By Nicholas G. Miller

Utz reported a fourth-quarter loss as its sales were weighed down by retailers reducing inventory partially in response to last year's government shutdown.

The company swung to a net loss of $2.5 million, or 3 cents a share, compared with a profit of $2.3 million, or 3 cents a share, the year prior.

Adjusted earnings were 26 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected 25 cents a share.

Sales increased 0.4% to $342.2 million. Wall Street had expected $343.4 million. Branded salty snacks organic net sales rose 2.5%.

Last month, the company said its fourth-quarter sales had been weighed down by retailers' reduction of inventory due to a variety of factors including SNAP payment delays and the government shutdown.

The company guided for 2026 organic net sales growth of 2% to 3%, led by branded salty snacks growth. It also forecast adjusted earnings to decline 3% to 6% due to higher depreciation and amortization of approximately $13 million, higher interest expenses and a higher tax rate.

"We expect that our business drivers will continue to be highly effective with continued strong productivity, Organic Net Sales growth above the category led by our Branded Salty segment, and targeted investments in marketing and capabilities," said Chief Executive Howard Friedman.

The company said its board had also approved the company's first share repurchase program, aiming to buy up to $50 million of shares.

Write to Nicholas G. Miller at nicholas.miller@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 12, 2026 06:55 ET (11:55 GMT)

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