Freshpet, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Higher gross margins accompanied rising logistics costs and compensation accruals, while the prior-year tax benefit weighed on profit comparisons.
Sentiment and the balance of points
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Rhea-AI Summary
Freshpet (Nasdaq: FRPT) reported third-quarter 2026 net sales of $317.8 million, up 10.0% from the prior-year period on volume gains. Gross margin rose to 44.5% from 39.5%, while adjusted gross margin reached 50.0%, versus 46.0%. Net income fell to $29.7 million from $101.7 million; the prior-year quarter included a $77.9 million tax benefit. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP earnings measure, increased to $64.5 million from $54.6 million.
Freshpet now expects 2026 sales growth of 12%–13%, versus 10%–12%, and adjusted EBITDA of $215 million–$220 million, versus $210 million–$220 million. It expects positive free cash flow with capital expenditures of $125 million–$150 million and reiterated its 2027 outlook. Nine-month sales rose 12.8% to $921.1 million. Cash totaled $345.9 million at September 30, following equity-investment sale proceeds and share repurchases.
How this balance works
Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.
It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.
Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.
Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works
Positive
- Major point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Freshpet raised expected 2026 sales growth to 12%–13% from 10%–12%.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter sales rose 10.0% to $317.8 million, driven primarily by 10.0% volume gains.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter gross profit reached $141.3 million, versus $114.2 million; margin rose to 44.5% from 39.5%.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter adjusted gross profit reached $158.8 million, versus $132.8 million; margin increased to 50.0% from 46.0%.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter operating income increased to $35.130 million from $24.901 million.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter adjusted EBITDA rose to $64.5 million from $54.6 million; margin increased to 20.3% from 18.9%.
- Moderate point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Freshpet expects positive 2026 free cash flow, with capital expenditures of $125 million–$150 million, versus approximately $150 million previously.
- Moderate pointNine-month operating cash flow increased $40.1 million to $145.5 million from the prior-year period.
- Moderate pointNine-month free cash flow totaled $65.3 million.
- Moderate pointEquity-investment sale generated $100.0 million in cash proceeds and a $66.6 million nine-month gain. 3% of market cap
- Moderate pointShare repurchases returned $102.3 million under the previously announced program during the first nine months. 3.1% of market cap
10 minor points
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Freshpet raised and narrowed expected 2026 adjusted EBITDA to $215 million–$220 million from $210 million–$220 million.
- Minor pointNine-month sales increased 12.8% to $921.1 million, with volume gains of 13.3%.
- Minor pointNine-month gross profit rose to $390.7 million from $326.2 million; margin increased to 42.4% from 39.9%.
- Minor pointNine-month adjusted gross profit rose to $446.8 million from $377.1 million; margin increased to 48.5% from 46.2%.
- Minor pointNine-month operating income increased to $61.170 million from $31.209 million.
- Minor pointNine-month adjusted EBITDA increased to $154.6 million from $134.5 million.
- Minor pointCash increased $67.9 million to $345.9 million from December 31, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Freshpet reiterated expected 2027 sales growth well in excess of category growth.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Freshpet reiterated expected 2027 adjusted gross margin of at least 49%.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Freshpet reiterated expected 2027 adjusted EBITDA margin of 20%–22%.
Negative
- Moderate pointThird-quarter net income fell to $29.7 million from $101.7 million, which included a $77.9 million tax benefit.
- Moderate pointThird-quarter selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $106.2 million; sales share increased to 33.4% from 30.9%.
- Minor pointThird-quarter diluted earnings per share declined to $0.58 from $1.86.
- Minor pointThird-quarter adjusted administrative and selling expenses rose to $94.2 million; sales share increased to 29.6% from 27.1%.
- Minor pointNine-month net income fell to $97.7 million from $105.3 million; the prior period included a $77.9 million tax benefit.
4 minor points
- Minor pointNine-month diluted earnings per share declined to $1.88 from $2.00.
