THOMASVILLE, Ga., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) will report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after the market close. The company will host a live question and answer webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time the next day. Access to the webcast, press release, pre-recorded remarks by management with accompanying transcript, and supporting slide presentation will be available and archived at investors.flowersfoods.com. About Flowe ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the rapid rise of the AI language learning app "Learna," which has recently reached the Top 2 in the U.S. iOS education app rankings, indicating a significant shift in its market performance [4][6] - "Learna" primarily targets non-native English speakers living in the U.S., a demographic that has been largely overlooked by mainstream language learning products [7][8] Market Opportunity - According to the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 74.05 million people in the U.S. speak a non-English language at home, representing about 20% of the total population. This figure has increased by 9.22% over the past five years [9] - Among these, around 28.9 million individuals have limited English proficiency, with the largest group being Spanish speakers, followed by users of Asian and Pacific Islander languages [9][10] User Needs - For many non-native speakers, learning English is not driven by interest but is a necessity for employment, healthcare, and education [11] - Traditional ESL courses often fail to meet the needs of immigrant communities due to scheduling conflicts, standardized materials, and lack of immediate responsiveness [11] Product Features - "Learna" focuses on practical, scenario-based learning rather than grammar, allowing users to engage in role-playing exercises tailored to their specific needs [13][14] - The app offers a unique feature where users can practice conversations in their native language, providing a more accessible learning experience [17] Psychological Aspects - The app addresses the psychological barriers faced by adult learners, such as fear of making mistakes in front of others, by providing a non-judgmental AI practice environment [18] Company Background - "Learna" is developed by Codeway, a Turkish app developer known for its diverse portfolio and a monthly subscription revenue exceeding $10 million [20][21] - Codeway's approach contrasts with local competitors by positioning English learning as a practical survival tool rather than a gamified experience [21] Revenue Model - "Learna" employs a subscription model with a significant portion of revenue coming from weekly subscriptions, which aligns with the urgent learning needs of its target demographic [24] - The app's design encourages users to start a trial period, often leading to automatic renewals, capitalizing on user inertia [24] Conclusion - The case of "Learna" illustrates that niche markets can hold substantial commercial value, especially when addressing real user pain points [26]

Company Overview - Flowers Foods, based in Georgia, has been producing baked goods since 1919, with brands including Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Wonder, and Tastykake. The company operates 44 bakeries across 19 states and reported sales of $5.1 billion in 2024. Its stock has reached 68 new 52-week lows in the past year, yielding 9.1% [1] Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Alexandra Real Estate Equities specializes in office and lab space for life sciences, agtech, and technology industries in major U.S. cities. As of September 30, it had 39.2 million square feet of leasable space and has hit 35 new 52-week lows in the past year, yielding 10.7% [3] Market Trends - In 2025, 105 stocks had at least 30 new 52-week lows and a market cap over $1 billion, with 30 of those stocks offering dividend yields of 2.75% or higher. The "Dogs of the Dow" strategy, which selects the highest-yielding stocks, was up 17.8% through December 26 [4][5] Staffing Industry - Robert Half, a staffing business, has hit 52 new 52-week lows in the past year, yielding 8.6%. The company reported a net margin of 2.8% for the trailing 12 months, the lowest in a decade, as hiring has slowed due to a high unemployment rate of 4.6% [7][8] Employee Benefits Sector - Alight administers employee benefits and provides payroll services for over 35 million employees. The company has also hit 52 new 52-week lows, yielding 8.1%. It has pivoted to AI initiatives to improve efficiency amid economic uncertainty [9][10][11] Food Industry - Conagra Brands has reached 40 new 52-week lows, yielding 8.0%. The stock has declined from around $18.30 to below $17.45, with analysts suggesting it may be a value trap [12][13] Real Estate and Investment - Americold Realty Trust has hit 47 new 52-week lows, yielding 6.9%. Despite revenue and EBITDA growth of 69% and 114% respectively over eight years, its share price has declined due to increased net debt of $4.1 billion [14][15][16][17] Retail Sector - Buckle has hit 32 new 52-week lows, yielding 2.6%. The company announced a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share, in addition to its regular quarterly dividend, bringing total dividends to $4.40 per share in 2026, yielding 8.2% at a share price of $53.76 [18][20][21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a decline in the bread category, with units down 2.9% in the third quarter compared to a 1.8% decline for the overall food category [4] - Traditional loaf units declined 6.3%, indicating significant pressure in this segment [4] - Despite the overall underperformance of the bread category, sales of differentiated products with better-for-you attributes showed encouraging results [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - DKB and Canyon brands grew unit share by 30 and 10 basis points respectively, while Nature's Own and Wonder maintained their share [11] - Specialty premium loaf units increased by 4%, achieving the highest share ever, while the subcategory declined by 4% [12] - Units in the breakfast segment increased by 6%, with DKB achieving an all-time high in unit share, up 60 basis points to 6.9% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The small loaves category saw a significant increase, with units up 85% in the third quarter, capturing the number two market share position [15] - The cake category units declined by 5%, but Wonder managed to grow by 1%, gaining 80 basis points of unit share [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation to transform its portfolio and target attractive opportunities within existing categories while expanding into new adjacencies [7] - There is a strategic emphasis on aligning the portfolio with changing consumer demand, particularly in better-for-you products [6][16] - The company plans to continue differentiating its brands to solidify its competitive position in the category [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting consumer demand as headwinds for food companies [3] - There is optimism about long-term prospects as category demand is expected to normalize with improved consumer confidence [6] - The company is committed to maximizing near-term performance while supporting consistent long-term growth [7] Other Important Information - The CFO, Steve Kinsey, will retire at the end of the year, and Anthony Scaglione will take over as the new CFO [9][10] - The company is making adjustments to its supply chain to align with changing demand, including closing several bakeries and converting others to higher margin organic production [19] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions and answers were provided in the content, thus this section is not applicable.

