• Utz Brands posted recorded remarks on first-quarter 2026 results, with CEO Howard Friedman, CFO BK Kelley, and SVP and head of corporate finance Trevor Martin participating.
• Net sales rose 2.6%, driven by 3.7% pricing and a 1.1% decline in volume/mix; Branded Salty Snacks organic net sales rose 5.2% while Non-Branded and Non-Salty fell 14.3% as portfolio rationalization accelerated.
• Adjusted gross margin expanded 210 bps; adjusted EBITDA rose 6.2% with margin up 50 bps to 13.3%, despite higher supply chain costs and a 35% jump in marketing spend.
• Adjusted free cash flow was negative 25.9 million in quarter but improved by about 32.3 million year over year; net leverage ratio improved to 3.6x from year-ago quarter, with management expecting first quarter to be peak leverage for year.
• Management reaffirmed 2026 guidance for organic net sales growth of 2% to 3%, adjusted EBITDA growth of 5% to 8%, adjusted EPS decline of 3% to 6%, and adjusted free cash flow of $60 million to $80 million, citing hedging and productivity programs to manage higher energy-related costs.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Utz Brands Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief on May 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.