Bay Street News

Post Holdings Reports Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024; Raises Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook

ST. LOUIS, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, today reported results for the second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Highlights:

*For additional information regarding non-GAAP measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net earnings, Adjusted diluted earnings per common share and segment Adjusted EBITDA, see the related explanations presented under “Use of Non-GAAP Measures” later in this release. Post provides Adjusted EBITDA guidance only on a non-GAAP basis and does not provide a reconciliation of its forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP guidance measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation, including the adjustments described under “Outlook” below.

Basis of Presentation

On April 28, 2023, Post completed its acquisition of a portion of The J. M. Smucker Company’s (“Smucker”) pet food business (“Pet Food”), the results of which are included in the Post Consumer Brands segment. On December 1, 2023, Post completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Perfection Pet Foods, LLC (“Perfection”), the results of which are also included in the Post Consumer Brands segment. On December 1, 2023, Post completed its acquisition of Deeside Cereals I Ltd (“Deeside”), the results of which are included in the Weetabix segment.

Second Quarter Consolidated Operating Results

Net sales were $1,999.0 million, an increase of 23.4%, or $379.1 million, compared to $1,619.9 million in the prior year period, and included $467.9 million in net sales from acquisitions. Excluding the benefit from acquisitions in the current year period, net sales growth in Post Consumer Brands (driven by higher average net selling prices) and Weetabix (driven by favorable foreign currency exchange rates) was offset by declines in Foodservice (driven by the reduction of avian influenza pricing premium and the pass-through of lower grain costs) and Refrigerated Retail (driven by distribution losses in lower margin egg and cheese products). Gross profit was $579.6 million, or 29.0% of net sales, an increase of 40.1%, or $165.8 million, compared to $413.8 million, or 25.5% of net sales, in the prior year period.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $341.3 million, or 17.1% of net sales, an increase of 42.6%, or $102.0 million, compared to $239.3 million, or 14.8% of net sales, in the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of Pet Food. Operating profit was $190.1 million, an increase of 38.1%, or $52.4 million, compared to $137.7 million in the prior year period.

Net earnings were $97.2 million, an increase of 79.7%, or $43.1 million, compared to $54.1 million in the prior year period. Net earnings included the following:

  Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)   2024       2023  
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net (1) $         0.3     $         (6.1 )
(Income) expense on swaps, net (1)           (13.3 )             9.0  
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (2)           0.1               1.3  
(1) Discussed later in this release and were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures.
(2) Prior year results primarily reflected the allocation of 69.0% of Post Holdings Partnering Corporation’s (“PHPC”) consolidated net earnings to noncontrolling interests prior to the dissolution of PHPC (the “PHPC Dissolution”).

Diluted earnings per common share were $1.48, compared to $0.92 in the prior year period. Adjusted net earnings (non-GAAP)* were $101.9 million, compared to $72.0 million in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (non-GAAP)* were $1.51, compared to $1.10 in the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA was $345.2 million, an increase of 24.9%, or $68.9 million, compared to $276.3 million in the prior year period.

Six Month Consolidated Operating Results

Net sales were $3,964.9 million, an increase of 24.4%, or $778.7 million, compared to $3,186.2 million in the prior year period. Gross profit was $1,152.2 million, or 29.1% of net sales, an increase of 39.0%, or $323.5 million, compared to $828.7 million, or 26.0% of net sales, in the prior year period.

SG&A expenses were $664.2 million, or 16.8% of net sales, an increase of 41.9%, or $196.2 million, compared to $468.0 million, or 14.7% of net sales, in the prior year period. SG&A expenses in the six months ended March 31, 2024 included $14.1 million of integration costs, which were primarily related to the Pet Food acquisition and were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures, and $8.8 million of restructuring and facility closure costs, which were primarily related to the scheduled closing of Post’s cereal manufacturing facility in Lancaster, Ohio and were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures. Operating profit was $399.4 million, an increase of 38.9%, or $111.8 million, compared to $287.6 million in the prior year period.

Net earnings were $185.3 million, an increase of 26.9%, or $39.3 million, compared to $146.0 million in the prior year period. Net earnings included the following:

  Six Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)   2024       2023  
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net (1) $         (2.8 )   $         (14.8 )
Expense (income) on swaps, net (1)           7.8               (3.3 )
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests (2)           0.1               3.1  
(1) Discussed later in this release and were treated as adjustments for non-GAAP measures.
(2) Prior year results primarily reflected the allocation of 69.0% of PHPC’s consolidated net earnings to noncontrolling interests prior to the PHPC Dissolution.

Diluted earnings per common share were $2.83, compared to $2.44 in the prior year period. Adjusted net earnings were $215.6 million, compared to $143.2 million in the prior year period. Adjusted diluted earnings per common share were $3.19, compared to $2.18 in the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA was $704.7 million, an increase of 29.0%, or $158.5 million, compared to $546.2 million in the prior year period.

Post Consumer Brands

North American ready-to-eat (“RTE”) cereal, pet food and peanut butter.

