Lowest Adj. EBITDA Loss1 in Company History with 34.8% Year-over-Year ImprovementGross Margin of 27.4% Shows Expansion of ~10pts versus Prior YearFY'24 Net Sales Guidance Range Implies YOY Growth of 30.0% to 46.9% PLANO, Texas, Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stryve Foods, Inc. ("Stryve" or "the Company") (NASDAQ:SNAX), an emerging healthy snacking platform and leader in the air-dried meat snack industry in the United States, today reports financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company reported strong sequential revenue growth, improved gross margins, and a continued reduction in net loss, reflecting the ongoing success of its business transformation initiatives. Key highlights include net sales of $6.2 million representing sequential growth from the first quarter of 34.4% and 3.0% year-over-year growth as compared to the second quarter of 2023. Additionally, the Company improved its gross margin substantially to 27.4% in the second quarter, up from 17.5% in the prior year period, underscoring the Company's focus on driving profitable volumes, operational efficiency, and cost management. Q2 2024 – Another Record-Breaking QuarterThe Company's strategic transformation continued in the second quarter of 2024 showing year-over-year improvements in gross margin, lower operating expenses, and significantly narrowed losses resulting in the Company's lowest loss quarter ever in terms of Adjusted EBITDA. Management's strategy has been to transform the business to put it in a position to benefit from growth and operating leverage. The Company's rationalization and productivity efforts are proving out as expected, delivering improved gross margins despite experiencing higher commodity costs versus the prior year. Additionally, the simplified portfolio has enabled management to further streamline operations and reduce costs. The second quarter of 2024 marks the beginning of the third phase of Stryve's overall transformation. Significant progress has been made on operational improvements across the enterprise, and management plans to continue driving accelerated growth in a quality manner to capitalize on the redesigned business's potential for operating leverage as it scales. Chris Boever, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The second quarter of 2024 was another significant improvement for Stryve Foods, as we continued to execute our transformation plan with discipline and focus. Our success in expanding distribution and improving gross margins underscores the strength of our strategy and the dedication of our team. We are excited about the momentum we are building as we further establish Stryve as a leader in the healthy protein snacking category. Our ongoing innovation efforts and operational improvements have set the stage for sustainable growth and profitability in the quarters to come." Fiscal Year 2024 Revised OutlookFor fiscal year 2024, Stryve Foods updates its net sales guidance to the range of $23 million to $26 million representing 30.0% to 46.9% growth year over year, with expectations for the increased volumes in the back half contributing to considerable year-over-year gross margin improvement as more volume comes online. Alex Hawkins, Chief Financial Officer, said, "We are pleased with the financial progress we made in the second quarter, highlighted by our enhanced gross margins and reduced operating expenses. Our disciplined approach to cost management and strategic investments in high-potential areas have positioned us well for future growth. As we move forward, we remain committed to optimizing our operations, managing our capital efficiently, and delivering value to our shareholders." Convertible Promissory NotesDuring the second quarter, the Company closed approximately $3.0 million in convertible promissory notes with approximately $1.7 million of that coming from insider and related party participants. These convertible promissory notes have helped to fund the ramp in working capital required by the new distribution secured by the Company. Second Quarter 2024 Highlights Net sales of $6.2 million, up 3.0% as compared to the second quarter a year ago.   The mix of net sales improved year over year in part due to the Company's discontinuation of certain retail programs, rationalization of low-quality revenue, which included the discontinuation of slow-moving and margin losing items some of which was still present in the prior year period while improved sell-through and growth in quality core accounts more than offset the rationalized revenues in the second quarter. Gross profit of $1.7 million compared to gross profit of $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2023.   The improved performance is primarily attributable to enhanced sales-mix and better utilization of the facilities partially offset by higher commodity costs than in the prior year period. Operating loss of ($2.2) million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to operating loss of ($3.4) million in the 2023 second quarter.   Other Expense of $0.7 million for the 2024 second quarter is primarily attributable to interest expense and is down from $0.9 million in the prior year period. The prior year period is burdened by approximately $0.4 million in interest expense related to the accounting treatment of the warrants issued in connection with the certain bridge notes issued in April 2023. Net loss of ($3.0) million, or ($0.91) per share for the second quarter of 2024 as compared to a net loss of ($4.3) million, or ($2.05) per share, in the 2023 second quarter.   Adjusted loss per share1 of ($0.83) for the second quarter of 2024, which compares favorably to adjusted loss per share of ($1.84) for the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA loss3 of ($1.5) million for the 2024 second quarter which represents a 34.8% improvement compared to ($2.4) million in the prior year quarter. Year-to-Date 2024 Highlights Net sales of $10.8 million for the six months ended June 30th, 2024, up 1.2% as compared to the comparable period a year ago. The mix of net sales improved year over year in part due to the Company's discontinuation of certain retail programs, rationalization of low-quality revenue, which included the discontinuation of slow-moving and margin losing items some of which was still present in the prior year period while improved sell-through and growth in quality core accounts more than offset the rationalized revenues so far this year. Gross profit of $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30th, 2024, compared to gross profit of $2.0 million in prior year period. The current year period's improved performance is primarily attributable to enhanced sales-mix and better utilization of the facilities partially offset by higher commodity costs than in the prior year period. Operating loss of ($5.2) million for the six months ended June 30th, 2024, as compared to operating loss of ($7.6) million in the prior year period. Other Expense of $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30th, 2024, is up $0.3 million as compared to $1.4 million in the comparable period a year ago. This increase is in part attributable to approximately $0.3 million of a non-cash loss on the extinguishment of debt related to the accounting treatment of the repricing of the warrants connected to the extension of the promissory notes issued on April 19, 2023. The prior year period was burdened by approximately $0.4 million in interest expense related to the accounting treatment of the warrants issued in connection with those same bridge notes issued in April 2023. The remaining difference is primarily attributable to interest expense on new convertible bridge notes put in place during the current year period. Net loss of ($6.9) million, or ($2.29) per share for the six months ended June 30th, 2024, as compared to a net loss of ($9.0) million, or ($4.27) per share, in the prior year period. Adjusted loss per share1 of ($2.00) for the six months ended June 30th, 2024, which compares favorably to adjusted loss per share of ($3.98) for the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA loss3 of ($3.8) million for the six months ended June 30th, 2024, which represents a 35.0% improvement compared to ($5.9) million in the prior year period. 