Core Insights - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) reported a widening performance gap between its Natural and Conventional segments, with consolidated sales decreasing by 0.4% year over year, highlighting divergent underlying drivers across the two businesses [1] Segment Performance - The Natural Products segment achieved a sales growth of 10.5%, reaching $4,240 million, significantly outperforming the broader natural and organic market due to strong unit growth, new business wins, and sustained demand for natural, organic, and specialty products [2][7] - In contrast, the Conventional Products segment experienced an 11.7% decline in sales to $3,325 million, primarily due to UNFI's strategic exit from the Allentown, PA distribution center as part of its network optimization strategy, which, while impacting top-line performance, positively affected profitability and free cash flow [3][7] Margin and Profitability - The Conventional segment's EBITDA margins expanded during the fiscal first quarter, driven by network optimization, supplier programs, and ongoing shrink reduction, although some margin improvement was linked to short-term procurement benefits [3] - The overall quarter illustrated a growing divergence between the two segments, with Natural supporting top-line growth amid steadier demand trends, while Conventional focused on efficiency and cash flow rather than volume [4] Valuation Metrics - UNFI currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 18.28, which is above the industry average of 14.1 and the sector average of 16.01, indicating a noticeable premium relative to comparable peers and the sector overall [9]

Core Insights - Flowers Foods, Inc. (FLO) reported a 3% year-over-year increase in net sales to $1.227 billion, driven by the Simple Mills acquisition, but faced continued pressure on profitability with declining margins [1][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 11.4% to $118.1 million, with the adjusted EBITDA margin contracting by 160 basis points to 9.6% [2] - Adjusted net income fell by 29.8% to $48.7 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share dropped by 30.3% year over year to 23 cents [2] - Gross margin declined by 190 basis points year over year to 47.9%, attributed to lower sales price mix, reduced production volumes, and increased outside purchases related to the Simple Mills acquisition [3] Cost Structure - Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses rose to 38.8% of net sales, an increase of 10 basis points from the prior year, driven by higher workforce-related costs and wage inflation [4] - Adjusted SD&A improved to 38.3% of net sales, a decrease of 30 basis points when excluding items affecting comparability [4] Strategic Actions - The company is taking steps to address margin pressure, including aligning the supply chain with changing demand, closing several bakeries, and converting others to higher-margin organic production [5][6] - Investments in innovation are expected to exert further pressure on margins in the near term [5] Market Performance - FLO's shares have declined by 49.9% over the past year, compared to a 19.4% decline in the industry and a 1.6% dip in the Zacks Consumer Staples sector [7] - The company currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 9.96, below the industry average of 14.11 and the sector average of 16.02, indicating a discount relative to peers [10]

Company Overview - Fazoli's is a fast and fresh Italian chain that has been serving quality Italian food since 1988, with over 200 restaurants across 26 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America [5] - The company is a portfolio entity of FAT Brands Inc., which owns 18 restaurant brands and operates over 2,300 units worldwide [4] Recent Developments - Fazoli's has opened its fourth restaurant in the greater Phoenix area, specifically in Surprise, Arizona, featuring a drive-thru and popular menu items like Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and unlimited breadsticks [1][2] - The franchise partner, Kind Hospitality, is recognized for delivering high-quality food and hospitality, with plans for further expansion into new markets in Arizona, including Gilbert in spring 2026 [2] Menu and Service - Fazoli's menu includes freshly prepared pasta entrées, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza, and desserts, all offered at an affordable price [2][5] - The chain emphasizes fast service and a friendly dining experience, which is a core part of its brand identity [5] Operational Details - The new Fazoli's location in Surprise operates Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. [3]

Core Insights - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is hosting its 2025 Investor Day to discuss strategic priorities, operational focus, and long-term financial goals [1][2] Strategic Initiatives - The company is advancing its strategy to build unique capabilities that help customers and suppliers differentiate and compete effectively in the marketplace [2] - UNFI aims to become the most valued partner in the food retail industry, leveraging its improved financial position and scaled network for profitable growth [2][3] Financial Targets - UNFI is updating its long-term financial algorithm, targeting low-single digit average annual growth in net sales, aiming for approximately $33 billion by fiscal 2028 [6] - The company projects low-double digit average annual growth in adjusted EBITDA, targeting around $800 million by fiscal 2028 [6] - Free cash flow is expected to be approximately $300 million annually from fiscal 2026 to fiscal 2028 [6] Value Creation Framework - The company is focused on creating new capabilities for retailers and suppliers, enhancing customer stewardship, merchandising, and digital services [6] - Investment in next-generation supply chain technologies and Lean Daily Management processes is a priority to maximize productivity and streamline operations [6] Company Overview - UNFI is North America's premier grocery wholesaler, serving over 30,000 locations with a wide variety of products, including fresh, branded, and owned brand items [5] - The company provides value-added services and marketing expertise, including proprietary technology and market insights, to support customer and supplier growth [5]

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 - 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 adjusted EBITDA was $552 million, slightly above the midpoint of the outlook provided earlier, with a Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $116 million compared to $133 million in the prior year [27][28] - Free cash flow for Q4 was $86 million, bringing the full-year total to approximately $240 million, a significant improvement from a cash use of about $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, net sales rose 4.6%, with volume growth of 1.4% and inflation at about 1.8% [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 company expects net sales to grow in the low single digits on average from fiscal 2024 to 2027, reflecting better-than-projected organic growth [17] 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 [9] - The refresh strategy focuses on creating more value for customers and suppliers while becoming a more effective and efficient business [10][12] - The company plans to enhance capabilities in merchandising, revenue growth management, and technology to drive long-term growth [31] 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 execution of its strategy and another year of profitable growth, with adjusted EBITDA expected to exceed $730 million by fiscal 2027 [18][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 improving the experience for independent customers and emerging suppliers, which are critical to the industry's vitality [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities in natural merchandising initiatives - Management highlighted three key areas: innovation for natural retailers, deepening involvement in categories 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 efforts are focused on improving product mix, driving efficiency, and embedding lean practices [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 volume growth was skewed towards natural products, with a heavier impact from the cyber incident on conventional sales [51] Question: Factors leading to raised adjusted EBITDA algorithm - Management cited stronger top-line growth, continuous progress on shrink reduction, and productivity efforts as key contributors [52] Question: Relationship with Amazon - Management refrained from commenting on specific customers but emphasized a tailored strategy for enterprise accounts [56] Question: Capital investment and facility expansion - Management confirmed ongoing rationalization and optimization of distribution centers, with plans for automation and modernization [62] Question: Margin gain flow in 2026 - Management outlined key components for EBITDA growth, including the exit of unprofitable contracts and continuous shrink reduction efforts [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]

Q2 2025 Financial Highlights - Net sales increased by 17%[7] - Comparable store sales increased by 10.2%[7] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.35, representing a 44% growth[7] - Cash generation amounted to $111 million[7] - Share repurchases totaled $73 million[7] YTD 2025 Performance - Net sales increased by 18%[8] - Cash generation year-to-date reached $410 million[8] - Share repurchases year-to-date totaled $292 million[8] Full-Year 2025 Outlook - Total sales growth is projected to be between 14.5% and 16.0%[22] - Comparable sales growth is expected to be between 7.5% and 9.0%[22] - The company plans to open at least 35 new stores[22] - Earnings before interest & taxes (EBIT) is projected to be between $675 million and $690 million[22] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) is expected to be between $5.20 and $5.32[22]