Freshpet, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Freshpet, Inc. reported strong financial results for Q3 2023, with net sales increasing by 32.6% to $200.6 million compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a significant increase, reaching $23.2 million, compared to $3.5 million in Q3 2022. The company has raised its 2023 guidance due to its strong performance.
Positive
Net sales for Q3 2023 increased by 32.6% to $200.6 million compared to Q3 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2023 reached $23.2 million, compared to $3.5 million in Q3 2022.
Freshpet has raised its 2023 guidance due to its strong performance.
11/06/2023 - 06:30 AM
Raises 2023 Adjusted EBITDA and net sales guidance Volume and household penetration growth are strong and accelerating Strong execution on input costs, logistics and quality continue to drive margin improvement
SECAUCUS, N.J., Nov. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freshpet, Inc. (“Freshpet” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FRPT) today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year Period
Net sales of $200.6 million , an increase of 32.6% . Net loss of $7.2 million , compared with prior year net loss of $18.4 million . Adjusted EBITDA of $23.2 million , compared to prior year of $3.5 million .1 First Nine Months of 2023 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year Period
Net sales of $551.5 million , an increase of 28.4% . Net loss of $48.9 million , compared with prior year net loss of $56.6 million . Adjusted EBITDA of $35.2 million , compared to prior year of $1.3 million .1 "Fiscal year 2023 is shaping up to be the kind of year we had hoped it would – delivering strong top-line and bottom-line growth that puts us ahead of the pace needed to deliver our 2027 goals. As a result of our strong third quarter performance, we are raising our 2023 guidance today," commented Billy Cyr, Freshpet’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our strengthened organization is delivering improved margins from better operational performance in logistics, input costs and quality while maintaining strong volume-based revenue growth. This performance underpins our confidence in delivering our long-term Fresh Future goals. We have real momentum as we enter the fourth quarter and look forward to finishing the year on a high note as we work toward fulfilling our mission to change the way people nourish their pets forever."
Third Quarter 2023
Net sales increased 32.6% to $200.6 million for the third quarter of 2023 compared to $151.3 million for the third quarter of 2022. Net sales for the third quarter of 2023 were driven by both volume gains, and higher pricing.
Gross profit was $66.3 million , or 33.0% as a percentage of net sales, for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $44.5 million , or 29.4% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. The increase in reported gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to decreased unabsorbed plant cost as we grow into the Ennis facility, reduced quality and input cost as a percentage of net sales, partially offset by increased depreciation expense associated with the Company's capacity expansion, and increased share-based compensation. For the third quarter of 2023, Adjusted Gross Profit was $80.6 million , or 40.2% as a percentage of net sales, compared to $52.2 million , or 34.5% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. Adjusted Gross Profit is a non-GAAP financial measure defined under “Non-GAAP Measures” and is reconciled to gross profit in the financial tables that accompany this release.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $73.4 million for the third quarter of 2023 compared to $60.4 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased to 36.6% for the third quarter of 2023 compared to 39.9% in the prior year period. The decrease of 330 basis points in SG&A as a percentage of net sales was mainly a result of reduced logistics costs as a percentage of net sales, decreased cost related to the ERP implementation, and increased leverage on depreciation and share-based compensation as the business scales, partially offset by activism engagement charges and increased variable compensation accrual. Adjusted SG&A for the third quarter of 2023 was $57.4 million , or 28.6% as a percentage of net sales, compared to $48.9 million , or 32.3% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. Adjusted SG&A is a non-GAAP financial measure defined under “Non-GAAP Measures” and is reconciled to SG&A in the financial tables that accompany this release.
1 Adjusted EBITDA, as well as certain other measures in this release, is a non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Measures" for how the Company defines these measures and the financial tables that accompany this release for reconciliations of these measures to the closest comparable GAAP measures.
Net loss was $7.2 million for the third quarter of 2023 compared to net loss of $18.4 million for the prior year period. The decrease in net loss was due to contribution profit from higher sales, partially offset by increased SG&A including increased media spend of $5.1 million .
Adjusted EBITDA was $23.2 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $3.5 million in the prior year period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was a result of higher Adjusted Gross Profit due to sales growth and leverage on plant cost and decreased quality and input costs, partially offset by higher Adjusted SG&A expenses. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined under “Non-GAAP Measures” and is reconciled to net loss in the financial tables that accompany this release.
First Nine Months of 2023
Net sales increased 28.4% to $551.5 million for the first nine months of 2023 compared to $429.5 million for the first nine months of 2022. Net sales for the first nine months of 2023 were driven by both volume gains, and higher pricing.