For the second quarter, net sales were $1,065.5 million, an increase of 77.9%, or $466.4 million, compared to the prior year period. Net sales included $460.7 million in the second quarter of 2024 attributable to acquisitions. Excluding the benefit from acquisitions in the current year period, volumes decreased 3.9%, primarily driven by declines in non-retail cereal and peanut butter. Segment profit was $139.7 million, an increase of 85.0%, or $64.2 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)* was $199.0 million, an increase of 74.0%, or $84.6 million, compared to the prior year period.

For the six months ended March 31, 2024, net sales were $2,054.1 million, an increase of 78.0%, or $900.3 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment profit was $272.4 million, an increase of 76.0%, or $117.6 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $388.8 million, an increase of 71.1%, or $161.5 million, compared to the prior year period.

Weetabix

Primarily United Kingdom (“U.K.”) RTE cereal, muesli and protein-based shakes.

For the second quarter, net sales were $138.0 million, an increase of 10.5%, or $13.1 million, compared to the prior year period. Net sales reflected a foreign currency exchange rate tailwind of approximately 440 basis points and included $7.2 million in the second quarter of 2024 attributable to Deeside. Excluding the impact of Deeside, volumes increased 2.9%, primarily driven by increases in private label products. Segment profit was $18.1 million, a decrease of 6.7%, or $1.3 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $27.8 million, a decrease of 0.7%, or $0.2 million, compared to the prior year period.

For the six months ended March 31, 2024, net sales were $267.1 million, an increase of 9.9%, or $24.1 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment profit was $39.1 million, a decrease of 4.4%, or $1.8 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $58.4 million, an increase of 1.2%, or $0.7 million, compared to the prior year period.

Foodservice

Primarily egg and potato products.

For the second quarter, net sales were $554.8 million, a decrease of 12.4%, or $78.4 million, compared to the prior year period. Volumes decreased 2.2%, primarily driven by a decline in egg volumes, partially offset by an increase in potato volumes. Egg volumes reflected favorable product mix, but overall declines from a slowdown in away-from-home demand and a reduction in key customer inventory levels. Segment profit was $64.5 million, a decrease of 17.4%, or $13.6 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $101.7 million, a decrease of 7.5%, or $8.3 million, compared to the prior year period.

For the six months ended March 31, 2024, net sales were $1,121.9 million, a decrease of 9.1%, or $111.8 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment profit was $140.2 million, a decrease of 10.8%, or $17.0 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $207.5 million, a decrease of 5.3%, or $11.5 million, compared to the prior year period.

Refrigerated Retail

Primarily side dish, egg, cheese and sausage products.

For the second quarter, net sales were $240.4 million, a decrease of 8.5%, or $22.3 million, compared to the prior year period. Volumes decreased 5.1%, primarily due to distribution losses in lower margin egg and cheese products. Volume information by product is disclosed in a table presented later in this release. Segment profit was $22.4 million, an increase of 23.1%, or $4.2 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $40.5 million, an increase of 2.5%, or $1.0 million, compared to the prior year period.

For the six months ended March 31, 2024, net sales were $521.3 million, a decrease of 6.2%, or $34.4 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment profit was $58.0 million, an increase of 48.0%, or $18.8 million, compared to the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $94.1 million, an increase of 18.4%, or $14.6 million, compared to the prior year period.

Interest, Loss (Gain) on Extinguishment of Debt, (Income) Expense on Swaps and Income Tax

Interest expense, net was $80.0 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to $63.8 million in the second quarter of 2023. Interest expense, net was $158.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $129.7 million in the prior year period. The increase in interest expense, net in the three and six months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily driven by lower interest income, higher average outstanding principal amounts of debt and a higher weighted-average interest rate compared to the prior year periods.

Loss on extinguishment of debt, net of $0.3 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2024. Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of $2.8 million was recorded in the six months ended March 31, 2024. Gain on extinguishment of debt, net of $6.1 million and $14.8 million was recorded in the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, respectively, primarily in connection with Post’s partial repurchase of its 4.50% senior notes due September 2031.

(Income) expense on swaps, net relates to mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate swaps. Income on swaps, net was $13.3 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to expense of $9.0 million in the prior year period. Expense on swaps, net, was $7.8 million in the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to income of $3.3 million in the prior year period.

Income tax expense was $28.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, an effective income tax rate of 22.7%, compared to $18.9 million in the second quarter of 2023, an effective income tax rate of 25.4%. Income tax expense was $57.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2024, an effective income tax rate of 23.5%, compared to $43.6 million in the prior year period, an effective income tax rate of 22.6%.

