Core Viewpoint - The article highlights Utz Brands as a promising growth stock, supported by its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank, indicating strong potential for investors seeking growth opportunities [2][10]. Earnings Growth - Utz Brands has a historical EPS growth rate of 5.4%, but projected EPS growth for the current year is expected to be 10.6%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 4.8% [5]. Cash Flow Growth - The year-over-year cash flow growth for Utz Brands stands at 13.6%, surpassing the industry average of 4.6%. Additionally, the company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 61.3%, compared to the industry average of 4.8% [6][7]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Utz Brands have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 3.9% over the past month, indicating positive momentum [9]. Overall Assessment - Utz Brands has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of B, reflecting its strong growth characteristics and potential as a solid choice for growth investors [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Food - Miscellaneous sector should consider Utz Brands (UTZ) and Kerry Group PLC (KRYAY) for potential value opportunities, with UTZ currently presenting a better value option based on various financial metrics [1]. Valuation Metrics - UTZ has a forward P/E ratio of 15.97, while KRYAY has a forward P/E of 19.48, indicating that UTZ may be undervalued compared to KRYAY [5]. - The PEG ratio for UTZ is 1.69, which is comparable to KRYAY's PEG ratio of 1.71, suggesting similar expected earnings growth rates [5]. - UTZ's P/B ratio stands at 1.38, significantly lower than KRYAY's P/B of 2.46, further supporting the notion that UTZ is a more attractive value investment [6]. Analyst Outlook - UTZ holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), reflecting a more favorable earnings estimate revision activity compared to KRYAY, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3]. - The solid earnings outlook for UTZ, combined with its superior valuation metrics, positions it as the preferred choice for value investors [6].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with Utz Brands identified as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Growth - Utz Brands has a historical EPS growth rate of 5.4%, but projected EPS growth for the current year is expected to be 8.8%, surpassing the industry average of 6% [4]. Group 2: Cash Flow Growth - The year-over-year cash flow growth for Utz Brands stands at 13.6%, significantly higher than the industry average of 5.5% [5]. - Over the past 3-5 years, the annualized cash flow growth rate for Utz Brands has been 61.3%, compared to the industry average of 4.3% [6]. Group 3: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Utz Brands have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 2.8% over the past month [8]. - The positive trend in earnings estimate revisions supports the stock's potential for near-term price movements [7]. Group 4: Overall Positioning - Utz Brands holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of B, positioning it well for potential outperformance in the growth stock category [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Utz Brands (UTZ) has shown a recent price increase and analysts suggest significant upside potential based on price targets and earnings estimates [1][9]. Price Targets - The mean price target for UTZ is $18.67, indicating a potential upside of 34.2% from the current price of $13.91 [1]. - Analysts have set short-term price targets ranging from a low of $16 to a high of $23, with a standard deviation of $2.29, suggesting a consensus among analysts [2]. - The lowest estimate indicates a 15% increase, while the highest suggests a 65.4% upside [2]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts have revised earnings estimates upward, indicating a positive trend that correlates with potential stock price increases [4][9]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 2.8% over the past month, with three estimates going higher and no negative revisions [10]. - UTZ holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [11]. Analyst Behavior - Analysts often set optimistic price targets influenced by business relationships, which can lead to inflated expectations [6]. - A low standard deviation in price targets indicates a high degree of agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement [7]. Investment Considerations - While price targets can provide insights, relying solely on them for investment decisions may lead to disappointing returns [8][12].

