J. Rieck
Executive VP of Finance & Investor Relations

Hello, everyone. This is J.T. Rieck, EVP of Finance and Investor Relations. Welcome to the prerecorded discussion of Flowers Foods First Quarter 2026 Results. We will host a live Q&A session Friday, May 22, at 8:30 a.m., Eastern. Further details about the live call, along with our earnings release, a transcript of these recorded remarks and a related slide presentation are posted on the Investors section of flowersfoods.com.

Before we get started, keep in mind that the information presented here may include forward-looking statements about the company's performance. Although we believe these statements to be reasonable, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. In addition to what you hear in these remarks, important factors relating to Flowers Foods business are fully detailed in our SEC filings.

Providing remarks today are Ryals McMullian, Chairman and CEO; and Anthony Scaglione, our CFO. Ryals, I'll turn it over to you.

A. McMullian
CEO & Chairman of Board

Thanks, J.T., and thanks to everyone for joining us today. In the first quarter, with disciplined cost management, the team executed well to offset softer top line trends and navigate challenging market dynamics to deliver bottom line results ahead of market expectations. Reported sales growth included an incremental contribution from Simple Mills. On a comparable basis, sales declined 1.2% versus prior year. While near-term conditions remain pressured, we are confident in our ability to navigate the current environment given the strength of our brand portfolio, our expanding presence in Better-For-You categories, our scaled supply chain and DSD network, and a balance sheet that we