UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 4, 2025


☐	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 1-16247

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Georgia

58-2582379

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

1919 FLOWERS CIRCLE, THOMASVILLE, Georgia

(Address of principal executive offices)

31757

(Zip Code)

(229)-226-9110

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading
Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

FLO

NYSE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐

Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐

Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of October 31, 2025, the registrant had 211,178,225 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

INDEX


			PAGE NUMBER
PART I. Financial Information			4
	Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	4
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024	4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Twelve and Forty Weeks Ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024	5
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Twelve and Forty Weeks Ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024	6
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Twelve and Forty Weeks Ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024	7
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Forty Weeks Ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024	9
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	10
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	39
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	55
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	55
PART II. Other Information			56
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	56
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	56
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	56
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	56
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	56
	Item 5.	Other Information	56
	Item 6.	Exhibits	57
Signatures			58

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this filing and certain other written or oral statements made from time to time by Flowers Foods, Inc. (the “company”, “Flowers Foods”, “Flowers”, “us”, “we”, or “our”) and its representatives that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to current expectations regarding our business and our future financial condition and results of operations and are often identified by the use of words and phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “is likely to,” “is expected to” or “will continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions we believe are reasonable.

Forward-looking statements are based on current information and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected. Certain factors that may cause actual results, performance, liquidity, and achievements to differ materially from those projected are discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) and may include, but are not limited to:

•

unexpected changes in any of the following: (i) general economic and business conditions; (ii) the competitive setting in which we operate, including advertising or promotional strategies by us or our competitors, as well as changes in consumer demand; (iii) interest rates and other terms available to us on our borrowings; (iv) supply chain conditions and any related impact on energy and raw materials costs and availability and hedging counter-party risks; (v) relationships with or increased costs related to our employees and third-party service providers; (vi) laws and regulations (including environmental and health-related issues and the impacts of tariffs, including retaliatory tariffs); and (vii) accounting standards or tax rates in the markets in which we operate;

•

the loss or financial instability of any significant customer(s), including as a result of product recalls or safety concerns related to our products;

•

changes in consumer behavior, trends and preferences, including health and whole grain trends and consumer buying habits, the movement toward less expensive store branded products, and the continued reduction of purchases in the fresh packaged bread category;

•

the level of success we achieve in developing and introducing new products and entering new markets;

•

our ability to implement new technology and customer requirements as required;

•

our ability to operate existing, and any new, manufacturing lines according to schedule;

•

our ability to implement and achieve our corporate responsibility goals in accordance with regulatory requirements and the expectations of our stakeholders, suppliers, and customers;

•

our ability to execute our business strategies which may involve, among other things, (i) the ability to realize the intended benefits of completed, planned or contemplated acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures, such as the acquisition of Simple Mills, (ii) the deployment of new systems (e.g., our enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system), distribution channels and technology, and (iii) an enhanced organizational structure (e.g., our sales and supply chain reorganization);

•

consolidation within the baking industry and related industries;

•

changes in pricing, customer and consumer reaction to pricing actions (including decreased volumes), and the pricing environment among competitors within the industry;

•

our ability to adjust pricing to offset, or partially offset, inflationary pressure or tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs) on the cost of our products, including ingredient and packaging costs;

•

disruptions in our direct-store-delivery distribution model, including litigation or an adverse ruling by a court or regulatory or governmental body that could affect the independent contractor classifications of the independent distributor partners ("IDPs"), and changes to our direct-store-delivery distribution model in California;

•

increasing legal complexity and legal proceedings that we are or may become subject to;

•

labor shortages and turnover or increases in employee and employee-related costs;

•

the credit, business, and legal risks associated with IDPs and customers, which operate in the highly competitive retail food and foodservice industries;

•

any business disruptions due to political instability, pandemics, armed hostilities, incidents of terrorism, natural disasters, labor strikes or work stoppages, technological breakdowns, product contamination, product recalls or safety concerns related to our products, or the responses to or repercussions from any of these or similar events or conditions and our ability to insure against such events;

•

the failure of our information technology (“IT”) systems to perform adequately, including any interruptions, intrusions, cyber-attacks or security breaches of such systems or risks associated with the implementation of the upgrade of our ERP system; and

•

the potential impact of climate change on the company, including physical and transition risks, our availability or restriction of resources, higher regulatory and compliance costs, reputational risks, and our availability of capital on attractive terms.

The foregoing list of important factors does not include all such factors, nor does it necessarily present them in order of importance. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by the company (such as in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by the company. Refer to Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024 (the “Form 10-K”) and Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding factors that could affect the company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as they speak only as of the date made and are inherently uncertain. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update such statements, except as required by law. You are advised, however, to consult any further public disclosures by the company (such as in our filings with the SEC or in company press releases) on related subjects.

We own or have rights to trademarks or trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business, including our corporate names, logos and website names. In addition, we own or have the rights to copyrights, trade secrets and other proprietary rights that protect the content of our products and the formulations for such products. Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks, trade names and copyrights referred to in this Form 10-Q are listed without the © , ® and ™ symbols, but we will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to our trademarks, trade names and copyrights.

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)


	October 4, 2025			December 28, 2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,731		$	5,005
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowances of $19,890 and $17,922, respectively		369,069			334,810
Inventories, net:
Raw materials		75,002			67,318
Packaging materials		31,217			27,581
Finished goods		97,179			77,005
Inventories, net		203,398			171,904
Spare parts and supplies		96,017			90,787
Other		66,600			53,858
Total current assets		751,815			656,364
Property, plant and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment		2,600,105			2,575,358
Less: accumulated depreciation		(1,662,743	)		(1,611,038	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		937,362			964,320
Financing lease right-of-use assets		313			166
Operating lease right-of-use assets		331,307			318,619
Notes receivable from independent distributor partners		107,328			108,082
Assets held for sale		28,098			24,524
Other assets		16,061			22,107
Goodwill		1,047,775			679,896
Customer relationships, net		299,024			139,672
Trademarks - finite-lived, net		347,858			359,283
Trademarks - indefinite-lived		482,500			127,100
Other intangible assets, net		177			314
Total assets	$	4,349,618		$	3,400,447
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	399,433		$	—
Current maturities of financing leases		118			84
Current maturities of operating leases		74,486			68,440
Accounts payable		318,952			260,710
Other accrued liabilities		164,564			219,369
Total current liabilities		957,553			548,603

Noncurrent long-term debt		1,380,190			1,021,644
Noncurrent financing lease obligations		135			11
Noncurrent operating lease obligations		262,501			254,454
Total long-term debt and right-of-use lease liabilities		1,642,826			1,276,109
Other liabilities:
Postretirement/post-employment obligations		5,245			5,511
Deferred taxes		269,966			124,233
Other long-term liabilities		53,534			35,877
Total other long-term liabilities		328,745			165,621
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock — $100 stated par value, 200,000 authorized shares and none issued		—			—
Preferred stock — $.01 stated par value, 800,000 authorized shares and none issued		—			—
Common stock — $.01 stated par value and $.001 current par value, 500,000,000 authorized shares and 228,729,585 shares issued		199			199
Treasury stock — 17,551,360 shares and 18,132,027 shares, respectively		(277,804	)		(286,009	)
Capital in excess of par value		723,602			711,539
Retained earnings		971,413			977,555
Accumulated other comprehensive income		3,084			6,830
Total stockholders’ equity		1,420,494			1,410,114
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,349,618		$	3,400,447

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended						For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024
Net sales	$	1,226,554		$	1,190,561		$	4,023,619		$	3,992,362
Materials, supplies, labor and other production costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)		638,703			598,209			2,053,109			2,008,757
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		475,952			460,359			1,583,002			1,557,010
Depreciation and amortization		39,873			37,331			128,967			122,393
Plant closure costs and impairment of assets		—			4,483			7,397			9,860
Restructuring charges		5,510			—			6,083			7,403
Income from operations		66,516			90,179			245,061			286,939
Interest expense		18,220			8,688			56,771			28,967
Interest income		(3,767	)		(3,910	)		(13,234	)		(13,670	)
Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit plans credit		(88	)		(119	)		(293	)		(395	)
Income before income taxes		52,151			85,520			201,817			272,037
Income tax expense		12,617			20,536			50,920			67,043
Net income	$	39,534		$	64,984		$	150,897		$	204,994
Net income per common share:
Basic:
Net income per common share	$	0.19		$	0.31		$	0.71		$	0.97
Weighted average shares outstanding		211,417			210,820			211,318			211,084
Diluted:
Net income per common share	$	0.19		$	0.31		$	0.71		$	0.97
Weighted average shares outstanding		212,107			211,975			212,089			212,123
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.2475		$	0.2400		$	0.7350		$	0.7100

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended						For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024
Net income	$	39,534		$	64,984		$	150,897		$	204,994
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement plans:
Amortization of prior service credit included in net income		(36	)		(30	)		(120	)		(102	)
Amortization of actuarial gain included in net income		(32	)		(25	)		(108	)		(80	)
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax		(68	)		(55	)		(228	)		(182	)
Derivative instruments:
Net change in fair value of derivatives		(1,065	)		1,223			(2,834	)		1,101
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income		6			128			(684	)		699
Derivative instruments, net of tax		(1,059	)		1,351			(3,518	)		1,800
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		(1,127	)		1,296			(3,746	)		1,618
Comprehensive income	$	38,407		$	66,280		$	147,151		$	206,612

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended October 4, 2025
	Common Stock				Capital in					Accumulated
	Number of				Excess					Other			Treasury Stock
	Shares Issued		Par Value		of Par Value		Retained Earnings			Comprehensive Income			Number of Shares			Cost			Total
Balances at July 12, 2025		228,729,585	$	199	$	717,004	$	984,146		$	4,211			(17,551,360	)	$	(277,804	)	$	1,427,756
Net income								39,534												39,534
Derivative instruments, net of tax											(1,059	)								(1,059	)
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax											(68	)								(68	)
Amortization of stock-based compensation awards						6,598														6,598
Dividends paid — $0.2475 per common share								(52,267	)											(52,267	)
Balances at October 4, 2025		228,729,585	$	199	$	723,602	$	971,413		$	3,084			(17,551,360	)	$	(277,804	)	$	1,420,494


	For the Forty Weeks Ended October 4, 2025
	Common Stock				Capital in						Accumulated
	Number of				Excess						Other			Treasury Stock
	Shares Issued		Par Value		of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Comprehensive Income			Number of Shares			Cost			Total
Balances at December 28, 2024		228,729,585	$	199	$	711,539		$	977,555		$	6,830			(18,132,027	)	$	(286,009	)	$	1,410,114
Net income									150,897												150,897
Derivative instruments, net of tax												(3,518	)								(3,518	)
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax												(228	)								(228	)
Amortization of stock-based compensation awards						25,767															25,767
Issuance of deferred compensation						(20	)								1,260			20			—
Time-based restricted stock units issued (Note 18)						(6,243	)								395,738			6,243			—
Performance-contingent restricted stock awards issued (Note 18)						(6,440	)								407,340			6,440			—
Issuance of deferred stock awards						(1,001	)								63,309			1,001			—
Share repurchases															(286,980	)		(5,499	)		(5,499	)
Dividends paid on vested stock-based payment awards									(1,835	)											(1,835	)
Dividends paid — $0.7350 per common share									(155,204	)											(155,204	)
Balances at October 4, 2025		228,729,585	$	199	$	723,602		$	971,413		$	3,084			(17,551,360	)	$	(277,804	)	$	1,420,494

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended October 5, 2024
	Common Stock				Capital in						Accumulated
	Number of				Excess						Other			Treasury Stock
	Shares Issued		Par Value		of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Comprehensive Income			Number of Shares			Cost			Total
Balances at July 13, 2024		228,729,585	$	199	$	698,722		$	970,536		$	943			(18,130,952	)	$	(285,992	)	$	1,384,408
Net income									64,984												64,984
Derivative instruments, net of tax												1,351									1,351
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax												(55	)								(55	)
Amortization of stock-based compensation awards						6,381															6,381
Issuance of deferred stock awards						(7	)								420			7			—
Dividends paid — $0.2400 per common share									(50,543	)											(50,543	)
Balances at October 5, 2024		228,729,585	$	199	$	705,096		$	984,977		$	2,239			(18,130,532	)	$	(285,985	)	$	1,406,526


	For the Forty Weeks Ended October 5, 2024
	Common Stock				Capital in						Accumulated
	Number of				Excess						Other			Treasury Stock
	Shares Issued		Par Value		of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Comprehensive Income			Number of Shares			Cost			Total
Balances at December 30, 2023		228,729,585	$	199	$	699,808		$	932,472		$	621			(18,309,359	)	$	(281,318	)	$	1,351,782
Net income									204,994												204,994
Derivative instruments, net of tax												1,800									1,800
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax												(182	)								(182	)
Amortization of stock-based compensation awards						23,324															23,324
Issuance of deferred compensation						(26	)								1,679			26			—
Time-based restricted stock units issued (Note 18)						(3,922	)								255,161			3,922			—
Performance-contingent restricted stock awards issued (Note 18)						(13,060	)								847,977			13,060			—
Issuance of deferred stock awards						(1,028	)								66,243			1,028			—
Share repurchases															(992,233	)		(22,703	)		(22,703	)
Dividends paid on vested stock-based payment awards									(2,699	)											(2,699	)
Dividends paid — $.7100 per common share									(149,790	)											(149,790	)
Balances at October 5, 2024		228,729,585	$	199	$	705,096		$	984,977		$	2,239			(18,130,532	)	$	(285,985	)	$	1,406,526

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(Unaudited)


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (DISBURSED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	150,897		$	204,994
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation		25,767			23,324
(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income		(262	)		1,314
Depreciation and amortization		128,967			122,393
Deferred income taxes		36,399			15,831
Impairment of assets		5,495			9,864
Provision for inventory obsolescence		3,760			3,266
Allowances for accounts receivable		6,755			6,328
Pension and postretirement plans cost		316			307
Other		440			216
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and disposals:
Accounts receivable		(20,465	)		(58,959	)
Inventories		(15,808	)		11,519
Hedging activities		4,092			1,455
Accounts payable		44,824			(31,527	)
Other assets and accrued liabilities		(50,354	)		(27,955	)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		320,823			282,370
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (DISBURSED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(80,305	)		(86,624	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		577			2,040
Repurchase of independent distribution rights		(26,907	)		(33,212	)
Cash paid at issuance of notes receivable		(16,722	)		(15,232	)
Principal payments from notes receivable		17,869			19,655
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired		(791,928	)		—
Proceeds from insurance settlement		1,389			—
Other investing activities		633			431
NET CASH DISBURSED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(895,394	)		(112,942	)
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (DISBURSED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid, including dividends on stock-based payment awards		(157,039	)		(152,489	)
Stock repurchases		(5,499	)		(22,703	)
Change in bank overdrafts		(5,861	)		(6,363	)
Proceeds from debt borrowings		966,180			284,700
Debt obligation payments		(201,300	)		(279,700	)
Payments on financing leases		(64	)		(235	)
Payments for financing fees		(10,120	)		(190	)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (DISBURSED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES		586,297			(176,980	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		11,726			(7,552	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		5,005			22,527
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	16,731		$	14,975

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)

FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING — The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Flowers Foods, Inc. (the “company”, “Flowers Foods”, “Flowers”, “us”, “we”, or “our”) have been prepared by the company’s management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 28, 2024 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K.

INFLATIONARY ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND MACROECONOMIC FACTORS — We continue to monitor a variety of factors on our business, including the impact of the inflationary economic environment on our costs and the buying patterns of our consumers, supply chain disruptions, including the impact of tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs), increased labor costs, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the conflict in the Middle East. Our results through the third quarter of Fiscal 2025 as compared to the prior year period were negatively impacted by continued weakness in the fresh packaged bread category, most notably for branded traditional loaf breads. The benefit of sales increases, mainly from the Simple Mills acquisition contribution and to a lesser extent sales improvement for DKB, Nature’s Own Keto, and Wonder cake products, was more than offset by higher operating costs.

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE — In the second quarter of Fiscal 2022, we invested $9.0 million in Base Culture, a Clearwater, Florida-based company with one manufacturing facility. We made an additional investment of $2.0 million in Base Culture during the second quarter of Fiscal 2023. Base Culture's product offerings include better-for-you, gluten-free, and grain-free sliced breads and baked goods that are all-natural, 100% Paleo-certified, kosher-certified, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO verified. The investment is being accounted for at cost, less any impairment, adjusted for changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions involving the affiliate, as we do not control nor do we have the ability to significantly influence the affiliate, nor is there a readily determinable fair value. Should circumstances indicate a change in the fair value, a fair value adjustment may be necessary.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2024, the company's qualitative assessment of the fair value of Base Culture indicated the investment may be impaired. Additional quantitative analysis of Base Culture indicated a fair value of approximately $1.5 million of the company’s interest. The company recognized an impairment loss of $4.0 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2024 which is reported in the Plant closure costs and impairment of assets line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The company also recognized an impairment loss of $5.5 million during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2023. The losses recognized represent the difference between the estimated fair value and the company’s original carrying value. The current carrying value is approximately $1.5 million.

PLANT CLOSURE COSTS AND IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS — On February 12, 2025, the company announced the closure of its Bailey Street Bakery located in Atlanta, Georgia. The bakery produced bread and bun products and ceased production on April 16, 2025. This bakery closure is part of our strategy to optimize capacity within our supply chain. Closure costs included asset impairment charges and equipment relocation costs of $6.1 million and severance costs of $1.3 million and were recorded in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. In the second quarter of Fiscal 2025, the company classified the bakery as held for sale.

