Vital Farms, Inc.

Previous wording

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The following is a description of the known factors that may materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information in this Annual Report. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. In this case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The following is a description of the known factors that may materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information in this Annual Report. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. In this case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

If we fail to effectively expand our processing, manufacturing and production capacity as we continue to grow and scale our business, or if our forecasts of future supply capacity or customer and consumer demand are inaccurate, our business and operating results could be harmed.

Current wording

If we fail to effectively expand our processing, manufacturing and production capacity as we continue to grow and scale our business, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

A substantial amount of our shell egg processing occurs at our existing Egg Central Station processing facility in Missouri. Any damage or disruption at this facility may harm our business.

Current wording

A substantial amount of our shell egg processing occurs at our Egg Central Station egg washing and packing facility in Missouri. Any damage or disruption at this facility, any disruption in the availability of resources utilized at this facility or any constraints related to acquiring, maintaining and operating the processing equipment for our shell eggs, may harm our business.

Previous wording

Our planned egg washing and packing facility in Indiana or other future expansions of our processing capacity may not provide us with the benefits we expect to receive.

Current wording

Our planned Vital Crossroads egg washing and packing facility with onsite cold storage in Indiana or other future expansions of our processing capacity may not provide us with the benefits we expect to receive.

Previous wording

If we fail to effectively maintain relationships within our existing farm network or further expand our farm network, or if our plans for the purchase, development and potential sale of accelerator farms do not result in the benefits we anticipate, our business, operating results and brand reputation could be harmed.

Current wording

If we fail to effectively maintain relationships within our existing farm network or further expand our farm network, our business, operating results and brand reputation could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We have grown rapidly since inception and anticipate further growth. For example, our net revenue increased from $471.9 million in fiscal 2023 to $606.3 million in fiscal 2024. This growth has placed significant demands on our management, financial, operational, technological and other resources. The continued growth and expansion of our business depends on a number of factors, including our ability to:

Current wording

We have grown rapidly since inception and anticipate further growth. For example, our net revenue increased from $471.9 million in fiscal 2023 to $606.3 million in fiscal 2024 to $759.4 million in fiscal 2025. This growth has placed significant demands on our management, financial, operational, technological and other resources. The growth and expansion of our business depends on a number of factors, including our continued ability to:

Previous wording

price our products effectively so that we are able to attract new customers and consumers and expand sales to our existing customers and consumers;

Current wording

price our products effectively to attract new consumers and customers and expand sales to our existing consumers and customers;

Previous wording

expand distribution to new points of sale with new and existing customers;

Current wording

expand distribution with new and existing customers;

Previous wording

continue to innovate and expand our product offerings;

Current wording

innovate and expand our product offerings;

Previous wording

The growth and expansion of our business has placed, and will continue to place, significant demands on our management and operations teams and will require significant additional resources, financial and otherwise, to meet our needs, which may not be available in a cost-effective manner or at all. We expect to continue to expend substantial resources on our current and future processing facilities, our sales and marketing efforts, product innovation and development and general administration associated with being a public company.

Current wording

Our growth has placed, and will continue to place, significant demands on our management and operations teams and will continue to require significant additional resources, financial and otherwise, to meet our needs, resources that may not be available in a cost-effective manner or at all. We expect to continue to expend substantial resources on our current and future processing facilities, our sales and marketing efforts, product innovation and development and general administration associated with being a public company.

Previous wording

Our ability to maintain or increase our profitability is subject to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. As we continue to expand our operations, we anticipate that our operating expenses and capital expenditures will continue to increase in the foreseeable future as we invest to increase our household penetration, customer base, supplier network, marketing channels and product portfolio, expand and enhance our processing, manufacturing and distribution facilities, and hire additional crew members. Our ongoing efforts to grow and develop our supply chain may prove more expensive than we anticipate (including as a result of inflation, increases in input costs or disruptions in our supply chain relating to public health pandemics, outbreaks of agricultural diseases, trade wars, domestic or geopolitical tensions, or other factors), and we may not succeed in increasing our net revenue and margins sufficiently to offset the anticipated higher expenses. We have incurred significant expenses in connection with investing in and expanding our processing capacity, developing our co-manufacturing and co-packing relationships and obtaining and storing raw materials, and we will continue to incur significant expenses in developing and marketing products. In addition, many of our expenses, including the costs associated with our existing and future processing and manufacturing facilities, may be fixed. We expect to continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses as we grow and mature as a public company. If we fail to grow our revenue at a greater rate than our costs and expenses, we may be unable to maintain or increase our profitability and may incur losses in the future.

