SENEA

Shares of Seneca Foods Corporation SENEA have gained 4.7% since the company reported its earnings for the quarter ended June 27, 2026, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s 0.3% rise over the same period. Over the past month, however, Seneca shares have gained 1.4%, trailing the S&P 500’s 2.9% increase. Seneca reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 net sales of $405.2 million, up 36.2% from $297.5 million a year earlier, as higher sales volumes added $96.8 million and higher selling prices and product mix contributed $10.9 million. Net earnings increased 31.1% year over year to $19.5 million from $14.9 million, while diluted earnings per share rose 33.2% year over year to $2.85 from $2.14. Operating income increased 12.9% to $26.2 million year over year. On a FIFO basis, Vegetable segment sales increased 39.1% to $375.9 million, while Fruit and Snack sales rose 3.9% to $22.4 million. Vegetable earnings before income taxes jumped to $19.4 million from $3.9 million, whereas Fruit and Snack earnings fell to $0.1 million from $2.8 million. Canned and frozen vegetable sales increased by a combined $105.5 million year over year, reflecting $96 million from higher volume and $9.5 million from pricing and product mix. Fruit-product sales increased 4.8%, while snack-product sales were essentially flat. Cash generation strengthened considerably. Net cash provided by operating activities reached $109.1 million from $53.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Seneca ended the period with $86.9 million in cash and cash equivalents compared with $12.1 million a year earlier. Long-term debt stood at $185.4 million, down from $259.5 million as of June 28, 2025. Seneca Foods Corp. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Seneca Foods Corp. Quote CEO Paul Palmby characterized the start to fiscal 2027 as strong, attributing sales growth to the Green Giant Frozen acquisition, continued private-label growth and timing related to Seneca’s co-pack business. Management said that the fresh-pack season had begun well, with a good harvest to date, while SENEA continued integrating and improving Green Giant Frozen. Palmby also pointed to continued momentum in case volumes and profitability across the remainder of the business. GAAP gross margin declined to 11.8% from 14.1%, primarily because the year-ago quarter benefited from a larger LIFO credit. The LIFO credit was $3 million in first-quarter fiscal 2027 compared with $11.8 million a year earlier. Excluding that effect, management said that gross margin was steady year over year. SENEA said that FIFO gross margin expanded 100 basis points as higher-cost inventory associated with the short 2024 pack moved through the business. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 8.9%, but declined to 5% of sales from 6.3%, reflecting higher revenues and the fixed nature of certain costs. Other operating expense was $1.2 million, primarily reflecting $1.4 million of acquisition-related transition service fees. Net interest expense fell 41.9% to $3.1 million from $5.4 million, aided by lower average borrowings, a lower revolving-credit interest rate and the absence of interest on Term Loan A-1. Seneca did not provide formal earnings or sales guidance. It said its operations and existing liquidity sources should satisfy cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. Management expects working-capital requirements to remain a principal focus as the fiscal 2027 seasonal pack progresses and inventories are replenished. During the quarter, Seneca finalized the purchase price for the Green Giant U.S. frozen business without adjustments and received $1.7 million of previously recorded contingent consideration. The company incurred $1.4 million in transition service fees related to the acquisition. SENEA also used cash on hand in May to make a voluntary $50 million prepayment on Amended Term Loan A-2 without a prepayment penalty. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Seneca Foods Corp. (SENEA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

FAIRPORT, N.Y., Aug. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seneca Foods Corporation (NASDAQ: SENEA, SENEB) today announced financial results for the three months ended June 27, 2026. Executive Summary (vs. year-ago, year-to-date results): Net sales for the three months ended June 27, 2026 totaled $405.2 million compared to $297.5 million for the three months ended June 28, 2025. The year-over-year increase of $107.7 million was driven by higher sales volume, along with higher selling prices and the impact of product mix. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales is 11.8% for the three months ended June 27, 2026, as compared to 14.1% for the three months ended June 28, 2025. “We started fiscal 2027 on a very strong note, with increased sales versus the same period last year driven by our Green Giant Frozen acquisition, steadyprivate label growth, and timing related to our Co-pack business. As high-cost inventory from the short pack of 2024 is now behind us, gross margin expanded 100bp year-over-year on a FIFO basis, despite the impact of a non-cash charge related to the bargain purchase of the Green Giant Frozen business,” stated Paul Palmby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seneca Foods. “Our fresh pack season has started out well with a good harvest to date, and while we work to integrate and improve Green Giant Frozen, the balance of our business continues to show strong momentum on both a case volume and profitability basis.” About Seneca Foods Corporation Seneca Foods is one of North America’s leading providers of packaged fruits and vegetables, with facilities located throughout the United States. Its high quality products are primarily sourced from more than 1,100 American farms and are distributed to approximately 55 countries. Seneca holds a large share of the market for retail private label, food service, restaurant chains, international, contracting packaging, industrial, chips and cherry products.  