Q1 2026 Beyond Meat Inc Earnings Call

May 6, 2026

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, please stand by. The conference will begin shortly. Thank you, everyone, and welcome to Beyond Meat's Q1 2026 Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Later, you will have the opportunity to ask questions during the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, you may please press star then two. Please note this event is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to turn today's conference over to Mr. Paul Sheppard, Vice President of FB&A and Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you, everyone, and welcome to Beyond Meat's Q1 2026 Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Later, you will have the opportunity to ask questions during the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, you may press star then one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, you may please press star then two. Please note this event is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to turn today's conference over to Mr. Paul Sheppard, Vice President of FP&A and Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Later, you will have the opportunity to ask questions during the question-and-answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then one on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #1: To withdraw your question, you may please press star, then two. Please note this event is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to turn today's conference over to Mr. Paul Sheppard, Vice President of FB&A and Investor Relations, please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Hello, everyone, and thank you for participating in today's call. Joining me are Ethan Brown, founder, president, and chief executive officer; and Lubi Kutua, chief financial officer and treasurer.

Paul Sheppard: Thank you. Hello, everyone, and thank you for participating in today's call. Joining me are Ethan Brown, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, and Lubi Kutua, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. By now, everyone should have access to our Q1 2026 earnings press release filed today after market close. This document is available in the investor relations section of Beyond Meat's website at www.beyondmeat.com. Before we begin, please note that during the course of this call, management may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in our earnings release, along with the comments on this call, are made only as of today and will not be updated as actual events unfold.

Speaker #2: By now, everyone should have access to our first quarter 2026 earnings press release filed today after market close. This document is available in the Investor Relations section of BEYOND MEAT's website, at www.beyondmeat.com.

Speaker #2: Before we begin, please note that during the course of this call, management may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities Laws.

Speaker #2: These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results materially for those described in these forward-looking statements.

Speaker #2: Forward-looking statements in our earnings release along with the comments on this call are made only as of today and will not be updated as actual events unfold.

Speaker #2: We refer you to today's press release, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2026, to be filed with the SEC, our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC, along with other filings with the SEC, for a detailed discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made today.

Paul Sheppard: We refer you to today's press release, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 28 March 2026, to be filed with the SEC, our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2025, filed with the SEC, along with other filings with the SEC, for a detailed discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made today. Please note that on today's call, management may reference adjusted EBITDA, adjusted loss from operations, and adjusted net loss, which are non-GAAP financial measures. While we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information for investors, any reference to this information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.

Speaker #2: Please note that on today's call, management may reference adjusted EBITDA, adjusted last-term operations, and adjusted net loss, which are non-GAAP financial measures. While we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information for investors, any reference to this information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.

Speaker #2: Please refer to today's press release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP measures. And with that, I'd now like to turn the call over to Ethan Brown.

Paul Sheppard: Please refer to today's press release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP measures. With that, I'd now like to turn the call over to Ethan Brown.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Paul. And hello, everyone. Given that we have spoken recently, today I will briefly touch on 2026 before jumping right back into a progress report against the major priorities we are pursuing to position our enterprise for sustainable growth.

Ethan Brown: Thank you, Paul. Hello, everyone. Given that we have spoken recently, today I will briefly summarize our performance in Q1 2026 before jumping right back into a progress report against the major priorities we are pursuing to position our enterprise for sustainable growth. Q1 net revenues of $58.2 million were in line with our expectations, although down year over year, reflecting continued headwinds in the plant-based meat category. Gross margin was up both sequentially and year over year, but significantly below what we believe to be an achievable target. A more substantial improvement in reported gross margin was frustrated by the flow-through of Q4 2025 inventory produced during a period of particularly low volume and overhead absorption, obscuring progress we are making on cost of goods sold, specifically conversion rates. Adjusted EBITDA figures tell a similar story.

Speaker #3: The first quarter net revenues of $58.2 million were in line with our expectations, although down year over year reflecting continued headwinds in the plant-based meat was up both sequentially and year over year but significantly below what we believe to be an achievable target.

Speaker #3: A more substantial improvement in reported gross margin was frustrated by the flow-through of Q4 2025 inventory produced during a period of particularly low volume and overhead absorption, obscuring progress we are making on cost of goods sold, specifically conversion rates.

Speaker #3: Adjusted EBITDA figures tell a similar story. Sequential and year over year improvement, yet considerable ground left to cover. Finally, for the quarter, and perhaps what is the strongest data point that we are emerging from the most intensive cash component of our restructuring, while also starting to see the impact of earlier headcount, other SG&A, and inventory management measures, our cash use for the quarter was $11.8 million, down significantly sequentially and year over year.

Ethan Brown: Sequential and year-over-year improvement, yet considerable ground left to cover. Finally, for the quarter, and perhaps what is the strongest data point that we are emerging from the most intensive cash component of our restructuring, while also starting to see the impact of earlier headcount, other SG&A, and inventory management measures, our cash use for the quarter was $11.8 million, down significantly, sequentially and year-over-year. Turning now to our broader recovery activities, I'll continue to organize these in 3 main buckets. 1, our transition to Beyond The Plant Protein Company, an associated strategic entry into adjacent categories within the growing functional food and beverage space. 2, our distribution and portfolio strategy activities around our core product narrative and associated product development. 3, operations and manufacturing initiatives currently being executed via our standing transformation office.

Speaker #3: Turning now to our broader recovery activities, I'll continue to organize these in three main buckets. One, our transition to a beyond-the-plant protein company and associated strategic entry into adjacent categories within the growing functional food and beverage space.

Speaker #3: Two, our distribution and portfolio strategy activities around our core product narrative and associated product development. And three, operations and manufacturing initiatives currently being executed via our standing transformation office.

Speaker #3: As you will recall, we began our transition from BEYOND MEAT to BEYOND, the plant protein company, earlier this year to bring the strength of our brand, expertise, and technology to adjacent growing categories in the functional food and beverage space.

Ethan Brown: As you will recall, we began our transition from Beyond Meat to Beyond the Plant Protein Company earlier this year to bring the strength of our brand, expertise, and technology to adjacent growing categories in the functional food and beverage space. We believe that we are strongly positioned to compete and win based on what is now nearly two decades of work on the functionality, characteristics, cost, and presentation of plant-based inputs. It's possible that we've done this work, that is, we've innovated with plants under more scrutiny than any other company ever. I believe that because we've chosen to confront challenges, criticism, and incumbent industry campaigns against us by innovating more intensely, taking perceived weakness and seeking to create strength from it, we've developed disciplines and capabilities that allow us to produce winning products in adjacent categories.

Speaker #3: We believe that we are strongly positioned to compete and win based on what is now nearly two decades of work on the functionality, characteristics, cost, and presentation of plant-based inputs.