On July 18, 2024, the company announced the closure of its Baton Rouge, Louisiana bakery. The bakery produced bun products and ceased production on September 19, 2024. This bakery closure is part of our strategy to optimize capacity within our supply chain. The facility continues to be used as a distribution center. The company recognized severance costs of $1.1 million and asset impairment and equipment relocation charges of $2.4 million in the third quarter of Fiscal 2024. Additionally, in the third quarter of Fiscal 2024, the company recorded a charge of $2.3 million to fully impair certain ERP-related software and recognized a recovery of $1.3 million related to the sale of equipment that had been previously written off in Fiscal 2022 as part of the Phoenix, Arizona bakery closure. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2024, the company recorded an asset impairment charge of $1.4 million to write-off certain cake distribution territories classified as held for sale that the company no longer intends to sell. These costs are reported in the Plant closure costs and impairment of assets line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income with the Base Culture impairment discussed immediately above.

ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The company believes the following critical accounting estimates affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements: revenue recognition, derivative financial instruments, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, leases, self-insurance reserves, income tax expense and accruals, postretirement plans, stock-based compensation, and commitments and contingencies. These estimates are summarized in our Form 10-K.

REPORTING PERIODS — Fiscal Year End. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31, resulting in a 53rd reporting week every five or six years. Our internal financial results and key performance indicators are reported on a weekly calendar basis to ensure the same numbers of Saturdays and Sundays in comparable months and to allow for a consistent four-week progression analysis. The company has elected the first quarter to report the extra four-week period. As such, our quarters are divided as follows:


Quarter		Number of Weeks
First Quarter		Sixteen
Second Quarter		Twelve
Third Quarter		Twelve
Fourth Quarter		Twelve (or Thirteen in fiscal years with an extra week)

Accordingly, interim results may not be indicative of subsequent interim period results, or comparable to prior or subsequent interim period results, due to differences in the lengths of the interim periods.

Fiscal 2025 consists of 53 weeks, with the company’s quarterly reporting periods as follows: first quarter ended April 19, 2025 (sixteen weeks), second quarter ended July 12, 2025 (twelve weeks), third quarter ended October 4, 2025 (twelve weeks) and fourth quarter ending January 3, 2026 (thirteen weeks). The last 53-week year was our Fiscal 2020.

REPORTING SEGMENT — The company has identified two operating segments based on how business activities are managed and evaluated, legacy Flowers Foods and Simple Mills. Simple Mills qualifies as an operating segment as it meets the criteria of being a business and has discrete financial information available that is regularly reviewed by the chief executive officer (the "CEO"), who is the chief operating decision maker (the "CODM"), to assess the performance and allocate resources. As Simple Mills shares similar economic characteristics with legacy Flowers Foods, we aggregate Simple Mills and legacy Flowers Foods as one operating segment for the purpose of determining our one reportable segment.

SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER — Below is the effect that our largest customer, Walmart/Sam’s Club, had on the company’s net sales for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024. Walmart/Sam’s Club is the only customer to account for greater than 10% of the company’s net sales.

 
For the Twelve Weeks Ended

For the Forty Weeks Ended

 
October 4, 2025

October 5, 2024

October 4, 2025

October 5, 2024

 
(% of Net Sales)

(% of Net Sales)

Total

21.2

21.9

21.6

22.6

Walmart/Sam’s Club is our only customer with greater than 10% of outstanding trade receivables, representing 19.1% and 18.4%, on a consolidated basis, as of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively, of our trade receivables.

BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT COSTS — In the second half of Fiscal 2020, we launched initiatives to transform our business operations, which include an upgrade of our information system, as well as investments in e-commerce, autonomous planning, and our “bakery of the future” initiatives. These costs may be expensed as incurred, capitalized, recognized as a cloud computing arrangement, or recognized as a prepaid service contract. The expensed portion of these direct costs incurred related to these initiatives was $0.9 million and $2.3 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, respectively. The expensed portion of these direct costs incurred related to these initiatives was $0.5 million and $5.8 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, respectively. These costs are reflected in the selling, distribution and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Costs from previously capitalized, cloud computing arrangements, or prepaid service contracts are recognized in operating costs and are not included in the business process improvement costs above.

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

On March 29, 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-02, "Codification Improvements - Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements" which removes references to the FASB's concepts statements from the FASB Accounting Standards

Codification. The ASU is part of the FASB's standing project to make codification updated for technical corrections such as conforming amendments, clarifications to guidance, simplifications to wording or structure guidance, and other minor improvements. The company adopted the new standard as of December 29, 2024, the beginning of our Fiscal 2025. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial statements.

Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

On September 18, 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-use Software (Subtopic 350-40) - Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-use Software" which modernizes the accounting for software costs that are accounted for under Subtopic 350-40. The amendments in the update are effective for all entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period. The company is determining the impact on our business.

On December 14, 2023, The FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures by requiring; (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. For public business entities, the standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The company will adopt the ASU beginning with the annual financials for fiscal year 2025.

On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, "Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures" which improves the disclosures about a public business entity's expenses and addresses requests from investors for more detailed information about the types of expenses in commonly presented expense captions. The amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The company is determining the impact on our business.

We have reviewed other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that either they are not applicable to our business, or no material effect is expected upon future adoption.

3. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2025, we began a review of our cost-to-serve focused on improving efficiencies and identifying cost reduction opportunities. Based on this review, we announced a restructuring program during the third quarter of Fiscal 2025 and incurred costs for employee termination benefits related to a reduction-in-force ("RIF"). The company incurred consulting costs associated with implementing the restructuring program. We anticipate the restructuring program to be completed during the first quarter of Fiscal 2026.

In April 2024, the company announced a cost savings program to improve operational performance, which included employee termination benefits associated with a RIF and other expense optimization initiatives. The company incurred final RIF charges and made the final payments in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. The company also incurred consulting costs associated with implementing the restructuring program.

The tables below present the components of costs associated with the restructuring programs detailed above (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended		For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 4, 2025
Restructuring charges:
RIF (1)	$	5,510	$	6,083
Restructuring-related implementation costs (2)		3,534		10,718
Total restructuring charges and related implementation costs	$	9,044	$	16,801


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended		For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 5, 2024		October 5, 2024
Restructuring charges:
RIF (1)	$	—	$	7,403
Restructuring-related implementation costs (2)		—		2,979
Total restructuring charges and related implementation costs	$	—	$	10,382

(1)

Presented on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

(2)

Costs are recorded in the selling, distribution and administrative expenses line item of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The table below presents the components of, and changes in, our restructuring accruals (amounts in thousands):


	RIF			Total
Liability balance at December 28, 2024	$	86		$	86
Charges		6,083			6,083
Cash payments		(5,165	)		(5,165	)
Liability balance at October 4, 2025	$	1,004		$	1,004

4. SEGMENTS

Our CODM evaluates operating performance based on net income adjusted for items impacting comparability as detailed below. The CODM uses adjusted net income for the annual budgeting and monthly forecasting process. The CODM considers budget-to-current forecast and prior forecast-to-current forecast variances for adjusted net income on a period basis for evaluating performance and making decisions about allocating capital and other resources.

Detailed below are expense items impacting comparability in the adjusted reports used by the CODM (amounts in thousands):



	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				For the Forty Weeks Ended				Footnote
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		Disclosure
Business process improvement costs	$	949	$	490	$	2,311	$	5,779	Note 1
Restructuring charges		5,510		—		6,083		7,403	Note 3
Restructuring-related implementation costs		3,534		—		10,718		2,979	Note 3
Plant closure costs and impairment of assets		—		4,483		7,397		9,860	Note 1
Acquisition and integration-related costs		1,735		—		16,370		—	Note 5
Legal settlements and related costs		—		827		902		827	Note 16
	$	11,728	$	5,800	$	43,781	$	26,848

Our single reportable segment net sales, net income, and significant expenses are as follows (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended						For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024
Net sales	$	1,226,554		$	1,190,561		$	4,023,619		$	3,992,362
Materials, supplies, labor and other production costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
Ingredients		299,075			304,522			983,581			1,029,282
Workforce-related costs		177,008			174,917			578,341			575,651
Packaging		44,733			43,906			148,510			146,731
Other(1)		117,887			74,864			342,677			257,093
Total materials, supplies, labor and other production costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)		638,703			598,209			2,053,109			2,008,757
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses
Workforce-related costs		156,190			141,423			514,860			469,922
Distributor distribution fees		141,650			155,131			478,975			535,303
Other(2)		178,112			163,805			589,167			551,785
Total selling, distribution, and administrative expenses		475,952			460,359			1,583,002			1,557,010
Depreciation		30,082			30,051			98,891			97,983
Amortization		9,769			7,218			30,010			24,197
Right-of-use financing lease amortization		22			62			66			213
Plant closure costs and impairment of assets		—			4,483			7,397			9,860
Restructuring charges		5,510			—			6,083			7,403
Interest expense		18,220			8,688			56,771			28,967
Interest income		(3,767	)		(3,910	)		(13,234	)		(13,670	)
Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits credit		(88	)		(119	)		(293	)		(395	)
Income before income taxes		52,151			85,520			201,817			272,037
Income tax expense		12,617			20,536			50,920			67,043
Net income	$	39,534		$	64,984		$	150,897		$	204,994

(1)

The Other line item includes utilities, repairs and maintenance, rent, and other production costs.

(2)

The Other line item includes transportation, marketing, legal, consulting, rent, computer maintenance, and other overhead expenses.

5. ACQUISITION

On February 21, 2025, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests of Purposeful Foods Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Simple Mills, Inc., for total consideration of approximately $848.6 million, which includes $17.8 million payable to the sellers upon realization of certain tax benefits acquired as part of the transaction. Simple Mills, a market-leading natural brand offering premium better-for-you crackers, cookies, snack bars, and baking mixes, expands the company's presence in the better-for-you snacking category. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination. The total goodwill recorded for the acquisition was $367.9 million and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of purchase consideration paid for Simple Mills and the preliminary allocation of the purchase consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value. The goodwill, identifiable intangible assets, taxes, and certain other assets and liabilities are still under review. When relevant information is obtained, resulting changes to our provisional purchase price allocation are adjusted to reflect new information obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the respective acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of those dates. We recognized a $19.0 million goodwill measurement period adjustment related to the valuation of trademarks and customer relationships, deferred taxes and assumed liabilities during the second quarter of Fiscal 2025. Additionally, the company recorded an immaterial purchase price adjustment during the third quarter of Fiscal 2025. These measurement period adjustments are reflected in the 'measurement period adjustments' column below. The impact to the amortization expense on the

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income is immaterial for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 (amounts in thousands):


	Initial Preliminary Allocation		Measurement Period Adjustments			Updated Preliminary Allocation
Fair value of consideration transferred:
Cash consideration paid at closing	$	830,713	$	—		$	830,713
Payable to seller		17,824		48			17,872
Total consideration	$	848,537	$	48		$	848,585

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	38,833	$	—		$	38,833
Accounts receivable, net of allowances		18,065		—			18,065
Inventories		19,612		(101	)		19,511
Property, plant, and equipment		1,729		13			1,742
Operating lease right-of-use assets		1,668		—			1,668
Customer relationships		173,100		4,700			177,800
Trademarks - infinite-lived		334,300		21,100			355,400
Other financial assets		1,936		—			1,936
Total identifiable assets acquired	$	589,243	$	25,712		$	614,955
Current maturities of operating leases		1,172		—			1,172
Accounts payable		14,702		(75	)		14,627
Other financial liabilities		7,621		281			7,902
Deferred income taxes, net		104,098		6,450			110,548
Total liabilities assumed	$	127,593	$	6,656		$	134,249
Total identifiable net assets acquired	$	461,650	$	19,056		$	480,706
Goodwill	$	386,887	$	(19,008	)	$	367,879

Property, plant and equipment in the table above includes machinery and equipment and leasehold improvements.

The following table presents the acquired intangible assets subject to amortization (amounts in thousands, except amortization periods):


	Total		Amortization years	Amortization Method
Customer relationships	$	177,800	17	Straight-line
Trademarks		355,400	Indefinite	N/A
Total intangible assets	$	533,200

Acquisitions Pro Forma

Simple Mills contributed net sales of $70.7 million and $156.4 million and net loss of $2.0 million and $8.3 million, which includes interest and amortization expense, net of tax impact, for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, respectively. The following table provides the supplemental pro forma net sales and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition date of Simple Mills been December 31, 2023, the first day of Fiscal 2024 (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Net sales	$	1,226,554	$	1,257,323	$	4,059,506	$	4,169,724
Net income attributable to Flowers Foods	$	41,182	$	60,842	$	160,639	$	172,370

We incurred costs of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2024 and additional costs of $1.7 million and $16.4 million during the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, respectively, related to the acquisition (including integration costs). These costs are reflected in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and are reflected in the pro forma net income. The pro forma financial information also includes the following adjustments (net of tax based on statutory rates) related to the acquisition: amortization of the intangible assets and interest expense for the additional indebtedness

incurred to finance the acquisition that would not have been incurred without the transaction. These adjustments increased the pro forma net income attributable to Flowers Foods by $1.6 million and $8.5 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, respectively, and decreased pro forma net income by $12.0 million and $49.3 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, respectively.

6. LEASES

The company’s leases consist of the following types of assets: two bakeries, corporate office space, warehouses, bakery equipment, and transportation equipment. See below for the quantitative disclosures for our leases:

The following table details lease modifications and renewals and lease terminations (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Lease modifications and renewals	$	1,945	$	7,994	$	12,662	$	28,630
Lease terminations	$	157	$	88	$	1,038	$	1,640

The lease modifications and renewals for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 include renewals of multiple warehouses and transportation equipment. The lease modifications and renewals for the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024 include renewals of multiple warehouse leases.

Lease costs incurred by lease type, and/or type of payment, and other supplemental quantitative disclosures as of and for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, were as follows (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	22	$	62	$	66	$	213
Interest on lease liabilities		3		1		9		5
Operating lease cost		21,092		17,576		70,709		55,074
Short-term lease cost		3,664		2,905		11,659		6,332
Variable lease cost		10,112		10,246		31,619		32,594
Total lease cost	$	34,893	$	30,790	$	114,062	$	94,218


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from financing leases	$	9	$	5
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	76,257	$	60,467
Financing cash flows from financing leases	$	64	$	235
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new financing lease liabilities	$	129	$	218
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	65,870	$	57,098


Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Financing leases			3.7
Operating leases			5.8
Weighted-average IBR (percentage):
Financing leases			4.8
Operating leases			5.3

Estimated undiscounted future lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases and financing leases, along with a reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to operating and financing lease liabilities, respectively, as of October 4, 2025 (in thousands) were as follows:


	Operating lease liabilities			Financing lease liabilities
Remainder of 2025	$	22,850		$	1
2026		85,308			92
2027		77,101			71
2028		57,340			58
2029		39,735			52
2030 and thereafter		109,668			4
Total minimum lease payments		392,002			278
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest		(55,015	)		(25	)
Present value of future minimum lease payments		336,987			253
Less: current obligations under leases		(74,486	)		(118	)
Long-term lease obligations	$	262,501		$	135

7. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (“AOCI”)

The company’s total comprehensive income presently consists of net income, adjustments for our derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, and various pension and other postretirement benefit related items.

During the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, reclassifications out of AOCI were as follows (amounts in thousands):


	Amount Reclassified from AOCI
	For the Twelve Weeks Ended						Affected Line Item in the Statement
Details about AOCI Components (Note 2)	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Where Net Income is Presented
Derivative instruments:
Interest rate contracts	$	211		$	115		Interest expense
Commodity contracts		(219	)		(285	)	Cost of sales, Note 3
Total before tax		(8	)		(170	)	Total before tax
Tax benefit		2			42		Income tax expense
Total net of tax		(6	)		(128	)	Net of tax
Pension and postretirement plans:
Prior-service credits		48			41		Note 1
Actuarial gain		43			31		Note 1
Total before tax		91			72		Total before tax
Tax expense		(23	)		(17	)	Income tax expense
Total net of tax		68			55		Net of tax
Total reclassifications	$	62		$	(73	)	Net of tax

	Amount Reclassified from AOCI
	For the Forty Weeks Ended						Affected Line Item in the Statement
Details about AOCI Components (Note 2)	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Where Net Income is Presented
Derivative instruments:
Interest rate contracts	$	648		$	383		Interest expense
Commodity contracts		262			(1,314	)	Cost of sales, Note 3
Total before tax		910			(931	)	Total before tax
Tax (expense) benefit		(226	)		232		Income tax expense
Total net of tax		684			(699	)	Net of tax
Pension and postretirement plans:
Prior-service credits		160			136		Note 1
Actuarial gains		145			105		Note 1
Total before tax		305			241		Total before tax
Tax expense		(77	)		(59	)	Income tax expense
Total net of tax		228			182		Net of tax
Total reclassifications	$	912		$	(517	)	Net of tax

Note 1: These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost and are reported in the other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits credit line item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 19, Postretirement Plans, for additional information.

Note 2: Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to determine net income.

Note 3: Amounts are presented as an adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, changes to AOCI, net of income tax, by component were as follows (amounts in thousands and parentheses denote a debit balance):


	Cash Flow Hedge Items			Defined Benefit Pension Plan Items			Total
AOCI at December 28, 2024	$	7,087		$	(257	)	$	6,830
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(2,834	)		—			(2,834	)
Reclassified to earnings from AOCI		(684	)		(228	)		(912	)
AOCI at October 4, 2025	$	3,569		$	(485	)	$	3,084

During the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, changes to AOCI, net of income tax, by component were as follows (amounts in thousands and parentheses denote a debit balance):


	Cash Flow Hedge Items		Defined Benefit Pension Plan Items			Total
AOCI at December 30, 2023	$	963	$	(342	)	$	621
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		1,101		—			1,101
Reclassified to earnings from AOCI		699		(182	)		517
AOCI at October 5, 2024	$	2,763	$	(524	)	$	2,239

Amounts reclassified out of AOCI to net income that relate to commodity contracts are presented as an adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table presents the net of tax amount reclassified from AOCI for our commodity contracts (amounts in thousands and positive value indicates credits to determine net income):


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024
Gross gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into net income	$	262		$	(1,314	)
Tax benefit		(64	)		329
Net of tax	$	198		$	(985	)

8. GOODWILL, CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS, FINITE-LIVED AND INDEFINITE-LIVED TRADEMARKS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, during which time we completed the acquisition of Simple Mills, are as follows (amounts in thousands):


	Total
Balance as of December 28, 2024	$	679,896
Acquisition (see Note 5, Acquisition)		367,879
Balance as of October 4, 2025	$	1,047,775

On February 21, 2025, the company completed the acquisition of Simple Mills for total consideration of approximately $848.6 million. The acquisition included an amortizable intangible asset of $177.8 million and is included in the customer relationships line in the table below. See Note 5, Acquisition, for details of the assets and the respective amortization period by category.

