J & J Snack Foods Reports Fiscal 2024 Fourth Quarter Revenue of $426.8 Million

Full Year Fiscal 2024 Revenue Increases 1.0% to $1.57 Billion; Gross Margin of 30.9% and Net Earnings of $86.6 Million Leads to Diluted EPS of $4.45 and
Adjusted EPS of $4.93 for the full year

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J&J Snack Foods Corp. ( JJSF) (the “Company”) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter (13 weeks) and full year (52 weeks) ended September 28, 2024.¹

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below for reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

¹J&J’s fiscal 2023 fourth quarter and full year included an additional week, with reported results comparing 14 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 to 13 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Likewise, reported results include 53 weeks for the full year 2023 results, compared to 52 weeks for fiscal 2024. For purposes of comparability, we will refer to “normalized” results to more accurately explain performance trends. For reconciliation of these “normalized” results to GAAP measures, please refer to the non-GAAP financial measures section below.

“J&J Snack Foods delivered another year of strong financial performance in fiscal 2024,” stated Dan Fachner, J&J Snack Foods Chairman, President, and CEO. “Our results demonstrate that we are successfully executing our strategy, improving operational efficiencies and margins, growing profits faster than sales and expanding growth opportunities across channels and customers. In addition to generating record annual sales and gross profit, we also set a new record for full-year Adjusted EBTIDA. For the year, we grew sales 1.0% on a reported basis and 2.8% comparing results on a normalized basis. I am especially proud of our double-digit growth in Adjusted EBITDA led by an 80-basis point improvement in gross margins to 30.9%, along with a 110-basis point improvement in Adjusted EBITDA margins for the year.

“Looking at our fiscal fourth quarter results, net sales decreased 3.9% as reported and increased 3.9% on a normalized basis. The loss of one week of sales had an even more pronounced impact on the quarter compared to prior year due to losing selling days the first week of July, peak seasonal sales days for our core business. I am pleased with our ability to grow sales on a normalized basis given the challenging consumer environment across many of our key customer channels including amusement, convenience, restaurants, and retail. These softer consumer trends, together with less sales days, had a marked impact on sales of core products including soft pretzels, churros, frozen beverages, frozen novelties, and Dippin Dots, negatively impacting gross margin mix, and creating production and supply chain inefficiencies as we balanced demand and inventory in our plants and distribution centers. This led to a gross margin of 31.8%, a 110-basis point decline compared to a record fiscal 2023 fourth quarter gross margin of 32.9%. Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA decreased 4.5% and 4.0%, respectively. Despite these challenges, we delivered net earnings as a percentage of sales of 6.9%, in-line with the prior year period, reflecting our success in managing costs and improving operating efficiencies.

“As we enter fiscal 2025, we remain confident in the growth potential of our core products and the success of our new product launches and client partnerships. For example, we continue to expand the breadth and depth of Dippin Dots across the theater channel and are preparing for the upcoming launch into retail. With a more compelling film slate in fiscal 2025, we are optimistic about the growth opportunity of Dippin Dots and Icee beverages in this channel and expect sales of our other products to improve as attendance trends improve. We are also seeing continued success with some of the largest national QSR chains and expect our recent churros launch in this channel to result in new opportunities.

“In summary, we are encouraged by the progress we are making in maximizing sales across all customer channels and enhancing our operational efficiencies. We have a diverse portfolio of beloved products and brands, presenting us with significant growth opportunities, both in terms of the products we sell as well as where we sell them. In addition, our strong balance sheet and liquidity, paired with our experienced leadership team, give us confidence in our ability to create long-term value for our employees, partners, and shareholders.”

Fourth Quarter Highlights

Net sales decreased 3.9% to $426.8 million in Q4 of fiscal 2024 and increased 3.9% on a normalized basis, compared to Q4 of fiscal 2023. The sales decline attributed to the additional week in Q4 2023 contributed to an estimated $4 million negative operating income impact on fourth quarter 2024 results.

Key highlights include:

• Food Service segment sales declined 3.0% to $262.2 million, but increased 4.6% on a normalized basis versus Q4 ’23.
• Retail segment sales declined 13.7% to $55.9 million, and decreased 5.7% on a normalized basis versus Q4 ’23.
• Frozen Beverage segment sales declined 0.1% to 108.7 million, but increased 7.7% on a normalized basis versus Q4 ’23.
• On a reported basis, core products, including Soft Pretzels, Churros, and Frozen Novelties, including Dippin Dots, all experienced sales declines in the quarter driven by one fewer week in Q4 ’24 vs. Q4 ’23 and softer consumer spending. This was partially offset by sales growth across Handhelds and Bakery.

Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 31.8% in Q4 ’24, or a 110 basis point decline versus a record Q4 ’23 gross profit rate. This reflects the negative impact from the shift in product mix between core and non-core products, and production and supply chain inefficiencies as we managed through softer consumer demand. Across our portfolio of raw materials, we experienced net mid-single-digit inflation, with the increase primarily driven by higher cost of cocoa/chocolate, and to a lesser extent, increases in the cost of sugar/sweeteners, eggs, and meats. These increases were somewhat offset by deflationary trends seen in flour, cheese and dairy, and mixes. Pricing adjustments and contractual cost true ups helped minimize the majority of the impact, but continued inflation in chocolates and sugar is driving consideration of further price increases and cost of goods initiatives to manage gross margins.

Total operating expenses of $95.7 million represented 22.4% of sales for the quarter, a 100 basis point improvement compared to 23.4% of sales in Q4 ’23.

• Distribution costs of $46.0 million represented 10.8% of sales in the quarter, flat versus the prior year period, as investments in improving our supply chain network continue to drive expenses savings and distribution efficiencies.
• Marketing and selling expenses of $31.1 million represented 7.3% of sales, versus 7.0% in the prior year period and continue to drive innovation, promote our brands and launch new selling opportunities.
• Administrative expenses of $18.2 million represented 4.3% of sales in Q4 ’24, favorably comparing to 5.0% in Q4 ’23.
  

Adjusted operating income was $42.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, compared to $45.8 million in the prior year period, with the decline driven by lower overall sales and weaker gross margin mix partially offset by operational efficiencies. This led to net earnings in Q4 ’24 of $29.6 million, compared to $30.4 million in Q4 ’23. Our effective tax rate was 26.8% in Q4 ’24.

Fiscal 2024 Highlights
Net sales increased 1.0% to a record $1.57 billion for full year fiscal 2024, and 2.8% on a normalized basis versus full year fiscal 2023, reflecting solid performance across all three business segments for the full year.

Key highlights include:

• Food Service sales grew 0.3% in fiscal 2024, and 2.4% on a normalized basis compared to the prior year, led by Churros and Handheld sales and to a lesser degree Bakery and Frozen Novelties sales. This was partially offset by declines in Soft Pretzel sales.
• Retail sales continued their strong performance, growing 2.7% over the prior record year period and 4.4% on a normalized basis, driven by growth in handhelds and soft pretzels, partially offset by declines in Frozen Novelties and Biscuits.
• Frozen Beverages segment sales grew 1.9% in fiscal 2024, and 3.0% on a normalized basis compared to the prior year. Reported sales were driven by 2.4% increase in Beverages and a 0.7% increase in Maintenance and Machine revenue.
  

Gross profit as a percentage of sales improved 80 basis points to 30.9% for fiscal 2024, favorably comparing to 30.1% for the prior year, with the increase largely attributable to the benefit of increased top-line demand, favorable product mix, more aligned pricing and cost, and targeted margin efficiencies.

Total operating expenses increased to 23.4% of sales, compared to 23.1% for fiscal 2023 largely reflecting the higher expenses around marketing to support our new product launches.

• Distribution costs were 11.2% of sales for the year, versus 11.1% in the prior year period, reflecting improved supply chain efficiencies after adjusting for one-time transformation investments.
• Marketing and selling expenses were 7.5% of sales, compared to 7.1% last year, driven by more marketing dollars aligned with new customer opportunities and product launches.
• Administrative expenses were 4.7% of sales this year, compared to 4.8% last year, reflecting improved management of expenses and leverage from higher sales.
  

Fiscal 2024 operating income increased 7.3% to $117.5 million, versus $109.5 million for fiscal 2023, largely as the result of continued top-line growth, improved gross margins, and effective management of operating expenses.

Fiscal 2024 net earnings increased 9.7% to $86.6 million, compared to $78.9 million in fiscal 2023. Our effective tax rate was 27.2% in fiscal 2024, compared to 26.6% in the prior year.

Food Service Segment Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Q4 ’24 food service sales totaled $262.2 million, or a decline of 3.0%, compared to Q4 ’23 sales of $270.3 million. Sales on a normalized basis grew 4.6%.
• On a reported basis, churros’ sales declined 9.5% to $25.2 million, reflecting lower club and restaurant channel sales, partially offset by new business growth with a major QSR customer. Soft Pretzel sales declined 9.4% while Frozen Novelties sales declined 4.3%, driven primarily by a 9% decrease in Dippin’ Dots sales due to soft traffic in amusement and convenience channels. These declines were partially offset by 8.4% growth in Handheld sales.
• Sales of new products and added placement with new customers totaled approximately $8.0 million, driven primarily by the addition of churros to the menu of two major QSR customers.
• Q4 ’24 operating income decreased 12.7% to $15.3 million, versus the prior year period with the decrease primarily driven by the decline in overall sales and the shift in product mix.

Retail Segment Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Q4’24 retail sales totaled $55.9 million, or a decline of 13.7%, compared to Q4 ’23. Sales on a normalized basis decreased 5.7%.
• Soft Pretzel and Frozen Novelties sales declined, 19.3% and 16.8%, respectively, while sales of Biscuits were relatively flat, down 0.3%. These declines were partially offset by 14.9 % growth in Handheld sales driven by expanded distribution with a major mass merchant.
• New product innovation contributed approximately $1.0 million in the quarter driven primarily by the growth of Superpretzel Bavarian sticks and frozen novelties.
• Operating income for the quarter was $3.3 million, a decline of $0.4 million versus the prior year period driven entirely by softer sales in the quarter.

