Sovos Brands (SOVO) 10-Q 2023 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
OR
☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number: 001-40837

Sovos Brands, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	81-5119352
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 200

Louisville, CO 80027

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

(720) 316-1225

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share	SOVO	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq Global Select Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☒
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of November 3, 2023, there were 101,455,355 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share outstanding.

SOVOS BRANDS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

INDEX

		Page
PART I. Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited):	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	7
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	31
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	51
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	51
PART II. Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	52
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	52
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	54
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	55
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	55
Item 5.	Other Information	55
Item 6	Exhibits	56
	Signatures	57

2

PART I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except par value and share data)

	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	202,524	$	138,654
Accounts receivable, net		96,962		87,695
Inventories, net		80,629		92,602
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,326		11,974
Total current assets		387,441		330,925
Property and equipment, net		62,955		64,317
Operating lease right-of-use assets		11,482		13,332
Goodwill		395,399		395,399
Intangible assets, net		334,728		351,547
Other long-term assets		1,420		3,279
TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,193,425	$	1,158,799
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	$	54,395	$	49,264
Accrued expenses		70,523		69,571
Current portion of long-term debt		202		99
Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities		3,045		3,308
Total current liabilities		128,165		122,242
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs		483,588		482,344
Deferred income taxes		60,032		63,644
Long-term operating lease liabilities		11,867		14,063
Other long-term liabilities		590		483
TOTAL LIABILITIES		684,242		682,776
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding		—		—
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 101,375,933 and 100,967,910 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively		101		101
Additional paid-in-capital		595,958		577,664
Accumulated deficit		(88,630)		(103,291)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		1,754		1,549
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		509,183		476,023
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	1,193,425	$	1,158,799

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Net sales	$	257,944	$	208,907	$	728,370	$	616,273
Cost of sales		181,451		147,090		510,358		445,525
Gross profit		76,493		61,817		218,012		170,748
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		58,471		43,965		149,518		117,329
Depreciation and amortization		6,039		7,209		18,023		21,612
Impairment of goodwill		—		—		—		42,052
Total operating expenses		64,510		51,174		167,541		180,993
Operating income (loss)		11,983		10,643		50,471		(10,245)
Interest expense, net		8,621		6,679		26,000		18,414
Income (loss) before income taxes		3,362		3,964		24,471		(28,659)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(1,936)		(2,500)		(9,810)		3,895
Net income (loss)	$	1,426	$	1,464	$	14,661	$	(24,764)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.01	$	0.01	$	0.14	$	(0.25)
Diluted	$	0.01	$	0.01	$	0.14	$	(0.25)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		101,327,970		100,913,121		101,259,880		100,901,161
Diluted		103,775,264		101,613,928		102,851,599		100,901,161

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Net income (loss)	$	1,426	$	1,464	$	14,661	$	(24,764)
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments		(420)		1,785		269		1,785
Income tax effect		104		(434)		(64)		(434)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax		(316)		1,351		205		1,351
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	1,110	$	2,815	$	14,866	$	(23,413)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share data)

				Additional		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other		Total
	Common Stock			Paid-in		(Accumulated		Comprehensive		Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit)		Income		Equity
Balance at July 1, 2023	101,318,245	$	101	$	589,591	$	(90,056)	$	2,070	$	501,706
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		6,367		—		—		6,367
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock units	57,688		—		—		—		—		—
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		—		(316)		(316)
Net income	—		—		—		1,426		—		1,426
Balance at September 30, 2023	101,375,933	$	101	$	595,958	$	(88,630)	$	1,754	$	509,183

				Additional		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other		Total
	Common Stock			Paid-in		(Accumulated		Comprehensive		Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit)		Income		Equity
Balance at December 31, 2022	100,967,910	$	101	$	577,664	$	(103,291)	$	1,549	$	476,023
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		18,294		—		—		18,294
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock units	408,023		—		—		—		—		—
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		—		205		205
Net income	—		—		—		14,661		—		14,661
Balance at September 30, 2023	101,375,933	$	101	$	595,958	$	(88,630)	$	1,754	$	509,183

				Additional		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other		Total
	Common Stock			Paid-in		(Accumulated		Comprehensive		Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit)		Income		Equity
Balance at June 25, 2022	100,912,023	$	101	$	567,860	$	(76,068)	$	—	$	491,893
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		4,606		—		—		4,606
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock units	49,963		—		—		—		—		—
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		—		1,351		1,351
Net income	—		—		—		1,464		—		1,464
Balance at September 24, 2022	100,961,986	$	101	$	572,466	$	(74,604)	$	1,351	$	499,314

				Additional		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other		Total
	Common Stock			Paid-in		(Accumulated		Comprehensive		Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit)		Income		Equity
Balance at December 25, 2021	100,892,547	$	101	$	559,226	$	(49,840)	$	—	$	509,487
Equity-based compensation expense	—		—		13,240		—		—		13,240
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock units	69,439		—		—		—		—		—
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		—		1,351		1,351
Net loss	—		—		—		(24,764)		—		(24,764)
Balance at September 24, 2022	100,961,986	$	101	$	572,466	$	(74,604)	$	1,351	$	499,314

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

Sovos Brands, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)

	39 Weeks Ended
	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	14,661	$	(24,764)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		25,483		29,184
Equity-based compensation expense		18,294		13,240
Loss on foreign currency contracts		1,278		3,255
Non-cash interest expense		646		—
Deferred income taxes		(3,675)		(11,674)
Amortization of debt issuance costs		949		949
Non-cash operating lease expense		1,850		1,818
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory		2,663		2,350
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		296		—
Impairment of goodwill		—		42,052
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net		(9,267)		(13,234)
Inventories, net		9,309		(34,823)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		363		215
Other long-term assets		32		372
Accounts payable		5,276		14,674
Accrued expenses		5,212		5,504
Other long-term liabilities		109		38
Operating lease liabilities		(2,459)		(2,386)
Net cash provided by operating activities		71,020		26,770
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment		(7,077)		(10,939)
Net cash (used in) investing activities		(7,077)		(10,939)
Financing activities
Repayments of capital lease obligations		(73)		(59)
Net cash (used in) financing activities		(73)		(59)
Cash and cash equivalents
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		63,870		15,772
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		138,654		66,154
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	202,524	$	81,926

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	$	31,101	$	19,039
Cash proceeds from interest		(6,377)		(282)
Cash paid for taxes		7,921		3,670
Proceeds from income tax refunds		(70)		(11)
Non-cash investing and financing transactions
Lease liabilities arising from operating lease right-of-use assets	$	—	$	78
Acquisition of property and equipment not yet paid		352		314
Lease liabilities arising from finance lease right-of-use assets		667		—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Company Overview

Description of Business

Sovos Brands, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Sovos Brands,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is a growth-oriented consumer-packaged food company with a portfolio of brands aimed at bringing today’s consumers great tasting food that fits the way they live. The Company’s four wholly-owned operating subsidiaries include: Rao’s Specialty Foods, Inc. (“Rao’s”); Bottom Line Food Processors, Inc. doing business as Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods, Inc. (“Michael Angelo’s”); Noosa Yoghurt, LLC (“Noosa”); and Aidaca, LLC. The Company’s principal products include a variety of pasta sauces, dry pasta, soups, frozen entrées, frozen pizza and yogurts, which are primarily sold in the United States. The Company sells products marketed under the brand names Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s, and noosa which are built with authenticity at their core, providing consumers food experiences that are genuine, delicious, and unforgettable. Our products are premium and made with simple, high-quality ingredients. We are focused on continuing to build an organization with the capabilities to acquire and grow brands. We strive to empower our teams to lead with courage and tenacity, with the goal of providing them with the confidence and agility to connect with our consumers and retail partners to drive unparalleled growth. We believe our focus on “one-of-a-kind” brands, products that people love, and passion for our people makes Sovos Brands a “one-of-a-kind” company and enables us to deliver on our objective of creating a growing and sustainable food enterprise yielding financial growth ahead of industry peers.

Through the end of fiscal 2022, the Company sold products marketed under the brand name of Birch Benders, including pancake and waffle mixes, other baking mixes and frozen waffles. See Note 3. Loss on Asset Sale for additional information on the December 30, 2022 divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets.

Pending Merger with Campbell’s

On August 7, 2023, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Campbell Soup company (“Campbell’s”) and Premium Products Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell’s (“Merger Sub”). Upon the terms and subject to the conditions stated in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), and the Company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Campbell’s. The Company’s board of directors (the “Company Board”) and the board of directors of Campbell’s approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (“Effective Time”), each issued and outstanding share of the Company’s common stock (“Company Stock”), except for certain shares of Company Stock specified in the Merger Agreement, will be canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive (i) $23.00 per share, and (ii) if the Merger is not effective by May 7, 2024, an additional $0.00182 per day beginning May 8, 2024, up to but excluding the date the Merger becomes effective. Upon consummation of the Merger, Sovos Brands, Inc. will cease to be a publicly traded company and its common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq.

During the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $10.8 million in connection with the pending Merger, including $7.2 million for legal and other third-party advisors, $2.9 million for retention awards and $0.7 million for certain other Merger-related costs.

During the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $11.4 million in connection with the pending Merger, including $7.8 million for legal and other third-party advisors, $2.9 million for retention awards and $0.7 million for certain other Merger-related costs.

See Note 19. Subsequent Events for further discussion on recent updates on the pending Merger.

8

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in conformity with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.

The Company maintains its accounting records on a 52/53-week fiscal year, ending on the last Saturday in December of each year. Our fiscal year ending December 30, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) has 52 weeks. Our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”) had 53 weeks.

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company and its subsidiaries are unaudited. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and disclosures which are, in our opinion, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the indicated periods. All such adjustments were of a normal and recurring nature. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements and, in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q, certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The results reported in these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire fiscal year and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2023 (“2022 Form 10-K”).

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K, other than what is described below.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Policies

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments of ASU No. 2020-04 apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform and provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the third quarter of fiscal 2022 the Company elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability of forecasted transactions to assert probability of the hedged interest payments regardless of the expectation to transition away from LIBOR interest payments and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. During June 2023, the Company elected to apply the relevant hedge accounting expedients related to the change in critical terms of the hedged transactions and hedging instrument, and the change in hedged risk to avoid de-designating the hedging relationship. The Company also applied relevant expedients in paragraph 848-20-35-4 of Topic 848 to avoid reassessing previous accounting determinations that would otherwise be reassessed due to the modification of the hedging instrument. These elections became effective during the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements or derivative contracts.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during the quarter had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

9

Note 3. Loss on Asset Sale

On December 30, 2022, the Company completed the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets to Hometown Food Company, a portfolio company controlled by Brynwood Partners VIII L.P. The Company operated under a Transition Services Agreement with the buyer through June 30, 2023, and is in the process of winding down the remaining assets and liabilities that were not part of the sale.  

The divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets positions the Company to focus on its core brands and drive sustainable growth.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on the sale of Birch Benders of $51.3 million, calculated as follows:

(In thousands)
Cash received	$	40,000
Assets sold:
Inventory		(5,424)
Intangible assets, net		(85,867)
Total assets sold		(91,291)
Loss on asset sale	$	(51,291)

Note 4. Revenue Recognition

Revenue disaggregated by brand is as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Rao’s	$	196,294	$	135,189	$	540,373	$	392,399
Noosa		42,950		42,703		136,220		132,102
Michael Angelo’s		18,723		21,269		52,948		61,251
Birch Benders		(23)		9,746		(1,171)		30,521
Total net sales	$	257,944	$	208,907	$	728,370	$	616,273

The activity for Birch Benders for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 is related to winding down promotional discount activity in the period.

Note 5. Inventories, Net

Inventories, net consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Finished goods	$	67,446	$	76,404
Raw materials and packaging supplies		13,183		16,198
Total inventories, net	$	80,629	$	92,602

Note 6. Goodwill

There were no changes in the carrying value or impairment charges related to goodwill during the 13 weeks or 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 or during the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022.

10

In the second quarter of 2022, the Company identified the underperformance of the Birch Benders reporting unit as an indicator that required a quantitative assessment to be performed. The Company compared the estimated fair value of the Birch Benders reporting unit to the carrying value of its assets and liabilities, including goodwill. The fair value was established using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow analysis and comparable public company analysis, both methods weighted equally. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge for the full amount of goodwill, $42.1 million, for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022.

Note 7. Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible asset, net, consisted of the following:

	September 30, 2023
	Gross carrying		Accumulated		Net carrying
(In thousands)	amount		amortization		amount
Intangible assets - definite lives
Customer relationships	$	207,300	$	101,771	$	105,529
Tradename		101,747		25,548		76,199
		309,047		127,319		181,728
Intangible assets - indefinite lives
Tradename		153,000		—		153,000
Total intangible assets	$	462,047	$	127,319	$	334,728

	December 31, 2022
	Gross carrying		Accumulated		Sale of		Net carrying
(In thousands)	amount		amortization		intangible assets		amount
Intangible assets - definite lives
Customer relationships	$	213,000	$	89,201	$	5,082	$	118,717
Tradename		192,347		31,732		80,785		79,830
		405,347		120,933		85,867		198,547
Intangible assets - indefinite lives
Tradename		153,000		—		—		153,000
Total intangible assets	$	558,347	$	120,933	$	85,867	$	351,547

In connection with the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets, the Company sold the net amount of definite lived tradename and customer relationships in the amounts of $80.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 3. Loss on Asset Sale for additional discussion. There were no sales of definite lived intangible assets for the 13 weeks or 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023.