Speaker #3: It's possible that we've done this work—that is, we've innovated with plants—under more scrutiny than any other company ever. And I believe that because we've chosen to confront challenges, criticism, and incumbent industry campaigns against us by innovating more intensely, taking perceived weakness and seeking to create strength from it, we've developed these disciplines and capabilities that allow us to produce winning products in adjacent categories.

Speaker #3: Consider, for example, that many of the most dominant products in these fast-growing segments use ingredients that we long ago dismissed and learned to work around.

Ethan Brown: Consider, for example, that many of the most dominant products in these fast-growing segments use ingredients that we long ago dismissed and learned to work around. More generally, I've labored against the arduous task of making plant protein and other plant-based ingredients taste, behave, and feel like animal muscle. Delivering nutrition of plants and products with less formidable characteristics offers degrees of freedom previously unavailable to our technical teams. The first product to emerge from this broadened aperture is Beyond Immerse, a clear, lightly carbonated drink delivering protein, fiber, antioxidants, and electrolytes. One way to think about Beyond Immerse is to note that it is concurrently addressing four distinct beverage categories, each of which serve a specific need: protein drinks, fiber drinks, vitamin drinks, and electrolyte drinks. The product delivers against each relevant need state within not four, but one beverage, and does so with a refreshing, enjoyable delivery.

Speaker #3: More generally, our scientists, I've labored against the arduous task of making plant protein and other plant-based ingredients taste-behave and feel like animal muscle. Delivering nutrition to plants and products with less formal characteristics offers degrees of freedom previously unavailable to our technical teams.

Speaker #3: The first product to emerge from this broadened aperture is Beyond Immerse, a clear, lightly carbonated drink delivering protein, fiber, antioxidants, and electrolytes. One way to think about Beyond Immerse is to note that it is concurrently addressing four distinct beverage categories each of which serve a specific need.

Speaker #3: Protein drinks, fiber drinks, vitamin drinks, and electrolyte drinks. The product delivers against each relevant need state within not four but one beverage and does so with a refreshing, enjoyable delivery.

Speaker #3: The consolidation of these nutrients in a single platform is intuitive given the presence of each in the plant kingdom. It is this feature that gives the product its name with the consumer immersing their body in the power of plants.

Ethan Brown: The consolidation of these nutrients in a single platform is intuitive given the presence of each in the plant kingdom. It is this feature that gives the product its name, with the consumer immersing their body in the power of plants. 20 grams of clean protein, critical to support muscle health. 7 grams of fiber, vital to support a healthy gut. Antioxidants for immunity and recovery, and electrolytes for hydration, all with only 100 calories. The product is formulated without added sugar, artificial sweeteners or colors, stabilizers or dairy, and is designed for athletes, students, professionals, as well as GLP-1 users seeking a clean, functional beverage that delivers on nutrition without additives and with minimal calories.

Speaker #3: Twenty grams of clean protein, critical to support muscle health. Seven grams of fiber, vital to support a healthy gut. Antioxidants for immunity and recovery, and electrolytes for hydration.

Speaker #3: All with only 100 calories. The product is formulated without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or colors, stabilizers, or dairy. And it's designed for athletes, students, professionals, as well as GP GLP-1 users seeking a clean, functional beverage that delivers on nutrition without additives and with minimal calories.

Speaker #3: As is our process, we've developed many, many iterations since its initial conception. Each more refined than the last, and I'm confident that as we launch in earnest across New York this summer, we are bringing a compelling product to market.

Ethan Brown: As is our process, we've developed many iterations since its initial conception, each more refined than the last, and I'm confident that as we launch in earnest across New York this summer, we are bringing a compelling product to market. Importantly, we are doing so with a world-class partner in Big Geyser, one of the nation's largest non-alcoholic beverage distributors and the number one non-alcoholic beverage distributor in New York, with a footprint of more than 26,000 outlets across grocery, drug, convenience, mass merchandisers, club, and food service. Finally, before turning to the next set of key objectives driving our turnaround, I'll make two final comments on our entry into adjacencies within the functional food and beverage space.

Speaker #3: Importantly, we are doing so with a world-class partner in Big Geyser. One of the nation's largest non-alcoholic beverage distributors and the number one non-alcoholic beverage distributor in New York.

Speaker #3: With a footprint of more than 26,000 outlets across grocery, drug, convenience, mass merchandisers club, and food service. Finally, before turning to the next set of key objectives driving our turnaround, I'll make two final comments on our entry into adjacencies within the functional food and beverage space.

Speaker #3: One, though we are entering the clear protein beverage category initially, our thesis is that we have the brand and capabilities to deliver the power of plants across multiple related categories within functional food and beverage.

Ethan Brown: One, though we are entering the clear protein beverage category initially, our thesis is that we have the brand and capabilities to deliver the power of plants across multiple related categories within functional food and beverage. Two, as I stated in our previous call, in broadening the company's aperture, we do not see a retreat from our core category. To the contrary, I believe that introducing consumers to our brand and our foundational commitment to great taste, clean ingredients, and plant-based nutrition in less controversial applications, we will bring back many to the center of the plate. With this context, I will now move to our efforts to stabilize and grow anew the center of the plate business. We are approaching this task in at least three ways. One, we continue to focus on gaining distribution and building out brand blocks in the frozen retail set.

Speaker #3: Two, as I stated in our previous call, in broadening the company's aperture, we do not see a retreat from our core category. To the contrary, I believe that introducing consumers to our brand and our foundational commitment to great taste, clean ingredients, and plant-based nutrition in less controversial applications we will bring back many to the center of the plate.

Speaker #3: With this context, I'll now move to our efforts to stabilize and grow anew the center of the plate business. We are approaching this task in at least three ways.

Speaker #3: One, we continue to focus on gaining distribution. And building our brand blocks in the frozen retail set. Last month, we began rolling out Beyond Chicken Pieces spicy buffalo.

Ethan Brown: Last month, we began rolling out Beyond Chicken Pieces Spicy Buffalo, a bold new Beyond Chicken Pieces variety at over 2,000 Kroger stores nationwide, marking an exciting expansion of our chicken portfolio. Like the original, it offers the same craveable, satisfying taste and strong nutritional profile, 21 grams of plant protein per serving and just 0.5 grams of saturated fat from heart-healthy avocado oil, no cholesterol, and only 130 calories. I invite the listener to pause a moment on these nutritionals. 21 grams of protein to only 130 calories, all with 0.5 grams of saturated fat, no cholesterol, no antibiotics, no hormones, or to compare against popular functional protein products, no gels, no gums, no artificial fat systems, flavors, or colors.