Current wording

Our ability to maintain or increase our profitability is subject to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. As we continue to expand our operations, we anticipate that our operating expenses and capital expenditures will continue to increase in the foreseeable future as we invest to increase our household penetration, customer base, supplier network, marketing channels and product portfolio, as we expand and enhance our processing, manufacturing and distribution facilities, and as we hire additional crew members. Our ongoing efforts to grow and develop our supply chain may prove more expensive than we anticipate (including as a result of increases in input costs or disruptions in our supply chain relating to outbreaks of agricultural diseases, trade wars, tariff regimes, domestic or geopolitical tensions, public health pandemics, inflation or other factors), and we may not succeed in increasing our net revenue and margins sufficiently to offset higher expenses. We have incurred significant expenses in connection with investing in and expanding our processing capacity, developing our co-manufacturing and co-packing relationships and obtaining and storing raw materials, and we will continue to incur significant expenses in developing and marketing products. In addition, many of our expenses, including the costs associated with our existing and future processing facilities, may be fixed. We expect that we will continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses as we grow and mature as a public company. If we fail to grow our revenue at a greater rate than our costs and expenses, we may be unable to maintain or increase our profitability and may incur losses in the future.

Previous wording

Shell eggs accounted for approximately 94% of our net revenue in fiscal 2022, 95% of our net revenue in fiscal 2023 and 93% of our net revenue in fiscal 2024. Shell eggs are our flagship product and have been the focal point of our sales and marketing efforts, and we believe that sales of shell eggs will continue to constitute a significant portion of our net revenue, net income and cash flow for the foreseeable future. We cannot be certain that we will be able to continue to expand sales, processing and distribution of shell eggs, or that consumer and customer demand for our other existing and future products will expand to allow such products to represent a larger percentage of our revenue than they do currently. Furthermore, we could experience a decrease in sales of shell eggs due to one or more factors. For example, in 2024, we experienced an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, at one of our farms. While we did not experience a material impact on our egg production, similar outbreaks in the future could impact demand for shell eggs and negatively impact our business. Accordingly, any factor adversely affecting sales of our shell eggs (including consumers’ election to purchase lower-priced private-label or other economy brands during times of economic uncertainty) could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Shell eggs accounted for approximately 95% of our net revenue in fiscal 2023, 93% of our net revenue in fiscal 2024 and 93% of our net revenue in fiscal 2025. Shell eggs are our flagship product and have been the focal point of our sales and marketing efforts. We believe that sales of shell eggs will continue to constitute a significant portion of our net revenue, net income and cash flow for the foreseeable future. We cannot be certain that we will be able to continue to expand sales, processing and distribution of shell eggs, or that consumer and customer demand for our other existing and future products will expand to allow such products to represent a larger percentage of our revenue than they do currently. Furthermore, we could experience a decrease in sales of shell eggs due to one or more factors. For example, widespread outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, could impact supply of and demand for shell eggs and negatively impact our business. For additional details surrounding risks related to agricultural disease, see elsewhere in the Risk Factors, including “—Outbreaks of agricultural diseases, including avian influenza and egg drop syndrome, the perception that outbreaks may occur or regulatory or market responses to outbreaks could reduce supply or demand for our products and harm our business.” Any factor adversely affecting sales of our shell eggs (including consumers’ election to purchase lower-priced private-label or other economy brands during times of economic uncertainty or as a result of supply fluctuations) could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Further risks are presented if we elect to pursue continued growth or enter new product categories by means other than new product introductions, including by acquisitions or investments in business or technologies that we believe could offer growth opportunities. The pursuit of such opportunities may divert the attention of management. Furthermore, it may cause us to incur various costs and expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing such transactions, regardless of whether such opportunities are realized. Such acquisitions, transactions or investments may also result in potentially dilutive equity issuances, the incurrence of debt or contingent liabilities or challenges with integration, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Further risks are presented if we elect to pursue continued growth or enter new product categories by means other than new product introductions, including by acquisitions or investments in businesses or technologies that we believe could offer growth opportunities. The pursuit of such opportunities may divert the attention of management and may cause us to incur various expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing such transactions, regardless of whether such opportunities are realized. Such transactions may also result in potentially dilutive equity issuances, the incurrence of debt or contingent liabilities or challenges with integration, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We estimate market opportunity and forecast market growth that may prove to be inaccurate, and even if the market in which we compete achieves the forecasted growth, our business could fail to grow at similar rates, if at all.

Current wording

We estimate market opportunity and forecast market growth that may prove to be inaccurate, and even if the markets in which we compete achieve the forecasted growth, our business could fail to grow at similar rates, if at all.