As of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively, the company had the following amounts related to amortizable intangible assets (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025						December 28, 2024
Asset	Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Net Value		Cost		Accumulated Amortization		Net Value
Trademarks	$	481,715	$	133,857	$	347,858	$	481,715	$	122,432	$	359,283
Customer relationships		518,021		218,997		299,024		340,221		200,549		139,672
Non-compete agreements		5,454		5,339		115		5,454		5,281		173
Distributor relationships		4,123		4,061		62		4,123		3,982		141
Total	$	1,009,313	$	362,254	$	647,059	$	831,513	$	332,244	$	499,269

Aggregate amortization expense for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024 was as follows (amounts in thousands):


	Amortization Expense
For the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025	$	9,769
For the twelve weeks ended October 5, 2024	$	7,218
For the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025	$	30,010
For the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024	$	24,197

Estimated amortization of intangibles for each of the next five years is as follows (amounts in thousands):


	Amortization of Intangibles
Remainder of 2025	$	9,625
2026	$	39,350
2027	$	37,699
2028	$	36,071
2029	$	33,870

There were $482.5 million and $127.1 million of indefinite-lived intangible trademark assets separately identified from goodwill at October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively. The increase was due to the trademark acquired in the Simple Mills acquisition. These trademarks are classified as indefinite-lived because we believe they are well-established brands with a long history and well-defined markets. We believe these factors support an indefinite life. We perform an annual impairment analysis, or on an interim basis if the facts and circumstances change, to determine if the trademarks are realizing their expected economic benefits.

9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and short-term debt approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of the instruments. Notes receivable are entered into in connection with the purchase of independent distributors’ distribution rights by IDPs. These notes receivable are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at carrying value, which represents the closest approximation of fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The company financed approximately 2,500 and 2,600 IDPs’ distribution rights as of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively, all with varied financial histories and credit risks. However, the current stated interest rates used to record the carrying values are appropriately reflective of our estimated interest rates that would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings for the remaining maturities of the distributor notes receivable. The distribution rights are generally purchased by the IDP with a 5% down payment with the remainder financed for up to 10 years. The distributor notes receivable are collateralized by the IDPs’ distribution rights. The company maintains a wholly-owned subsidiary to assist in financing the distribution rights purchase activities if requested by new IDPs, using the distribution rights and certain associated assets as collateral. These notes receivable earn interest at a fixed rate.

Interest income was primarily related to the IDPs’ notes receivable and was as follows (amounts in thousands):


	Interest Income
For the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025	$	3,767
For the twelve weeks ended October 5, 2024	$	3,910
For the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025	$	13,234
For the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024	$	13,670

At October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively, the carrying value of the distributor notes receivable was as follows (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025			December 28, 2024
Distributor notes receivable	$	129,930		$	128,199
Less: current portion of distributor notes receivable recorded in accounts and notes receivable, net		(22,602	)		(20,117	)
Long-term portion of distributor notes receivable	$	107,328		$	108,082

The distributor notes receivable balance included no reserve as of October 4, 2025 and $2.4 million as of December 28, 2024 related to a legal settlement. See Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional information.

The fair value of the company’s variable rate debt at October 4, 2025 approximates the recorded value. The fair value of the company's senior notes, as discussed in Note 14, Debt and Other Obligations, of this Form 10-Q, are estimated using yields obtained from independent pricing sources for similar types of borrowing arrangements and are considered a Level 2 valuation. The fair value of the senior notes are presented in the table below (amounts in thousands, except level classification):


	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level
2026 notes	$	399,433	$	397,057	2
2031 notes	$	496,012	$	444,098	2
2035 notes	$	494,636	$	510,013	2
2055 notes	$	294,542	$	298,989	2

For fair value disclosure information about our derivative assets and liabilities see Note 10, Derivative Financial Instruments.

10. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The company measures the fair value of its derivative portfolio by using the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal market for that asset or liability. These measurements are classified into a hierarchy by the inputs used to perform the fair value calculation as follows:

Level 1: Fair value based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date

Level 2: Modeled fair value with model inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

Level 3: Modeled fair value with unobservable model inputs that are used to estimate the fair value of the asset or liability

Commodity Risk

The company enters into commodity derivatives designated as cash-flow hedges of existing or future exposure to changes in commodity prices. The company’s primary raw materials are flour, sweeteners and shortening, along with pulp, paper and petroleum-based packaging products. Natural gas, which is used as oven fuel, and diesel fuel are also important commodity inputs.

As of October 4, 2025, the company’s hedge portfolio contained commodity derivatives, which are recorded in the following accounts with fair values measured as indicated (amounts in thousands):


	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Other current	$	100		$	—	$	—	$	100
Other long-term		11			—		—		11
Total		111			—		—		111

Liabilities:
Other current		(421	)		—		—		(421	)
Other long-term		(10	)		—		—		(10	)
Total		(431	)		—		—		(431	)
Net Fair Value	$	(320	)	$	—	$	—	$	(320	)

As of December 28, 2024, the company’s hedge portfolio contained commodity derivatives, which are recorded in the following accounts with fair values measured as indicated (amounts in thousands):


	Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Other current	$	723		$	—	$	—	$	723
Other long-term		—			—		—		—
Total		723			—		—		723

Liabilities:
Other current		(1,290	)		—		—		(1,290	)
Other long-term		—			—		—		—
Total		(1,290	)		—		—		(1,290	)
Net Fair Value	$	(567	)	$	—	$	—	$	(567	)

The positions held in the portfolio are used to hedge economic exposure to changes in various raw material prices and effectively fix, or limit increases in, prices for a period extending into Fiscal 2026. These instruments are designated as cash-flow hedges. The change in the fair value for these derivatives is reported in AOCI. All the company-held commodity derivatives at October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively, qualified for hedge accounting.

Interest Rate Risk

The company entered into interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges of existing or future exposure to changes in interest rates. The company's risk management objective and strategy with respect to interest rate swaps was to protect the company against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on the forecasted issuance of long-term debt. This swap was designated as a cash flow hedge.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in AOCI and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives is being reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the company’s fixed-rate bonds.

The company's hedge portfolio did not contain any interest derivatives as of October 4, 2025.

As of December 28, 2024, the company’s hedge portfolio contained interest derivatives, which are recorded in the following accounts with fair values measured as indicated (amounts in thousands):


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Other current	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Other long-term		7,686		—		—		7,686
Total		7,686		—		—		7,686

Liabilities:
Other current		—		—		—		—
Other long-term		—		—		—		—
Total		—		—		—		—
Net Fair Value	$	7,686	$	—	$	—	$	7,686

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2025, the company closed interest rate swaps previously entered into to protect the company against adverse fluctuations in interest rates with a cash settlement net receipt of $4.2 million. These swaps were designated as a cash flow hedge and the deferred amount reported in AOCI is being reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the notes through maturity date.

The company previously entered into treasury rate locks at the time we executed the 2031 notes and 2026 notes. These rate locks were designated as a cash flow hedge and the fair value at termination was deferred in AOCI. The deferred amount reported in AOCI is being reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the related notes through the maturity date.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

The company has the following derivative instruments located on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, which are utilized for the risk management purposes detailed above (amounts in thousands):


	Derivative Assets						Derivative Liabilities
	October 4, 2025			December 28, 2024			October 4, 2025			December 28, 2024
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Commodity contracts	Other current assets	$	100	Other current assets	$	723	Other accrued liabilities	$	421	Other accrued liabilities	$	1,290
Commodity and interest contracts	Other assets		11	Other assets		7,686	Other long-term liabilities		10	Other long-term liabilities		—
Total		$	111		$	8,409		$	431		$	1,290

Derivative AOCI transactions

The company had the following derivative instruments for deferred gains and (losses) on closed contracts and the effective portion for changes in fair value recorded in AOCI (no amounts were excluded from the effectiveness test), all of which are utilized for the risk management purposes detailed above (amounts in thousands and net of tax):


	Amount of (Loss) or Gain						Amount of Gain or (Loss)
	Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives						Reclassified from AOCI
	(Effective Portion)					Location of Gain or (Loss)	into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow	For the Twelve Weeks Ended					Reclassified from AOCI	For the Twelve Weeks Ended
Hedge Relationships(1)	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024		into Income (Effective Portion)(2)	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024
Interest rate contracts	$	—		$	492	Interest expense	$	158		$	86
Commodity contracts		(1,065	)		731	Production costs(3)		(164	)		(214	)
Total	$	(1,065	)	$	1,223		$	(6	)	$	(128	)


	Amount of (Loss) or Gain						Amount of Gain or (Loss)
	Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives						Reclassified from AOCI
	(Effective Portion)					Location of Gain or (Loss)	into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow	For the Forty Weeks Ended					Reclassified from AOCI	For the Forty Weeks Ended
Hedge Relationships(1)	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024		into Income (Effective Portion)(2)	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Interest rate contracts	$	3,160		$	470	Interest expense	$	486	$	287
Commodity contracts		(5,994	)		631	Production costs(3)		198		(986	)
Total	$	(2,834	)	$	1,101		$	684	$	(699	)

Amounts in parentheses, if any, indicate debits to determine net income.

Amounts in parentheses, if any, indicate credits to determine net income.

Included in materials, supplies, labor and other production costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately).

There was no hedging ineffectiveness, and no amounts were excluded from the ineffectiveness testing, during the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, related to the company’s commodity risk hedges.

At October 4, 2025, the balance in AOCI related to commodity price risk and interest rate risk derivative transactions that closed or will expire over the following years are as follows (amounts in thousands and net of tax) (amounts in parenthesis indicate a debit balance):


	Commodity Price Risk Derivatives			Interest Rate Risk Derivatives		Totals
Closed contracts	$	(807	)	$	4,616	$	3,809
Expiring in 2025		(79	)		—		(79	)
Expiring in 2026		(161	)		—		(161	)
Total	$	(1,047	)	$	4,616	$	3,569

Derivative Transactions Notional Amounts

As of October 4, 2025, the company had the following outstanding financial contracts that were entered to hedge commodity risk (amounts in thousands):


	Notional Amount
Wheat contracts	$	5,700
Soybean oil contracts		11,343
Natural gas contracts		3,287
Corn contracts		1,390
Total	$	21,720

The company’s derivative instruments contain no credit-risk related contingent features at October 4, 2025. As of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the company had $4.0 million in other current assets representing collateral for hedged positions. As of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the company had $2.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, recorded in other accrued liabilities representing collateral due to counterparties for hedged positions.

11. OTHER CURRENT AND NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Other current assets consist of (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025		December 28, 2024
Prepaid assets	$	4,038	$	3,433
Service contracts		15,635		21,748
Prepaid insurance		11,910		6,911
Prepaid marketing and promotions		1,354		3,995
Fair value of derivative instruments		100		723
Collateral to counterparties for derivative positions		3,998		4,046
Income taxes receivable		26,929		12,712
Other		2,636		290
Total	$	66,600	$	53,858

Other non-current assets consist of (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025		December 28, 2024
Unamortized financing fees	$	2,052	$	783
Investments		2,264		2,318
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate		1,481		1,481
Fair value of derivative instruments		11		7,686
Deposits		3,254		2,874
Noncurrent postretirement benefit plan asset		6,630		6,869
Other		369		96
Total	$	16,061	$	22,107

12. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Other accrued liabilities consist of (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025		December 28, 2024
Employee compensation	$	34,138	$	35,521
Employee vacation		20,621		19,595
Restructuring-related accruals		1,004		86
Employee bonus		15,181		50,422
Fair value of derivative instruments		421		1,290
Self-insurance reserves		38,534		34,392
Bank overdraft		8,598		14,459
Accrued interest		3,707		7,340
Accrued utilities		6,481		6,141
Accrued taxes		13,671		7,655
Accrued advertising		7,374		2,978
Accrued legal settlements		—		1,697
Accrued legal costs		3,377		4,032
Accrued short-term deferred income		2,230		2,380
Collateral due to counterparties for derivative positions		2,452		2,076
Repurchase obligations of distribution rights		—		18,965
Other		6,775		10,340
Total	$	164,564	$	219,369

The repurchase of distribution rights is part of a legal settlement which requires a phased repurchase of approximately 350 distribution rights. The company estimated the cost of these repurchases, and an additional 50 other California distribution rights that are not part of the settlement, in accordance with the settlement agreement and the amount is net of the remaining notes receivable balance. The repurchases began at the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2024 and were completed during the second quarter of Fiscal 2025. See Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies, for details on this settlement.

Other long-term liabilities consist of (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025		December 28, 2024
Deferred income	$	4,421	$	5,445
Deferred compensation		29,210		28,306
Acquisition consideration payable to seller		17,824		—
Other		2,079		2,126
Total	$	53,534	$	35,877

13. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

The company may repurchase distribution rights from IDPs for a variety of reasons, including when the company decides to exit a territory or, in some cases, when the IDP elects to terminate its relationship with the company. In most of the distributor agreements, if the company decides to exit a territory or stop using the independent distribution model in a territory, the company is contractually required to purchase the distribution rights from the IDP. In the event an IDP terminates its relationship with the company, the company, although not legally obligated, may repurchase and operate those distribution rights as a company-owned territory. The IDPs may also sell their distribution rights to another person or entity. Distribution rights purchased from IDPs and operated as company-owned territories are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in the line item assets held for sale while the company actively seeks another IDP to purchase the distribution rights for the territory. Distribution rights held for sale and operated by the company are sold to IDPs at fair market value pursuant to the terms of a distributor agreement. There are multiple versions of the distributor agreement in place at any given time and the terms of such distributor agreements vary.

Additional assets recorded in assets held for sale are for property, plant and equipment. On February 12, 2025, the company announced the closure of its Bailey Street Bakery located in Atlanta, Georgia, and it ceased production on April 16, 2025. In the second quarter of Fiscal 2025, the company classified the land and building as held for sale, and no impairment loss was recognized as the fair value less cost to sell exceeded the carrying value. The carrying values of assets held for sale are not amortized and are evaluated for

impairment as required at the end of the reporting period. The table below presents the assets held for sale as of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025		December 28, 2024
Distribution rights	$	24,054	$	23,734
Property, plant and equipment		4,044		790
Total assets held for sale	$	28,098	$	24,524

14. DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

Long-term debt (net of issuance costs and debt discounts excluding line-of-credit arrangements) (leases are separately discussed in Note 6, Leases) consisted of the following at October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025			December 28, 2024
Unsecured previous credit facility	$	—		$	2,200
Unsecured new credit facility		—			—
2026 notes		399,433			398,992
2031 notes		496,012			495,452
2035 notes		494,636			—
2055 notes		294,542			—
Accounts receivable repurchase facility		95,000			125,000
		1,779,623			1,021,644
Less current maturities of long-term debt		(399,433	)		—
Total long-term debt	$	1,380,190		$	1,021,644

Bank overdrafts occur when checks have been issued but have not been presented to the bank for payment. Certain banks allow us to delay funding of issued checks until the checks are presented for payment. The delay in funding results in a temporary source of financing from the bank. The activity related to bank overdrafts is shown as a financing activity in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Bank overdrafts are included in other accrued liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The company also had standby letters of credit (“LOCs”) outstanding of $8.4 million at October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, which reduce the availability of funds under the senior unsecured revolving credit facility (such credit facility prior to February 5, 2025, the "previous credit facility" and, on and subsequent to February 5, 2025, the "new credit facility" and, together with the "previous credit facility, "the "credit facility"). The outstanding LOCs are for the benefit of certain insurance companies and lessors. None of the outstanding LOCs are recorded as a liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Senior Notes, Accounts Receivable Repurchase Facility, Credit Facility, and Term Loan Facility

2035 Notes. On February 14, 2025, the company issued $500.0 million of senior notes due 2035. The company pays semiannual interest on the 2035 notes on each March 15 and September 15 and the 2035 notes will mature on March 15, 2035. The notes bear interest at 5.750% per annum. Prior to December 15, 2034, the company may redeem the 2035 notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the redemption prices described in the Officer’s Certificate establishing the specific terms and form of the 2035 notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. On or after December 15, 2034, the company may redeem the 2035 notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 2035 notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. If the company experiences a “change of control triggering event” (which involves a change of control of the company and the related rating of the notes below investment grade) with respect to the 2035 notes, the company will be required to make an offer to each holder of the 2035 notes to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s 2035 notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2035 notes plus unpaid interest, if any, accrued to, but excluding, the date of repurchase, unless the company has exercised its option to redeem the 2035 notes in whole. The 2035 notes are also subject to customary restrictive covenants for investment grade debt, including certain limitations on liens and sale and leaseback transactions.

The face value of the 2035 notes is $500.0 million. There was a debt discount of $0.9 million representing the difference between the net proceeds, after expenses, received upon issuance of debt and the amount repayable at its maturity. The company also paid issuance costs of $4.8 million (including underwriting fees and other fees) on the 2035 notes. Debt issuance costs and the debt discount are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2035 notes. As of October 4, 2025, the company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the indenture governing the 2035 notes.

