Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a notable improvement in restaurant-level margins, achieving approximately 17% and aiming to approach 18% [4][22] - The company plans to double its new unit openings in 2026 compared to 2025, with a pipeline that is already under construction [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has refreshed its menu with new items such as burritos, burrito bowls, and salads, while also focusing on chicken on the bone [4] - The introduction of chicken tenders and a new spicy flavor profile is expected to attract more customers [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned at the intersection of quick service and fast casual dining, emphasizing affordability and value in its offerings [7] - The loyalty program has seen a 6% increase in visit frequency among users, indicating a positive response to targeted discounts [8][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a brand turnaround through marketing campaigns like "Let's Get Loco" and menu innovation [3][4] - There is a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, with improvements in labor scheduling and supply chain management contributing to margin enhancements [18][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment remains challenging, with consumers under pressure, but the company feels well-positioned due to its value offerings [6][7] - Management expressed confidence in achieving long-term targets of 18%-20% store-level margins, contingent on sales-driving initiatives [22] Other Important Information - The company is investing in remodeling existing restaurants and enhancing equipment to drive sales and operational efficiencies [34][36] - The marketing strategy for 2026 includes six campaigns, reflecting a rich pipeline of innovation and a focus on variety and value [13][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has been accomplished in the brand turnaround? - The company has launched the "Let's Get Loco" campaign and refreshed its menu, focusing on quality and fresh ingredients [3][4] Question: How is the company positioned in the current macro environment? - The company acknowledges the challenging environment but believes it offers affordable and valuable options compared to competitors [6][7] Question: What are the main drivers of margin improvements? - Margin improvements have been driven by evaluating supply chain costs, transitioning to different distributors, and implementing technology for labor efficiency [18][19] Question: What is the long-term target for margins? - The company aims for 18%-20% store-level margins, with a focus on sales-driving initiatives to achieve this [22] Question: How is the company planning to use its free cash flow? - The company plans to use cash for new store development, remodeling existing locations, and enhancing operational efficiencies [34][36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has reduced its cash break-even level from $900 million in 2022 to approximately $180 million today, representing a $720 million reduction [15][23] - Free cash flow improved from nearly negative $300 million in 2021 to positive $13.1 million in the first three quarters of 2025, a $300 million improvement [23] - Adjusted EBITDA transitioned from a loss of over $86 million in 2021 to approximately $18 million of positive Adjusted EBITDA in 2025 [24] - The company achieved net income positive status for the first time since going public, reporting over $3 million in Q3 of 2025 [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has transitioned from a multi-level marketing (MLM) model to a multi-channel strategy, which includes direct-to-consumer, Amazon/Marketplace, affiliates, and retail [14] - The restructuring has led to a significant reduction in employee count from over 1,000 to less than 300 [15] - The company has launched new products, including the 10-Minute Body program and a new P90X program, which are aimed at expanding its customer base [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The general wellness market is valued at $6.5 trillion, with the fitness and nutrition categories each representing a $1.1 trillion potential market [5] - The company aims to tap into the retail market for its products, which have never been sold in retail before, indicating a significant growth opportunity [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and has a robust pipeline of new products scheduled for launch between 2026 and 2027 [17][30] - The strategy includes launching a retail line for its major brands, such as P90X and Shakeology, to increase brand exposure and sales [19][20] - The company is addressing the non-exerciser market with new content and smaller product sizes to attract a broader audience [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround, stating that the company is a year ahead of schedule and financially stable with cash levels exceeding debt [16][21] - The management highlighted the importance of the innovation pipeline and the potential for significant growth in the coming years [30] Other Important Information - The company has restructured its debt, reducing overall interest expenses by 44% [15] - The marketing expenses have been reduced from over 50% to the low-to-mid-30s percentage, allowing for increased media spending [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the retail rollout process changed? - The retail process is slower than anticipated due to planogram schedules, but the company is actively engaging with