Key Takeaways McCormick's Q3 earnings rose to 85 cents per share, exceeding last year's level of 83 cents.Net sales climbed 3% to $1.72 billion, fueled by volume and pricing gains across both segments.The company lowered 2025 profit guidance due to higher commodity costs, tariffs and currency headwinds.McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC) reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results that reflected continued volume-led growth and resilience in a challenging cost environment. Both earnings and sales increase ...

CHICAGO, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amlan is pleased to announce its participation in the 4th edition of the LPN Congress & Expo, taking place October 7–9, 2025 in Miami. This premier gathering for professionals in poultry production and animal nutrition across Latin America will serve as a focal point for innovation, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnership.  Amlan will proudly sponsor the coffee break on Wednesday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. EST, offering attendees an opportunity to connect info ...

Core Viewpoint - United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) is a prominent distributor of natural, organic, and specialty foods in the U.S. and Canada, competing with other food distributors like Sysco and US Foods [1] Financial Performance - UNFI's fiscal fourth-quarter 2025 results surpassed analyst expectations, prompting analysts to revise their forecasts upward [3][5] - The stock price increased by 3.75%, or $1.41, currently trading at $39.03 [3] Stock Analysis - Roth Capital has set a price target of $35 for UNFI, indicating a potential downside of approximately 10.68% from its current trading price of around $39.19 [2][5] - The stock has experienced significant volatility, with a yearly high of $39.69 and a low of $18.81, reflecting the company's market fluctuations [4][5] Market Metrics - UNFI's market capitalization is approximately $2.36 billion, with a trading volume of 1,833,860 shares [4]

Core Viewpoint - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is positioned for growth in the natural foods market, supported by a recent stock upgrade and positive sales outlook despite challenges from a cyberattack [1][2][5] Company Overview - UNFI is a leading distributor of natural, organic, and specialty foods in the U.S. and Canada, competing with Sysco and US Foods [1] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $2.3 billion, indicating a substantial presence in the market [3] Stock Performance - UBS upgraded UNFI's stock to a "Buy" rating with a new price target of $42, up from $29, reflecting strong confidence in the company's future performance [1][5] - The stock price recently increased to $38, marking a 1.01% rise, with fluctuations between $37.91 and $39.41 on the same day [2][5] - Over the past year, the stock has experienced a 52-week high of $39.41 and a low of $18.81, highlighting its volatility [4] Financial Performance - UNFI has shown strong momentum in its fourth quarter, with a notable increase in EBITDA due to lean management strategies and network optimization [2][3][5] - The company anticipates solid revenue growth moving forward, supported by strategic initiatives and increasing demand for natural foods [4]

Core Viewpoint - United Natural Foods has seen a significant stock rally to a new 52-week high following the release of earnings that exceeded expectations and positive future guidance [1][14]. Financial Performance - The company reported an earnings per share (EPS) loss of 11 cents, which was better than the expected loss of 18 cents, although it was a decline from a loss of 1 cent in the same quarter last year [3][4]. - Sales decreased by 5.6%, amounting to approximately 7.7 billion, which was better than the anticipated decline of 7.7 billion and down from 8.16 billion the previous year [4]. Operational Improvements - Despite sales challenges, the company indicated improvements in operating leverage and projected a free cash flow increase of about 300 million for the fiscal year [5]. - The company has been recognized as a leader in the natural, organic, and specialty foods sector, supplying various channels including wholesale, retail, military, and restaurants [5]. Historical Context - The company has been working through challenges since its acquisition of Supervalu in 2018, which initially increased its leverage and impacted profitability [6][9]. - Recent metrics show margin improvements compared to the period following the acquisition, indicating a potential inflection point for net income margins [7][8]. Future Outlook - The guidance for free cash flow is seen as a positive indicator for the company's ability to service debt and suggests a potential increase in net income [8][13]. - The stock has appreciated approximately 123% over the past year, reflecting a positive trajectory and operational improvements stemming from past investments [11][12].

Core Insights - The cyberattack in June significantly impacted United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), costing approximately 5% of sales in the fiscal fourth quarter and reducing adjusted EBITDA by about $50 million [1][2]. Financial Performance - UNFI reported fourth-quarter sales of approximately $7.7 billion, reflecting a 1.6% increase year-over-year on a comparable basis [5]. - For the full fiscal year, sales rose by 2.6% to about $31.8 billion, driven by a 7.2% increase in the natural channel [6]. - The company experienced a loss of $87 million in the fourth quarter and a loss of $118 million for the full fiscal year, compared to losses of $37 million and $112 million in the previous year [4]. Growth Projections - UNFI has raised its three-year financial goals, now targeting low single-digit annual sales growth from fiscal 2024 through fiscal 2027, up from a previous target of flat sales growth [3]. - The company aims for adjusted annual EBITDA growth in the low double digits during the same period, an increase from previous high single-digit targets [4]. Operational Strategies - UNFI is implementing "lean" operating strategies across 28 facilities to enhance supply chain efficiency, which is expected to drive profitability in fiscal 2026 [10]. - The company anticipates net income between $0 and $50 million in fiscal 2026, with sales projected between $31.6 billion and $32 billion [10]. Market Position - UNFI's market position has been challenged as C&S Wholesale Grocers has overtaken it as the top U.S. grocery wholesaler in market share due to its acquisition of SpartanNash [11].

