MGP INGREDIENTS INC (MGPI)

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

This Report may contain forward-looking statements as well as historical information.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, regarding the prospects of our industries and our prospects, plans, financial position, mission, and strategy may constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation statements about our source of cash being adequate; our ability to support our liquidity and operating needs through cash generated from operations and borrowings; and our capital expenditures.  Forward looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “forecast,” “hopeful,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “encouraged,” “opportunities,” “potential,” and similar terminology.  These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, our performance, our financial results, and our financial condition and are not guarantees of future performance.

All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For information on these risks and uncertainties and other factors that could affect the Company’s business, see the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, this Report, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Forward looking statements in this Report are made as of the date of this Report, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information made in this Report, except as required by law.

OVERVIEW

MGP is a leading producer of branded and distilled spirits as well as food ingredient solutions. We have an extensive award-winning global portfolio of branded spirits, which we produce through our distilleries and bottling facilities and sell to distributors. Our branded spirits products account for a range of price points from value products through premium plus brands. Distilled spirits include premium bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys (“brown goods”) and grain neutral spirits (“GNS”), including vodka and gin. Our distilled spirits are either sold directly or indirectly to manufacturers of other branded spirits. Our protein and starch food ingredients are predominantly wheat based and provide a host of functional, nutritional, and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products to serve the consumer packaged goods industry. Our ingredient products are sold directly, or through distributors, to manufacturers and processors of finished packaged goods or to bakeries.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Report, as well as our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - General,” set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results

The table below details the consolidated results for the quarters ended June 30, 2026 and 2025:

(a) Percentage points (“pp”).

Sales - Sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 were $124,357, a decrease of 15 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, which was the result of decreased sales in the Distilling Solutions and Branded Spirits segments, partially offset by increased sales in the Ingredient Solutions segment. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, sales were down 42 percent primarily due to decreased sale volume of brown goods. Within the Branded Spirits segment, sales were down 1 percent primarily due to decreased sales volume of our private label bottled products within the other category. Within the Ingredient Solutions segment, sales were up 2 percent, primarily due to increased sales of biofuel and other (see “Segment Results”).

Gross profit - Gross profit for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 was $46,471, a decrease of 20 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, which was the result of decreased gross profit in each segment. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, gross profit decreased by $7,510, or 40 percent. Within the Ingredient Solutions segment, gross profit decreased by $4,018, or 53 percent. Within the Branded Spirits segment, gross profit decreased $388, or 1 percent (see “Segment Results”).

Advertising and promotion expenses - Advertising and promotion expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 were $5,683, a decrease of 18 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, primarily driven by timing of advertising and promotion spend.

SG&A expenses - SG&A expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 were $20,237, a decrease of 13 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, primarily driven by our cost savings initiatives.

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Operating income - Operating income for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 decreased to $17,652 from $20,318 for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, primarily due to a decrease in gross profit in each segment and an increase in provision for credit loss related to one of our significant customers filing a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code during July 2026. These decreases were partially offset by the change in fair value of contingent consideration, as well as decreases in SG&A and advertising and promotion expenses.

(a) See “Segment Results.”

(b) Percentage points (“pp”).

Income tax expense - Income tax expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 was $3,063, for an effective tax rate of 20.3 percent. Income tax expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $4,308, for an effective tax rate of 23.0 percent. The decrease in income tax expense, quarter versus quarter, was due primarily to lower income before income taxes. The decrease in tax rate, quarter versus quarter, was primarily due to the discrete impact of a state law change on the Company’s deferred tax balances.

Earnings per common share (“EPS”) - Basic and Diluted EPS was $0.55 for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $0.67 for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The change in basic and diluted EPS, quarter versus quarter, was primarily due to an increase in interest expense, net and a decrease in operating income.

(a) Net of tax based on the effective tax rate for the base year (2025).

(b) Percentage points (“pp”).

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The table below details the consolidated results for the year to date ended June 30, 2026 and 2025:

(a) Percentage points (“pp”).