Frozen Beverages Segment Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Frozen beverages segment sales totaled $108.7 million, flat compared to a record Q4 ’23. Sales on a normalized basis grew 7.7%.
• Beverage sales were flat at $71.3 million, led by softness in the amusement/entertainment, convenience and QSR channels. Sales did improve for the theater channel, especially in July and September as the market started to see a higher volume of strong releases. The theater industry expects significant improvement in calendar 2025 as the schedule of new releases is much stronger.
• Repair and Maintenance revenues declined 1.3%, versus the prior year period reflecting weaker maintenance call volumes, while Machine sales were up 1.7% in the quarter.
• Q4 ’24 operating income increased 3.4% to $21.3 million for the quarter, compared to a Q4 ’23 operating income of $20.6 million, driven by improved product mix and effective management of operating expenses.

Conference Call
J & J Snack Foods Corp. will host a conference call to discuss results and business outlook on November 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Conference call participants should register by clicking on this Registration Link to receive the dial-in number and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available on the Investors homepage at https://www.jjsnack.com/investors/.

About J & J Snack Foods Corp.
J & J Snack Foods Corp. ( JJSF) is a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, providing innovative, niche, and affordable branded snack foods and beverages to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets. Manufactured and distributed nationwide, our principal products include SUPERPRETZEL, the #1 soft pretzel brand in the world, as well as internationally known ICEE and SLUSH PUPPIE frozen beverages, DIPPIN’ DOTS ice cream, LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID* frozen ices, WHOLE FRUIT sorbet and frozen fruit bars, HOLA! CHURROS, and THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY funnel cakes and several bakery brands within DADDY RAY’S, COUNTRY HOME BAKERS, and HILL & VALLEY. For more information, please visit http://www.jjsnack.com.

*MINUTE MAID is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding the Company’s expected future financial position, results of operations, revenue growth and profit levels, cash flows, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, capital expenditures, products, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as “anticipate,” “if,” “believe,” “plan,” “goals,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. This includes, without limitation, our statements, and expectations regarding any current or future recovery in our industry (or the industries of our customers) and the future impact of our operational efficiency projects. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and readers must recognize that actual results may differ materially from the expectations of management. We do not undertake a duty to update such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include consumer spending, price competition, acceptance of new products, the pricing and availability of raw materials, transportation costs, changes in the competitive marketplace the uncertainty and ultimate economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or similar health outbreaks, and other risks identified in our annual report on Form 10-K, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these factors are outside of the Company’s control.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA consists of net earnings adjusted to exclude: income taxes (benefit); investment income; interest expense; depreciation and amortization; share-based compensation expense; net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets; impairment charges, restructuring costs, merger and acquisition costs, acquisition related inventory adjustments, strategic business transformation costs, and integration costs.

Adjusted Operating Income consists of operating income adjusted to exclude impairment charges, restructuring costs, merger and acquisition costs, acquisition related amortization expenses and inventory adjustments, strategic business transformation costs, and integration costs.

Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share consists of net earnings adjusted to exclude impairment charges, restructuring costs, merger and acquisition costs, acquisition related amortization expenses and inventory adjustment, strategic business transformation costs, and integration costs. For purposes of comparability, the income tax effect of pre-tax adjustments is determined using statutory tax rates.

Normalized net sales related metrics are calculated excluding the impact of the additional week on prior year comparable sales results. For the full fiscal year comparative metrics, the additional week is defined as the week beginning on September 25, 2022. For the fiscal fourth quarter comparative metrics, the additional week is defined as the week beginning on June 25, 2023.

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures; Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share and Normalized Net Sales. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is a numerical measure of a company's financial performance that excludes or includes amounts so as to be different than the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the statements of income, balance sheets, or statements of cash flow of the company. Pursuant to applicable reporting requirements, the company has provided reconciliations below of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

The non-GAAP financial measures presented within the Company's earnings release are not indicators of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to the applicable GAAP measure. These non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. In addition, in evaluating these non-GAAP measures, you should be aware that in the future we may incur income, expenses, gains and losses, similar to the adjustments in this press release. Our presentation of these non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items. We compensate for these limitations by providing equal prominence to our GAAP results and using non-GAAP measures only as supplemental presentations.

The non-GAAP measures presented are utilized by management to evaluate the Company's business performance and profitability by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our recurring core business operating results. The Company believes that these measures provide additional clarity for investors by excluding specific income, expenses, gains, and losses, in an effort to show comparable business operating results for the periods presented. Similarly, Management believes these adjusted measures are useful performance measures because certain items included in the calculations may either mask or exaggerate trends in the Company’s ongoing operating performance. See the reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

Investor Contact:
Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, or Jennifer Neuman
JCIR
(212) 835-8500
[email protected]