Item 1. Financial Statements
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2026 | | December 31, 2025 |
| ASSETS | | | |
| CURRENT ASSETS: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 381,381 | | | $ | 277,975 | |
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts | 65,370 | | | 63,762 | |
| Inventories, net | 80,588 | | | 76,766 | |
| Prepaid expenses | 7,338 | | | 9,807 | |
| Other current assets | 7,115 | | | 7,404 | |
| Total Current Assets | 541,792 | | | 435,714 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,143,589 | | | 1,138,671 | |
| Operating lease right of use assets | 65,596 | | | 66,424 | |
| Long term investment in equity securities | — | | | 33,446 | |
| Deferred tax assets, net | 52,824 | | | 68,893 | |
| Other assets | 35,378 | | | 34,627 | |
| Total Assets | $ | 1,839,179 | | | $ | 1,777,775 | |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | |
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | |
| Accounts payable | $ | 35,463 | | | $ | 42,429 | |
| Accrued expenses | 47,504 | | | 31,610 | |
| Current operating lease liabilities | 2,336 | | | 2,241 | |
| Current finance lease liabilities | 2,346 | | | 2,315 | |
| Total Current Liabilities | 87,649 | | | 78,595 | |
| Convertible senior notes | 397,884 | | | 397,330 | |
| Long term operating lease liabilities | 64,412 | | | 65,023 | |
| Long term finance lease liabilities | 27,060 | | | 28,075 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 111 | | | 93 | |
| Total Liabilities | $ | 577,116 | | | $ | 569,116 | |
| Commitments and contingencies | — | | | — | |
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | | | |
Common stock — voting, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 49,155 issued and 49,141 outstanding on March 31, 2026, and 48,985 issued and 48,970 outstanding on December 31, 2025 | 49 | | | 49 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,356,890 | | | 1,351,201 | |
| Accumulated deficit | (94,161) | | | (142,669) | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | (459) | | | 334 | |
Treasury stock, at cost — 14 shares on March 31, 2026 and on December 31, 2025 | (256) | | | (256) | |
| Total Stockholders' Equity | 1,262,063 | | | 1,208,659 | |
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 1,839,179 | | | $ | 1,777,775 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| NET SALES | $ | 297,644 | | | $ | 263,249 | |
| COST OF GOODS SOLD | 176,970 | | | 159,461 | |
| GROSS PROFIT | 120,674 | | | 103,788 | |
| SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES | 116,343 | | | 115,285 | |
| INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS | 4,331 | | | (11,497) | |
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES): | | | |
| Interest and Other Income, net | 2,883 | | | 2,393 | |
| Interest Expense | (3,586) | | | (3,459) | |
| Gain on Equity Investment | 62,013 | | | — | |
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) | 61,310 | | | (1,066) | |
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 65,641 | | | (12,563) | |
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 17,133 | | | 134 | |
| INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | $ | 48,508 | | | $ | (12,697) | |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME: | | | |
| Change in foreign currency translation | $ | (793) | | | $ | 211 | |
| TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME | (793) | | | 211 | |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 47,715 | | | $ | (12,486) | |
| NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | | | |
| -BASIC | $ | 0.99 | | | $ | (0.26) | |
| -DILUTED | $ | 0.91 | | | $ | (0.26) | |
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING | | | |
| -BASIC | 49,062 | | 48,733 |
| -DILUTED | 56,060 | | 48,733 |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited, in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Shares | | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | | Treasury Shares | | Treasury Stock | | Total Stockholders' Equity |
| BALANCES, December 31, 2025 | 48,985 | | $ | 49 | | | $ | 1,351,201 | | | $ | (142,669) | | | $ | 334 | | | 14 | | $ | (256) | | | $ | 1,208,659 | |
| Exercise of options to purchase common stock | 21 | | | — | | | 743 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | 743 | |
| Vesting of restricted stock units | 149 | | | — | | | (4,604) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | (4,604) | |
| Share-based compensation expense | — | | — | | | 9,550 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | 9,550 | |
| Foreign currency translation | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (793) | | | — | | — | | | (793) | |
| Net income | — | | — | | | — | | | 48,508 | | | — | | | — | | — | | | 48,508 | |
| BALANCES, March 31, 2026 | 49,155 | | $ | 49 | | | $ | 1,356,890 | | | $ | (94,161) | | | $ | (459) | | | 14 | | $ | (256) | | | $ | 1,262,063 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Shares | | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Accumulated Deficit | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | Treasury Shares | | Treasury Stock | | Total Stockholders' Equity |
| BALANCES, December 31, 2024 | 48,716 | | $ | 49 | | | $ | 1,338,160 | | | $ | (281,806) | | | $ | (787) | | | 14 | | $ | (256) | | | $ | 1,055,360 | |
| Exercise of options to purchase common stock | 4 | | — | | | 157 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | 157 | |
| Vesting of restricted stock units | 68 | | — | | | (2,918) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | (2,918) | |
| Share-based compensation expense | — | | — | | | 9,376 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | — | | | 9,376 | |
| Foreign currency translation | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 211 | | | — | | — | | | 211 | |
| Net loss | — | | — | | | — | | | (12,697) | | | — | | | — | | — | | | (12,697) | |
| BALANCES, March 31, 2025 | 48,788 | | 49 | | | $ | 1,344,775 | | | $ | (294,503) | | | $ | (576) | | | 14 | | $ | (256) | | | $ | 1,049,489 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 48,508 | | | $ | (12,697) | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows provided by operating activities: | | | |
| Provision for loss on accounts receivable | — | | | 11,452 | |
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 126 | | | 744 | |
| Share-based compensation | 9,137 | | | 8,816 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 24,990 | | | 21,827 | |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 554 | | | 535 | |
| Change in operating lease right of use asset | 828 | | | 309 | |
| Deferred income taxes | 16,089 | | | — | |
| Gain on equity investment | (62,013) | | | — | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | |
| Accounts receivable | (1,407) | | | (5,609) | |
| Inventories | (3,149) | | | (2,952) | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 544 | | | 688 | |
| Other assets | (1,334) | | | (1,102) | |
| Accounts payable | (8,128) | | | 4,574 | |
| Accrued expenses | 16,100 | | | (21,461) | |
| Operating lease liability | (516) | | | (317) | |
| Net cash flows provided by operating activities | 40,329 | | | 4,807 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | |
| Proceeds from sale of equity investment | 95,459 | | | — | |
| Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment, software and deposits on equipment | (27,599) | | | (26,491) | |
| Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities | 67,860 | | | (26,491) | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | |
| Proceeds from exercise of options to purchase common stock | 743 | | | 157 | |
| Tax withholdings related to net shares settlements of restricted stock units | (4,542) | | | (2,861) | |
| Principal payments under finance lease obligations | (984) | | | (513) | |
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | (4,783) | | | (3,217) | |
| NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 103,406 | | | (24,901) | |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR | 277,975 | | | 268,633 | |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 381,381 | | | $ | 243,732 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | | | |
| Taxes paid | $ | 213 | | | $ | — | |
| Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized | $ | 6,051 | | | $ | 5,945 | |
| NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | |
| Property, plant and equipment and software purchases in accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 9,695 | | | $ | 7,789 | |
| Non-cash addition of finance lease to property, plant and equipment | $ | — | | | $ | 7,236 | |
| Tax withholdings related to net shares settlements of restricted stock units in accrued expenses | $ | 61 | | | $ | 58 | |
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Nature of the Business – Freshpet, Inc. (hereafter referred to as “Freshpet”, the “Company”, “we,” "us" or “our”), a Delaware corporation, manufactures and markets fresh meals and treats for dogs and cats. The Company’s products are distributed throughout the United States, Canada and other international markets, into major retail classes including Grocery, Mass, International, Digital, Pet Specialty, and Club.
Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company as well as the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual audited consolidated financial statements and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of management, the interim unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2026, the results of its operations and changes to stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2026, are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2026, or any other interim periods, or any future year or period. All amounts included herein have been rounded except where otherwise stated. As figures are rounded, numbers presented throughout this document may not add up precisely to the totals we provide and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Item 8 of Part II, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Estimates and Uncertainties – The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in determining, among other items, trade incentives, share-based compensation and useful lives for long-lived assets. Actual results, as determined at a later date, could differ from those estimates.
Segments – The Company has one operating and reportable segment, as the Company's chief operating decision maker, who is the Company's Chief Executive Officer, reviews financial information on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.
The accounting policies of the segment are the same as those described herein, Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
Investment in Unconsolidated Company – The Company utilizes the equity method to account for investments when the Company possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate that the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
In 2020, the Company invested in a privately held company, with the investment initially accounted for under the equity method of accounting based on its ability to exercise significant influence, based on its representation on and the makeup of the investee's Board of Directors. As of March 30, 2023, significant influence had been lost and the Company stopped accounting for the investment as an equity method investment and began to account for the investment under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 321 ("ASC 321"), Investments - Equity Securities.
On January 16, 2026, the Company received $95,459 in cash for the sale of 100% of its non-controlling interest in the privately held company following the equity investment's acquisition by a third party. The carrying value of the investment at December 31, 2025 was $33,446. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $62,013 in the first quarter of 2026. The gain is subject to customary post-closing adjustments, which have not occurred as of March 31, 2026.
March 2023 Issuance of $402.5 million of 3.00% Convertible Senior Notes (the "Convertible Notes") - In conjunction with the issuance of the $402.5 million Convertible Notes in March 2023, the Company evaluated the debt instrument and its embedded features to determine if the contract or the embedded components of the contract qualified as a derivative that would be required to be separately accounted for in accordance with the relevant accounting literature.
The Company accounts for the Convertible Notes as a single liability measured at amortized cost with debt issuance costs recorded as a direct deduction to the debt liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company uses the effective interest rate method to amortize the debt issuance costs to interest expense over the respective term of the Convertible Notes.
Leases – The Company is a lessee in noncancelable (1) operating leases, and (2) finance leases, which it accounts for in accordance with ASC Topic 842, Leases.
The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. The Company recognizes a right of use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. For both operating and finance leases, the right of use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease payments made at or before the lease commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred less any lease incentives received; and the lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the unpaid lease payments at the lease commencement date.
The Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate; therefore, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future payments for those leases. The Company's incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest it would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms in a similar economic environment.
Right of use assets for the operating and finance leases are periodically reviewed for impairment losses. The Company uses the long-lived assets impairment guidance in ASC Subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment - Overall, to determine whether a right of use asset is impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to recognize. No such loss was recognized as of March 31, 2026.
The Company monitors for events or changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of its leases. When a reassessment results in the remeasurement of a lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the corresponding right of use asset.
The Company has elected the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components when determining the right of use asset and lease liability for certain classes of leased assets, including office buildings, warehouse buildings and manufacturing equipment. This election has not been made for all other classes of leased assets. The Company has also elected to not recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less. The Company recognizes the lease payments associated with its short-term leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 740 ("ASC 740"), Income Taxes. This approach requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes, and recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences stemming from temporary differences between asset and liability carrying amounts and their tax bases, principally net operating loss carryforwards, depreciation, and share-based compensation. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effects for the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
A valuation allowance is established to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not (a probability level of more than 50%) that the net deferred asset will not be realized. This evaluation utilizes the framework contained in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, pursuant to which management analyzed all positive and negative evidence available at the balance sheet date to determine whether all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Income tax expense for interim periods is based on an estimated annual income tax rate, adjusted for discrete tax items, with any changes affecting the estimated annual effective tax rate recorded in the interim period in which the change occurs.
Share-based Compensation – The Company recognizes share-based compensation based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. The Company estimates grant date fair value of its options using the Black-Scholes Merton option-pricing model. Service and performance based restricted stock units are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying stock on the dates of the grants whereas market based restricted stock units, such as total shareholder return awards, are measured using the Monte-Carlo simulation. Share awards are amortized under the straight-line method over the requisite service period of the entire award. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting upon retirement if age and service conditions are met. When an employee is retirement‑eligible (or becomes eligible during the vesting period), the Company recognizes compensation cost for the portion of the award for which the requisite service period has been rendered, resulting in accelerated expense recognition. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Cash Equivalents – The Company holds treasury bills with original maturities when purchased of less than three months, within cash and cash equivalents, carried at amortized cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Treasury bills have been classified as held-to-maturity as we have the ability and intent to hold them to maturity. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $99,734 of treasury bills within cash equivalents, which included $267 of amortized discount. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $99,789 of treasury bills within cash equivalents, which included $275 of amortized discount.
Trade Accounts Receivable – The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company's assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, the age of the accounts receivable balances and current economic conditions that may affect a customer's ability to pay. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, we recognized a provision for loss on accounts receivable of $0. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recognized a provision for loss on accounts receivable of $11,452, of which $10,680 was attributable to the liquidation of one of our pet specialty distributors.
Implementation Costs of Cloud Computing Arrangement – As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company's deferred implementation costs of systems associated with cloud computing arrangements, which are reflected within prepaid and other assets, were $14,101 and $13,428, respectively. The cost will be recognized over the term of the agreements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments – ASC 820 guidance specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
•Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments whose value is based on quoted market prices such as exchange-traded instruments and listed equities.
•Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (e.g., quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active). Level 2 includes financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies.
•Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Financial instruments are considered Level 3 when their fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flows or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable.
Our financial assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the fair values of which approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company holds certain financial assets within cash and cash equivalents in the form of held-to-maturity treasury bills as we have the ability and intent to hold them to maturity, as such, they are not fair valued each reporting period but instead measured at amortized cost. The fair value of these assets is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar securities within less active markets, which the Company determined to be Level 2 inputs. As of March 31, 2026, the fair value of these treasury bills approximates their carrying value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Certain financial and non-financial assets, including operating lease right-of-use assets and property, plant and equipment are reported at their carrying values and are not subject to recurring fair value measurements. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Refer to Note 6 - Convertible Senior Notes for the fair value of our Convertible Senior Notes.
As of March 31, 2026, the Company maintained Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities.
