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United Natural Foods (UNFI)
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United Natural Foods (UNFI) AI Stock Analysis

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UNFI

United Natural Foods

(NYSE:UNFI)

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Neutral 61 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$42.00
▲(1.52% Upside)
United Natural Foods' stock score is primarily influenced by strong technical momentum, despite financial challenges and valuation concerns. The earnings call provided a mixed picture, with positive operational improvements overshadowed by significant risks from an IT security breach and contract termination. The stock's technical strength suggests potential for short-term gains, but caution is advised due to underlying financial and operational risks.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Strong revenue growth, particularly in the Wholesale Natural Products segment, indicates robust market demand and effective sales strategies, supporting long-term business expansion.
Cash Flow Management
Strong free cash flow generation enhances financial flexibility, allowing for debt reduction and reinvestment in growth initiatives, which is crucial for sustainable business operations.
Margin Improvement
Improved EBITDA and margin rates reflect enhanced operational efficiency and cost management, contributing to better profitability and competitive positioning.
Negative Factors
IT Security Breach
The IT security breach poses significant operational risks and potential cost increases, impacting customer trust and operational continuity, which could hinder long-term growth.
Contract Termination
The termination of a major contract could lead to revenue loss and operational inefficiencies, challenging UNFI's market position and requiring strategic adjustments.
Profitability Challenges
Ongoing profitability issues, with negative net margins, highlight challenges in cost control and pricing strategy, potentially affecting long-term financial health.

United Natural Foods (UNFI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

United Natural Foods Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionUnited Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is a leading distributor of natural, organic, and specialty food products in the United States and Canada. The company operates in two primary segments: wholesale distribution and retail, serving a diverse range of customers including independent grocery stores, conventional supermarket chains, and natural food retailers. UNFI offers an extensive portfolio of products, including fresh produce, grocery items, meat, dairy, and health and wellness products, as well as a variety of private-label brands.
How the Company Makes MoneyUNFI generates revenue primarily through its wholesale distribution segment by selling a wide array of natural and organic food products to retailers and food service operations. Key revenue streams include the sale of grocery items, perishables, and bulk products. The company also benefits from its private-label brands, which typically offer higher margins compared to third-party products. Additionally, UNFI has established significant partnerships with various food manufacturers and suppliers, enhancing its product offerings and market reach. The company's scale allows it to negotiate favorable terms and leverage logistics efficiencies, contributing to its overall profitability.

United Natural Foods Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Dec 03, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects strong financial performance with significant sales and EBITDA growth, successful cost management, and effective debt reduction. However, these positives are tempered by challenges such as a major cybersecurity incident and the costly termination of a significant contract. While the highlights indicate robust operational improvements, the severity of the cybersecurity breach and contract termination create uncertainty for future performance.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Sales and EBITDA Growth
Third quarter sales grew by 7.5% to nearly $8.1 billion. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 21% compared to the prior year quarter to $157 million, with an adjusted EBITDA rate increase to 2%, the highest in 2 years.
Free Cash Flow and Debt Reduction
Generated $190 million in free cash flow in the quarter, approximately $70 million more than last year's third quarter. Year-to-date free cash flow is approximately $150 million, reducing net leverage to 3.3 turns, about 1.3 turns below a year ago.
Wholesale Natural Products Business Growth
Sales in the Wholesale Natural Products business increased by 12% compared to last year's third quarter, reflecting higher sales and category penetration with existing customers.
Cost Management and Lean Implementation
Implemented Lean Daily Management in 20 of 52 distribution centers, improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost with a 50 basis point decline in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales.
Negative Updates
Cybersecurity Incident
Unauthorized activity on IT systems was detected, leading to a significant focus on containment and mitigation, impacting operations and potentially affecting financial guidance.
Termination of Key Food Contract
Mutual agreement with Key Food to end the Northeastern distribution agreement, resulting in a $53 million contract termination fee, impacting free cash flow.
Gross Margin Decline
Consolidated gross margin rate, excluding LIFO, declined 30 basis points compared to the prior year period to 13.4% of net sales, driven by a lower wholesale margin rate and a shift towards wholesale.
Company Guidance
During the UNFI Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, the company reported notable financial metrics, including a 7.5% increase in third-quarter sales, reaching nearly $8.1 billion, and a 21% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $157 million. This growth was driven primarily by the Wholesale Natural Products business, which saw a 12% increase. The adjusted EBITDA margin rate also improved to 2%, marking the highest in two years. Additionally, UNFI achieved a year-over-year improvement in free cash flow, generating $190 million in the quarter, and reduced net leverage by 1.3 turns compared to the previous year. Despite the positive financial performance, the company faced a significant challenge due to unauthorized activity on certain IT systems, which required an incident response and containment measures. The company maintained its guidance for net sales, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, and capital investments, although it revised GAAP net income and EPS to account for costs associated with the termination of the Northeastern distribution agreement with Key Food.