Previous wording

Our estimates of market opportunity and growth forecasts included in this Annual Report and elsewhere, including in connection with our long-term financial goals, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may not prove to be accurate, particularly in light of economic uncertainties. The variables that go into the calculation of our market opportunity are subject to change over time, and there is no guarantee that any particular number or percentage of customers covered by our market opportunity estimates will purchase our products at all or generate any particular level of revenue for us. Any expansion in our market depends on a number of factors, including the cost and perceived value associated with our products and those of our competitors. Even if the market in which we compete meets the size estimates and growth forecast, our business could fail to grow at the rate we anticipate, if at all. Our growth is subject to many factors, including our success in implementing our business strategy, which is subject to many risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, our forecasts of market growth should not be taken as indicative of our future growth.

Current wording

Our estimates of market opportunity and growth forecasts included in this Annual Report and elsewhere, including in connection with our earnings guidance and long-term financial goals, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may not prove to be accurate, particularly in light of economic uncertainties. The variables that go into the calculation of our market opportunity are subject to change over time, and there is no guarantee that any particular number or percentage of customers covered by our market opportunity estimates will purchase our products at all or generate any particular level of revenue for us. Any expansion in our market depends on a number of factors, including the cost and perceived value associated with our products and those of our competitors. Even if a market in which we compete meets our size estimates and growth forecasts, our business could fail to grow at the rate we anticipate, if at all. Our growth is subject to many factors, including our success in implementing our business strategy, which is subject to many risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, our forecasts of market growth should not be taken as indicative of our future growth.

Previous wording

We expect that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, together with cash provided by our operating activities and available borrowings under our syndicated credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., or the JPMorgan Credit Facility, will be sufficient to fund our planned operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the next 12 months. However, our operating plan may change because of factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources. We may also seek financing in connection with potential new product introductions or acquisitions or investments in businesses or technologies that we believe could offer growth opportunities. Such financings may result in dilution to stockholders, imposition of debt covenants and repayment obligations, or other restrictions that may adversely affect our business. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.

Current wording

We expect that our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, together with cash provided by our operating activities and available borrowings under our syndicated credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., or the Credit Facility, will be sufficient to fund our planned operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the next 12 months. However, our operating plan may change because of factors currently unknown to us, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources. We may seek financing in connection with potential new product introductions, capital expenditures to expand our supply chain and process capabilities, acquisitions or investments in businesses or technologies that we believe could offer growth opportunities, share repurchases or other uses of capital. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. Such financings may result in dilution to stockholders, imposition of debt covenants and repayment obligations, or other restrictions that may adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

The JPMorgan Credit Facility provides for a revolving line of credit with a maximum borrowing capacity of $60.0 million. The JPMorgan Credit Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The restrictive covenants in the JPMorgan Credit Facility limit our ability to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, incur liens, make distributions, pay dividends, make investments, enter into fundamental changes such as mergers or consolidations, engage in transactions with the company’s affiliates, change our fiscal year or substantially change the nature of our business. The JPMorgan Credit Facility also requires us to maintain two financial covenants: a fixed charge coverage ratio and a net leverage ratio. These provisions may affect our ability to pursue business opportunities we find attractive or to maintain flexibility in reacting to changes in business conditions.

Current wording

The Credit Facility provides for a revolving line of credit with a maximum borrowing capacity of $60.0 million. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The restrictive covenants in the Credit Facility limit our ability to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, incur liens, make distributions, pay dividends, make investments, enter into fundamental changes such as mergers or consolidations, engage in transactions with our affiliates, change our fiscal year or substantially change the nature of our business. The Credit Facility also requires us to maintain two financial covenants: (i) a fixed charge coverage ratio and (ii) a net leverage ratio. These provisions may affect our ability to pursue business opportunities we find attractive or to maintain flexibility in reacting to changes in business conditions.

Previous wording

Our failure to comply with the covenants in the JPMorgan Credit Facility or other terms of any present or future indebtedness could result in an event of default under such indebtedness, which, if not cured or waived, could result in the lender or lenders under such indebtedness declaring all obligations, together with accrued and unpaid interest, immediately due and payable and taking control of any collateral securing such indebtedness. This may require us to amend or refinance our indebtedness on less favorable terms.

Current wording

Our failure to comply with the covenants in the Credit Facility or other terms of any present or future indebtedness could result in an event of default under such indebtedness, which, if not cured or waived, could result in the lender or lenders under such indebtedness declaring all obligations, together with accrued and unpaid interest, immediately due and payable and taking control of any collateral securing such indebtedness. This may require us to amend or refinance our indebtedness on less favorable terms.

Previous wording

If we are forced to amend or refinance the JPMorgan Credit Facility on less favorable terms or are unable to do so at all, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In any such case, we may be unable to borrow under the JPMorgan Credit Facility or other indebtedness and may not be able to repay the amounts due thereunder. This could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Current wording

If we are forced to amend or refinance the Credit Facility on less favorable terms or are unable to do so at all, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In any such case, we may be unable to borrow under the Credit Facility or other indebtedness and may not be able to repay the amounts due thereunder. This could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Previous wording

If we fail to effectively expand our processing, manufacturing and production capacity as we continue to grow and scale our business, or if our forecasts of future supply capacity or customer and consumer demand are inaccurate, our business and operating results could be harmed.

