Reeds, Inc.(US:REED)2025-11-04 14:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2025 increased 4% to $7.0 million compared to $6.8 million in the year-ago quarter, driven by higher volumes of Reed's branded products with recurring national customers [13] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 remained flat at $1.2 million, with gross margin decreasing to 17% from 18% in the previous year, primarily due to $0.1 million of inventory write-offs [13] - Net loss improved to $4.0 million, or negative $0.48 per share, compared to $4.2 million, or negative $4.91 per share in Q3 2024 [14] - Modified EBITDA loss was $3.9 million in Q3 2025 compared to $3.0 million in Q3 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core product sales saw a 4% year-over-year growth across top accounts, including Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Giant Carlisle, indicating strong momentum within the core ginger ale, ginger beer, and Virgil's portfolio [5] - The company is focusing on regaining lost distribution with key regional wins at Harmons, Bashas', and Festival Foods, while also expanding presence in underrepresented channels like food service and convenience [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Delivery and handling costs were reduced by 14% to $1.1 million during Q3 2025, reflecting early progress from operational improvements [14] - The transition from glass to cans is expected to improve cost efficiency and sustainability, with anticipated margin strengthening as the transition progresses [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is redefining its approach with distributors, moving from short-term promotions to a fully integrated 52-week strategy to enhance predictability and control over trade spend [4] - A complete restage of the functional soda line is slated for July 2026, aimed at reestablishing Reed's as a category disruptor [7] - The leadership team has been strengthened with key appointments to enhance marketing, commercial execution, and governance [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operational foundation and key initiatives that will drive long-term growth and profitability, with a focus on improving margins and optimizing operations [12] - The company is preparing for an uplist to a major exchange, which is expected to enhance visibility and broaden access to institutional capital [12] Other Important Information - The company completed a review of finished goods inventory, writing down approximately $114,000 of obsolete products as part of a broader effort to rationalize SKUs [10] - A 1-for-6 reverse stock split was implemented effective October 31, 2025, to facilitate uplisting [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for distribution gains and shelf resets - Management highlighted the restructuring of the sales team to focus on channels and customers not currently targeted, with plans for a core product restage in 2026 [18][19] Question: Transition from bottles to cans and P&L impacts - The transition is expected to yield long-term cost savings and margin benefits, with the process taking several months to complete [22][23] Question: Marketing strategy in a competitive category - The company plans to adopt a targeted and strategic approach to marketing spend, focusing on grassroots campaigns to build brand equity [25][26] Question: Timing for uplisting and regaining lost distribution - The reverse stock split was a milestone for uplisting, and management is actively working to regain lost distribution with key regional accounts [29][32] Question: Challenges in launching new products - Management believes that operational stability will help in regaining retailer confidence when launching new products [34]