Amortization expense related to intangible assets during the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022 was $5.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets during the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022 was $16.8 million and $20.4 million, respectively.

There were no impairment charges related to intangible assets during the 13 weeks or 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023.

11

Estimated total intangible amortization expense during the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

(In thousands)	Amortization
Remainder of 2023	$	5,606
2024		22,425
2025		22,425
2026		22,425
2027		17,782
Thereafter		91,065
Total	$	181,728

Note 8. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Accrued trade	$	26,749	$	32,337
Accrued compensation and benefits		22,265		17,328
Accrued general expense		13,947		13,376
Accrued interest payable		7,562		6,530
Total accrued expenses	$	70,523	$	69,571

The presentation of previously reported accrued expense categories has been changed to conform to the current year presentation. There was no change to total accrued expenses as of December 31, 2022.

Note 9. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	September 30, 2023
			Unamortized
			debt issuance
(In thousands)	Principal		costs		Total debt, net
Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility	$	480,800	$	(4,620)	$	476,180
Finance lease liabilities		7,610				7,610
Total debt	$	488,410	$	(4,620)		483,790
Less: current portion of finance lease liabilities						202
Total long-term debt					$	483,588

	December 31, 2022
			Unamortized
			debt issuance
(In thousands)	Principal		costs		Total debt, net
Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility	$	480,800	$	(5,374)	$	475,426
Finance lease liabilities		7,017		—		7,017
Total debt	$	487,817	$	(5,374)		482,443
Less: current portion of finance lease liabilities						99
Total long-term debt		��			$	482,344

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Senior Debt

In June 2021, Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc. (“Sovos Intermediate”) entered into a First Lien Credit Agreement (“First Lien Credit Agreement”) among Sovos Intermediate, Sovos Brands Holdings, Inc., Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch (“Credit Suisse”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders and issuing banks from time to time party thereto (“First Lien Lenders”), consisting of an initial term loan facility of $580.0 million (“Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility”), and a revolving credit facility of $125.0 million (“Revolving Facility”), including a letter of credit facility with a $45.0 million sublimit.

The Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility was issued with a discount of $1.5 million and the Company paid debt issuance costs of $6.8 million. The discounts and debt issuance costs paid on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility were capitalized. The debt transaction on the Revolving Facility was accounted for as a debt modification. The Company continued to amortize $0.2 million of debt issuance costs on a previous Revolving Line of Credit over the new life of the debt, and paid $1.1 million in debt issuance costs for the new Revolving Facility, which was capitalized.

In 2021, the Company prepaid $99.2 million of the outstanding principal balance under the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility. Upon the partial prepayment of the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility, the Company recognized a $1.4 million proportional loss on the partial extinguishment of the related unamortized issuance costs and discounts. The remaining principal balance on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility, after the $99.2 million prepayment, is $480.8 million. The Company has directed Credit Suisse to apply the prepayment against future scheduled principal installments, which eliminates all future principal payments for the remaining term of the loan.

The amortization of debt issuance costs and discount of $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022, respectively, and $0.9 and $0.9 million for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022, respectively, is included within interest expense, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

On June 28, 2023, Sovos Intermediate amended the First Lien Credit Agreement. Going forward, the amended First Lien Credit Agreement (“Amended First Lien Credit Agreement”) replaces the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBO Rate”) for loans denominated in dollars with a successor rate based on Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”).

The interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility is LIBO Rate (the “base rate”) plus an applicable rate contingent on the Company’s calculated first lien leverage ratio, ranging from 400 to 425 basis points, and was subject to a 50 basis points reduction, at each level, after the consummation of its initial public offering ("IPO"). In no event shall LIBO Rate be less than 0.75% per annum for the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility or less than 0.00% per annum for the Revolving Line of Credit. As of June 28, 2023, Term SOFR replaced the LIBO Rate as the base rate for loans denominated in dollars. However, to the extent any LIBO Rate loan denominated in dollars was outstanding on June 28, 2023, such loan continued to bear interest at the LIBO Rate until the end of the interest period or payment period applicable to such loan and such loan was governed by the terms of First Lien Credit Agreement applicable to LIBO Rate loans denominated in dollars until the earlier of (i) the repayment of such loans or (ii) the conversion of such loans into Term SOFR loans or ABR loans. Effective as of June 28, 2023, a credit spread adjustment (0.11448% per annum for one month tenor, 0.26161% per annum for a three month tenor, 0.42826% per annum for a six month tenor and 0.71513% per annum for a twelve month tenor) shall apply to Term SOFR loans pursuant to the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement.

The Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility matures on June 8, 2028 and the Revolving Facility matures on June 8, 2026. The Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility is collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company. On December 30, 2022, Sovos Intermediate and Birch Benders, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (renamed Aidaca, LLC), sold the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets to Hometown Food Company, a Delaware corporation, as permitted under the terms of the First Lien Credit Agreement.

The Company had available credit of $125.0 million under the Revolving Facility as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. There was zero outstanding on the Revolving Facility as of September 30, 2023 and

13

December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the effective interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility was 9.13% and 7.91%, respectively.

Loan Covenants

In connection with the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement, the Company has various financial, affirmative and negative covenants that it must adhere to as specified within the loan agreement. The Amended First Lien Credit Agreement contains a springing financial covenant, which requires the Borrower to maintain a first lien net leverage ratio of consolidated first lien net debt to consolidated EBITDA (with certain adjustments as set forth in the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement) no greater than 6.95:1.00. Such financial covenant is tested only if outstanding revolving loans (excluding any undrawn letters of credit) minus unrestricted cash exceed 35% of the aggregate revolving credit commitments. The financial covenant is subject to customary “equity cure” rights. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had no outstanding revolving loans and therefore was not required to test the financial covenant under the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement. In addition, under the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement, an annual excess cashflow calculation is required, to determine if any excess is required to be paid on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility.

See Note 10. Leases and Note 17. Related Party Transactions for additional discussion of the finance lease liabilities.

Note 10. Leases

The Company leases real estate in the form of distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, equipment and office space. Generally, the term for real estate leases ranges from 2 to 10 years at inception of the contract. Generally, the term for equipment leases is 5 years at inception of the contract. Most manufacturing facilities and office space leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that generally can extend the lease term from 2 to 30 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s discretion.

Operating and finance lease costs are included within Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Sublease income was not material for the periods presented.

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The components of lease expense were as follows:

		13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	Statement of Operations Caption	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Operating lease cost:
Lease cost	Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative	$	809	$	823	$	2,430	$	2,502
Variable lease cost (1)	Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative		8,039		379		13,797		1,099
Total operating lease cost			8,848		1,202		16,227		3,601
Short term lease cost	Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative		68		81		177		177
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	Cost of sales and Selling, general and administrative		78		66		208		196
Interest on lease liabilities	Interest expense, net		159		132		423		397
Total finance lease cost			237		198		631		593
Total lease cost		$	9,153	$	1,481	$	17,035	$	4,371

(1) Variable lease cost primarily consists of the cost of inventory sold under a manufacturing and supply agreement, as well as common area maintenance, utilities, taxes and insurance.

The gross amount of assets and liabilities related to both operating and finance leases were as follows:

(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Caption	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	11,482	$	13,332
Finance lease right-of-use assets	Property and equipment, net		6,463		6,038
Total lease assets		$	17,945	$	19,370
Liabilities
Current:
Operating lease liabilities	Current portion of long-term operating lease liabilities	$	3,045	$	3,308
Finance lease liabilities	Current portion of long-term debt		202		99
Long-term:
Operating lease liabilities	Long-term operating lease liabilities		11,867		14,063
Finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs		7,408		6,918
Total lease liabilities		$	22,522	$	24,388

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The weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for operating and finance leases were as follows:

	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	6.0		6.4
Finance leases	32.5		34.2
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases	5.0	%	4.9	%
Finance leases	7.8	%	7.8	%

Future maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2023, were as follows:

(In thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Fiscal year ending:
Remainder of 2023	$	1,023	$	195
2024		3,493		727
2025		2,982		671
2026		3,005		574
2027		3,064		551
Thereafter		3,856		19,346
Total lease payments		17,423		22,064
Less: Interest		(2,511)		(14,454)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	14,912	$	7,610

As of September 30, 2023, the Company did not have any significant additional operating or finance leases that have not yet commenced.

Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases were as follows:

	39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	3,039	$	3,042
Operating cash flows from finance leases		423		397
Financing cash flows from finance leases		73		59
Lease liabilities arising from lease right-of-use assets
Finance leases		667		—
Operating leases		—		78

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

From time to time, we are subject to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. We cannot predict with reasonable assurance the outcome of these legal actions brought against us as they are subject to uncertainties. Accordingly, any settlement or resolution in these legal actions may occur and affect our net income (loss) in such period as the settlement or resolution. We do not believe the outcome of any existing legal actions would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

Purchase Commitments

The Company has third-party purchase obligations for raw materials, packaging, and co-manufacturing. These commitments have been entered into based on future projected needs. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had

16

outstanding minimum purchase commitments with five suppliers. The estimated annual minimum purchase commitments with the suppliers are as follows:

Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2023	$	1,907
2024		12,821
2025		392
2026		—
2027		—
Thereafter		—
Total	$	15,120

See Note 17. Related Party Transactions for information about our commitments to related parties.

Note 12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, and establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value as follows:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data.

Cash and cash equivalents, current assets and current liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Borrowing instruments

The Company’s borrowing instruments are recorded at their carrying values in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, which may differ from their respective fair values. The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility approximate their carrying values as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, based on interest rates currently available to the Company for similar borrowings.

Derivative financial instruments

The Company uses option contracts to manage foreign currency risk and uses interest rate caps (options) to manage interest rate risk. The Company’s derivative assets and liabilities are carried at fair value as required by GAAP. The estimated fair values of the derivative assets and liabilities on the Company’s forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets. The estimated fair value of the interest rate instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities.

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To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties. We have determined that the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to our derivative contracts, which determination was based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of our derivatives held as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The tables below present the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

As of September 30, 2023	Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance at September 30, 2023
Assets
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	—	$	3,251	$	—	$	3,251
Total assets	$	—	$	3,251	$	—	$	3,251
Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	—	$	1,311	$	—	$	1,311
Total liabilities	$	—	$	1,311	$	—	$	1,311
As of December 31, 2022	Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance at December 31, 2022
Assets
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	—	$	3,628	$	—	$	3,628
Total assets	$	—	$	3,628	$	—	$	3,628
Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$	—	$	33	$	—	$	33
Total liabilities	$	—	$	33	$	—	$	33

The fair value estimates presented herein are based on information available to management as of September 30, 2023. These estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we could ultimately realize. See Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.

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Non-financial assets

The Company’s non-financial assets, which primarily consist of property and equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis and are reported at carrying value. The fair values of these assets are determined, as required, based on Level 3 measurements, including estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows based upon historical experience, expected market conditions, and management’s plans.

There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of fair value hierarchy during the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is directly and indirectly affected by changes in certain market conditions. These changes in market conditions may adversely impact the Company’s financial performance and are referred to as “market risks.” When deemed appropriate, the Company uses derivatives as a risk management tool to mitigate the potential impact of certain market risks. The primary market risks managed by the Company through the use of derivative instruments are foreign currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk.

The Company uses various types of derivative instruments including, but not limited to, option contracts, collars and interest rate caps. An option contract is an agreement that conveys the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a quantity of a currency or commodity at a predetermined rate or price during a period or at a time in the future. A collar is a strategy that uses a combination of options to limit the range of possible positive or negative returns on an underlying asset or liability to a specific range, or to protect expected future cash flows. To do this, an investor simultaneously buys a put option and sells (writes) a call option, or alternatively buys a call option and sells (writes) a put option. An interest rate cap involves the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

All derivative instruments are carried at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, primarily in the following line items, as applicable: prepaid expenses and other current assets, other long-term assets and accrued expenses. The carrying values of the derivatives reflect the impact of netting agreements. These netting agreements allow the Company to net settle positive and negative positions (assets and liabilities) arising from different transactions with the same counterparty.

The accounting for gains and losses that result from changes in the fair values of derivative instruments depends on whether the derivatives have been designated and qualify as hedging instruments and the type of hedging relationships. Derivatives can be designated as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or economic hedges. The interest rate cap derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge. The foreign currency derivative instruments are considered an economic hedge as they do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

The Company determines the fair values of its derivatives based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. The notional amounts of the derivative financial instruments do not necessarily represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, therefore, are not a direct measure of our exposure to the financial risks described above. The amounts exchanged are calculated by reference to the notional amounts and by other terms of the derivatives, such as interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not view the fair values of its derivatives in isolation but rather in relation to the fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged transactions or other exposures. Virtually all our derivatives are straightforward over-the-counter instruments with liquid markets. See Note 12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments for additional information. 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish these objectives, the Company primarily uses interest rate caps as part

19

of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. During the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in OCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. Over the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $2.3 million will be reclassified as a reduction to interest expense.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company entered into a cash flow hedge to manage interest rate risk on its variable rate debt under the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility. As of June 28, 2023, in conjunction with the cessation of LIBOR, the floating-rate index on the LIBOR interest rate cap agreement (the “LIBOR Cap Agreement”) became USD-SOFR Compound plus the applicable ISDA Fallback rate for the tenor (in accordance with the ISDA Fallbacks Protocol), subject to the expiration of the existing tenor. No other critical items were amended. The LIBOR Cap Agreement (now the “SOFR Cap Agreement”) is designated for cash flow hedge accounting with all changes in fair value deferred into accumulated OCI. As of September 30, 2023, the Company’s SOFR Cap Agreement had a total hedged notional amount of $240.0 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk with a strike price of 4.00% and a maturity date of July 31, 2024.