2055 Notes. On February 14, 2025, the company issued $300.0 million of senior notes due 2055. The company pays semiannual interest on the 2055 notes on each March 15 and September 15 and the 2055 notes will mature on March 15, 2055. The notes bear interest at 6.200% per annum. Prior to September 15, 2054, the company may redeem the 2055 notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the redemption prices described in the Officer’s Certificate establishing the specific terms and form of the 2055 notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. On or after September 15, 2054, the company may redeem the 2055 notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 2055 notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the redemption date. If the company experiences a “change of control triggering event” (which involves a change of control of the company and the related rating of the notes below investment grade) with respect to the 2055 notes, the company will be required to make an offer to each holder of the 2055 notes to repurchase all or any part of such holder’s 2055 notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2055 notes plus unpaid interest, if any, accrued to, but excluding, the date of repurchase, unless the company has exercised its option to redeem the 2055 notes in whole. The 2055 notes are also subject to customary restrictive covenants for investment grade debt, including certain limitations on liens and sale and leaseback transactions.

The face value of the 2055 notes is $300.0 million. There was a debt discount of $2.0 million representing the difference between the net proceeds, after expenses, received upon issuance of debt and the amount repayable at its maturity. The company also paid issuance costs of $3.6 million (including underwriting fees and other fees) on the 2055 notes. Debt issuance costs and the debt discount are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2055 notes. As of October 4, 2025, the company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the indenture governing the 2055 notes.

2031 Notes. On March 9, 2021, the company issued $500.0 million of senior notes. The company will pay semiannual interest on the 2031 notes on each March 15 and September 15 and the 2031 notes will mature on March 15, 2031. The notes bear interest at 2.400% per annum. On any date prior to December 15, 2030, the company may redeem some or all of the notes at a price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and (2) a “make-whole” amount plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest. The make-whole amount is equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2031 notes to be redeemed that would be due if such notes matured December 15, 2030 (exclusive of interest accrued to, but not including, the date of redemption), discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at a rate equal to the sum of the applicable treasury rate (as defined in the indenture governing the notes), plus 20 basis points, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest. At any time on or after December 15, 2030, the company may redeem some or all of the 2031 notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the company experiences a “change of control triggering event” (which involves a change of control of the company and the related rating of the notes below investment grade), it is required to offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon unless the company has exercised its option to redeem the notes in whole. The 2031 notes are also subject to customary restrictive covenants for investment grade debt, including certain limitations on liens and sale and leaseback transactions.

The face value of the 2031 notes is $500.0 million. There was a debt discount of $2.4 million representing the difference between the net proceeds, after expenses, received upon issuance of debt and the amount repayable at its maturity. The company also accrued issuance costs of $4.8 million (including underwriting fees and other fees) on the 2031 notes. Debt issuance costs and the debt discount are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2031 notes. As of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the indenture governing the 2031 notes.

2026 Notes. On September 28, 2016, the company issued $400.0 million of senior notes. The company pays semiannual interest on the 2026 notes on each April 1 and October 1 and the 2026 notes will mature on October 1, 2026. The notes bear interest at 3.500% per annum. The 2026 notes are subject to interest rate adjustments if either Moody’s or S&P downgrades (or downgrades and subsequently upgrades) the credit rating assigned to the 2026 notes. On any date prior to July 1, 2026, the company may redeem some or all of the notes at a price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed and (2) a “make-whole” amount plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest. The make-whole amount is equal to the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 2026 notes to be redeemed that would be due if such notes matured July 1, 2026 (exclusive of interest accrued to, but not including, the date of redemption), discounted to the date of redemption on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the treasury rate (as defined in the indenture governing the notes), plus 30 basis points, plus in each case accrued and unpaid interest. At any time on or after July 1, 2026, the company may redeem some or all of the 2026 notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the company experiences a “change of control triggering event” (which involves a change of control of the company and the related rating of the notes below investment grade), it is required to offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon unless the company exercised its option to redeem the notes in whole. The 2026 notes are also subject to customary restrictive covenants for investment grade debt, including certain limitations on liens and sale and leaseback transactions.

The face value of the 2026 notes is $400.0 million. There was a debt discount of $2.1 million representing the difference between the net proceeds, after expenses, received upon issuance of debt and the amount repayable at its maturity. The company also paid issuance costs of $3.6 million (including underwriting fees and other fees) on the 2026 notes. Debt issuance costs and the debt discount are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2026 notes. As of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the indenture governing the 2026 notes.

As of October 4, 2025, the 2026 notes are classified within the current maturities of long-term debt as they mature in less than one year.

Accounts Receivable Repurchase Facility. On April 14, 2023, the company entered into a $200.0 million accounts receivable repurchase facility (the "repurchase facility"). On April, 14, 2025, the company entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Master Framework Agreement to amend the repurchase facility and extend the scheduled facility expiration date from April 14, 2026 to April 14, 2027. In addition, the amendment added a provision that permits the company to request up to $50.0 million in additional commitment, for a total of up to $250.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions of the facility. Under the repurchase facility, certain subsidiaries of the company sell or distribute, on an ongoing basis, substantially all of their trade receivables to the company. The company may at its option onward sell all of its qualifying receivables to the funding parties under the repurchase facility with an agreement to repurchase the receivables on a monthly basis for a repurchase price equal to the purchase price paid and an interest component based on Term SOFR (as defined below) plus a margin. There is an unused fee applicable on the daily unused portion of the repurchase facility. The repurchase facility contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default. As of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the repurchase facility.

The table below presents the borrowings and repayments under the repurchase facility during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025:


	Amount (thousands)
Balance at December 28, 2024	$	125,000
Borrowings		105,000
Payments		(135,000	)
Balance at October 4, 2025	$	95,000

The table below presents the net amount available for working capital and general corporate purposes under the repurchase facility as of October 4, 2025:


	Amount (thousands)
Gross amount available	$	200,000
Outstanding		(95,000	)
Available for withdrawal	$	105,000

Amounts available for withdrawal under the repurchase facility are determined as the lesser of the total repurchase facility limit and a formula derived amount based on qualifying trade receivables. The table below presents the highest and lowest outstanding balance under the repurchase facility during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025:


	Amount (thousands)
High balance	$	155,000
Low balance	$	50,000

Financing costs paid at inception of the repurchase facility and when amendments are executed are being amortized over the life of the repurchase facility. The company incurred $0.2 million in financing costs during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 related to the second amendment. The balance of unamortized financing costs was $0.3 million on October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024 and is recorded in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Previous Credit Facility. The company was party to an amended and restated credit agreement, dated as of October 24, 2003, with the lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent, (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “amended and restated credit agreement”). The company has amended the amended and restated credit agreement eight times since execution, most recently on April 12, 2023 (the “eighth amendment”). Under the amended and restated credit agreement, our previous credit facility was a five-year, $500.0 million senior unsecured revolving loan facility with the following terms and conditions: (i) a maturity date of July 30, 2026; (ii) an applicable margin for revolving loans maintained as (1) base

rate loans and swingline loans with a range of 0.00% to 0.525% and (2) SOFR loans with a range of 0.815% to 1.525%, in each case, based on the more favorable (to the company) of (x) the leverage ratio of the company and its subsidiaries and (y) the company’s debt rating; (iii) an applicable facility fee with a range of 0.06% to 0.225%, due quarterly on all commitments under the amended and restated credit agreement, based on the more favorable (to the company) of (x) the leverage ratio of the company and its subsidiaries and (y) the company’s debt rating; and (iv) a maximum leverage ratio covenant set at 3.75 to 1.00, which permitted the company, at its option, in connection with certain acquisitions and investments and subject to the terms and conditions provided in the amended and restated credit agreement, to increase the maximum ratio permitted thereunder on one or more occasions to 4.00 to 1.00 for a period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, including and/or immediately following the fiscal quarter in which such acquisitions or investments were completed (the “covenant holiday”), provided that each additional covenant holiday will not be available to the company until it has achieved and maintained a leverage ratio of at least 3.75 to 1.00 for at least two fiscal quarters. Additionally, the eighth amendment replaced the benchmark rate at which borrowings under the amended and restated credit agreement bear interest from LIBOR to the forward-looking SOFR term rate administered by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited ("Term SOFR"). As a result of these amendments and with respect to SOFR Loans, we could borrow at Term SOFR, plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% subject to a floor of zero.

In addition, the previous credit facility contained a provision that permitted the company to request up to $200.0 million in additional revolving commitments, for a total of up to $700.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Proceeds from the previous credit facility could be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, acquisition financing, refinancing of indebtedness, dividends and share repurchases. The previous credit facility included certain customary restrictions, which, among other things, required maintenance of financial covenants and limited encumbrance of assets and creation of indebtedness. Restrictive financial covenants included such ratios as a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio.

New Credit Facility. On February 5, 2025, the company entered into a credit agreement, with the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “new credit agreement”). The new credit agreement refinanced and replaced the amended and restated credit agreement. Under the new credit agreement, our new credit facility is a five-year, $500.0 million senior unsecured revolving loan facility with the following terms and conditions: (i) a maturity date of February 5, 2030; (ii) an applicable margin for revolving loans maintained as (1) base rate loans and swingline loans with a range of 0.00% to 0.525% and (2) SOFR loans with a range of 0.815% to 1.525%, in each case, based on the more favorable (to the company) of (x) the leverage ratio of the company and its subsidiaries and (y) the company’s debt rating; (iii) an applicable facility fee with a range of 0.06% to 0.225%, due quarterly on all commitments under the new credit agreement, based on the more favorable (to the company) of (x) the leverage ratio of the company and its subsidiaries and (y) the company’s debt rating; and (iv) a maximum leverage ratio covenant set at 3.75 to 1.00, which permits the company, at its option, in connection with certain acquisitions and investments and subject to the terms and conditions provided in the new credit agreement, to increase the maximum ratio permitted thereunder on one or more occasions to 4.00 to 1.00 for a period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, including and/or immediately following the fiscal quarter in which such acquisitions or investments were completed (the “covenant holiday”), provided that each additional covenant holiday will not be available to the company until it has achieved and maintained a leverage ratio of at least 3.75 to 1.00 for at least two fiscal quarters.

In addition, the new credit facility contains a provision that permits the company to request up to $200.0 million in additional revolving commitments, for a total of up to $700.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Proceeds from the new credit facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, acquisition financing, refinancing of indebtedness, dividends and share repurchases. The new credit facility includes certain customary restrictions, which, among other things, requires maintenance of financial covenants and limits encumbrance of assets and creation of indebtedness. Restrictive financial covenants include such ratios as a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio.

The company believes that, given its current cash position, its cash flow from operating activities and its available credit capacity, it can comply with the current terms of the new credit facility and can meet its presently foreseeable financial requirements. As of October 4, 2025, the company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under the new credit facility.

Financing costs paid at inception of the new credit facility and at the time amendments are executed are being amortized over the life of the new credit facility. The company incurred additional financing costs of $1.5 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 for the new credit facility. The balance of unamortized financing costs was $1.7 million and $0.5 million on October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively, and is recorded in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Amounts outstanding under the new credit facility can vary daily. Changes in the gross borrowings and repayments can be caused by cash flow activity from operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases, and tax payments, as well as derivative transactions, which are part of the company’s overall risk management strategy as discussed in Note 10, Derivative Financial Instruments, of this Form 10-Q. The table below presents the borrowings and repayments under the previous credit facility, for the

period up to February 5, 2025, and the new credit facility, for the period on and from February 5, 2025, during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025.


	Amount (thousands)
Balance at December 28, 2024	$	2,200
Borrowings		64,100
Payments		(66,300	)
Balance at October 4, 2025	$	—

The table below presents the net amount available under the new credit facility as of October 4, 2025:


	Amount (thousands)
Gross amount available	$	500,000
Outstanding		—
Letters of credit		(8,400	)
Available for withdrawal	$	491,600

The table below presents the highest and lowest outstanding balance under the previous credit facility, for the period up to February 5, 2025, and the new credit facility, for the period on and from February 5, 2025, during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025:


	Amount (thousands)
High balance	$	18,600
Low balance	$	—

Term Loan Facility. In connection with entering into the Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire Simple Mills, the company entered into a commitment letter, pursuant to which, among other things, Royal Bank of Canada committed to provide debt financing for the consummation of the Simple Mills acquisition, consisting of a $795.0 million 364-day term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility"), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the commitment letter. In lieu of borrowing under the Term Loan Facility, the company issued the 2035 Notes and the 2055 Notes, on February 14, 2025, and terminated the outstanding commitments in respect of the Term Loan Facility. The company recognized costs of $3.6 million associated with the Term Loan Facility in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 and these costs are included in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Aggregate maturities of debt outstanding as of October 4, 2025 are as follows (excluding unamortized debt discount and issuance costs) (amounts in thousands):


Remainder of 2025	$	—
2026		400,000
2027		95,000
2028		—
2029		—
2030 and thereafter		1,300,000
Total	$	1,795,000

Debt discount and issuance costs are being amortized straight-line (which approximates the effective method) over the term of the underlying debt outstanding. The table below reconciles the debt issuance costs and debt discounts to the net carrying value of each of our debt obligations (excluding line-of-credit arrangements) at October 4, 2025 (amounts in thousands):


			Debt Issuance Costs
	Face Value		and Debt Discount		Net Carrying Value
2055 notes	$	300,000	$	5,458	$	294,542
2035 notes		500,000		5,364		494,636
2031 notes		500,000		3,988		496,012
2026 notes		400,000		567		399,433
Total	$	1,700,000	$	15,377	$	1,684,623

The table below reconciles the debt issuance costs and debt discounts to the net carrying value of each of our debt obligations (excluding line-of-credit arrangements) at December 28, 2024 (amounts in thousands):


			Debt Issuance Costs
	Face Value		and Debt Discount		Net Carrying Value
2031 notes	$	500,000	$	4,548	$	495,452
2026 notes		400,000		1,008		398,992
Total	$	900,000	$	5,556	$	894,444

15. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Distribution rights agreement VIE analysis

The incorporated IDPs qualify as variable interest entities ("VIEs"). The IDPs who are formed as sole proprietorships are excluded from the following VIE accounting analysis and discussion.

Incorporated IDPs acquire distribution rights and enter into a contract with the company to sell the company’s products in the IDPs’ defined geographic territory. The incorporated IDPs have the option to finance the acquisition of their distribution rights with the company. They can also pay cash or obtain external financing at the time they acquire the distribution rights. The combination of the company’s loans to the incorporated IDPs and the ongoing distributor arrangements with the incorporated IDPs provide a level of funding to the equity owners of the various incorporated IDPs that would not otherwise be available. As of October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, there was $120.8 million and $120.6 million, respectively, in gross distribution rights notes receivable outstanding from incorporated IDPs.

The company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs because the company does not (i) have the ability to direct the significant activities of the VIEs that would affect their ability to operate their respective businesses and (ii) provide any implicit or explicit guarantees or other financial support to the VIEs, other than the financing described above, for specific return or performance benchmarks. The activities controlled by the incorporated IDPs that are deemed to most significantly impact the ultimate success of the incorporated IDP entities relate to those decisions inherent in operating the distribution business in the territory, including acquiring trucks and trailers, managing fuel costs, employee matters and other strategic decisions. In addition, we do not provide, nor do we intend to provide, financial or other support to the IDP. The IDPs are responsible for the operations of their respective territories.

The company’s maximum contractual exposure to loss for the incorporated IDP relates to the distributor rights note receivable for the portion of the territory the incorporated IDPs financed at the time they acquired the distribution rights. The incorporated IDPs remit payment on their distributor rights note receivable each week during the settlement process of their weekly activity. The company will operate a territory on behalf of an incorporated IDP in situations where the IDP has abandoned its distribution rights. Any remaining balance outstanding on the distribution rights notes receivable is relieved once the distribution rights have been sold on the IDPs behalf. The company’s collateral from the territory distribution rights mitigates the potential losses.

16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Self-insurance reserves and other commitments and contingencies

The company records self-insurance reserves as an other accrued liability on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The reserves include an estimate of expected settlements on pending claims, defense costs and a provision for claims incurred but not reported. These estimates are based on the company’s assessment of potential liability using an analysis of available information with respect to pending claims, historical experience and current cost trends. The amount of the company’s ultimate liability in respect of these matters may differ materially from these estimates.

In the event the company ceases to utilize the independent distributor model or exits a geographic market, the company is contractually required in some situations to purchase the distribution rights from the independent distributor. The company expects to continue operating under this model and has concluded for the litigation described below that none require loss contingency recognition pursuant to our policy. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of our Form 10-K.

The company’s facilities are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the discharge of material into the environment and the protection of the environment in other ways. The company is not a party to any material proceedings arising under these laws and regulations. The company believes that compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations will not materially affect the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or the competitive position of the company. The company believes it is currently in substantial compliance with all material environmental laws and regulations affecting the company and its properties.

Litigation

The company and its subsidiaries from time to time are parties to, or targets of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including personal injury, commercial, contract, environmental, antitrust, product liability, health and safety and employment matters, which are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. At this time, the company is defending nine complaints filed by IDPs alleging that such distributors were misclassified as independent contractors. Five of these lawsuits seek class and/or collective action treatment. The remaining four cases either allege individual claims or do not seek class or collective action treatment or, in cases in which class treatment was sought, the court denied class certification. The respective courts have ruled on plaintiffs’ motions for class certification in two of the pending cases, each of which is discussed below. Unless otherwise noted, a class was conditionally certified under the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") in each of the cases described below, although the company has the ability to petition the court to decertify that class at a later date:


Case Name	Case No.	Venue	Date Filed	Status
Martins v. Flowers Foods, Inc., Flowers Baking Co. of Bradenton, LLC and Flowers Baking Co. of Villa Rica, LLC	8:16-cv-03145	U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida	11/8/2016	On November 25, 2024, the court denied defendants' motion to decertify the FLSA collective action.
Salgado v. Flowers Foods, Inc. and Holsum Bakery, Inc.	4:22-cv-00420	U.S. District Court District of Arizona	9/15/2022

The company and/or its respective subsidiaries contest the allegations and are vigorously defending all of these lawsuits. Given the stage of the complaints and the claims and issues presented, except for lawsuits disclosed herein that have reached a settlement or agreement in principle, the company cannot reasonably estimate at this time the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from the unresolved lawsuits.