retailers for product placement [32][33] Question: What could the long-term margin structure look like? - Gross margins are expected to normalize in the low- to mid-70s, with potential for high 80s-90% on fitness and mid-40s-50% in nutrition as retail grows [34][35] Question: What online media has been most effective for the demographic? - The company has not yet identified the best platform but acknowledges the need to tailor content for different audiences across various media [36][38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced three consecutive quarters of comparable store growth, indicating a positive trend in sales performance [11][41] - The average unit retail (AUR) has increased, with the company successfully maintaining higher prices without a degradation in unit sales, which is a significant achievement [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer (DTC) business showed strong performance, with significant growth across all channels including wholesale and international [11] - The company has identified approximately 150 stores for closure, focusing on those with lower margins, which is expected to streamline operations and improve profitability [23][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has diversified its market approach, successfully attracting new consumers from higher household income brackets who are more open to premium pricing [14][15] - The wholesale business remains robust, with a focus on growing relationships with key accounts, particularly in the mass retail channel [34][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in product design and demand creation to resonate with today's young consumers, particularly Gen Z parents [6][8] - There is a strategic focus on enhancing brand identity for each of its brands, allowing them to develop independently rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the need for long-term, sustainable growth rather than growth driven by discounts or one-time events, emphasizing the importance of maintaining brand equity [42] - The company is optimistic about future growth, with expectations set for sales and earnings growth in 2026, supported by recent positive performance trends [40][41] Other Important Information - The company is transitioning its Amazon business from a private label to branded products, which is expected to enhance visibility and sales [36][38] - The supply chain team has successfully diversified sourcing to mitigate costs associated with tariffs, contributing to overall cost savings [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the biggest challenges faced by the company? - The company needs to invest in product design and demand creation to align with consumer expectations and preferences [6] Question: How does the company plan to approach reinvestment? - The company plans to gradually increase marketing investments while ensuring a good return on investment [8] Question: Can you elaborate on the pricing strategy? - The company aims to maintain a competitive pricing strategy while ensuring that quality and style remain integral to its value proposition [17][18] Question: What is the plan for store closures? - The company has identified 150 stores for closure, focusing on those that are marginally profitable, with a plan to transfer some revenue to other locations [23][27] Question: How does e-commerce fit into the overall strategy? - E-commerce currently accounts for about a third of U.S. retail revenue, and the company aims to enhance its omnichannel capabilities to meet consumer expectations [31][32]

First Watch Restaurant Group (NasdaqGS:FWRG) FY 2025 Conference January 12, 2026 11:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsMel Hope - CFONone - Video Narrator 4Chris Tomasso - CEONone - Video Narrator 1None - Video Narrator 3None - Video Narrator 2Conference Call ParticipantsGreg Francfort - Restaurants Equity Research AnalystChris TomassoOkay.Greg FrancfortYes.Chris TomassoOh, we started.Greg FrancfortI think we might be starting.Mel HopeOops, sorry.Greg FrancfortCan everybody hear us? Hello, hello everybody. Good m ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - HF Foods reported a top-line business of over $1.2 billion, with a focus on the Asian specialty market, which represents a $50 billion addressable market [2][3] - The company has achieved a market share of approximately 16% with 15,000 accounts, indicating a strong position within the specialty food service distribution sector [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen seafood business has grown from $300 million to over $400 million in the last couple of years, reflecting a 30% organic growth [4][5] - The company aims to expand its product offerings beyond Asian specialties, targeting Hispanic grocery as a significant growth area [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - HF Foods operates in a market with roughly 94,000 restaurants, capturing 12% of the broader food service space [2] - The company has a 95% coverage of the continental U.S., positioning itself as the only distributor with coast-to-coast coverage in the Asian specialty market [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has rebranded its strategy to "Specialty Food is Our Specialty," aiming to become a dominant player in the specialty food sector [4] - HF Foods plans to invest significantly in capacity expansion, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest regions, with an estimated $700 million organic growth opportunity [7][8] - M&A