- Minor pointNine-month unfavorable price and product mix of 0.5% partially offset volume growth.
- Minor pointNine-month selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $329.5 million, although sales share decreased to 35.8% from 36.1%.
- Minor pointNine-month adjusted administrative and selling expenses rose to $291.9 million; sales share increased to 31.7% from 29.7%.
News Explained
At
Key Figures
- Net sales
- $317.8 million; increase of 10.0%
- Third quarter 2026
- Adjusted Gross Margin
- 50.0% vs. 46.0%
- Third quarter 2026 vs. prior-year period
- Adjusted EBITDA
- $64.5 million vs. $54.6 million
- Third quarter 2026 vs. prior-year period
- Net income
- $29.7 million vs. $101.7 million
- Third quarter 2026 vs. prior-year period; prior-year income included a $77.9 million tax benefit
- 2026 net sales growth guidance
- 12% to 13%
- Full-year 2026; previous guidance was 10% to 12%
- 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance
- $215 million to $220 million
- Full-year 2026; previous guidance was $210 million to $220 million
- Capital expenditures guidance
- $125 million to $150 million
- Full-year 2026
Previous Earnings Reports
-
Raised 2026 sales guidance to 10–12% and set Adjusted EBITDA guidance at $210–$220 million.
-
Reported Q3 sales and Adjusted EBITDA figures that serve as the current quarter's year-over-year comparators.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
sg&a financial
valuation allowance financial
convertible senior notes financial
deferred income taxes financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Delivers
Achieves Gross Margin of
Raises and Narrows 2026 Outlook
BEDMINSTER, N.J., Nov. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freshpet, Inc. (“Freshpet” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FRPT) today reported financial results for its third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2026.
Third Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year Period
- Net sales of
$317.8 million , an increase of10.0% . - Gross margin of
44.5% , compared to the prior year period of39.5% . - Adjusted Gross Margin of
50.0% , compared to the prior year period of46.0% .1 - Net income of
$29.7 million , compared to the prior year period net income of$101.7 million , which included a discrete$77.9 million tax benefit as a result of sustained profitability. - Adjusted EBITDA of
$64.5 million , or20.3% as a percentage of net sales, compared to the prior year period of$54.6 million , or18.9% as a percentage of net sales.1
“Our third quarter results demonstrate the strength and durability of the Freshpet business model. In a challenging consumer and intense competitive environment, we delivered double-digit net sales growth, expanded margins and achieved our strongest Adjusted Gross Margin in more than seven years, while continuing to grow market share,” commented Billy Cyr, Freshpet’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are executing well against the priorities within our control and strengthening the competitive advantages that differentiate Freshpet, including the quality of our products, our manufacturing scale and expertise, our expanding omnichannel presence and our growing franchise of highly loyal pet parents. We believe these advantages provide a strong foundation to deliver sustainable, profitable growth, capture a meaningful share of the long-term opportunity in fresh pet food and fulfill our mission to help pets live longer, happier and healthier lives with the people who love them.”
Third Quarter 2026
Net sales increased
Gross profit was
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were
Net income was
Adjusted EBITDA was
First Nine Months of 2026
Net sales increased
Gross profit was
SG&A were
Net income was
Adjusted EBITDA was
Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2026, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
Outlook
For full year 2026, the Company is updating its guidance and now expects the following:
- Net sales growth in the range of
12% to13% , compared to growth of10% to12% in the previous guidance; - Adjusted EBITDA in the range of
$215 million to$220 million , compared to$210 million to$220 million in the previous guidance; and - Positive Free Cash Flow with capital expenditures between
$125 t o$150 million , compared to ~$150 million in the previous guidance.
The Company is reiterating its long-term guidance. For full year 2027, the Company expects:
- Net sales well in excess of the category growth rate, unchanged;
- Adjusted Gross Margin of at least
49% , unchanged; and - Adjusted EBITDA margin in the range of
20% to22% , unchanged.