Since the beginning of Fiscal 2024, the company has settled, and the appropriate court has approved, the following collective/class action lawsuits filed by IDPs alleging that such IDPs were misclassified as independent contractors:


Case Name	Case No.	Venue	Date Filed	Comments
Ludlow et al. v. Flowers Foods, Inc., Flowers Bakeries, LLC and Flowers Finance, LLC	3:18-cv-01190	U.S. District Court Southern District of California	6/6/2018	On March 18, 2024, the court approved a settlement to settle this lawsuit and two companion cases – Maciel et al. v. Flowers Foods, Inc. et al., No. 3:20-cv-02059-JO-JLB (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California) and Maciel v. Flowers Foods, Inc. et al., No. 20-CIV-02959 (Superior Court of San Mateo County, California). The settlement provides for a $55 million common fund, which was paid during the second quarter of Fiscal 2024, to cover settlement payments to a class of approximately 475 plaintiffs, service awards, attorneys’ fees and settlement administration expenses. The settlement also required a phased repurchase of distribution rights associated with approximately 350 territories in California. The company now services its California market with an employment model. The repurchase of distribution rights was completed in the second quarter of Fiscal 2025. The repurchase cost of the 350 territories, along with 50 additional California territories that are not part of the settlement, was $79.0 million (of which $65.3 million was originally included in other accrued liabilities and the remaining $14.9 million in a contra account to notes receivable). These amounts were recorded in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Consolidated Statements of Income during Fiscal 2023, net of an adjustment recorded during the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 of $1.2 million.

See Note 14, Debt and Other Obligations, for additional information on the company’s commitments.

17. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of net income and weighted average shares for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024 (amounts and shares in thousands, except per share data):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Net income	$	39,534	$	64,984	$	150,897	$	204,994
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding for common stock		211,417		210,820		211,318		211,084
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.19	$	0.31	$	0.71	$	0.97
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding for common stock		211,417		210,820		211,318		211,084
Add: Shares of common stock assumed issued upon vesting of restricted stock		690		1,155		771		1,039
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for common stock		212,107		211,975		212,089		212,123
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.19	$	0.31	$	0.71	$	0.97

There were 1,909,473 and 2,010,338 anti-dilutive shares during the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, respectively. 2024. There were no anti-dilutive shares and 37,809 anti-dilutive shares for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, respectively.

18. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On March 5, 2014, our Board of Directors approved and adopted the 2014 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (“Omnibus Plan”). The Omnibus Plan was approved by our shareholders on May 21, 2014 and authorized 8,000,000 shares to be used for awards under the Omnibus Plan. The Omnibus Plan authorizes the compensation committee of the Board of Directors to provide equity-based compensation in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, dividend equivalents and other awards to provide our officers, key employees, and non-employee directors’ incentives and rewards for performance. Equity awards granted after May 21, 2014 are governed by the Omnibus Plan. On May 25, 2023, the company amended and restated the Omnibus Plan to register an additional 9,340,000 shares.

The following is a summary of restricted stock and deferred stock outstanding under the Omnibus Plan described above. The company typically grants awards at the beginning of its fiscal year. Information on grants to employees during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 is discussed below.

Performance-Contingent Restricted Stock Awards

Performance-Contingent Total Shareholder Return Shares (“TSR Shares”)

Certain key employees have been granted performance-contingent restricted stock under the Omnibus Plan in the form of TSR Shares. The awards vest approximately three years from the date of grant (after the filing of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K), and the shares become non-forfeitable if, and to the extent that, on that date the vesting conditions are satisfied. The total shareholder return (“TSR”) is the percent change in the company’s stock price over the measurement period plus the dividends paid to shareholders. The performance payout is calculated at the end of each of the last four quarters (averaged) in the measurement period. Once the TSR is determined for the company (“Company TSR”), it is compared to the TSR of our food company peers (“Peer Group TSR”). The Company TSR compared to the Peer Group TSR will determine the payout as set forth below:


Percentile	Payout as % of Target
90th		200	%
70th		150	%
50th		100	%
30th		50	%
Below 30th		0	%

For performance between the levels described above, the degree of vesting is interpolated on a linear basis.

The TSR Shares vest immediately if the grantee dies or becomes disabled. For awards granted starting in Fiscal 2024, if the grantee retires after attaining at least age 55, provided that the sum of the grantee's age plus years of service is an amount equal to or greater than 65, on the normal vesting date the grantee will receive a pro-rated number of shares based upon the retirement date and measured at the actual performance for the entire performance period. For awards granted prior to Fiscal 2024, if the grantee retires at age 65 (or age 55 with at least 10 years of service with the company) or later, on the normal vesting date the grantee will receive a pro-rated number of shares based upon the retirement date and measured at the actual performance for the entire performance period. In addition, if the company undergoes a change in control, the TSR Shares will immediately vest at the target level, provided that if 12 months of the performance period have been completed, vesting will be determined based on Company TSR as of the date of the change in control without application of four-quarter averaging. During the vesting period, the grantee has none of the rights of a shareholder. Dividends declared during the vesting period will accrue and will be paid at vesting on the TSR Shares that ultimately vest. The fair value estimate was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability of the company achieving the market condition discussed above. Inputs into the model included the following for the company and comparator companies: (i) TSR from the beginning of the performance cycle through the measurement date; (ii) volatility; (iii) risk-free interest rates; and (iv) the correlation of the comparator companies’ TSR. The inputs are based on historical capital market data.

The following performance-contingent TSR Shares have been granted during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 under the Omnibus Plan (amounts in thousands, except price data):


Grant Date	Shares Granted		Vesting Date	Fair Value per Share
12/29/2024		303	2/29/2028	$	24.63

Performance-Contingent Return on Invested Capital Shares (“ROIC Shares”)

Certain key employees have been granted performance-contingent restricted stock under the Omnibus Plan in the form of ROIC Shares. The awards generally vest approximately three years from the date of grant (after the filing of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K), and the shares become non-forfeitable if, and to the extent that, on that date, the vesting conditions are satisfied. Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) is calculated by dividing our profit, which is the net income adjusted for items impacting comparability, by the invested capital. Generally, the performance condition requires the company’s average ROIC to exceed its average weighted cost of capital (“WACC”) by between 1.50 to 4.50 percentage points for the Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 awards and 1.75 to 4.75 percentage points for the Fiscal 2023 awards (the “ROI Target”) over the three fiscal year performance period. If the lowest ROI Target is not met, the awards are forfeited. The ROIC Shares can be earned based on a ranges of target as defined below:


Difference of ROIC minus WACC		2025 and 2024 Award
Less than 150 basis points		0%
150 basis points		50%
300 basis points		100%
450+ basis points		150%

Difference of ROIC minus WACC		2023 Award
Less than 175 basis points		0%
175 basis points		50%
375 basis points		100%
475+ basis points		125%

For performance between the levels described above, the degree of vesting is interpolated on a linear basis.

The ROIC Shares vest immediately if the grantee dies or becomes disabled. For awards granted starting in Fiscal 2024, if the grantee retires after attaining at least age 55, provided that the sum of the grantee's age plus years of service is an amount equal to or greater than 65, on the normal vesting date the grantee will receive a pro-rated number of shares based upon the retirement date and measured at the actual performance for the entire performance period. For awards granted prior to Fiscal 2024, if the grantee retires at age 65 (or age 55 with at least 10 years of service with the company) or later, on the normal vesting date the grantee will receive a pro-rated number of ROIC Shares based upon the retirement date and actual performance for the entire performance period. In addition, if the company undergoes a change in control, the ROIC Shares will immediately vest at the target level. During the vesting period, the grantee has none of the rights of a shareholder. Dividends declared during the vesting period will accrue and will be paid at vesting on the ROIC Shares that ultimately vest. The fair value of this type of award is equal to the stock price on the grant date. Since these awards have a performance condition feature, the expense associated with these awards may change depending on the expected ROI Target attained at each reporting period. The 2023 award is being expensed at our current estimated payout percentage of 125% of ROI Target, and the 2024 and 2025 awards are being expensed at 100%.

The following performance-contingent ROIC Shares have been granted under the Omnibus Plan during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 (amounts in thousands, except price data):


Grant Date	Shares Granted		Vesting Date	Fair Value per Share
12/29/2024		303	2/29/2028	$	20.47

Performance-Contingent Restricted Stock

The table below presents the TSR modifier share adjustment (a 13.25% final payout), ROIC modifier share adjustment (a 125% final payout), accumulated dividends on vested shares, and the tax benefit at vesting of the performance-contingent restricted stock awards (amounts in thousands, except per share data):


Award Granted		Fiscal Year Vested		TSR Modifier Increase Shares		ROIC Modifier Increase Shares		Dividends at Vesting		Tax Expense			Fair Value at Vesting
	2022		2025		—		71,539	$	1,150	$	(2,630	)	$	7,475

The company’s performance-contingent restricted stock activity for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 is presented below (amounts in thousands, except price data):


	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at December 28, 2024		1,835		$	27.85
Granted		606		$	22.55
Grant increase for achieving the ROIC modifier		72		$	22.55
Vested		(412	)	$	27.78
Forfeited		(300	)	$	30.18
Nonvested shares at October 4, 2025		1,801		$	25.64

As of October 4, 2025, there was $18.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock granted under the Omnibus Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.79 years.

Time-Based Restricted Stock Units

Certain key employees have been granted time-based restricted stock units (“TBRSU Shares”) at the beginning of the year. These awards vest on January 5th each year in equal installments over a three-year period which began in Fiscal 2022. Occasionally, awards may be issued that have a vesting period of less than three years. Dividends earned on shares will be held by the company during the vesting period and paid in cash when the awards vest and shares are distributed.

The following TBRSU Shares have been granted under the Omnibus Plan during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 (amounts in thousands, except price data):


Grant Date	Shares Granted		Vesting Date	Fair Value per Share
12/29/2024		915	Equally over 3 years	$	20.42

The TBRSU Shares activity for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 is set forth below (amounts in thousands, except price data):


	TBRSU Shares			Weighted Average Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Unrecognized Compensation Cost
Nonvested shares at December 28, 2024		987		$	23.56
Vested		(397	)	$	24.19
Granted		915		$	20.42
Forfeitures		(78	)	$	21.49
Nonvested shares at October 4, 2025		1,427		$	21.48		1.89	$	20,293

The table below presents the accumulated dividends on vested shares and the tax expense at vesting of the time-based restricted stock units (amounts in thousands).


Award Granted		Fiscal Year Vested		Dividends at Vesting		Tax Expense			Fair Value at Vesting
	2024		2025	$	240	$	(149	)	$	5,072
	2023		2025	$	113	$	(130	)	$	1,215
	2022		2025	$	149	$	(100	)	$	1,096

Deferred Stock

Non-employee directors may convert their annual board retainers into deferred stock equal in value to 100% of the cash payments directors would otherwise receive and the vesting period is a one-year period to match the period that cash would have been received if no conversion existed. Accumulated dividends are paid upon delivery of the shares. During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, non-employee directors elected to receive, and were granted, an aggregate grant of 7,299 common shares for board retainer deferrals pursuant to the Omnibus Plan. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2024, non-employee directors elected to receive, and were granted, an aggregate grant of 6,663 shares for board retainer deferrals pursuant to the Omnibus Plan which vested during the first quarter of Fiscal 2024. Non-employee directors received 10,384 shares of previously deferred board retainer deferrals during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025.

Non-employee directors also receive annual grants of deferred stock. This deferred stock vests one year from the grant date. The deferred stock will be distributed to the grantee at a time designated by the grantee at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recorded on this deferred stock over the one-year vesting period. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2025, non-employee directors were granted 93,500 shares for their annual grant pursuant to the Omnibus Plan. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2024, non-employee directors were granted 72,270 shares, of which 32,850 shares were deferred, for their annual grant pursuant to the Omnibus Plan that vested during the second quarter of Fiscal 2025. Additionally, during the third quarter of Fiscal 2025, 7,900 shares were granted to a newly elected non-employee director, representing a prorated portion of the annual grant pursuant to the Omnibus Plan. Non-employee directors received 11,750 shares of previously deferred annual grant awards during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025.

The deferred stock activity for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 is set forth below (amounts in thousands, except price data):


	Shares			Weighted Average Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Unrecognized compensation cost
Nonvested shares at December 28, 2024		79		$	23.52
Vested		(79	)	$	23.52
Granted		109		$	16.60
Nonvested shares at October 4, 2025		109		$	16.60		0.62	$	1,113

Stock-Based Payments Compensation Expense Summary

The following table summarizes the company’s stock-based compensation expense for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Performance-contingent restricted stock awards	$	3,264	$	3,717
TBRSU Shares		2,943		2,238
Deferred and restricted stock		391		426
Total stock-based compensation	$	6,598	$	6,381

	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Performance-contingent restricted stock awards	$	13,861	$	14,360
TBRSU Shares		10,534		7,595
Deferred and restricted stock		1,372		1,369
Total stock-based compensation	$	25,767	$	23,324

19. POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The following summarizes the company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related pension and other postretirement benefit plan accounts at October 4, 2025 compared to accounts at December 28, 2024 (amounts in thousands):


	October 4, 2025		December 28, 2024
Noncurrent benefit asset	$	6,630	$	6,869
Current benefit liability	$	703	$	703
Noncurrent benefit liability	$	5,245	$	5,511
AOCI, net of tax	$	485	$	(257	)

Defined Benefit Plans and Nonqualified Plan

The company sponsors two pension plans, the Flowers Foods, Inc. Retirement Plan No. 2, and the Tasty Baking Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“Tasty SERP”). The Tasty SERP is frozen and has only retirees and beneficiaries remaining in the plan.

The company used a measurement date of December 31, 2024 for the defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans described below.

There were no contributions made by the company to any plan during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024.

The net periodic pension cost for the company’s plans include the following components (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended						For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024
Service cost	$	140		$	169		$	467		$	561
Interest cost		268			272			893			906
Expected return on plan assets		(318	)		(370	)		(1,061	)		(1,234	)
Amortization of prior service cost		6			13			20			44
Amortization of net loss		—			9			—			32
Total net periodic pension cost	$	96		$	93		$	319		$	309

The components of total net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost are included in the other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit plans credit line item on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Postretirement Benefit Plan

The company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees covered under the active medical plans. The plan incorporates an up-front deductible, coinsurance payments and retiree contributions at various premium levels. Eligibility and maximum period of coverage is based on age and length of service.

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

The Flowers Foods, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan covers substantially all the company’s employees who have completed certain service requirements. The total cost and employer contributions were as follows (amounts in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024
Total cost and employer contributions	$	8,099	$	7,603	$	27,360	$	25,720

Multi-employer Pension Plan

On July 19, 2022, the company announced the closure of the Holsum Bakery in Phoenix, Arizona. The bakery produced bread and bun products and ceased production on October 31, 2022. As a result, the union participants of the IAM National Pension Fund (the “IAM Fund”) at the Phoenix bakery will withdraw from the IAM Fund. During the third quarter of Fiscal 2022, the company recorded a liability of $1.3 million for the withdrawal from the IAM Fund. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2024, the company paid $1.4 million for the withdrawal and recorded additional expense of $0.1 million which is included in the selling, distribution and administrative expenses line item of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The additional withdrawal liability period ended on July 19, 2025, and no additional costs were incurred.

20. INCOME TAXES

The company’s effective tax rate for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025 was 24.2% compared to 24.0% for the twelve weeks ended October 5, 2024. The increase in the rate was primarily due to year-over-year differences in state income taxes recorded discretely. During the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, the primary differences in the effective rate and the statutory rate were state income taxes.

The company's effective tax rate for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 was 25.2% compared to 24.6% for the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024. The increase in the rate was primarily due to a larger net discrete tax expense in the current year when compared to a net discrete tax benefit for the prior year. For the periods presented, the discrete items in the effective rate relate to state income taxes, shortfalls in the current year period and windfalls in the prior year period on the vesting of stock-based compensation awards, and benefits recognized from tax credits. During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, the primary differences in the effective rate and the statutory rate were state income taxes.

During the second quarter of 2025, new tax legislation was enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”). The Act includes a wide range of tax provisions that could impact the company’s financial results in 2025 and future periods. Significant impacts stemming from the Act include 2025 and future expensing of U.S. based research and development expenditures under Internal Revenue Code Section 174, coupled with the option to deduct previously capitalized research and development expenditures. The Act also reestablished elective 100% initial-year bonus depreciation. The company has undergone efforts to reasonably estimate the impact of the Act to our financial statements. As such, the company has recorded an estimate of $30 million of deferred tax activity through the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 related to the Act. This amount will be revised to reflect additional year-to-date activity and revisions to estimates as the year progresses. The company continues to await and assess guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and will continue to evaluate the full impact of the Act.

During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, the company’s activity with respect to its uncertain tax positions and related interest expense accrual was not significant to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As of October 4, 2025, we do not anticipate significant changes to the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months.

21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The company has evaluated subsequent events since October 4, 2025, the date of these financial statements. We believe there were no material events or transactions discovered during this evaluation that require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the company as of and for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-K and Part II., Item 1A., Risk Factors, of the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 19, 2025. Any reference to sales refers to net sales inclusive of allowances and deductions against gross sales for variable consideration and consideration payable to customers.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is segregated into four sections, including:

•

Executive overview — provides a summary of our business, operating performance and cash flows, and strategic initiatives.

•

Critical accounting estimates — describes the accounting areas where management makes critical estimates to report our financial condition and results of operations. There have been no changes to this section from the Form 10-K.

•

Results of operations — analyzes the company’s consolidated results of operations for the two comparative periods presented in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

•

Liquidity and capital resources — analyzes cash flow, contractual obligations, and certain other matters affecting the company’s financial position.

