Penelope and Premium Plus Outperformance
Penelope Bourbon delivered exceptional growth (Nielsen-reported dollar sales +80% over the 52-week period), making it the second-fastest growing brand among the top 30 Premium Plus American whiskeys. Premium Plus portfolio outperformed the overall category by 900 basis points, with Premium Plus sales up 10% in Q4. Penelope also achieved a 100% increase in points of distribution and a 12% increase in velocity.
Strong Operating Cash Generation and Capital Discipline
Operating cash flows increased 19% to $122 million for FY2025. Barrel put-away was reduced from $33 million in 2024 to $19 million in 2025. Full-year CapEx was $32 million (down more than 50% YoY); 2026 CapEx is guided to ~$20 million. Excluding the Penelope earn-out, 2026 CFO is expected at $40–45 million and free cash flow $20–25 million.
Strategic Progress and Embedded Productivity
Management executed an enterprise strategic review, implemented senior leadership changes (new CMO, SVP Operations, SVP Strategy & Insights), and embedded productivity and cost-discipline into routines. Adjusted SG&A excluding reinstated incentives declined ~5% in Q4 and 4% for the full year, and A&P spending was realigned (A&P down 11% in Q4 and 23% for the year).
Ingredient Solutions Recovery and Growth Opportunity
Ingredient Solutions saw Q4 extrusion protein sales reach a new high and commercial demand remained strong. The key equipment outage was resolved in November. Management expects Ingredient Solutions 2026 sales of $140–150 million and gross margins in the mid-to-high teens, with strong double-digit sales growth anticipated as operational reliability improves.
Portfolio Rationalization and Marketing Refocus
Company initiated a cross-functional portfolio management process targeting rationalization of ~20% of the portfolio tail brands to reduce complexity and free resources. Branded Spirits A&P was ~12.5% of segment sales in 2025 and is expected to modestly increase to ~13.5% in 2026 with a planned >200% increase in digital media spend and streamlined agency approach to drive Premium Plus brands.
Distilling Solutions Strategic Repositioning
Despite a weak brown goods market, MGP has broadened premium white goods offerings, pursued private-label aged whiskey opportunities, and expanded warehouse services to deepen customer partnerships. Distilling customer alignment efforts led brown goods results to come modestly ahead of initial outlook.
FY2025 Core Adjusted Results
For full-year 2025 the company reported consolidated sales of $536 million, adjusted EBITDA of $116 million, and adjusted basic EPS of $2.85, demonstrating underlying adjusted profitability despite challenging trends.