United Natural Foods Financial Statement Overview

Summary
United Natural Foods faces significant financial challenges, with declining revenue and profitability metrics. The high leverage and negative return on equity highlight financial risks. However, improvements in cash flow provide some stability, suggesting potential for recovery if operational issues are addressed.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
United Natural Foods has experienced declining revenue growth, with a negative growth rate in the most recent year. The gross profit margin has slightly decreased over the years, and the company is currently operating at a net loss, reflected in the negative net profit margin. EBIT and EBITDA margins have also turned negative, indicating operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The company has a high debt-to-equity ratio, which has increased over time, indicating a reliance on debt financing. Return on equity has turned negative, reflecting the net losses. The equity ratio is relatively low, suggesting potential financial risk.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Despite the challenges in profitability, United Natural Foods has shown improvement in free cash flow growth, with a significant positive change in the latest year. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is positive, indicating some cash flow stability, although the free cash flow to net income ratio is volatile.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue31.78B31.78B30.98B30.27B28.93B26.95B
Gross Profit4.22B4.22B4.20B4.13B4.18B3.94B
EBITDA225.00M-31.00M356.00M502.00M684.00M599.00M
Net Income-118.00M-118.00M-112.00M24.00M248.00M149.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets7.59B7.59B7.53B7.39B7.63B7.53B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments44.00M44.00M40.00M37.00M44.00M41.00M
Total Debt3.45B3.45B3.55B3.27B3.38B3.43B
Total Liabilities6.04B6.04B5.89B5.65B5.84B6.01B
Stockholders Equity1.55B1.55B1.64B1.74B1.79B1.51B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow288.00M470.00M-92.00M301.00M80.00M304.00M
Operating Cash Flow470.00M470.00M253.00M624.00M331.00M614.00M
Investing Cash Flow-218.00M-218.00M-342.00M-339.00M-49.00M-237.00M
Financing Cash Flow-248.00M-248.00M92.00M-292.00M-279.00M-384.00M

United Natural Foods Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price41.37
Price Trends
50DMA
29.57
Positive
100DMA
27.69
Positive
200DMA
27.76
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.40
Negative
RSI
85.14
Negative
STOCH
96.82
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For UNFI, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 41.37 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 32.88, above the 50-day MA of 29.57, and above the 200-day MA of 27.76, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.40 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 85.14 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 96.82 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for UNFI.

United Natural Foods Risk Analysis

United Natural Foods disclosed 25 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. United Natural Foods reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

United Natural Foods Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
66
Neutral
$828.36M21.227.12%25.34%66.91%
64
Neutral
$1.43B17.856.03%1.86%-6.66%-21.70%
63
Neutral
$2.23B33.7113.64%7.90%68.05%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
61
Neutral
$2.51B-7.39%2.60%-3.23%
58
Neutral
$910.78M2,245.98-2.08%3.26%1.54%-134.75%
57
Neutral
$448.48M28.666.58%3.18%-5.33%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
UNFI
United Natural Foods
42.09
22.24
112.04%
CVGW
Calavo Growers
25.41
-2.28
-8.23%
SPTN
SpartanNash Co
26.90
6.66
32.91%
ANDE
The Andersons
41.94
-6.54
-13.49%
CHEF
The Chefs' Warehouse
55.79
16.17
40.81%
AVO
Mission Produce
11.64
-0.76
-6.13%

United Natural Foods Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
United Natural Foods CEO Andre Persaud to Step Down
Neutral
Jul 21, 2025

United Natural Foods, Inc. announced that Andre Persaud will step down as President and CEO of Retail effective July 25, 2025, as part of the company’s strategy to accelerate its retail business. Persaud’s departure qualifies as a termination that entitles him to severance benefits under the Severance Agreement, which includes restrictive covenants and a release of claims against the company. His equity awards will vest on a prorated basis as outlined in the company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNFI) stock is a Hold with a $21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on United Natural Foods stock, see the UNFI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
United Natural Foods Revises Fiscal 2025 Outlook
Positive
Jul 16, 2025

On July 16, 2025, United Natural Foods, Inc. provided a business update, revising its full-year outlook for fiscal 2025 due to strong performance in the first three quarters and the impact of a previously disclosed cyber incident. The company reported a 5.5% increase in net sales, a $44 million improvement in net loss, and a 16% rise in adjusted EBITDA. Despite the cyber incident’s estimated impact on fiscal 2025 net sales by $350 to $400 million and net income by $50 to $60 million, UNFI remains confident in achieving its long-term financial targets ahead of schedule. The company expects to reduce net leverage to nearly 2.5x by the end of fiscal 2026, a year earlier than initially projected.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNFI) stock is a Hold with a $21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on United Natural Foods stock, see the UNFI Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
United Natural Foods Issues Clarification on Form 8-K
Neutral
Jun 10, 2025

United Natural Foods has issued a Current Report on Form 8-K, clarifying that the information provided is not considered ‘filed’ under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This announcement ensures that the details shared are not subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, impacting how stakeholders should interpret the information.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNFI) stock is a Hold with a $21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on United Natural Foods stock, see the UNFI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
United Natural Foods Faces IT Security Breach
Negative
Jun 9, 2025

On June 5, 2025, United Natural Foods, Inc. discovered unauthorized activity on its IT systems, leading to temporary disruptions in fulfilling and distributing customer orders. The company has implemented containment measures and workarounds to mitigate the impact, with ongoing efforts to restore systems and assess the incident’s scope with the help of cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNFI) stock is a Hold with a $21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on United Natural Foods stock, see the UNFI Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 02, 2025