United Natural Foods(UNFI) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]