Products are also sold under the highly regarded brands of Aunt Nellie’s®, CherryMan®, Green Giant®, Green Valley®, Libby’s®, READ®, and Seneca labels, including Seneca snack chips.  Seneca’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbols “SENEA” and “SENEB”. SENEA is included in the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indices. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted net earnings excludes the non-cash charges related to the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation method, net of applicable income taxes. The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides for a better comparison of year over year operating performance. The Company does not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Set forth below is a reconciliation of reported earnings before income taxes to adjusted net earnings (in thousands). Set forth below is a reconciliation of reported net earnings to EBITDA and FIFO EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash charges related to the LIFO inventory valuation method). The Company does not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP (in thousands). Forward-Looking Information This release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they address future events, developments, and results and do not relate strictly to historical facts. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain the words "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seeks," "should," "likely," "targets," "may," "can” and variations thereof and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. We believe important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the following: the effects of rising costs and availability of raw fruit and vegetables, steel, ingredients, packaging, other raw materials, distribution and labor; crude oil prices and their impact on distribution, packaging and energy costs; the impact of tariffs and other governmental trade restrictions; an overall labor shortage, ability to retain a sufficient seasonal workforce, lack of skilled labor, labor inflation or increased turnover impacting our ability to recruit and retain employees; climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields; our ability to successfully implement sales price increases and cost saving measures to offset cost increases; the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers; effectiveness of our marketing and trade promotion programs; competition, changes in consumer preferences, demand for our products and local economic and market conditions; the impact of a pandemic on our business, suppliers, customers, consumers and employees; unanticipated expenses, including, without limitation, litigation or legal settlement expenses; product liability claims; the anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash; the availability of financing; leverage and the ability to service and reduce debt; foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; the risks associated with the expansion of our business; the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our operations; our ability to protect information systems against, or effectively respond to, a cybersecurity incident or other disruption; other factors that affect the food industry generally, including: changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including health, environmental, and safety regulations. Except for ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the filing of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact: Michael Wolcott, Chief Financial Officer585-495-4100

Shares of Seneca Foods Corporation SENEA have gained 13.1% since the company reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s 3.9% rise during the same period. Over the past month, the stock advanced 17.3%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.4%. Seneca delivered significantly improved fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year results. Fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 net sales increased 13.9% year over year to $393.8 million from $345.8 million, primarily due to higher sales volume. Net earnings surged to $25.3 million from $0.6 million in the prior-year quarter, while diluted earnings per share (EPS) climbed to $3.69 from $0.09. Operating income rose sharply to $23.7 million from $1.9 million. For fiscal 2026, net sales grew 5.1% to $1.66 billion from $1.58 billion, driven by higher sales volume, as well as improved pricing and product mix. Full-year net earnings surged to $114.7 million from $41.2 million, while diluted EPS increased to $16.59 from $5.90. A key highlight of the quarter was the substantial improvement in profitability. Gross margin expanded to 11.2% of net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 