The Chefs' Warehouse(US:CHEF)2022-07-27 14:41Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2022 increased approximately 53.2% to $648.1 million from $423 million in Q2 2021, driven by a 36% increase in organic sales and a 17.2% contribution from acquisitions [12][16] - Gross profit increased 62.7% to $156 million, with gross profit margins rising approximately 140 basis points to 24.1% [13][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2022 was $45.3 million, compared to $17.2 million for the prior year [17] - GAAP net income was $16.9 million or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $1.1 million or $0.03 per diluted share in Q2 2021 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty sales grew 52.2% organically over the prior year, with unique customer growth of approximately 35.9% and placement growth of 54.6% [7] - Organic pounds in the center of the plate business were approximately 14.2% higher than the prior year [7] - Gross profit margins in the specialty category decreased 70 basis points, while margins in the center of the plate category increased 230 basis points year-over-year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net inflation was 13.6% in Q2 2022, with 16.4% inflation in the specialty category and 10.9% in the center of the plate category compared to the prior year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed three acquisitions to enhance its distribution capabilities and expand its market presence, including University Foods, Alexa Specialty Foods, and Master Purveyors [9][10] - The focus remains on integrating these acquisitions to create operating leverage and drive growth in key regions [10][35] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while pursuing further acquisitions and expanding its distribution capacity [24][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to normal seasonality and the potential for continued growth as hospitality and event-related business improves [6][30] - There is cautious optimism regarding the macroeconomic environment, with management acknowledging potential challenges but also recognizing strong consumer demand [30][40] - The company anticipates that the reopening of the economy will benefit its business, particularly in the hospitality sector [30][42] Other Important Information - Total liquidity at the end of Q2 2022 was $210.8 million, consisting of $51.8 million in cash and $159 million available under the ABL facility [18] - The company raised its full-year financial guidance, estimating net sales for 2022 to be in the range of $2.375 billion to $2.475 billion [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and seasonality - The guidance reflects acquisitions and a return to normal seasonality, with the second quarter typically being stronger than the third [21][23] Question: Trends throughout the quarter - The quarter was driven by firm pricing and a return to over 100% of volume from 2019, with Q3 expected to be seasonally weaker [26][27] Question: Pricing and deflation outlook - Management anticipates moderate deflation in center of the plate pricing, but overall pricing is expected to remain firm due to market dynamics [28][29] Question: Acquisitions and customer base - Acquisitions are aimed at expanding the customer base and leveraging synergies, with a focus on integrating new businesses effectively [35][44] Question: Future growth drivers - The company sees potential for growth as hospitality recovers, with a focus on high-end customers and strategic acquisitions [39][42] Question: Inflation/deflation impact - Management views deflation as a mixed bag, with high-end customers able to pass costs along while others adjust menus creatively [46][48] Question: M&A environment - The pace of acquisitions is expected to increase as the market normalizes, with a focus on synergistic deals [50][53] Question: Return on investment in talent - Investments in sales and operations are starting to yield results, contributing to strong organic growth [57][59]