Speaker #3: A bold new Beyond Chicken Pieces variety at over 2,000 Kroger stores nationwide. Marking an exciting expansion of our chicken portfolio. Like the original, it offers the same craveable, satisfying taste and strong nutritional profile.

Speaker #3: Twenty-one grams of plant protein per serving. And just 0.5 grams of saturated fat from heart-healthy avocado oil. No cholesterol, and only 130 calories. I invite the listener to pause a moment on these nutritionals.

Speaker #3: 21 grams of protein to only 130 calories. All with half a gram of saturated fat no cholesterol, no antibiotics, no hormones, or to compare against popular functional protein products, no gels, no gums, no artificial fat systems, flavors, or colors.

Speaker #3: As we move out from under the cloud of misinformation that has impeded our growth, I believe that it is this type of value proposition that will resonate strongly with the consumer.

Ethan Brown: As we move out from under the cloud of misinformation that has impeded our growth, I believe that it is this type of value proposition that will resonate strongly with the consumer. Both the original and Spicy Buffalo varieties are made with ingredients that comply with non-GMO Project standards and are the first plant-based chicken products to be certified by the Clean Label Project. 2, we are rounding out the Beyond IV portfolio, recently announcing the nationwide rollout of our new Beyond Breakfast Sausage lineup at Kroger, Sprouts, and soon, Whole Foods Market. The new lineup includes Beyond Breakfast Sausage Links and Beyond Breakfast Sausage Patties in Original and Spicy. Crafted with simple ingredients and heart-healthy avocado oil, Beyond Breakfast Sausage are the first plant-based breakfast sausages to earn Clean Label Project certification. In an aggregate, we now hold more than 20 Clean Label Project certifications.

Speaker #3: Both the original and spicy buffalo varieties are made with ingredients that comply with non-GMO project standards. And are the first plant-based chicken products to be certified by the Clean Label Project.

Speaker #3: Two, we are rounding out the Beyond Four portfolio recently announcing the nationwide rollout of our new Beyond Breakfast Sausage lineup at Kroger, Sprouts, and soon Whole Foods Market.

Speaker #3: The new lineup includes Beyond Breakfast Sausage links and Beyond Breakfast Sausage patties in original and spicy. Crafted with simple ingredients and heart-healthy avocado oil, Beyond Breakfast Sausage are the first plant-based breakfast sausages to earn Clean Label Project certification, and in aggregate, we now hold more than 20 Clean Label Project certifications.

Speaker #3: Lastly, in the area of accreditations, both the Beyond Burger Four and Beyond Steak were recently recognized as the first plant-based meats to qualify as climate solutions under the Climate Solution Framework developed by the Exponential Roadmap Initiative and Oxford Net Zero.

Ethan Brown: Lastly, in the area of accreditations, both the Beyond Burger IV and Beyond Steak were recently recognized as the first plant-based meats to qualify as climate solutions under the Climate Solutions Framework developed by the Exponential Roadmap Initiative and Oxford Net Zero. Three, we continue to push the envelope with regard to new center-of-the-plate protein offerings. In just 1 example, I encourage you to take a look at consumer reactions to Beyond Steak Filet, which is currently only offered through our direct-to-consumer platform, Beyond Test Kitchen. With 28 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of saturated fat from heart-healthy avocado oil, no cholesterol, and only 230 calories, it is gaining an enthusiastic following. Here too, we are delivering outstanding protein levels enveloped in great taste, all with minimal saturated fat, no cholesterol, no hormones, no antibiotics, so on and so forth.

Speaker #3: Three, we continue to push the envelope with regard to new center-of-the-plate protein offerings. In just one example, I encourage you to take a look at consumer reactions to Beyond Steak Filet.

Speaker #3: Which is currently only offered through our direct-to-consumer platform, Beyond Test Kitchen. With 28 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of saturated fat from heart-healthy avocado oil, no cholesterol, and only 230 calories, it is gaining an enthusiastic following.

Speaker #3: Here too, we are delivering outstanding protein levels enveloped in great taste, all with minimal saturated fat no cholesterol, no hormones, no antibiotics, so on and so forth.

Speaker #3: We expect to be able to bring this innovation to certain retail markets as production ramps up later this year. We are starting to see some benefit as we execute across our distribution and portfolio strategy in our retail business.

Ethan Brown: We expect to be able to bring this innovation to certain retail markets as production ramps up later this year. We are starting to see some benefit as we execute across our distribution and portfolio strategy in our retail business. These encouraging signs are not, however, present yet in our US or international food service businesses. To this end, we are applying significant emphasis to impactful portfolio modifications within certain food service distribution channels and expect to be able to report out additional detail during our next call. Having offered commentary in what we are doing in an effort to stabilize and grow the top line from our transition to Beyond The Plant Protein Company and entry into adjacent functional food and beverage categories, to our focus on increasing distribution in our core business, including through product renovation and innovation, I'll now turn to our transformation initiative activities.

Speaker #3: These encouraging signs are not, however, present yet in our US or international food service businesses. To this end, we are applying significant emphasis to impactful portfolio modifications within certain food service distribution channels and expect to be able to report out additional detail during our next call.

Speaker #3: Having offered commentary in what we are doing in an effort to stabilize and grow the top line, from our transition to Beyond the Plant Protein Company, an entry into adjacent functional food beverage food and beverage categories, to our focus on increasing distribution in our core business, including through product renovation and innovation, I'll now turn to our transformation initiative activities.

Speaker #3: To date, we have achieved the following. Consolidated our production network. Activated our continuous production line in Columbia, Missouri. To allow us to internalize additional volume that was previously outsourced.

Ethan Brown: To date, we have achieved the following: consolidated our production network. Activated our continuous production line in Columbia, Missouri, to allow us to internalize additional volume that was previously outsourced. Made investments that are driving year-over-year improvement in conversion costs. Implemented RFP actions intended to reduce material costs, secure secondary sourcing, and enhance our formulations. Consolidated warehouses and lowered logistics costs. Exited less profitable lines. Finalized plans to exit China and dispositioned certain non-strategic assets and realized significant reductions in inventory. As I mentioned at the beginning of my comments, the impact of these gains on gross margin was, as it has been in prior quarters, obscured by lower volume and associated lower overhead absorption, among other factors.

Speaker #3: Made investments that are driving year-over-year improvement in conversion costs. Implemented RFP actions intended to reduce material cost. Secure secondary sourcing. And enhance our formulations.

Speaker #3: Consolidated warehouses and lowered logistics costs. Exited less profitable lines. Finalized plans to exit China and disposition certain non-strategic assets. And realized significant reductions in inventory.

Speaker #3: As I mentioned, at the beginning of my comments, the impact of these gains on gross margin was, as it has been in prior quarters, obscured by lower volume.