Matters Affecting Comparability

Comparative results from quarter to quarter are impacted by the company's fiscal reporting calendar. Internal financial results and key performance indicators are reported on a weekly basis to ensure the same number of Saturdays and Sundays in comparable months to allow for consistent four-week progression analysis. This structure results in our first quarter consisting of sixteen weeks while the remaining three quarters have twelve weeks (except in cases where there is an extra week every five or six years). Fiscal 2025 is a 53-week year with the extra week in the fourth quarter. Accordingly, interim results may not be indicative of subsequent interim period results, or comparable to prior or subsequent interim period results, due to differences in the lengths of the interim periods.

Additionally, detailed below are expense items affecting comparability that will provide greater context while reading this discussion. For more information regarding these items, see the reference to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q as indicated in the table:


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				For the Forty Weeks Ended				Footnote
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		Disclosure
	(Amounts in thousands)				(Amounts in thousands)
Business process improvement costs	$	949	$	490	$	2,311	$	5,779	Note 1
Restructuring charges		5,510		—		6,083		7,403	Note 3
Restructuring-related implementation costs		3,534		—		10,718		2,979	Note 3
Plant closure costs and impairment of assets		—		4,483		7,397		9,860	Note 1
Legal settlements and related costs		—		827		902		827	Note 16
Acquisition and integration-related costs		1,735		—		16,370		—	Note 5
	$	11,728	$	5,800	$	43,781	$	26,848

•

Business process improvement costs related to the transformation strategy initiatives In the second half of Fiscal 2020, we launched initiatives to transform our business, including an upgrade to our information system, as well as investments in e-commerce, autonomous planning, and our "bakery of the future" initiatives. Implementation of the ERP upgrade is anticipated to be completed in Fiscal 2026. The ERP upgrade is discussed in the “Transformation Strategy Initiatives” section below. The expensed portion of costs incurred related to these initiatives, which was primarily consulting costs, are detailed in the table above and are reflected in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We currently expect costs (a portion of which may be expensed as incurred, capitalized, recognized as a cloud computing arrangement, or recognized as a prepaid service contract) related to the upgrade of our ERP system to be approximately $25.0 million to $30.0 million for Fiscal 2025.

•

Restructuring charges and related implementation costs During the first quarter of Fiscal 2025, we began a review of our cost-to-serve focused on improving efficiencies and identifying cost reduction opportunities. Based on this review, we announced a restructuring program in the third quarter of Fiscal 2025 and incurred costs for employee termination benefits related to a reduction-in-force ("RIF") of $5.5 million and made payments of $4.5 million. The RIF charges are included in the restructuring charges line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, during the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, the company incurred consulting costs associated with this review of $3.5 million and $10.7 million, respectively, and these costs are included in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line

item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We anticipate additional restructuring charges and related costs in subsequent quarters.

In April 2024, the company announced a cost savings program to improve operational performance, which included employee termination benefits associated with a RIF and other expense optimization initiatives. In the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, the company incurred $7.4 million of RIF costs and made payments of $7.3 million. The company incurred final RIF charges totaling $0.6 million and made payments of $0.7 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. The RIF charges are included in the restructuring charges line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The company also incurred consulting costs associated with implementing the restructuring program of $3.0 million in the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024 and these costs are included in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

•

Plant closure costs and impairment of assets On February 12, 2025, the company announced the closure of its Bailey Street Bakery located in Atlanta, Georgia. The bakery produced bread and bun products and ceased production on April 16, 2025. This bakery closure is part of our strategy to optimize capacity within our supply chain. Closure costs included equipment asset impairment charges and equipment relocation costs of $6.1 million and severance costs of $1.3 million and were recognized in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. In the second quarter of Fiscal 2025, the company classified the bakery as held for sale.

In the third quarter of Fiscal 2024, the company recorded a charge of $2.3 million to fully impair certain ERP-related software and recognized a recovery of $1.3 million related to the sale of equipment that had been previously written off in Fiscal 2022 as part of the Phoenix, Arizona bakery closure. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2024, the company recorded an asset impairment charge of $1.4 million to write-off certain cake distribution territories classified as held for sale that the company no longer intends to sell. In the first quarter of Fiscal 2024, we recognized an impairment loss of $4.0 million related to our investment in Base Culture, a Clearwater, Florida-based company with one manufacturing facility.

•

Legal settlements and related costs In the first and second quarters of Fiscal 2025, we reached agreements to settle certain distributor-related litigation for total settlement payments, inclusive of plaintiffs' attorney fees, of $2.1 million. In the third quarter of Fiscal 2023, we reached an agreement to settle certain distributor-related litigation for a settlement payment, inclusive of plaintiffs’ attorney fees, of $55.0 million which was paid in the second quarter of Fiscal 2024. The settlement also required a phased repurchase of approximately 350 distribution territories in California and the company previously estimated this cost, along with the cost to repurchase approximately 50 other California distribution territories that are not part of the settlement, to be approximately $80.2 million. The repurchases of the distribution rights commenced at the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2024 and were completed early in the second quarter of Fiscal 2025 for a total cost of $79.0 million. The company recognized an adjustment to the repurchase liability of $1.2 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In the third quarter of Fiscal 2024, we reached agreements to settle certain distributor-related litigation in the aggregate amount of $0.8 million, inclusive of plaintiffs’ attorney fees.

•

Acquisition and integration-related costs On February 21, 2025, the company completed the acquisition of Simple Mills, maker of a premium brand of better-for-you crackers, cookies, snack bars, and baking mixes, for total consideration of approximately $848.6 million. The goodwill, identifiable intangible assets, taxes, and certain other assets and liabilities are still under review. The company funded the cash consideration and related acquisition fees and expenses with the net proceeds of the Notes (as defined below) offerings completed on February 14, 2025. We incurred acquisition and integration-related costs as detailed in the table above and these costs are recorded in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Executive Overview

Business

Flowers is the second-largest producer and marketer of packaged bakery foods in the U.S. Our principal products include breads, buns, rolls, snack items (bars, cakes, cookies, and crackers), bagels, English muffins, tortillas, and baking mixes and are sold under a variety of brand names, including Nature’s Own, Dave's Killer Bread ("DKB"), Canyon Bakehouse, Simple Mills, Wonder, Tastykake, and Mrs. Freshley’s. Our brands are among the best known in the U.S. baking industry. Many of our brands have a major presence in the product categories in which they compete. We manage our business as two operating segments and one reportable segment.

Flowers’ strategic priorities include developing our team, focusing on our brands, prioritizing our margins, and proactively seeking smart, disciplined acquisitions. We believe that executing on our strategic priorities will drive future growth and margin expansion and deliver meaningful shareholder value over time allowing us to achieve our long-term financial targets of 1% to 2% sales growth, 4% to 6% EBITDA growth, and 7% to 9% EPS growth. The company defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Simple Mills Acquisition

On February 21, 2025, the company completed the acquisition of Simple Mills expanding the company’s presence in the better-for-you snacking category, diversifying our category exposure, and enhancing the company's growth and margin prospects. Founded in 2012, Simple Mills is a market-leading natural brand offering premium better-for-you crackers, cookies, snack bars, and baking mixes. Built upon the belief that food has the power to spark impactful change, Simple Mills’ mission is to revolutionize the way food is made to positively impact people and the planet. Simple Mills' products are produced by co-manufacturers and distributed via warehouse distribution, and are available nationwide across more than 30,000 natural and conventional stores.

Highlights

•

Nature’s Own is the #1 selling loaf bread in the U.S., DKB is the #1 selling organic brand in the U.S., and Canyon Bakehouse is the #1 selling gluten-free bread brand in the U.S. (Source: Circana Total US MultiOutlet+ w/ Conv 12 Weeks Ended 10/5/25).

•

We acquired Simple Mills on February 21, 2025 with its brand of better-for-you snacks and baking mixes which contributed $156.4 million of net sales through the third quarter of Fiscal 2025.

•

We introduced Wonder snack cakes at the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2025.

•

Our Branded Retail sales comprised 65.9% of total sales for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 as compared to 64.2% for the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024.

•

As of October 4, 2025, we operated 44 bakeries, which produce fresh and frozen breads, buns, and rolls, as well as snack items, bagels, English muffins, and tortillas.

•

We distribute our fresh bakery foods through a DSD distribution system, whereby product is primarily sold by a network of IDPs to retail and foodservice customers. In certain markets, we utilize a sales employee model to facilitate the distribution of product through our DSD distribution system.

•

We offer nationwide distribution of certain fresh snack items and frozen breads and rolls via contract carriers.

Impact of the Inflationary Economic Environment and Other Macroeconomic Factors on Our Business

We continue to monitor a variety of factors on our business, including the impact of the inflationary economic environment on our costs and the buying patterns of our consumers, supply chain disruptions, including the impacts of tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs) , increased labor costs, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the conflict in the Middle East. Our results through the third quarter of Fiscal 2025 as compared to the prior year period were negatively impacted by continued weakness in the fresh packaged bread category, most notably for branded traditional loaf breads. The benefit of sales increases, mainly from the Simple Mills acquisition contribution and to a lesser extent sales improvement for DKB, Nature's Own Keto, and Wonder cake products, was more than offset by higher operating costs.

Supply chain and other disruptions could negatively impact production volumes, and the global and U.S. supply chain remains uncertain. Although the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East have not impacted our operations directly, we are closely monitoring the impact on the broader economy including on the availability and price of commodities used in or for the production of our products. Tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs) have impacted our operations. Disruptions in our operations related to factors including, but not limited to, the procurement of raw materials and packaging items, transport of our products, and workforce availability, could negatively impact our operations, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.

Labor shortages and turnover could negatively impact our results. These and other factors, including, but not limited to, a competitive labor market and additional government regulations, may continue to adversely affect labor availability and labor costs. These challenges may negatively impact the efficiency of our production lines and our ability to operate at, or near, full capacity, and could result in increased labor costs, including additional overtime to meet demand, and higher wage rates to attract and retain workers. An overall labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, or increased turnover has had and could continue to have a negative impact on the company’s operations, results of operations, liquidity, or cash flows.

We believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our cash needs and we continue to execute on our strategic priorities, including our transformation strategy initiatives, as further discussed in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below.

Summary of Operating Results, Cash Flows and Financial Condition

Sales increased 3.0% for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025 compared to the same quarter in the prior year due to the acquisition contribution of 5.9%, partially offset by volume declines of 0.6% and negative price/mix of 2.3%. Branded Retail sales increased 6.9% with the acquisition contributing 9.3%, while sales in the Other sales category decreased 3.8%. Negative price/mix from competitive marketplace dynamics impacted both sales categories. Branded Retail sales also experienced softer volumes most notably for traditional loaf breads.

Sales increased 0.8% for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 compared to the same period in the prior year due to the acquisition contribution of 3.9%, partially offset by volume declines of 1.9% and negative price/mix of 1.2%. Branded Retail sales increased 3.4% due to the acquisition contribution of 6.1%, while sales in the Other sales category decreased 4.0%. Both sales categories experienced negative price/mix and softer volumes due to a challenging consumer environment.

For the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025, income from operations was $66.5 million compared to $90.2 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease resulted mostly from greater outside purchases of product related to the Simple Mills acquisition, increased expenses for labor and rent, and the restructuring charges and related implementation costs. Lower distributor distribution fees and ingredient costs and the prior year plant closure costs partially offset the decrease.

Income from operations for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 was $245.1 million compared to $286.9 million in the prior year period. The decline mostly resulted from greater outside purchases of product due to the Simple Mills acquisition, increased workforce-related costs, higher rent expenses, greater restructuring-related implementation costs, and acquisition and integration-related costs. These higher costs were partially offset by lower distributor distribution fees and ingredient costs.

Net income for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025 was $39.5 million compared to $65.0 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease quarter over quarter resulted primarily from reduced income from operations, as described above, and increased interest expense from funding the acquisition, partially offset by lower income tax expense.

Net income for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 was $150.9 million compared to $205.0 million in the prior year period. Lower income from operations, as described above, combined with increased interest expense from funding the acquisition and a higher effective tax rate primarily resulted in the decrease.

During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, we generated net cash flows from operations of $320.8 million, paid $791.9 million of the total consideration of approximately $848.6 million for the Simple Mills acquisition, invested $80.3 million in capital expenditures, and increased our indebtedness by $764.9 million primarily to fund the acquisition. Additionally, we paid $157.0 million in dividends to our shareholders. On February 5, 2025, we entered into a $500.0 million five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "new credit facility") which refinanced and replaced our existing credit facility (the "previous credit facility"). On February 14, 2025, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.750% Senior Notes (the "2035 Notes") and $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.200% Senior Notes (the "2055 Notes"). On April 14, 2025, we amended the accounts receivable repurchase facility (the "repurchase facility") to, among other things, extend the scheduled facility expiration date to April 14, 2027.

During the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, we generated net cash flows from operations of $282.4 million, invested $86.6 million in capital expenditures, and increased our indebtedness by $5.0 million. Also, in the prior year period, we paid $152.5 million in dividends to our shareholders and repurchased $22.7 million of company stock.

Transformation Strategy Initiatives

In the second half of Fiscal 2020, we launched initiatives to transform our business operations. The primary goals of these initiatives are to: (1) enable a more agile business model, empowering the organization by fundamentally redesigning core business processes; (2) embed digital capabilities and transform the way we engage with our consumers, customers and employees; and (3) modernize and simplify our application and technology infrastructure landscape, inclusive of the upgrade of our ERP system.

ERP Upgrade

Our ERP initiative includes upgrading our information system platform and is expected to improve data management and efficiencies while automating many of our processes. We completed the initial planning and road mapping phase of the ERP upgrade at the end of Fiscal 2020. In the first quarter of Fiscal 2021, we transitioned into the design phase and engaged a leading, global consulting

firm to assist us in designing and implementing the upgrade of our ERP platform and to serve as the system integrator for the project. We transitioned into the build phase at the beginning of Fiscal 2022 and during the second quarter of Fiscal 2023, we began deploying the ERP upgrade. The deployment is anticipated to be completed in Fiscal 2026. We currently estimate total costs for the upgrade of our ERP system will be approximately $350 million (of which approximately 34% has been or is anticipated to be capitalized). As of October 4, 2025, we have incurred costs related to the project of approximately $254 million.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). These principles are numerous and complex. Our significant accounting policies are summarized in the Form 10-K. In many instances, the application of GAAP requires management to make estimates or to apply subjective principles to particular facts and circumstances. A variance in the estimates used or a variance in the application or interpretation of GAAP could yield a materially different accounting result. Refer to the Form 10-K for a discussion of the areas where we believe that the estimates, judgments or interpretations that we have made, if different, could yield the most significant differences in our financial statements. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in the Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

Results of operations, expressed as a percentage of sales and the dollar and percentage change from period to period, for the twelve and forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024 are set forth in the tables below (dollars in thousands):


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended
							Percentage of Sales						Increase (Decrease)
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Dollars			%
Net sales	$	1,226,554		$	1,190,561			100.0			100.0		$	35,993			3.0
Materials, supplies, labor and other production costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)		638,703			598,209			52.1			50.2			40,494			6.8
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		475,952			460,359			38.8			38.7			15,593			3.4
Restructuring charges		5,510			—			0.4			—			5,510			100.0
Plant closure costs and impairment of assets		—			4,483			—			0.4			(4,483	)		(100.0	)
Depreciation and amortization		39,873			37,331			3.3			3.1			2,542			6.8
Income from operations		66,516			90,179			5.4			7.6			(23,663	)		(26.2	)
Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit plans credit		(88	)		(119	)		(0.0	)		(0.0	)		31			(26.1	)
Interest expense, net		14,453			4,778			1.2			0.4			9,675			202.5
Income before income taxes		52,151			85,520			4.3			7.2			(33,369	)		(39.0	)
Income tax expense		12,617			20,536			1.0			1.7			(7,919	)		(38.6	)
Net income	$	39,534		$	64,984			3.2			5.5		$	(25,450	)		(39.2	)
Comprehensive income	$	38,407		$	66,280			3.1			5.6		$	(27,873	)		(42.1	)


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
							Percentage of Sales						Increase (Decrease)
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Dollars			%
Net sales	$	4,023,619		$	3,992,362			100.0			100.0		$	31,257			0.8
Materials, supplies, labor and other production costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)		2,053,109			2,008,757			51.0			50.3			44,352			2.2
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		1,583,002			1,557,010			39.3			39.0			25,992			1.7
Restructuring charges		6,083			7,403			0.2			0.2			(1,320	)		(17.8	)
Plant closure costs and impairment of assets		7,397			9,860			0.2			0.2			(2,463	)		(25.0	)
Depreciation and amortization		128,967			122,393			3.2			3.1			6,574			5.4
Income from operations		245,061			286,939			6.1			7.2			(41,878	)		(14.6	)
Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit plans credit		(293	)		(395	)		(0.0	)		(0.0	)		102			(25.8	)
Interest expense, net		43,537			15,297			1.1			0.4			28,240			184.6
Income before income taxes		201,817			272,037			5.0			6.8			(70,220	)		(25.8	)
Income tax expense		50,920			67,043			1.3			1.7			(16,123	)		(24.0	)
Net income	$	150,897		$	204,994			3.8			5.1		$	(54,097	)		(26.4	)
Comprehensive income	$	147,151		$	206,612			3.7			5.2		$	(59,461	)		(28.8	)

Percentages may not add due to rounding.

The company disaggregates its sales into two categories, Branded Retail and Other. These categories align with our brand-focused strategy to drive above-market growth via innovation and focusing on higher-margin products. The Other category includes store branded retail and non-retail sales (foodservice, restaurant, institutional, vending, thrift stores, and contract manufacturing).

TWELVE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 4, 2025 COMPARED TO TWELVE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 5, 2024

Sales (dollars in thousands)


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended
					Percentage of Sales				Increase (Decrease)
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		Dollars			%
Branded Retail	$	812,760	$	760,379		66.3		63.9	$	52,381			6.9
Other		413,794		430,182		33.7		36.1		(16,388	)		(3.8	)
Total	$	1,226,554	$	1,190,561		100.0		100.0	$	35,993			3.0

(The table above presents certain sales by category that have been reclassified from amounts previously reported to conform to the current period presentation.)

