HF Foods (HFFG) - 2026 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
HF Foods HF Foods (US:HFFG)2026-01-12 17:02

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 [2][3] - The company has achieved a market share of approximately 16% by servicing around 15,000 accounts [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen seafood business has grown from approximately $300 million to over $400 million in the last couple of years, indicating a 30% organic growth [4][5] - The company aims to expand its product offerings beyond Asian specialties, with Hispanic grocery being a significant area of growth [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - HF Foods operates in a market with roughly 94,000 restaurants, capturing 12% of the broader food service space [2] - The company has a 95% coverage of the continental U.S., distinguishing itself from larger competitors by focusing on independent restaurants [3] 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 [4] - HF Foods plans to invest significantly in capacity expansion, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest regions, to drive organic growth [7][9] - M&A is identified as a core pillar of the company's growth strategy, with a focus on acquiring smaller competitors [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that their independent restaurant customers are more resilient to economic downturns compared to chain restaurants [16][17] - The company anticipates a more stable traffic environment in 2026 as it laps previous disruptions and tariff pressures [18] - Management is optimistic about the potential for margin expansion as the company goes on the offensive to acquire new accounts [28][30] Other Important Information - HF Foods owns 10 out of 14 distribution facilities and a significant portion of its truck fleet, making replication of its assets challenging for competitors [24] - The company has historically spent $0 on marketing, relying on word of mouth, but plans to adopt a more aggressive marketing strategy moving forward [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's strategy regarding M&A? - M&A is viewed as a core pillar for growth, with a focus on acquiring smaller players in the market [13][14] Question: How does the company plan to address capacity constraints? - The company has launched a new facility in Atlanta and plans to expand capacity in the Midwest to support growth [9][10] Question: How flexible are customers in adjusting their menus in response to tariffs? - Customers have shown resilience and flexibility in menu adjustments to offset tariff impacts, often substituting ingredients without affecting the final product significantly [27]