Speaker #3: And associated lower overhead absorption. Among other factors. We are, however, as I touched on earlier, beginning to see the positive impact of our prior reductions in force and SG&A streamlining.

Ethan Brown: We are, however, as I touched on earlier, beginning to see the positive impact of our prior reductions in force and SG&A streamlining, the cessation of certain legal expenses alongside other transformation office operational efficiency measures. The combined impact of these and other savings netted an approximately $14 million year-over-year reduction in operating expenses. A key achievement of our transformation office in Q1 2026 was the lowest quarterly cash use we've seen in over 2 years at the aforementioned $11.8 million. Clearly, we have work ahead across top-line recovery, margin expansion, and operating expense reduction, yet we are confident in the plan we are executing to deliver results in each case. We look forward to updating you on our progress in the months ahead.

Speaker #3: The cessation of certain legal expenses. Alongside other transformation office operational efficiency measures. The combined impact of these and other savings netted in approximately $14 million year-over-year reduction in operating expenses.

Speaker #3: Finally, a key achievement of our transformation office in the first quarter of 2026 was the lowest quarterly cash use we've seen in over two years at the aforementioned $11.8 million.

Speaker #3: Clearly, we have work ahead across top line recovery, margin expansion, and operating expense reduction. Yet we are confident in the plan we are executing to deliver results in each case.

Speaker #3: We look forward to updating you on our progress in the months ahead. And with that, I'll now turn the call to Lubi to review our first quarter financials in greater detail.

Ethan Brown: With that, I'll now turn the call to Lubi to review our first quarter financials in greater detail.

Speaker #2: you, Ethan. And hello, everyone. I'll begin with a review of our first quarter financial results and will then provide some brief comments on our outlook.

Lubi Kutua: Thank you, Ethan, and hello, everyone. I will begin with a review of our Q1 financial results, and will then provide some brief comments on our outlook. Net revenues decreased 15.3% to $58.2 million in the Q1 of 2026, compared to $68.7 million in a year ago period. The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a 19.5% decrease in volume of products sold, partially offset by a 5.4% increase in net revenue per pound. The decrease in volume of products sold was primarily driven by lower sales of burger and chicken products to QSR customers in the international food service channels and by weak category demand and some loss of distribution in our US retail and food service channels.

Speaker #2: Net revenues decreased 15.3% to 58.2 million dollars in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 68.7 million dollars in the year ago period. The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a 19.5% decrease in volume of products sold, partially offset by a 5.4% increase in net revenue per pound.

Speaker #2: The decrease in volume of products sold was primarily driven by lower sales of burger and chicken products to QSR customers in the international food service channel and by wheat category demand and some loss of distribution in our US retail and food service channels.

Speaker #2: The increase in net revenue per pound was primarily driven by changes in product sales mix. Including the impact of reduced sales to QSR customers, as I just noted.

Lubi Kutua: The increase in net revenue per pound was primarily driven by changes in product sales mix, including the impact of reduced sales to QSR customers, as I just noted, and was further aided by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, though partially offset by a higher trade discount rate versus the year ago period. Taking a closer look at our sales results by channel. US retail net revenues decreased 15.3% to $26.6 million in Q1 2026, compared to $31.4 million in a year ago period. Volume of products sold declined 14.7% versus the year ago period, primarily driven by weak category demand and reduced points of distribution within certain channels.

Speaker #2: And was further aided by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates though partially offset by a higher trade discount rate versus the year ago period.

Speaker #2: Taking a closer look at our sales results by channel, U.S. retail net revenues decreased 15.3% to $26.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $31.4 million in the year-ago period.

Speaker #2: Volume of products sold declined 14.7% versus the year ago period, primarily driven by wheat category demand and reduced points of distribution within certain channels.

Speaker #2: Net revenue per pound in US retail was down slightly, falling 0.6% year-over-year as higher trade discounts and favorable changes in product sales mix largely offset each other.

Lubi Kutua: Net revenue per pound in US retail was down slightly, falling 0.6% year-over-year, as higher trade discounts and favorable changes in product sales mix largely offset each other. In US food service, net revenues decreased 29.7% to $6.6 million in Q1 2026, compared to $9.4 million in a year-ago period. The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a 31.8% decrease in volume of products sold, partially offset by a 3% increase in net revenue per pound.

Speaker #2: In US food service, net revenues decreased 29.7% to 6.6 million dollars in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 9.4 million dollars in a year ago period.

Speaker #2: The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a 31.8% decrease in volume of products sold, partially offset by a 3% increase in net revenue per pound.

Speaker #2: The decrease in volume of products sold was primarily driven by wheat category demand and loss of distribution within certain channel segments, including sales of chicken products to a QSR customer in the year ago period that did not repeat in the first quarter of 2026.

Lubi Kutua: The decrease in volume of products sold was primarily driven by weak category demand and loss of distribution within certain channel segments, including sales of chicken products to a QSR customer in the year-ago period that did not repeat in Q1 2026. The increase in net revenue per pound was primarily driven by changes in product sales mix and lower trade discounts, partially offset by price decreases of certain of our products. Turning to international. International retail net revenues increased 8.1% to $13.7 million in Q1 2026, compared to $12.7 million in the year-ago period. Net revenue per pound increased 7.8% primarily due to favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates and price increases of certain of our products, partially offset by higher trade discounts.

Speaker #2: The increase in net revenue per pound was primarily driven by changes in product sales mix. And lower trade discounts, partially offset by price decreases of certain of our products.

Speaker #2: Turning to International, international retail net revenues increased 8.1% to $13.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $12.7 million in the year-ago period.

Speaker #2: Net revenue per pound increased 7.8%, primarily due to favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates and price increases of certain of our products, partially offset by higher trade discounts.

Speaker #2: Volume of products sold increased 0.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by improved demand and distribution gains in certain European markets, partially offset by limited distribution losses in Canada.

Lubi Kutua: Volume of products sold increased 0.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by improved demand and distribution gains in certain European markets, partially offset by limited distribution losses in Canada. Finally, in international food service, net revenues decreased 25.9% to $11.3 million in Q1 2026 compared to $15.3 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a 32.6% decrease in volume of products sold, mainly reflecting lower sales of burger and chicken products to certain QSR customers. Net revenue per pound in international food service increased 10.2% on a year-over-year basis, primarily driven by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates and lower trade discounts, partially offset by changes in product sales mix.

Speaker #2: Finally, in international food service, net revenues decreased 25.9% to 11.3 million dollars in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 15.3 million dollars in a year ago period.

Speaker #2: The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a 32.6% decrease in volume of products sold, mainly reflecting lower sales of burger and chicken products to certain QSR customers.