Net Sales – Information about the Company’s net sales by class of retailer is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| Grocery, Mass, International and Digital | $ | 232,319 | | | $ | 215,156 | |
| Pet Specialty and Club | 65,325 | | | 48,093 | |
| Net Sales | $ | 297,644 | | | $ | 263,249 | |
The pet specialty and club class of retailers service a specific consumer through specialized offerings, which include value focused and or premium products. In contrast, grocery, mass, international and digital offer a wide variety of products.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires disclosures related to the specific types of expenses included within the expense captions presented on the face of the income statement as well as disclosures about selling expenses. This guidance will be effective for the Company for the annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2027 and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and its effect on its future consolidated financial statements.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which amends certain aspects of the accounting for software costs, including removing software development project stages and requiring companies to capitalize software costs when both of the following occur: (1) management authorizes or commits to funding a software project and (2) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. This guidance will be effective for the Company for the annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2028, including the interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. The guidance can be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or utilizing a modified transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and its effect on its future consolidated financial statements.
Note 2 – Inventories, net:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2026 | | December 31, 2025 |
| Raw Materials and Work in Process | $ | 21,949 | | | $ | 15,408 | |
| Packaging Components Material | 6,239 | | | 5,687 | |
| Finished Goods | 52,400 | | | 55,671 | |
| Inventories, net | $ | 80,588 | | | $ | 76,766 | |
Note 3 – Property, Plant and Equipment, net:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2026 | | December 31, 2025 |
| Refrigeration Equipment | $ | 210,809 | | | $ | 211,709 | |
| Machinery and Equipment | 366,971 | | | 344,890 | |
| Building, Land and Improvements | 767,067 | | | 730,298 | |
| Furniture and Office Equipment | 19,389 | | | 18,464 | |
| Leasehold Improvements | 5,173 | | | 5,162 | |
| Construction in Progress | 93,872 | | | 130,438 | |
| Finance Lease Right of Use Asset | 35,714 | | | 35,714 | |
| 1,498,995 | | | 1,476,675 | |
| Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization | (355,406) | | | (338,004) | |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, net | $ | 1,143,589 | | | $ | 1,138,671 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment for the three months ended March 31, 2026 totaled $23,940, of which $17,957 was recorded to cost of goods sold with the remainder of depreciation expense recorded to selling, general and administrative expense.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant and equipment for the three months ended March 31, 2025 totaled $20,918, of which $15,864 was recorded to cost of goods sold with the remainder of depreciation expense recorded to selling, general and administrative expense.
Note 4 – Income Taxes:
Income tax expense and the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| Income before income taxes | $ | 65,641 | | | $ | (12,563) | |
| Income tax expense | $ | 17,133 | | | $ | 134 | |
| Effective tax rate | 26.1 | % | | (1.1) | % |
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes. Income tax expense for the quarter includes discrete tax expense of $15.5 million related to the gain on the sale of an equity investment, which was recognized in full during the quarter. The gain did not impact the Company's effective tax rate, as it was fully taxable and resulted in no permanent differences.
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the full valuation allowance in the prior year period.
At December 31, 2025, the Company concluded that it was appropriate to release a majority of the valuation allowance against the $71.4 million of deferred tax assets recorded as of that date based on the weight of available evidence, which now supports the conclusion that it is more likely than not that the majority of deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on sustained profitability, including generating three-year cumulative income before taxes of $76.9 million, excluding the gain in fiscal year 2024 on our equity investment, the significant deferred tax liabilities expected to reverse in future periods, and the projections of future taxable income sufficient to fully utilize the Company's federal and state NOLs, the positive evidence supporting the release of most of the valuation allowance outweighed the negative evidence supporting a full valuation allowance. As a result, we recognized a deferred income tax benefit of $68.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.
For the three months ended March 31, 2026, income tax expense was $17.1 million, of which $16.1 million represented deferred income tax expense. Income tax expense increased $17.0 million compared to the prior year period, primarily attributable to an increase in taxable income due to the gain on equity investment.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Note 5 – Accrued Expenses:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2026 | | December 31, 2025 |
| Accrued Compensation and Employee Related Costs | $ | 8,357 | | | $ | 8,030 | |
| Accrued Chiller Cost | 2,333 | | | 3,484 | |
| Accrued Construction Costs | — | | | 466 | |
| Accrued Freight | 4,401 | | | 2,777 | |
| Accrued Production Expenses | 6,282 | | | 5,469 | |
| Accrued Corporate and Marketing Expenses | 22,136 | | | 4,646 | |
| Accrued Interest | — | | | 3,019 | |
| Other Accrued Expenses | 3,995 | | | 3,719 | |
| Accrued Expenses | $ | 47,504 | | | $ | 31,610 | |
Note 6 – Convertible Senior Notes:
In March 2023, we issued $402,500 aggregate principal amount of 3.0% convertible senior notes due 2028 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes were issued in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The net proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes were approximately $391,492 after deducting offering and issuance costs related to the Convertible Notes and before the 2023 Capped Call transactions, as described below.
The Convertible Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations and accrue interest at a rate of 3.0% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2023. The Convertible Notes will mature on April 1, 2028 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by us. Before January 3, 2028, noteholders will have the right to convert their Convertible Notes only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ended on June 30, 2023 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "common stock"), for each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five consecutive business day period immediately after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the "measurement period") in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes, as determined following a request by a holder or holders of the Convertible Notes in the manner described in the indenture pursuant to which the Convertible Notes were issued and are governed (the “Indenture”), for each trading day of the measurement period, was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; (3) if we call any or all of the Convertible Notes for redemption, but only with respect to the convertible notes called (or deemed called) for redemption; or (4) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events (e.g., a fundamental change or the making of certain distributions). On or after January 3, 2028, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, a holder may convert its Convertible Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
No early conversions have occurred as of March 31, 2026 or since inception. As of March 31, 2026, noteholders do not have the right to early convert under the 130% early conversion feature.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
We will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election. The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 14.3516 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $69.68 per share of common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price are subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, in connection with a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), which shall include, among other things the Company's delivery of a notice of redemption, the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event or redemption, as the case may be.
We may redeem for cash all or any portion of the Convertible Notes, at our option, on or after April 3, 2026 and on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we send the notice of redemption, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. However, we may not redeem less than all of the outstanding Convertible Notes unless at least $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes are outstanding and not called for redemption as of the time we send the related redemption notice.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their Convertible Notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
The effective interest rate for the Convertible Notes is 3.59%. Transaction costs of $11,008 attributable to the issuance of the Convertible Notes were recorded as a direct deduction from the related debt liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest method.
The Company measures the fair value of its Convertible Notes for disclosure purposes. The fair value is based on observable market prices for this debt, which is traded in less active markets and is therefore classified as a Level 2 fair value measurement. The following table discloses the carrying value and fair value of the Company's Convertible Notes as of March 31, 2026:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2026 |
| Carrying Value (1) | | Fair Value |
3.00% Convertible Senior Notes Maturing April 1, 2028 | $ | 397,884 | | | $ | 462,206 | |
| Total | $ | 397,884 | | | $ | 462,206 | |
(1)The carrying amounts presented are net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $4,616 as of March 31, 2026.
Lender fees that were paid upfront to the lenders and debt issuance fees paid to third parties are recorded as a discount to the carrying amount of debt and are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
The total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 recognized related to the Convertible Notes consists of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| Contractual interest expense | $ | 3,019 | | | $ | 3,019 | |
| Amortization of issuance costs | 554 | | | 535 | |
| Total | $ | 3,573 | | | $ | 3,554 | |
As of March 31, 2026 and 2025, the interest expense incurred to date was paid in full, with $0 of accrued interest expense as of the quarter end.