Share Repurchases

During the second quarter of 2024, Post repurchased 0.1 million shares of its common stock for $8.1 million at an average price of $103.88 per share. During the six months ended March 31, 2024, Post repurchased 0.5 million shares for $44.8 million at an average price of $87.23 per share. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2024 through April 30, 2024, Post repurchased 0.1 million shares for $14.2 million at an average price of $101.87 per share. As of April 30, 2024, Post had $377.8 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

Outlook

For fiscal year 2024, Post management has raised its guidance range for Adjusted EBITDA to $1,335-$1,375 million from $1,290-$1,340 million. Post management expects fiscal year 2024 capital expenditures to range between $420-$445 million, which includes Foodservice investment in the expansion of the Norwalk, Iowa precooked egg facility and the start of Phase II expansion of the Bloomfield, Nebraska cage-free egg facility, for aggregate expenditures of $100-$110 million. This also includes $90-$100 million for Pet Food quality, safety, capacity, pilot plant and distribution network investments and approximately $20 million related to the scheduled closing of the Lancaster, Ohio cereal manufacturing facility.

Post provides Adjusted EBITDA guidance only on a non-GAAP basis and does not provide a reconciliation of its forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP guidance measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for income/expense on swaps, net, gain/loss on extinguishment of debt, net, integration and transaction costs, mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and equity securities, equity method investment adjustment and other charges reflected in Post’s reconciliations of historical numbers, the amounts of which, based on historical experience, could be significant. For additional information regarding Post’s non-GAAP measures, see the related explanations presented under “Use of Non-GAAP Measures.”

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Post uses certain non-GAAP measures in this release to supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures include Adjusted net earnings/loss, Adjusted diluted earnings/loss per common share, Adjusted EBITDA, segment Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales and segment Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales. The reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is provided later in this release under “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.”

Management uses certain of these non-GAAP measures, including Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA, as key metrics in the evaluation of underlying company and segment performance, in making financial, operating and planning decisions and, in part, in the determination of bonuses for its executive officers and employees. Additionally, Post is required to comply with certain covenants and limitations that are based on variations of EBITDA in its financing documents. Management believes the use of these non-GAAP measures provides increased transparency and assists investors in understanding the underlying operating performance of Post and its segments and in the analysis of ongoing operating trends. Non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, as they exclude certain items as described later in this release. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. For additional information regarding Post’s non-GAAP measures, see the related explanations provided under “Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures.”

Conference Call to Discuss Earnings Results and Outlook

Post will host a conference call on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2024 outlook and to respond to questions. Robert V. Vitale, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff A. Zadoks, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Matthew J. Mainer, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will participate in the call.

Interested parties may join the conference call by registering in advance at the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIf0ae2ab98a5640dcab965cb00e3ddbc7. Upon registration, participants will receive a dial-in number and a unique passcode to access the conference call. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of Post’s website at www.postholdings.com. A webcast replay also will be available for a limited period on Post’s website in the Investors section.

Prospective Financial Information

Prospective financial information is necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions underlying the prospective financial information described above will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. For further discussion of some of the factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from the prospective financial information provided in this release, see “Forward-Looking Statements” below. Accordingly, the prospective financial information provided in this release is only an estimate of what Post’s management believes is realizable as of the date of this release. It also should be recognized that the reliability of any forecasted financial data diminishes the farther in the future that the data is forecasted. In light of the foregoing, the information should be viewed in context and undue reliance should not be placed upon it.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this release and on Post’s conference call are forward-looking statements, including Post’s Adjusted EBITDA outlook for fiscal year 2024 and Post’s capital expenditure outlook for fiscal year 2024. These forward-looking statements are sometimes identified from the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “target,” “is likely,” “will,” “can,” “may” or “would” or the negative of these terms or similar expressions, and include all statements regarding future performance, earnings projections, events or developments. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

These forward-looking statements represent Post’s judgment as of the date of this release. Post disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American ready-to-eat cereal and pet food categories and also markets Peter Pan® peanut butter. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdom’s number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix®. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. Post participates in the private brand food category through its ownership interest in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.

Contact:
Investor Relations
Daniel O’Rourke
daniel.orourke@postholdings.com
(314) 806-3959

Media Relations
Tara Gray
tara.gray@postholdings.com
(314) 644-7648

 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share data)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Six Months Ended
March 31,
    2024       2023       2024       2023  
Net Sales $         1,999.0     $         1,619.9     $         3,964.9     $         3,186.2  
Cost of goods sold           1,419.4               1,206.1               2,812.7               2,357.5  
Gross Profit           579.6               413.8               1,152.2               828.7  
Selling, general and administrative expenses           341.3               239.3               664.2               468.0  
Amortization of intangible assets           46.4               36.6               92.1               73.0  
Other operating expense (income), net           1.8               0.2               (3.5 )             0.1  
Operating Profit           190.1               137.7               399.4               287.6  
Interest expense, net           80.0               63.8               158.1               129.7  
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net           0.3               (6.1 )             (2.8 )             (14.8 )
(Income) expense on swaps, net           (13.3 )             9.0               7.8               (3.3 )
Other income, net           (2.8 )             (3.5 )             (6.3 )             (16.9 )
Earnings before Income Taxes and Equity Method Loss           125.9               74.5               242.6               192.9  
Income tax expense           28.6               18.9               57.1               43.6  
Equity method loss, net of tax           —               0.2               0.1               0.2  
Net Earnings Including Noncontrolling Interests           97.3               55.4               185.4               149.1  
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests           0.1               1.3               0.1               3.1  
Net Earnings $         97.2     $         54.1     $         185.3     $         146.0  
               
