Revenue and Top-Line Growth
Net sales increased 2.8% year-over-year to $9.6 billion in Q1 2026, driven by total case volume growth of 1.4% and food cost inflation/mix of 1.4% (1.6% case growth excluding the Freshway divestiture).
Strong Adjusted Profitability
Adjusted EBITDA grew 6.2% to $413 million and adjusted diluted EPS increased 14.7% to $0.78, reflecting margin expansion and earnings leverage versus EBITDA.
Independent Restaurant and Targeted Channel Momentum
Independent restaurant case growth accelerated to 4.4% (CEO) / 4.6% including 20 bps from acquisitions (CFO); marks 20th consecutive quarter of market share gains with independent restaurants and 22nd consecutive quarter with health care.
Adjusted Gross Profit and Per-Case Improvements
Adjusted gross profit was $1.7 billion, up 4.4% year-over-year. Adjusted gross profit per case rose $0.23 (+2.9%) while adjusted EBITDA per case increased $0.08 to $1.98.
Operational Execution and Productivity
Ops QC (order accuracy/error-free delivery) improved 21% in Q1 (best since 2019). Warehouse and selector productivity improved 3% year-over-year. UMOS deployment live in 70 markets to drive 3%-5% annual productivity goals.
Digital and AI Adoption
Launched MenuIQ (AI-driven menu cost/profitability tool); 15% of independent customers adopted within two months — double early expectations — supporting sales productivity and customer value.
Pronto and Growth Initiatives
Pronto (small truck delivery) now live in 47 markets, Pronto Next Day live in 26 markets; program growing at strong double-digit rates and targeted to generate $1.5 billion in sales in 2027.
Capital Allocation and Balance Sheet Strength
Generated $294 million in operating cash flow (below prior year due to working capital timing), invested $98 million in CapEx, repurchased 1.4 million shares for $125 million with $1 billion remaining authorization, and ended the quarter at 2.6x net leverage (lowest among large public peers).
Expanded Cost Savings and Private Label Progress
Increased three-year cost of goods savings target to at least $300 million (up from $260M). Private label penetration at 54% with core independent customers; 25% of independents penetrated at 70%+ and 45% above 60%.
Guidance Reaffirmation
Reaffirmed 2026 guidance: adjusted EBITDA growth 9%–13% and adjusted diluted EPS growth 18%–24% (includes a 53rd week); Q2 expected mid- to upper-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth given near-term headwinds.