As the proceeds from the sale of the Convertible Notes are being used to fund construction on the Company's manufacturing facility expansion, approximately $627 and $635 of the interest expense incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025, respectively, was capitalized to construction in progress. As of March 31, 2026 and 2025, $1,854 and $1,422 of capitalized interest, respectively, was reclassified from construction in progress to assets placed in service.
Note 7 – Purchase of Capped Call Options:
In connection with the pricing of the Convertible Notes issued in March 2023, we used $66,211 of the net proceeds from the Convertible Notes to enter into privately negotiated capped call transactions (collectively, the “Capped Call Transactions”) with certain financial institutions.
The Capped Call Transactions are generally expected to reduce potential dilution to holders of our common stock upon any conversion of the Convertible Notes and/or offset any cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the market price per share of our common stock is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap.
The Capped Call Transactions have an initial cap price of approximately $120.23 per share, which represents a premium of 120% over the last reported sale price of our common stock of $54.65 per share on March 15, 2023, and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the Capped Call Transactions. Collectively, the Capped Call Transactions cover, initially, the number of shares of our common stock underlying the Convertible Notes, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Convertible Notes.
The Capped Call Transactions are accounted for as freestanding derivatives and recorded at the initial fair value in additional paid-in-capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with no recorded subsequent change to fair value as long as they meet the criteria for equity classification. As of March 31, 2026, the instrument continued to qualify for equity classification.
Note 8 – Leases
We have various noncancelable operating lease agreements for office, lab, warehouse and manufacturing space with original remaining lease terms of three years to twenty years, some of which include an option to extend the lease term for up to ten years. Because the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise the renewal options on these lease arrangements, the options are not considered in determining the lease term and associated potential option payments are excluded from lease payments. The Company’s leases generally do not include termination options for either party to the lease or restrictive financial or other covenants.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
We also have finance lease agreements for manufacturing equipment and land with initial terms of ten years and twenty years, with options to extend the lease terms by the corresponding number of years, which the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise. The manufacturing equipment agreement does not include termination options for either party to the lease or restrictive financial or other covenants. The land agreement contains termination options that are not wholly within the control of the Company, and therefore, are not considered as part of the term of the lease.
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) and discount rate related to operating and finance leases were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2026 |
| Operating Leases | | Finance Lease |
| Weighted-average remaining lease term | 17.44 | | 9.92 |
| Weighted-average discount rate | 8.4 | % | | 8.6 | % |
As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments.
Maturities of lease liabilities under noncancelable operating leases and finance leases as of March 31, 2026 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2026 |
| Operating Leases | | Finance Lease |
2026 (1) | $ | 5,885 | | | $ | 3,166 | |
| 2027 | 7,164 | | | 4,810 | |
| 2028 | 6,461 | | | 4,831 | |
| 2029 | 6,537 | | | 4,852 | |
| 2030 and beyond | 108,423 | | | 27,379 | |
| Total lease payments | $ | 134,469 | | | $ | 45,038 | |
| Less: Imputed interest | (67,722) | | | (15,632) | |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 66,748 | | | $ | 29,406 | |
(1)Excluding the three months ended March 31, 2026.
A summary of lease costs for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | 2026 | | 2025 |
| Operating Lease: | | | | | |
| Lease cost | Cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative | | $ | 2,236 | | | $ | 373 | |
| | | | | |
| Finance Lease: | | | | | |
| Amortization of right of use asset | Cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative | | $ | 800 | | | $ | 712 | |
| Interest on lease liabilities | Interest expense | | $ | 640 | | | $ | 542 | |
Variable lease cost (2) | Inventory/Cost of goods sold (2) | | $ | 6,136 | | | $ | 5,282 | |
(2)Variable lease cost primarily consists of the procurement and manufacturing costs capitalized to inventory. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, $6,136 and $5,282, respectively, of
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
variable lease cost were capitalized to inventory and will be captured as part of cost of goods sold as the inventory turns.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of March 31, 2026 | | As of December 31, 2025 |
| Assets: | | | | |
| Operating leases | Operating lease right of use assets | $ | 65,596 | | | $ | 66,424 | |
| Finance lease, net | Property, plant and equipment, net | 27,521 | | | 28,323 | |
| Total lease assets | | $ | 93,117 | | | $ | 94,747 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Liabilities: | | | | |
| Current: | | | | |
| Operating lease liabilities | Current operating lease liabilities | $ | 2,336 | | | $ | 2,241 | |
| Finance lease liabilities | Current finance lease liabilities | 2,346 | | | 2,315 | |
| Non-current: | | | | |
| Operating lease liabilities | Long term operating lease liabilities | 64,412 | | | 65,023 | |
| Finance lease liabilities | Long term finance lease liabilities | 27,060 | | | 28,075 | |
| Total lease liabilities | | $ | 96,154 | | | $ | 97,654 | |
Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity relating to operating and finance leases are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| Operating cash flow information: | 2026 | | 2025 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | $ | 1,923 | | | $ | 380 | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of finance lease liabilities (i.e. interest) | $ | 640 | | | $ | 542 | |
| Finance cash flow information: | | | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of finance lease liabilities (i.e. principal payment) | $ | 984 | | | $ | 513 | |
Note 9 – Equity Incentive Plans (in thousands, except share data):
Total compensation cost for share-based payments recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2026 totaled $9,137, of which $1,588 was recorded to cost of goods sold with the remainder recorded to selling, general and administrative expense.
Total compensation cost for share-based payments recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2025 totaled $8,816, of which $1,283 was recorded to cost of goods sold with the remainder recorded to selling, general and administrative expense.
NASDAQ Marketplace Rules Inducement Award - During the three months ended March 31, 2026, as an inducement in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), and therefore outside of any Company equity incentive plan, 7,500 service based restricted stock units were granted to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Under the terms of the applicable award agreement, the grant is governed as if issued under the Freshpet, Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, and will vest in equal annual installments over three years, subject to the officer’s continued service to the Company.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Service Period and Performance Based Stock Options - During the three months ended March 31, 2026, no service based or performance based stock options were granted and 21,353 stock options were exercised.
Service Period Restricted Stock Units - During the three months ended March 31, 2026, 191,956 service based restricted stock units were granted, including the 7,500 inducement award units, at a weighted average grant-date fair market value of $80.95. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, 149,612 restricted stock units vested.
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units - During the three months ended March 31, 2026, no performance based restricted stock units were granted.
Market Based Restricted Stock Units - During the three months ended March 31, 2026, 46,344 performance based restricted stock units with a market condition (total shareholder return or "TSR") were granted, which will vest at the end of the three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2028; however, the number of shares delivered will vary based upon the attained level of performance and may range from 0 to 2.5 times the number of target units awarded. The TSR units were granted at a weighted average grant-date fair market value of $91.94.