Speaker #2: Net revenue per pound in international food service increased 10.2% on a year-over-year basis, primarily driven by favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates and lower trade discounts, partially offset by changes in product sales mix.

Speaker #2: Moving down the P&L, gross profit in the first quarter of 2026 was approximately $2 million, or a gross margin of 3.4%, compared to a loss of $6.9 million, or a gross margin of minus 10.1% in the year-ago period.

Lubi Kutua: Moving down the P&L, gross profit in Q1 2026 was approximately $2 million or a gross margin of 3.4% compared to a loss of $6.9 million or gross margin of -10.1% in the year-ago period. Compared to Q1 2025, gross profit and gross margin benefited from lower cost per pound and higher net revenue per pound, with the former mainly reflecting lower inventory provision and reduced manufacturing expenses, including depreciation, partially offset by increased materials costs. Improvements in our cost of production reflect, among other things, benefits from our recent SKU rationalization initiatives and certain efficiency projects implemented within our US manufacturing network.

Speaker #2: Compared to the first quarter of 2025, gross profit and gross margin benefited from lower cost per pound and higher net revenue per pound, with the former mainly reflecting lower inventory provision and reduced manufacturing expenses, including depreciation, partially offset by increased materials costs.

Speaker #2: Improvements in our cost of production reflect, among other things, benefits from our recent SKU rationalization initiative and certain efficiency projects implemented within our US manufacturing network.

Speaker #2: However, our cost of goods sold in the first quarter of 2026 was negatively impacted by the flow-through of inventory produced in the fourth quarter of 2025 that absorbed more fixed costs due to our significant curtailment of production volumes in that period.

Lubi Kutua: However, our cost of goods sold in Q1 2026 was negatively impacted by the flow-through of inventory produced in Q4 2025 that absorbed more fixed costs due to our significant curtailment of production volumes in that period. Additionally, the decline in volume of products sold in Q1 2026 also drove unfavorable fixed cost absorption compared to the year-ago period, representing a drag on our Q1 gross margin. Lastly, gross profit and gross margin in Q1 2026 also included approximately $0.5 million in expenses related to the shutdown of our business in China, which we expect to substantially complete by the end of the year.

Speaker #2: Additionally, the decline in volume of products sold in the first quarter of 2026 also drove unfavorable fixed cost absorption, compared to the year ago period, representing a drag on our Q1 gross margin.

Speaker #2: Lastly, gross profit and gross margin in the first quarter of 2026 also included approximately 0.5 million dollars in expenses related to the shutdown of our business in China, which we expect to substantially complete by the end of the year.

Speaker #2: Turning to operating expenses, total operating expenses were $43.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $57.4 million in a year ago period.

Lubi Kutua: Turning to operating expenses, total operating expenses were $43.1 million in Q1 2026 compared to $57.4 million in the year-ago period. Operating expenses in Q1 2026 included $3.7 million in incremental share-based compensation expense stemming from our convertible debt exchange, $0.8 million in certain non-routine SG&A expenses, $0.4 million in amortization of costs related to the partial lease termination of a portion of our campus headquarters, and $0.2 million in incremental legal and other fees and expenses associated with arbitration proceedings related to a contractual dispute with a former co-manufacturer. Notwithstanding these items, the decrease in operating expenses compared to Q1 2025 was primarily driven by lower product donation costs, lower legal expenses, and reduced salary and related expenses.

Speaker #2: Operating expenses in the first quarter of 2026 included $3.7 million in incremental share-based compensation expense, stemming from our convertible debt exchange. 0.8 million dollars in certain non-routine SG&A expenses.

Speaker #2: $0.4 million in amortization of costs related to the partial lease termination of a portion of our campus headquarters, and $0.2 million in incremental legal and other fees and expenses associated with arbitration proceedings related to a contractual dispute with a former co-manufacturer.

Speaker #2: Notwithstanding these items, the decrease in operating expenses, compared to the first quarter of 2025, was primarily driven by lower product donation costs, lower legal expenses, and reduced salary and related expenses.

Speaker #2: Combined with the previously mentioned increase in gross profit, the net result was a reduction in loss from operations, from $64.4 million in a year ago period to $41.1 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Lubi Kutua: Combined with the previously mentioned increase in gross profit, the net result was a reduction in loss from operations from $64.4 million in the year-ago period to $41.1 million in Q1 2026. Below the line, total other income net was $12.6 million in Q1 2026 compared to $3.3 million in the year-ago period. The increase was primarily due to non-cash gains from the remeasurement of derivative liability and gain on debt extinguishment resulting from the conversion of some of our 2030 convertible notes. These gains were partially offset by an increase in interest expense related to our delayed draw term loan facility and net realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction losses due to unfavorable changes in FX rates of the EUR.

Speaker #2: Below the line, total other income net was $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $3.3 million in a year ago period.

Speaker #2: The increase was primarily due to non-cash gains from the remeasurement of derivative liability and gain on debt extinguishment, resulting from the conversion of some of our 2030 convertible NILTs.

Speaker #2: These gains were partially offset by an increase in interest expense related to our delayed draw term loan facility, and net realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction losses due to unfavorable changes in FX rates of the euro.

Speaker #2: Net loss was $28.5 million, or $0.06 per common share, in the first quarter of 2026, compared to a net loss of $61.1 million, or $0.80 per common share, in the year-ago period.

Lubi Kutua: Net loss was $28.5 million or $0.06 per common share in Q1 2026 compared to net loss of $61.1 million or $0.80 per common share in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $27.8 million or -47.7% of net revenues in Q1 2026 compared to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $50.5 million or -73.5% of net revenues in the year-ago period. Turning to our balance sheet and cash flow highlights.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $27.8 million or minus 47.7% of net revenues in the first quarter of 2026, compared to adjusted EBITDA loss of $50.5 million or minus 73.5% of net revenues in a year ago period.

Speaker #2: Turning to our balance sheet and cash flow highlights, our cash and cash equivalents balance, including restricted cash, was $205.8 million as of March 28, 2026, a decrease of approximately $11.8 million compared to our 2025 ending cash balance.

Lubi Kutua: Our cash and cash equivalents balance, including restricted cash, was $205.8 million as of 28 March 2026, or a decrease of approximately $11.8 million compared to our 2025 ending cash balance. Excluding the impact from financing activities, this represents our lowest rate of quarterly cash consumption in over two years, reflecting the benefit of various, sorry, capital and cost reduction measures we have implemented over the last several quarters, unencumbered by many of the non-routine costs stemming from our transformation efforts that have burdened our P&L in recent periods.

Speaker #2: Excluding the impact from financing activities, this represents our lowest rate of quarterly cash consumption in over two years, reflecting the benefit of various capital and sorry, reflecting the benefit of various capital and cost reduction measures we have implemented over the last several quarters.