Within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, the interest rate cap is recorded at fair value. The cash flows related to the interest rate caps are classified as operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Economic (Non-Designated) Hedging Strategy

The Company uses certain derivatives as economic hedges of foreign currency. Although these derivatives did not qualify for hedge accounting, they are effective economic hedges. The Company uses foreign currency economic hedges to offset the earnings impact that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have on certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in nonfunctional currencies outside of a contractually agreed upon foreign exchange rate range. The total notional values of derivatives related to our foreign currency economic hedges were $331.9 million and $145.7 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, the Company’s foreign currency hedges to offset the earnings impact of foreign currency exchange rates extend through August 2024.

The changes in the fair values of economic hedges used to offset those monetary assets and liabilities are immediately recognized in earnings in the selling, general and administrative line item in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Within the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, the foreign currency economic hedges are recorded at fair value. The cash flows related to the foreign currency economic hedges are classified as operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments: 

		September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022
(In thousands)	Location	Derivative Assets		Derivative Liabilities		Derivative Assets		Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20
Foreign currency contracts(1)	Accrued expenses	$	—	$	1,311	$	—	$	33
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	—	$	1,311	$	—	$	33
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20
Interest rate caps - short term	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	3,251	$	—	$	1,997	$	—
Interest rate caps - long term	Other long-term assets		—		—		1,631		—
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	3,251	$	—	$	3,628	$	—
Total derivatives		$	3,251	$	1,311	$	3,628	$	33

(1) Derivative instruments within this category are subject to master netting arrangements and are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with ASC 210, Balance Sheet, Subtopic 210-20. See tables below showing the effects of offsetting derivative assets and liabilities.

The following table presents the pre-tax effect of cash flow hedge accounting on accumulated OCI for the periods presented: 

(In thousands)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI
	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
Derivatives in Subtopic 815-20 Hedging Relationships	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Interest rate caps	$	227	$	(1,785)	$	1,640	$	(1,785)
(In thousands)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income
	13 Weeks Ended					39 Weeks Ended
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
Interest expense, net	$	648	$	—	$	1,370	$	—

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The following table presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods presented: 

		Gain (Loss) Recognized
		13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
		September 30,	September 24,		September 30,	September 24,
(In thousands)	Statement of Operations Location	2023	2022		2023	2022
Total amounts of expense presented in the Statements of Operations in which the derivatives not designated as hedging are recorded	Selling, general and administrative	$ 58,471	$ 43,965		$ 149,518	$ 117,329
The effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20:
Foreign currency contracts	Selling, general and administrative	(1,080)	(2,758)		(1,278)	(3,255)
Total amounts of expense presented in the Statements of Operations in which the derivatives designated as hedging are recorded	Interest expense, net	8,621	6,679		26,000	18,414
The effects of derivatives designated as hedging instruments under Subtopic 815-20:
Interest rate caps	Interest expense, net	648	—		1,370	—

The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities in the tables below can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value which provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following tables present a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.  

Offsetting of Derivative Assets
As of September 30, 2023
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
(In thousands)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet		Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Derivatives
Foreign currency contracts	$	128	$	(128)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement		128		(128)		—		—		—		—
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement		3,251		—		3,251		—		—		3,251
Total derivatives	$	3,379	$	(128)	$	3,251	$	—	$	—	$	3,251

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Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
As of September 30, 2023
								Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
(In thousands)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet		'	Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Derivatives
Foreign currency contracts	$	(1,439)	$	128	$	(1,311)		$	—	$	—	$	(1,311)
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement		(1,439)		128		(1,311)			—		—		(1,311)
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement		—		—		—			—		—		—
Total derivatives	$	(1,439)	$	128	$	(1,311)		$	—	$	—	$	(1,311)

Offsetting of Derivative Assets
As of December 31, 2022
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
(In thousands)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet		Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Derivatives
Foreign currency contracts	$	56	$	(56)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement		56		(56)		—		—		—		—
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement		3,628		—		3,628		—		—		3,628
Total derivatives	$	3,684	$	(56)	$	3,628	$	—	$	—	$	3,628

Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities
As of December 31, 2022
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
(In thousands)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Derivatives
Foreign currency contracts	$	(89)	$	56	$	(33)	$	—	$	—	$	(33)
Total derivatives, subject to a master netting arrangement		(89)		56		(33)		—		—		(33)
Total derivatives, not subject to a master netting arrangement		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total derivatives	$	(89)	$	56	$	(33)	$	—	$	—	$	(33)

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Note 14. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Prior to the IPO, the Company had a total of 74,058,447 shares issued and outstanding.

On September 27, 2021, the Company closed its IPO of 23,334,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, at an offering price of $12.00 per share, and received net proceeds from the IPO of approximately $263.2 million, net of $16.8 million in underwriting discounts and commissions.

Subsequent to the IPO, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 3,500,100 shares of common stock. The Company closed its sale of such additional shares on October 5, 2021, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $39.5 million, net of $2.5 million in underwriting discounts and commissions.

On August 10, 2022, the Company completed a secondary offering, in which certain of its stockholders (the “Selling Stockholders”) sold 8,500,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $14.00 per share, with all proceeds going to the Selling Stockholders. Subsequent to the secondary offering, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 1,275,000 shares of common stock, and the sale of such additional shares closed on August 22, 2022, with all proceeds going to the Selling Stockholders.

On May 15, 2023, the Company completed a secondary offering, in which the Selling Stockholders sold 10,000,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $17.50 per share, with all proceeds going to the Selling Stockholders. Subsequent to the secondary offering, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock, and the sale of such additional shares closed on May 17, 2023, with all proceeds going to the Selling Stockholders.

Preferred Stock

On September 23, 2021, the Company filed an amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Amended and Restated Charter”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which was effective on September 23, 2021. As a result of the filing of the Amended and Restated Charter, the Company was authorized to issue 510,000,000 shares, divided into two classes as follows: (i) 500,000,000 shares are designated shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares are designated shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. There were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Note 15. Equity-Based Compensation

2017 Equity Incentive Plan

In 2017, the Sovos Brands Limited Partnership (the “Limited Partnership”) 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”) was established providing certain employees and nonemployees of the Company equity-based compensation in the form of Incentive Units (“IUs”) of the Limited Partnership, as consideration for services to the Company. The IUs, were deemed to be equity instruments subject to expense recognition under FASB ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. The estimate of fair value of the IUs granted was determined as of the grant date.

In connection with the IPO, the Limited Partnership distributed its shares of Sovos Brands, Inc. common stock to its limited partners, including holders of IUs, in accordance with the applicable terms of its partnership agreement.

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Holders of IUs received shares of common stock and restricted common stock of Sovos Brands, Inc. in respect of their IUs. The common stock was distributed with respect to vested IUs and the restricted common stock was distributed with respect to nonvested IUs, with the vesting of such restricted common stock tracking the same vesting terms as the related nonvested IUs at the time of distribution.

Restricted Common Stock

In connection with the IPO, a change in the vesting of the existing performance-based IUs and accordingly the related distributed restricted stock resulted in a modification to the grants and required the shares to be revalued as of the IPO date, resulting in a modified grant date fair value of approximately $13.0 million. The fair value of the performance-based restricted stock awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate. Specifically, the model revalued the performance units based on the revised vesting condition of the 2.0x multiple of invested capital (“MOIC”) restricted stock units achieving the 2.0x MOIC based on a 30-day volume weighted average price with the remainder of the restricted stock units vesting upon the earlier of the Limited Partnership owning 25% or less of the Company or 30 months post-IPO. On November 3, 2021, the performance condition of the 2.0x MOIC restricted common stock was met and, accordingly, 683,442 shares of restricted stock with a performance-based vesting condition vested.

On November 4, 2021, the Company and the Limited Partnership modified a portion of the existing equity-based compensation awards dated September 22, 2021 among the Company, the Limited Partnership and the holders of such restricted stock. As a result of this modification, a portion of the shares that would have vested based upon a 4.0x MOIC (including any related linear interpolation, the “Original Vesting Criteria”) instead vest on the last day of fiscal 2022 or on the last day of fiscal 2023, or upon achievement of the Original Vesting Criteria, if earlier. The fair value of the modified performance-based restricted stock awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate, resulting in an incremental modified grant date fair value of approximately $6.1 million.

On February 10, 2023, the Company and the Limited Partnership modified a portion of the existing equity-based compensation awards dated September 22, 2021 among the Company, Limited Partnership and the holders of such restricted stock. As a result of these modifications, a portion of the shares that would have vested based upon a 3.0 MOIC or a 4.0 MOIC (including any related linear interpolation, the “Original Vesting Criteria”) instead vest 50% on September 23, 2024 and 50% on September 23, 2025, or upon achievement of the Original Vesting Criteria, if earlier. The fair value of the modified performance-based restricted stock awards was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate, resulting in an incremental modified grant date fair value of approximately $5.5 million.

As of September 30, 2023, 1,790 shares of restricted common stock resulting from the distribution of common stock with respect to nonvested time-based IUs will vest upon fulfilling time-based service conditions and are scheduled to vest through July 2024. As of September 30, 2023, there were 1,839,669 shares of restricted common stock resulting from the distribution with respect to nonvested performance-based IUs, of which 169,698 shares will vest on the earlier of December 30, 2023 or when the original performance condition is achieved, 509,210 shares will vest on the earlier of when the original performance condition is achieved or 50% on September 23, 2024 and 50% on September 23, 2025 and the remaining 1,160,761 shares will vest only if certain performance conditions, including exceeding various MOIC levels, are achieved. Shares of restricted common stock that do not vest are not cancelled but instead remain outstanding and are forfeited back to the Limited Partnership.

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

Effective September 21, 2021, the Company adopted the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) which originally reserved 9,739,244 shares of common stock to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units or equity-based awards to eligible employees, consultants and non-employee directors. All 2021 Plan awards, including those described below, are subject in general to the employee’s, consultant’s or non-employee director’s continued service through the vesting date. Additionally, following a change in control, 2021 Plan awards vest in full in the event of certain terminations of service.

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Restricted Stock Units

During the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, the Company granted 489,877 RSUs to certain employees and non-employee directors. The RSUs included (i) 359,909 RSUs issued to employees with each award vesting in two equal annual installments, (ii) 94,964 RSUs issued to an employee vesting in three equal annual installments, (iii) 5,344 RSUs issued to an independent contractor vesting in one year, and (iv) 29,660 RSUs issued to non-employee directors that vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant and immediately prior to our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders.

During the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022, the Company granted 708,682 RSUs to certain employees and non-employee directors. The RSUs included (i) 604,833 RSUs issued to employees with each award vesting in two equal annual installments, (ii) 76,039 RSUs issued to an employee vesting in three equal annual installments, and (iii) 27,810 RSUs issued to non-employee directors that vested on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant and immediately prior to our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units

In connection with the IPO and under the 2021 Plan, the Company granted 687,690 performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) to certain employees with each award vesting subject in general to the achievement of the performance condition. The fair value of the PSUs was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model, which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate.

On February 10, 2023, the Company modified the IPO PSUs dated September 23, 2021. As a result of this modification, the shares that would have vested based upon the achievement of a performance condition that measures the Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) (the “Original Vesting Criteria”) instead vest 50% on September 23, 2024 and 50% on September 23, 2025, or upon achievement of the Original Vesting Criteria, if earlier. The fair value of the modified PSUs was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate, resulting in an incremental modified grant date fair value of approximately $4.3 million.

During the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022, the Company granted 470,048 PSUs and 343,800 PSUs, respectively, to employees with each award vesting subject in general to the achievement of a performance condition that measures the TSR relative to the TSR of the constituents of a custom peer group (“relative TSR”). The number of shares that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200%, with 100% vesting upon achievement of target performance, with straight-line interpolation applied. The fair value of the PSUs granted during the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation option pricing model, which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions, such as expected volatility, expected term and expected risk-free interest rate.

As of September 30, 2023, there was an aggregate of 6,274,450 shares of common stock available for future equity awards under the 2021 Plan (treating PSUs that vest based on relative TSR at the 100% target level).