Current wording

If we fail to effectively expand our processing, manufacturing and production capacity as we continue to grow and scale our business, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

While our current supply, processing and manufacturing capabilities are sufficient to meet our present business needs, we are in the process of expanding these capabilities as we continue to grow and scale our business. In June 2024, we announced plans to develop our second egg washing and packing facility in Seymour, Indiana, and we continue to pursue growth in our farm network in order to ensure adequate supply. In January 2025, we announced that we plan to install an additional Moba egg grading system at Egg Central Station in Missouri. There is risk in our ability to effectively continue to scale production and processing and manage our supply chain requirements. We must accurately forecast demand for our products in order to ensure we have adequate processing and manufacturing capacity to effectively allocate product supply across our stock keeping units.

Current wording

While our current supply, processing and manufacturing capabilities are sufficient to meet our present business needs, we are in the process of expanding these capabilities as we continue to grow and scale our business. In 2025, we broke ground on Vital Crossroads, our second egg washing and packing facility with onsite cold storage in Seymour, Indiana, and we continue to pursue growth in our farm network in order to ensure adequate supply. There is risk in our ability to effectively continue to scale production and processing and manage our supply chain requirements, and failure to do so could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our forecasts are based on multiple assumptions that, if inaccurate, may affect our ability to maintain adequate processing and manufacturing capacities (or co-processing and co-manufacturing capacities) in order to meet the demand for our products, which could prevent us from meeting increased customer demand. If we fail to meet demand for our products, retail customers or consumers who have previously purchased our products may buy other brands and our retail customers may allocate shelf space to other brands, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We must accurately forecast demand for our products in order to ensure we have adequate processing and manufacturing capacity to effectively allocate product supply across our stock keeping units. Demand varies quarterly due to seasonal and cyclical purchasing patterns and the timing of large customer orders, which can lead to challenges in accuracy of our forecasts. Our forecasts are based on multiple assumptions that, if inaccurate, may affect our ability to maintain adequate processing and manufacturing and storage capacities (or co-processing and co-manufacturing capacity) in order to meet the demand for our products. These assumptions are based in part on third-party published scanner data about us and other food companies. These metrics are proprietary to the provider, and may not accurately reflect the actual levels of purchase orders, revenue, or consumer purchases of our products. There is a possibility that third parties could change their methodologies for calculating these metrics in the future. If we fail to meet demand for our products, consumers who have previously purchased our products may buy other brands and retail customers may allocate shelf space to other brands, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

On the other hand, if we overestimate our demand or overbuild our capacity, we may have significantly underutilized supply or other assets and we may experience reduced margins. If we do not accurately align our processing and manufacturing capabilities with demand, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

On the other hand, if we overestimate our demand or overbuild our capacity or our supply of eggs, we may have significantly underutilized supply or other assets. This may result in reduced margins associated with selling excess product at reduced prices, and we may incur costs associated with storing or donating excess product or selling it at reduced prices. If we do not accurately align our processing and manufacturing capabilities with demand, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

A substantial amount of our shell egg processing occurs at our existing Egg Central Station processing facility in Missouri. Any damage or disruption at this facility may harm our business.

Current wording

A substantial amount of our shell egg processing occurs at our Egg Central Station egg washing and packing facility in Missouri. Any damage or disruption at this facility, any disruption in the availability of resources utilized at this facility or any constraints related to acquiring, maintaining and operating the processing equipment for our shell eggs, may harm our business.

Previous wording

A substantial amount of our shell egg processing occurs at our existing Egg Central Station shell egg processing facility in Missouri. Any shutdown or period of reduced production at this facility, which may be caused by regulatory noncompliance or other issues, as well as factors beyond our control, such as natural disaster, weather, fire, power or other utility interruption, work stoppage, disease outbreaks or pandemics, equipment failure or maintenance or delay in raw materials delivery, could significantly disrupt our ability to deliver our products in a timely manner, meet our contractual obligations and operate our business. Further, the processing equipment used for our shell eggs is costly to maintain, replace and repair, in part because certain of such equipment is sourced internationally. We have at times seen pricing and capacity constraints related to internationally sourced equipment, and our supply chains may be further disrupted in connection with public health pandemics, domestic or geopolitical tensions, wars, inflation, trade wars or other factors. If any material amount of our machinery were damaged, we could be unable to predict when, if at all, we could replace or repair such machinery or find co-manufacturers with suitable alternative machinery, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The property and business disruption insurance we maintain may not be sufficient to cover all of our potential losses and may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.