Core Points - Flowers Foods, Inc. has appointed D. Anthony Scaglione as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 1, 2026 [1][2] - Scaglione will oversee the company's financial strategy and various functions including treasury, investor relations, accounting, tax, internal audit, risk, procurement, and information security [1][3] - The appointment follows the retirement of Steve Kinsey, who will assist in the transition [3] Company Background - Flowers Foods is one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods in the United States, with net sales of $5.1 billion in 2024 [5] - The company operates bakeries nationwide and produces a variety of bakery products under well-known brands such as Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, and Wonder [5] Leadership Experience - Scaglione has extensive experience as CFO in several multi-billion-dollar organizations, including Total Wine & More, ODP Corporation, and ABM Industries [3] - His expertise encompasses core finance functions as well as strategy, real estate, procurement, mergers and acquisitions, and IT [3][4]

Core Points - Flowers Foods, Inc. has elected Sterling A. Spainhour to its board of directors, effective October 1, 2025, where he will serve on the audit and finance committees [1][2][3] Company Overview - Flowers Foods, Inc. is one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods in the United States, with net sales of $5.1 billion in 2024 [4] - The company operates bakeries nationwide, producing a variety of bakery products under brands such as Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Canyon Bakehouse, Simple Mills, Wonder, and Tastykake [4] Board Member Profile - Sterling A. Spainhour brings over 30 years of experience, including roles at Southern Company, Jones Day, and CNN, with expertise in M&A, legal matters, and corporate governance [3] - Spainhour holds degrees in political science, business administration, and law from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and Duke University [3] - He is also a board member of several organizations, including Gray Media and Emory Healthcare Network [3] Strategic Implications - The addition of Spainhour is expected to enhance the board's composition and support the company's strategic priorities aimed at increasing shareholder value [3]