The Company does not provide guidance for net income, the U.S. GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA, 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
As previously announced, today, November 4, 2026, the Company will host a conference call beginning at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time with members of its leadership team. The conference call webcast will be available live over the Internet through the "Investors" section of the Company's website at www.freshpet.com. To participate on the live call, listeners in North America may dial (833) 862-0560 and international listeners may dial (412) 634-6361; the passcode is 10212310.
About Freshpet
Freshpet's mission is to help dogs and cats live longer, happier, healthier lives with the people who love them. Developed by on-staff Veterinary Nutritionists, Veterinarians and Food Scientists, recipes are made from whole ingredients, like fresh meats, vegetables and fruits, and are cooked in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve their natural goodness and made at our Freshpet Kitchens. Freshpet foods and treats are kept refrigerated until they arrive at Freshpet Fridges in local markets or delivered directly to consumers.
Freshpet is available in select grocery, mass, digital, pet specialty, and club retailers across the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as online in the U.S. From the care they take to source their ingredients and make their food, to the moment it reaches your home, Freshpet's commitment to integrity, transparency and social responsibility is a point of pride.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on our current expectations and assumptions. These include statements regarding our belief in executing against our priorities, full year 2026 guidance and 2027 financial targets. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, those identified in connection with such statements, the implementation of our new technologies in the time frame, at the rate, at the cost, or with anticipated efficiencies and impact on product quality we expect, economic uncertainty, changes in rates of pet acquisition, the launch of competitive products at higher quality or less cost, impact of tariffs, fuel, energy and ingredient pricing, effectiveness of media campaigns, success rate of new chillers, organizational changes, our ability to attract and retain talent and most prominently, the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K and in 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 U.S. GAAP reported measures, should not be considered replacements for, or superior to, the U.S. GAAP measures and may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Such financial measures are not financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
- Adjusted Gross Profit
- Adjusted Gross Profit as a percentage of net sales (Adjusted Gross Margin)
- Adjusted SG&A Expenses
- Adjusted SG&A Expenses as a percentage of net sales
- EBITDA
- Adjusted EBITDA
- Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales (Adjusted EBITDA Margin)
- Free Cash Flow
Adjusted Gross Profit: Freshpet defines Adjusted Gross Profit as gross profit before depreciation expense, non-cash share-based compensation and loss on disposal of manufacturing equipment.
Adjusted SG&A Expenses: Freshpet defines Adjusted SG&A as SG&A expenses before depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash share-based compensation, loss on disposal of equipment, distributor transition costs, legal obligation and international business charges.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: EBITDA represents net income plus depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense net of interest income and income tax expense (benefit), and Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA less gain on equity investment, plus non-cash share-based compensation expense, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, distributor transition costs, legal obligation, and international business charges.
Free Cash Flow: Freshpet defines Free Cash Flow as net cash flows provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.
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 their most directly comparable U.S. 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 directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures or any other figure calculated in accordance with U.S. 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 U.S. GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance.
| FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||
| September 30, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 345,860 | $ | 277,975 | |||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts | 68,561 | 63,762 | |||||
| Inventories, net | 95,151 | 76,766 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses | 9,875 | 9,807 | |||||
| Other current assets | 7,473 | 7,404 | |||||
| Total Current Assets | 526,920 | 435,714 | |||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,141,357 | 1,138,671 | |||||
| Operating lease right of use assets | 63,937 | 66,424 | |||||
| Long term investment in equity securities | — | 33,446 | |||||
| Deferred tax assets, net | 43,082 | 68,893 | |||||
| Other assets | 37,553 | 34,627 | |||||
| Total Assets | $ | 1,812,849 | $ | 1,777,775 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 37,366 | $ | 42,429 | |||
| Accrued expenses | 51,002 | 31,610 | |||||
| Current operating lease liabilities | 2,032 | 2,241 | |||||
| Current finance lease liabilities | 2,449 | 2,315 | |||||
| Total Current Liabilities | $ | 92,849 | $ | 78,595 | |||
| Convertible senior notes | 399,007 | 397,330 | |||||
| Long term operating lease liabilities | 63,619 | 65,023 | |||||
| Long term finance lease liabilities | 26,090 | 28,075 | |||||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 158 | 93 | |||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | 581,723 | $ | 569,116 | |||
| Commitments and contingencies | — | — | |||||
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | |||||||
| Common stock — voting, | 50 | 49 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,379,549 | 1,351,201 | |||||
| Accumulated deficit | (44,961 | ) | (142,669 | ) | |||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | (741 | ) | 334 | ||||
| Treasury stock, at cost, inclusive of excise tax and broker fees — 1,859 shares on September 30, 2026 and 14 shares on December 31, 2025 | (102,771 | ) | (256 | ) | |||
| Total Stockholders' Equity | 1,231,126 | 1,208,659 | |||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 1,812,849 | $ | 1,777,775 | |||
| FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||
| For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| NET SALES | $ | 317,840 | $ | 288,848 | $ | 921,070 | $ | 816,786 | |||||||
| COST OF GOODS SOLD | 176,533 | 174,656 | 530,396 | 490,616 | |||||||||||
| GROSS PROFIT | 141,307 | 114,192 | 390,674 | 326,170 | |||||||||||
| SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES | 106,177 | 89,291 | 329,504 | 294,961 | |||||||||||
| INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 35,130 | 24,901 | 61,170 | 31,209 | |||||||||||
| OTHER (EXPENSES) INCOME: | |||||||||||||||
| Interest and Other Income, net | 2,705 | 2,356 | 8,418 | 6,948 | |||||||||||
| Interest Expense | (3,412 | ) | (3,552 | ) | (10,481 | ) | (10,761 | ) | |||||||
| Gain on Equity Investment | — | — | 66,552 | — | |||||||||||
| TOTAL OTHER (EXPENSES) INCOME | (707 | ) | (1,196 | ) | 64,489 | (3,813 | ) | ||||||||
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 34,423 | 23,705 | 125,659 | 27,396 | |||||||||||
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) | 4,711 | (77,958 | ) | 27,951 | (77,926 | ) | |||||||||
| INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | 29,712 | $ | 101,663 | $ | 97,708 | $ | 105,322 | |||||||
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME: | |||||||||||||||
| Change in foreign currency translation | $ | (35 | ) | $ | (86 | ) | $ | (1,075 | ) | $ | 365 | ||||
| TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME | (35 | ) | (86 | ) | (1,075 | ) | 365 | ||||||||
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | $ | 29,677 | $ | 101,577 | $ | 96,633 | $ | 105,687 | |||||||
| NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | |||||||||||||||
| -BASIC | $ | 0.61 | $ | 2.08 | $ | 2.00 | $ | 2.16 | |||||||
| -DILUTED | $ | 0.58 | $ | 1.86 | $ | 1.88 | $ | 2.00 | |||||||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING | |||||||||||||||
| -BASIC | 48,426 | 48,787 | 48,889 | 48,766 | |||||||||||
| -DILUTED | 54,742 | 55,875 | 55,515 | 55,991 | |||||||||||
| FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited, in thousands) | |||||||
| For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 97,708 | $ | 105,322 | |||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities: | |||||||
| Provision for loss on accounts receivable | 14 | 12,130 | |||||
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 664 | 1,355 | |||||
| Share-based compensation | 21,402 | 20,256 | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 73,745 | 66,798 | |||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 1,677 | 1,618 | |||||
| Change in operating lease right of use asset | 2,487 | 1,529 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes | 25,881 | (77,919 | ) | ||||