Note 10 – Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders:
Basic net income (loss) per share of common stock is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive securities. For purpose of determining diluted earnings per common share, the treasury stock method is used for stock options, warrants, and RSUs, and the if-converted method is used for convertible instruments such as convertible debt as prescribed in ASC Topic 260 ("ASC 260"). In conjunction with the issuance of the $402.5 million Convertible Notes in March 2023, the Company used $66.2 million of the proceeds to purchase capped call instruments. In accordance with ASC 260, antidilutive contracts, such as purchased put options and purchased call options are excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share. Accordingly, any potential impact resulting from capped call transactions is excluded from our computation of diluted net income (loss) per share.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is shown below.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders, Basic | $ | 48,508 | | | $ | (12,697) | |
| Convertible Notes - Interest Expense, net | 2,247 | | | — | |
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders, Diluted | $ | 50,755 | | | $ | (12,697) | |
| | | |
| Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic | 49,062 | | 48,733 |
| Service Period Stock Options | 472 | | | — | |
| Restricted Stock Units | 227 | | | — | |
| Performance Stock Options | 523 | | | — | |
| Convertible Notes - Potential Common Shares | 5,776 | | | — | |
| Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted | 56,060 | | 48,733 |
| | | |
| Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share | $ | 0.99 | | | $ | (0.26) | |
| Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share | $ | 0.91 | | | $ | (0.26) | |
| | | |
The potentially dilutive securities excluded from the determination of diluted net income (loss) per share, as their effect is antidilutive, are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| Service Period Stock Options | — | | 567 |
| Restricted Stock Units | — | | 271 |
| Performance Stock Options | — | | 765 |
| Convertible Notes | — | | 5,776 |
| Total | — | | 7,379 |
Note 11 – Concentrations:
Concentration of Credit Risk—The Company maintains its cash balances in financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250 each. At times, such balances may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.
Major Customers— For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, one distributor accounted for 7% and 4% of our net sales, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, two customers accounted for 26% and 12% of our net sales, respectively, whereas for the three months ended March 31, 2025, two customers accounted for 26% and 10% of our net sales, respectively.
As of March 31, 2026, one distributor and two customers accounted for 6%, 33%, and 13% of our accounts receivable, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, one distributor and two customers accounted for 4%, 29%, and 15% of our accounts receivable, respectively.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies:
Commitments - In August 2025, we entered into a lease arrangement for a to-be constructed warehouse space, which will contribute right of use assets and lease liabilities upon lease commencement, which is currently anticipated to occur during the first quarter of 2027. As of March 31, 2026, the future commitments related to this arrangement are not determinable as they are variable in nature.
The Company’s executives are participants in the Freshpet Key Executive Severance Plan requiring the Company to pay severance in the event of certain terminations as detailed therein.
Legal Obligations - We are currently involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Legal costs such as outside counsel fees and expenses are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses in the period incurred. None of these claims or proceedings, most of which are covered by insurance, are expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in amounts owing under successful claims could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 13 – Segments:
The Company operates in one consolidated operating and reportable segment: the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of fresh dog food, cat food, and dog treats (collectively, "fresh pet food products"). The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), who is the Company's Chief Executive Officer, reviews financial information on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.
The segment derives revenues from the sale of fresh pet food products to retailers, through direct sales and distributor arrangements. Revenue from transactions with external customers for each of our fresh pet food products would be impracticable to disclose and management, including the CODM, does not view its business by product line. Although the CODM does not review such information on a regular basis, refer to Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for information about the Company's net sales by class of retailer.
The CODM measures performance for the segment primarily based on net income (loss). The CODM uses net income (loss) to evaluate operating performance and the execution of capacity expansion plans to drive greater capital efficiency.
The measure of segment assets is reported as total assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and total capital expenditures for additions to long-lived assets were $27,599 and $26,491 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
FRESHPET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Financial information, including segment revenue, significant segment expenses, and profit or loss for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 is presented in the table below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | 2026 | | 2025 |
| Net sales | | $ | 297,644 | | | $ | 263,249 | |
| Input costs (a) | | (84,921) | | | (77,087) | |
| Quality costs (b) | | (6,253) | | | (5,879) | |
| Logistics costs (c) | | (18,673) | | | (15,386) | |
| Media costs (d) | | (47,041) | | | (39,791) | |
| Plant costs and other costs of goods sold (e) | | (66,189) | | | (59,326) | |
| Other segment selling, general and administrative items (f) | | (35,983) | | | (45,890) | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | (24,990) | | | (21,827) | |
| Share-based compensation | | (9,137) | | | (8,816) | |
| Loss on disposals of equipment | | (126) | | | (744) | |
| Interest and other income, net | | 2,883 | | | 2,393 | |
| Interest expense | | (3,586) | | | (3,459) | |
| Gain on equity investment | | 62,013 | | | — | |
| Income tax expense | | (17,133) | | | (134) | |
| Consolidated net income (loss) | | $ | 48,508 | | | $ | (12,697) | |
(a) Input costs include expenses related to the procurement of raw materials and packaging materials used in the production of finished goods.
(b) Quality costs include expenses related to quality control processes in place over the production of our dog and cat food products. This includes high pressure processing costs, which is a food preservation method that uses high pressure and cold water to inactivate pathogens and extend shelf life.
(c) Logistics costs include expenses related to the transportation of finished goods from production facilities to our customers and certain warehousing costs.
(d) Media costs include expenses related to advertising through media outlets.
(e) Plant costs and other cost of goods sold items include plant employee costs and administrative expenses directly related to the cost of goods sold.
(f) Other segment selling, general and administrative items include employee costs, chiller expenses, and other administrative selling expenses.
Note 14 – Subsequent Events:
The Company evaluates events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued for recognition or disclosures.
The Company did not identify any recognized or unrecognized subsequent events that require adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows as of and for the periods presented below. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 1 and with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (our "Annual Report").
In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, such as our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions. Our actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in the section entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" in this report and in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report.
Overview
Freshpet's mission is to help dogs and cats live longer, happier, healthier lives with the people who love them. We were inspired by the rapidly growing view among pet owners that their dogs and cats are a part of their family, leading them to demand healthier pet food choices. Since Freshpet's inception in 2006, we have created a comprehensive business model to deliver wholesome pet food that pet parents can trust, and in the process, we believe we have become one of the fastest growing pet food companies in North America. Our business model is difficult for others to replicate and we see significant opportunity for future growth by leveraging the unique elements of our business, including our brand, our production technology, our manufacturing network, our refrigerated distribution, our Freshpet Fridges and our culture.
Components of our Results of Operations
Net Sales
Our net sales are derived from the sale of fresh pet food products to retailers, through direct sales and distributor arrangements. Our products are primarily sold to consumers through a fast-growing network of company-owned branded refrigerators, known as Freshpet Fridges, located in our customers’ stores. We continue to roll out Freshpet Fridges at leading retailers across North America and parts of Europe and have installed Freshpet Fridges in approximately 30,425 retail stores as of March 31, 2026. Our products are sold under the Freshpet brand name with ingredients, packaging and labeling customized by class of retail. Sales are recorded net of discounts, returns and promotional allowances.
Our net sales growth strategy is driven by the following key factors:
•Increasing sales velocity from the average Freshpet Fridge due to increasing awareness, trial and adoption of Freshpet products and innovation. Our investments in marketing and advertising help to drive awareness and trial at each point of sale.
•Increasing distribution and penetration of Freshpet products in major classes of retail, including Grocery, Mass, International, Digital, Pet Specialty, and Club. The impact of new Freshpet Fridge installations on our net sales varies by retail class and depends on numerous factors including store traffic, refrigerator size, placement within the store, and proximity to other stores that carry our products. Digital orders include any purchases made online, including our direct-to-consumer business, and may also be fulfilled by our Freshpet Fridge network in brick and mortar stores.
