HF Foods (HFFG) - 2026 FY - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - HF Foods reported a top-line business of over $1.2 billion, with a focus on the Asian specialty market, which represents a $50 billion addressable market [3][4] - The company has achieved a market share of approximately 16% with 15,000 accounts serviced [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen seafood business has grown from $300 million to over $400 million in the last couple of years, indicating a 30% organic growth [5][6] - The company aims to expand its product offerings beyond Asian specialties, targeting Hispanic grocery as a significant growth area [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - HF Foods operates in a market with roughly 94,000 restaurants, representing about 12% of the broader food service space [3] - The company has a 95% coverage of the continental U.S., distinguishing itself from larger competitors by focusing on independent restaurants [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has rebranded its strategy to "Specialty Food is Our Specialty," aiming to become a dominant player in the specialty food sector [5] - HF Foods plans to invest in capacity expansion and cross-selling opportunities, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest regions [8][10] - M&A is identified as a core pillar of the company's growth strategy, with a focus on acquiring smaller competitors [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that independent restaurants are more resilient to economic downturns compared to chain restaurants, which positions HF Foods favorably [17][18] - The company anticipates a more stable traffic environment in 2026 as it laps previous disruptions and tariff pressures [20] Other Important Information - HF Foods has completed a transition to a common ERP system, enhancing visibility and operational efficiency [12] - The company owns 10 out of 14 distribution facilities and a significant portion of its truck fleet, making replication of its assets challenging for competitors [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's strategy regarding M&A? - The company views smaller competitors as attractive acquisition targets and is preparing an M&A playbook to capitalize on opportunities in 2026 [14][15] Question: How does the company plan to address tariff impacts? - The company has strategically managed inventory to benefit from tariffs and believes it can pass on costs to customers without significant issues [29][30] Question: What is the focus for 2026, growth or margin improvement? - The primary focus for 2026 is on acquiring new business and increasing revenue, with margin improvements expected to follow as the market stabilizes [33]