from 4.5% a year earlier. For the full fiscal year, gross margin improved to 13.9% from 9.5%. Management attributed the improvement largely to more normalized pack costs during calendar 2025, which supported stronger operating performance. Operating income for fiscal 2026 increased 90.8% to $148.4 million from $77.8 million, reflecting the benefit of stronger margins and sales growth. Earnings before income taxes climbed to $149.1 million from $54.5 million. SENEA also reported adjusted net earnings of $97.9 million for fiscal 2026, up 45.8% from $67.1 million in fiscal 2025. EBITDA increased 56.7% to $214.6 million from $136.9 million. FIFO EBITDA increased 12.2% to $192.3 million from $171.4 million, underscoring the improvement in underlying operating performance. Seneca also benefited from lower interest expense. Net interest expense fell 45.4% to $18.1 million for fiscal 2026 from $33.2 million in fiscal 2025, supporting earnings growth. Seneca Foods Corp. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Seneca Foods Corp. Quote President and chief executive officer Paul Palmby said that SENEA finished fiscal 2026 with increases in unit volume and improved gross margins, supported by more normalized pack costs. Palmby also highlighted that the company achieved record full-year FIFO diluted EPS of $14.15. He emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition of the U.S. Green Giant Frozen business, noting that it reunites the canned and frozen Green Giant brand portfolio while significantly expanding Seneca’s footprint and scale in the frozen vegetable category. Seneca indicated that higher sales volume was the primary driver of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 revenue increase. For the full fiscal year, revenue growth reflected a combination of higher volume, favorable pricing and product mix. Improved pack costs also played a major role in expanding gross margins and lifting earnings. Canned vegetables remained the largest product category, generating $1.37 billion of fiscal 2026 sales, up 3.9% from $1.31 billion in fiscal 2025. Frozen vegetable sales increased 21.2% to $151.2 million from $124.7 million, while fruit products rose 1.2% to $93.5 million from $92.4 million. Snack product sales were essentially flat at $15 million compared with $14.9 million. Additionally, SENEA recorded a favorable impact from its LIFO inventory valuation method during fiscal 2026. The LIFO effect increased operating income by $22.3 million for the year, against a $34.5 million reduction in operating income in fiscal 2025. During fiscal 2026, Seneca acquired the U.S. Green Giant Frozen business, which is included within its vegetable segment. The acquisition expands the company’s frozen-food capabilities and broadens its presence in the frozen vegetable category. SENEA also acquired the Green Giant trade name and related licensing rights for certain vegetable products as part of the transaction. Seneca did not provide formal fiscal 2027 financial guidance. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Seneca Foods Corp. (SENEA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

FAIRPORT, N.Y., June 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seneca Foods Corporation (NASDAQ: SENEA, SENEB) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended March 31, 2026. Executive Summary (vs. year-ago, year-to-date results): Net sales for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026 totaled $1,659.7 million compared to $1,578.9 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025. The year-over-year increase of $80.8 million was due to higher sales volume, complemented by higher selling prices and product mix. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales is 13.9% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026, as compared to 9.5% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025. “We completed fiscal 2026 with increases in unit volume as well as improving gross margins driven by more normalized pack costs in calendar 2025. Furthermore, we are pleased to report record full-year FIFO diluted EPS of $14.15,” stated Paul Palmby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seneca Foods. “Additionally, we are thrilled with our acquisition of the U.S. Green Giant Frozen business. Not only does this transaction reunite this iconic canned and frozen brand, but it significantly increases our footprint and scale in the frozen category.” Executive Summary (vs. year-ago, fourth quarter results): Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 totaled $393.8 million compared to $345.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. The year-over-year increase of $48.0 million was primarily driven by the impact of higher sales volume. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales is 11.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, as compared to 4.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. About Seneca Foods Corporation Seneca Foods is one of North America’s leading providers of packaged fruits and vegetables, with facilities located throughout the United States. Its high quality products are primarily sourced from more than 1,100 American farms and are distributed to approximately 55 countries. Seneca holds a large share of the market for retail private label, food service, restaurant chains, international, contracting packaging, industrial, chips and cherry products.  