SCHEDULE 13G/A: BlackRock Discloses 5.8% Stake in Utz Brands, Inc. via Amended Schedule 13G Filing

BlackRock, Inc. has filed an amended Schedule 13G, reporting a 5.8% beneficial ownership stake in Utz Brands, Inc. as of March 31, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. filed an Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13G concerning its beneficial ownership in Utz Brands, Inc. Common Stock.
• As of March 31, 2025, BlackRock, Inc. beneficially owns an aggregate of 4,998,730 shares of Utz Brands, Inc. Common Stock.
• This ownership represents 5.8% of the total outstanding class of securities.
• BlackRock, Inc. holds sole voting power over 4,888,063 shares and sole dispositive power over 4,998,730 shares.
• The filing certifies that the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing the control of Utz Brands, Inc.
• Several BlackRock subsidiaries, including BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, are identified as having acquired the security, with BlackRock Investment Management, LLC specifically noted as beneficially owning 5% or greater of the outstanding shares.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing is a routine regulatory disclosure of a significant passive stake by a major institutional investor, BlackRock, in Utz Brands, Inc. This indicates continued institutional confidence without suggesting any immediate negative or positive operational changes for Utz Brands.

Positives

• BlackRock, a prominent institutional investor, maintains a significant 5.8% beneficial ownership in Utz Brands, Inc., indicating continued institutional confidence in the company.
• The filing explicitly states that the shares are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of influencing control, suggesting a stable, passive investment.

Future Outlook

This Schedule 13G filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding Utz Brands, Inc.'s future performance or BlackRock's investment strategy beyond the current ownership disclosure.

Management Comments

• "The securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under ?? 240.14a-11."

Industry Context

This filing reflects a standard regulatory disclosure by a major institutional asset manager, BlackRock, regarding its passive investment in Utz Brands, Inc., a prominent player in the consumer packaged goods sector, specifically snacks. It indicates ongoing institutional interest in the food and snack industry, a sector often viewed for its defensive characteristics and consistent consumer demand.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• As a Schedule 13G filing, this document primarily serves as a regulatory disclosure of beneficial ownership by a passive investor. It does not provide performance metrics for direct comparison to industry peers like PepsiCo, Mondelez International, or Campbell Soup Company.
• BlackRock's consistent holding of a significant stake in Utz Brands, Inc. aligns with typical institutional investment patterns in established consumer goods companies, where large asset managers often hold passive positions for diversification and long-term value.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Provides transparency regarding a major institutional investor's stake, potentially reinforcing confidence in the company's long-term prospects.
• Management: Awareness of a significant passive shareholder, but no direct impact on operations or strategic direction is implied by this type of filing.

Next Steps

• BlackRock, Inc. will continue to monitor its beneficial ownership in Utz Brands, Inc. and file further amendments to Schedule 13G if its ownership percentage changes significantly (e.g., crosses 10% or drops below 5%) or if its investment intent changes.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Utz Brands Inc, BlackRock Inc, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Institutional Investor, SEC Filing, Common Stock, UTZ