Sales - Sales for the year to date ended June 30, 2026 were $230,784, a decrease of 14 percent compared to the year-ago period, which was the result of decreased sales in the Distilling Solutions and Branded Spirits segments, partially offset by increased sales in the Ingredient Solutions segment. Within the Distilling Solutions segment, sales were down 41 percent primarily due to decreased sales volume of brown goods. Sales of Branded Spirits were down 4 percent, primarily due to decreased sales volume of our private label bottled products within the other category. Within the Ingredient Solutions

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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

This Report may contain forward-looking statements as well as historical information.  All statements, other than statements of historical facts, regarding the prospects of our industries and our prospects, plans, financial position, mission, and strategy may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation statements about our sources of cash being adequate; our ability to support our liquidity and operating needs through cash generated from operations and borrowings; and our capital expenditures.  Forward-looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “forecast,” “hopeful,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “encouraged,” “opportunities,” “potential,” and similar terminology.  These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, our performance, our financial results, and our financial condition and are not guarantees of future performance.

All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For information on these risks and uncertainties and other factors that could affect the Company’s business, see the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Forward-looking statements in this Report are made as of the date of this Report, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information made in this Report, except as required by law.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is designed to provide a reader of MGP’s consolidated financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management. MGP’s MD&A is presented in the following sections:

•Overview

•Results of Operations

•Branded Spirits Segment

•Distilling Solutions Segment

•Ingredient Solutions Segment

•Cash Flow, Financial Condition and Liquidity

•Critical Accounting Estimates

•New Accounting Pronouncements

OVERVIEW

MGP is a leading producer of branded and distilled spirits as well as food ingredient solutions. We have an extensive award-winning global portfolio of branded spirits, which we produce through our distilleries and bottling facilities and sell to distributors. Our branded spirits products account for a range of price points from value products through premium plus brands. Distilled spirits include premium bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys (“brown goods”) and grain neutral spirits (“GNS”), including vodka and gin. Our distilled spirits are either sold directly or indirectly to manufacturers of other branded spirits. Our protein and starch food ingredients serve a host of functional, nutritional, and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products to serve the consumer packaged goods industry. Our ingredient products are sold directly, or through distributors, to manufacturers and processors of finished packaged goods or to bakeries.

Our strategic plan is designed to leverage our history and strengths as well as the positive macro trends we see in the industries in which we compete, while providing better insulation from outside factors, including swings in commodity pricing.

Branded Spirits Segment

Our Branded Spirits segment mission is to align our product offering and enhance focus on growing spirits categories and price tiers. The favorable macro industry trends we anticipate will benefit our business in the long-term include growth in high-end whiskey and tequila brands as well as long-term growth in the U.S. across all spirit categories in the premium plus price tier. Our Branded Spirits segment is also subject to unfavorable macro industry trends, which include inflation, tariffs, inflation and interest rate impacts on consumers, increased competition as consumer packaged good companies seek to capitalize on consumer trends, as well as changes in consumer consumption patterns. Our strategy for the Branded Spirits segment is to

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focus on the right brands at the right price points in the right spirits categories to maximize our profits. Additionally, our strategy is to focus on scaling high-growth premium brands, focus on our channel and customer strategy, build scalable growth through regional execution, and continue to invest in our people. Branded Spirits segment sales for 2025 decreased 3 percent over the prior year.

Distilling Solutions Segment

Our Distilling Solutions segment mission is to cultivate lasting partnerships with customers across all product categories by leveraging our technical distilling expertise, strong sales and operating platform, aging whiskey inventory, and unique project development skills. Our Distilling Solutions segment is subject to unfavorable macro industry trends, which include increased competition as industry participants seek to capitalize on consumer trends, inflation and interest rate impacts on customers, overall American whiskey supply and consumer consumption patterns, as well as increased commodity prices. Additionally, the industry has been impacted by unfavorable industry trends resulting in a number of distilleries reducing production or shutting down operations. Our strategy for the Distilling Solutions segment is to further develop our existing customer relationships, capitalize on new customer opportunities, grow in the private label category, maximize the value of our aged inventory by partnering with customers whose business models uniquely benefit from its attributes, optimize our digital interface to enhance the customer experience, and enhance awareness of MGP as a global partner to branded spirits suppliers.

We continue to focus on utilizing our capabilities and product offerings to attract and develop customer relationships for our brown goods. During 2025, the industry continued to experience a softening of American whiskey category trends as well as elevated industry-wide barrel whiskey inventories, which resulted in the inability of some customers to honor their contracts with us and a number of our large customers to pause their whiskey purchases after completing their existing contracts. We expect these trends to continue. Distilling Solutions segment sales for 2025 decreased 45 percent over the prior year.