Speaker #2: Unencumbered by many of the non-routine costs stemming from our transformation efforts that have burdened our P&L in recent periods. Total outstanding carrying value of debt, net of debt discount, was $411.6 million as of March 28, 2026, which included the total undiscounted future cash flows of the new 2030 NILTs, recorded at the completion of our convertible debt exchange.

Lubi Kutua: Total outstanding carrying value of debt, net of debt discount, was $411.6 million as of 28 March 2026, which included the total undiscounted future cash flows of the new 2030 notes recorded at the completion of our convertible debt exchange. Net cash used in operating activities was $5 million in the three months ended 28 March 2026, compared to $26.1 million in the year ago period. Capital expenditures totaled $2.5 million compared to $4.5 million in the year ago period. Net cash used in financing activities was $4.5 million in the three months ended 28 March 2026, compared to $0.6 million in the year ago period, primarily driven by withholding tax payments associated with equity awards related to our convertible debt exchange.

Speaker #2: Net cash used in operating activities was $5 million in the three months ended March 28th, 2026, compared to $26.1 million in a year ago period.

Speaker #2: And capital expenditures totaled $2.5 million compared to $4.5 million in a year ago period. Net cash used in financing activities was $4.5 million in the three months ended March 28th, 2026, compared to $0.6 million in a year ago period, primarily driven by withholding tax payments associated with equity awards related to our convertible debt exchange.

Speaker #2: It is also worth noting that, subsequent to the end of the first quarter, an additional $62.6 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2030 convertible NILTs were converted into approximately 52.1 million shares of common stock, and an additional 3.9 million anti-dilution restricted stock units were also granted to management in accordance with the management incentive plan awards associated with the convertible debt exchange.

Lubi Kutua: It is also worth noting that subsequent to the end of Q1, an additional 62.6 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2030 convertible notes were converted into approximately 52.1 million shares of common stock, and an additional 3.9 million anti-dilution restricted stock units were also granted to management in accordance with the management incentive plan awards associated with the convertible debt exchange. Let me now touch briefly on our outlook before concluding my remarks. As in recent periods, we are continuing to provide only limited net revenue guidance given ongoing levels of uncertainty and volatility within our operating environment, which we believe may continue to have unforeseen impacts on our actual realized results.

Speaker #2: Let me now touch briefly on our outlook before concluding my remarks. As in recent periods, we are continuing to provide only limited net revenue guidance given ongoing levels of uncertainty and volatility within our operating environment, which we believe may continue to have unforeseen impacts on our actual realized results.

Speaker #2: To this end, in the second quarter of 2026, we expect net revenues to be in the range of approximately $60 million to $65 million.

Lubi Kutua: To this end, in Q2 2026, we expect net revenues to be in the range of approximately $60 to 65 million. With that, I'll turn the call over to the operator to open it up for your questions. Thank you.

Speaker #2: And with that, I'll turn the call over to the operator to open it up for your questions. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you must press star, then one on your telephone keypad.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. Thank you. Your first question today comes from Benjamin Theurer from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answ`er session. Thank you. Your first question today comes from Benjamin Theurer from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up the handset before asking your question and pressing the keys. If at any time your question has been addressed and you would like to withdraw your question, please press star, then two.

Speaker #1: At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble our roster. Thank you. Your first question today comes from Ben Toira from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Yeah. Good afternoon. Ethan Lubi. Thanks for taking my question. Two quick ones. If you may allow. So first one, clearly a good improvement year over year on the gross margin.

Benjamin Theurer: Yeah. Good afternoon, Ethan, Lubi. Thanks for taking my question.

Ben Theurer: Yeah. Good afternoon, Ethan, Lubi. Thanks for taking my question.

Lubi Kutua: Sure.

Benjamin Theurer: Two quick ones, if you may allow. First one, clearly, a good improvement year over year on the gross margin. You laid out a few issues still like kind of like carrying over. I know you're not gonna provide much of guidance beyond the sales part, but can you maybe help us just understand directionally what we should think about gross margin sequentially into Q2? Obviously, you should have about a give or take 10% higher sales base sequentially, and hopefully some of that older higher cost inventory is being worked through by now. Just to understand a little bit like roughly trends, fair to assume that we're gonna get a little bit of a better gross margin? That would be my first question. Anything you can share here.

Ben Theurer: Two quick ones, if you may allow. First one, clearly, a good improvement year over year on the gross margin. You laid out a few issues still like kind of like carrying over. I know you're not gonna provide much of guidance beyond the sales part, but can you maybe help us just understand directionally what we should think about gross margin sequentially into Q2? Obviously, you should have about a give or take 10% higher sales base sequentially, and hopefully some of that older higher cost inventory is being worked through by now. Just to understand a little bit like roughly trends, fair to assume that we're gonna get a little bit of a better gross margin? That would be my first question. Anything you can share here.

Speaker #2: You laid out a few issues still, like kind of like carrying over. I know you're not going to provide much of guidance beyond the sales part, but can you maybe help us just understand directionally what we should think about gross margin sequentially into the second quarter?

Speaker #2: Obviously, you should have about a give or take 10% higher sales base sequentially, and hopefully some of that older higher cost inventory has been worked through by now.

Speaker #2: So just to understand a little bit, like roughly transfer to assume that we're going to get a little bit of a better gross margin, that would be my first question.

Speaker #2: Anything you can share here.

Speaker #1: Sure, I'll let Lubi tackle the specifics on that. But I think in general, both on the operating expense as well as in margin, you're seeing a business that is kind of digging out from a lot of intense expense and drag.

Ethan Brown: Sure. I'll let Luby tackle the specifics on that. But I think in general, both on the operating expense as well as in margin, you're seeing a business that is kind of digging out from a lot of intense expense and drag. On the operating expense, it was really around a lot of legal fees as we were involved in several issues there, then a lot of the restructuring expense, just heavy OpEx and cash use.

Speaker #1: And on the operating expense, it was really around a lot of legal fees as we were involved in several issues there. And then a lot of the restructuring expense, just heavy, heavy OPEX and cash use.

Lubi Kutua: On the margin side, you do continue to see some of this flow-through, just as we right-size the business and things of that nature that have made it difficult for us, as I mentioned in my comments, to really demonstrate the progress that's occurring, let's say, at the conversion level at our plants, where our conversion continues to improve, our COGS continue to get stronger. While we don't provide, you know, very specific guidance on margin, you know, I'm absolutely confident that that will be headed in a good direction, you know, in the next quarter. We don't give a particular number. Lubi Kutua, don't you want to? Yeah. Thanks for the question, Benjamin Theurer.