Current wording

Further, the processing equipment used for our shell eggs is costly to maintain, replace and repair, in part because certain of such equipment is sourced internationally. We have at times seen pricing and capacity constraints related to internationally sourced equipment, and our supply chains may be further disrupted in connection with public health pandemics, domestic or geopolitical tensions, wars, inflation, trade wars, tariff regimes, or other factors. If any material amount of our machinery were damaged, we could be unable to predict when, if at all, we could replace or repair such machinery or find co-manufacturers with suitable alternative machinery, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The property and business disruption insurance we maintain may not be sufficient to cover all of our potential losses and may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.

Previous wording

Our planned egg washing and packing facility in Indiana or other future expansions of our processing capacity may not provide us with the benefits we expect to receive.

Current wording

Our planned Vital Crossroads egg washing and packing facility with onsite cold storage in Indiana or other future expansions of our processing capacity may not provide us with the benefits we expect to receive.

Previous wording

In June 2024, we announced plans to develop our second egg washing and packing facility in Seymour, Indiana. Constructing and opening this facility will require significant capital expenditures and the efforts and attention of our management and other crew members, which may divert resources from our existing business or operations. In addition, we will need to hire and retain more skilled crew members to operate the new facility, and we will need to recruit and retain additional family farms to supply the new facility. If we are unable to effectively staff and supply this facility, it may not meet our operational and financial expectations. Even if the new facility is brought up to full processing capacity, it may not provide us with all of the operational and financial benefits we expect to receive.

Current wording

In 2025, we broke ground on Vital Crossroads, our second egg washing and packing facility with onsite cold storage in Seymour, Indiana, which we expect to be fully operational in early 2027. Constructing and opening this facility will require significant capital expenditures and the efforts and attention of our management and other crew members, which may divert resources from our existing business or operations. In addition, we will need to hire and retain more skilled crew members to operate the new facility, and we will need to recruit and retain additional family farms to supply the new facility. If we are unable to effectively staff and supply this facility, it may not meet our operational and financial expectations. Even if the new facility is brought up to full processing capacity, it may not provide us with all of the operational and financial benefits we expect to receive.

Previous wording

We contract with family farms to purchase all of their egg production for the duration of our contracts. We are contractually obligated to purchase these eggs irrespective of our ability to sell such eggs. Periodically in our industry, and at times during fiscal 2024 and continuing into fiscal 2025, there have been supply shortages in the egg industry, with supply impacted by, among other things, avian influenza, increased demand for eggs and increases in feed and other input costs. Such supply shortages, together with price increases we or others in the industry have implemented or may choose to implement in the future, could result in declining consumer demand for shell eggs or inability to fulfill customer or consumer demand, each of which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results and operations. Conversely, there has periodically in prior periods been an oversupply of eggs, which caused egg prices to contract, sometimes substantially so, and as a result we have sold or donated our excess supply at reduced prices or no cost. If we are unable to sell our eggs on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, our gross margins, business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.

Current wording

We contract with family farms to purchase all of their egg production for the duration of our contracts. We are contractually obligated to purchase these eggs irrespective of our ability to sell such eggs. Periodically in our industry, and at times during fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025, there have been supply shortages in the egg industry, with supply impacted by, among other things, avian influenza, increased demand for eggs and increases in feed and other input costs. Such supply shortages, together with price increases we or others in the industry have implemented or may choose to implement in the future, could result in declining consumer demand for shell eggs or inability to fulfill customer or consumer demand, each of which could have a material impact on our financial condition and results and operations. Conversely, there has periodically in prior periods been an oversupply of eggs, which caused egg prices to contract, sometimes substantially so, and as a result we have sold or donated our excess supply at reduced prices or no cost. If we are unable to sell our eggs on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, our gross margins, business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

If we fail to effectively maintain relationships within our existing farm network or further expand our farm network, or if our plans for the purchase, development and potential sale of accelerator farms do not result in the benefits we anticipate, our business, operating results and brand reputation could be harmed.

Current wording

If we fail to effectively maintain relationships within our contracted farm network or further expand our farm network, our business, operating results and brand reputation could be harmed.

Previous wording

We source our eggs from our network of family farms, which is the foundation of our supply chain. The cream for our butter is sourced from a network of family farms contracted by our butter supplier. If we are unable to maintain and expand this supply chain because of actions taken by farmers or other events outside of our control (including the failure of our butter supplier to maintain or expand its contracted farm network), we may be unable to timely supply distributors and customers with our products, which could lead to cancellation of purchase orders, damage to our commercial relationships and impairment of our brand. For example, we require our egg farmers to build and equip their farms to certain specifications, which requires a significant upfront capital investment, and any inability of farmers to obtain adequate financing on acceptable terms, including due to elevated interest rates, would impair their ability to contract with us. These and other factors, including economic uncertainty, may make it more difficult for us to recruit and attract new farmers to our network in a number sufficient to meet product demand.

