Utz Brands Executive Departure and FY26 Guidance Reaffirmed
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 29 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Executive Departure: Utz Brands' supply chain officer Mitchell Arends announced his departure effective June 19 to join another company, with CEO Howard Friedman stepping in to assume his responsibilities, ensuring continuity in supply chain management and mitigating potential risks associated with executive turnover.
- Guidance Reaffirmation: Utz reaffirmed its FY26 organic sales growth target of 2% to 3%, despite an expected adjusted EPS decline of 3% to 6%, indicating the company's stability amid market fluctuations and confidence in future performance.
- EBITDA Growth Expectations: The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA to increase by 5% to 8%, driven by productivity cost savings and an improved product mix, reflecting proactive efforts to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
- Cash Flow and Capex: Utz projects adjusted free cash flow to range between $60 million and $80 million, with capital expenditures expected to be between $60 million and $65 million, demonstrating prudent planning for future investments and financial health.
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Analyst Views on UTZ
Wall Street analysts forecast UTZ stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 8.190
Low
11.00
Averages
13.57
High
17.00
Current: 8.190
Low
11.00
Averages
13.57
High
17.00
About UTZ
Utz Brands, Inc. manufactures a diverse portfolio of heritage in the salty snack through various brands, including Utz, On The Border, Zapp's, and Boulder Canyon, Golden Flake, Hawaiian, Brand and Miguelito among others. The Company sells a variety of salty snacks under the Utz brand, including potato chips, pretzels, tortilla chips, cheese snacks, pork skins, pub/party mixes, and other snacks. The Company's on The Border brand (OTB) is a national brand of tortilla chips, salsa and queso. Its Boulder Canyon brand offers a line of BFY potato chips, including those made with olive or avocado oils. The Company's Zapp's brand offers a line of kettle-cooked potato chips with bold, authentic flavors steeped in its New Orleans roots, including Voodoo, Hotter N Hot Jalapeno, Spicy Cajun Crawtators, and Cajun Dill Gator-tators, among others. The Company's products are distributed nationally through grocery, mass merchandisers, club, convenience, drug, and other channels.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Q1 Performance Analysis of Utz and Food Stocks
- Utz's Steady Performance: Utz reported Q1 revenues of $361.3 million, reflecting a 2.6% year-over-year increase that met analyst expectations, while also expanding adjusted EBITDA margins, indicating enhanced competitiveness in the salty snacks market.
- Hershey's Strong Results: Hershey achieved revenues of $3.10 billion, up 10.6% year-over-year, surpassing analyst expectations by 2.4%, although its stock fell 3.7%, the robust EBITDA and organic revenue performance suggest market confidence in future growth.
- BellRing's Disappointment: BellRing Brands reported revenues of $598.7 million, a 1.8% year-over-year increase that fell short of analyst expectations, with full-year EBITDA guidance missing forecasts, leading to a 21.8% drop in stock price, reflecting market concerns over profitability.
- McCormick's Rapid Growth: McCormick's revenues reached $1.94 billion, a 16.7% year-over-year increase that exceeded analyst expectations by 1.2%, with an 8.4% rise in stock price, showcasing strong growth momentum in the seasoning market.
See More
Boulder Canyon Wins Good Housekeeping 2026 Snack Award
- Award Recognition: Boulder Canyon's Wavy Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips has been awarded the Good Housekeeping 2026 Snack Award, highlighting its competitive edge and brand influence in the healthy snacking market.
- Brand Collaboration: This product features a partnership with the renowned Grillo’s Pickles®, combining bold dill pickle flavor with subtle notes of garlic and vinegar, enhancing the flavor experience of traditional snacks and attracting more consumers.
- Market Position: Founded in 1994, Boulder Canyon has become the number one salty snack brand in the natural channel, joining the Utz Brands, Inc. portfolio in 2017, continuously driving brand growth and market share.
- Recent Achievements: This marks the second award for the brand this quarter, following the recognition of its Agave Sriracha Potato Chips as the
See More
Utz Brands Reveals Summer Snacking Trends in America
- Summer Snacking Habits: According to Utz Brands' survey, 62.2% of Americans snack at least once daily during summer, indicating that this season is the peak for snacking, reflecting strong market demand and consumer habits.
- Chip Flavor Preferences: When choosing summer snacks, 35.6% of Americans opt for potato chips, with Original, Sour Cream & Onion, and Barbecue flavors nearly tied, highlighting the importance of product diversity and market segmentation for brands.
