As we tighten our wallets in efforts to survive, looking into better deals, switching to cheaper products, and changing our habits, businesses suffer the consequences. Then, when our favorite supermarket and grocery retailers are forced to close their doors amid declining sales, higher food and labor expenses, and tariffs on imported goods, we, as consumers, are hit again. People lose their jobs, and customers have more limited options, fewer stores offering those better deals, and longer distances to re ...

The price trend for United Natural Foods (UNFI) has been bearish lately and the stock has lost 6.2% over the past week. However, the formation of a hammer chart pattern in its last trading session indicates that the stock could witness a trend reversal soon, as bulls might have gained significant control over the price to help it find support.While the formation of a hammer pattern is a technical indication of nearing a bottom with potential exhaustion of selling pressure, rising optimism among Wall Street ...

Core Viewpoint - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by certain officers and directors of United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) towards shareholders [1] Group 1 - The investigation pertains to whether the company's leadership acted in the best interests of shareholders [1] - Shareholders who acquired United Natural stock on or before December 8, 2021, may have options for seeking corporate governance reforms [1] - Potential outcomes for shareholders include the return of funds to the company, court-approved financial incentive awards, or other forms of relief and benefits [1]

Consumer Sentiment - U.S. consumer sentiment declined in October, with the University of Michigan's preliminary reading at 55, down from 55.1 in September, but above analysts' expectations of 54.1 [4] - Short-term inflation expectations eased slightly to 4.6% over the next 12 months, down from 4.7% the previous month, while long-term expectations remained unchanged at 3.7% [5] Market Environment - Overall consumer confidence remains low due to economic uncertainty, leading to increased volatility in Wall Street, exacerbated by fears of a trade dispute with China [2][7] - The ongoing government shutdown has contributed to market volatility, with all three major stock indexes ending lower last week [7] Defensive Stocks - In the current market environment, investors are advised to focus on low-beta, defensive stocks, particularly in the consumer staples sector, to mitigate market fluctuations [3] - Companies such as Energizer Holdings, Grocery Outlet, United Natural Foods, and Ollie's Bargain Outlet are highlighted for their steady earnings growth and improved estimates [9] Company Insights - **Energizer Holdings, Inc.**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.7% for the current year, with a 1.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [8] - **Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.**: Expected earnings growth rate of 1.3% for the current year, with a 1.3% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [10] - **United Natural Foods, Inc.**: Expected earnings growth rate exceeds 100% for the current year, with a 24% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 60 days [12] - **Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.**: Expected earnings growth rate of 16.5% for the current year, with a 2.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [14]

Group 1: Kingdom Capital Advisors Performance - Kingdom Capital Advisors reported a portfolio recovery in Q3 2025, achieving a composite return of 20.78% (net of fees), outperforming the Russell 2000 TR (12.39%), S&P 500 TR (8.12%), and NASDAQ 100 TR (9.01%) [1] - Since inception, the portfolio compounded at 21.06% (net of fees), significantly higher than the Russell 2000 TR (4.60%), S&P 500 TR (11.46%), and NASDAQ 100 TR (13.48%) [1] Group 2: United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) Highlights - United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE:UNFI) demonstrated a one-month return of 42.11% and a 52-week gain of 98.65%, closing at $41.34 per share with a market capitalization of $2.404 billion on October 13, 2025 [2] - The company faced a cyber-attack that impacted its distribution network for over 10% of the recent quarter, yet management exceeded sales guidance, showcasing strong execution under pressure [3] - Management's guidance for FY26 anticipates $300 million in free cash flow from operations and an additional $150 million from cyber insurance and asset sales, with UNFI trading below 6x EV/EBITDA, indicating a discount compared to peers [3] Group 3: Hedge Fund Interest and Investment Outlook - United Natural Foods, Inc. was held by 27 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 26 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest [4] - Despite the potential of UNFI as an investment, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]

Core Performance - Kingdom Capital Advisors achieved a strong recovery in Q3 2025, with a return of 20.78% (net of fees), outperforming the Russell 2000 TR (12.39%), S&P 500 TR (8.12%), and NASDAQ 100 TR (9.01%) [2] - Year-to-date returns through September 30, 2025, show KCA at 8.68%, compared to 7.87% for Russell 2000 TR, 10.39% for S&P 500 TR, and 14.83% for NASDAQ 100 TR [3] Portfolio Contributors and Detractors - Top contributors in Q3 included United Natural Foods (UNFI) and Genesco (GCO), while WW International (WW) was the largest detractor [4][17] Investment Strategy - The portfolio is balanced approximately 50/50 between "special situation" investments and traditional growth positions [6] - Special situation investments are expected to sell undervalued assets within the next twelve months, with potential upsides ranging from 25% to over 100% of current stock prices [7] - Traditional holdings are trading at about 10 times estimated earnings for the coming year, compared to nearly 30 times trailing twelve-month earnings, indicating a focus on undervalued companies [8] Notable Investments - United Natural Foods (UNFI) demonstrated strong performance despite a cyberattack, with management exceeding sales guidance and expecting $300 million in free cash flow for FY26 [13] - Genesco (GCO) saw significant gains after a brief ownership period, benefiting from a tax refund and growth in sales through a revised concept [14] - Apartment Investment and Management Company (AIV) was initiated during Q3, with expectations of cash returns from asset sales [12] Challenges and Outlook - WW International (WW) has faced challenges post-bankruptcy, but there is potential for growth in their clinical business despite market concerns [17] - Magnera Corporation (MAGN) is experiencing stagnant stock prices despite stable business operations, with management taking proactive measures to improve performance [17] - a.k.a. Brands (AKA) continues to show strong sales growth, but stock prices remain low despite management's strong execution [17]

Company Performance - United Natural Foods (UNFI) has shown a year-to-date return of approximately 55.7%, significantly outperforming the average loss of 0.7% in the Consumer Staples group [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UNFI's full-year earnings has increased by 28.8% over the past 90 days, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [4] - UNFI currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting a favorable investment outlook [3] Industry Context - United Natural Foods belongs to the Food - Miscellaneous industry, which has 42 stocks and is currently ranked 185 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - The Food - Miscellaneous industry has experienced an average loss of 8.5% year-to-date, highlighting UNFI's relative strength within this sector [6] - In contrast, Village Farms, another stock in the Consumer Staples sector, has achieved a year-to-date return of 359.1%, with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5][7]

The recent acquisition of SpartanNash by C&S Wholesale Grocers is just the latest in a string of mergers that have reduced the number of wholesaler choices for independent and regional grocery retailers.The thin profit margins in the grocery distribution industry dictate that the acquired companies are often stripped down and fully absorbed into the larger entities. These larger companies might not always be ideally suited for serving all of the acquired company’s small, often family-owned, retail customers ...

United Natural Foods (UNFI) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this organic and specialty foods distributor is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between tr ...

Have you been paying attention to shares of United Natural Foods (UNFI) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 38.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $40.28 in the previous session. United Natural has gained 46.6% since the start of the year compared to the 0.4% move for the Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the -7.1% return for the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, having beate ...