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number: 001-38686 Utz Brands, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) Securities registe ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates category growth of approximately 0% to 1% for fiscal 2025, indicating a slightly better than flat performance [8] - The company delivered about $60 million in productivity in 2024 and aims for $150 million or more over the three-year period from 2024 to 2026 [26][30] - The company expects to achieve around 80 basis points of EBITDA margin expansion in 2025 [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The non-branded side of the business experienced an 18% decline in the fourth quarter, but management does not expect another double-digit decline in 2025 [36][37] - The tortilla chips category faced challenges due to assortment decisions and is expected to improve as the company laps previous performance [21][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen strong consumer reception for its tortilla chips, particularly in the border segment, despite competitive pressures [22] - The company is gaining distribution in expansion markets, with Power 4 brands performing well [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to hold its core market share while expanding in new markets through increased distribution and marketing support [8] - The company is focusing on supply chain optimization and automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs [32][35] - The company plans to continue investing in its portfolio and is open to potential acquisitions if they align with its strategic goals [74][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate a sluggish category and increased competition by delivering value beyond price [10][12] - The company expects promotional intensity to normalize as the year progresses, with a focus on innovation and quality [61] Other Important Information - The company is actively working on price pack architecture to offer a range of products at different price points [41][42] - The company has not experienced changes in customer allocation for display activity, indicating continued support from retailers [66] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the category growth assumption for fiscal '25? - Management expects category growth to be around 0% to 1% for fiscal 2025, with a strategy to hold core market share and expand in new markets [8] Question: What gives confidence in building flexibility despite sluggish category data? - Management believes in delivering value beyond price and expects normalization in promotional activity as the year progresses [10][12] Question: Will there be a further breakout of branded salty versus non-branded non-salty? - Management confirmed they will provide historical components for net sales breakdown [18] Question: When will the dips and spreads weakness lap? - Management indicated that the lapping will begin in May and improve through the back half of the year [20] Question: What are the building blocks for expanding EBITDA margin? - Management highlighted productivity programs and capital investments as key drivers for margin expansion [26][30] Question: What is the outlook for the non-branded side of the business? - Management does not expect another double-digit decline in the non-branded segment moving forward [37] Question: Can you elaborate on price pack architecture adjustments? - Management discussed the introduction of bonus bags and a focus on various price points to enhance consumer value [41][42] Question: What are the expectations for distribution expansion? - Management expects continued growth in distribution, particularly in expansion markets, with investments in consumer awareness [49] Question: How does the company view channel dynamics, particularly in C-stores? - Management acknowledged challenges in the C-store channel but expects modest growth as the year progresses [55] Question: Are there any notable changes in promotional activity for 2025? - Management reported no changes in customer allocation for display activity and plans to increase promotional efforts in core and expansion markets [66]

Core Insights - Utz Brands (UTZ) shares increased by 6% following the release of better-than-expected profits driven by higher sales of salty snack products [1] - The company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.22, surpassing analyst expectations, while revenue decreased by 3% year-over-year to $341.0 million, falling short of forecasts [1][3] Sales Performance - Organic net sales for Branded Salty Snacks grew by 3%, supported by the firm's Power Four Brands [2] - In contrast, organic net sales for Non-Branded & Non-Salty Snacks declined by 18%, primarily due to reduced demand for Partner Brands and Dips & Salsas [2] Management Commentary - CEO Howard Friedman highlighted strong sales in salty snacks while managing low-margin partner brands and private label products [2] - The company anticipates a full-year adjusted EPS increase of 10% to 15% due to improved operating profit and lower interest expenses [2] Future Outlook - Utz expects organic net sales to rise by a low-single-digit percentage, driven by continued growth in Branded Salty Snacks, particularly the Power Four Brands, and a reduced decline in Non-Branded & Non-Salty Snacks [2][3] - Despite the recent share price increase, Utz Brands has experienced a nearly 25% decline in share value over the past year [2]

Core Viewpoint - Utz Brands reported quarterly earnings of $0.22 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.19 per share, and showing an increase from $0.16 per share a year ago, indicating a 15.79% earnings surprise [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $341.05 million for the quarter ended December 2024, which was 1.66% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a decrease from $352.1 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Utz Brands has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times but has only topped revenue estimates once [2] Stock Performance - Utz Brands shares have declined approximately 14% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a 4.5% gain in the S&P 500 [3] - The current Zacks Rank for Utz Brands is 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of underperformance in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.16 on revenues of $349.3 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.82 on revenues of $1.45 billion [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for Utz Brands has been unfavorable leading up to the earnings release [6] Industry Context - The Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which Utz Brands belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 28% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges for stock performance [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact investor sentiment [5]

Utz Brands Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results Hanover, PA – February 20, 2025 – Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE: UTZ) ("Utz" or the "Company"), a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded Salty Snacks and a small-cap value Staples equity, today reported financial results for the Company's fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended December 29, 2024. 4Q'24 Summary (1) FY'24 Summary (2) FY'25 Outlook Highlights (3) (1) All comparisons for the fourth quarter of 2024 are compared to the fourth quarter ended Dec ...

To become a better investor it is always good to do some reflection about your own investment decisions. Sometimes saying goodbye to a stock is an essential part of the process. It is not wise toI am a Dutch manual therapist (MSc) and a passionate retail investor. My investment journey started in 2021 and from that point my love for investing has begun. Nearly from the start i had a strong preference for dividend growth investing.My investment goal is to retire early with the dividend growth strategy, combi ...