Gross profit was $176.3 million , or 32.0% as a percentage of net sales, for the first nine months of 2023, compared to $140.3 million , or 32.7% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. The decrease in reported gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to increased stock compensation expense and depreciation expense associated with the Company's capacity expansion, partially offset by reduced input and quality cost as a percentage of net sales. For the first nine months of 2023, Adjusted Gross Profit was $218.1 million , or 39.5% as a percentage of net sales, compared to $159.3 million , or 37.1% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. Adjusted Gross Profit is a non-GAAP financial measure defined under “Non-GAAP Measures” and is reconciled to gross profit in the financial tables that accompany this release.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $221.6 million for the first nine months of 2023 compared to $190.2 million in the prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased to 40.2% for the first nine months of 2023 compared to 44.3% in the prior year period. The decrease of 410 basis points in SG&A as a percentage of net sales was mainly a result of reduced logistics cost as a percentage of net sales, decreased cost related to the ERP implementation, and increased leverage on media, depreciation and share-based compensation as the business scales, partially offset by activism engagement charges and increased variable compensation accrual. Adjusted SG&A for the first nine months of 2023 was $182.9 million , or 33.2% as a percentage of net sales, compared to $158.5 million , or 36.9% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. Adjusted SG&A is a non-GAAP financial measure defined under “Non-GAAP Measures” and is reconciled to SG&A in the financial tables that accompany this release.
Net loss was $48.9 million for the first nine months of 2023 compared to a net loss of $56.6 million for the prior year period. The decrease in net loss was due to contribution profit from higher sales, partially offset by increased SG&A including increased media spend of $12.7 million .
Adjusted EBITDA was $35.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1.3 million in the prior year period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was a result of increased Adjusted Gross Profit partially offset by higher Adjusted SGA expense. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined under "Non-GAAP Measures" and is reconciled to net loss in the financial tables that accompany this release.
Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $338.1 million with $392.6 million of debt outstanding net of $9.9 million of fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the cash from operations was $39.0 million an increase of $92.6 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
The Company will utilize its balance sheet to support its on-going capital needs in connection with its long-term capacity plan.
Outlook
For full year 2023, the Company updates its full year Adjusted EBITDA and Net Sales guidance and reiterates its capital expenditure guidance as follows:
Net sales of ~$755 million , an increase of ~27% from 2022, from previous guidance of ~$750 million . Adjusted EBITDA of ~$62 million , from previous guidance of at least $55 million . Capital expenditures of ~$240 million , unchanged from previous guidance. The Company does not provide guidance for the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net income, and similarly cannot provide a reconciliation between its forecasted adjusted EBITDA and net income metrics without unreasonable effort due to the unavailability of reliable estimates for certain components of net income and the respective reconciliations, including the timing of and amount of costs of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses. These items are not within the Company's control and may vary greatly between periods and could significantly impact future results.
Conference Call & Earnings Presentation Webcast Information
A replay of the conference call will be archived on the Company's website and telephonic playback will be available from 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time today through November 20, 2023. North American listeners may dial (844) 512-2921 and international listeners may dial (412) 317-6671; the passcode is 13741367About Freshpet
Freshpet’s mission is to improve the lives of dogs and cats through the power of fresh, real food. Freshpet foods are blends of fresh meats, vegetables and fruits farmed locally and made at our Freshpet Kitchens. We thoughtfully prepare our foods using natural ingredients, cooking them in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve the natural goodness of the ingredients. Freshpet foods and treats are kept refrigerated from the moment they are made until they arrive at Freshpet Fridges in your local market.
Our foods are available in select mass, grocery (including online), natural food, club, and pet specialty retailers across the United States, Canada and Europe. From the care, we take to source our ingredients and make our food, to the moment it reaches your home, our integrity, transparency and social responsibility are the way we like to run our business. To learn more, visit www.freshpet.com.
Connect with Freshpet:
https://www.facebook.com/Freshpet
https://twitter.com/Freshpet
http://instagram.com/Freshpet
http://pinterest.com/Freshpet
https://www.tiktok.com/@Freshpet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshpet
https://www.youtube.com/user/freshpet400
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release constitute “forward-looking” statements, including statements relating to our long-term capacity planning, net sales guidance and Adjusted EBITDA guidance. These statements are based on management's current opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results. These forward-looking statements, including our updated guidance, are only predictions, not historical fact, and involve certain risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions. Actual results, levels of activity, performance, achievements and events could differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. While Freshpet believes that its assumptions are reasonable, it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible to anticipate all factors that could affect actual results. There are several risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements made herein including, most prominently, the risks discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release. Freshpet undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Freshpet uses the following non-GAAP financial measures in its financial communications. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as supplements to the GAAP reported measures, should not be considered replacements for, or superior to, the GAAP measures and may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies.
Adjusted Gross Profit Adjusted Gross Profit as a % of net sales (Adjusted Gross Margin) Adjusted SG&A Adjusted SG&A as a % of net sales EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales Adjusted Gross Profit: Freshpet defines Adjusted Gross Profit as gross profit before depreciation expense and non-cash share-based compensation.
