Operating Expenses, net
Total operating expenses decreased $6.7 million in the quarterly comparison primarily due to lower incentive compensation expenses. The decrease also reflected reduced freight expense, lower third-party warehouse expenses and lower marketing and insights spending driven in part by lower sales volume in the Consumer distribution channel. These decreases were partially offset by higher rent associated with our new facility in Huntley, Illinois. As a percentage of net sales, total operating expenses decreased to 10.6% from 13.1% in the prior comparable quarter, driven by the factors noted above.
Inventory
The value of total inventories on hand at the end of the current fourth quarter increased $58.0 million, or 29.5%. The increase was due to higher commodity acquisition costs across all major tree nuts, as well as higher on-hand quantities of finished goods in preparation for anticipated seasonal demand The weighted average cost per pound of raw nut and dried fruit input stock on hand increased 30.4% year over year mainly due to higher acquisition costs for almost all major tree nuts.
Full Year Results
•Net sales increased 3.8% to $1.11 billion. Excluding the fiscal 2025 first quarter impact of the acquired snack bar assets located at Lakeville, Minnesota (the “Lakeville Acquisition”), which was completed on September 29, 2023 (the first day of our second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2024), net sales remained relatively unchanged.
•Sales volume increased 3.4%, primarily due to the Lakeville Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the Lakeville Acquisition, sales volume decreased 1.7%, reflecting a 4.0% decrease in the consumer channel which was partially offset by a 15.4% increase in the contract manufacturing channel
•Gross profit margin decreased from 20.1% to 18.4% of net sales. This decrease was mainly attributable to increased commodity acquisition costs for substantially all major tree nuts except pecans, as well as competitive pricing pressures and strategic pricing decisions, which were offset by the factors cited above and improved profitability on bars due to manufacturing efficiencies.
•Operating expenses decreased $10.2 million to $118.8 million. The decrease in total operating expenses was primarily driven by lower incentive compensation, advertising and consumer insight expenses. These decreases were partially offset by the one-time bargain purchase gain from the Lakeville Acquisition, which did not repeat in the current fiscal year, as well as in increases in wages and rent expenses attributable to the Huntley, Illinois warehouse.
•Diluted EPS decreased 2.3%, or $0.12 per diluted share, to $5.03.
In closing, Mr. Sanfilippo commented, “As we enter fiscal year 2026, we have strong momentum and optimism as we continue to execute our strategic plan. We are actively pursuing additional opportunities to grow sales volume across all three of our distribution channels and are encouraged by early signs of success. At the same time, we remain focused on disciplined cost management and driving further operational efficiencies. That said, we recognize that significant external uncertainties remain, including tariffs, inflation, unpredictable commodity costs and broader macroeconomic challenges. These factors will require us to stay agile and responsive as the year progresses. We are committed to taking the necessary actions to deliver long-term sustainable growth, enhance margins, and continue to create value for our shareholders.”
Conference Call
The Company will host an investor conference call and webcast on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern (9:00 a.m. Central) to discuss these results. To participate in the call via telephone, please register using the following Participant Registration link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIe21733ad55ab4224bc8736ea453db08d. Once registered, attendees will receive a dial-in number and their own unique PIN number. This call is also being webcast by Notified and can be accessed at the Company’s website at www.jbssinc.com.
About John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
Based in Elgin, Illinois, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. is a processor, packager, marketer and distributor of nut and dried fruit products, snack bars, and dried cheese snacks, that are sold under the Company’s Fisher ®, Orchard Valley Harvest ®, Squirrel Brand ®, Southern Style Nuts ® and Just the Cheese ® brand names and under a variety of private brands.