United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI) FY 2025 Annual General Meeting December 16, 2025 03:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsDanielle Benedict - CHROMichael S. Funk - DirectorJames M. Loree - DirectorDaphne J. Dufresne - DirectorDavid Williamson - CEO of RetailJames L. Muehlbauer - DirectorGloria R. Boyland - DirectorLynn S. Blake - DirectorMatteo Tarditi - President and CFOSandy Douglas - CEOJames C. Pappas - DirectorMark Bushway - President of Natural Organic Specialty and Fresh Products and Chief Supply Chain Offic ...

United Natural Foods (NYSE:UNFI) FY 2025 Annual General Meeting December 16, 2025 03:30 PM ET Speaker6Good afternoon and welcome to our annual meeting of stakeholders. I am Mahrouq Hussain, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of United Natural Foods, Inc. In accordance with the company's bylaws, I will be serving as Secretary of the meeting. In the interest of having an orderly and constructive meeting today, please review the meeting guidelines and rules of conduct posted on the online meeting portal. ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, net sales were $7.7 billion, down from $8.2 billion in the previous year, reflecting a 1.6% growth when excluding the $582 million benefit from an extra week in last year's quarter [22][23] - Full-year net sales rose 4.6%, with volumes growing 1.4% and inflation at about 1.8% [24] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $116 million, compared to $133 million in the prior year, with full-year adjusted EBITDA at $552 million, slightly above the midpoint of guidance [27][28] - Free cash flow for Q4 was $86 million, bringing the full-year total to around $240 million, a significant improvement from a cash use of approximately $90 million in fiscal 2024 [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The natural segment grew by 9% on a comparable 13-week basis, outperforming the market, while conventional segment sales declined by 6% [23] - For the full year, volume growth outperformed Nielsen's industry benchmarks, largely due to the strength of the customer base and new business with existing customers [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting a $90 billion addressable market, focusing on natural, organic, specialty, multicultural, and conventional grocery retailers [10] - The growth in the natural segment is supported by enduring consumer trends towards health and wellness [17][92] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the food industry's most valued partner by providing innovative products and services to help retailers and suppliers grow [9] - The refresh strategy focuses on creating more value for customers and suppliers while improving operational efficiency [10][13] - The company expects to achieve net sales growth in the low single digits from fiscal 2024 to 2027, with adjusted EBITDA growth in the low double-digit range [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory and ability to create sustainable long-term value despite challenges faced during the cyber incident [20] - The company anticipates continued growth in the natural segment and improved profitability through operational efficiencies and strategic investments [21][34] Other Important Information - The company reduced net debt to around $1.8 billion, the lowest level since 2018, and reduced net leverage by 0.7 turns compared to the previous year [8][29] - The company is focused on enhancing capabilities in merchandising, revenue growth management, and technology to drive long-term growth [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities in natural merchandising initiatives - Management highlighted three key areas: innovation for natural retailers, deepening involvement for conventional retailers, and simplifying the experience for emerging suppliers [37] Question: Improving conventional profitability - Management noted that natural products have historically higher margins and emphasized efforts to improve product mix, efficiency, and lean operations across both segments [40] Question: Updated three-year guidance and customer attrition - Management indicated solid growth in the customer file and better-than-expected organic growth, particularly in natural and organic segments [46] Question: Industry promotional backdrop - Management observed a disciplined increase in promotional activities, with volume sold on deal still below 2019 levels [48] Question: Volume metrics and cyber incident impact - Management clarified that volumes were up about 1.5% for the full year, with a more significant impact from the cyber incident on conventional sales [51] Question: Factors leading to raised adjusted EBITDA algorithm - Management attributed the increase to better-than-expected top-line growth, progress in shrink reduction, and productivity improvements [52] Question: Relationship with Amazon - Management refrained from commenting on specific customers but emphasized a tailored strategy for enterprise accounts and support for small independents [56] Question: Capital investment and facility expansion - Management discussed ongoing rationalization and expansion of distribution centers, with a focus on automation and efficiency [61][62] Question: Margin gain flow in 2026 - Management outlined key components for EBITDA growth, including the exit of unprofitable contracts and continuous progress on shrink and supplier programs [66] Question: Tariff impact - Management is closely monitoring tariffs and working with suppliers and customers to manage costs effectively [68]