Adjusted SG&A Expenses: Freshpet defines Adjusted SG&A as SG&A expenses before depreciation and amortization, non-cash share-based compensation, implementation and other costs associated with the implementation of an enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system, fees related to the Capped Call Transactions purchases, loss on disposal of equipment, and advisory fees related to activism engagement.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: EBITDA represents net income (loss) plus interest expense net of interest income, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expense, and Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus loss on equity method investment, non-cash share-based compensation expense, implementation and other costs associated with the implementation of an ERP system, loss on disposal of equipment, fees related to the Capped Call Transactions purchases, and advisory fees related to activism engagement.
Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures are meaningful to investors because they provide a view of the Company with respect to ongoing operating results. The non-GAAP financial measures are shown as supplemental disclosures in this release because they are widely used by the investment community for analysis and comparative evaluation. They also provide additional metrics to evaluate the Company’s operations and, when considered with both the Company’s GAAP results and the reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measures, provide a more complete understanding of the Company’s business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. The non-GAAP measures are not and should not be considered an alternative to the most comparable GAAP measures or any other figure calculated in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of operating performance. The Company’s calculation of the non-GAAP financial measures may differ from methods used by other companies. Management believes that the non-GAAP measures are important to an understanding of the Company's overall operating results in the periods presented. The non-GAAP financial measures are not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance.
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FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, December 31, 2023 2022 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 338,107 $ 132,735 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 54,415 57,572 Inventories, net 59,063 58,290 Prepaid expenses 8,813 9,778 Other current assets 1,992 3,590 Total Current Assets 462,390 261,965 Property, plant and equipment, net 924,720 800,586 Deposits on equipment 2,256 3,823 Operating lease right of use assets 3,990 5,165 Equity method investment — 25,418 Long term investment in equity securities 23,528 — Other assets 27,449 28,426 Total Assets $ 1,444,333 $ 1,125,383 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 40,908 $ 55,088 Accrued expenses 39,377 33,016 Current operating lease liabilities 1,445 1,510 Current finance lease liabilities 2,043 — Total Current Liabilities $ 83,773 $ 89,614 Convertible senior notes 392,562 — Long term operating lease liabilities 2,846 4,200 Long term finance lease liabilities 26,596 — Total Liabilities $ 505,777 $ 93,814 Commitments and contingencies — — STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock — voting, $0.00 1 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 48,240 issued and 48,226 outstanding on September 30, 2023, and 48,051 issued and 48,037 outstanding on December 31, 2022 48 48 Additional paid-in capital 1,283,744 1,325,524 Accumulated deficit (344,021 ) (295,117 ) Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (959 ) 1,370 Treasury stock, at cost — 14 shares on September 30, 2023 and on December 31, 2022 (256 ) (256 ) Total Stockholders' Equity 938,556 1,031,569 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 1,444,333 $ 1,125,383
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 NET SALES $ 200,621 $ 151,333 $ 551,474 $ 429,511 COST OF GOODS SOLD 134,328 106,788 375,177 289,187 GROSS PROFIT 66,293 44,545 176,297 140,324 SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 73,371 60,449 221,638 190,241 LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (7,078 ) (15,904 ) (45,341 ) (49,917 ) OTHER EXPENSES: Interest and Other Income, net 4,130 256 9,185 492 Interest Expense (4,148 ) (1,817 ) (10,648 ) (4,060 ) (18 ) (1,561 ) (1,463 ) (3,568 ) LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (7,096 ) (17,465 ) (46,804 ) (53,485 ) INCOME TAX EXPENSE 70 41 210 123 LOSS ON EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT - 943 1,890 2,969 LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $ (7,166 ) $ (18,449 ) $ (48,904 ) $ (56,577 ) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS: Change in foreign currency translation $ (296 ) $ (592 ) $ (2,329 ) $ 895 Unrealized gain on available for sale investments $ - $ 271 $ - $ 271 TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (296 ) (321 ) (2,329 ) 1,166 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS $ (7,462 ) $ (18,770 ) $ (51,233 ) $ (55,411 ) NET LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS -BASIC $ (0.15 ) $ (0.39 ) $ (1.02 ) $ (1.24 ) -DILUTED $ (0.15 ) $ (0.39 ) $ (1.02 ) $ (1.24 ) WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING -BASIC 48,194 47,856 48,123 45,545 -DILUTED 48,194 47,856 48,123 45,545