Current wording

We source our eggs primarily from our network of family farms, which is the foundation of our supply chain. The cream for our butter is sourced from a network of family farms contracted by our butter supplier. If we are unable to maintain and expand this supply chain because of actions taken by our contracted farmers or other events outside of our control (including the failure of our butter supplier to maintain or expand its contracted farm network), we may be unable to timely supply distributors and customers with our products, which could lead to cancellation of purchase orders, damage to our commercial relationships and impairment of our brand. For example, we require our contracted egg farmers to build and equip their farms to certain specifications, which requires a significant upfront capital investment, and any inability of farmers to obtain adequate financing on acceptable terms, including due to elevated interest rates, would impair their ability to contract with us. These and other factors, including economic uncertainty, may make it more difficult for us to recruit and attract new farmers to our network in a number sufficient to meet product demand.

Previous wording

There are a number of factors that could impair our relationship with farmers, many of which are outside of our control. While we strive to operate our business in a manner that drives long-term and sustainable benefits for our stakeholders, including our farmers, we may make strategic decisions that our farmers disagree with and which could cause farmers to terminate their relationships with us. Reputational harm resulting from impairment of our relationship with existing farmers may also make it more difficult to attract new farmers to expand our network. If our relationship with our existing or future farmers is disrupted due to these or other factors, we may not be able to sustain the supply necessary to meet customer and consumer demand for our products, which would negatively impact our operating results.

Current wording

There are a number of factors that could impair our relationship with farmers, many of which are outside of our control. While we strive to operate our business in a manner that drives long-term and sustainable benefits for our stakeholders, including our farmers, we may make strategic decisions that our farmers disagree with and which could cause farmers to terminate their relationships with us. Reputational harm resulting from impairment of our relationship with existing farmers may also make it more difficult to attract new farmers to expand our network. Furthermore, we compete with other companies for the recruitment and retention of farmers, and these companies may attempt to incentivize our contracted farmers to terminate (or decline to renew) their contracts with us. If our relationship with our existing or future farmers is disrupted due to these or other factors, we may not be able to sustain the supply necessary to meet customer and consumer demand for our products, which would negatively impact our operating results.

Previous wording

Further risks may be presented by our plans to develop accelerator farms on farmland we have acquired in Indiana or to develop accelerator farms on additional parcels we may purchase, with the possibility of selling such farms in the future to interested farmers. We may not be able to adequately build, develop or staff such farms, and they may not result in the benefits we anticipate. The purchase, development and potential sale of these farms will require significant capital expenditures and the efforts and attention of our management and other crew members, which may divert resources from our existing business or operations. Any failure to maintain or expand our farm network would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In fiscal 2025, we placed laying hens at the first of our company-owned accelerator farms, and we have begun to source eggs from our accelerator farms. We have plans for further development of accelerator farms in the geographic region we refer to as the Pasture Belt, the U.S. region where the weather is conducive to hens being outside as much as possible. We may not be able to adequately build, develop or staff such accelerator farms as planned, and they may not result in the benefits we anticipate. We may not be successful in operating accelerator farms, and we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of the research and development conducted on such farms. If we elect to sell one or more accelerator farms to interested farmers, market conditions may prevent us from doing so on acceptable terms, and if we are unable to adequately develop and operate farms on previously purchased farmland, we may be required to sell such farmland or other assets purchased in connection with the development and operation of such farms, potentially at a loss. The purchase, development, operation and potential sale of these farms has required and will continue to require significant capital expenditures and the efforts and attention of our management and other crew members, which may divert resources from our existing business or operations. Any failure to maintain or expand our farm network would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Since the initial outbreak of HPAI, in early 2022, we have been closely following the progression of the virus. In 2024, HPAI was detected in the United States in dairy cattle, wild birds, mammals, and farm workers directly exposed to the infected dairy or poultry. In fiscal 2024, we experienced an outbreak at one of our farms.

Current wording

Since the initial outbreak of HPAI in early 2022, we have been closely following the progression of the virus. In 2024 and continuing into 2025, HPAI has been detected in the United States in dairy cattle, wild birds, mammals and farm workers directly exposed to the infected dairy or poultry. In fiscal 2024, we experienced an outbreak of HPAI at one of our farms.

Previous wording

In October 2024, we were informed of the outbreak of EDS, on certain of our farms in Missouri, and a total of nine of our farms experienced outbreaks of EDS in fiscal 2024. We have been closely working with our farmers, veterinarians, government health officials and animal welfare auditors to follow protocol and ensure that our flocks are kept as safe as possible, including the procurement and implementation of newly available vaccinations for EDS. However, we may not be able to obtain enough vaccinations to treat all of the flocks in our network.