Speaker #1: And then on the margin side, you do continue to see some of this flow-through just as we right-size the business and things of that nature that have made it difficult for us, as I mentioned in my comments, to really demonstrate the progress that's occurring, let's say, at the conversion level at our plants where our conversion continues to improve, our cost of goods continue to get stronger.

Ethan Brown: On the margin side, you do continue to see some of this flow-through, just as we right-size the business and things of that nature that have made it difficult for us, as I mentioned in my comments, to really demonstrate the progress that's occurring, let's say, at the conversion level at our plants, where our conversion continues to improve, our COGS continue to get stronger. While we don't provide, you know, very specific guidance on margin, you know, I'm absolutely confident that that will be headed in a good direction, you know, in the next quarter. We don't give a particular number. Lubi Kutua, don't you want to?

Speaker #1: And so what we don't provide very specific guidance on margin, I'm absolutely confident that we'll be headed in a good direction in the next quarter.

Speaker #1: But we don't give a particular number, Lubi, unless you want to.

Speaker #3: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Ben. I think Ethan covered it. For the most part, I think the way you're thinking about it, though, is right in the sense that typically, the second quarter does tend to be just seasonally, right, a higher volume quarter for us that always represents a benefit from a gross margin perspective.

Lubi Kutua: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Benjamin Theurer.

Lubi Kutua: I think Ethan covered it, you know, for the most part. Yeah, I think the way you're thinking about it, though, is right in the sense that, you know, typically, the second quarter does tend to be just seasonally, right, a higher volume quarter for us that always, you know, represents a benefit from a gross margin perspective and, you know, cost, fixed cost absorption perspective. We also, you know, this effect that we talked about that impacted us in Q1 with the flow-through of high cost inventory, we would expect that to, you know, not be, you know, not impact the Q2 to the same degree that it did in Q1.

Speaker #3: And cost fixed cost absorption perspective, we also this effect that we talked about, that impacted us in Q1 with the flow-through of high-cost inventory, we would expect that to not be not impact the Q2 to the same degree.

Speaker #3: That it did in Q1. And then also, not only do we have, generally speaking, seasonally higher volumes in Q2 relative to Q1, but the mix of our sales, right, does tend to benefit us.

Lubi Kutua: Then also, you know, not only do we have, generally speaking, seasonally higher volumes in Q2, relative to Q1, but the mix of our sales, right, does tend to benefit us, where we do sell some of the, you know, the more higher margin core products, you know, as a result of the summer grilling season. You know, we are continuing, as part of the improvements in conversion costs that Ethan referenced, right, does reflect some of the good work that I think the team is doing, you know, in terms of, you know, some of the efficiency projects that we've been pursuing.

Speaker #3: We do sell some of the more higher margin core products as a result of the summer grilling season. We are continuing as part of the improvements in conversion costs that Ethan referenced, right, does reflect some of the good work that I think the team is doing in terms of some of the efficiency projects that we've been pursuing.

Speaker #3: I think we would expect to build on those in the balance of the year, not necessarily expecting a step change from that in the next quarter.

Lubi Kutua: I think like, you know, we would expect to build on those, you know, in the balance of the year, not necessarily, you know, expecting, you know, a step change from that, in the, in the next quarter. I think like, gradually we should start to see more and more benefit from some of those projects that we've been working on.

Speaker #3: But I think gradually, we should start to see more and more benefit from some of those projects that we've been working on.

Speaker #1: Good. I think if you look at COGS, you see something like 8% good guy in terms of improvement. And that's if the folks in Columbia and in Pennsylvania are listening and elsewhere, I truly do their good work.

Ethan Brown: Yeah, I think if you look at COGS, you see something like a, you know, 8% good guy in terms of improvement. That's, you know, if the, if the folks in Columbia and in Pennsylvania are listening and elsewhere, Europe, you know, that's really due to their good work. It's about getting rid of the noise so that those things start showing up.

Speaker #1: And so it's about getting rid of the noise. So that those things start showing up.

Speaker #2: Okay. Perfect. And then obviously, you have a lot of the restructuring going on, but one of the projects really is, and you've talked about it, is really taking this from just beyond meat alternatives to more like beyond the protein company transitioning here.

Benjamin Theurer: Okay, perfect. You know, obviously you have a lot of the restructuring going on, but one of the projects really is, and you've talked about it, is really taking this from just Beyond Meat alternatives to more like Beyond The Plant Protein Company transitioning here. Obviously, you've presented that beverage portfolio a few months ago. I was just wondering, like, where are we in kind of like the rollout of that? How should we expect this to kind of like be marketed? Just given the constraints from a cash perspective, how do you plan on rolling these products out? Making them just promoted, anything, marketing? What is that kind of like the base plan here for all these new products?

Ben Theurer: Okay, perfect. You know, obviously you have a lot of the restructuring going on, but one of the projects really is, and you've talked about it, is really taking this from just Beyond Meat alternatives to more like Beyond The Plant Protein Company transitioning here. Obviously, you've presented that beverage portfolio a few months ago. I was just wondering, like, where are we in kind of like the rollout of that? How should we expect this to kind of like be marketed? Just given the constraints from a cash perspective, how do you plan on rolling these products out? Making them just promoted, anything, marketing? What is that kind of like the base plan here for all these new products?

Speaker #2: And obviously, you've presented that beverage portfolio a few months ago. So I was just wondering, where are we in kind of like the rollout of that?

Speaker #2: How should we expect this to kind of like be marketed? Just given the constraints from a cash perspective, how do you plan on rolling these products out, making them just promoted?

Speaker #2: Anything on marketing? What is the base plan here for all these new products?

Speaker #1: Sure. I think there's a couple of key words the first one I'll start with is leverage. We are leveraging, as I think I joked last time, we have been sort of a beverage company and hiding with the tremendous expertise we have on our board with Kathy Waller, CFO at Coke, or Seth Goldman, our chairman, founder of Honest Tea, and Just Ice Tea, and Tim Cook on obviously founder of Boston Beer.

Ethan Brown: Sure. I think there's a couple key words. The first one I'll start with is leverage. You know, we are leveraging, as I think I joked last time, you know, we have been sort of a beverage company in hiding with the tremendous expertise we have on our board with Kathy Waller, who's CFO of Coke, or Seth Goldman, our Chairman, is the founder of Honest Tea and Just Ice Tea, and Jim Koch, obviously founder of Boston Beer. Just, you know, leveraging that expertise to make sure that, you know, that's a lot of decades of combined expertise to make sure that we're going about this in the smartest way possible. I think the second word that I'd emphasize is focus. You know, we're not going broad here.

Speaker #1: So just leveraging that expertise to make sure that that's a lot of decades of combined expertise, to make sure that we're going about this in the smartest way possible.