1 Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted loss per share are a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and reconciled to GAAP below. Conference Call The Company will conduct a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. To access the call live by phone, dial 1-800-717-1738 or 1-646-307-1865 at least 10 minutes before the call and ask to be joined into the Stryve call. A replay will be available through August 28, 2024, by dialing 1-844-512-2921 or 1-412-317-6671 and using the replay PIN number: 1111896 #. A webcast of the call will also be available live and for later replay on the Company's Investor Relations website at https://ir.stryve.com/news-events. About Stryve Foods, Inc.Stryve is a premium air-dried meat snack company that is conquering the intersection of high protein, great taste, and health under the brands of Braaitime®, Kalahari®, Stryve®, and Vacadillos®. Stryve sells highly differentiated healthy snacking and food products in order to disrupt traditional snacking and CPG categories. Stryve's mission is "to help Americans eat better and live happier, better lives." Stryve offers convenient products that are lower in sugar and carbohydrates and higher in protein than other snacks and foods. Stryve's current product portfolio consists primarily of air-dried meat snack products marketed under the Stryve®, Kalahari®, Braaitime®, and Vacadillos® brand names. Unlike beef jerky, Stryve's all-natural air-dried meat snack products are made of beef and spices, are never cooked, contain zero grams of sugar*, and are free of monosodium glutamate (MSG), gluten, nitrates, nitrites, and preservatives. As a result, Stryve's products are Keto and Paleo diet friendly. Further, based on protein density and sugar content, Stryve believes that its air-dried meat snack products are some of the healthiest shelf-stable snacks available today. Stryve also markets and sells human-grade pet treats under the brands Two Tails and Primal Paws, made with simple, all-natural ingredients and 100% real beef with no fillers, preservatives, or by-products. Stryve distributes its products in major retail channels, primarily in North America, including grocery, convenience store, mass merchants, and other retail outlets, as well as directly to consumers through its ecommerce websites and through the Amazon and Wal*mart platforms. For more information about Stryve, visit www.stryve.com or follow us on social media at * All Stryve Biltong and Vacadillos products contain zero grams of added sugar, with the exception of the Chipotle Honey flavor of Vacadillos, which contains one gram of sugar per serving. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements made herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "may", "will", "would", "could", "intend", "aim", "believe", "anticipate", "continue", "target", "milestone", "expect", "estimate", "plan", "outlook", "objective", "guidance" and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Stryve's plans, strategies, objectives, targets and expected financial performance. These forward-looking statements reflect Stryve's current views and analysis of information currently available. This information is, where applicable, based on estimates, assumptions and analysis that Stryve believes, as of the date hereof, provide a reasonable basis for the information and statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements involve various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Stryve and its officers, employees, agents and associates. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements, include: (i) the inability to achieve profitability due to commodity prices, inflation, supply chain interruption, transportation costs and/or labor shortages; (ii) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination or meet financial and strategic goals, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, supply chain interruptions, the ability to pursue a growth strategy and manage growth profitability, maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and retailers and retain its management and key employees; (iii) the risk that retailers will choose to limit or decrease the number of retail locations in which Stryve's products are carried or will choose not to carry or not to continue to carry Stryve's products; (iv) the possibility that Stryve may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (v) the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Stryve; (vi) the possibility that Stryve may not achieve its financial outlook; (vii) risks around the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and (viii) other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's public filings with the SEC. Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those projections and forward-looking statements are based. Investor Relations Contact:Investor -Financial Statements Follow- Stryve Foods, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (In thousands, except share and per share data)                                   Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,     2024       2023       2024       2023     (unaudited)   (unaudited)                 SALES, net $ 6,178     $ 5,997     $ 10,776     $ 10,643                   COST OF GOODS SOLD (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)   4,484       4,946       8,066       8,629                   GROSS PROFIT   1,694       1,051       2,710       2,014                   OPERATING EXPENSES               Selling expenses   1,577       1,779       3,174       3,747   Operations expense   412       625       764       1,139   Salaries and wages   1,530       1,470       3,137       3,633   Depreciation and amortization expense   408       552       870       1,104   Gain on disposal of fixed assets   -       1       -       1   Total operating expenses   3,927       4,427       7,945       9,624                   OPERATING LOSS   (2,233 )     (3,376 )     (5,235 )     (7,610 )                 OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME               Interest expense   (728 )     (963 )     (1,310 )     (1,363 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt   -       -       (335 )     -   Change in fair value of Private Warrants   -       10       -       19   Other expense   -       7       -       (7 ) Total other (expense) income   (728 )     (946 )     (1,645 )     (1,351 )                 NET LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES   (2,961 )     (4,322