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 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 [37][38] - Full-year net sales rose 4.6% on a comparable 52-week basis, with volumes growing 1.4% and inflation at about 1.8% [39] - 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 the outlook [42][43] - Free cash flow in 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 [43][44] - Net debt was reduced to approximately $1.8 billion, the lowest level since 2018, with net leverage decreasing by around 0.7 turns from the end of the last fiscal year [23][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The natural segment experienced a growth of 9% on a comparable 13-week basis, outperforming the market, while conventional segment sales declined by 6% [38] - The company is focusing on improving category merchandising and account management capabilities, which includes realigning sales and merchandising teams [26][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting a $90 billion addressable market that includes natural, organic, specialty, multicultural, and conventional grocery retailers [25] - The growth in the natural segment is supported by enduring consumer trends towards health and wellness [33][120] 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 profitably [24] - The refresh strategy focuses on creating more value for customers and suppliers while becoming a more effective and efficient business [25][31] - The company expects to achieve net sales growth in the low single digits on average from fiscal 2024 to 2027, reflecting better-than-projected organic growth [32][33] 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 [35] - The company anticipates continued execution of its strategy and another year of profitable growth while further strengthening its balance sheet [31][49] Other Important Information - The company has implemented lean daily management in 28 of its 52 distribution centers, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency [45] - The fiscal 2026 outlook includes expected net sales in the range of $31.6 billion to $32 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $630 million and $700 million [47][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities in natural merchandising initiatives - Management highlighted three key areas for growth in natural merchandising, focusing on innovation, simplifying the experience for emerging suppliers, and deepening involvement in categories for conventional retailers [52][56] Question: Improving conventional profitability - Management acknowledged that conventional products have lower margins and emphasized the need for thoughtful business shrinkage while focusing on improving product mix and operational efficiency [58][62] Question: Updated three-year guidance and customer attrition - Management noted solid growth in the customer file and emphasized that the strategy remains unchanged, with better-than-expected organic growth in natural and organic segments [67][68] Question: Industry promotional backdrop - Management observed a disciplined increase in promotional activities but noted that the share of volume sold on deal remains below 2019 levels [69] Question: Volume metrics and cyber incident impact - Management clarified that volume growth for the full year was about 1.5%, with a more significant impact from the cyber incident on conventional sales [70][71] Question: Adjusted EBITDA algorithm changes - Management attributed the improved adjusted EBITDA outlook to better-than-expected organic growth, continuous shrink reduction, and productivity efforts [72][73] Question: Relationship with Amazon - Management refrained from commenting on specific customers but emphasized a tailored strategy for enterprise accounts and a segmented approach to support customers of all sizes [78][79] Question: Capital investment and facility expansion - Management indicated that ongoing rationalization and expansion of distribution centers are part of their strategy, with a focus on automation and modernization [80][84] Question: Margin gain distribution in 2026 - Management outlined several factors contributing to EBITDA growth, including the exit of unprofitable contracts and continuous productivity improvements [90][93] Question: Tariff impact - Management is closely monitoring tariff developments and working with suppliers and customers to navigate challenges while keeping prices competitive [96] Question: Sales outlook for 2026 - Management expects organic sales growth led by the natural business, offset by the impact of distribution center optimization [110][111]

Core Insights - Caduceus Software Systems Corp. ("CSOC") is implementing a strategic multi-phase roadmap to enhance its public company profile and aims for an uplisting to the Nasdaq Capital Market, starting with a move to the OTCQB Venture Market [1][3][9] Company Initiatives - The company will engage a PCAOB-registered public auditing firm to conduct a two-year financial audit, which is essential for becoming fully SEC-reporting under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [2][9] - The roadmap includes filing a Form 10 Registration Statement and an S-1 Registration Statement to facilitate future capital market transactions [2][9] - A corporate name and ticker symbol change is planned, pending regulatory approval [9] Operational Progress - CSOC is focused on building a consumer pet brand with strong fundamentals, as evidenced by significant sales increases and distribution expansion across major U.S. retailers through its subsidiary, McLovin's Pet [4][5] - McLovin's Pet is currently available in over 6,000 retail locations nationwide and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S. pet food market [7][8] Brand Overview - McLovin's Pet specializes in premium pet nutrition products, including natural, freeze-dried raw treats and meals, sourced from trusted suppliers across the U.S. and Canada [6] - The brand emphasizes biologically appropriate, science-backed nutrition without added hormones, antibiotics, or artificial ingredients [6]

Core Insights - GameStop (GME) and United Natural Foods (UNFI) reported strong quarterly earnings but experienced significant stock declines post-reporting, with GME down over 20% and UNFI down over 15% [1][2] GameStop (GME) - GameStop's Q1 earnings were $0.17 per share, exceeding expectations of $0.07 and improving from an adjusted loss of -$0.12 per share a year ago [5] - The company's Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (SG&A) decreased by 25% year-over-year to $228.1 million from $295.1 million [5] - Despite the positive earnings report, the stock fell due to a $1.75 billion convertible note offering, raising concerns about potential share dilution [2] - Future earnings projections for GameStop indicate a 127% increase in FY26 to $0.75 per share, although FY27 EPS is expected to decline to $0.36 [8] United Natural Foods (UNFI) - United Natural Foods reported Q3 EPS of $0.44, surpassing estimates of $0.24 by 83% and increasing 340% from $0.10 in the same quarter last year [6] - The company attributed its performance to improved efficiency across 20 distribution centers and the addition of profitable contracts [6] - UNFI reaffirmed its full-year EPS guidance of $0.70-$0.90, with projections for FY25 EPS at $0.80, up from $0.14 in FY24, and a further increase to $1.35 in FY26 [9][10] - The stock's decline was influenced by concerns over a recent cyberattack disrupting operations [2] Market Sentiment - Both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a cautious outlook despite improved operational performance [10] - The trend of EPS revisions will be critical for investors, as both stocks are trading at slight premiums to the S&P 500's forward earnings multiple of 23.3X [10][11]