Equity-based Compensation Expense

The Company grants equity-based compensation awards to certain employees, officers and non-employee directors as long-term incentive compensation and recognizes the related expense for these awards ratably over the applicable vesting period. Such expense is recognized as a selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated

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Statements of Operations. The following table summarizes the equity-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s equity plans:

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Equity awards under the 2017 Plan (Pre-IPO)
RSAs	$	130	$	279	$	403	$	927
PSAs		1,782		1,663		5,181		4,887
Total equity-based compensation expense for the 2017 Plan		1,912		1,942		5,584		5,814
Equity awards under the 2021 Plan (Post-IPO)
RSUs		3,384		1,856		9,726		5,123
PSUs		1,071		808		2,984		2,303
Total equity-based compensation expense for the 2021 Plan		4,455		2,664		12,710		7,426
Total equity-based compensation expense	$	6,367	$	4,606	$	18,294	$	13,240

The Company expects to record equity-based compensation expense of approximately $32.3 million through the second quarter of 2026 resulting from the issuance of the RSAs and PSAs under the 2017 Plan and RSUs and PSUs under the 2021 Plan.

Note 16. Income Taxes

The income tax (expense) benefit and the effective tax rate resulting from operations were as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended						39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023			September 24, 2022			September 30, 2023			September 24, 2022
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,362		$	3,964		$	24,471		$	(28,659)
Effective income tax (expense) benefit	$	(1,936)		$	(2,500)		$	(9,810)		$	3,895
Effective tax rate		57.6	%		63.1	%		40.1	%		13.6	%

The effective tax rates for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022 differ from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to changes in income (loss) before taxes, permanent items including limitation on the deduction of executive compensation for public companies and nondeductible equity-based compensation and state taxes. The effective tax rate for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022 was also impacted by a goodwill impairment charge that resulted in a large discrete benefit recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

Note 17. Related Party Transactions

The Company has two related party leases for a manufacturing facility and land. The facility and land are leased from Morning Fresh Dairy (“Morning Fresh”), a related party entity owned and controlled by Robert L. Graves, a former member of the Board of Directors (“Board”) and a current equity holder of the Company. The facility lease and land lease are classified as a finance lease and operating lease, respectively, based on the original lease term and reasonably certain renewal options. In September 2023, an amendment to the facility lease was executed to allow for use of additional space, effective as of January 1, 2022. The Company made a cash payment of $44 thousand to Morning Fresh for amounts due on rent and its proportionate share of utilities, taxes and insurance for the period between the effective date and execution of the amendment. As of September 30, 2023, the facility has a lease liability balance of $6.9 million which is primarily recognized as long-term debt in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2023, the land lease has a liability balance of $0.5 million which is primarily recognized as long-term operating lease liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The facility and land lease contained total payments of approximately $194 thousand and $144 thousand for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022, respectively, and $499 thousand and $429 thousand for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022, respectively. In addition, $56 thousand and $45 thousand was

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paid for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022, respectively, and $165 thousand and $136 thousand was paid for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022, respectively, for a proportionate share of utilities, taxes and insurance.

Morning Fresh regularly purchases finished goods inventory from the Company for sale to its customers. Additionally, Morning Fresh regularly supplies milk used in the Company’s manufacturing process.

Sales to and purchases from Morning Fresh were as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Sales	$	104	$	136	$	347	$	377
Purchases	$	1,587	$	2,174	$	5,424	$	6,440

Amounts outstanding in respect to Morning Fresh transactions were as follows:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		December 31, 2022
Receivables	$	28	$	29
Payables	$	777	$	870

The Company has a milk supply agreement with Morning Fresh (“Milk Supply Agreement”) for a base term ending December 31, 2027, with the option available for extension for a total of fifteen additional 2-year periods to December 31, 2057. Four years’ advance written notice is required to terminate the agreement. Milk will be priced on a month-to-month basis by USDA Central Federal Order No. 32 for Class II milk, plus surcharges and premiums, provided that the final price of the milk shall be 23.24 cents per hundred weight less than the published Dairy Farmers of America bill for that month. The Company will accept up to 3,650,000 gallons as determined by Morning Fresh in 2020, and for each year of the term thereafter. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has future commitments to purchase approximately $33.8 million of milk from Morning Fresh, approximated at current market price. In addition, under the Milk Supply Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay an additional $33 thousand monthly through December 31, 2027 to cover the landowner’s incremental costs relating to capital improvements necessary to support increased milk production required by the Company over the term of this agreement. If the agreement is terminated before December 1, 2027, the Company will be required to pay an early termination penalty, which declines from $3.0 million at the inception of the agreement to $0 over the ten-year term, based on an amortization table outlined in the agreement.

As of September 30, 2023, the estimated annual minimum commitments with Morning Fresh for milk purchases and capital improvements are as follows:

Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2023	$	2,035
2024		8,375
2025		8,375
2026		8,375
2027		8,375
Thereafter		—
Total	$	35,535

In May 2023, we entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Graves. The consulting agreement has a term of three years and stipulates that, in exchange for providing advice and support with respect to water treatment and other operational systems, the Company will pay Mr. Graves $100 thousand per year. Additionally, pursuant to the consulting agreement, in June 2023 the Company granted a one-time RSU equity award to Mr. Graves with a grant date fair value of $100 thousand.

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Advent International Corporation (“Advent”) is a private equity firm which has invested funds in our common stock. Advent and its affiliates have ownership interests in a broad range of companies. We have entered and may in the future enter into commercial transactions in the ordinary course of our business with some of these companies, including the sale of goods and services and the purchase of goods and services.

The Company pays legal expenses and tax compliance fees on behalf of the Limited Partnership and carries a balance within other long-term assets that reflects the amount due from the Limited Partnership. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the receivable balance was $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Note 18. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period without consideration of potential common shares. Diluted EPS is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding including the dilutive effect of equity awards as determined under the treasury stock method. In periods when the Company has a net loss, equity awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS as their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect. The Company reported a net loss for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022, and therefore excluded 325,102 shares from the calculation of diluted EPS for that period. The following table presents the computation of EPS for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022.

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022		September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Net income (loss)	$	1,426	$	1,464	$	14,661	$	(24,764)
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding		101,327,970		100,913,121		101,259,880		100,901,161
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units		1,394,767		476,939		903,171		—
Performance stock units		1,052,527		223,868		688,548		—
Total dilutive securities		2,447,294		700,807		1,591,719		—
Weighted average and potential dilutive common shares outstanding		103,775,264		101,613,928		102,851,599		100,901,161
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	0.01	$	0.01	$	0.14	$	(0.25)
Diluted	$	0.01	$	0.01	$	0.14	$	(0.25)

For the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, 4,147 RSUs and no PSUs were outstanding but were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS because these RSUs and PSUs were considered to be anti-dilutive based on the result of the treasury stock method calculation for incremental shares. For the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022, there were no shares considered to be anti-dilutive based on the result of the treasury stock method calculation for incremental shares.

For the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, 4,147 RSUs and no PSUs were outstanding but were excluded in the computation of diluted EPS because these RSUs were considered to be anti-dilutive based on the result of the treasury stock method calculation for incremental shares. For the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022, there were 177 shares considered to be anti-dilutive based on the result of the treasury stock method calculation for incremental shares.

Note 19. Subsequent Events

On October 16, 2023, at a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders, the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement was approved. The closing of the transaction remains subject to various closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

On October 23, 2023, the Company and Campbell’s each received a request for additional information (the “Second Request”) from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) in connection with the FTC’s review of the transactions

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contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Issuance of the Second Request extends the waiting period under the the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, until 30 days after both the Company and Campbell’s substantially comply with the Second Request, unless the waiting period is extended voluntarily by the parties or terminated earlier by the FTC. The Company now expects that the Merger will close in 2024, and the Company will continue to engage with the FTC on its review with the objective of closing the Merger in mid-2024.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the proposed transaction with Campbell Soup Company (“Campbell’s”). Forward-looking statements can be identified by words, such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects” and similar references to future periods, or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance, such as those contained in this section.

Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding the pending Merger, our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. With respect to the pending Merger, these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:  

● the timing to consummate the pending Merger;

● our ability to retain and hire key personnel and other employees, which could require us to use more expensive or less effective resources to support our business or otherwise advesrsely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;

● the risk that a condition to closing of the pending Merger may not be satisfied or that the closing of the pending Merger might otherwise not occur;

● the risk that required regulatory approval for the pending Merger, including under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated;

● the diversion of management time on Merger-related issues; and

● the risk that the pending Merger and its announcement could have an adverse effect on our ability to retain third-party relationships and related talent.

Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:

● our dependence on third-party distributors and third-party co-packers, including one co-packer for the substantial majority of our Rao’s Homemade sauce products;

● adverse consequences of the actions of the major retailers, wholesalers, distributors and mass merchants on which we rely, including if they give higher priority to other brands or products, take steps to maintain or improve their margins by, among other things, raising the on-shelf prices of our products or imposing surcharges on us, or if they perform poorly or declare bankruptcy;

● inflation, including our vulnerability to decreases in the supply of and increases in the price of raw materials, packaging, fuel, labor, manufacturing, distribution and other costs, and our inability to offset increasing costs through cost savings initiatives or pricing;

● supply disruptions, including increased costs and potential adverse impacts on distribution and consumption;

● our inability to expand household penetration and successfully market our products;

● competition in the packaged food industry and our product categories, including our ability to identify and address emerging consumer preferences and trends;

● consolidation within the retail environment may allow our customers to demand lower pricing, increased promotional programs and increased deductions and allowances, among other items;

● our inability to successfully introduce new products or failure of recently launched products to meet expectations or remain on-shelf, including as a result of failing to anticipate changes in consumer preferences or habits;

● our inability to accurately forecast pricing elasticities and the resulting impact on volume growth and/or distribution gains;

● failure by us or third-party co-packers or suppliers of raw materials to comply with labeling, food safety, environmental or other laws or regulations, or new laws or regulations;

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● our vulnerability to the impact of severe weather conditions, natural disasters and other natural events such as herd, flock and crop diseases on our manufacturing facilities, co-packers or raw material suppliers;

● our inability to effectively manage our growth;

● changes in consumer demand for our products, including as a result of dietary and lifestyle habits, such as the use of GLP-1 drugs;

● fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows;

● geopolitical tensions, including relating to Ukraine and the Middle East;

● our inability to maintain our workforce;

● erosion of the reputation of one or more of our brands;

● our inability to protect ourselves from cyberattacks;

● failure to protect, or litigation involving, our tradenames or trademarks and other rights;

● our ability to effectively manage interest rate risk, including through the use of hedges and other strategies or financial products;

● the effects of climate change and adherence to environmental, social and governance demands;

● a change in assumptions used to value our goodwill or our intangible assets, or the impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets;

● our level of indebtedness under our Amended First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined herein), which as of September 30, 2023 was $480.8 million, and our duty to comply with covenants under our Amended First Lien Credit Agreement;

● the COVID-19 pandemic and associated effects; and

● the interests of our largest stockholder may differ from those of our other public stockholders.

See Part I. Item IA. “Risk Factors” in our 2022 Form 10-K for a further description of these and other factors. For the reasons described above, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included elsewhere in this report. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Sovos Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December of each year and as a result, a 53^rd week is added approximately every sixth year. Our fiscal year ended December 25, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”) had 52 weeks. Our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”) had 53 weeks. Our fiscal year ending December 30, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”) will have 52 weeks. Our fiscal quarters are comprised of 13 weeks each, ending on the 13^th Saturday of each quarter, except for the 53-week fiscal years for which the fourth quarter is comprised of 14 weeks, ending on the 14^th Saturday of such fourth quarter. The information for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022 are derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Overview

We are one of the fastest growing food companies of scale in the United States over the past two years, focused on growth of disruptive growth brands that bring today’s consumers great tasting food that fits the way they live. Our current brands, Rao’s, Michael Angelo’s and noosa are built with authenticity at their core, providing consumers food experiences that are genuine, delicious and unforgettable. Our premium products are made with simple, high-quality ingredients. We strive to empower our teams to lead with courage and tenacity, with the goal of providing them with the confidence and agility to connect with our consumers and retail partners to drive unparalleled growth. We believe our focus on “one-of-a-kind” brands and products that people love and our passion for our people make Sovos Brands a “one-of-a-kind” company and enables us to deliver on our objective of creating a growing and sustainable food enterprise yielding financial growth ahead of industry peers.

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In September 2021, we completed our initial public offering (the “IPO”) and became actively traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) listed under the trade symbol of “SOVO.”

On December 30, 2022, we completed our divestiture of Birch Benders which included the sale of the brand and certain related assets to Hometown Food Company, a portfolio company controlled by Brynwood Partners VIII L.P.

Pending Merger with Campbell’s

On August 7, 2023, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Campbell’s and Premium Products Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell’s (“Merger Sub”). Upon the terms and subject to the conditions stated in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, and the Company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Campbell’s (the “Merger”). The Company’s board of directors and the board of directors of Campbell’s have approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions described therein.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (“Effective Time”), each issued and outstanding share of the Company’s common stock (“Company Stock”), except for certain shares of Company Stock specified in the Merger Agreement, will be canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive (i) $23.00 per share, and (ii) if the Merger is not effective by May 7, 2024, an additional $0.00182 per day beginning May 8, 2024, up to but excluding the date the Merger becomes effective. Upon consummation of the Merger, Sovos Brands, Inc. will cease to be a publicly traded company and our common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq.

For additional information, see the full text of the Merger Agreement, which is Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 7, 2023. The foregoing description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Merger Agreement.