Earnings per Common Share:              
Basic $         1.60     $         0.98     $         3.06     $         2.64  
Diluted $         1.48     $         0.92     $         2.83     $         2.44  
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding:              
Basic           60.8               58.8               60.6               58.8  
Diluted           67.6               65.7               67.5               65.8  

  

 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
  March 31, 2024   September 30, 2023
       
ASSETS
Current Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $         333.4     $         93.3  
Restricted cash           14.2               23.9  
Receivables, net           569.3               512.4  
Inventories           802.7               789.9  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets           91.3               59.0  
Total Current Assets           1,810.9               1,478.5  
       
Property, net           2,145.1               2,021.4  
Goodwill           4,647.0               4,574.4  
Other intangible assets, net           3,214.7               3,212.4  
Other assets           373.4               360.0  
Total Assets $         12,191.1     $         11,646.7  
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities        
Current portion of long-term debt $         1.2     $         1.1  
Accounts payable           396.3               368.8  
Other current liabilities           442.0               435.4  
Total Current Liabilities           839.5               805.3  
       
Long-term debt           6,414.6               6,039.0  
Deferred income taxes           666.7               674.4  
Other liabilities           279.6               276.7  
Total Liabilities           8,200.4               7,795.4  
       
Shareholders’ Equity      
Common stock           0.9               0.9  
Additional paid-in capital           5,240.1               5,288.1  
Retained earnings           1,601.8               1,416.5  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss           (89.4 )             (135.1 )
Treasury stock, at cost           (2,773.1 )             (2,728.3 )
Total Shareholders’ Equity Excluding Noncontrolling Interests           3,980.3               3,842.1  
Noncontrolling interests           10.4               9.2  
Total Shareholders’ Equity           3,990.7               3,851.3  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $         12,191.1     $         11,646.7  
 
SELECTED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
INFORMATION (Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
  Six Months Ended
March 31,
    2024       2023  
Cash provided by (used in):      
Operating activities $         424.0     $         198.3  
Investing activities, including capital expenditures of $179.5 and $132.9           (432.6 )             (134.0 )
Financing activities           237.1               (161.7 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash           1.9               3.4  
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $         230.4     $         (94.0 )
 
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Six Months Ended
March 31,
    2024       2023       2024       2023  
Net Sales              
Post Consumer Brands $         1,065.5     $         599.1     $         2,054.1     $         1,153.8  
Weetabix           138.0               124.9               267.1               243.0  
Foodservice           554.8               633.2               1,121.9               1,233.7  
Refrigerated Retail           240.4               262.7               521.3               555.7  
Eliminations and Corporate           0.3               —               0.5               —  
Total $         1,999.0     $         1,619.9     $         3,964.9     $         3,186.2  
Segment Profit              
Post Consumer Brands $         139.7     $         75.5     $         272.4     $         154.8  
Weetabix           18.1               19.4               39.1               40.9  
Foodservice           64.5               78.1               140.2               157.2  
Refrigerated Retail           22.4               18.2               58.0               39.2  
                               
                               
SUPPLEMENTAL REFRIGERATED RETAIL SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)

The below table presents volume percentage changes for the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter for products within the Refrigerated Retail segment.

Product   Volume Percentage Change
All   (5.1%)
Side dishes   (0.6%)
Egg   (16.6%)
Cheese   (10.7%)
Sausage   6.9%
     
     
EXPLANATION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

Post uses certain non-GAAP measures in this release to supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures include Adjusted net earnings/loss, Adjusted diluted earnings/loss per common share, Adjusted EBITDA, segment Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales and segment Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales. The reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is provided in the tables following this section. Non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, as they exclude certain items as described below. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Adjusted net earnings/loss and Adjusted diluted earnings/loss per common share
Post believes Adjusted net earnings/loss and Adjusted diluted earnings/loss per common share are useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance because they exclude items that affect the comparability of Post’s financial results and could potentially distort an understanding of the trends in business performance.