Ingredient Solutions Segment

Our Ingredient Solutions segment mission is to remain a strategic business partner in specialty ingredients providing premium dietary fiber and plant protein supporting health and wellness brands. The favorable macro industry trends we anticipate will benefit our business include increasing consumer focus on high fiber and lower net carbs, high protein, plant-based protein, and non-GMO products. We continue to provide customer solutions, taking advantage of our position within growing consumer trends. Our strategy for the Ingredient Solutions segment is to focus on enhancing our operational reliability, expand and optimize our dietary fiber, plant proteins, and clean label starches; expand our extruded products platform; and continue to innovate and expand opportunities through research and development. Ingredient Solutions segment sales for 2025 decreased 7 percent over the prior year.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated results

The table below details the consolidated results for 2025, 2024 and 2023:

(a) Percentage points (“pp”).

Sales

2025 to 2024 - Sales for 2025 were $536,375, a decrease of 24 percent compared to 2024, which was the result of decreased sales in each segment. Distilling Solutions segment sales decreased 45 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of brown goods. Ingredient Solutions segment sales decreased 7 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of specialty wheat starches. Branded Spirits segment sales decreased 3 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of brands within the value and mid price tiers.

2024 to 2023 - Sales for 2024 were $703,625, a decrease of 16 percent compared to 2023, which was the result of decreased sales in each segment. Distilling Solutions segment sales decreased 26 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of white goods and other co-products in connection with the December 2023 closure of the Atchison Distillery and decreased brown goods sales. Branded Spirits segment sales decreased 5 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of brands within the mid and value price tiers. Ingredient Solutions segment sales decreased 1 percent, primarily due to decreased sales of specialty wheat proteins and commodity wheat starches, partially offset by increased sales of specialty wheat starches.

Gross profit

2025 to 2024 - Gross profit for 2025 was $199,409, a decrease of 30 percent compared to 2024. The decrease was driven by decreased gross profit in each segment. The Distilling Solutions segment gross profit decreased by $73,325, or 52 percent. The Ingredient Solutions segment gross profit decreased by $10,707, or 41 percent. The Branded Spirits segment gross profit decreased by $2,876, or 2 percent.

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2024 to 2023 - Gross profit for 2024 was $286,317, a decrease of 6 percent compared to 2023. The decrease was driven by a decrease in gross profit in the Ingredient Solutions and Distilling Solutions segments, partially offset by an increase in gross profit in the Branded Spirits segment. The Ingredient Solutions segment gross profit decreased by $20,773, or 44 percent. The Distilling Solutions segment gross profit decreased by $3,037, or 2 percent. The Branded Spirits segment gross profit increased by $5,415, or 5 percent.

Advertising and promotion expenses

2025 to 2024 - Advertising and promotion expenses for 2025 were $31,083, a decrease of 23 percent compared to 2024. This decrease was primarily driven by the realignment of our advertising and promotion spend to brands in our Branded Spirits segment we believe to have the most attractive growth opportunities.

2024 to 2023 - Advertising and promotion expenses for 2024 were $40,508, an increase of 6 percent compared to 2023. This increase was primarily driven by increased advertising and promotion investment in the Branded Spirits segment, specifically in the premium plus price tiers.

SG&A expenses

2025 to 2024 - SG&A expenses for 2025 were $84,819, an increase of 4 percent compared to 2024. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by increased incentive compensation as compared to the prior year, which was partially offset by our cost savings initiative.

2024 to 2023 - SG&A expenses for 2024 were $81,391, a decrease of 11 percent compared to 2023. The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily due to reduced incentive compensation expenses.

Operating income (loss)

(a) See segment discussion.

(b) Percentage points (“pp”).

2025 to 2024 - Operating loss for 2025 was $94,615 which decreased from operating income of $74,426 for 2024, primarily due to the $152,622 goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment related to the Branded Spirits segment recorded during fourth quarter 2025. Additionally, contributing to the operating loss was a decrease in gross profit in each segment, the

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change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition of Penelope Bourbon LLC (“Penelope”), and the increase in SG&A expenses, as discussed above. These decreases were partially offset by the decrease in advertising and promotion expenses, as discussed above.

2024 to 2023 - Operating income for 2024 decreased to $74,426 from $148,613 for 2023, primarily due to the $73,755 goodwill impairment related to the Branded Spirits segment recorded during the fourth quarter 2024, the decrease in gross profit in the Ingredient Solutions segment, the change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability related to the Penelope acquisition, the decrease in gross profit in the Distilling Solutions segment, and the increase in advertising and promotion expenses, as discussed above. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of the impairment of assets and other expenses in the prior year related to the closure of the Atchison Distillery which closed in December 2023, the decrease in SG&A expenses as discussed above, and the increase in gross profit in the Branded Spirits segment.