On October 16, 2023, at a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders, the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement was approved. The closing of the Merger continues to be subject to various remaining closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act.

On October 23, 2023, we and Campbell’s each received a request for additional information (the “Second Request”) from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) in connection with the FTC’s review of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Issuance of the Second Request extends the waiting period under the HSR Act until 30 days after both we and Campbell’s substantially comply with the Second Request, unless the waiting period is extended voluntarily by the parties or terminated earlier by the FTC.

We now expect that the Merger will close in 2024, and we will continue to engage with the FTC on its review with the objective of closing the Merger in mid-2024.

During the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $10.8 million in connection with the pending Merger, including $7.2 million for legal and other third-party advisors, $2.9 million for retention awards and $0.7 million for certain other Merger-related costs.

During the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $11.4 million in connection with the pending Merger, including $7.8 million for legal and other third-party advisors, $2.9 million for retention awards and $0.7 million for certain other Merger-related costs.

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Emerging Growth Status

Based on the aggregate worldwide market value of our shares of common stock held by our non-affiliate stockholders as of July 1, 2023, we expect that we will become a “large accelerated filer” and lose emerging growth status beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023. We will also no longer be exempt from the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and our independent registered public accounting firm will evaluate and report on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.

Market Trends

We continue to actively monitor the macroeconomic inflationary environment and the ongoing impacts to the global economy, including market disruptions, supply chain challenges and elevated costs, and consumer price sensitivity resulting from constrained purchasing power, as well as the level of consumer mobility, including the rate at which consumers return to working outside the home. Consistent with the consumer-packaged food industry, we are seeing a mix of cost increases, primarily across agricultural ingredients and labor, while we are also seeing favorability in specific ingredients, such as dairy and protein, as well as certain packaging materials including resin costs. Specific cost increases for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, fruit and cartons while other costs such as milk, protein and resin have decreased from the comparable period in fiscal 2022. In addition, the year over year cost of distribution for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 has continued to moderate, while in the first half of fiscal 2022 ongoing logistical issues at major ports, intermodal and trucking delays and capacity constraints for ocean freight cargo resulted in increased distribution costs. In fiscal 2023, labor-related disruptions, including labor shortages and absenteeism, have been less challenging within our operations and among our third-party logistics and other business partners, compared to the prior year where we experienced elevated downtime in our plants, but remain challenging when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

During the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, we experienced decreased cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, driven by price increases in recent quarters across all products, changes in product mix, and productivity savings, all of which were partially offset by higher inflationary costs described above. Specifically, we benefited from pricing actions announced during the second half of 2022, as well as those taken during the first half of 2023, including the inflation-justified list price increases to our customers, for yogurt and frozen entrees that were implemented in February 2023.We also continue to execute various productivity and cost savings initiatives within our manufacturing and logistics network, including further automation of our own production facilities, optimization of our co-manufacturing network, product and packaging value engineering, competitive procurement actions, and optimization of our logistics network.  We continue to proactively manage cost inflation risk through forward purchase agreements, where possible, as well as through leveraging our scale and enhancing our relationships with our third-party manufacturing partners to lower the all-in costs to manufacture our products. Collectively, we expect the pricing actions, productivity initiatives and value engineering that we have implemented to date to mitigate the ongoing increases in costs.

We continue to expect year-over-year inflationary pressures through the remainder of fiscal 2023, and that they will be relatively consistent throughout the full fiscal year 2023. As a result, we have and will continue to closely monitor our pricing.

Based on the information available to us as of the date of this Report, we believe that we will be able to deliver products at acceptable levels to fulfill customer orders on a timely basis. Therefore, we expect our products will continue to be available for purchase to meet consumer needs. We will continue to monitor customer and consumer demand along with our supply chain and logistics capabilities and intend to adapt our plans as needed to continue to drive our business and meet our obligations.

Key Performance Indicators

We regularly review a number of metrics to evaluate our business, measure our progress and make strategic decisions. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income, and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income (the “non-GAAP financial measures”), which

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are non-GAAP financial measures, are currently utilized by management and may be used by our competitors to assess performance. We believe these measures assist our investors in gaining a meaningful understanding of our performance. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of these measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, gross profit to adjusted gross profit, total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses, operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income, reported income tax (expense) benefit to adjusted income tax (expense), reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate, net income (loss) to adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share to diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income.

Results of Operations

The discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022.

Comparison of Unaudited Results for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022

The following unaudited table presents, for the periods indicated, selected information from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, including information presented as a percentage of net sales:

	13 Weeks Ended				13 Weeks Ended				Increase / (Decrease)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	September 30, 2023		% of Net Sales		September 24, 2022		% of Net Sales		$ Change		% Change
Net sales	$	257,944	100.0	%	$	208,907	100.0	%	$	49,037	23.5	%
Cost of sales		181,451	70.3	%		147,090	70.4	%		34,361	23.4	%
Gross profit		76,493	29.7	%		61,817	29.6	%		14,676	23.7	%
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		58,471	22.7	%		43,965	21.0	%		14,506	33.0	%
Depreciation and amortization		6,039	2.3	%		7,209	3.5	%		(1,170)	(16.2)	%
Total operating expenses		64,510	25.0	%		51,174	24.5	%		13,336	26.1	%
Operating income		11,983	4.7	%		10,643	5.1	%		1,340	(12.6)	%
Interest expense, net		8,621	3.3	%		6,679	3.2	%		1,942	29.1	%
Income before income taxes		3,362	1.4	%		3,964	1.9	%		(602)	15.2	%
Income tax (expense)		(1,936)	(0.8)	%		(2,500)	(1.2)	%		(564)	(22.6)	%
Net income	$	1,426	0.6	%	$	1,464	0.7	%	$	(38)	(2.6)	%
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.01			$	0.01			$	—	—	%
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		103,775,264				101,613,927				2,161,337	2.1	%
Other financial data: (1)
EBITDA	$	20,433	7.9	%	$	20,447	9.8	%	$	(14)	0.1	%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	39,023	15.1	%	$	29,519	14.1	%	$	9,504	32.2	%
Adjusted gross profit	$	76,493	29.7	%	$	62,314	29.8	%	$	14,179	22.8	%
Adjusted operating expenses	$	40,313	15.6	%	$	35,789	17.1	%	$	4,524	12.6	%
Adjusted operating income	$	36,180	14.0	%	$	26,525	12.7	%	$	9,655	36.4	%
Adjusted income tax (expense)	$	(7,009)	(2.7)	%	$	(5,547)	(2.7)	%	$	1,462	26.4	%
Adjusted net income	$	20,550	8.0	%	$	14,299	6.8	%	$	6,251	43.7	%
Diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income	$	0.20			$	0.14			$	0.06	42.9	%

(1) Other financial data includes non-GAAP financial metrics. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net income (loss) to adjusted net income, total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses, reported income tax (expense) benefit to adjusted income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate.

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Net Sales

Net sales consist primarily of product sales to our customers less cost of trade promotions such as consumer incentives, coupon redemptions, other in-store merchandising activities and allowances for unsalable product.

Net sales of $257.9 million represented an increase of $49.0 million, or 23.5%, for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was driven by 25.8% volume growth and 3.7% price and mix. These increases were partially offset by a 6.0% decrease in net sales for Birch Benders due to the divestiture of the brand and certain related assets on December 30, 2022. Net sales growth from a brand perspective was led by Rao’s up 45.2% as a result of higher sales across the entire brand, most notably sauce. Additionally, noosa grew 0.6% while Michael Angelo’s declined 12.0%. Michael Angelo’s net sales decline in the quarter was primarily driven by the ongoing impact related to the decision to eliminate certain channel specific, lower margin frozen entrée products in fiscal 2022.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales represents costs directly related to the manufacturing and distribution of products. Such costs include raw materials, labor and overhead required to produce the products, co-manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, shipping and handling, third-party distribution, and depreciation of equipment and leasehold improvements. We manufacture our products in our Austin, Texas and Bellvue, Colorado manufacturing locations. We also use third-party contract manufacturers in the United States, Canada and the European Union. We procure selected elements of raw materials and packaging and receive finished goods. We incur tolling charges related to our contract manufacturing arrangements.

Cost of sales of $181.5 million represented an increase of $34.4 million, or 23.4%, for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to volume growth, which was partially offset by productivity savings, mostly within our manufacturing network, as well as the inclusion of cost of sales in the prior year period from the Birch Benders brand which was, along with certain related assets, divested on December 30, 2022. We also continued to experience elevated input costs associated with agricultural ingredients, predominantly related to tomatoes and fruit, as well as labor.  

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased from 70.4% for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022, to 70.3% for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales benefitted from productivity, pricing and mix, all of which was offset by higher inflationary costs as described above.

Gross Profit

Gross profit of $76.5 million represented an increase of $14.7 million, or 23.7%, for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales, or gross margin, increased from 29.6% for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022 to 29.7% for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, and was a result of the items discussed above.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses of $64.5 million represented an increase of $13.3 million, or 26.1%, for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022 due to the following:

● Selling, General and Administrative expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses include sales and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses, including expenses for employee salaries and benefits. Selling and marketing costs also include advertising and marketing costs, broker commissions and research and development expenses. General and administrative expenses are also comprised of expenses associated with our corporate and administrative functions that support our business, including equity-based compensation expense, professional services, including legal, audit and tax compliance fees and third-party consultancy fees, insurance and other corporate expenses.

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Selling, general and administrative expenses of $58.5 million represented an increase of $14.5 million, or 33.0%, for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by: (a) increased spending of $10.8 million related to the pending Merger; (b) increased employee-related expenses of $3.0 million (c) increased spending, including professional fees, of $1.8 million to support marketing, research and development and selling; and (d) higher equity-based compensation expense of $1.8 million. These increases were offset by decreases of $1.7 million unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts and $1.1 million because of the Birch Benders divestiture at the end of fiscal 2022.

The increase in costs associated with the pending Merger include fees for legal and other third-party advisors, retention awards and certain other Merger-related costs. The increase in employee-related expenses is primarily due to higher incentive compensation accruals as a result of year-to-date performance, increased headcount and increased meeting and travel-related expenses. The increase in our marketing, research and development and selling expenses include our investment in our marketing activities to support recently launched innovations from our current portfolio, including Rao’s frozen pizza and Michael Angelo’s sauce, and product development activities to support product line extensions and new products, as well as increased selling costs driven by the increase in sales volumes. The increase in equity-based compensation expense is due to recognizing expense for new equity awards made during the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and the new equity awards and equity modifications made since September 24, 2022. The decrease in unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts is due to the fluctuation in the USD-EURO exchange rate, and the decrease in Birch Benders expenses is primarily related to marketing expenses for media and selling expenses for broker costs.

● Depreciation and Amortization expenses: Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of non-production property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, equipment, capitalized leases and the amortization of customer relationships and finite-lived trademarks.

Depreciation and amortization expenses of $6.0 million represented a decrease of $1.2 million, or 16.2%, for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The decrease was primarily related to a reduction in amortization expense for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 due to the sale of the Birch Benders intangible assets in conjunction with the divestiture in December 2022.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net primarily consists of interest and fees on our Credit Facilities (as defined herein) and amortization of deferred financing costs, offset by investment income. We have incurred, and may incur additional, indebtedness to fund acquisitions, and we may choose to prepay on our Credit Facilities to reduce indebtedness.

Interest expense, net of $8.6 million represented an increase of $1.9 million, or 29.1%, for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to an increase in variable interest rates on our Credit Facilities. The weighted average rate for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 was 9.14% compared to a weighted average rate of 5.40% for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The impact of $4.4 million due to the rate increase was partially offset by $0.6 million from our interest rate hedge. Refer to Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q for further discussion on our cash flow hedge of interest rate risk. In addition, the Credit Facilities interest expense was partially offset by higher realized investment interest income of $1.9 million in the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, due to a higher cash balance available to invest, along with higher interest rates on investments.

Income Tax (Expense)

Income tax (expense) consists of federal and various state taxes. Income tax (expense) of $1.9 million represented a decrease of $0.6 million for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The decrease was primarily driven by lower income before taxes.

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Net Income

Net income for the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023was $1.4 million compared to net income of $1.5 million for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The decrease in net income was attributable to the items described above.

Other Financial Data

See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for discussions of:

● EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA;

● adjusted gross profit and a reconciliation of our gross profit to adjusted gross profit;

● adjusted operating expenses and a reconciliation of our total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses;

● adjusted operating income and a reconciliation of our total operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income;

● adjusted income tax (expense) and a reconciliation of our reported income tax (expense) benefit to adjusted income tax (expense);

● adjusted effective tax rate and a reconciliation of reported effective tax rates to adjusted effective tax rate;

● adjusted net income and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) to adjusted net income and;

● diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) and the associated diluted loss per share to adjusted net income and the associated diluted earnings per share.