Current wording

In October 2024, we were informed of the outbreak of EDS, on certain of our farms in Missouri. A total of nine of our farms experienced outbreaks of EDS in fiscal 2024 and 12 of our farms experienced outbreaks of EDS in fiscal 2025. We have been closely working with our farmers, veterinarians, government health officials and animal welfare auditors to follow protocol and ensure that our flocks are kept as safe as possible, including the procurement and implementation of newly available vaccinations for EDS. However, we may not be able to obtain enough vaccinations to treat all of the flocks in our network.

Previous wording

While we have not experienced material disruptions to our egg supply due to such agricultural disease outbreaks, if a substantial portion of our farms or production facilities were affected by an outbreak of HPAI, EDS or a similar disease, this could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, outbreaks of HPAI, EDS or similar diseases could limit our ability to utilize co-packers for our shell eggs due to increased biosecurity measures that may be implemented by such co-packers in the event of an outbreak.

Current wording

While we have not experienced material disruptions to our egg supply due to such agricultural disease outbreaks, if a substantial portion of our farms or production facilities were affected by an outbreak of HPAI, EDS or a similar disease, this could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such outbreaks are difficult to forecast and are influenced by a number of factors, including seasonal bird migration patterns. Additionally, outbreaks of HPAI, EDS or similar diseases could limit our ability to utilize co-packers for our shell eggs due to increased biosecurity measures that may be implemented by such co-packers in the event of an outbreak.

Previous wording

Even if our farms and production facilities were not directly impacted by avian disease, we may nevertheless be negatively affected by its impact on the egg industry as a whole. In fiscal 2024 and continuing into fiscal 2025, HPAI-related disruptions in the supply of conventional eggs resulted at times in increased demand for premium egg products such as ours, which occasionally resulted in shortages of these eggs on shelves at our retail customers. Additionally, existing or new outbreaks of agricultural diseases could result in governmental restrictions on our operations and the sale and distribution of our products, as well as negative publicity and impacted consumer perceptions for our industry. Such impacts could result in decreased consumer demand for our products and impact our operating results. Additionally, certain states in which our family farms are located have at times recommended or required that farms keep hens indoors to help limit exposure to avian diseases. Prolonged requirements to keep our hens indoors could adversely impact consumer perception of our egg products in comparison to those of our competitors, which could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. These impacts could be exacerbated in the event of widespread transmission of HPAI or other agricultural diseases to humans. EDS is not known to be transmittable to humans, and while human cases of HPAI are rare and U.S. public health officials consider the risk of human infection with HPAI to be low, significant changes or increases to the circulation or transmission of HPAI or other agricultural diseases could adversely impact our business, including our ability to recruit and retain farmers.

Current wording

Additionally, certain states in which our family farms and accelerator farms are located have at times recommended or required that farms keep hens indoors to help limit exposure to avian diseases. Prolonged requirements to keep our hens indoors could adversely impact consumer perception of our egg products in comparison to those of our competitors, which could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. These impacts could be exacerbated in the event of widespread transmission of HPAI or other agricultural diseases to humans. EDS is not known to be transmittable to humans, and while human cases of HPAI are rare and U.S. public health officials consider the risk of human infection with HPAI to be low, significant changes or increases to the circulation or transmission of HPAI or other agricultural diseases could adversely impact our business, including our ability to recruit and retain farmers.

Previous wording

The prices of our products are driven by a number of factors, including supply constraints, customer and consumer demand, inflation, input costs and market conditions. In response to such conditions, we have periodically increased prices on certain of our products. While we have not yet seen significant decreases in sales volume due to such price increases, if we further increase prices, we could experience declining demand for our products, decreased ability to attract new customers and lower sales volumes. If price increases result in a greater spread between the price of our products and the price of conventional or private-label products, consumers may be less willing to pay a premium for our products, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. Additionally, our retail customers may not accept such price increases or may require increased promotional activity. If we cannot effectively price our products or carry out price increases, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

Current wording

The prices of our products are driven by a number of factors, including supply fluctuations, customer and consumer demand, inflation, input costs and market conditions. In response to such conditions, we have periodically increased prices on certain of our products. While we have not yet seen significant decreases in sales volume due to such price increases, if we further increase prices, we could experience declining demand for our products, decreased ability to attract new customers and lower sales volumes. If price increases result in a greater spread between the price of our products and the price of conventional or private-label products, consumers may be less willing to pay a premium for our products, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. For example, we have at times seen our retail customers choose not to accept such price increases or require price increases to occur after a specified period of time. If we cannot effectively price our products or carry out price increases, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We rely upon third-party transportation providers for a significant portion of our raw material transportation and product shipments. Our utilization of pickup and delivery services for shipments is subject to risks, including increases in fuel prices, driver shortages, trucking capacity limitations due to increases in freight demand, employee and contractor strikes or unavailability or inclement weather, any of which could increase our transportation and freight costs. For example, due in part to increased labor costs and rising fuel costs due to international tensions and wars (including due to attacks on container ships in the Red Sea), we have seen at times during recent periods increased transportation and freight costs. Further increases in transportation and freight costs could have an adverse effect on our ability to increase or to maintain production on a profitable basis and could therefore adversely affect our operating results. We may not be able to price our products in a manner that sufficiently offsets increased transportation costs due to consumer price sensitivity or the pricing postures of our competitors, and in many cases, our retail customers may not accept a price increase or may require price increases to occur after a specified period of time has elapsed. In addition, if we increase prices to offset higher transportation and freight costs, we could experience lower demand for our products, decreased ability to attract new customers and lower sales volumes.

