The Simply Good Foods pany(SMPL) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net sales for Simply Good Foods in Q2 2025 reached $359.7 million, reflecting a 15.2% increase year-over-year, driven by contributions from Owen and organic growth [44] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 17.6% to$ 68 million compared to the previous year [48] - Net income grew by 10.9% to $36.7 million, with adjusted diluted EPS rising to$ 0.46 from $0.40 [50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quest net sales grew by 16.5% in Q2, benefiting from strong retail takeaway and timing of shipments [44] - Atkins net sales declined by 11.5% due to lower consumption and reduced trade inventory [45] - Owen experienced a retail takeaway increase of 52%, with ready-to-drink shakes growing by 53% [36][37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The nutritional snacking category grew by 12% in Q2, marking the 16th consecutive quarter of growth [16] - Quest now represents 60% of the company's net sales, with a strong growth trajectory [18] - Owen's brand awareness and household penetration remain low, indicating significant growth potential [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to lead the nutritional snacking category by leveraging innovation, expanding product availability, and increasing brand awareness [41][42] - Focus on transitioning underperforming Atkins SKUs to faster-turning Quest and Owen products to enhance overall contribution margins [66][70] - Continued investment in Atkins is planned, with new product launches and marketing strategies to stabilize the brand [34][96] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a dynamic environment with consumer sentiment pressures but remains optimistic about the demand for high-protein, low-sugar products [41] - The company expects full-year net sales growth of 8.5% to 10.5%, with adjusted EBITDA growth of 4% to 6% [54] - Management is confident in the long-term growth potential of Quest and Owen, despite short-term challenges with Atkins [110][112] Other Important Information - The company has repaid$ 100 million of its term loan since the beginning of the fiscal year, with a net debt to trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA ratio of 0.7 times [51] - The effective tax rate for Q2 was 25%, compared to 23.7% in the previous year [49] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the reduction in sales guidance for Atkins? - Management noted that the reduction is due to lost display space and distribution at a key customer, which was more significant than anticipated [64][66] Question: What prompted the relaunch of Quest shakes? - The relaunch is based on consumer demand for indulgent, high-protein options, with a focus on flipping the macros of traditional shakes [74][76] Question: How will the company build awareness for Owen? - Initially, the focus will be on expanding distribution, with marketing efforts to follow once a solid distribution base is established [120] Question: What is the outlook for the bar category, specifically for Quest? - Management is optimistic about innovation in the bar category, with new products expected to drive growth [125][126]