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Comparison of Unaudited Results for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022

The following unaudited table presents, for the periods indicated, selected information from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, including information presented as a percentage of net sales:

	39 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended				Increase / (Decrease)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	September 30, 2023		% of Net sales		September 24, 2022		% of Net sales		$ Change		% Change
Net sales	$	728,370	100.0	%	$	616,273	100.0	%	$	112,097	18.2	%
Cost of sales		510,358	70.1	%		445,525	72.3	%		64,833	14.6	%
Gross profit		218,012	29.9	%		170,748	27.7	%		47,264	27.7	%
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		149,518	20.5	%		117,329	19.0	%		32,189	27.4	%
Depreciation and amortization		18,023	2.5	%		21,612	3.5	%		(3,589)	(16.6)	%
Impairment of goodwill		—	—	%		42,052	6.8	%		(42,052)	(100.0)	%
Total operating expenses		167,541	23.0	%		180,993	29.4	%		(13,452)	(7.4)	%
Operating income (loss)		50,471	6.9	%		(10,245)	(1.7)	%		60,716	592.6	%
Interest expense, net		26,000	3.6	%		18,414	3.0	%		7,586	41.2	%
Income (loss) before income taxes		24,471	3.3	%		(28,659)	(4.7)	%		53,130	185.4	%
Income tax (expense) benefit		(9,810)	(1.3)	%		3,895	0.6	%		13,705	351.9	%
Net income (loss)	$	14,661	2.0	%	$	(24,764)	(4.0)	%	$	39,425	159.2	%
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.14			$	(0.25)			$	0.39	156.0	%
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		102,851,599				100,901,161				1,950,438	1.9	%
Other financial data: (1)
EBITDA	$	75,954	10.4	%	$	18,939	3.1	%	$	57,015	301.0	%
Adjusted EBITDA	$	110,144	15.1	%	$	82,831	13.4	%	$	27,313	33.0	%
Adjusted gross profit	$	218,290	30.0	%	$	172,039	27.9	%	$	46,251	26.9	%
Adjusted operating expenses(2)	$	116,810	16.0	%	$	97,963	15.9	%	$	18,847	19.2	%
Adjusted operating income	$	101,480	13.9	%	$	74,076	12.0	%	$	27,404	37.0	%
Adjusted income tax (expense)	$	(19,372)	(2.7)	%	$	(14,879)	(2.4)	%	$	4,493	30.2	%
Adjusted net income	$	56,108	7.7	%	$	40,783	6.6	%	$	15,325	37.6	%
Diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income	$	0.55			$	0.40			$	0.15	37.5	%

(1) Other financial data includes non-GAAP financial metrics. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, net income (loss) to adjusted net income, total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses, reported income tax (expense) benefit to adjusted income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate.

Net Sales

Net sales consist primarily of product sales to our customers less cost of trade promotions such as consumer incentives, coupon redemptions, other in-store merchandising activities and allowances for unsalable product.

Net sales of $728.4 million represented an increase of $112.1 million, or 18.2%, for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was driven by 16.7% volume growth and 7.6% price and mix. These increases were partially offset by a 6.1% decrease in net sales for Birch Benders due to the divestiture of the brand and certain related assets on December 30, 2022. Net sales growth from a brand perspective was led by Rao’s up 37.7% as a result of higher sales across the entire brand, most notably sauce. Additionally, noosa grew 3.1% while Michael Angelo’s declined 13.6%. Michael Angelo’s net sales decline in the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 was primarily driven by the decision to eliminate certain channel specific, lower margin frozen entrée products, as

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well as the impact of lapping the year-ago period when the Company cancelled nearly all of its promotions due to supply chain challenges.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales represents costs directly related to the manufacturing and distribution of products. Such costs include raw materials, labor and overhead required to produce the products, co-manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, shipping and handling, third-party distribution, and depreciation of equipment and leasehold improvements. We manufacture our products in our Austin, Texas and Bellvue, Colorado manufacturing locations. We also use third-party contract manufacturers in the United States, Canada and the European Union. We procure selected elements of raw materials and packaging and receive finished goods. We incur tolling charges related to our contract manufacturing arrangements.

Cost of sales of $510.4 million represented an increase of $64.8 million, or 14.6%, for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to volume growth, which was partially offset by productivity savings, mostly within our manufacturing network, as well as the inclusion of cost of sales in the prior year period from the Birch Benders brand which was, along with certain related assets, divested on December 30, 2022. We also experienced increased costs associated with agricultural ingredients, predominantly related to tomatoes and fruit, as well as labor.  

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased from 72.3% for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022, to 70.1% for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was driven by the contribution to net sales from higher pricing and mix, as well as productivity savings, all of which were partially offset by higher inflationary costs as described above.

Gross Profit

Gross profit of $218.0 million represented an increase of $47.3 million, or 27.7%, for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales, or gross margin, increased from 27.7% for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022 to 29.9% for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, and was a result of the items discussed above.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses of $167.5 million represented a decrease of $13.5 million, or 7.4%, for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022 due to the following:

● Selling, General and Administrative expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses include sales and marketing costs and general and administrative expenses, including expenses for employee salaries and benefits. Selling and marketing costs also include advertising and marketing costs, broker commissions and research and development expenses. General and administrative expenses are also comprised of expenses associated with our corporate and administrative functions that support our business, including equity-based compensation expense, professional services, including legal, audit and tax compliance fees and third-party consultancy fees, insurance and other corporate expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $149.5 million represented an increase of $32.2 million, or 27.4%, for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by: (a) increased spending of $11.4 million related to the pending Merger; (b) increased employee-related expenses of $11.3 million; (c) increased spending, including professional fees, of $10.8 million to support marketing, research and development and selling and (d) higher equity-based compensation expense of $5.1 million. These increases were offset by decreases of $3.9 million because of the Birch Benders divestiture at the end of fiscal 2022 and $2.0 million unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts.

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The increase in costs associated with the pending Merger include fees for legal and other third-party advisors, retention awards and certain other Merger-related costs. The increase in employee-related expenses is primarily due to higher incentive compensation accruals as a result of year-to-date performance, increased headcount and increased meeting and travel-related expenses. The increase in our marketing, research and development and selling expenses include our investment in our marketing activities to support recently launched innovations to our current portfolio, including Rao’s frozen pizza and Michael Angelo’s sauce, and product development activities to support product line extensions and new products, as well as increased selling costs driven by the increase in sales volumes during the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023. The increase in equity-based compensation expense is due to recognizing expense for new equity awards made during the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and the new equity awards and equity modifications made since September 24, 2022. The decrease in Birch Benders expenses is primarily related to marketing expenses for media, selling expenses for broker costs and product development costs, and the decrease in unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts is due to the fluctuation in the USD-EURO exchange rate.

● Depreciation and Amortization expenses: Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of non-production property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, equipment, capitalized leases and the amortization of customer relationships and finite-lived trademarks.

Depreciation and amortization expenses of $18.0 million represented a decrease of $3.6 million, or 16.6%, for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The decrease was primarily related to a reduction in amortization expense for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 due to the sale of the Birch Benders intangible assets in conjunction with the divestiture in December 2022.

● Impairment of Goodwill: We test our goodwill for impairment at least annually, or when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable and record any related impairment loss as an expense. For the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022, we recognized an impairment charge of $42.1 million in connection with the impairment of Birch Benders goodwill due to the underperformance of the brand. No impairment changes were recorded for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net primarily consists of interest and fees on our Credit Facilities (as defined herein) and amortization of deferred financing costs, offset by investment income. We have incurred, and may incur additional, indebtedness to fund acquisitions, and we may choose to prepay on our Credit Facilities to reduce indebtedness.

Interest expense, net of $26.0 million represented an increase of $7.6 million, or 41.2%, for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to an increase in variable interest rates on our Credit Facilities. The weighted average rate for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 was 8.74% compared to a weighted average rate of 4.76% for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The impact of $14.2 million due to the rate increase was partially offset by $1.4 million from our interest rate hedge. Refer to Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q for further discussion on our cash flow hedge of interest rate risk. In addition, the Credit Facilities interest expense was partially offset by higher realized investment interest income of $5.2 million in the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, due to a higher cash balance available to invest, along with higher interest rates on investments.

Income Tax (Expense) Benefit

Income tax (expense) benefit consists of federal and various state taxes. Income tax (expense) of $9.8 million represented an increase of $13.7 million for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 compared to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by higher income before taxes, the loss of tax benefit from the impairment of goodwill in 2022 and limitation on the deduction of executive compensation for public companies.

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Net Income (Loss)

Net income for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 was $14.7 million compared to net loss of $24.8 million for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase in net income was attributable to the items described above.

Other Financial Data

See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for discussions of:

● EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA;

● adjusted gross profit and a reconciliation of our gross profit to adjusted gross profit;

● adjusted operating expenses and a reconciliation of our total operating expenses to adjusted operating expenses;

● adjusted operating income and a reconciliation of our total operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income;

● adjusted income tax (expense) and a reconciliation of our reported income tax (expense) benefit to adjusted income tax (expense);

● adjusted effective tax rate and a reconciliation of reported effective tax rates to adjusted effective tax rate;

● adjusted net income and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) to adjusted net income and;

● diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income and a reconciliation of our net income (loss) and the associated diluted loss per share to adjusted net income and the associated diluted earnings per share.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. To supplement this information, we also use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income, and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income, non-GAAP financial measures, in this report. We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before net interest expense, income tax (expense) benefit, depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash equity-based compensation costs, non-recurring costs, gain (loss) on foreign currency contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs and IPO readiness costs. EBITDA margin is determined by calculating the percentage EBITDA is of net sales. Adjusted EBITDA margin is determined by calculating the percentage Adjusted EBITDA is of net sales. Adjusted gross margin is determined by calculating the percentage of adjusted gross profit is of net sales. Adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense) and adjusted effective tax rate, and adjusted net income consists of gross profit, total operating expenses, operating income (loss), reported income tax (expense) benefit, reported effective tax rate, and net income (loss) before non-cash equity-based compensation costs, non-recurring costs, gain (loss) on foreign currency contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs, IPO readiness costs, acquisition amortization and tax-related adjustments that we do not consider in our evaluation of our ongoing operating performance from period to period as discussed further below. Diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income is determined by dividing adjusted net income by the weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Non-GAAP financial measures are included in this report because they are key metrics used by management to assess our operating performance. Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures are helpful in highlighting performance trends because non-GAAP financial measures eliminate non-recurring and unusual items and non-cash expenses, which we do not consider indicative of ongoing operational performance. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by these items. By providing these non-GAAP financial measures, management believes we are enhancing investors’ understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well we are executing our strategic initiatives.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax

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rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income are not defined under GAAP. Our use of the terms EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry and are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is intended to provide supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to operating income (loss), net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, net sales or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, or as measures of operating cash flows or liquidity.

Non-GAAP financial measures have important limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

● EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect any charges for the assets being depreciated and amortized that may need to be replaced in the future;

● Adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate and adjusted net income do not reflect any charges for acquisition amortization;

● EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or, if any, principal payments on our debt;

● EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect our income tax (expense) benefit or the cash requirements to pay our income taxes;

● Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of non-cash equity-based compensation upon our results of operations;

● Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not include certain expenses that are non-recurring, infrequent and unusual in nature, costs related to loss on extinguishment of debt, professional fees related to organizational optimization, costs for capital markets-related activities and enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) conversion costs related to integrating acquisitions;

● Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency contracts;

● Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of supply chain initiatives associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international supplier to a domestic supplier;

● Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of impairments of goodwill;

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● Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect the impact of transaction and integration costs associated with acquisitions and divestitures and costs associated with potential or uncompleted transactions, including the pending Merger; and

● Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted income tax (expense), adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share from adjusted net income do not reflect costs associated with public company readiness and other professional fees associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment.

In the future we may incur expenses similar to those eliminated in this presentation of non-GAAP financial measures.

The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, their most directly comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods presented:

	13 Weeks Ended								39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		% of Net sales		September 24, 2022		% of Net sales		September 30, 2023		% of Net sales		September 24, 2022		% of Net sales
Net income (loss)(1)	$	1,426	0.6	%	$	1,464	0.7	%	$	14,661	2.0	%	$	(24,764)	(4.0)	%
Interest expense, net		8,621	3.3			6,679	3.2			26,000	3.6			18,414	3.0
Income tax (expense) benefit		(1,936)	(0.8)			(2,500)	(1.2)			(9,810)	(1.3)			3,895	0.6
Depreciation and amortization		8,450	3.3			9,804	4.7			25,483	3.5			29,184	4.7
EBITDA(1)		20,433	8.0			20,447	9.8			75,954	10.4			18,939	3.1
Non-cash equity-based compensation(2)		6,367	2.4			4,606	2.2			18,294	2.5			13,240	2.1
Non-recurring costs(3)		341	0.1			1,211	0.6			2,375	0.3			3,611	0.6
Loss on foreign currency contracts(4)		1,080	0.4			2,758	1.3			1,278	0.2			3,255	0.5
Supply chain optimization(5)		—	—			497	0.2			128	—			1,291	0.2
Impairment of goodwill(6)		—	—			—	—			—	—			42,052	6.8
Transaction and integration costs(7)		10,802	4.2			—	—			12,115	1.7			59	—
Initial public offering readiness(8)		—	—			—	—			—	—			384	0.1
Adjusted EBITDA(1)	$	39,023	15.1	%	$	29,519	14.1	%	$	110,144	15.1	%	$	82,831	13.4	%

(1) Net income (loss) as a percentage of net sales is also referred to as net income (loss) margin. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales are also referred to as EBITDA margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin.