Adjusted net earnings/loss and Adjusted diluted earnings/loss per common share are adjusted for the following items:

  a. Income/expense on swaps, net: Post has excluded the impact of mark-to-market adjustments and cash settlements on interest rate swaps due to the inherent uncertainty and volatility associated with such amounts based on changes in assumptions with respect to estimates of fair value and economic conditions and as the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent.
  b. Integration costs and transaction costs: Post has excluded transaction costs related to professional service fees and other related costs associated with signed and closed business combinations and divestitures and integration costs incurred to integrate acquired or to-be-acquired businesses as Post believes that these exclusions allow for more meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance and comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods. Post believes such costs are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of acquired assets as part of Post or the performance of the divested assets, and such costs are not factored into management’s evaluation of potential acquisitions or Post’s performance after completion of an acquisition or the evaluation to divest an asset. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges varies significantly based on the size and timing of the transaction and the maturity of the businesses being acquired or divested. Also, the size, complexity and/or volume of past transactions, which often drive the magnitude of such expenses, may not be indicative of the size, complexity and/or volume of future transactions. By excluding these expenses, management is better able to evaluate Post’s ability to utilize its existing assets and estimate the long-term value that acquired assets will generate for Post.
  c. Debt premiums paid/discounts received, net: Post has excluded payments and other expenses for premiums on debt extinguishment, net of gains realized on debt repurchased at a discount, as such payments are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Additionally, Post believes that these costs do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
  d. Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities: Post has excluded the impact of mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities due to the inherent uncertainty and volatility associated with such amounts based on changes in assumptions with respect to fair value estimates. Additionally, these adjustments are primarily non-cash items, and the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent.
  e. Restructuring and facility closure costs, including accelerated depreciation: Post has excluded certain costs associated with facility closures as the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent. Additionally, Post believes that these costs do not reflect expected ongoing future operating expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
  f. Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities: Post has excluded the impact of mark-to-market adjustments on investments in equity securities (which includes its prior investment in BellRing) due to the inherent volatility associated with such amounts based on changes in market pricing variations and as the amount and frequency of such adjustments are not consistent. Additionally, these adjustments are primarily non-cash items and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
  g. Gain on bargain purchase: Post has excluded gains recorded for acquisitions in which the fair value of the net assets acquired exceed the purchase price and adjustments to such gains as such amounts are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Post believes such gains and adjustments are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of acquired assets as part of Post, and such amounts are not factored into the performance of acquisitions after their completion.
  h. Costs expected to be indemnified, net: Post has excluded certain costs incurred and expected to be indemnified in connection with damaged assets and gains related to indemnification proceeds received above the carrying value of damaged assets as Post believes such gains and losses do not reflect expected ongoing future operating income and expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
  i. Advisory income: Post has excluded advisory income received from 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. as Post believes such income does not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
  j. Provision for legal settlements: Post has excluded gains and losses recorded to recognize the anticipated or actual resolution of certain litigation as Post believes such gains and losses do not reflect expected ongoing future operating income and expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
  k. Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired businesses: Post has excluded the impact of fair value step-up adjustments to inventory in connection with business combinations as such adjustments represent non-cash items, are not consistent in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of Post’s acquisitions.
  l. Noncontrolling interest adjustment: Post has included an adjustment to reflect the removal of the portion of the non-GAAP adjustments related to PHPC which were attributable to noncontrolling interest prior to the PHPC Dissolution in the calculation of Adjusted net earnings/loss and Adjusted diluted earnings/loss per common share, as Post believes this adjustment contributes to a more meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance.
  m. Income tax effect on adjustments: Post has included the income tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments using a rate described in the applicable footnote of the reconciliation tables, as Post believes that its GAAP effective income tax rate as reported is not representative of the income tax expense impact of the adjustments.
  n. U.K. tax reform expense: Post has excluded the impact of the income tax expense recorded during fiscal year 2023 which reflected the remeasurement of Post’s U.K. deferred tax assets and liabilities considering a 25% U.K. corporate income tax rate for future periods. Post believes that the expense as reported is not representative of Post’s current income tax position and exclusion of the expense allows for more meaningful comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
     

Adjusted EBITDA, segment Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales and segment Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales
Post believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance and liquidity because (i) Post believes it is widely used to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets, (ii) it presents a measure of corporate performance exclusive of Post’s capital structure and the method by which the assets were acquired and (iii) it is a financial indicator of a company’s ability to service its debt, as Post is required to comply with certain covenants and limitations that are based on variations of EBITDA in its financing documents. Post believes that segment Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance because it allows for assessment of the operating performance of each reportable segment. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to provide forward-looking guidance and uses Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA to forecast future results. Post believes that Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales and segment Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales are measures useful to investors in evaluating Post’s operating performance because they allow for meaningful comparison of operating performance across periods.

Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA reflect adjustments for income tax expense/benefit, interest expense, net and depreciation and amortization, and the following adjustments discussed above: income/expense on swaps, net, integration costs and transaction costs, mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities, restructuring and facility closure costs, mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities, gain on bargain purchase, costs expected to be indemnified, net, advisory income, provision for legal settlements and inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired businesses. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA and segment Adjusted EBITDA reflect adjustments for the following items:

  o. Non-cash stock-based compensation: Post’s compensation strategy includes the use of stock-based compensation to attract and retain executives and employees by aligning their long-term compensation interests with shareholders’ investment interests. Post has excluded non-cash stock-based compensation as non-cash stock-based compensation can vary significantly based on reasons such as the timing, size and nature of the awards granted and subjective assumptions which are unrelated to operational decisions and performance in any particular period and does not contribute to meaningful comparisons of Post’s operating performances to other periods.
  p. Gain/loss on extinguishment of debt, net: Post has excluded gains and losses recorded on extinguishment of debt, inclusive of payments for premiums, the write-off of debt issuance costs and tender fees and the write-off of net unamortized debt premiums, net of gains realized on debt repurchased at a discount, as such gains and losses are inconsistent in amount and frequency. Additionally, Post believes that these gains and losses do not reflect expected ongoing future operating income and expenses and do not contribute to a meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance or comparisons of Post’s operating performance to other periods.
  q. Equity method investment adjustment: Post has included adjustments for its portion of income tax expense/benefit, interest expense, net and depreciation and amortization for Weetabix’s unconsolidated investment accounted for using equity method accounting as Post believes these adjustments contribute to a more meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance.
  r. Noncontrolling interest adjustment: Post has included adjustments for (i) the portion of PHPC’s consolidated net earnings/loss prior to the PHPC Dissolution which was allocated to noncontrolling interest, resulting in Adjusted EBITDA including 100% of the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of PHPC, as Post believes this basis contributes to a more meaningful evaluation of the consolidated operating company performance and (ii) income tax expense/benefit, interest expense, net and depreciation and amortization for Weetabix’s consolidated investment which is attributable to the noncontrolling owners of Weetabix’s consolidated investment as Post believes these adjustments contribute to a more meaningful evaluation of Post’s current operating performance.
     
RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS (Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Six Months Ended
March 31,
    2024       2023       2024       2023  
Net Earnings $         97.2     $         54.1     $         185.3     $         146.0  
               
Adjustments:              
(Income) expense on swaps, net           (13.3 )             9.0               7.8               (3.3 )
Integration costs           7.6               6.1               14.1               7.4  
Debt premiums paid (discounts received), net           1.7               (6.5 )             (1.6 )             (16.9 )
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities           3.3               17.0               8.3               22.2  
Restructuring and facility closure costs, including accelerated depreciation           7.3               —               17.1               —  
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities           (0.2 )             (1.1 )             (1.2 )             (11.4 )
Gain on bargain purchase           —               —               (6.2 )             —  
Transaction costs           0.1               2.4               2.3               2.5  
Costs expected to be indemnified, net           —               (5.4 )             —               (4.2 )
Advisory income           (0.2 )             (0.1 )             (0.3 )             (0.3 )
Provision for legal settlements           0.4               2.0               0.5               2.0  
Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired businesses           —               —               1.0               —  
Noncontrolling interest adjustment           —               (0.4 )             —               (0.3 )
Total Net Adjustments           6.7               23.0               41.8               (2.3 )
Income tax effect on adjustments (1)           (2.0 )             (5.4 )             (11.5 )             (0.8 )
U.K. tax reform expense           —               0.3               —               0.3  
Adjusted Net Earnings $         101.9     $         72.0     $         215.6     $         143.2  
               
(1) Income tax effect on adjustments was calculated on all items, except income/expense on swaps, net and gain on bargain purchase, using a rate of 24.5%, the sum of Post’s U.S. federal corporate income tax rate plus Post’s blended state income tax rate, net of federal income tax benefit. Income tax effect for income/expense on swaps, net was calculated using a rate of 21.5%. Income tax effect for gain on bargain purchase was calculated using a rate of 0.0%. In the six months ended March 31, 2023, mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities contained a gain on investment in BellRing, which was calculated using a rate of 0.0%.
 
RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Six Months Ended
March 31,
    2024       2023       2024       2023  
Diluted Earnings per Common Share $         1.48     $         0.92     $         2.83     $         2.44  
Adjustment to Diluted Earnings per Common Share for impact of redeemable noncontrolling interest and interest expense, net of tax, related to convertible senior notes (1)           (0.04 )             (0.10 )             (0.08 )             (0.22 )
               
Adjustments:              
(Income) expense on swaps, net           (0.20 )             0.14               0.11               (0.05 )
Integration costs           0.11               0.09               0.21               0.11  
Debt premiums paid (discounts received), net           0.03               (0.10 )             (0.02 )             (0.26 )
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities           0.05               0.26               0.12               0.34  
Restructuring and facility closure costs, including accelerated depreciation           0.11               —               0.25               —  
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities           —               (0.02 )             (0.02 )             (0.18 )
Gain on bargain purchase           —               —               (0.09 )             —  
Transaction costs           —               0.04               0.03               0.04  
Costs expected to be indemnified, net           —               (0.08 )             —               (0.06 )
Provision for legal settlements           0.01               0.03               0.01               0.03  
Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired businesses           —               —               0.01               —  
Noncontrolling interest adjustment           —               (0.01 )             —               —  
Total Net Adjustments           0.11               0.35               0.61               (0.03 )
Income tax effect on adjustments (2)           (0.04 )             (0.07 )             (0.17 )             (0.01 )
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Common Share $         1.51     $         1.10     $         3.19     $         2.18  
               