- Regional Flavor Variations: The survey reveals that Salt & Vinegar flavor is particularly popular in states like Arizona, Montana, and Virginia, suggesting that brands need to adjust marketing strategies based on regional taste differences to meet diverse consumer needs.
- Summer Gathering Occasions: 44.7% of Americans prefer to snack on chips during backyard barbecues, making it the top summer snacking occasion, which underscores the significance of social settings for brands and provides excellent promotional opportunities.
See More
Utz Brands Executive Departure and FY26 Guidance Reaffirmed
- Executive Departure: Utz Brands' supply chain officer Mitchell Arends announced his departure effective June 19 to join another company, with CEO Howard Friedman stepping in to assume his responsibilities, ensuring continuity in supply chain management and mitigating potential risks associated with executive turnover.
- Guidance Reaffirmation: Utz reaffirmed its FY26 organic sales growth target of 2% to 3%, despite an expected adjusted EPS decline of 3% to 6%, indicating the company's stability amid market fluctuations and confidence in future performance.
- EBITDA Growth Expectations: The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA to increase by 5% to 8%, driven by productivity cost savings and an improved product mix, reflecting proactive efforts to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
- Cash Flow and Capex: Utz projects adjusted free cash flow to range between $60 million and $80 million, with capital expenditures expected to be between $60 million and $65 million, demonstrating prudent planning for future investments and financial health.
See More
Utz Brands Showcases New Products at 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo
- Product Innovation: Utz Brands will showcase its most extensive product portfolio at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo, including the newly launched high-protein pretzels and cheese curls, providing 8-10 grams of protein per serving, thereby meeting consumer demand for healthier snacks and enhancing brand competitiveness in the market.
- Limited Edition Flavors: The introduction of Sizzlin' Summer Burger flavored Rippled Potato Chips and the return of Lemonade flavored Potato Chips in partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, with a portion of sales up to $40,000 donated, further elevates brand image and attracts consumer attention.
- Market Leadership: Boulder Canyon, recognized as America's fastest-growing salty snack brand with over $122 million growth in 2025, continues to lead the better-for-you snack market by launching beef tallow kettle chips, catering to consumer demand for snacks made without seed oils, thus solidifying its market position.
- New Product Line: Boulder Canyon will introduce a new line of flavored tortilla chips at the expo, including Nacho, Sweet & Spicy Chili, and Chili Lime, with a full retail rollout planned for July 2026, aimed at diversifying its existing product offerings and satisfying varied consumer tastes.
See More
Utz Launches Limited-Time Summer Flavors of Potato Chips
- Summer Flavor Comeback: Utz's Lemonade flavored potato chips return due to strong consumer demand, with projected sales exceeding $1 million in 2025, highlighting the brand's strong appeal in the summer snack market.
- New Flavor Launch: The all-new Sizzlin' Summer Burger flavored Ripples Potato Chips are inspired by classic backyard barbecues, delivering a layered smoky and savory flavor experience aimed at attracting barbecue enthusiasts and further enriching Utz's product lineup.
- Charitable Partnership: Utz partners with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, committing a portion of sales from Lemonade Chips (up to $40,000) to support childhood cancer research, demonstrating the brand's commitment to social responsibility and community support.
- National Retail Channels: Both limited-time chips are now available at major retailers like Walmart, Publix, and Kroger, as well as online, aiming to enhance brand visibility and market share through a broad distribution network.
See More
Q1 Performance Analysis of Utz and Food Stocks
- Utz's Steady Performance: Utz reported Q1 revenues of $361.3 million, reflecting a 2.6% year-over-year increase that met analyst expectations, while also expanding adjusted EBITDA margins, indicating enhanced competitiveness in the salty snacks market.
- Hershey's Strong Results: Hershey achieved revenues of $3.10 billion, up 10.6% year-over-year, surpassing analyst expectations by 2.4%, although its stock fell 3.7%, the robust EBITDA and organic revenue performance suggest market confidence in future growth.
- BellRing's Disappointment: BellRing Brands reported revenues of $598.7 million, a 1.8% year-over-year increase that fell short of analyst expectations, with full-year EBITDA guidance missing forecasts, leading to a 21.8% drop in stock price, reflecting market concerns over profitability.
- McCormick's Rapid Growth: McCormick's revenues reached $1.94 billion, a 16.7% year-over-year increase that exceeded analyst expectations by 1.2%, with an 8.4% rise in stock price, showcasing strong growth momentum in the seasoning market.
See More
Boulder Canyon Wins Good Housekeeping 2026 Snack Award
- Award Recognition: Boulder Canyon's Wavy Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips has been awarded the Good Housekeeping 2026 Snack Award, highlighting its competitive edge and brand influence in the healthy snacking market.