•Consumer trends including long-term growth in pet ownership, pet humanization and a focus on health and wellness.
•At times we increase our sales price to offset any adverse movement in input costs.
Gross Profit
Our gross profit is net of costs of goods sold, which include the costs of product manufacturing, product ingredients, packaging materials and inbound freight, as well as depreciation and amortization and non-cash share-based compensation.
We expect to continue to mitigate any adverse movement in input costs through a combination of cost management and price increases.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the following:
Outbound freight. We use a third-party logistics provider for outbound freight that ships directly to retailers as well as third-party distributors.
Marketing & advertising. Our marketing and advertising expenses primarily consist of television advertising, digital, and social media channels. Our digital efforts span a range of platforms and environments, including company and retail websites, retail media networks, search engines, blogs, and online reviews. These expenses may vary from quarter to quarter depending on the timing of marketing and advertising campaigns.
Freshpet Fridge operating costs. Freshpet Fridge operating costs consist of repair costs and depreciation. The purchase and installation costs for new Freshpet Fridges are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life. Freshpet Fridges purchased in 2025, and after, are protected by a manufacturer warranty of five years, while those purchased prior to 2025 carry a three-year manufacturer warranty. We subsequently incur maintenance and freight costs for repairs and refurbishments handled by third-party service providers.
Research & development. Research and development costs consist of expenses to develop and test new products. The costs are expensed as incurred.
Brokerage. We use third-party brokers to assist with monitoring our products at the point-of-sale as well as representing us at headquarters for various customers. These brokers visit our retail customers’ store locations to ensure items are appropriately stocked and maintained.
Share-based compensation. The Company recognizes share-based compensation based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. The Company estimates grant date fair value of its options using the Black-Scholes Merton option-pricing model. Service and performance based restricted stock units are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying stock on the dates of the grants whereas market based restricted stock units, such as total shareholder return awards, are measured using the Monte-Carlo simulation. Share awards are amortized under the straight-line method over the requisite service period of the entire award. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Other general & administrative costs. Other general and administrative costs include non-plant personnel salaries and benefits, as well as corporate general & administrative costs.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense is comprised of federal and state income tax expense based on the period’s taxable income.
As a result of releasing a majority of the valuation allowance in 2025, and the resulting deferred tax asset position, income tax expense for the current period primarily represents deferred income tax expense.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| Amount | % of Net Sales | | Amount | % of Net Sales |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Net sales | $ | 297,644 | | 100 | % | | $ | 263,249 | | 100 | % |
| Cost of goods sold | 176,970 | | 59 | % | | 159,461 | | 61 | % |
| Gross profit | 120,674 | | 41 | % | | 103,788 | | 39 | % |
| Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 116,343 | | 39 | % | | 115,285 | | 44 | % |
| Income (loss) from operations | 4,331 | | 1 | % | | (11,497) | | (4) | % |
| Interest and other income, net | 2,883 | | 1 | % | | 2,393 | | 1 | % |
| Interest expense | (3,586) | | (1) | % | | (3,459) | | (1) | % |
| Gain on equity investment | 62,013 | | 21 | % | | — | | — | % |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 65,641 | | 22 | % | | (12,563) | | (5) | % |
| Income tax expense | 17,133 | | 6 | % | | 134 | | — | % |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 48,508 | | 16 | % | | $ | (12,697) | | (5) | % |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Net Sales
The following table sets forth net sales by class of retailer:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| 2026 | | 2025 | |
| Amount | | % of Net Sales | | Amount | | % of Net Sales | |
| | | | | | | | |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Grocery, Mass, International and Digital | $ | 232,319 | | | 78 | % | | $ | 215,156 | | | 82 | % | |
| Pet Specialty and Club | 65,325 | | | 22 | % | | 48,093 | | | 18 | % | |
| Net Sales | $ | 297,644 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 263,249 | | | 100 | % | |
Net sales increased $34.4 million, or 13.1%, to $297.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared to $263.2 million in the same period in the prior year. The $34.4 million increase in net sales was driven by growth in the Grocery, Mass, International, and Digital channel of $17.2 million, with the remaining growth in the Pet Specialty and Club channel. The net sales increase was primarily driven by volume gains of 14.6%, partially offset by unfavorable price/mix of 1.5%.
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $120.7 million, or 40.5% as a percentage of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $103.8 million, or 39.4% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. The 1.1% increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to lower input costs and improved leverage on plant expenses.
Adjusted Gross Profit for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was $139.6 million, or 46.9% as a percentage of net sales, compared to $120.2 million, or 45.7% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") were $116.3 million, or 39.1% as a percentage of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $115.3 million, or 43.8% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. The decrease in SG&A as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to a decrease in non-recurring charges that occurred in the first quarter of 2025, partially offset by increased media spend.
Adjusted SG&A for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was $101.7 million, or 34.2% as a percentage of net sales, compared to $84.7 million, or 32.2% as a percentage of net sales, in the prior year period. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Income (Loss) from Operations
As a result of the factors discussed above, income from operations increased by $15.8 million to income from operations of $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared to loss from operations of $11.5 million in the prior year period.
Interest and Other Income, net
The Company recorded interest and other income, net of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as a result of interest income generated from cash and cash equivalents as compared to $2.4 million in the prior year period.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $0.1 million to $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared to $3.5 million in the prior year period. The increase was driven by $0.1 million of additional interest expense related to a finance lease liability.
Gain on Equity Investment
The $62.0 million gain on equity investment for the three months ended March 31, 2026, resulted from the sale of the Company's non-controlling interest in a privately held company following the equity investment's acquisition by a third party, as discussed in Note 1 of our (unaudited) condensed consolidated financial statements.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased $17.0 million to $17.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared to income tax expense of $0.1 million in the prior year period, primarily attributable to an increase in taxable income due to the gain on equity investment.
Net Income (Loss)
Net income increased $61.2 million to net income of $48.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared to a net loss of $12.7 million in the prior year period, primarily due to the gain on equity investment, contributions from higher sales, and decreased non-recurring SG&A charges, partially offset by the increase in income tax expense.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $37.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared to $35.5 million in the prior year period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was a result of increased Adjusted Gross Profit, partially offset by higher Adjusted SG&A expenses. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Freshpet uses the following non-GAAP financial measures in its financial communications. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as supplements to the U.S. GAAP reported measures, should not be considered replacements for, or superior to, the U.S. GAAP measures and may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Such financial measures are not financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
•Adjusted Gross Profit
•Adjusted Gross Profit as a percentage of net sales (Adjusted Gross Margin)
•Adjusted SG&A Expenses
•Adjusted SG&A Expenses as a percentage of net sales
•EBITDA
•Adjusted EBITDA
•Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales (Adjusted EBITDA Margin)
We define Adjusted Gross Profit as gross profit before depreciation expense, non-cash share-based compensation, and loss on disposal of manufacturing equipment. We define Adjusted SG&A as SG&A expenses before depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash share-based compensation, loss on disposal of equipment, distributor transition costs, legal obligation and international business charges. EBITDA represents net income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense net of interest income and, income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA less gain on equity investment, plus non-cash share-based compensation expense, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, distributor transition costs, legal obligation, and international business charges.
