Adjusted EPS was $0.35 for the quarter, with adjusted SG&A up 6% due to employee expenses and advertising investments.
Cash flow from operations was $150 million, down year-over-year due to intentional inventory build; capital expenditures were $72 million, targeting capacity and technology.
Foodservice segment delivered 2% organic volume growth and 7% organic net sales growth, outperforming the industry.
Gross profit was flat year-over-year due to higher input costs offsetting top-line growth.
International business showed 8% volume growth and 6% net sales growth, led by China.
Organic net sales increased 6% year-over-year to $3 billion in Q3, with organic volume up 4%.
Raw material cost inflation was approximately 400 basis points in Q3, driven by pork, beef, and nut markets.
Retail segment volume and net sales grew 5%, supported by Turkey portfolio and other retail pillars.
Impact of Fikes Acquisition on Fuel and Prepared Foods Margins
The Fikes acquisition has contributed to a 110 basis point drag on prepared foods margins, which management expects to improve as stores are remodeled.
Remodeling and full integration of Fikes stores are projected to take over a year, with initial synergies mainly from fuel and G&A savings.
The company has made adjustments to the Fikes stores' assortment and promotional strategies to improve margins and sales performance.
Progress on converting Fikes stores to Casey's food proposition is ongoing, with full benefits expected post-remodeling and kitchen upgrades.
Management remains confident that the full integration and remodeling will eventually lead to margin accretion and higher profitability.
Flowers Foods is actively transitioning its product portfolio to better align with evolving consumer preferences, acknowledging that this process will take time.
The company is responding to a challenging economic environment and shifting consumer trends, which have hampered recent results.
Management emphasizes that the transition is a long-term, generational shift in the category, requiring patience and strategic innovation.
Early progress in repositioning the portfolio gives management confidence in driving long-term growth despite short-term pressures.
The company is focusing on innovation, including new product lines like Dave's Killer Bread and Canyon Bakehouse, to address softness in traditional categories.
Flowers Foods plans to further innovate and introduce new products in upcoming quarters to accelerate the transition and capture consumer interest.
Dafinchi