Products are also sold under the highly regarded brands of Aunt Nellie’s®, CherryMan®, Green Giant®, Green Valley®, Libby’s®, READ®, and Seneca labels, including Seneca snack chips.  Seneca’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbols “SENEA” and “SENEB”. SENEA is included in the S&P SmallCap 600, Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indices. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Adjusted net earnings excludes the non-cash charges related to the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation method, net of applicable income taxes. The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure provides for a better comparison of year over year operating performance. The Company does not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Set forth below is a reconciliation of reported earnings before income taxes to adjusted net earnings (in thousands). Set forth below is a reconciliation of reported net earnings to EBITDA and FIFO EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash charges related to the LIFO inventory valuation method). The Company does not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures prepared in accordance with GAAP (in thousands). Forward-Looking Information This release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they address future events, developments, and results and do not relate strictly to historical facts. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain the words "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seeks," "should," "likely," "targets," "may," "can” and variations thereof and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. We believe important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the following: the effects of rising costs and availability of raw fruit and vegetables, steel, ingredients, packaging, other raw materials, distribution and labor; crude oil prices and their impact on distribution, packaging and energy costs; the impact of tariffs and other governmental trade restrictions; an overall labor shortage, ability to retain a sufficient seasonal workforce, lack of skilled labor, labor inflation or increased turnover impacting our ability to recruit and retain employees; climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields; our ability to successfully implement sales price increases and cost saving measures to offset cost increases; the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers; effectiveness of our marketing and trade promotion programs; competition, changes in consumer preferences, demand for our products and local economic and market conditions; the impact of a pandemic on our business, suppliers, customers, consumers and employees; unanticipated expenses, including, without limitation, litigation or legal settlement expenses; product liability claims; the anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash; the availability of financing; leverage and the ability to service and reduce debt; foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; the risks associated with the expansion of our business; the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our operations; our ability to protect information systems against, or effectively respond to, a cybersecurity incident or other disruption; other factors that affect the food industry generally, including: changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including health, environmental, and safety regulations. Except for ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the filing of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact: Michael Wolcott, Chief Financial Officer585-495-4100

Our analysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here. Completed the divestiture of the Green Giant U.S. frozen business to Seneca Foods, marking a major step in simplifying the portfolio toward higher-margin, shelf-stable categories. Acquired College Inn and Kitchen Basics broth brands, which management views as a superior strategic fit that leverages the growth of the fresh store perimeter. Base business net sales grew 2.8% in Q1, driven by a 9.1% surge in Spices & Flavor Solutions and a recovery in the Frozen & Vegetables segment's profitability. Management is actively removing direct costs associated with divested brands and restructuring central overhead to eliminate stranded costs and rightsize the organization. The portfolio shift from low-margin frozen vegetables to more stable broth and stock businesses is expected to improve overall EBITDA and margin profiles. Performance attribution for the quarter includes a recovery from prior-year trade inventory reductions and strong volume growth in club and foodservice channels. Updated fiscal 2026 guidance assumes the addition of College Inn and Kitchen Basics while accounting for the loss of one week of operations compared to the 53-week fiscal 2025. Management expects base business net sales trends to be flat to slightly down for the remainder of the year following a strong Q1 start against a low prior-year base. The pending divestiture of Green Giant Canada is expected to close in Q2, which management anticipates will be relatively neutral to adjusted EBITDA but will further reduce leverage. A primary financial risk factor is the price of soybean oil and crude oil; management indicated they will evaluate pricing actions if these input costs remain at current