Post Holdings (POST) Q2 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Q2 net sales rose 5% year-over-year to $2.04 billion, with $152.3 million from acquisitions, and operating profit increased 16% to $211.9 million, driven by Foodservice, Refrigerated Retail, and Weetabix segments.

• Net earnings grew 31% to $81.9 million for the quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA increased 14% to $395.0 million, exceeding expectations.

• CEO succession announced: Nico Catoggio to become CEO, Rob Vitale to remain Chairman.

• Completed acquisitions of 8th Avenue and Potato Products of Idaho, and divested the Pasta Business and Crystal Farms Business.

• Affirmed full-year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1,550–$1,580 million.

Financial highlights

• Gross profit for the quarter was $617.6 million (30.2% margin), up 13.2% year-over-year.

• Diluted EPS for the quarter was $1.56, up from $1.03; adjusted diluted EPS was $1.94, up from $1.41.

• Free cash flow for the six months was $270.3 million, and cash provided by operating activities was $478.0 million.

• Repurchased 7.0 million shares for $716.5 million during the six months, reducing share count by 15% fiscal year to date.

• Strong liquidity and credit metrics provide flexibility for opportunistic capital allocation.

Outlook and guidance

• Maintained Adjusted EBITDA guidance for the year at $1,550–$1,580 million, factoring in cost pressures from fuel, packaging, and global conflicts.

• Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 expected to be $350–$390 million, including $80–$90 million for Foodservice facility expansions.

• Expect to absorb most cost increases through P&L unless inflation worsens, in which case pricing actions may be considered in the next fiscal year.

• Anticipate sequential improvement in Weetabix profitability in Q3 and Q4.

• No material changes to risk factors or critical accounting estimates since the last annual report.