Speaker #1: And so I think the second word that I'd emphasize is focus. We're not going broad here. We're if you think about the New York launch we're doing, it's very intentional.

Ethan Brown: If you think about the New York launch we're doing, it's very intentional. We want to, you know, go into that market with the best partner that I think you can get. You know, that's an example of how Seth Goldman was able to impact the business here. Big Geyser's been working with him for a very long time. Having the opportunity to go into New York with a world-class partner, you know, having tested the product now with many consumers online, I am super excited about the version that we're gonna be sending over to New York. It has gotten better and better, it's a total winner.

Speaker #1: We want to go into that market with the best partner that I think you can get. And that's an example of how Seth was able to impact the business here.

Speaker #1: Big Eyes has been working with him for a very long time. And so having the opportunity to go into New York with a world-class partner, having tested the product now with many consumers online, I am super excited about the version that we're going to be setting over to New York.

Speaker #1: It has gotten better and better. And it's a total winner. And so if you think about how we're going to market this and here's a very simple way to understand it, which I mentioned in the script, but I don't want to it's not necessarily just a protein drink, right?

Ethan Brown: If you think about how we're gonna market this, and here's a very simple way to understand it, which I mentioned in the script, but I don't want to. It's not necessarily just a protein drink, right? It's a system, it's a system for people who want to tap into the tremendous nutritional benefits of plants in a really convenient way. You're getting your protein, and a substantial amount. You're getting 20 grams of protein. You're getting 7 grams of fiber, which is 25% daily value. You're getting your antioxidants with the, I think, a daily dose, full 100% of vitamin C, you're getting electrolytes, something similar to what you'd get in a Gatorade.

Speaker #1: It's a system. And it's a system for people who want to tap into the tremendous nutritional benefits of plants in a really convenient way.

Speaker #1: So you're getting your protein. And a substantial amount, getting 20 grams of protein. Getting 7 grams of fiber, which is 25% daily value. You're getting your antioxidants with the, I think, a daily dose full 100% of vitamin C.

Speaker #1: And you're getting electrolytes, something similar to what you'd get in a Gatorade. So you're getting all of these things without anything artificial, with a very limited ingredient list, a very clean ingredient list, and really convenient and great taste.

Ethan Brown: So you're getting all of these things without anything artificial, with a very limited ingredient list, a very clean ingredient list, a really convenient and great taste. We're gonna go back to our playbook that we've used so successfully over so many years. If you think back to 2017, there was a Sports Illustrated article, the title of which, Are Veggie Burgers the New Gatorade? It had a bunch of NBA players who had invested in Beyond. You had Kyrie Irving, you had Chris Paul, you had J.J. Redick. Others at the time were involved, DeAndre Jordan, et cetera. The idea there was they were using Beyond products to help them basically recover more quickly, build muscle, so on and so forth.

Speaker #1: And so we're going to go back to our playbook that we've used so successfully over so many years. If you think back to 2017, there was Sports Illustrated article that title of which our veggie burger is the new Gatorade.

Speaker #1: And it had a bunch of NBA players who had invested in Beyond. You got Kyrie Irving, you got Chris Paul, you got JJ Redick.

Speaker #1: Others at the time were involved, DeAndre Jordan, etc. And the idea there was they were using beyond products to help them basically recover more quickly, build muscle, so on and so forth.

Ethan Brown: This drink is an incredible opportunity to go back to that storyline, right? I think you'll see us using athletes, using active people, being very focused in terms of who in New York we're going after, whether it's, you know, run clubs, fitness studios, folks that are active, you know, in hiking and outdoor sports, you know, competitive athletes, people that are really gonna benefit from that system. Then it'll spread out to the general population from there.

Speaker #1: This drink is an incredible opportunity to go back to that storyline, right? And so I think you'll see us using athletes, using active people, being very focused in terms of who in New York are going after, whether it's run clubs, fitness studios, folks that are active in hiking, in outdoor sports, competitive athletes, people that are really going to benefit from that system.

Speaker #1: And then it'll spread out to the general population from there.

Speaker #2: Okay. All right. Perfect. Well, thank you very much for that explanation, Ethan. I'll pass it on.

Benjamin Theurer: Okay. All right. Perfect. Well, thank you very much for that explanation, Ethan. I'll pass it on.

Ben Theurer: Okay. All right. Perfect. Well, thank you very much for that explanation, Ethan. I'll pass it on.

Speaker #1: Sure.

Ethan Brown: Sure.

Speaker #3: Thank you. This does actually conclude our question and answer session. I would now like to hand the conference back over for any closing remarks.

Operator: Thank you. This does actually conclude our question and answer session. I would now like to hand the conference back over for any closing remarks.

Speaker #1: Thank you. And thanks for listening. We obviously are at a very pivotal point in the business, taking the brand, the technology, the expertise that we've built over what is now a generation, almost 18 years, and bringing it into adjacent fast-growing markets in the functional food and beverage space.

Ethan Brown: Thank you, and thanks for listening. We obviously are at a very pivotal point in the business, taking the brand, the technology, the expertise that we've built over what is now a generation, almost 18 years, and bringing it into adjacent fast-growing markets in the functional food and beverage space. We're also continuing to focus very much on our core and seeing some, I think, promising signs within it, although there's a lot of work left to do. If you look at, in retail, you look at some of the largest conventional grocers that there are, and if you look at the 13-week data, in one of them, you see that we've started to return to very modest single-digit unit and dollar growth.

Speaker #1: We're also continuing to focus very much on our core and seeing some, I think, promising signs within it, although there's a lot of work left to do.

Speaker #1: But if you look at in retail, you look at some of the largest conventional grocers that there are, and if you look at the 13-week data in one of them, you see that we've started to return to very modest single-digit unit and dollar growth.

Speaker #1: And then you look at another one, which reports on a 12-week period, and you see the same. In fact, double-digit. Now, that's being offset in other areas by, let's say, the loss of club business and things like that.

Ethan Brown: You look at another one which reports on a 12-week period, and you see the same, in fact, double digit. Now, that's being offset in other areas by, let's say, the loss of club business and things like that. You can start to see signs of recovery. Now, how quick in the core business, I can't say. We're not waiting around. We are going into these adjacencies so that when that core business does recover, which it will, we're also augmenting it with these additional product lines that leverage all the brand and expertise that we have here. I think our team is energized and focused on this, and we look forward to delivering results. Thanks.

Speaker #1: But you can start to see signs of recovery. Now, how quick in the core business, I can't say. But we're not waiting around. We are going into these adjacencies so that when that core business does recover—which it will—we're also augmenting it with these additional product lines that leverage all the brand and expertise that we have here.

Speaker #1: I think our team is energized and focused on this. And we look forward to delivering results. Thanks.

Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.