(1) Represents the exclusion of the portion of the PHPC deemed dividend (which represented remeasurements to the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest prior to the PHPC Dissolution) that exceeded fair value and interest expense, net of tax, associated with Post’s convertible senior notes, both of which were treated as adjustments to income available to common shareholders for diluted earnings per common share. Post believes this exclusion allows for more meaningful comparison of performance to other periods.
(2) Income tax effect on adjustments was calculated on all items, except income/expense on swaps, net and gain on bargain purchase, using a rate of 24.5%, the sum of Post’s U.S. federal corporate income tax rate plus Post’s blended state income tax rate, net of federal income tax benefit. Income tax effect for income/expense on swaps, net was calculated using a rate of 21.5%. Income tax effect for gain on bargain purchase was calculated using a rate of 0.0%. In the six months ended March 31, 2023, mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities contained a gain on investment in BellRing, which was calculated using a rate of 0.0%.
 
RECONCILIATION OF NET EARNINGS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)
(in millions)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Six Months Ended
March 31,
   2024    2023    2024    2023
Net Earnings $         97.2       $         54.1       $         185.3       $         146.0    
Income tax expense           28.6                 18.9                 57.1                 43.6    
Interest expense, net           80.0                 63.8                 158.1                 129.7    
Depreciation and amortization           119.6                 94.2                 232.0                 186.8    
Non-cash stock-based compensation           20.7                 20.2                 39.8                 37.2    
(Income) expense on swaps, net           (13.3 )               9.0                 7.8                 (3.3 )  
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net           0.3                 (6.1 )               (2.8 )               (14.8 )  
Integration costs           7.6                 6.1                 14.1                 7.4    
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities           3.3                 17.0                 8.3                 22.2    
Restructuring and facility closure costs, excluding accelerated depreciation           1.1                 —                 8.8                 —    
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities           (0.2 )               (1.1 )               (1.2 )               (11.4 )  
Gain on bargain purchase           —                 —                 (6.2 )               —    
Transaction costs           0.1                 2.4                 2.3                 2.5    
Costs expected to be indemnified, net           —                 (5.4 )               —                 (4.2 )  
Advisory income           (0.2 )               (0.1 )               (0.3 )               (0.3 )  
Provision for legal settlements           0.4                 2.0                 0.5                 2.0    
Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired businesses           —                 —                 1.0                 —    
Equity method investment adjustment           0.1                 0.2                 0.2                 0.2    
Noncontrolling interest adjustment           (0.1 )               1.1                 (0.1 )               2.6    
Adjusted EBITDA $         345.2       $         276.3       $         704.7       $         546.2    
Net Earnings as a percentage of Net Sales           4.9   %             3.3   %             4.7   %             4.6   %
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales           17.3   %             17.1   %             17.8   %             17.1   %
 
RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
(in millions)
 
  Post Consumer Brands   Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit $         139.7       $         18.1       $         64.5       $         22.4       $         —       $         244.7    
General corporate expenses and other           —                 —                 —                 —                 (51.8 )               (51.8 )  
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 (2.8 )               (2.8 )  
Operating Profit           139.7                 18.1                 64.5                 22.4                 (54.6 )               190.1    
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 2.8                 2.8    
Depreciation and amortization           51.7                 9.8                 33.3                 17.7                 7.1                 119.6    
Non-cash stock-based compensation           —                 —                 —                 —                 20.7                 20.7    
Integration costs           7.6                 —                 —                 —                 —                 7.6    
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities           —                 —                 3.9                 —                 (0.6 )               3.3    
Restructuring and facility closure costs, excluding accelerated depreciation           —                 —                 —                 —                 1.1                 1.1    
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities           —                 —                 —                 —                 (0.2 )               (0.2 )  
Transaction costs           —                 —                 —                 —                 0.1                 0.1    
Advisory income           —                 —                 —                 —                 (0.2 )               (0.2 )  
Provision for legal settlements           —                 —                 —                 0.4                 —                 0.4    
Equity method investment adjustment           —                 0.1                 —                 —                 —                 0.1    
Noncontrolling interest adjustment           —                 (0.2 )               —                 —                 —                 (0.2 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $         199.0       $         27.8       $         101.7       $         40.5       $         (23.8 )     $         345.2    
Segment Profit as a percentage of Net Sales           13.1   %             13.1   %             11.6   %             9.3   %             —                 12.2   %
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales           18.7   %             20.1   %             18.3   %             16.8   %             —                 17.3   %
 
RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023
(in millions)
 