We believe that each of these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional metrics to evaluate our operations and, when considered with both our U.S. GAAP results and the reconciliation to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures, provide a more complete understanding of our business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. The non-GAAP measures are not and should not be considered an alternative to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures or any other figure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an indicator of operating performance. We use the non-GAAP financial measures, together with U.S. GAAP financial measures, such as net sales, gross profit margins and cash flow from operations, to assess our historical and prospective operating performance, to provide meaningful comparisons of operating performance across periods, to enhance our understanding of our operating performance and to compare our performance to that of our peers and competitors.
Adjusted EBITDA is also an important component of internal budgeting and setting management compensation.
The non-GAAP financial measures are presented here because we believe they are useful to investors in assessing the operating performance of our business without the effect of non-cash items, and other items as detailed herein. The non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income (loss), income (loss) from operations or any other measure of financial performance calculated and prescribed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA should be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures in other organizations because other organizations may not calculate non-GAAP financial measures in the same manner as we do.
Our presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by the expenses that are excluded from that term or by unusual or non-recurring items. We recognize that the non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical financial measures. For example, the non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect:
•our capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures;
•the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest expense or principal payments associated with indebtedness;
•depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash charges, although the assets being depreciated and amortized will likely have to be replaced in the future, nor any cash requirements for such replacements; and
•changes in our cash requirements for our working capital needs.
Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA excludes (i) non-cash share-based compensation expense, which is and will remain a key element of our overall long-term incentive compensation package, and (ii) certain costs essential to our sales growth and strategy. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations. Other companies in our industry may calculate the non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.
The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Net income (loss) | $ | 48,508 | | | $ | (12,697) | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 24,278 | | | 21,116 | |
| Interest expense, net of interest income | 705 | | | 1,064 | |
| Income tax expense | 17,133 | | | 134 | |
| EBITDA | 90,624 | | | 9,617 | |
| Non-cash share-based compensation (a) | 9,137 | | | 8,816 | |
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 126 | | | 161 | |
| Gain on equity investment | (62,013) | | | — | |
| Distributor transition costs (b) | — | | | 10,680 | |
| Legal obligation (c) | — | | | 4,987 | |
| International business charges (d) | — | | | 1,273 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 37,874 | | | $ | 35,534 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Sales | 12.7 | % | | 13.5 | % |
(a)Includes true-ups to share-based compensation expense. We have certain outstanding share-based awards with performance-based vesting conditions that require the achievement of certain Adjusted EBITDA margins, Adjusted EBITDA and/or Net Sales targets as a condition of vesting. At each reporting period, we reassess the probability of achieving the performance criteria and the performance period required to meet those targets. When the probability of achieving such
performance conditions changes, the compensation cost previously recorded is adjusted as needed. When such performance conditions are deemed to be improbable of achievement, the compensation cost previously recorded is reversed.
(b)Represents a non-recurring loss as a result of an accounts receivable write-off in connection with the liquidation of one of our pet specialty distributors. Concurrent with its liquidation, we transitioned to a new distribution partner, who is a leading pet specialty distributor and who we anticipate will facilitate sales to pet specialty stores. Thus, despite the transitory impact during the first quarter of 2025, our ability to continue to generate sales is consistent with what we would expect to generate within the pet specialty channel.
(c)Represents the net settlement charges for all claims related to the litigation with Phillips.
(d)Represents termination costs due to a business change in our international go-to-market strategy.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Profit to Gross Profit, the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Gross profit | $ | 120,674 | | | $ | 103,788 | |
| Depreciation expense | 17,298 | | | 15,179 | |
| Non-cash share-based compensation | 1,588 | | | 1,283 | |
| Loss (gain) on disposal of manufacturing equipment | 12 | | | (5) | |
| Adjusted Gross Profit | $ | 139,572 | | | $ | 120,245 | |
| Adjusted Gross Profit as a % of Net Sales | 46.9 | % | | 45.7 | % |
The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted SG&A Expenses to SG&A Expenses, the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| SG&A expenses | $ | 116,343 | | | $ | 115,285 | |
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 6,980 | | | 5,937 | |
| Non-cash share-based compensation (a) | 7,549 | | | 7,533 | |
| Loss on disposal of equipment | 114 | | | 166 | |
| Distributor transition costs (b) | — | | | 10,680 | |
| Legal obligation (c) | — | | | 4,987 | |
| International business charges (d) | — | | | 1,273 | |
| Adjusted SG&A Expenses | $ | 101,700 | | | $ | 84,709 | |
| Adjusted SG&A Expenses as a % of Net Sales | 34.2 | % | | 32.2 | % |
(a)Includes true-ups to share-based compensation expense. We have certain outstanding share-based awards with performance-based vesting conditions that require the achievement of certain Adjusted EBITDA margins, Adjusted EBITDA and/or Net Sales targets as a condition of vesting. At each reporting period, we reassess the probability of achieving the performance criteria and the performance period required to meet those targets. When the probability of achieving such performance conditions changes, the compensation cost previously recorded is adjusted as needed. When such performance conditions are deemed to be improbable of achievement, the compensation cost previously recorded is reversed.
(b)Represents a non-recurring loss as a result of an accounts receivable write-off in connection with the liquidation of one of our pet specialty distributors. Concurrent with its liquidation, we transitioned to a new distribution partner, who is a leading pet specialty distributor and who we anticipate will facilitate sales to pet specialty stores. Thus, despite the transitory impact during the first quarter of 2025, our ability to continue to generate sales is consistent with what we would expect to generate within the pet specialty channel.
(c)Represents the net settlement charges for all claims related to the litigation with Phillips.
(d)Represents termination costs due to a business change in our international go-to-market strategy.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
To meet our capital needs, we issued approximately $402.5 million in convertible notes in March 2023 (the “Convertible Notes”), used $66.2 million of the proceeds to enter into capped call transactions, and used $11.0 million of the proceeds on debt issuance related costs.
We expect to make future capital expenditures in connection with the completion of our planned development of Freshpet Kitchens Ennis Phase 2 and 3. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, we spent approximately $27.6 million of capital to meet our capacity needs as well as recurring capital expenditures. We expect capital expenditures to total approximately $150 million in fiscal year 2026.
We expect to rely on our current and future cash flow from operations to fund our growth going forward. However, we may issue additional debt, refinance our existing debt, and/or raise capital through our access to capital markets, if appropriate. Our ability to obtain additional funding will be subject to various factors, including general economic and market conditions, our operating performance, the market’s perception of our growth potential, lender sentiment and our ability to incur additional debt in compliance with other contractual restrictions.
Our ability to make future minimum interest payments on the Convertible Notes, to refinance any indebtedness and to fund any necessary expenditures for our growth will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. If our business does not achieve the levels of profitability or generate the amount of cash that we anticipate or if we expand faster than anticipated, we may need to seek additional debt or equity financing to operate and expand our business. Future third-party financing may not be available on favorable terms or at all.