Income tax expense

2025 to 2024 - Income tax expense for 2025 was $7,482, for an effective tax rate for the year of (7.5) percent. Income tax expense for 2024 was $33,977, for an effective tax rate for the year of 49.6 percent. The 57.1 percentage point decrease was primarily due to the nondeductible impairment of goodwill.

2024 to 2023 - Income tax expense for 2024 was $33,977, for an effective tax rate for the year of 49.6 percent. Income tax expense for 2023 was $34,616, for an effective tax rate for the year of 24.4 percent. The 25.2 percentage point increase was primarily due to the nondeductible impairment of goodwill, partially offset by a decrease in valuation allowance.

Basic and diluted EPS

(a)Items are net of tax based on the effective tax rate for each base year.

(b)Percentage points (“pp”).

(c)Weighted average shares outstanding change primarily related to the vesting of employee restricted stock units (“RSUs”), our withholding and purchase of vested RSUs from employees to pay withholding taxes, and the granting of Common Stock to directors. Additionally, during 2024, the weighted average shares outstanding were impacted by shares repurchased pursuant to the Company’s share repurchase program.

2025 to 2024 - Basic and diluted EPS was $(4.99) in 2025, compared to $1.56 in 2024. The change in basic and diluted EPS was primarily due to a decrease in operating income and change in the effective tax rate, both driven primarily by the nondeductible goodwill impairment, as well as decreased gross profit in each of the segments. Additionally, the decrease was related to the reduction in the weighted average shares outstanding during the period.

2024 to 2023 - Basic and diluted EPS was $1.56 in 2024, compared to $4.82 and $4.80, respectively in 2023. The change in basic and diluted EPS was primarily due to a decrease in operating income and increase in the effective tax rate, both driven primarily by the nondeductible goodwill impairment. Additionally, the decrease was related to an increase in interest expense. These decreases were partially offset by the change in other income (expense), net related to equity method investment income.

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BRANDED SPIRITS SEGMENT

(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.

(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(c) Net price/mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(d) Percentage points (“pp”).

2025 compared to 2024

Total Branded Spirits sales for 2025 decreased by $7,875, or 3 percent, compared to 2024, due to lower sales volume and net price/mix within the value and mid price tiers, primarily in certain tequila, liqueur, and cordial brands. This decrease was partially offset by increased sales volume within the premium plus price tier, reflecting the continued momentum of the Penelope brand. The increase in sales volume within the premium plus price tier was partially offset by decreased net price/mix.

Gross profit decreased year versus year by $2,876, or 2 percent. Gross margin for 2025 increased to 49.5 percent compared to 49.1 percent for 2024. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by a decrease in sales volume and net price/mix within the value price tier, partially offset by increased premium plus sales volume. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by increased sales in the premium plus price tier.

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(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.

(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(c) Net price/mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(d) Percentage points (“pp”).

2024 compared to 2023

Total Branded Spirits sales for 2024 decreased by $13,117, or 5 percent, compared to 2023, due primarily to our optimization efforts, including increased pricing on certain lower margin mid and value brands, which resulted in decreased sales volume of select brands within those price tiers. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales of brands within the premium plus price tier, which was primarily due to the acquisition and growth of Penelope.

Gross profit increased year versus year by $5,415, or 5 percent. Gross margin for 2024 increased to 49.1 percent compared to 44.4 percent for 2023. The increase in gross profit was primarily driven by increased net price/mix driven primarily by the acquisition of Penelope, and increased pricing on certain mid and value brands. The increase was also driven by lower average unit cost within the segment.

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DISTILLING SOLUTIONS SEGMENT

(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.

(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(c) Net price/mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(d) Percentage points (“pp”).

2025 compared to 2024

Total Distilling Solutions sales for 2025 decreased by $150,804, or 45 percent, compared to 2024. The decrease in sales of the Distilling Solutions segment is primarily driven by lower brown goods sales. Brown goods sales volume and net price/mix decreased primarily due to reduced customer demand resulting from elevated industry-wide barrel inventory levels. White goods and other co-products sales decreased primarily due to a reduction in sales volume resulting from phasing out a number of white goods customer contracts following the closure of our Atchison distillery, as well as reduced production volumes of co-products, primarily dried distillers grain. Warehouse services sales were slightly down as compared to the year-ago period due to lower sales volumes of brown goods.