(2) Consists of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated with the grant of equity-based compensation provided to officers, non-employee directors and employees.

(3) Consists of costs for professional fees related to organizational optimization and capital markets activities.

(4) Consists of unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts.

(5) Consists of write-downs associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international supplier to a domestic supplier.

(6) Consists of expenses for impairment of goodwill.

(7) Consists of costs associated with the pending Merger, the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets and other potential transactions.

(8) Consists of costs associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment.

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The following tables provide a reconciliation of adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted interest expense, net, adjusted income tax (expense) and adjusted net income to their most directly comparable GAAP measure, for each of the periods presented:

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	September 30, 2023
	Gross profit			Operating expenses			Operating income			Interest expense, net			Income tax (expense)			Net income
As reported (GAAP)	$	76,493		$	64,510		$	11,983		$	8,621		$	(1,936)		$	1,426
Adjustments:
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1)		—			(6,367)			6,367			—			—			6,367
Non-recurring costs(2)		—			(341)			341			—			—			341
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3)		—			(1,080)			1,080			—			—			1,080
Transaction and integration costs(6)		—			(10,802)			10,802			—			—			10,802
Acquisition amortization(8)		—			(5,607)			5,607			—			—			5,607
Tax effect of adjustments(9)		—			—			—			—			(4,855)			(4,855)
One-time tax (expense) items(10)		—			—			—			—			(218)			(218)
As adjusted	$	76,493		$	40,313		$	36,180		$	8,621		$	(7,009)		$	20,550
As adjusted (% of net sales)		29.7	%(11)		15.6	%		14.0	%		3.3	%		(2.7)	%		8.0	%
Earnings per share:
Diluted																	0.01
Adjusted diluted																	0.20
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted for net income																103,775,264
Diluted for adjusted net income																103,775,264

	13 Weeks Ended
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	September 24, 2022
	Gross profit			Operating expenses			Operating income			Interest expense, net			Income tax (expense)			Net income
As reported (GAAP)	$	61,817		$	51,174		$	10,643		$	6,679		$	(2,500)		$	1,464
Adjustments:
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1)		—			(4,606)			4,606			—			—			4,606
Non-recurring costs(2)		—			(1,211)			1,211			—			—			1,211
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3)		—			(2,758)			2,758			—			—			2,758
Supply chain optimization(4)		497			—			497			—			—			497
Acquisition amortization(8)		—			(6,810)			6,810			—			—			6,810
Tax effect of adjustments(9)		—			—			—			—			(3,021)			(3,021)
One-time tax (expense) items(10)		—			—			—			—			(26)			(26)
As adjusted	$	62,314		$	35,789		$	26,525		$	6,679		$	(5,547)		$	14,299
As adjusted (% of net sales)		29.8	%(11)		17.1	%		12.7	%		3.2	%		(2.7)	%		6.8	%
Earnings per share:
Diluted																	0.01
Adjusted diluted																	0.14
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted for net income																101,613,927
Diluted for adjusted net income																101,613,927

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	39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	September 30, 2023
	Gross profit			Operating expenses			Operating income			Interest expense, net			Income tax (expense)			Net income
As reported (GAAP)	$	218,012		$	167,541		$	50,471		$	26,000		$	(9,810)		$	14,661
Adjustments:
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1)		—			(18,294)			18,294			—			—			18,294
Non-recurring costs(2)		—			(2,375)			2,375			—			—			2,375
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3)		—			(1,278)			1,278			—			—			1,278
Supply chain optimization(4)		128			—			128			—			—			128
Transaction and integration costs(6)		150			(11,965)			12,115			—			—			12,115
Acquisition amortization(8)		—			(16,819)			16,819			—			—			16,819
Tax effect of adjustments(9)		—			—			—			—			(9,189)			(9,189)
One-time tax (expense) items(10)		—			—			—			—			(373)			(373)
As adjusted	$	218,290		$	116,810		$	101,480		$	26,000		$	(19,372)		$	56,108
As adjusted (% of net sales)		30.0	%(11)		16.0	%		13.9	%		3.6	%		(2.7)	%		7.7	%
Earnings per share:
Diluted																	0.14
Adjusted diluted																	0.55
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted for net income																102,851,599
Diluted for adjusted net income																102,851,599

	39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	September 24, 2022
	Gross profit			Operating expenses			Operating income (loss)			Interest expense, net			Income tax (expense) benefit			Net income (loss)
As reported (GAAP)	$	170,748		$	180,993		$	(10,245)		$	18,414		$	3,895		$	(24,764)
Adjustments:
Non-cash equity-based compensation(1)		—			(13,240)			13,240			—			—			13,240
Non-recurring costs(2)		—			(3,611)			3,611			—			—			3,611
Loss on foreign currency contracts(3)		—			(3,255)			3,255			—			—			3,255
Supply chain optimization(4)		1,291			—			1,291			—			—			1,291
Impairment of goodwill(5)		—			(42,052)			42,052			—			—			42,052
Transaction and integration costs(6)		—			(59)			59			—			—			59
Initial public offering readiness(7)		—			(384)			384			—			—			384
Acquisition amortization(8)		—			(20,429)			20,429			—			—			20,429
Tax effect of adjustments(9)		—			—			—			—			(8,472)			(8,472)
One-time tax (expense) items(10)		—			—			—			—			(10,302)			(10,302)
As adjusted	$	172,039		$	97,963		$	74,076		$	18,414		$	(14,879)		$	40,783
As adjusted (% of net sales)		27.9	%(11)		15.9	%		12.0	%		3.0	%		(2.4)	%		6.6	%
Earnings (loss) per share:
Diluted																	(0.25)
Adjusted diluted																	0.40
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Diluted for net income																100,901,161
Diluted for adjusted net income																101,226,086

(1) Consists of non-cash equity-based compensation expense associated with the grant of equity-based compensation provided to officers, non-employee directors and employees.

(2) Consists of costs for professional fees related to organizational optimization and capital markets activities.

(3) Consists of unrealized loss on foreign currency contracts.

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(4) Consists of write-downs associated with packaging optimization and a strategic initiative to move co-packaging production from an international supplier to a domestic supplier.

(5) Consists of expenses for impairment of goodwill.

(6) Consists of costs associated with the pending Merger, the divestiture of the Birch Benders brand and certain related assets and other potential transactions.

(7) Consists of costs associated with building the organizational infrastructure to support a public company environment.

(8) Amortization costs associated with acquired trade names and customer lists.

(9) Tax effect was calculated using the Company's adjusted annual effective tax rate.

(10) Represents the removal of the tax effect of impairment of goodwill, costs associated with the pending Merger, removal for remeasurement of deferred taxes related to intangibles for changes in deferred rate, the removal of the tax effect of non-deductible transaction costs and the removal of the excess tax benefits related to equity-based compensation vesting.

(11) Adjusted gross profit as a percentage of net sales is also referred to as adjusted gross margin.

We adjust the GAAP financial measures for reported income tax (expense) benefit and reported effective tax rate to exclude the effect of non-cash equity-based compensation costs, other non-recurring costs, loss on foreign currency contracts, supply chain optimization costs, impairment of goodwill, transaction and integration costs, IPO readiness costs, and acquisition amortization impacting comparability. We excluded the items which we believe may obscure trends in our pre-tax income and the related tax effect of those items on our adjusted effective tax rate and other impacts to tax expense. This non-GAAP financial measure is intended to provide a meaningful comparison of the Company’s effective tax rate, excluding the pre-tax income and tax effect of the items noted above, for the periods presented. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure to monitor the effectiveness of adjustments on our tax rate.

The following table provides reconciliations of reported income tax (expense) benefit to adjusted income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 and September 24, 2022:

	13 Weeks Ended						39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023			September 24, 2022			September 30, 2023			September 24, 2022
Reported income tax (expense) benefit	$	(1,936)		$	(2,500)		$	(9,810)		$	3,895
Non-cash equity-based compensation		(847)			(393)			(847)			(1,095)
Non-recurring costs		(218)			42			(815)			(399)
Loss on foreign currency contracts		—			(613)			—			(807)
Supply chain optimization		4			(197)			(27)			(319)
Impairment of goodwill		—			—			—			(10,276)
Transaction and integration costs		(2,588)			(1)			(2,898)			(15)
Initial public offering readiness		—			(1)			—			(448)
Acquisition amortization		(1,424)			(1,884)			(4,975)			(5,415)
Adjusted income tax (expense)(1)	$	(7,009)		$	(5,547)		$	(19,372)		$	(14,879)
Reported effective tax rate		57.6	%		63.1	%		40.1	%		13.6	%
Non-cash equity-based compensation		(5.4)			(4.9)			(1.3)			0.7
Non-recurring costs		(1.4)			0.5			(1.2)			0.3
Loss on foreign currency contracts		—			(7.6)			—			0.5
Supply chain optimization		—			(2.4)			—			0.2
Impairment of goodwill		—			—			—			6.7
Transaction and integration costs		(16.4)			—			(4.4)			—
Initial public offering readiness		—			—			—			0.3
Acquisition amortization		(9.0)			(23.3)			(7.5)			3.5
Adjusted effective tax rate(1)		25.4	%		25.4	%		25.7	%		25.8	%

(1) The adjustments to reported income tax (expense) benefit and reported effective tax rate represent the tax effect of the reconciling items included in the reconciliation tables above for adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted interest expense, net, adjusted income tax (expense) and adjusted net income to their most directly comparable GAAP measure. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for definitions of our reported income tax (expense) benefit to adjusted income tax (expense) and reported effective tax rate to adjusted effective tax rate.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity include cash flow from operations, cash and cash equivalents and credit capacity under our Credit Facilities. As of September 30, 2023, we had cash and equivalents of $202.5 million and availability under our Credit Facilities of $125.0 million.

We expect to use cash primarily for working capital, capital expenditures, purchase commitments, lease obligations and interest payments on our debt. We estimate that our capital expenditures will be approximately $11 million to $13 million in fiscal 2023, which we plan to fund with cash generated from our operating activities. The principal balance on our Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility was $480.8 million as of September 30, 2023, with no obligation to pay principal payments over the remaining term. At a minimum, we are required to make quarterly interest payments and estimate our interest payments to be approximately $40 million to $41 million over the next 12 months. Our total lease obligations were $22.5 million as of September 30, 2023, with $3.2 million due over the next 12 months. We have purchase commitments of approximately $12.9 million and $8.4 million to third-party and related-party manufacturers and suppliers, respectively, over the next 12 months, primarily for materials and supplies used in the manufacture of our products.

We also have long-term cash requirements related to our purchase commitments, lease obligations and principal payments on our debt. See Note 9. Long-Term Debt, Note 10. Leases, Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies and Note 17. Related Party Transactions for additional discussion related to the expected timing and amount of payments related to our contractual obligations.

We believe that our cash flow from operations, availability under our Revolving Facility (as defined herein) and available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. We anticipate that to the extent that we require additional liquidity, it will be funded through the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the issuance of equity, or a combination thereof. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain this additional liquidity on reasonable terms, or at all. Additionally, our liquidity and our ability to meet our obligations and fund our capital requirements are also dependent on our future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial and other factors that are beyond our control. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available from additional indebtedness or otherwise to meet our liquidity needs. We may incur additional debt or sell additional equity to finance future acquisitions, which would result in additional expenses or dilution.

Merger-related Liquidity and Capital Resources Limitations

We have agreed to various terms and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including among others, a covenant to conduct our business in the ordinary course during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and either the Effective Time or the valid termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to its terms. Outside of certain limited exceptions, we may not take or agree to take certain actions without Campbell’s consent, including acquiring businesses, entering into certain specified contracts, making unbudgeted capital expenditures, issuing additional capital stock or securities convertible into capital stock, or incurring additional indebtedness. We do not believe these restrictions will prevent us from meeting our ongoing operating expenses, working capital needs, or capital expenditure requirements.

Credit Facilities and Unused Borrowing Capacity

In June 2021, Sovos Intermediate (the “Borrower”) entered into (i) the First Lien Credit Agreement, pursuant to which the First Lien Lenders agreed to provide senior secured credit facilities, consisting of (a) an initial first lien term loan facility in an original principal amount of $580.0 million (the “Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility” and the loans thereunder, the “Initial First Lien Term Loans”) and (b) a revolving facility in an original principal amount of $125.0 million (the “Revolving Facility” and the loans thereunder, the “Revolving Loans”), including a letter of credit facility with a $45.0 million sublimit (the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facility, collectively, the “Credit Facilities”).

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In 2021, we prepaid $99.2 million of the outstanding principal balance under the Initial First Lien Term Loans. As a result of the prepayment on the Initial First Lien Term Loans, all future principal payments have been eliminated for the remaining term of the loan.

On June 28, 2023, Sovos Intermediate amended the First Lien Credit Agreement. The amended First Lien Credit Agreement (“Amended First Lien Credit Agreement”) replaces the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBO Rate”) for loans denominated in dollars with a successor rate based on Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”).

The interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loans and the Revolving Loans is (at the Borrower's option) either (a) LIBO Rate (as defined in the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement) plus the applicable LIBO Rate spread or (b) Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement) plus the applicable Alternate Base Rate spread. As of June 28, 2023, Term SOFR (as defined in the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement) replaced the LIBO Rate as the base rate for loans denominated in dollars. However, to the extent any LIBO Rate loan denominated in dollars was outstanding on June 28, 2023, such loan continued to bear interest at the LIBO Rate until the end of the interest period or payment period applicable to such loan and such loan was governed by the terms of First Lien Credit Agreement applicable to LIBO Rate loans denominated in dollars until the earlier of (i) the repayment of such loans or (ii) the conversion of such loans into Term SOFR loans or ABR loans. Effective as of June 28, 2023, a credit spread adjustment (0.11448% per annum for one month tenor, 0.26161% per annum for a three-month tenor, 0.42826% per annum for a six month tenor and 0.71513% per annum for a twelve month tenor) shall apply to Term SOFR loans pursuant to the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement. The Initial First Lien Term Loans mature on June 8, 2028 and any Revolving Loans mature on June 8, 2026.

As of September 30, 2023, we have available credit of $125.0 million under the Revolving Facility. No revolving loans were outstanding as of September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the effective interest rate for the Initial First Lien Term Loans and Revolving Facility was 9.13% and 7.91%, respectively.  

The Amended First Lien Credit Agreement contains various financial, affirmative and negative covenants that we must adhere to. Under the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement, the Borrower is required to comply with a springing financial covenant, which requires the Borrower to maintain a first lien net leverage ratio of consolidated first lien net debt to consolidated EBITDA (with certain adjustments as set forth in the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement) of no greater than 6.95:1.00. Such financial covenant is tested only if outstanding revolving loans (excluding any undrawn letters of credit) minus unrestricted cash exceeds 35% of the aggregate revolving credit commitments. The financial covenant is subject to customary “equity cure” rights. As of September 30, 2023, we had no outstanding revolving loans and therefore we were not required to test the financial covenant under the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement. In addition, under the Amended First Lien Credit Agreement, an annual excess cashflow calculation is required, to determine if any excess is required to be paid on the Initial First Lien Term Loan Facility.  

Statement of Cash Flows

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the periods presented:

	39 Weeks Ended
(In thousands)	September 30, 2023		September 24, 2022
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	71,020	$	26,770
Investing activities		(7,077)		(10,939)
Financing activities		(73)		(59)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	$	63,870	$	15,772

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $71.0 million for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $44.2 million from $26.8 million for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The increase was due to an increase in net income (loss) of $39.4 million, a decrease in adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities of $33.4 million, and an increase in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $38.2 million.

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The decrease in adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities of $33.4 million was primarily related to $42.1 million impairment of goodwill in the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022, offset by increases in deferred income taxes due to the goodwill impairment.

The increase in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $38.2 million for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to an increase in cash provided by inventories of $44.1 million due to strong Rao’s sales volume, and an increase of $4.0 million from accounts receivable resulting from increased sales volumes. The increase in cash provided by inventories and accounts receivable for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 was offset by an increase in the use of cash for accounts payable of $9.4 million.

Cash Used in Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $7.1 million for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $3.8 million from $10.9 million for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. The decrease was related to decreased cash used for capital expenditures, primarily due to prior year payments for production equipment at a co-packing manufacturing facility.

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $73 thousand for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $14 thousand from $59 thousand for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2022. Financing activities consisted of repayments of capital lease obligations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 30, 2023, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, income or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Critical Accounting Estimates

There were no material changes from the Critical Accounting Estimates disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2023.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

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Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to the following market risks:

Commodity and Packaging Prices and Inflation

In the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023, we experienced decreased cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, driven by productivity savings, price increases in recent quarters across all products and changes in product mix, all of which were partially offset by higher inflationary costs. Consistent with the consumer-packaged food industry, we are experiencing a mix of cost increases in several raw materials and packaging while other costs are flat or lower than the prior year. Specific cost increases for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, fruit and cartons while costs such as milk, proteins and resin have decreased from the comparable period in fiscal 2022. In addition, the year over year cost of distribution for the 39 weeks ended September 30, 2023 has continued to moderate, while in first half of fiscal 2022 logistical issues at major ports, intermodal and trucking delays and capacity constraints for ocean freight cargo resulted in increased distribution costs.  

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations in interest rates on our debt obligations. Interest rate changes do not affect the market value of such debt, but could impact the amount of our interest payments, and accordingly, our future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. As of September 30, 2023, we had $480.8 million of variable rate debt outstanding under our Credit Facilities. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Credit Facilities and Unused Borrowing Capacity” above. As of July 2022, we entered into a cash flow hedge to manage interest rate risk on $240.0 million of the $480.8 million variable rate debt. Based upon our principal amount of long-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2023, a hypothetical 1% increase or 1% decrease in average interest rates over a SOFR base of 5.63% would impact our annual interest expense in the next year by approximately $3 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations including foreign currency exchange rate risk. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in, among other things, our paying higher prices for certain imported products and services, and realizing lower net income, on a U.S. dollar basis, from our international purchases. For additional information regarding our foreign currency exchange risk refer to Note 13. Hedging and Derivative Financial Instruments, to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosures.

Management, including the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation (pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act) of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2023, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may become involved in actions, claims, suits and other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including lawsuits or claims relating to product labelling or related disclaimers, product recalls and product liability as well as the marketing of our products, intellectual property, contracts, employment matters, environmental matters or other aspects of our business. We are not currently a party to any actions the outcome of which would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations if determined adversely to us.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Other than as set forth below related to the proposed transaction with Campbell’s, including the merger of the Company with a wholly owned subsidiary of Campbell’s, there were no material changes from the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors” in our 2022 Form 10-K.

Risks Related to the Proposed Transaction with Campbell’s.

The announcement and pendency of the pending Merger may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, whether or not the Merger is completed, and our failure to complete the Merger could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operation, financial condition, and stock price.

On August 7, 2023, we announced that we had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Campbell’s and Merger Sub. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions stated in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), and the Company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Campbell’s. Uncertainty about the effect of the Merger on our key suppliers, customers, brokers, distributors, agencies, employees, and other parties may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We could potentially lose employees, suppliers, customers, brokers, distributors, agencies or other third-party relationships, or our suppliers, customers, brokers, distributors, agencies or other third parties could adversely modify their relationships with us or performance for us, including as a result of changes in third-party talent supporting our business. In addition, we have devoted, and will continue to devote, significant management and other resources to complete the Merger and related transactions. This may cause our business and operating results to suffer. Losses of suppliers, customers, brokers, distributors, agencies or other important strategic relationships (including losses of third-party talent supporting our business through such relationships) or losses of employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Such adverse effects could also be exacerbated by a delay in the completion of the Merger for any reason, including delays associated with obtaining requisite regulatory approvals as required under the HSR Act.  

The Merger Agreement also places restrictions on how we conduct our business before the Merger is effective. These restrictions could result in our inability to respond efficiently and successfully to retention issues, competitive pressures, industry developments and future opportunities. This could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

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If the pending Merger does not become effective, or during the pendency of the Merger, we may suffer other consequences that could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price, and our stockholders would be exposed to additional risks, including:

● to the extent that the current market price of Company Stock reflects an assumption that the Merger will be completed, the market price of Company Stock could decrease if the Merger is not completed;

● investor confidence in us could decline if the Merger is not completed;

● we may be unable to retain key and other personnel (either during the pendency of the Merger or if the Merger is not completed), and our results of operations may be adversely impacted due to costs incurred in connection with the Merger;

● additional stockholder litigation;

● any disruptions to our business resulting from the announcement and pendency of the Merger, including adverse changes in our relationships with employees as well as suppliers, customers, brokers, distributors, agencies and other third parties may continue or intensify in the event the Merger is not consummated or is significantly delayed, including delays associated with obtaining requisite approvals under the HSR Act;

● the risks related to the diversion of attention of our management or other employees during the pendency of the Merger; and

● the requirement that we pay Campbell’s a termination fee of $71.3 million under certain circumstances that give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement.

Even if the pending Merger is successfully completed:

● receipt of the all-cash per share Merger consideration is generally taxable to stockholders that are treated as U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and

● stockholders will forego the opportunity to realize the potential long-term value of the successful execution of our current strategy as a public company.

As a result of the announcement of the pending Merger, our current and prospective employees could experience uncertainty about their future with us. As a result, key or other employees may depart because of issues relating to such uncertainty or a desire not to remain with Campbell’s following the completion of the Merger and we may not be able to hire replacement or additional employees.

As a result of the announcement of the pending Merger, our current and prospective employees could experience uncertainty about their future with us or decide that they do not want to continue their employment with the surviving company. As a result, key or other employees may depart because of issues relating to such uncertainty or a desire not to remain with Campbell’s following the completion of the Merger. Losses of key employees (including officers) or other employees could materially harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Such adverse effects could also be exacerbated by a delay in the completion of the Merger for any reason, including delays associated with obtaining requisite regulatory approvals as required under the HSR Act. We may also experience challenges in hiring new employees during the pendency of the Merger, or if the Merger Agreement is terminated, which could harm our ability to grow our business, execute on our business plans or enhance our operations. Additionally, to the extent that we are unable to hire replacement or additional employees or unable to retain employees during the pendency of the Merger, we may need to turn to more expensive and less effective resources, such as consultants or temporary workers, to support our business, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The consummation of the Merger is contingent upon the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including regulatory approvals, that may be outside of our or Campbell’s control and that we and Campbell’s may be unable to satisfy or obtain or which may delay the consummation of the Merger or result in the imposition of conditions that could reduce the anticipated benefits from the Merger or cause the parties to abandon the Merger.

Consummation of the Merger is contingent upon the satisfaction of a number of conditions, some of which are beyond our and Campbell’s control, including, among others:

● the expiration or early termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act; and

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● the absence of an order or law prohibiting or making consummation of the Merger illegal.

On October 16, 2023, at a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders, the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement was approved. However, we cannot predict whether and when the other conditions to the closing of the Merger will be satisfied. The remaining conditions to the closing of the Merger may not be fulfilled in a timely manner or at all, and, accordingly, the Merger may not be completed.

We and Campbell’s may also be subject to additional lawsuits challenging the pending Merger, and adverse rulings in these lawsuits may delay or prevent the Merger from being completed or require us or Campbell’s to incur significant costs to defend or settle these lawsuits. Any delay in completing the Merger could cause us not to realize, or to be delayed in realizing, some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve if the Merger is successfully completed within its expected time frame.

The Merger Agreement contains provisions that could discourage or deter a potential competing offer to acquire the Company’s common stock.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we are not permitted to solicit proposals for certain alternative business combination transactions and, given our stockholders’ approval of the pending Merger, we are not permitted to engage in discussions or negotiations regarding an alternative business combination transaction. In addition, in certain circumstances if we terminate the Merger Agreement, we may be required to pay a termination fee. Such restrictions could discourage or deter a third party, that may be willing to pay more than Campbell’s for our outstanding Company Stock, from considering or proposing such an acquisition.

Additional litigation could arise in connection with the pending Merger, which could be costly, prevent consummation of the Merger, divert management’s attention and otherwise materially harm our business.

As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the seven complaints that had been filed against us seeking to enjoin the Merger or other relief have been voluntarily dismissed. However, additional litigation related to the Merger may be commenced in the future. If any such litigation related to the Merger is commenced, any such litigation may be time-consuming and expensive and may distract our management from running the day-to-day operations of our business. The litigation costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources to address the claims and counterclaims in any litigation related to the Merger may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, prospects, and financial condition. If the Merger is not consummated for any reason, litigation could be filed in connection with the failure to consummate the Merger. Any litigation related to the Merger may result in negative publicity or an unfavorable impression of us, which could adversely affect the price of Company Stock, impair our ability to recruit or retain employees, damage our relationships with our customers, suppliers, brokers, distributors, agencies and other business partners, or otherwise materially harm our operations and financial performance.

A significant portion of our outstanding shares of Company Stock is controlled by a few entities, and their interests may conflict with those of other stockholders.

As of November 3, 2023, Advent beneficially owned in the aggregate approximately 42.0% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Advent may be able to exercise significant influence over us and certain matters requiring the approval of our stockholders, including the approval of significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of the Company or its assets. This could limit the ability of our other stockholders to influence corporate matters and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a third party from acquiring control of our Company. In addition, Advent may have actual or potential interests that diverge from the interests of our other stockholders.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans

During the 13 weeks ended September 30, 2023, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Ruel 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” in accordance with Item 408 of Regulation S-K.

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit
No.	Document
2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 7, 2023, by and among Sovos Brands, Inc., Campbell Soup Company and Premium Products Merger Sub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 7, 2023).
10.1	Sovos Brands, Inc. Amended and Restated 2023 Severance Plan for Executives (effective July 21, 2023) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2023).
10.2	Voting Agreement, dated August 7, 2023, by and among certain funds associated with Advent International Corporation and Campbell Soup Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 7, 2023).
10.3	Form of Voting Agreement by and among certain directors of Sovos Brands, Inc. and Campbell Soup Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 7, 2023).
*31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
*31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and contained in Exhibit 101).
	*   Filed herewith. † Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	Sovos Brands, Inc.
	By:	/s/ Christopher W. Hall
Date:  November 8, 2023	Name:	Christopher W. Hall
	Title:	Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Officer)

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