Utz Brands(US:UTZ)2025-07-31 14:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EBITDA was roughly flat in the first half of the year, with a projected growth of 8.5% for the full year, implying high teens growth in the second half [6][19] - EPS guidance was revised from 10-15% growth to 7-10% growth, with a midpoint impact of about 3 cents due to increased interest expense and accelerated depreciation [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant growth was observed in potato chips, while tortilla chips and pretzels were below trend, with specific brands performing variably [23][26] - Boulder Canyon brand is expected to continue strong growth, with distribution gains across both core and expansion markets [71][72] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Distribution gains were noted across all 30 expansion geographies, with strong retailer support from national chains [33][34] - The convenience store channel is showing improvement, with expectations to reach flattish performance by year-end [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on westward expansion and infrastructure investments to support distribution gains [11][35] - Marketing strategies include increased spending in retail media and social media to support geographic expansion and brand introduction [91][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in achieving productivity savings and margin expansion, with a positive outlook for the second half of the year [9][56] - The company believes the category will continue to grow, driven by household penetration and repeat purchases [107][109] Other Important Information - The company is nearing the end of its manufacturing optimization efforts, with significant productivity improvements already realized [85][87] - CapEx spending is expected to peak in 2025, with a focus on automation and efficiency improvements [21][88] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives confidence in the EBITDA growth outlook despite flat performance in the first half? - Management cited investments in infrastructure and productivity savings as key drivers for expected growth in the second half [7][9] Question: Can you clarify the changes in EPS guidance? - EPS growth was revised down due to increased interest expenses and accelerated depreciation from higher CapEx spending [19][20] Question: What is driving the strong top-line results? - The company attributed growth to distribution gains, improved volume and value share in core markets, and investments in westward expansion [10][11] Question: How is the company addressing the performance of tortilla chips and pretzels? - Management noted that tortilla chips faced promotional overlaps, while pretzel performance varied by brand, with some brands performing well [26][27] Question: What is the outlook for the convenience store channel? - The company expects the convenience store channel to improve and reach flattish performance by year-end, supported by better product assortment [65] Question: How is the company managing supply chain and manufacturing efficiency? - The company has made significant strides in optimizing manufacturing and is now focusing on automation and efficiency improvements [85][87] Question: What is the long-term outlook for category growth? - Management remains bullish on long-term category growth, citing strong household penetration and repeat purchases as positive indicators [107][109] Question: How is the company addressing consumer interest in protein products? - The company is exploring opportunities in the protein segment while ensuring that products meet consumer taste preferences [111][112]