% from 27.2% year-over-year, reflecting input cost inflation not fully offset by price increases [6][19] - Operating income decreased to $6.2 million from $9.7 million, with adjusted operating income at $8.2 million compared to $13.5 million last year [22][24] - Net earnings fell to $5.1 million from $7.3 million, with earnings per diluted share decreasing to $0.26 from $0.37 [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Foodservice revenue increased by 4.5%, with soft pretzel sales up 4.8% due to convenience store recovery [11] - Frozen novelties saw a significant increase of 9.8%, driven by Zippin' Dots growth [11] - Bakery sales grew by 6.6%, primarily due to price increases [12] - Retail sales increased by 2.2%, with frozen novelty sales rising significantly, while soft pretzel sales declined by 7.4% due to an ordering system issue [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Frozen beverage sales increased by 4%, with a notable 10% volume increase attributed to a 45% growth in theater channels [13] - The North American box office is projected to grow over 10% year-over-year, indicating a strong recovery in the entertainment sector [13][14] - Consumer spending on leisure and entertainment is outpacing traditional retail channels, providing a favorable environment for the company [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving volume growth and mix improvement across its portfolio, with a disciplined approach to capital deployment [10][17] - A new $50 million stock repurchase authorization reflects confidence in long-term value and financial flexibility [10] - The rollout of Dippin' Dots to theaters is progressing well, with plans for further growth in retail channels [16][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in Q1 but expressed confidence in overcoming them, citing strong underlying business fundamentals [9][17] - The company is optimistic about the recovery trajectory in theater traffic and overall consumer spending trends [14][25] - Management expects gross margins to improve in the second half of the year, targeting a return to low 30% levels [66][67] Other Important Information - The company experienced significant inflation in chocolates, eggs, and proteins, which impacted profitability [7][20] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 27.2%, up from 26.6% in the prior year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide a gross margin bridge for the decline year over year? - Management indicated that about 80 basis points of the decline were due to pricing gaps relative to input costs, with the remainder attributed to mix changes in the bakery business [30][31] Question: How does the pricing lag occur? - The delay in implementing price increases was primarily due to the time taken to push these through to customers, not a lack of visibility [46][47] Question: What is the impact of the peso on profitability? - The peso's depreciation had a nearly $1 million impact on profitability for the frozen beverage segment [54] Question: What is the outlook for gross margins in the second half of the year? - Management expects gross margins to improve, aiming for low 30% levels, with seasonal factors contributing positively [66][67] Question: Can you elaborate on the Dippin' Dots rollout? - The Dippin' Dots product has been well received, launching with a major nationwide retailer, and is expected to see significant growth [70] Question: Will stock repurchases occur alongside potential acquisitions? - The company plans to be opportunistic with stock repurchases while also actively seeking attractive acquisition opportunities [75]