Gross profit decreased year versus year by $73,325, or 52 percent. Gross margin for 2025 decreased to 37.8 percent from 42.7 percent for 2024. The decrease in gross profit was due to lower brown goods sales volume and net price/mix, partially offset by increased gross profit in warehouse services.

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(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.

(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(c) Net price/mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(d) Percentage points (“pp”).

2024 compared to 2023

Total Distilling Solutions sales for 2024 decreased by $118,650, or 26 percent, compared to 2023. The decrease in sales of the Distilling Solutions segment is primarily related to the decrease in sales volume of white goods and other co-products, which was due to the closure of the Atchison Distillery during December 2023. The decrease in brown goods was primarily related to a decrease in net price/mix (as defined above), partially offset by increased sales volume. The brown goods decline was primarily the result of softening American whiskey category trends and elevated industry-wide barrel inventories, leading to softer than expected spot sales, and instances of customer contract non-performance. These dynamics put pressure on our brown goods business. These decreases were partially offset by increased sales of warehouse services.

Gross profit decreased year versus year by $3,037, or 2 percent. Gross margin for 2024 increased to 42.7 percent from 32.2 percent for 2023. The decrease in gross profit was due primarily to a decrease in brown goods sales due to net price/mix as we sold younger barrels on average in 2024 compared to 2023. This decline was partially offset by the positive impact the closure of the Atchison Distillery had on white goods and other co-products’ gross profit and gross margin.

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INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT

(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.

(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(c) Net price/mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(d) Percentage points (“pp”).

2025 compared to 2024

Total Ingredient Solutions sales for 2025 decreased by $8,571, or 7 percent, compared to 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased sales volume of specialty wheat starches and commodity wheat starches as well as decreased net price/mix of specialty wheat proteins. The declines in specialty wheat starches and proteins were primarily due to supply challenges resulting from adverse weather, complexities associated with the closure of the Atchison Distillery, and a key equipment outage, as well as the timing of commercialization of new specialty wheat protein customers. These declines were partially offset by increased sales volume of specialty and commodity wheat proteins and increased net price/mix of specialty wheat starches.

Gross profit decreased year versus year by $10,707, or 41 percent. Gross margin for 2025 decreased to 12.7 percent from 20.1 percent for 2024. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by unanticipated operational reliability challenges and a key equipment outage as well as complexities and higher costs associated with the disposal of waste starch streams. During the second half of 2025, the biofuel facility began operations to help mitigate the disposal costs related to the waste starch streams.  This project is one of many investments being made to reduce disposal costs and improve the overall reliability of our Ingredients Solutions operations.  However, it will take time to realize the benefits of these cost mitigation and reliability initiatives.

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(a) Total sales change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales dollars and prior period sales dollars, divided by prior period sales dollars.

(b) Volume change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales volume and prior period sales volume, multiplied by prior period sales per unit. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(c) Net price/mix change is calculated by taking the difference between current period sales-per-unit and prior period sales-per unit, multiplied by current period sales volume. The product is then divided by prior period sales dollars.

(d) Percentage points (“pp”).

2024 compared to 2023

Total Ingredient Solutions sales for 2024 decreased by $1,131, or 1 percent, compared to 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased net price/mix across all product categories, as well as a decrease in sales volume of specialty wheat proteins primarily due to continued export market headwinds. Additionally, the decrease was attributable to a decrease in sales volume of commodity wheat starches. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales volume of specialty wheat starches.

Gross profit decreased year versus year by $20,773, or 44 percent. Gross margin for 2024 decreased to 20.1 percent from 35.7 percent for 2023. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by higher input costs associated with the removal of the intercompany credit for the waste starch slurry by-product since the closure of the Atchison Distillery, as well as other costs incurred to ready the waste starch for commercial sale. Additionally, we incurred incremental costs for the new extrusion manufacturing facility as well as other unexpected plant related costs during the year. The decrease in gross profit was also attributable to decreased net price/mix and sales volume of specialty wheat proteins.

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CASH FLOW, FINANCIAL CONDITION, AND LIQUIDITY

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Our primary sources of liquidity have been cash flow from operating activities and borrowings through our Credit Agreement, Convertible Senior Notes and Note Purchase Agreement (see Note 7, Corporate Borrowings). These sources of cash are used to fund our operating needs, capital expenditures, stockholder dividends and other discretionary uses. We continue to monitor market conditions which may create credit and economic challenges that could adversely impact our cash flow from operating activities and cash provided by borrowings. Our overall liquidity reflects our effective cash management strategy that takes into account liquidity management, economic factors, and tax considerations. We expect our sources of cash to be adequate to provide for budgeted capital expenditures, potential mergers or acquisitions, and anticipated operating requirements for the next 12 months and beyond.