| Gain on equity investment | (66,552 | ) | — | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | (4,791 | ) | (7,410 | ) | |||
| Inventories | (17,671 | ) | 9,825 | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (688 | ) | (3,992 | ) | |||
| Other assets | (5,218 | ) | 80 | ||||
| Accounts payable | (1,101 | ) | (7,097 | ) | |||
| Accrued expenses | 19,571 | (15,874 | ) | ||||
| Operating lease liability | (1,612 | ) | (1,166 | ) | |||
| Net cash flows provided by operating activities | 145,516 | 105,455 | |||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||
| Proceeds from sale of equity investment | 99,998 | — | |||||
| Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, software and deposits on equipment | (80,259 | ) | (95,134 | ) | |||
| Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities | 19,739 | (95,134 | ) | ||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||
| Purchase of treasury stock, inclusive of broker fees | (102,304 | ) | — | ||||
| Proceeds from exercise of options to purchase common stock | 11,736 | 264 | |||||
| Tax withholdings related to net shares settlements of restricted stock units | (4,663 | ) | (3,054 | ) | |||
| Principal payments under finance lease obligations | (2,139 | ) | (1,573 | ) | |||
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | (97,370 | ) | (4,363 | ) | |||
| NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 67,885 | 5,958 | |||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR | 277,975 | 268,633 | |||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 345,860 | $ | 274,591 | |||
| FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GROSS PROFIT AND ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 141,307 | $ | 114,192 | $ | 390,674 | $ | 326,170 | |||||||
| Depreciation expense | 16,222 | 17,115 | 51,378 | 46,024 | |||||||||||
| Non-cash share-based compensation | 1,139 | 1,503 | 4,608 | 4,617 | |||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of manufacturing equipment | 118 | 32 | 130 | 287 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted Gross Profit | $ | 158,786 | $ | 132,842 | $ | 446,790 | $ | 377,098 | |||||||
| Adjusted Gross Profit as a % of Net Sales | 50.0 | % | 46.0 | % | 48.5 | % | 46.2 | % | |||||||
| FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION BETWEEN SG&A EXPENSES AND ADJUSTED SG&A EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| SG&A expenses | $ | 106,177 | $ | 89,291 | $ | 329,504 | $ | 294,961 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 6,856 | 6,535 | 20,230 | 18,639 | |||||||||||
| Non-cash share-based compensation (a) | 4,747 | 3,716 | 16,794 | 15,639 | |||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of equipment | 392 | 94 | 534 | 486 | |||||||||||
| Distributor transition costs (b) | — | — | — | 10,680 | |||||||||||
| Legal obligation (c) | — | 716 | — | 5,703 | |||||||||||
| International business charges (d) | — | — | — | 1,273 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted SG&A Expenses | $ | 94,182 | $ | 78,230 | $ | 291,946 | $ | 242,541 | |||||||
| Adjusted SG&A Expenses as a % of Net Sales | 29.6 | % | 27.1 | % | 31.7 | % | 29.7 | % | |||||||
| (a) | Includes true-ups to share-based compensation expense. We have certain outstanding share-based awards with performance-based vesting conditions that require the achievement of certain Adjusted EBITDA margins, Adjusted EBITDA and/or Net Sales targets as a condition of vesting. At each reporting period, we reassess the probability of achieving the performance criteria and the performance period required to meet those targets. When the probability of achieving such performance conditions changes, the compensation cost previously recorded is adjusted as needed. When such performance conditions are deemed to be improbable of achievement, the compensation cost previously recorded is reversed. |
| (b) | Represents a non-recurring loss as a result of an accounts receivable write-off in connection with the liquidation of one of our pet specialty distributors. Concurrent with its liquidation, we transitioned to a new distribution partner, who is a leading pet specialty distributor and who we anticipate will facilitate sales to pet specialty stores. Thus, despite the transitory impact during the first quarter of 2025, our ability to continue to generate sales is consistent with what we would expect to generate within the pet specialty channel. |
| (c) | Represents the net settlement charges for all claims related to the litigation with Phillips. |
| (d) | Represents termination costs due to a business change in our international go-to-market strategy. |
| FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION BETWEEN NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED EBITDA | |||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 29,712 | $ | 101,663 | $ | 97,708 | $ | 105,322 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 23,078 | 23,650 | 71,608 | 64,663 | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, net of interest income | 645 | 1,194 | 1,834 | 3,803 | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 4,711 | (77,958 | ) | 27,951 | (77,926 | ) | |||||||||
| EBITDA | 58,146 | 48,549 | 199,101 | 95,862 | |||||||||||
| Non-cash share-based compensation (a) | 5,886 | 5,219 | 21,402 | 20,256 | |||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 510 | 126 | 664 | 773 | |||||||||||
| Gain on equity investment | — | — | (66,552 | ) | — | ||||||||||
| Distributor transition costs (b) | — | — | — | 10,680 | |||||||||||
| Legal obligation (c) | — | 716 | — | 5,703 | |||||||||||
| International business charges (d) | — | — | — | 1,273 | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 64,542 | $ | 54,610 | $ | 154,615 | $ | 134,547 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Sales | 20.3 | % | 18.9 | % | 16.8 | % | 16.5 | % | |||||||
| (a) | Includes true-ups to share-based compensation expense. We have certain outstanding share-based awards with performance-based vesting conditions that require the achievement of certain Adjusted EBITDA margins, Adjusted EBITDA and/or Net Sales targets as a condition of vesting. At each reporting period, we reassess the probability of achieving the performance criteria and the performance period required to meet those targets. When the probability of achieving such performance conditions changes, the compensation cost previously recorded is adjusted as needed. When such performance conditions are deemed to be improbable of achievement, the compensation cost previously recorded is reversed. |
| (b) | Represents a non-recurring loss as a result of an accounts receivable write-off in connection with the liquidation of one of our pet specialty distributors. Concurrent with its liquidation, we transitioned to a new distribution partner, who is a leading pet specialty distributor and who we anticipate will facilitate sales to pet specialty stores. Thus, despite the transitory impact during the first quarter of 2025, our ability to continue to generate sales is consistent with what we would expect to generate within the pet specialty channel. |
| (c) | Represents the net settlement charges for all claims related to the litigation with Phillips. |
| (d) | Represents termination costs due to a business change in our international go-to-market strategy. |
| FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION BETWEEN NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES AND FREE CASH FLOW | |||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||
| Net cash flows provided by operating activities | $ | 145,516 | $ | 105,455 | |||
| less: capital expenditures2 | (80,259 | ) | (95,134 | ) | |||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 65,257 | $ | 10,321 | |||
| Free Cash Flow as a % of Net Sales | 7.1 | % | 1.3 | % | |||
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1 Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Gross Profit, Adjusted SG&A, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures. 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.
2 Capital expenditures is equivalent to the amount included in "Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, software and deposits on equipment" on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the reported period.
Investor Contact: Rachel Ulsh Rulsh@freshpet.com Media Contact: Press@freshpet.com
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What were Freshpet’s third-quarter 2026 sales and earnings?
Freshpet reported $317.8 million in sales and $29.7 million in net income for the third quarter of 2026. Sales increased 10.0% year over year, while net income declined from $101.7 million. The prior-year quarter included a $77.9 million tax benefit.
What is Freshpet’s updated 2026 outlook?
Freshpet expects 12%–13% sales growth and $215 million–$220 million in adjusted EBITDA for 2026. Previous guidance called for 10%–12% sales growth and $210 million–$220 million in adjusted EBITDA. The company also expects positive free cash flow with capital expenditures between $125 million and $150 million.
Why did Freshpet’s third-quarter 2026 gross margin improve while selling expenses increased?
Gross margin improved primarily through better leverage on plant expenses, reduced quality costs and lower input costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of sales primarily because of higher logistics costs and variable compensation accruals, partially offset by lower media spending as a percentage of sales.
How much debt did Freshpet have at September 30, 2026?
Freshpet had $399.0 million of debt outstanding at September 30, 2026, net of $3.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $345.9 million on the same date.