The change in sales was generally attributable to the following:


Percentage Point Change in Net Sales Attributed to:	Branded Retail			Other			Total
	Favorable (Unfavorable)
Pricing/Mix^*		(1.1	)		(4.1	)		(2.3	)
Volume*		(1.3	)		0.3			(0.6	)
Acquisition		9.3			—			5.9
Total percentage change in net sales		6.9			(3.8	)		3.0

^ Includes sales reductions from variable consideration and payments to customers.
* Computations above are calculated as follows (the Total column is consolidated and is not adding the Branded Retail and Other columns):
Price/Mix $ = Current year period units x change in price per unit
Price/Mix % = Price/Mix $ ÷ Prior year period Net Sales $
Volume $ = Prior year period price per unit x change in units
Volume % = Volume $ ÷ Prior year period Net Sales $

Sales increased quarter over quarter due to the Simple Mills acquisition contribution, partially offset by unfavorable price/mix for both sales categories and lower Branded Retail volumes. Branded Retail volumes were impacted by the challenging consumer environment and, to a lesser extent, higher hurricane-driven demand in the prior year quarter. Our quarterly promotional activity increased, targeting more differentiated and premium-priced items which aligns with changing consumer preferences.

Branded Retail Sales

Branded Retail sales increased 6.9% quarter over quarter due to the acquisition contribution, partially offset by volume declines and unfavorable price/mix. Volumes were negatively impacted by continued weakness in the fresh packaged bread category, and, to a lesser extent, increased hurricane-driven demand in the prior year quarter. The largest volume declines were in branded traditional loaf products. Growth in more-premium branded products, such as DKB organic and Nature's Own Keto, as well as improvement in cake sales from the addition of Wonder cake, introduced in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025, partially offset the volume decline. Additionally, to address changes in consumer preferences, we introduced two varieties of Nature's Own small loaves in the second quarter of Fiscal 2024 and expanded our varieties in the current year. Price/mix was negatively impacted by shifts in mix resulting from cake comprising a larger percentage of our Branded Retail sales and the addition of smaller loaf sizes.

We continue to invest in more-premium and better-for-you products, like the more recently introduced DKB sandwich rolls and Nature's Own Keto buns and multi-grain loaf, and the Simple Mills acquisition has increased our investment in the better-for-you category. Additionally, Simple Mills' branded snack items, combined with the DKB organic snack bars and bites, further diversifies our category exposure beyond fresh packaged breads and buns. The nationwide roll out of DKB snack bites is in progress during Fiscal 2025.

Other Sales

Sales in the Other category decreased 3.8% due to unfavorable price/mix, partially offset by increased volume for non-retail items. Store branded retail sales declined primarily due to lower cake volumes and negative price/mix. Our non-retail sales experienced unfavorable price/mix, impacted by foodservice comprising a smaller portion of our non-retail sales and increased contract manufacturing sales. Non-retail sales volumes increased due to growth in contract manufacturing and vending, net of foodservice volume declines.

Materials, Supplies, Labor and Other Production Costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately; as a percent of sales)


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				Increase
Line Item Component	October 4, 2025 % of Sales		October 5, 2024 % of Sales		(Decrease) as a % of Sales
Ingredients and packaging		28.0		29.3		(1.3	)
Workforce-related costs		14.4		14.7		(0.3	)
Other		9.7		6.2		3.5
Total		52.1		50.2		1.9

Materials, supplies, labor and other production costs as a percent of sales increased quarter over quarter primarily due to increased outside purchases of product (sales with no associated ingredient costs) and lower sales price/mix combined with lower production volumes. Lower ingredient and workforce-related costs as a percent of sales partially offset the increase. Outside purchases of product are included in the Other line item in the table above, the majority of which relate to purchases of Simple Mills products, all of which are co-manufactured. We expect this trend of elevated outside purchases of product to continue. The decrease in ingredient costs as a percent of sales was due to increased outside purchases of product. Lower pricing for commodities, particularly flour, also contributed to the decrease, partially offset by higher costs for other ingredients such as cocoa and eggs and the impact of tariffs and lower sales price/mix. Workforce-related costs decreased as a percent of sales due to a greater portion of our products being co-manufactured as well as lower incentive compensation costs. We expect the impact of lower production volumes to continue to negatively impact our operations.

Prices of ingredient and packaging materials fluctuate due to various factors including, but not limited to, government policy and regulation (including tariffs), weather conditions, domestic and international demand, availability due to supply conditions, including livestock disease, or other unforeseen circumstances, and we monitor these markets closely. We use eggs in several of our products and have been, and could continue to be, adversely impacted from increased costs and/or reduced availability of supply as a result of the avian influenza. We enter into forward purchase agreements and other financial instruments to manage the impact of volatility in certain raw material prices. Any decrease in the availability of these agreements and instruments could increase the cost of these raw materials and significantly affect our earnings.

Selling, Distribution and Administrative Expenses (as a percent of sales)


	For the Twelve Weeks Ended				Increase
Line Item Component	October 4, 2025 % of Sales		October 5, 2024 % of Sales		(Decrease) as a % of Sales
Workforce-related costs		12.7		11.9		0.8
Distributor distribution fees		11.5		13.0		(1.5	)
Other		14.6		13.8		0.8
Total		38.8		38.7		0.1

Workforce-related costs increased as a percent of sales quarter over quarter primarily due to a shift away from distributor distribution fees as the company converted to an employee-based model in California and wage inflation on lower sales price/mix. Reduced incentive compensation costs partially offset the increase. Distributor distribution fees decreased as a percent of sales primarily due to a smaller portion of our sales being made through IDPs mostly due to the California conversion and the addition of Simple Mills' sales which are warehouse-delivered. The California conversion was completed early in the second quarter of Fiscal 2025. The increase in the Other line item in the table above mostly relates to increased rent expenses, higher legal expenses, and the restructuring-related implementation and acquisition and integration-related costs incurred in the current year quarter.

Restructuring Charges and Plant Closure Costs and Impairment of Assets

Refer to the discussion in the “Matters Affecting Comparability” section above regarding these items.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense for the third quarter of Fiscal 2025 increased in dollars and as a percent of sales due to amortization expense associated with the intangible assets acquired in the Simple Mills acquisition and we expect this increase to continue for the remainder of Fiscal 2025.

Income from Operations

Income from operations for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025 decreased as a percent of sales compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to higher materials, supplies, labor, and other production costs and the restructuring charges incurred in the current year quarter, partially offset by the prior year plant closure costs.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense increased in dollars and as a percent of sales as compared to the prior year quarter due to the issuance of the Notes (as defined below) on February 14, 2025 to fund the Simple Mills acquisition and related fees and expenses. We expect net interest expense to be elevated for the remainder of Fiscal 2025.

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025 was 24.2% compared to 24.0% in the prior year quarter. The increase in the rate quarter over quarter was primarily due to unfavorable discrete items related to state income taxes. For both periods presented, the primary differences in the effective rate and statutory were state income taxes.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income changed primarily due to the decrease in net income quarter over quarter.

FORTY WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 4, 2025 COMPARED TO FORTY WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 5, 2024

Sales (dollars in thousands)


	Forty Weeks Ended
					Percentage of Sales				Increase (Decrease)
	October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		October 4, 2025		October 5, 2024		Dollars			%
Branded Retail	$	2,651,263	$	2,562,960		65.9		64.2	$	88,303			3.4
Other		1,372,356		1,429,402		34.1		35.8		(57,046	)		(4.0	)
Total	$	4,023,619	$	3,992,362		100.0		100.0	$	31,257			0.8

(The table above presents certain sales by category that have been reclassified from amounts previously reported to conform to the current period presentation.)

The change in sales was generally attributable to the following:


Percentage Point Change in Net Sales Attributed to:	Branded Retail			Other			Total
	Favorable (Unfavorable)
Pricing/Mix^*		(1.2	)		(1.5	)		(1.2	)
Volume*		(1.5	)		(2.5	)		(1.9	)
Acquisition		6.1			—			3.9
Total percentage change in net sales		3.4			(4.0	)		0.8

^ Includes sales reductions from variable consideration and payments to customers.
* Computations above are calculated as follows (the Total column is consolidated and is not adding the Branded Retail and Other columns):
Price/Mix $ = Current year period units x change in price per unit
Price/Mix % = Price/Mix $ ÷ Prior year period Net Sales $
Volume $ = Prior year period price per unit x change in units
Volume % = Volume $ ÷ Prior year period Net Sales $

Sales increased period over period due to the Simple Mills acquisition contribution partially offset by softer volumes and negative price/mix in both sales categories. Volume declines were largely driven by weakness in the fresh packaged bread category, and, to a lesser extent, in the away-from-home market. The overall negative price/mix was partially offset by improvements in our foodservice price/mix from executing our portfolio optimization strategies beginning in the second quarter of the prior year. To remain competitive in a challenging environment, we increased our promotional activity period over period, targeting differentiated products.

We anticipate our Fiscal 2025 sales to increase compared to Fiscal 2024 due to the acquisition contribution, optimization of our non-retail business, new product innovation, and the additional week in Fiscal 2025. However, category headwinds, changes in consumer buying patterns, and increases in promotional activity could partially offset that improvement.

Branded Retail Sales

Branded Retail sales increased 3.4% compared to the prior year period due to the acquisition contribution, partially offset by volume declines and unfavorable price/mix. Continued weakness in the fresh packaged bread category negatively impacted volumes year over year with the largest declines in sales of traditional loaf products. Volume growth in organic, Keto, and cake items partially offset the decrease. The company introduced Wonder cake in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. Other more recently introduced products include Nature's Own small loaves and Keto buns, DKB sandwich rolls, and Wonder bagels and English muffins. Price/mix was unfavorable primarily due to increased targeted promotional activity and, to a lesser extent, a shift in mix to greater branded retail cake sales and the addition of smaller loaf sizes.

The Simple Mills acquisition has increased our investment in the better-for-you category and their branded snack items, combined with the DKB organic snack bars and bites, further diversifies our category exposure beyond fresh packaged breads and buns. The nationwide roll out of DKB snack bites is expected to progress throughout Fiscal 2025.

Other Sales

Sales in the Other category decreased 4.0% due to softer volumes for both store branded retail and non-retail sales and unfavorable price/mix. Store branded retail sales declined due to volume decreases, most notably for cake and loaf items, and negative price/mix. Our non-retail sales experienced softer volumes for foodservice and institutional sales, partly offset by growth in contract manufacturing. Foodservice price/mix improved from optimization of that business subsequent to the first quarter of Fiscal 2024, but was offset by negative price mix for store branded retail and other non-retail sales.

Materials, Supplies, Labor and Other Production Costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately; as a percent of sales)


	For the Forty Weeks Ended				Increase
Line item component	October 4, 2025 % of sales		October 5, 2024 % of sales		(Decrease) as a % of sales
Ingredients and packaging		28.1		29.5		(1.4	)
Workforce-related costs		14.4		14.4		—
Other		8.5		6.4		2.1
Total		51.0		50.3		0.7

The increase in materials, supplies, labor and other production costs as a percent of sales period over period primarily resulted from greater outside purchases of product (sales with no associated ingredient costs) and lower sales price/mix, partially offset by lower ingredient costs. Lower production volumes also contributed to the increase and we expect this trend to continue due to weakness in the fresh packaged bread category. Outside purchases of product, which are included in the Other line item in the table above, largely relate to purchases of Simple Mills products, all of which are co-manufactured, and to a lesser extent certain DKB and other products. We expect a continued increase in outside purchases of product due to the Simple Mills acquisition. Ingredient costs decreased as a percent of sales due to higher outside purchases of product and lower pricing for commodities such as flour, fats, and oils. The benefit was partially offset by higher costs for other ingredients such as cocoa and eggs, lower sales price/mix and the impact of tariffs.

Prices of ingredient and packaging materials fluctuate due to various factors including, but not limited to, government policy and regulation (including tariffs), weather conditions, domestic and international demand, availability due to supply conditions, including livestock disease, or other unforeseen circumstances, and we monitor these markets closely. We use eggs in several of our products and have and could continue to be adversely impacted from increased costs and/or reduced availability of supply as a result of the avian influenza. We enter into forward purchase agreements and other financial instruments to manage the impact of volatility in certain raw material prices. Any decrease in the availability of these agreements and instruments could increase the cost of these raw materials and significantly affect our earnings.

Selling, Distribution and Administrative Expenses (as a percent of sales)


	For the Forty Weeks Ended				Increase
Line item component	October 4, 2025 % of sales		October 5, 2024 % of sales		(Decrease) as a % of sales
Workforce-related costs		12.8		11.8		1.0
Distributor distribution fees		11.9		13.4		(1.5	)
Other		14.6		13.8		0.8
Total		39.3		39.0		0.3

Workforce-related costs increased as a percent of sales period over period primarily due to a shift away from distributor distribution fees and wage inflation on lower sales price/mix. The benefits of cost savings programs and reduced incentive compensation costs partially offset the increase. Distributor distribution fees decreased as a percent of sales primarily from a smaller portion of our sales being made through IDPs mostly resulting from the company converting to an employee-based model in California and due to distributing Simple Mills' products via a warehouse-delivery system. The California conversion was completed early in the second quarter of Fiscal 2025. The increase in the Other line item in the table above mostly relates to the acquisition and integration-related expenses, higher restructuring-related implementation costs, and increased vehicle rent expenses associated with the California conversion. See the “Matters Affecting Comparability” section above for a discussion of the acquisition and integration-related expenses and restructuring-related implementation costs.

Restructuring Charges and Plant Closure Costs and Impairment of Assets

Refer to the discussion in the “Matters Affecting Comparability” section above regarding these items.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 increased in dollars and as a percent of sales primarily due to amortization expense associated with the intangible assets acquired in the Simple Mills acquisition and we expect this trend to continue for the remainder of Fiscal 2025.

Income from Operations

Income from operations for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 decreased as a percent of sales compared to the prior year period primarily due to unfavorable sales price/mix, greater outside purchases of product, higher selling, distribution, and administrative costs, as described above, and lower production volumes. Moderating ingredient costs and benefits from optimizing our foodservice business partially offset the decrease.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense increased in dollars and as a percent of sales as compared to the prior year period due to the issuance of the Notes (as defined below) on February 14, 2025 to fund the Simple Mills acquisition and related fees and expenses. We expect net interest expense to be elevated for the remainder of Fiscal 2025.

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 was 25.2% compared to 24.6% in the prior year period. The increase in the rate was primarily due to a shortfall tax expense on stock-based compensation. For the periods presented, the primary differences in the effective rate relate to state income taxes, shortfalls in the current year period and windfalls in the prior year period on the vesting of stock-based compensation awards, and benefits recognized from tax credits.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income changed primarily due to the decrease in net income period over period.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Strategy and Update on Impact of the Inflationary Economic Environment and Other Macroeconomic Factors on Our Business

We believe that our ability to consistently generate cash flows from operating activities to meet our liquidity needs is one of our key financial strengths. Furthermore, we strive to maintain a conservative financial position which we believe is a strategic competitive advantage, allowing us flexibility to make investments and acquisitions. Currently, our liquidity needs are primarily related to working capital requirements, capital expenditures, and obligated debt repayments. We believe that we currently have access to available funds and financing sources to meet our short and long-term capital requirements. The company’s strategy for use of its excess cash flows includes:

•

implementing our strategic priorities, including our transformation strategy initiatives;

•

paying dividends to our shareholders;

•

maintaining a conservative financial position;

•

making strategic acquisitions; and

•

repurchasing shares of our common stock.

Although there has been no material adverse impact on our results of operations, liquidity or cash flows for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, volatility in global and U.S. economies, as a result of, among other things, the inflationary economic environment, supply chain disruptions, tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs), increased labor costs, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the conflict in the Middle East, could significantly impact our ability to generate future cash flows. We continue to evaluate these various potential business risks, which include the possibility of future economic downturns that could shift consumer demand away from our Branded Retail products to store branded products, supply chain disruptions that have impacted, and could continue to impact, the procurement and cost of raw materials and packaging items (including the impacts of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs), the workforce available to us, among other risks.

The macroeconomic-related factors discussed above remain fluid and the future impact on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources cannot be reasonably estimated with any degree of certainty. In the event of a significant reduction in revenues, we would have additional alternatives to maintain liquidity, including the availability on our debt facilities, capital expenditure reductions, adjustments to our capital allocation policy, and cost reductions. Although we do not currently anticipate a need, we also believe that we could access the capital markets to raise additional funds. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity on hand to continue business operations during the volatile global and U.S. economic environments. As of October 4, 2025, we had total available liquidity of $613.3 million, consisting of cash on hand and the available balances under the new credit facility and the repurchase facility. Although the Act does not impact the company's effective federal tax rate, we anticipate reduced federal tax payments for the remainder of Fiscal 2025 due to the impact of the Act. As of October 4, 2025, the company has a $20.9 million federal income tax receivable.

Liquidity Discussion for the Forty Weeks Ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024

Cash and cash equivalents were $16.7 million at October 4, 2025 and $5.0 million at December 28, 2024. The cash and cash equivalents were derived from the activities presented in the tables below (amounts in thousands):


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
Cash Flow Component	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Change
Cash provided by operating activities	$	320,823		$	282,370		$	38,453
Cash disbursed for investing activities		(895,394	)		(112,942	)		(782,452	)
Cash provided by (disbursed for) financing activities		586,297			(176,980	)		763,277
Total change in cash	$	11,726		$	(7,552	)	$	19,278

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities consisted of the following items for non-cash adjustments to net income (amounts in thousands):


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024		Change
Depreciation and amortization	$	128,967		$	122,393	$	6,574
Impairment of assets		5,495			9,864		(4,369	)
(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income		(262	)		1,314		(1,576	)
Allowances for accounts receivable		6,755			6,328		427
Stock-based compensation		25,767			23,324		2,443
Deferred income taxes		36,399			15,831		20,568
Other non-cash items		4,516			3,789		727
Net non-cash adjustment to net income	$	207,637		$	182,843	$	24,794

•

Refer to the Plant closure costs and impairment of assets discussion in the “Matters Affecting Comparability” section above for additional information regarding the impairment of assets.