elevated levels. Long-term strategy focuses on returning the core business to a 1% growth algorithm while reducing net leverage below 5.5x through divestitures and excess cash flow. The Board of Directors reduced the quarterly dividend by 50% to $0.095 per share to rebalance cash flow toward debt repayment in the current high-interest-rate environment. Q1 results included a $36.3 million noncash loss on the sale of the Green Giant U.S. frozen business and $5.8 million in noncash impairments of property, plant, and equipment. Net leverage was reduced to approximately 6.07x in Q1, with a target to reach 6x or less by mid-year following the completion of the Canadian divestiture. The company established a contract manufacturing agreement for the divested frozen business, which is expected to provide a modest but stable cost-plus profit stream. One stock. Nvidia-level potential. 30M+ investors trust Moby to find it first. Get the pick. Tap here. Management clarified that tracked channels now represent less than 60% of the portfolio, with significant growth coming from unmeasured channels like foodservice and private label. Non-measured channels, which comprise about 40% of the business, are currently growing at a mid-single-digit rate, offsetting declines in tracked retail data. Management is specifically monitoring soybean oil, which has risen from $0.50 to $0.75 per pound, noting that the industry typically moves prices in tandem with this commodity. While they aim to manage key retail price thresholds (e.g., $5.00 for core sizes), they will take pricing actions if energy and logistics costs remain elevated for an extended period. Early integration of College Inn and Kitchen Basics is focused on shoring up promotional plans and customer support that may have lacked attention under previous ownership. Management highlighted Kitchen Basics as an 'innovator brand' that continues to grow, while College Inn provides a stable, cash-generating regional presence. Management stated their intention to refinance debt before it becomes current, noting that the current cycle is consistent with previous successful refinancing efforts.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: March 03, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. B&G Foods Inc (NYSE:BGS) announced the divestiture of the Green Giant US frozen business to Seneca Foods Corporation, which is expected to result in a more focused and profitable portfolio. The acquisition of the Collage Inn and Kitchen Basics broth and stock businesses from Del Monte Foods is anticipated to enhance margins and cash flows. The spices and flavor solutions business unit experienced a 4.2% increase in net sales during Q4, driven by growth in fresh food and proteins. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales improved by approximately 120 basis points due to productivity efforts. Net cash provided by operating activities was strong in Q4 2025, amounting to $95.4 million, compared to $80.3 million in Q4 2024. B&G Foods Inc (NYSE:BGS) reported a net loss of $15.2 million for Q4 2025, primarily due to pre-tax non-cash impairment charges. The company's net sales for Q4 2025 decreased by $12 million or 2.2% compared to Q4 2024, largely due to divestitures. Tariffs negatively impacted gross profit and adjusted gross profit by approximately $4.4 million during Q4 2025. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $3.7 million or 7.3% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024. The Green Giant US frozen business, which was divested, was only marginally profitable for B&G Foods Inc (NYSE:BGS). Warning! GuruFocus has detected 8 Warning Signs with BGS. Is BGS fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Q: Can you explain the factors that allowed B&G Foods to maintain sales despite a challenging consumer environment? A: Casey Keller, CEO, mentioned that while there was a modest improvement in Q4 sales, the company has seen progress in certain brands and businesses, such as spices and seasonings, Canadian business, and food service. These areas have shown resilience and growth, contributing to a gradual improvement in U.S. food retail consumption. The company expects further improvement in 2026, aiming for a long-term growth target of 1%. Q: How is B&G Foods planning to support its brands in 2026 compared to previous years? A: Casey Keller, CEO, stated that the company plans to maintain a similar level of spending on brand support in 2026 as in 2025, with a focus on core big brands like Ortega and Crisco. While overall marketing spend may be flat or slightly up, the company is strategically allocating resources to areas where competitiveness and innovation are needed, recognizing the competitive environment in some categories. Q: What is the impact of recent divestitures and acquisitions on B&G Foods' leverage and financial outlook? A: Bruce Walka, CFO, explained that the divestitures of non-core businesses like Green Giant in the U.S. and Canada, along with the acquisition of College Inn and Kitchen Basics, are expected to reduce leverage by about 50 basis points. The company is on track to achieve a net leverage target of 6 times by midsummer, moving towards a long-term target of 4.5 to 5.5 times. Q: What is the expected impact of tariffs on B&G Foods' pricing and profitability? A: Bruce Walka, CFO, noted that tariffs have impacted the company's gross profit, particularly in the spices and flavor solutions segment. Pricing actions were implemented in Q4 to recover these costs, and the company expects to be covered on a go-forward basis. However, the full effect of pricing adjustments was not realized in Q4, and the company is monitoring elasticity and market conditions. Q: How does B&G Foods plan to utilize its manufacturing facility in Mexico post-divestiture of the Green Giant U.S. frozen business? A: Bruce Walka, CFO, mentioned that the company has entered into a multi-year co-packing agreement with Seneca Foods and plans to build the business by adding other customers. The facility presents a value creation opportunity, and while it will continue to supply Seneca, B&G Foods is open to monetizing it if it makes sense in the future. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Shares of Seneca Foods Corporation SENEA have gained 1.2% since the company reported its earnings for the quarter ended Dec. 27, 2025. This compares to the S&P 500 Index’s 0.5% rise over the same time frame. Over the past month, the stock gained 6.3% against the S&P 500’s 0.9% decline. Seneca reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 net sales of $508.3 million, up 1.1% from $502.9 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase was driven by favorable selling prices and product mix, partially offset by lower sales volume. Net earnings rose sharply to $44.8 million, or $6.48 per diluted share, from $14.7 million, or $2.10 per diluted share a year ago. Operating income rose 133.7% to $59.9 million from $25.7 million in the year-ago quarter, reflecting a significant expansion in gross margin to 16.4% from 9.8%. On a year-to-date basis, net sales for the nine months ended Dec. 27, 2025, increased 2.7% to $1.27 billion from $1.23 billion in the comparable prior-year period. Net earnings for the nine-month period climbed 120.1% to $89.4 million, or $12.89 per diluted share, from $40.6 million, or $5.81 per diluted share, in the prior year. Segment-wise, the Vegetable business generated fiscal third-quarter earnings before income taxes of $48.4 million, up 102.7% from $23.9 million a year ago, while the Fruit and Snack segment contributed $6.3 million, up 62.3% from $3.9 million in the prior-year quarter. Revenue growth in the quarter was primarily driven by pricing and product mix, partially offset by lower sales volumes. Canned and frozen vegetables posted a combined increase, benefiting from an $8.9 million favorable impact from pricing and mix, partly offset by a $2.5 million decline due to lower volumes. Fruit products and snack products experienced modest sales declines, largely attributable to lower volumes. For the nine-month period, canned and frozen vegetables recorded a combined $29.4 million sales increase, reflecting both higher volumes and improved pricing and mix. Fruit products saw a slight decrease, while snack products were relatively stable year over year. Seneca Foods Corp. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Seneca Foods Corp. Quote The significant improvement in profitability was driven by margin expansion. Gross margin for the quarter rose to 16.4% from 9.8% in the prior-year period. The company recorded a LIFO credit of $2.6 million in the quarter against a $10.9 million LIFO charge a year earlier, contributing to lower cost of goods sold on a GAAP basis. On a nine-month basis, gross margin improved to 14.8% from 10.9%, aided by a $22.1 million LIFO credit against a $22.9 million LIFO charge in the prior-year period. Selling, general and administrative expenses edged up to 4.6% of net sales in the fiscal third quarter from 4.5% a year earlier, reflecting routine workforce-related costs. Interest expense declined 47.4%, falling to $4.1 million in the quarter from $7.8 million in the prior-year period, driven by lower average borrowings and a reduced weighted average interest rate. Cash flow from operating activities for the first nine months totaled $114.2 million compared with $243.6 million in the prior-year period. The year-over-year change reflects movements in working capital, including inventories and accounts payable. The company reduced long-term debt to $242.7 million from $298.7 million a year earlier, reflecting continued deleveraging. President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Palmby said the fiscal third quarter delivered record sales and near-record FIFO profitability, citing an excellent holiday selling season and more normalized costs following a poor 2024 harvest season. He added that strong operating results and reductions in working capital drove robust cash flow and continued decreases in net debt. Seneca did not provide formal financial guidance for the quarter ended Dec. 27, 2025. While management discussed operating trends, cost normalization and working capital improvements, the company did not issue quantitative outlook targets for revenue, earnings, margins, capital expenditures or cash flow. During the nine months ended Dec. 27, 2025, Seneca repurchased 86,142 shares of its Class A common stock for $8.7 million. As of Dec. 27, 2025, the company held 5,391,443 shares in treasury. Additionally, SENEA entered into a receivables purchase agreement in August 2025 with a $50.0 million purchase limit to enhance liquidity and working capital flexibility. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Seneca Foods Corp. (SENEA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research