The earnings call presented a generally positive outlook with significant operational improvements, revenue growth, and a raised financial outlook. However, challenges remain in the retail segment and gross margin pressures. The focus on efficiency through Lean management and strategic supplier programs are expected to drive further growth.

Company Guidance

During the UNFI Q1 2025 earnings call, management provided guidance indicating a positive start to the fiscal year with a revenue growth of over 4%, driven primarily by a 2% volume increase in their wholesale business. They raised their full-year outlook for all financial metrics except capital spending, anticipating net sales between $30.6 billion and $31.0 billion, and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $530 million to $580 million, reflecting a 9% growth over the previous year at the midpoint. Additionally, UNFI reported a 15% year-over-year growth in adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter and a 6% increase in net sales per employee, reflecting improved operational efficiency. The company highlighted their focus on Lean management principles and network optimization, which contributed to a 5% improvement in cases per hour and an 11% enhancement in fulfillment quality at their pilot distribution centers. UNFI is also working on reducing shrink, which has returned to pre-COVID levels, and expects to generate more than $100 million in free cash flow for the year, a significant increase from prior guidance.

Revenue Growth and Raised Outlook

Revenue growth of over 4%, driven by positive volume growth in the wholesale business. Raised full-year outlook for all financial metrics except capital spending.

Adjusted EBITDA Improvement

Adjusted EBITDA grew nearly 15% compared to the prior year first quarter, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of sequentially improving adjusted EBITDA.

Operational Efficiency Gains

Implemented Lean management principles leading to a 5% improvement in cases per hour and a sequential improvement in throughput for three consecutive quarters.

Successful Supplier Program

Large suppliers experienced volume gains surpassing their peer group due to new supplier programs and insights provided by UNFI.

Strong Free Cash Flow Management

Free cash flow improved by approximately $170 million compared to prior years, aided by better working capital management.

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United Natural Foods (UNFI) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

The upcoming earnings date is based on a company’s previous reporting, and may be updated when the actual date is announced

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UNFI Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
Sep 20, 2018	2018 (Q4)	- / 0.76	0.72	5.56% (+0.04)	―	―
Dec 06, 2018	2019 (Q1)	- / 0.59	0.6	-1.67% (-0.01)	―	―
Mar 05, 2019	2019 (Q2)	- / 0.44	0.71	-38.03% (-0.27)	―	―
Jun 05, 2019	2019 (Q3)	- / 0.61	1.04	-41.35% (-0.43)	―	―
Oct 01, 2019	2019 (Q4)	- / 0.44	0.76	-42.11% (-0.32)	―	―
Dec 11, 2019	2020 (Q1)	- / 0.12	0.59	-79.66% (-0.47)	―	―
Mar 11, 2020	2020 (Q2)	- / 0.32	0.44	-27.27% (-0.12)	―	―
Jun 10, 2020	2020 (Q3)	- / 1.40	0.61	129.51% (+0.79)	―	―
Sep 28, 2020	2020 (Q4)	- / 1.06	0.44	140.91% (+0.62)	―	―
Dec 09, 2020	2021 (Q1)	- / 0.51	0.12	325.00% (+0.39)	―	―

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

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UNFI Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Dec 10, 2024	$24.68	$29.62	+20.02%
Oct 01, 2024	$16.82	$21.96	+30.56%
Jun 05, 2024	$12.14	$13.40	+10.38%
Mar 06, 2024	$14.87	$12.13	-18.43%

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.

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