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The Chefs' Warehouse Inc (CHEF)
NASDAQ:CHEF
Earnings Data
Report Date
May 06, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.27Last Year’s EPS
0.25Same Quarter Last Year
Strong Buy
Based on 7 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call emphasized strong top-line and adjusted-profitability performance (double-digit YoY sales and gross profit growth, significant adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS gains, operational efficiency improvements, and solid liquidity) alongside some transitory and identifiable headwinds (an $8M impairment, slight overall margin compression driven by center-of-plate dynamics, and the impact of exiting two small Texas programs that distorted some reported metrics). Management presented constructive 2026 guidance, continued M&A discipline, and balance sheet actions (term loan repricing, opportunistic buybacks). On balance, the positives (growth, margin-dollar improvements, efficiency gains, cash generation, and clear guidance) outweigh the limited lowlights.Company Guidance
Q4 Net Sales Growth
Net sales for Q4 increased 10.5% to $1.143 billion from $1.034 billion in the prior year; organic net sales growth was 9.7%.
Full-Year Revenue Milestone and Organic Growth
Full-year 2025 organic revenue grew 9.1%, and total revenue exceeded $4.0 billion for the first time in company history.
Adjusted EBITDA and EPS Strength
Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $80.3 million versus $68.2 million a year ago (approximately +17.7% YoY). Full-year adjusted EBITDA increased ~18% and adjusted EPS grew 29% versus 2024; adjusted EBITDA margin reported at 6.2% (full-year).
Gross Profit Dollar and Efficiency Improvements
Gross profit increased 10.2% in Q4 to $276.6 million. Trailing twelve months gross profit dollars per route improved 6.2% versus FY2024 and 7.4% versus 2023. TTM adjusted EBITDA per employee rose 13% versus FY2024.
Operating Expense Leverage
Adjusted operating expenses increased only 7.4% YoY for the quarter and were 17.2% of net sales; adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of gross profit improved 176 basis points versus FY2024 (200 bps vs 2023), indicating continued operating leverage.
Key Category and Customer Metrics (Specialty)
Organic specialty sales were up 6.4% YoY driven by unique placement growth of 4.2% and reported specialty case growth of 3.3% (5.4% specialty case growth excluding the Texas produce program). Unique customers grew 1.2% YoY (approximately 3.5% excluding the Texas poultry attrition).
Balance Sheet, Liquidity and Capital Actions
Quarter-end liquidity was $280.5 million (including $121 million cash and $159.5 million availability under ABL). Net debt was approximately $529.5 million with net debt to adjusted EBITDA about 2.1x. Management completed a term loan repricing reducing spread from 3.0% to 2.5% and continues returning cash to shareholders via opportunistic buybacks.
Strategic Investments and M&A
Continued investment in distribution capacity, facility consolidations, and strategic M&A (notably Italco Specialty Foods in Colorado). Management emphasized ongoing targeted M&A and reinvestment to expand market footprint.
2026 Guidance
Management provided full-year 2026 guidance: net sales $4.35B–$4.45B, gross profit $1.053B–$1.076B, and adjusted EBITDA $276M–$286M (guidance implies mid-single-digit revenue growth cadence and continued operating leverage).
CHEF Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
CHEF Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb 11, 2026 | $65.36 | $64.15 | -1.85% |
Oct 29, 2025 | $58.61 | $62.35 | +6.38% |
Jul 30, 2025 | $61.56 | $66.92 | +8.71% |
Apr 30, 2025 | $53.28 | $56.97 | +6.93% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does The Chefs' Warehouse Inc (CHEF) report earnings?
The Chefs' Warehouse Inc (CHEF) is schdueled to report earning on May 06, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is The Chefs' Warehouse Inc (CHEF) earnings time?
The Chefs' Warehouse Inc (CHEF) earnings time is at May 06, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is CHEF EPS forecast?
CHEF EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 0.27.