- Brand Collaboration: This product features a partnership with the renowned Grillo’s Pickles®, combining bold dill pickle flavor with subtle notes of garlic and vinegar, enhancing the flavor experience of traditional snacks and attracting more consumers.
- Market Position: Founded in 1994, Boulder Canyon has become the number one salty snack brand in the natural channel, joining the Utz Brands, Inc. portfolio in 2017, continuously driving brand growth and market share.
- Recent Achievements: This marks the second award for the brand this quarter, following the recognition of its Agave Sriracha Potato Chips as the
See More
Utz Brands Reveals Summer Snacking Trends in America
- Summer Snacking Habits: According to Utz Brands' survey, 62.2% of Americans snack at least once daily during summer, indicating that this season is the peak for snacking, reflecting strong market demand and consumer habits.
- Chip Flavor Preferences: When choosing summer snacks, 35.6% of Americans opt for potato chips, with Original, Sour Cream & Onion, and Barbecue flavors nearly tied, highlighting the importance of product diversity and market segmentation for brands.
- Regional Flavor Variations: The survey reveals that Salt & Vinegar flavor is particularly popular in states like Arizona, Montana, and Virginia, suggesting that brands need to adjust marketing strategies based on regional taste differences to meet diverse consumer needs.
- Summer Gathering Occasions: 44.7% of Americans prefer to snack on chips during backyard barbecues, making it the top summer snacking occasion, which underscores the significance of social settings for brands and provides excellent promotional opportunities.
See More
Utz Brands Executive Departure and FY26 Guidance Reaffirmed
- Executive Departure: Utz Brands' supply chain officer Mitchell Arends announced his departure effective June 19 to join another company, with CEO Howard Friedman stepping in to assume his responsibilities, ensuring continuity in supply chain management and mitigating potential risks associated with executive turnover.
- Guidance Reaffirmation: Utz reaffirmed its FY26 organic sales growth target of 2% to 3%, despite an expected adjusted EPS decline of 3% to 6%, indicating the company's stability amid market fluctuations and confidence in future performance.
- EBITDA Growth Expectations: The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA to increase by 5% to 8%, driven by productivity cost savings and an improved product mix, reflecting proactive efforts to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
- Cash Flow and Capex: Utz projects adjusted free cash flow to range between $60 million and $80 million, with capital expenditures expected to be between $60 million and $65 million, demonstrating prudent planning for future investments and financial health.
See More
Utz Brands Showcases New Products at 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo
- Product Innovation: Utz Brands will showcase its most extensive product portfolio at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo, including the newly launched high-protein pretzels and cheese curls, providing 8-10 grams of protein per serving, thereby meeting consumer demand for healthier snacks and enhancing brand competitiveness in the market.
- Limited Edition Flavors: The introduction of Sizzlin' Summer Burger flavored Rippled Potato Chips and the return of Lemonade flavored Potato Chips in partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, with a portion of sales up to $40,000 donated, further elevates brand image and attracts consumer attention.
- Market Leadership: Boulder Canyon, recognized as America's fastest-growing salty snack brand with over $122 million growth in 2025, continues to lead the better-for-you snack market by launching beef tallow kettle chips, catering to consumer demand for snacks made without seed oils, thus solidifying its market position.
- New Product Line: Boulder Canyon will introduce a new line of flavored tortilla chips at the expo, including Nacho, Sweet & Spicy Chili, and Chili Lime, with a full retail rollout planned for July 2026, aimed at diversifying its existing product offerings and satisfying varied consumer tastes.
See More
Utz Launches Limited-Time Summer Flavors of Potato Chips
- Summer Flavor Comeback: Utz's Lemonade flavored potato chips return due to strong consumer demand, with projected sales exceeding $1 million in 2025, highlighting the brand's strong appeal in the summer snack market.
- New Flavor Launch: The all-new Sizzlin' Summer Burger flavored Ripples Potato Chips are inspired by classic backyard barbecues, delivering a layered smoky and savory flavor experience aimed at attracting barbecue enthusiasts and further enriching Utz's product lineup.
- Charitable Partnership: Utz partners with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, committing a portion of sales from Lemonade Chips (up to $40,000) to support childhood cancer research, demonstrating the brand's commitment to social responsibility and community support.
- National Retail Channels: Both limited-time chips are now available at major retailers like Walmart, Publix, and Kroger, as well as online, aiming to enhance brand visibility and market share through a broad distribution network.
See More