remains a core pillar of the company's strategy, with a focus on acquiring smaller competitors to enhance market share and scale [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that independent restaurants, which make up 99% of their customer base, are more resilient to economic downturns compared to chain restaurants [16][17] - The company anticipates a more stable traffic environment in 2026 as it laps previous disruptions and tariff pressures [18] - Management is optimistic about the potential for margin expansion in the future, particularly as the company goes on the offensive to acquire new accounts [33][35] Other Important Information - HF Foods has completed a transition to a common ERP platform, enhancing visibility and operational efficiency [12] - The company owns 10 out of 14 distribution facilities and a significant portion of its truck fleet, making replication of its assets challenging for competitors [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's strategy for M&A? - Management views smaller competitors as attractive acquisition targets and is preparing an M&A playbook to capitalize on opportunities in 2026 [13][14] Question: How does the company plan to address capacity constraints? - The company has launched a new facility in Atlanta and plans to expand capacity in the Midwest to support organic growth and cross-selling [9][10] Question: How flexible are customers in adjusting their menus in response to tariffs? - Customers have shown resilience and flexibility in menu adjustments, allowing them to manage costs effectively during periods of inflation [30][32] Question: What is the focus for 2026, growth or margin improvement? - The primary focus for 2026 is on acquiring new business and revenue, with margin improvement expected to follow as the market stabilizes [33][34] Question: What is the potential for the e-commerce business? - The e-commerce segment is seen as a complementary business that could grow significantly, potentially representing 10%-20% of the company's mix in the coming years [22][21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported over $700 million in annual sales, indicating significant growth potential in the consumer market [1] - The focus on profitability and cash flow generation remains strong despite challenges in the consumer demand landscape [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Snug Sofa Collection was launched, aimed at a lower price point, expanding the product offering beyond traditional sectionals [2][3] - A new high-end sectional platform is set to launch in 2026, diversifying the product range further [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to reshore over 80% of its sectional production from Asia to the United States, which is expected to enhance product quality and efficiency [5][6] - The strategy to onshore production is seen as a way to mitigate tariff impacts and improve margins [9][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The overarching strategy is to "win the living room" and expand into new rooms in the future, focusing on brand strength and customer loyalty [8][24] - The company is investing in marketing and brand positioning to support growth, with a new CMO brought in to enhance storytelling and brand presence [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by a declining category and intense promotional environment but remains optimistic about future growth opportunities [22][23] - The company aims for double-digit growth in the long term, focusing on brand expansion and market share acquisition [25][26] Other Important Information - The company emphasizes the importance of repeat customers and the potential for easier customer acquisition through existing loyal customers [34] - The partnership with Costco is highlighted as a successful omnichannel strategy, enhancing brand visibility and sales [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the made in America initiative and its impact on business? - The company plans to manufacture in the U.S. in a margin-neutral way, which will not be significantly affected by tariff changes [9][10] Question: What investments are needed to support growth? - The focus is on maintaining investments that will allow for significant growth while balancing profitability and cash flow [22][24] Question: How does the company plan to grow its store presence and omnichannel strategy? - The strategy involves optimizing the number of physical stores while enhancing the digital customer experience and leveraging partnerships for broader reach [28][30]

First Watch Restaurant Group (NasdaqGS:FWRG) FY 2025 Conference January 12, 2026 11:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsMel Hope - CFONone - Video Narrator 4Chris Tomasso - CEONone - Video Narrator 1None - Video Narrator 3None - Video Narrator 2Conference Call ParticipantsGreg Francfort - Restaurants Equity Research AnalystChris TomassoOkay.Greg FrancfortYes.Chris TomassoOh, we started.Greg FrancfortI think we might be starting.Mel HopeOops, sorry.Greg FrancfortCan everybody hear us? Hello, hello everybody. Good m ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported over $700 million in annual sales, indicating significant growth potential in the consumer market [1] - The focus on profitability and cash flow generation remains strong despite challenges in the consumer demand landscape [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Snug Sofa Collection was launched as a lower-priced entry point, expanding the product