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Flowers Foods (FLO)
:FLO

Flowers Foods (FLO) AI Stock Analysis

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FLO

Flowers Foods

(NYSE:FLO)

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Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$11.50
▲(6.38% Upside)
Flowers Foods' overall stock score reflects a stable financial position with challenges in profitability and leverage. The stock's valuation is attractive due to a low P/E ratio and high dividend yield. Strategic efforts to realign the portfolio are promising, but margin pressures and declining traditional loaf sales pose risks. Positive corporate events, including leadership changes, are expected to support future growth.
Positive Factors
Strategic Alignment
By aligning its portfolio with consumer demand, Flowers Foods is positioning itself to capture market share in growth areas, enhancing its long-term competitive position.
Leadership Changes
The new CFO is expected to drive financial strategy and growth, potentially improving financial health and strategic execution over the long term.
Brand Growth
Growth in key brands like Canyon and Dave's Killer Bread indicates strong brand positioning and consumer preference, supporting sustainable revenue growth.
Negative Factors
Margin Pressure
Declining margins due to cost pressures and promotional activities could impact profitability, challenging Flowers Foods' ability to maintain financial health.
Decline in Traditional Loaf Segment
The decline in traditional loaf sales impacts Flowers Foods' core product line, necessitating strategic adjustments to offset potential revenue losses.
Increased Leverage
Higher leverage increases financial risk and can limit strategic flexibility, potentially affecting long-term operational stability.

Flowers Foods (FLO) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Flowers Foods Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFlowers Foods, Inc. produces and markets packaged bakery products in the United States. It offers fresh breads, buns, rolls, snack cakes, and tortillas, as well as frozen breads and rolls under the Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Wonder, Canyon Bakehouse, Mrs. Freshley's, and Tastykake brand names. The company distributes its products through a direct-store-delivery distribution and a warehouse delivery system, as well as operates 46 bakeries comprising 44 owned and two leased. Its customers include mass merchandisers, supermarkets and other retailers, convenience stores, national and regional restaurants, quick-serve chains, retail in-store bakeries, foodservice distributors, food wholesalers, institutions, dollar stores, and vending companies. The company was formerly known as Flowers Industries and changed its name to Flowers Foods, Inc. in 2001. Flowers Foods, Inc. was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Thomasville, Georgia.
How the Company Makes MoneyFlowers Foods generates revenue primarily through the sale of its bakery products across various distribution channels. The company employs a Direct Store Delivery model, which allows it to deliver products directly to grocery stores and other retailers, ensuring freshness and optimal inventory management. Additionally, Flowers Foods utilizes a Warehouse Delivery model to service larger retail chains and foodservice customers. Key revenue streams include sales from its branded products, private label offerings, and specialty baked goods. The company also benefits from strategic partnerships with major retailers and foodservice operators, which facilitate broader market access and enhance brand visibility. Factors contributing to its earnings include brand loyalty, product innovation, and an efficient distribution system that minimizes waste and maximizes shelf life.

Flowers Foods Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 06, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlights several strategic and operational successes, such as successful integration of Simple Mills and growth in key brands, but also acknowledges significant challenges, including declines in traditional loaf sales, pressure in foodservice and private label segments, and ongoing margin pressures.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Positive Strategic Alignment and Consumer Engagement
The company is effectively targeting growth areas by aligning its portfolio with consumer demand, leading to positive results in the bread category. This includes redefining traditional loaf with value and better-for-you attributes.
Successful Integration and Performance of Simple Mills
Simple Mills has performed well post-acquisition, with collaboration between teams yielding opportunities in customer engagement and procurement. The brand's performance aligns with expectations, and new innovations are planned for the next year.
Growth in Key Brands and Product Categories
Canyon increased 6% in units, and Dave's Killer Bread increased 10% in units. The small loaf category, under Nature's Own banner, gained 15 points in unit share and is already the #2 brand in a category growing by 85%.
Negative Updates
Decline in Traditional Loaf Segment
There has been a significant shift away from traditional 20-ounce soft variety and white breads, impacting the company due to its concentration in this area, particularly with Nature's Own.
Pressure on Foodservice and Private Label Segments
The foodservice business has been under pressure due to economic conditions and consumer sentiment. Private label performance has been weak due to narrow price gaps with branded products.
Margin Pressure and Volatility
Gross margin decreased by 190 basis points and EBITDA margin by 160 basis points, due to factors like Simple Mills' higher cost structure and increased promotional activity. Inflationary pressures and economic uncertainties continue to pose challenges.
Company Guidance
In the third quarter of 2025, Flowers Foods emphasized its strategic efforts to realign its portfolio with consumer demand, which is yielding positive results despite pressures in the bread category. The company is focusing on redefining traditional loaf products by incorporating value and better-for-you attributes, aligning with evolving consumer preferences, though this transformation will take time. The call highlighted a generational shift in consumer behavior, with an increasing bifurcation into premium and value segments, impacting traditional loaf sales. Despite a 190 basis point decline in gross margin and a 160 basis point drop in EBITDA margin due to negative price mix and lower volumes, Flowers Foods remains committed to long-term consumer investment and cost optimization. The company reported growth in brands like Canyon (up 6% in units) and Dave's Killer Bread (up 10% in units), and significant gains in the small loaf category, where they achieved a 15-point unit share increase. Amidst these strategic shifts, Flowers Foods is also managing its capital allocation, reducing CapEx expectations for the year to focus on deleveraging, while acknowledging the balance between investment and maintaining dividends. Looking forward, the company anticipates stabilization in the category as economic conditions improve, with continued focus on consumer engagement and innovation, particularly through its Simple Mills acquisition, which is performing in line with expectations.