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 2022 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss $ (48,904 ) $ (56,577 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities: Provision for loss (gains) on accounts receivable 9 (23 ) Loss on disposal of equipment 688 203 Share-based compensation 24,952 20,409 Inventory obsolescence — 3,455 Depreciation and amortization 45,436 24,422 Write-off and amortization of deferred financing costs and loan discount 3,548 596 Change in operating lease right of use asset 1,175 1,021 Loss on equity method investment 1,890 2,969 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 3,148 (22,403 ) Inventories (773 ) (32,215 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (696 ) 1,074 Other assets (3,495 ) (1,639 ) Accounts payable 2,300 1,430 Accrued expenses 11,109 4,626 Operating lease liability (1,419 ) (1,028 ) Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities 38,968 (53,680 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of short-term investments (113,441 ) (19,840 ) Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments 113,441 — Investments in equity method investment — (3,293 ) Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, software and deposits on equipment (161,642 ) (167,437 ) Net cash flows used in investing activities (161,642 ) (190,570 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from common shares issued in primary offering, net of issuance cost — 337,508 Proceeds from exercise of options to purchase common stock 4,172 329 Tax withholdings related to net shares settlements of restricted stock units (859 ) (1,279 ) Proceeds from borrowings under Credit Facility — 78,000 Repayment of borrowings under Credit Facilities — (2,786 ) Purchase of capped call option (66,211 ) — Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes 393,518 — Principal payments under finance lease obligations (548 ) — Debt issuance costs (2,026 ) — Net cash flows provided by financing activities 328,046 411,772 NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 205,372 167,522 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 132,735 72,788 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 338,107 $ 240,310
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GROSS PROFIT AND ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 (Dollars in thousands) Gross profit $ 66,293 $ 44,545 $ 176,297 $ 140,324 Depreciation expense 11,767 5,159 33,106 14,208 Non-cash share-based compensation 2,579 2,450 8,696 4,789 Adjusted Gross Profit $ 80,639 $ 52,154 $ 218,099 $ 159,321 Adjusted Gross Profit as a % of Net Sales 40.2 % 34.5 % 39.5 % 37.1 %
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION BETWEEN SG&A EXPENSES AND ADJUSTED SG&A EXPENSES
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 (Dollars in thousands) SG&A expenses $ 73,371 $ 60,449 $ 221,638 $ 190,241 Depreciation and amortization expense 4,452 3,387 12,043 10,216 Non-cash share-based compensation 5,511 5,371 16,256 15,620 Loss on disposal of equipment 226 124 688 203 Enterprise Resource Planning (a) 212 1,937 1,550 4,946 Capped Call Transactions fees (b) — — 113 — Activism engagement (c) 5,548 — 8,177 — Organization changes (d) — 734 (67 ) 734 Adjusted SG&A Expenses $ 57,422 $ 48,896 $ 182,878 $ 158,522 Adjusted SG&A Expenses as a % of Net Sales 28.6 % 32.3 % 33.2 % 36.9 %
(a) Represents implementation, amortization of deferred implementation costs and other costs associated with the implementation of an ERP system. (b) Represents fees associated with the Capped Call Transactions purchases. (c) Represents advisory fees related to activism engagement. (d) Represents a true up to transition costs related to the organization changes designed to support growth, including several changes in organizational structure designed to enhance capabilities and support long-term growth objectives.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION BETWEEN NET (LOSS) AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 (Dollars in thousands) Net loss $ (7,166 ) $ (18,449 ) $ (48,904 ) $ (56,577 ) Depreciation and amortization 16,219 8,546 45,149 24,424 Interest expense, net of interest income 18 1,817 1,463 4,060 Income tax expense 70 41 210 123 EBITDA $ 9,141 $ (8,045 ) $ (2,082 ) $ (27,970 ) Loss on equity method investment — 943 $ 1,890 2,969 Loss on disposal of equipment 226 124 688 203 Non-cash share-based compensation 8,090 7,821 24,952 20,409 Enterprise Resource Planning (a) 212 1,937 1,550 4,946 Capped Call Transactions fees (b) — — 113 — Activism engagement (c) 5,548 — 8,177 — Organization changes (d) — 734 (67 ) 734 Adjusted EBITDA $ 23,217 $ 3,514 $ 35,221 $ 1,291 Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Sales 11.6 % 2.3 % 6.4 % 0.3 %
(a) Represents implementation, amortization of deferred implementation costs and other costs associated with the implementation of an ERP system. (b) Represents fees associated with the Capped Call Transactions purchases. (c) Represents advisory fees related to activism engagement. (d) Represents a true up to transition costs related to the organization changes designed to support growth, including several changes in organizational structure designed to enhance capabilities and support long-term growth objectives.
What were Freshpet's net sales for Q3 2023?
Freshpet's net sales for Q3 2023 were $200.6 million, a 32.6% increase compared to the same period last year.
What was Freshpet's Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2023?
Freshpet's Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2023 was $23.2 million, a significant increase compared to $3.5 million in Q3 2022.
Has Freshpet raised its 2023 guidance?
Yes, Freshpet has raised its 2023 guidance due to its strong performance.