offerings beyond the traditional Sactionals [2][3] - A new high-end Sactional platform is set to launch in 2026, indicating a strategic move to diversify product offerings [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to reshore its Sactionals production from Asia to the United States, which is expected to enhance product quality and efficiency while maintaining margin neutrality [5][6] - The company is positioned to leverage its strong brand and product offerings in a competitive market, focusing on winning the living room segment [8][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The overarching strategy is to double or triple the company's growth, moving beyond a 10% annual growth target [22] - The company aims to harvest its brand and prepare for a significant launch into new product categories in the following fiscal year [8][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs and consumer uncertainty but emphasized a focus on long-term profitability and brand strength [22][24] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly with the potential recovery in the housing market [35] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in people, processes, and new stores to support its growth ambitions [20][22] - A new Chief Marketing Officer has been appointed to enhance brand storytelling and marketing strategies [17][18] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Can you elaborate on the Made in America initiative and its impact on the business? - Management confirmed that the initiative allows for production in the U.S. at a margin-neutral basis, which is a strategic advantage given the current tariff environment [9][10][12] Question: What are the plans for store growth and omnichannel strategy? - The company is focusing on an omnichannel approach, emphasizing both digital presence and physical showrooms to enhance customer experience [28][30] Question: How does the company plan to leverage recent investments for future growth? - Management indicated that investments are aimed at achieving significant sales growth while maintaining profitability, with a focus on brand strength and market share [22][24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - HF Foods reported a top-line business of over $1.2 billion, with a focus on the Asian specialty market, which represents a $50 billion addressable market [2][3] - The company has achieved a market share of approximately 16% by servicing around 15,000 accounts [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen seafood business has grown from approximately $300 million to over $400 million in the last couple of years, indicating a 30% organic growth [4][5] - The company aims to expand its product offerings beyond Asian specialties, with Hispanic grocery being a significant area of growth [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - HF Foods operates in a market with roughly 94,000 restaurants, capturing 12% of the broader food service space [2] - The company has a 95% coverage of the continental U.S., distinguishing itself from larger competitors by focusing on independent restaurants [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has rebranded its strategy to "Specialty Food is Our Specialty," aiming to become a dominant player in the specialty food sector [4] - HF Foods plans to invest significantly in capacity expansion, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest regions, to drive organic growth [7][9] - M&A is identified as a core pillar of the company's growth strategy, with a focus on acquiring smaller competitors [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that their independent restaurant customers are more resilient to economic downturns compared to chain restaurants [16][17] - The company anticipates a more stable traffic environment in 2026 as it laps previous disruptions and tariff pressures [18] - Management is optimistic about the potential for margin expansion as the company goes on the offensive to acquire new accounts [28][30] Other Important Information - HF Foods owns 10 out of 14 distribution facilities and a significant portion of its truck fleet, making replication of its assets challenging for competitors [24] - The company has historically spent $0 on marketing, relying on word of mouth, but plans to adopt a more aggressive marketing strategy moving forward [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's strategy regarding M&A? - M&A is viewed as a core pillar for growth, with a focus on acquiring smaller players in the market [13][14] Question: How does the company plan to address capacity constraints? - The company has launched a new facility in Atlanta and plans to expand capacity in the Midwest to support growth [9][10] Question: How flexible are customers in adjusting their menus in response to tariffs? - Customers have shown resilience and flexibility in menu adjustments to offset tariff impacts, often substituting ingredients without affecting the final product significantly [27]

First Watch Restaurant Group (NasdaqGS:FWRG) FY 2025 Conference January 12, 2026 11:00 AM ET Speaker1Okay.Speaker2Yes.Speaker1Oh, we started.Speaker2I think we might be starting.Speaker1Oops, sorry.Speaker2Can everybody hear us? Hello, hello everybody. Good morning. It makes sense that First Watch has a morning slot. That seems appropriate.Speaker1You bet.Speaker2My name is Greg Frankfurt. I'm the Restaurant Analyst at Guggenheim Securities. I am very pleased to have the First Watch Management Team, CEO Chr ...