Our principal uses of cash in the ordinary course of business are for input costs used in our production processes, salaries, and investments supporting our strategic plan, such as capital expenditures, the aging of barreled distillate primarily to support our branded spirits segment, and potential mergers or acquisitions.  Generally, during periods when commodity prices are rising, our operations require increased use of cash to support inventory levels.

At December 31, 2025, our current assets exceeded our current liabilities by $322,658, largely due to our inventories, at cost, of $382,741. At December 31, 2025, our cash balance was $18,460, and we have used our various debt agreements for liquidity purposes, with $458,000 available under our Credit Agreement for additional borrowings and $233,200 available under the Note Purchase Agreement (see Note 7, Corporate Borrowings for additional information). Under these agreements (including the Credit Agreement amendment and the Note Purchase Agreement amendment we entered into on February 20, 2026), we must meet certain financial covenants and restrictions, and at December 31, 2025, we met those covenants and restrictions.

We anticipate being able to support our short-term liquidity and operating needs largely through cash generated from operations and borrowings under our various debt agreements. We expect some holders of the Convertible Senior Notes to require the Company to repurchase the Convertible Senior Notes during the fourth quarter of 2026. Additionally, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, we will pay out the full contingent consideration related to the Penelope acquisition during the first half of 2026. We have sufficient availability to repurchase the Convertible Senior Notes and pay the full contingent consideration related to the Penelope acquisition under our Credit Agreement, Note purchase Agreement, new financing instruments, or a combination thereof. We regularly assess our cash needs and the available sources to fund these needs. We utilize short-term and long-term debt to fund discretionary items, such as capital investments, dividend payments, share repurchases, as well as potential mergers or acquisitions. Subject to market conditions, we could also fund future mergers and acquisitions through the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock.

Cash Flow Summary

Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $121,528 during the year ended December 31, 2025. The cash provided by operating activities during 2025 resulted primarily from a net loss of $107,832, offset by adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $203,136, including goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment, the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration, and depreciation and amortization; cash provided by the changes in operating assets and liabilities of $26,224. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $32,189 of cash provided

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by decreased accounts receivables, net, due to timing of customer payments and a reduction in consolidated sales during the year and $8,424 related to increased accrued expenses and other, which related to an increase in our incentive compensation accrual. These increases in operating assets and liabilities were partially offset by $18,145 use of cash related to an increase in inventories, primarily barreled distillate.

Cash provided by operating activities was $102,278 during the year ended December 31, 2024. The cash provided by operating activities during 2024 resulted primarily from net income of $34,465 and adjustments for non-cash or non-operating charges of $114,994, including goodwill impairment, depreciation and amortization, the change in fair value of contingent consideration, and share-based compensation, partially offset by uses of cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities of $47,181. The primary drivers of the changes in operating assets and liabilities were $18,155 use of cash related to an increase in inventories, primarily barreled distillate, and $15,111 use of cash related to accrued expenses and other related to reduced incentive compensation expenses.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $45,525, which primarily resulted from additions to property, plant and equipment of $45,488 (see “Capital Spending”).

Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $71,558, which primarily resulted from additions to property, plant and equipment of $71,181 (see “Capital Spending”).

Capital Spending. We manage capital spending to support our business growth plans. We have incurred $31,887, $73,161, and $61,108 of capital expenditures and have paid $45,488, $71,181, and $55,267 for capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The difference between the amount of capital expenditures incurred and amount paid is due to the change in capital expenditures in accounts payable. We expect approximately $20,000 in capital expenditures for 2026, which we expect to use for facility improvement and facility sustenance projects, and environmental health and safety projects.

Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $83,522, due to net payments on long-term debt of $69,400 (see “Long-Term and Short-Term Debt”), payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $10,325 (see Note 9, Equity and EPS for additional information), and payments of loan fees of $2,762 (see “Long-Term and Short-Term Debt”).

Cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $23,803, due to repurchases of Common Stock of $48,773 (see “Treasury Purchases” and “Share Repurchases”) and payments of dividends and dividend equivalents of $10,630 (see Note 9, Equity and EPS for additional information), partially offset by net proceeds on long-term debt of $35,600 (see “Long-Term and Short-Term Debt”).

Treasury Purchases. 105,776 RSUs vested and converted to Common Stock for employees during the year ended December 31, 2025, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 31,631 shares valued at $1,035 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.