•

For the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, the deferred income tax activity reflects the impact of the newly enacted federal tax legislation under the Act allowing initial year 100% bonus depreciation and the partial deduction of research and development expenses previously capitalized under Internal Revenue Code Section 174. Additionally, for the current and prior year periods ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, the deferred income tax activity was composed of changes in temporary differences year over year, including the impact of the vesting of stock equity awards, the impact of payments for a previously accrued legal settlement for the repurchase of distribution rights, and activity related to the capitalization of research and development expenses as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 174.

•

Other non-cash items include non-cash interest expense for the amortization of debt discounts and deferred financing costs, activity in the allowances for inventory obsolescence, and gains or losses on the sale of assets.

Net changes in working capital consisted of the following items (amounts in thousands):


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Change
Changes in accounts receivable	$	(20,465	)	$	(58,959	)	$	38,494
Changes in inventories		(15,808	)		11,519			(27,327	)
Changes in hedging activities		4,092			1,455			2,637
Changes in accounts payable		44,824			(31,527	)		76,351
Changes in other assets and accrued liabilities		(50,354	)		(27,955	)		(22,399	)
Net changes in working capital	$	(37,711	)	$	(105,467	)	$	67,756

•

Changes in accounts receivable were mainly attributable to changes in sales period over period. Changes in inventories resulted primarily from volatility in input costs. Changes in accounts payable for the current year period were mainly attributable to extending payment terms and volatility in input prices, and changes for the prior year period were mainly due to volatility in input prices.

•

Hedging activities change due to market movements that affect the fair value and the associated required collateral of positions and the timing and recognition of deferred gains or losses. We expect these changes will continue to occur as part of our hedging program, though the degree and financial impact cannot be currently estimated.

•

The change in other assets primarily resulted from changes in income tax receivables and prepaid service contracts in each respective period. Changes in legal settlement, employee compensation, interest, and insurance liability accruals primarily resulted in the change in other accrued liabilities. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024, we paid $53.8 million and $31.9 million, respectively, including our share of employment taxes, in performance-based cash awards under our bonus plans. An additional $1.4 million and $1.9 million was paid during the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024, respectively, for our share of employment taxes on the vesting of employee restricted stock awards in each respective year. During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, the company accrued $2.1 million in legal settlements and made payments of $3.8 million, of which $1.7 million had been accrued for in the prior year. During the forty weeks ended October 5, 2024, the company accrued $0.8 million and paid $55.0 million to the legal fund related to a legal settlement recognized in the third quarter of Fiscal 2023.

Cash Flows Disbursed for Investing Activities. The table below presents net cash disbursed for investing activities for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, respectively (amounts in thousands):


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Change
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	$	(80,305	)	$	(86,624	)	$	6,319
Repurchases of independent distributor distribution rights, net of principal payments from notes receivable		(25,760	)		(28,789	)		3,029
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		577			2,040			(1,463	)
Proceeds from insurance settlement		1,389			—			1,389
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired		(791,928	)		—			(791,928	)
Other		633			431			202
Net cash disbursed for investing activities	$	(895,394	)	$	(112,942	)	$	(782,452	)

•

We currently anticipate capital expenditures of $120.0 million to $130.0 million for Fiscal 2025 (inclusive of expenditures for the ERP upgrade of $3.0 million to $5.0 million).

•

The repurchases of the California distribution rights contributed to most of the change in the repurchases of distribution rights, net of principal payments on notes receivable. The company completed the California repurchases early in the second quarter of Fiscal 2025.

•

As discussed in the "Executive Overview" section above, on February 21, 2025, we completed the Simple Mills acquisition for total cash consideration of approximately $848.6 million of which $791.9 million, which is net of cash acquired, was paid through the third quarter of Fiscal 2025. The determination of the final purchase price is pending post-close purchase price adjustments.

Cash Flows Provided by (Disbursed for) Financing Activities. The table below presents net cash provided by (disbursed for) financing activities for the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, respectively (amounts in thousands):


	For the Forty Weeks Ended
	October 4, 2025			October 5, 2024			Change
Dividends paid, including dividends on stock-based payment awards	$	(157,039	)	$	(152,489	)	$	(4,550	)
Payments for financing fees		(10,120	)		(190	)		(9,930	)
Stock repurchases		(5,499	)		(22,703	)		17,204
Change in bank overdrafts		(5,861	)		(6,363	)		502
Net change in debt obligations		764,880			5,000			759,880
Payments on financing leases		(64	)		(235	)		171
Net cash provided by (disbursed for) financing activities	$	586,297		$	(176,980	)	$	763,277

•

Our Board of Directors declared the following quarterly dividends during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):


Date Declared	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend per Common Share		Dividends Paid
August 22, 2025	September 5, 2025	September 19, 2025	$	0.2475	$	52,267
May 22, 2025	June 5, 2025	June 19, 2025	$	0.2475	$	52,266
February 14, 2025	February 28, 2025	March 14, 2025	$	0.2400	$	50,671

•

Additionally, we paid dividends of $1.8 million at the time of vesting of certain restricted stock awards. The increase in dividends paid resulted from an increase in the dividend rate compared to the prior year.

•

In the current year period, we paid financing fees associated with issuing the Notes (as defined below), refinancing and replacing the previous credit facility with the new credit facility, and amending the repurchase facility. In the prior year period, we paid financing costs associated with amending the repurchase facility.

•

Stock repurchase decisions are made based on our stock price, our belief of relative value, and our cash projections at any given time. During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025 and October 5, 2024, we repurchased 286,980 and 992,233 shares of our common stock for $5.5 million and $22.7 million, respectively, under a share repurchase plan approved by our Board of Directors. All of the shares acquired in the current year period and a portion of the prior period share repurchases were acquired to satisfy employees’ tax withholding and payment obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards, which are repurchased by the company based on the fair market value on the vesting date.

•

Changes in debt obligations primarily related to issuing the Notes to fund the Simple Mills acquisition in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025. See the discussion below under the “Capital Structure” section for additional details regarding changes in debt obligations.

Capital Structure

Long-term debt and right-of-use lease obligations and stockholders’ equity were as follows at October 4, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively. For additional information regarding our debt and right-of-use lease obligations, see Note 6, Leases, and Note 14, Debt and Other Obligations, of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.


	Balance at						Fixed or	Final
	October 4, 2025			December 28, 2024			Variable Rate	Maturity
Long-term debt and right-of-use lease obligations	(Amounts in thousands)
2055 notes	$	294,542		$	—		Fixed Rate	2055
2035 notes		494,636			—		Fixed Rate	2035
2031 notes		496,012			495,452		Fixed Rate	2031
2026 notes		399,433			398,992		Fixed Rate	2026
New credit facility		—			—		Variable Rate	2030
Previous credit facility		—			2,200		Variable Rate
Accounts receivable repurchase facility		95,000			125,000		Variable Rate	2027
Right-of-use lease obligations		337,240			322,989			2036
		2,116,863			1,344,633
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt and right- of-use lease obligations		(474,037	)		(68,524	)
Long-term debt and right-of-use lease obligations	$	1,642,826		$	1,276,109

Total stockholders' equity
Total stockholders' equity	$	1,420,494		$	1,410,114

The repurchase facility and the credit facilities are generally used for short-term liquidity needs. Changes to the new credit facility and previous credit facility are detailed below. See Note 14, Debt and Other Obligations, of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q for additional information.

We believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our cash needs, however, we continue to closely monitor our liquidity in light of the continued economic uncertainty in the U.S. and globally due to, among other things, the impact of the inflationary economic environment, supply chain disruptions, tariffs (including retaliatory tariffs), increased labor costs, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the conflict in the Middle East. As of October 4, 2025, the 2026 notes are classified within the current maturities of long-term debt and will mature during the third quarter of Fiscal 2026 on October 1, 2026. As detailed in the table below, the company currently has sufficient availability under the repurchase facility and new credit facility to repay the 2026 notes upon maturity. Amounts available for withdrawal under the repurchase facility are determined as the lesser of the total facility limit and a formula derived amount based on qualifying trade receivables. If the company were to draw down amounts in excess of paying off the 2026 notes, we may have a different amount available for withdrawal than is presented in the table below.

The following table details the amounts available under the repurchase facility and the credit facility and the highest and lowest balances outstanding under these arrangements during the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025:


	Amount Available			For the Forty Weeks Ended October 4, 2025
	for Withdrawal at			Highest		Lowest
Facility	October 4, 2025			Balance		Balance
	(Amounts in thousands)
Accounts receivable repurchase facility (1)	$	105,000		$	155,000	$	50,000
New credit facility (2)		491,600			18,600		—
Previous credit facility		—	*		2,200		—
	$	596,600
* The previous credit facility was refinanced and replaced by the new credit facility on February 5, 2025.

(1)

Amount excludes a provision in the repurchase facility agreement which allows the company to request up to $50.0 million in additional commitment.

(2)

Amount excludes a provision in the credit facility agreement which allows the company to request an additional $200.0 million in additional revolving commitments.

Amounts outstanding under the credit facility can vary daily. Changes in the gross borrowings and repayments can be caused by cash flow activity from operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, share repurchases, and tax payments, as well as derivative transactions which are part of the company’s overall risk management strategy as discussed in Note 10, Derivative Financial Instruments, of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q. During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, the company made $64.1 million in revolving borrowings and $66.3 million in payments on revolving borrowings under the new and previous credit facility combined. The amount available under the new credit facility is reduced by $8.4 million for letters of credit.

The repurchase facility and the new credit facility are variable rate debt and provide us the greatest direct exposure to changing interest rates. In periods of rising interest rates, the cost of using these facilities increases, resulting in greater interest expense.

Restrictive financial covenants for our borrowings can include ratios such as a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. Our debt may also contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default. The company believes that, given its current cash position, its cash flow from operating activities, and its available credit capacity, it can comply with the current terms of the debt agreements and can meet presently foreseeable financial requirements. As of October 4, 2025, the company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants under our debt agreements.

In connection with entering into the Agreement and Plan of Merger to acquire Simple Mills, the company entered into a commitment letter, pursuant to which, among other things, Royal Bank of Canada committed to provide debt financing for the consummation of the Simple Mills acquisition, consisting of a $795.0 million 364-day term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility"), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the commitment letter. In lieu of borrowing under the Term Loan Facility, the company issued the 2035 Notes and the 2055 Notes, on February 14, 2025, and terminated the outstanding commitments in respect of the Term Loan Facility. The company recognized costs of $3.6 million associated with the Term Loan Facility in the first quarter of Fiscal 2025 and these costs are included in the selling, distribution, and administrative expenses line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

On February 5, 2025, we entered into the new credit facility, a $500.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility pursuant to a Credit Agreement (the “2025 Revolving Credit Agreement”), dated as of February 5, 2025, with certain financial institutions party thereto as lenders and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent. The new credit facility refinances and replaces the previous credit facility entered into pursuant to the amended and restated credit agreement, dated as of October 24, 2003, with the lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time). The maturity date of the previous credit facility was July 30, 2026. No borrowings were outstanding under the previous credit facility upon its termination.

The new credit facility has an initial maturity date of February 5, 2030. Under the new credit facility, up to $50.0 million of availability may be drawn in the form of letters of credit and up to $50.0 million of availability may be drawn in the form of swingline loans. The new credit facility also includes an incremental facility whereby the company may increase the commitments to up to $700.0 million if certain conditions are met.

Borrowings under the new credit facility bear interest, at the option of the company, based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or the “base rate” plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin is determined by reference to a pricing grid set forth in the 2025 Revolving Credit Agreement based on the company’s leverage and debt rating, ranging from a maximum of 1.525% in the case of SOFR-based loans and 0.525% in the case of base rate loans to a minimum of 0.815% in the case of SOFR-based loans and 0.00% in the case of base rate loans, based upon the company’s then applicable leverage ratio and debt rating. In addition, the new credit facility bears an additional facility fee on the full amount of the commitments, also determined by reference to the pricing grid, and ranging from a maximum of 0.225% to a minimum of 0.06%, based upon the company’s then applicable leverage ratio and debt rating.

On February 14, 2025, the company issued the 2035 Notes and the 2055 Notes (together, the “Notes”), pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of April 3, 2012 (the “Base Indenture”), by and between the company, as issuer, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association), as trustee, as amended and supplemented from time to time, including without limitation, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, dated February 14, 2025 (together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), establishing the specific terms and forms of the Notes, each as a new series of securities under the Indenture, and appointing Regions Bank to serve as series trustee with respect to the Notes. The company used the net proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand, (i) to fund the cash consideration for the Simple Mills acquisition, (ii) to pay fees and expenses related to the Simple Mills acquisition and the offering, and (iii) for general corporate purposes. The company intends to maintain its balanced capital deployment model, along with a commitment to its investment grade debt rating.

On April 14, 2025, the company amended the repurchase facility to, among other things, extend the scheduled facility expiration date to from April 14, 2026 to April 14, 2027 and add a provision that permits the company to request up to $50.0 million in additional commitment, for a total of up to $250.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions of the facility.

At October 4, 2025, the company did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which are established to facilitate off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

Under our share repurchase plan, the company may repurchase its common stock in the open market or privately negotiated transactions at such times and at such prices as determined to be in the company’s best interest. These repurchases may be commenced or suspended without prior notice depending on then-existing business or market conditions and other factors. During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, 286,980 shares, at a cost of $5.5 million, of the company’s common stock were repurchased under the share repurchase plan. From the inception of the share repurchase plan through October 4, 2025, 73.3 million shares, at a cost of $761.5 million, have been repurchased.

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted and Not Yet Adopted

See Note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q for information regarding recently adopted accounting pronouncements and accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The company uses derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. The company uses forward, futures, swap and option contracts to hedge existing or future exposure to changes in interest rates and commodity prices. The company does not enter into these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those anticipated, raw material prices could increase significantly, adversely affecting the margins from the sale of our products.

Commodity Price Risk

The company enters into commodity forward, futures and option contracts and swap agreements for wheat and, to a lesser extent, other commodities in an effort to provide a predictable and consistent commodity price and thereby reduce the impact of market volatility of raw material and packaging prices. As of October 4, 2025, the company’s hedge portfolio contained commodity derivatives with a fair value (liability) of $(0.3) million, based on quoted market prices. Of this amount, $(0.1) million relates to instruments that will be utilized in Fiscal 2025 and $(0.2) million that will be utilized in Fiscal 2026.

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to quantify the company’s potential exposure to commodity price risk with respect to the derivative portfolio. Based on the company’s derivative portfolio as of October 4, 2025, a hypothetical ten percent increase (decrease) in commodity prices would increase (decrease) the fair value of the derivative portfolio by $2.1 million. The analysis disregards changes in the exposures inherent in the underlying hedged items; however, the company expects that any increase (decrease) in fair value of the portfolio would be substantially offset by increases (decreases) in raw material and packaging prices.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established and maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to the company, which is required to be timely disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely fashion and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation and as of the end of the period covered by this report, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure in its reports that the company files or submits to the SEC under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended October 4, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For a description of all material pending legal proceedings, see Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies, of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Refer to Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors, in the Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A., Risk Factors, in the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 19, 2025 for information regarding factors that could affect the company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may affect us. The occurrence of any of these known or unknown risks could have a material adverse ultimate impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

As originally announced on December 19, 2002, and subsequently increased, our Board of Directors had approved a plan that authorized share repurchases of up to 74.6 million shares. On May 26, 2022, the company announced that the Board of Directors increased the company's share repurchase authorization by 20.0 million shares. Under the share repurchase plan, the company may repurchase its common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions or under an accelerated share repurchase program at such times and at such prices as determined to be in the company’s best interest. These repurchases may be commenced or suspended without prior notice depending on then-existing business or market conditions and other factors.

There were no common stock repurchases under the share repurchase plan during the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2025. During the forty weeks ended October 4, 2025, 286,980 shares, at a cost of $5.5 million, were repurchased under the share repurchase plan. From the inception of the share repurchase plan through October 4, 2025, 73.3 million shares, at a cost of $761.5 million, have been repurchased. The company currently has 21.3 million shares remaining available for repurchase under the share repurchase plan.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None of the company's directors or officers adopted, modified, or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or a "non-rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K, during the company's fiscal quarter ended October 4, 2025.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:


Exhibit
No			Name of Exhibit
2.1		—	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 7, 2025, by and among Flowers Foods, Inc., Daffodil Acquisition Sub, LLC, Daffodil Merger Sub, Inc., Purposeful Foods Holdings, Inc., and the Equityholders' Representative named therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.7 to Flowers Foods’ Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 18, 2025, File No. 1-16247).
3.1		—	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Flowers Foods, Inc., as amended through May 21, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Flowers Foods’ Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 28, 2020, File No. 1-16247).
3.2		—	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Flowers Foods, Inc., as amended through August 18, 2023 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Flowers Foods’ Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 21, 2023, File No. 1-16247).
31.1	*	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	*	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32	*	—	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by A. Ryals McMullian, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and R. Steve Kinsey, Chief Financial Officer, for the quarter ended October 4, 2025.
101.INS	*	—	Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH	*	—	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbase Documents.
104		—	The cover page from Flowers Foods' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 4, 2025 has been formatted in Inline XBRL.

* Filed herewith

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	FLOWERS FOODS, INC.

	By:		/s/ A. RYALS MCMULLIAN
	Name:		A. Ryals McMullian
	Title:		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
			(Principal Executive Officer)


	By:		/s/ R. STEVE KINSEY
	Name:		R. Steve Kinsey
	Title:		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and
			Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: November 6, 2025