Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral View on Sysco (SYY) Despite Demand Pressures
SyscoSysco(US:SYY) Yahoo Finance·2026-01-02 23:26

Core Viewpoint - Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) is recognized as one of the best income stocks to buy currently, despite facing demand pressures in the restaurant industry [1][2]. Financial Performance - Sysco's first-quarter results exceeded estimates, with adjusted profit reaching $1.15 per share, surpassing analysts' expectations of $1.12 [5]. - Net sales for the quarter totaled $21.15 billion, slightly above the anticipated $21.08 billion [5]. - The company reported a gross margin expansion of 13 basis points to 18.5%, attributed to effective management of product cost inflation and improved sourcing decisions [4]. Market Outlook - Sysco has maintained its full-year outlook, projecting fiscal 2026 sales growth of 3% to 5% and annual adjusted profit growth in the range of 1% to 3% [3][4]. - The US foodservice segment saw sales growth of 2.9%, a decrease from the 4.6% growth recorded a year earlier, indicating potential challenges in demand trends [5]. Strategic Initiatives - The company has implemented cost discipline measures, focusing on improving transportation efficiency, managing warehouse maintenance, and tightening inventory levels to mitigate higher product costs, particularly in meat and seafood [3].