Company Announcement - Flowers Foods, Inc. announced the retirement of Steve Kinsey, the chief financial officer, after 36 years of service, with the last 18 years in the CFO role [1][2] - The company has begun the search for Kinsey's successor with a leading executive search firm and he is expected to serve in an advisory role post-retirement to ensure a smooth transition [1] Leadership Perspective - Ryals McMullian, chairman and CEO, expressed gratitude for Kinsey's leadership and commitment, highlighting his legacy of integrity and excellence [2] - Kinsey reflected on his career at Flowers, emphasizing the honor of working with a talented team and confidence in their ability to continue driving shareholder value [2] Company Overview - Flowers Foods, headquartered in Thomasville, Georgia, is one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods in the U.S., reporting net sales of $5.1 billion in 2024 [3] - The company operates bakeries nationwide and produces a variety of bakery products under well-known brands such as Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Wonder, Canyon Bakehouse, and Tastykake [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a transition due to a challenging economic environment and shifting consumer trends, which have pressured end markets and hampered recent results [6][7] - Management expects benefits from executing their portfolio strategy and developing a pipeline of innovation, indicating confidence in long-term growth [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment has intensified, particularly in the traditional loaf area, with lower-priced entrants affecting results [12][13] - The company is addressing the value shopper segment with new product lines and has seen good performance in premium differentiated products [12][13] - The foodservice business has been refilled with higher-margin products, significantly improving profitability [58] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market remains bifurcated, with strong performance in both premium differentiated products and value offerings, particularly in mass and club channels [12][13] - The company has noted continued weakness in the away-from-home foodservice business [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to innovation to navigate the transition in consumer preferences, particularly moving away from traditional loaf products [30][31] - Management emphasizes the importance of maintaining brand strength and innovation as key strategies to address competitive pressures [36][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the transition will take time and requires patience, viewing it as a generational shift in the category [51][53] - There is optimism that the category will eventually stabilize, although the timeline is uncertain [52][53] Other Important Information - The company is focused on debt paydown and is cautious about M&A activities in the near term, although it remains a strategic priority [61] - The company has plans to address the weakness in large brands like Nature's Own while continuing to invest in its leading brands [55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Competitive intensity and pricing pressures - Management noted that the promotional environment is elevated but stable, with a focus on differentiated products to drive trial and awareness [12][13] Question: Tariff outlook and capital allocation - Management expects tariffs to decrease significantly and will continue to evaluate capital allocation based on performance and cash flow [18][19] Question: Nature's Own brand performance - Management confirmed that they are committed to investing in Nature's Own and other mainstream loaf products, using a mix of promotional support and marketing [65][66] Question: Innovation and Simple Mills - Management indicated that Simple Mills will continue to innovate aggressively and is performing well despite challenges [43][48] Question: Transition timeline and gross margin management - Management stated that the transition will take time, but there are levers to maintain gross margins despite volume pressures [57] Question: M&A appetite - Management indicated a cautious approach to M&A in the near term, focusing on debt reduction while monitoring market opportunities [61] Question: Retailer changes and shelf space allocation - Management observed that retailers are increasingly focusing on organic products and small loaf segments, reflecting changing consumer trends [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a transition due to a challenging economic environment and shifting consumer trends, which have pressured end markets and hampered recent results [4] - Management expects further benefits from executing their portfolio strategy and developing a pipeline of innovation, indicating confidence in long-term growth [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The branded side is facing greater competitive intensity, particularly from lower-priced bread products, affecting results in the traditional loaf area [10][11] - The company is seeing good performance in premium differentiated products, while value offerings are also performing well in mass and club channels [11] - The keto product segment grew by 37% in the quarter, highlighting success in innovative product offerings [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The competitive environment remains elevated but stable, with promotional activities increasing around differentiated products to drive trial and awareness [10] - The private label business is experiencing fluctuations, driven by lost business that is eventually replaced [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to aggressively innovating to navigate the transition in consumer preferences, particularly moving away from traditional loaf products [28] - Management emphasizes the importance of innovation and brand strength to maintain competitiveness in a challenging market [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the transition will take time and requires patience, viewing it as a generational shift in the category [53][56] - There is optimism that the category will eventually stabilize, although the timeline for this is uncertain [54] - The company plans to continue investing in brands like Nature's Own to ensure performance despite market challenges [57] Other Important Information - The company is focused on debt paydown and is monitoring the market for potential M&A opportunities, although immediate acquisitions are not prioritized [63] Q&A Session Summary Question: Competitive intensity and pricing strategies - Management noted that the promotional environment is elevated but stable, with increased promotions around differentiated products [10][11] Question: Tariff outlook and capital allocation - Management expects tariffs to decrease based on current observations and will continue to evaluate capital allocation decisions based on performance and cash flow [16][17] Question: Transition timeline for traditional loaf products - Management indicated that the transition will take time and is viewed as a significant shift, with no specific timeline provided [53][56] Question: Innovation contributions from Simple Mills - Management confirmed that Simple Mills will continue to innovate aggressively, with plans to speed up their innovation cycle [43] Question: Retailer changes in response to competitive pressures - Management observed that retailers are focusing on smaller loaf segments and organic products, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [76]

Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 1.5% to $1.243 billion compared to the previous year, driven by the Simple Mills acquisition[8, 11] - Net income decreased by 12.8% to $58.4 million, primarily due to lower operating income and higher net interest expense[8, 15] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 4.0% to $137.7 million, with a margin of 11.1%, down 60 bps from the previous year's 11.7%[8, 9, 16] - GAAP diluted EPS decreased by $0.04 to $0.28, while adjusted diluted EPS decreased by $0.06 to $0.30[8] Sales Analysis - Branded Retail net sales increased by 5.0%, offset by volume declines and unfavorable price/mix[11] - Other net sales decreased by 4.9% due to softer volumes in store branded retail sales and non-retail sales from margin optimization strategies[11] - Volume decreased by 2.4%, and price/mix decreased by 1.2%[8] - The acquisition contributed to a 5.1% increase in net sales[8] Fiscal Year 2025 Guidance - Net sales are projected to be between $5.239 billion and $5.308 billion, including $218 million to $225 million from Simple Mills[20] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $512 million and $538 million, including $30 million to $33 million from Simple Mills[20] - Adjusted diluted EPS is projected to be between $1.00 and $1.10, including a negative impact of $0.08 to $0.07 from Simple Mills[20] Market Share and Trends - Branded dollar share decreased, while store branded dollar share increased, reflecting inflationary pressure on consumers[35] - Flowers' fresh packaged bread dollar sales and unit sales showed slight increases, with dollar sales up 0.2% and unit sales down 3.2%[41] - Flowers' commercial cake dollar sales and unit sales decreased, with dollar sales down 7.6% and unit sales down 10.0%[44]