  Post Consumer Brands   Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit $         75.5       $         19.4       $         78.1       $         18.2       $         —       $         191.2    
General corporate expenses and other           —                 —                 —                 —                 (50.0 )               (50.0 )  
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 (3.5 )               (3.5 )  
Operating Profit           75.5                 19.4                 78.1                 18.2                 (53.5 )               137.7    
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 3.5                 3.5    
Depreciation and amortization           32.8                 8.9                 32.0                 19.3                 1.2                 94.2    
Non-cash stock-based compensation           —                 —                 —                 —                 20.2                 20.2    
Integration costs           6.1                 —                 —                 —                 —                 6.1    
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities           —                 (0.1 )               5.3                 —                 11.8                 17.0    
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities           —                 —                 —                 —                 (1.1 )               (1.1 )  
Transaction costs           —                 —                 —                 —                 2.4                 2.4    
Costs expected to be indemnified, net           —                 —                 (5.4 )               —                 —                 (5.4 )  
Advisory income           —                 —                 —                 —                 (0.1 )               (0.1 )  
Provision for legal settlements           —                 —                 —                 2.0                 —                 2.0    
Noncontrolling interest adjustment           —                 (0.2 )               —                 —                 —                 (0.2 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $         114.4       $         28.0       $         110.0       $         39.5       $         (15.6 )     $         276.3    
Segment Profit as a percentage of Net Sales           12.6   %             15.5   %             12.3   %             6.9   %             —                 11.8   %
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales           19.1   %             22.4   %             17.4   %             15.0   %             —                 17.1   %
 
RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)
SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
(in millions)
 
  Post Consumer Brands   Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit $         272.4       $         39.1       $         140.2       $         58.0       $         —       $         509.7    
General corporate expenses and other           —                 —                 —                 —                 (104.0 )               (104.0 )  
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 (6.3 )               (6.3 )  
Operating Profit           272.4                 39.1                 140.2                 58.0                 (110.3 )               399.4    
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 6.3                 6.3    
Depreciation and amortization           101.2                 19.4                 65.8                 35.6                 10.0                 232.0    
Non-cash stock-based compensation           —                 —                 —                 —                 39.8                 39.8    
Integration costs           14.2                 —                 —                 —                 (0.1 )               14.1    
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities           —                 —                 1.5                 —                 6.8                 8.3    
Restructuring and facility closure costs, excluding accelerated depreciation           —                 —                 —                 —                 8.8                 8.8    
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities           —                 —                 —                 —                 (1.2 )               (1.2 )  
Gain on bargain purchase           —                 —                 —                 —                 (6.2 )               (6.2 )  
Transaction costs           —                 —                 —                 —                 2.3                 2.3    
Advisory income           —                 —                 —                 —                 (0.3 )               (0.3 )  
Provision for legal settlements           —                 —                 —                 0.5                 —                 0.5    
Inventory revaluation adjustment on acquired businesses           1.0                 —                 —                 —                 —                 1.0    
Equity method investment adjustment           —                 0.1                 —                 —                 —                 0.1    
Noncontrolling interest adjustment           —                 (0.2 )               —                 —                 —                 (0.2 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $         388.8       $         58.4       $         207.5       $         94.1       $         (44.1 )     $         704.7    
Segment Profit as a percentage of Net Sales           13.3   %             14.6   %             12.5   %             11.1   %             —                 12.9   %
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales           18.9   %             21.9   %             18.5   %             18.1   %             —                 17.8   %
 
RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT PROFIT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited)
SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023
(in millions)
 
  Post Consumer Brands   Weetabix   Foodservice   Refrigerated Retail   Corporate/ Other   Total
Segment Profit $         154.8       $         40.9       $         157.2       $         39.2       $         —       $         392.1    
General corporate expenses and other           —                 —                 —                 —                 (87.6 )               (87.6 )  
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 (16.9 )               (16.9 )  
Operating Profit           154.8                 40.9                 157.2                 39.2                 (104.5 )               287.6    
Other income, net           —                 —                 —                 —                 16.9                 16.9    
Depreciation and amortization           65.1                 17.4                 63.7                 38.3                 2.3                 186.8    
Non-cash stock-based compensation           —                 —                 —                 —                 37.2                 37.2    
Integration costs           7.4                 —                 —                 —                 —                 7.4    
Mark-to-market adjustments on commodity and foreign exchange hedges and warrant liabilities           —                 (0.1 )               2.3                 —                 20.0                 22.2    
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity securities           —                 —                 —                 —                 (11.4 )               (11.4 )  
Transaction costs           —                 —                 —                 —                 2.5                 2.5    
Costs expected to be indemnified, net           —                 —                 (4.2 )               —                 —                 (4.2 )  
Advisory income           —                 —                 —                 —                 (0.3 )               (0.3 )  
Provision for legal settlements           —                 —                 —                 2.0                 —                 2.0    
Noncontrolling interest adjustment           —                 (0.5 )               —                 —                 —                 (0.5 )  
Adjusted EBITDA $         227.3       $         57.7       $         219.0       $         79.5       $         (37.3 )     $         546.2    
Segment Profit as a percentage of Net Sales           13.4   %             16.8   %             12.7   %             7.1   %             —                 12.3   %
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net Sales           19.7   %             23.7   %             17.8   %             14.3   %             —                 17.1   %

 


Bay Street News