Flowers Foods Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Flowers Foods demonstrates stable revenue growth but faces profitability challenges with declining margins. Increased leverage poses a risk, though the asset structure remains balanced. Cash flow generation shows some weaknesses, with declining free cash flow growth. Overall, the company maintains a stable financial position but should address profitability and leverage concerns to enhance financial health.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Flowers Foods shows a stable revenue base with a TTM revenue growth rate of 0.71%, indicating modest growth. The gross profit margin of 37.50% in TTM is lower than the previous annual figure of 49.50%, suggesting increased cost pressures. The net profit margin has decreased to 3.78% from 4.86%, reflecting reduced profitability. EBIT and EBITDA margins have also declined, indicating potential operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has increased to 1.68 in TTM, indicating higher leverage and potential risk. Return on equity has decreased to 13.68% from 17.60%, showing reduced efficiency in generating returns on equity. The equity ratio remains stable, suggesting a balanced asset structure.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Free cash flow has decreased by 15.16% in TTM, indicating potential liquidity challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.41 suggests moderate cash generation efficiency. The free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.74 indicates a reasonable conversion of earnings into free cash flow, though it has decreased from previous levels.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.13B5.10B5.09B4.81B4.33B4.39B
Gross Profit2.51B2.53B2.46B2.30B2.16B2.19B
EBITDA489.44M525.28M345.43M469.59M438.87M380.74M
Net Income194.02M248.12M123.42M228.39M206.19M152.32M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.35B3.40B3.43B3.31B3.25B3.32B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments16.73M5.00M22.53M165.13M185.87M307.48M
Total Debt2.13B1.36B1.35B1.19B1.21B1.32B
Total Liabilities2.93B1.99B2.08B1.87B1.84B1.95B
Stockholders Equity1.42B1.41B1.35B1.44B1.41B1.37B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow325.35M280.58M220.28M191.82M133.76M356.54M
Operating Cash Flow451.12M412.66M349.35M360.89M344.61M454.46M
Investing Cash Flow-955.12M-172.67M-403.81M-151.09M-191.44M-73.99M
Financing Cash Flow505.76M-257.52M-88.15M-222.17M-274.78M-84.04M

Flowers Foods Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price10.81
Price Trends
50DMA
11.54
Negative
100DMA
12.99
Negative
200DMA
14.73
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.22
Negative
RSI
45.70
Neutral
STOCH
32.70
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FLO, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 10.81 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 10.69, below the 50-day MA of 11.54, and below the 200-day MA of 14.73, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.22 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 45.70 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 32.70 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for FLO.

Flowers Foods Risk Analysis

Flowers Foods disclosed 26 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Flowers Foods reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Flowers Foods Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
69
Neutral
$1.74B26.836.82%3.38%0.54%-24.42%
69
Neutral
$2.28B11.8213.73%9.09%0.26%-19.45%
64
Neutral
$5.04B17.798.56%2.97%-2.68%
63
Neutral
$1.86B18.315.86%8.98%-26.29%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
57
Neutral
-4.30%-70.31%
51
Neutral
$638.71M2.23%11.31%99.83%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FLO
Flowers Foods
10.81
-9.03
-45.51%
JJSF
J & J Snack Foods
93.96
-69.69
-42.58%
SMPL
Simply Good Foods
18.67
-20.94
-52.87%
POST
Post Holdings
97.58
-22.18
-18.52%
STKL
SunOpta
3.85
-3.96
-50.70%
KLG
WK Kellogg Co
23.00
2.73
13.47%

Flowers Foods Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Flowers Foods Updates Executive Change of Control Plan
Neutral
Nov 19, 2025

On November 13, 2025, Flowers Foods, Inc. announced amendments to its Change of Control Plan, affecting its executive officers. The changes include adding a prorated bonus for the year of termination, revising medical cost payments, aligning definitions with the company’s 2014 compensation plan, and moving restrictive covenants to a separation agreement.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Flowers Foods Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Positive
Oct 21, 2025

On October 21, 2025, Flowers Foods announced the appointment of D. Anthony Scaglione as Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Scaglione, who has extensive experience in financial leadership roles, will succeed Steve Kinsey and is expected to drive the company’s financial strategy and growth. This leadership transition is anticipated to strengthen Flowers Foods’ position in the competitive bakery industry and enhance shareholder value.

Executive/Board Changes
Flowers Foods Elects Sterling Spainhour to Board
Positive
Sep 29, 2025

On September 26, 2025, Flowers Foods, Inc. announced the election of Sterling A. Spainhour to its board of directors, effective October 1, 2025. Spainhour, who is the executive vice president and chief legal officer of Southern Company, will serve on the audit and finance committees. His extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, legal matters, and corporate governance is expected to strengthen Flowers Foods’ board as the company continues to evolve and pursue strategic priorities aimed at increasing shareholder value. With his appointment, the board will expand to twelve members.

Executive/Board Changes
Flowers Foods CFO Retirement Announced
Neutral
Sep 25, 2025

On September 19, 2025, Flowers Foods announced the planned retirement of their Chief Financial Officer, R. Steve Kinsey, effective December 31, 2025, after 36 years of service, including 18 years as CFO. The company has begun searching for his successor and Kinsey will continue in an advisory role post-retirement to ensure a smooth transition. His departure marks a significant change in the company’s leadership, with implications for its strategic direction and stakeholder relations.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 09, 2025