81,942 RSUs vested and converted to Common Stock for employees during the year ended December 31, 2024, of which we withheld and purchased for treasury 25,521 shares valued at $2,185 to cover payment of associated withholding taxes.

Share Repurchases. On February 29, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a $100,000 share repurchase program. Under the share repurchase program, we can repurchase Common Stock from time to time for cash in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or by other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements. The repurchase program has no expiration date and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time by the Company without prior notice. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock under the share repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 886,936 shares of Common Stock for approximately $46,588, resulting in approximately $53,412 remaining under the share repurchase program.

Long-Term and Short-Term Debt. We maintain debt levels we consider appropriate after evaluating a number of factors, including cash flow expectations, cash requirements for ongoing operations, investment and financing plans (including brand development, Board-approved dividends, and share repurchases) and the overall cost of capital. Total debt was $252,318 (net of unamortized loan fees of $7,732) at December 31, 2025 and $323,541 (net of unamortized loan fees of $5,909) at December 31, 2024. Net payments on all debt for 2025 were $69,400 and net borrowings on all debt for 2024 were $35,600 (see Note 7, Corporate Borrowings for additional information). Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2025, we incurred $2,762 of loan fees associated with amending and restating our credit agreement.

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Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. See Note 9, Equity and EPS for further discussion.

On February 25, 2026, we announced a dividend payable to stockholders of record of our Common Stock, resulting in dividend equivalents payable to RSU holders, of $0.12 per share and per RSU. The dividend and dividend equivalent are payable on March 27, 2026 to stockholders of record and RSU holders as of March 13, 2026.

Contractual Obligations

The following table provides information on the amounts and payments of our contractual obligations at December 31, 2025:

(a)Short-term obligation payments are due within 12 months from the current year end.

(b)Includes open purchase order commitments related to raw materials and packaging used in the ordinary course of business of $50,837.

(c)Excludes variable interest on long-term debt.

(d)The Company achieved the maximum net sales target as defined in the Penelope acquisition agreement during the third quarter 2025, and in accordance with the terms of the agreement, the Company will pay out the full contingent consideration during the first half of 2026. (See Note 4, Business Combination for additional information.)

Industrial Revenue Bonds

We have completed several projects that were financed using industrial revenue bonds in the state of Kentucky. Traditionally, industrial revenue bonds have been used as an economic development tool in the state to attract desirable businesses, including business in the bourbon industry, and have allowed a 15 to 40 year real property tax abatement on our renovated and newly-constructed warehouse buildings and distilleries in Kentucky. As of December 31, 2025, approximately $50,000 of our facilities in Nelson County, Kentucky and approximately $39,300 of our facilities in Williamstown, Kentucky were financed with industrial revenue bonds. The city then leased the facilities back to us under a capital lease, the terms of which provide for the payment of basic rent in an amount sufficient to pay principal and interest on the bonds. Our obligation to pay rent under the lease is in the same amount and due on the same date as the obligation to pay debt service on the bonds which we hold. The lease permits us to present the bonds at any time for cancellation, upon which our obligation to pay basic rent would be canceled. At the bonds’ maturity, the facilities will revert to us without costs. If we were to present the bonds for cancellation prior to maturity, a nominal fee could be incurred. We may not be able to use industrial revenue bonds in the future due to legislative, regulatory, and related changes in the state of Kentucky.

We recorded the land and buildings as assets in property, plant, and equipment, net, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Because we own all outstanding bonds, have a legal right to set-off, and intend to set-off the corresponding lease and interest payments, we have netted the capital lease obligation with the bond asset. No amount for our obligation under the capital lease is reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, nor do we reflect an amount for the corresponding industrial revenue bond asset (see Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies for additional information).

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The application of certain of these policies places demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimation about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.  For all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop as forecast, and estimates routinely require adjustment and may require material adjustment. We have identified the most critical accounting policies which involve the most complex and

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subjective judgments. These should be read in conjunction with the significant accounting policies discussed in Note 1, Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets. We test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually, in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if events and circumstances occur that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value. We have the option to evaluate qualitative factors to assess if goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired before quantifying the fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible asset. Management judgment is required in the evaluation of qualitative factors, determination of reporting units, the assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, including goodwill, and the determination of fair value of the reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment of goodwill is recognized and allocated to the reporting units. To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment of indefinite-lived intangibles assets is recognized.

We performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets as part of our annual impairment test in accordance with our accounting policy during the fourth quarter.

Goodwill - We engaged a third party valuation specialist to assist in comparing the fair value of the Branded Spirits reporting unit to the respective carrying value. The estimate of fair value of our reporting unit was calculated using equal weighting of the income approach that utilized the discounted cash flow method and the market approach that utilized the guideline public company method. Estimates in the determination of fair value of the reporting unit through the income approach were based on (i) discount rates based on the reporting unit’s weighted average cost of capital, (ii) future expected cash flows including revenue and operating margin projections, and (iii) long-term growth rates based on inflation forecasts, industry growth, and long-term economic growth potential. The market approach compares enterprise value and historical and projected results of public companies that reflect economic conditions and risks that are similar to the reporting unit to calculate an estimated enterprise value. These assumptions are based on historical trends as well as the projections and assumptions used in our budget and long-range plans. These assumptions reflect our estimates of future economic and competitive conditions which can be affected by several factors such as inflation, business valuations in the market, the economy, and market competition. Any changes in these assumptions may affect our fair value estimate and the results of an impairment test. As of the assessment date, to corroborate our fair value conclusion, we combined the estimated fair values for the reporting units and performed a market capitalization reconciliation to validate the reasonableness of the implied control premium. We calculated the market capitalization using both the stock price on the assessment date as well as the average stock price over a reasonable period of time preceding the assessment date. Based on this reconciliation, we believe the control premium to be reasonable.

As a result of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we recorded an impairment charge of $132,122 to adjust the carrying amount of the Branded Spirits reporting unit to fair value. This goodwill impairment is included as a component of operating income in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2025 and as a reduction of goodwill in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2025.

Assumptions used in impairment testing are made at a point in time and require significant judgment; therefore, they are subject to change based upon the facts and circumstances present at each impairment test date. Additionally, these assumptions are generally interdependent and do not change in isolation. However, as it is reasonably possible that changes in assumptions could occur, as a sensitivity measure, we have presented the estimated effects of isolated changes in discount rates and long-term growth rates on the fair value of our reporting unit. These estimated changes in fair value are not necessarily representative of the actual impairment that would be recorded in the event of a fair value decline. The most sensitive assumption used in the analysis was an 11 percent discount rate. A 50 basis point increase to the discount rate would result in an approximate $17,500 increase in the impairment expense recorded, while a 50 basis point decrease in the rate would result in an approximate $19,500 decrease in the impairment expense recorded. . All else equal, a 50 basis point change in the average revenue projection or long-term growth rate would result in a change in impairment expense between $10,500 and $13,500.

Indefinite-lived intangibles - The estimated fair value of our trade name indefinite-lived intangible assets within our Branded Spirits reporting unit was calculated based on the income approach that utilized the relief-from-royalty method. When estimating the fair value, we made certain assumptions for our future revenue projections, market royalty rates, and discount rates. These assumptions reflect our estimates of future economic and competitive conditions which consider many factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry growth rates and competition. These factors are subject to change as a result of changing market conditions. Any changes in these assumptions may affect our fair value estimate and the results of an impairment test.

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As a result of the quantitative impairment test, we recorded an impairment charge of $20,500 to adjust the carrying amount of the trade names indefinite-lived intangible assets to fair value. The impairment is included as a component of operating income in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2025 and as a reduction of intangible assets, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2025.

Assumptions used in impairment testing are made at a point in time and require significant judgment; therefore, they are subject to change based upon the facts and circumstances present at each impairment test date. Additionally, these assumptions are generally interdependent and do not change in isolation. However, as it is reasonably possible that changes in assumptions could occur, as a sensitivity measure, we have presented the estimated effects of isolated changes in discount rates and royalty rates on fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets. These estimated changes in the fair value are not necessarily representative of the actual impairment that would be recorded in the event of a fair value decline. The most sensitive assumption used in the analysis was an 11 percent discount rate. A 50 basis point change in the discount rate, the average revenue projection, or long-term growth rate would result in an immaterial change in the impairment expense recorded.

As discussed above, any further significant decline in our market capitalization or changes in discount rates, even if due to macroeconomic factors, could put pressure on the carrying value of our goodwill. In addition, if future revenues and contributions to our operating results for any of the indefinite-lived intangible assets or Branded Spirits reporting unit deteriorate at rates in excess of our current projections, we may be required to record additional impairment charges to certain intangible assets. A determination that a portion or all of our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations. For a further discussion of our annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and the results of that testing, see Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.