Our primary cash needs, in addition to our plant expansions, are for purchasing ingredients, operating expenses, marketing expenses and capital expenditures to procure Freshpet Fridges. We believe that cash and cash equivalents, expected cash flow from operations, amounts previously raised through the issuance of the Convertible Notes and our ability to access the capital markets, if appropriate, are adequate to fund our debt service requirements, operating and finance lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the foreseeable future. We believe our sources of liquidity and capital will be sufficient to finance our continued operations, growth strategy and additional expenses we expect to incur for at least the next twelve months. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.
Additionally, our cash flow generation ability is subject to general economic factors at the international, national and regional levels, including but not limited to increased interest rates and inflation, tariffs, trade wars, geopolitical conflict, war, recession, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors and other factors that are beyond our control, including government or regulatory shutdowns or defunding, or disruptions with or increased costs imposed by our key suppliers or others within our supply chain. Further, such macroeconomic factors could negatively impact consumer sentiment, resulting in reduced demand and changes in purchasing behaviors for some or all of our products and other relevant factors, such as consumer hesitancy to trade up in pet food, deferral of pet-related expenses, and reduced pet adoption rates. While these factors are expected to persist in the near term, the Company has implemented strategic initiatives, including targeted marketing, value-focused product innovation, and expanded distribution in club and mass channels, to mitigate their impact. Management believes these actions will support continued growth and margin expansion, even if the current economic environment remains unchanged. We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to fund our liquidity needs.
Expanding certain of our Freshpet Kitchens primarily comprises our material future cash requirement. The Company reduced its capital expenditures for manufacturing expansion during 2025, with the 2026 capital expenditures forecast similarly reflecting both a moderation in demand and significant operational efficiencies. These changes are expected to materially improve near-term cash flow and reduce the capital intensity of the business, while maintaining flexibility to scale as market conditions evolve. However, our capital requirements, including our cash requirements, may vary materially from those currently planned if, for example, our revenues do not reach expected levels, or we have to incur unforeseen capital expenditures and make investments to maintain our competitive position. If this is the case, we may seek alternative financing, such as issuing additional debt or equity securities, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so on favorable terms, if at all. Moreover, if we issue new debt securities, the debt holders would have rights senior to common stockholders to make claims on our assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. If we issue additional equity or if the Convertible Notes are converted to common shares, existing stockholders may experience dilution, and such new securities could have rights senior to those of our common stock. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of additional financing unattractive. Our inability to raise capital could impede our growth or otherwise require us to forego growth opportunities and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our working capital:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, | | December 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 381,381 | | | $ | 277,975 | |
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts | 65,370 | | | 63,762 | |
| Inventories, net | 80,588 | | | 76,766 | |
| Prepaid expenses | 7,338 | | | 9,807 | |
| Other current assets | 7,115 | | | 7,404 | |
| Accounts payable | (35,463) | | | (42,429) | |
| Accrued expenses | (47,504) | | | (31,610) | |
| Current operating lease liabilities | (2,336) | | | (2,241) | |
| Current finance lease liabilities | (2,346) | | | (2,315) | |
| Total Working Capital | $ | 454,143 | | | $ | 357,119 | |
Working capital consists of current assets net of current liabilities. Working capital increased $97.0 million to $454.1 million as of March 31, 2026 compared to working capital of $357.1 million as of December 31, 2025. The increase was primarily a result of an increase of $103.4 million in cash and cash equivalents as a result of the proceeds from the sale of our equity investment, an increase of $3.8 million in inventories, net, an increase of $1.6 million in accounts receivable, and a decrease of $7.0 million in accounts payable. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $2.5 million in prepaid expenses, a decrease of $0.3 million in other current assets, an increase of $15.9 million in accrued expenses as a result of timing, and an increase of $0.1 million in lease liabilities.
We normally carry three to five weeks of finished goods inventory and less than 30 days of accounts receivable.
As of March 31, 2026, our capital resources consisted primarily of $381.4 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand.
As of December 31, 2025, our capital resources consisted primarily of $278.0 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand.
We expect to fund our ongoing operations and obligations with cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from operations.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our beginning balance of cash, net cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities and our ending balance of cash:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2026 | | 2025 |
| (Dollars in thousands) |
| Cash at the beginning of period | $ | 277,975 | | | $ | 268,633 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 40,329 | | | 4,807 | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 67,860 | | | (26,491) | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (4,783) | | | (3,217) | |
| Cash at the end of period | $ | 381,381 | | | $ | 243,732 | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items (i.e., provision for loss on accounts receivable, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, share-based compensation, change in deferred income taxes, depreciation and amortization, amortization of deferred financing costs, change in operating lease right of use asset, and gain on equity investment).
2026
Net cash provided by operating activities of $40.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was primarily attributed to:
•$38.2 million of net income, adjusted for reconciling non-cash items, which excludes $10.3 million of non-cash items related to $62.0 million of gain on equity investment, partially offset by $16.1 million of deferred income tax expense, $25.0 million of depreciation and amortization, $9.1 million of share-based compensation, $0.6 million of amortization of deferred financing costs, $0.1 million of loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and $0.8 million of change in operating lease right of use asset; and
•a $2.1 million increase due to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The increase was primarily due to the change in accrued expenses and prepaid expenses and other current assets, partially offset by the changes in accounts receivable, inventories, other assets, accounts payable, and operating lease liability.
2025
Net cash provided by operating activities of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily attributed to:
•$31.0 million of net income, adjusted for reconciling non-cash items, which excludes $43.7 million of non-cash items related to $21.8 million of depreciation and amortization, $11.5 million of provision for loss on accounts receivable, $8.8 million of share-based compensation, $0.5 million of amortization of deferred financing costs, $0.7 million of loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and $0.3 million of change in operating lease right of use asset.
This was partially offset by:
•a $26.2 million decrease due to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The decrease was primarily due to the changes in accrued expenses, accounts receivable, inventories, and other assets, partially offset by the change in accounts payable and prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
2026
Net cash provided by investing activities of $67.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 was primarily attributed to:
•$95.5 million of cash proceeds from the sale of our equity investment.
This was partially offset by:
•$27.6 million of capital expenditures related to Freshpet Kitchens, plant recurring capital expenditures, expenditures relating to investment in fridges, and other capital spend.
2025
Net cash used in investing activities of $26.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily attributed to:
•$26.5 million of capital expenditures related to Freshpet Kitchens, plant recurring capital expenditures, expenditures relating to investment in fridges, and other capital spend.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
2026
Net cash used in financing activities of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, was primarily attributed to:
•$4.5 million for tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units; and
•$1.0 million for principal payments under finance lease obligations.
This was partially offset by:
•$0.7 million cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options.
2025
Net cash used in financing activities of $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily attributed to:
•$2.9 million for tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units; and
•$0.5 million for principal payments under finance lease obligations.
This was partially offset by:
•$0.2 million cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options.
Indebtedness
For a discussion of our material indebtedness, see Note 6 to our (unaudited) condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Contractual Obligations
There were no material changes to our commitments under contractual obligations, as disclosed in our Annual Report, except as noted in Note 8 - Leases and Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies to our (unaudited) condensed consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the revenue and expenses incurred during the reported periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to accrued expenses and share-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not apparent from other sources. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results for the period in which they become known. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates as compared to the critical accounting policies and estimates described in our Annual Report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:
See Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our (unaudited) condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Standards Effective in Future Years:
We consider the applicability and impact of all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). ASUs not listed herein were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact to our consolidated financial statements.