Utz Brands, Inc. (UTZ) saw its stock surge 8.45% in pre-market trading on Thursday following the release of its impressive third-quarter 2025 financial results and the announcement of strategic expansion plans in California.

The salty snacks maker reported Q3 net sales of $377.8 million, representing a 3.4% increase year-over-year and surpassing analyst expectations of $374.4 million. Utz's Branded Salty Snacks segment showed particularly strong performance, with Organic Net Sales growing 5.8%. The company's adjusted earnings per share of $0.23 met analyst estimates, while adjusted EBITDA rose 11.7% to $60.3 million.

Investors were also enthused by Utz's announcement of plans to expand its presence in California, which the company described as "the largest Salty Snack market in the U.S." This strategic move includes the acquisition of Insignia International's direct store delivery assets, which management believes will unlock significant opportunities in the state. Furthermore, Utz raised its 2025 Organic Net Sales growth guidance to approximately 3%, while reaffirming its outlook for Adjusted EBITDA and Earnings Per Share growth of 7% to 10%. The company's productivity initiatives were highlighted as driving meaningful margin expansion, partially reinvested to fuel long-term growth.