Current wording

We rely upon third-party transportation providers for a significant portion of our raw material transportation and product shipments. Our utilization of pickup and delivery services for shipments is subject to risks, including increases in fuel prices, driver shortages, trucking capacity limitations due to increases in freight demand, employee and contractor strikes or unavailability or inclement weather, any of which could increase our transportation and freight costs. For example, due in part to increased labor costs and rising fuel costs due to geopolitical tensions and wars, we have seen at times during recent periods increased transportation and freight costs. Further increases in transportation and freight costs could have an adverse effect on our ability to increase or to maintain production on a profitable basis and could therefore adversely affect our operating results. We may not be able to price our products in a manner that sufficiently offsets increased transportation costs due to consumer price sensitivity or the pricing postures of our competitors, and we have at times seen our retail customers choose not to accept a price increase or require price increases to occur after a specified period of time has elapsed. In addition, if we increase prices to offset higher transportation and freight costs, we could experience lower demand for our products, decreased ability to attract new customers and lower sales volumes.

Previous wording

Our ability to ensure a continued supply of eggs, cream for our butter and other raw materials for our products at competitive prices depends on many factors beyond our control. In particular, we rely on the farms that supply us with eggs and cream to implement controls and procedures to manage the risk of exposing animals to harmful diseases, including confining hens when appropriate, but outbreaks may occur despite their efforts. An outbreak of disease could result in increased government restriction on the sale and distribution of our products, and negative publicity could impact customer and consumer perception of our products, even if an outbreak does not directly impact the animals from which we source our products. Our farm network for our shell eggs is located in a geographic region we refer to as the Pasture Belt, which is the U.S. region where the weather is conducive to hens being outside as much as possible. The dairy farms that supply our cream are located primarily in Ireland. The occurrence of a natural disaster in any of these regions could have a significant negative impact on us, the farmers and our supply chain. Additionally, the animals from which our products are sourced, the crops on which we rely for feed and the pastures on which these animals are raised are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, frosts, earthquakes, hurricanes and pestilence. Disease, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters can adversely impact pasture quantity and quality, leading to reduced yields and quality, which in turn could reduce the available supply of, or increase the price of, our raw materials. If we raise prices for our products to account for this increase, we could experience decreased demand for our products and lower sales volumes, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our ability to ensure a continued supply of eggs, cream for our butter and other raw materials for our products at competitive prices depends on many factors beyond our control. In particular, we rely on the farms that supply us with eggs and cream to implement controls and procedures to manage the risk of exposing animals to harmful diseases, including confining hens when appropriate, but outbreaks may occur despite their efforts. An outbreak of disease could result in increased government restriction on the sale and distribution of our products, and negative publicity could impact customer and consumer perception of our products, even if an outbreak does not directly impact the animals from which we source our products. The farm network for our shell eggs is located in the Pasture Belt. The dairy farms that supply our cream are located primarily in Ireland. The occurrence of a natural disaster or extreme weather event in any of these regions could have a significant negative impact on us, the farmers and our supply chain. Additionally, the animals from which our products are sourced, the crops on which we rely for feed and the pastures on which these animals are raised are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, frosts, earthquakes, hurricanes and pestilence. Disease, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters can adversely impact pasture quantity and quality, leading to reduced yields and quality, which in turn could reduce the available supply of, or increase the price of, our raw materials. If we raise prices for our products to account for this increase, we could experience decreased demand for our products and lower sales volumes, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We compete with other food companies in the procurement of eggs and cream, and this competition may increase in the future if consumer demand increases for these items or products containing them or if competitors increasingly offer products in these market sectors. If supplies of eggs and cream that meet our quality standards are reduced or are in greater demand, we may not be able to obtain sufficient supply to meet our needs on favorable terms or at all.

Current wording

We compete with other food companies for the procurement of eggs and cream, and this competition may increase in the future if consumer demand increases for these items or products containing them or if competitors increasingly offer products in these market sectors. If supplies of eggs and cream that meet our quality standards are reduced or are in greater demand, we may not be able to obtain sufficient supply to meet our needs on favorable terms or at all.