tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
United Natural Foods (UNFI)
NYSE:UNFI

United Natural Foods (UNFI) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
658 Followers

Top Page

UN

United Natural Foods

(NYSE:UNFI)

Rating:48Neutral
Price Target:
$22.00
▲(1.52%Upside)
United Natural Foods faces significant challenges, including profitability concerns, high leverage, and recent operational disruptions. While positive cash flow and strategic initiatives offer some optimism, the overall outlook remains cautious. The technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and valuation metrics are unattractive. Immediate focus on resolving operational issues and improving profitability is critical.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
UNFI's F2Q25 beat was supported by stronger sales and solid operating expense leverage, and Management raised the bottom-end of EBITDA guidance by 4%.
Operational Improvements
Operational improvements are supported by stronger sales and solid operating expense leverage.
Sales Growth
Sales growth was led by a 4% increase in wholesale unit volumes, and its natural segment grew +12% y/y.
Negative Factors
Cyberattack Impact
The recent cyberattack raises a number of concerns and visibility on the impact is low.
Reputation and Earnings Uncertainty
The Q4 earnings outlook is now highly uncertain and any reputation damage could affect momentum into the next fiscal year.
Sales Dependence
New disclosures highlight weak natural sales trends, excluding Whole Foods, implying a high reliance on low-margin Whole Foods for top-line growth.

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

United Natural Foods Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionUnited Natural Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. It operates in two segments, Wholesale and Retail. The company offers grocery and general merchandise, produce, perishables and frozen foods, nutritional supplements and sports nutrition, bulk and foodservice products, and personal care items. It also provides Woodstock brand imports, roasts, packages, and distributes nuts, dried fruits, seeds, trail mixes, granola, natural and organic snack items, and confections. In addition, the company is involved in importing, roasting, packaging, and distributing nuts, dried fruits, seeds, trail mixes, granola, natural and organic snack items, and confections. Further, it offers Blue Marble Brands products through wholesale segment, third-party distributors, and directly to retailers; and Field Day brand products primarily to customers through its independent channel. Additionally, the company provides general merchandise, home, health and beauty care, and pharmacy products, as well as private label products through a network of 74 Cub Foods and Shoppers retail grocery stores; professional services, such as retail store support, advertising, couponing, e-commerce, consumer convenience services, store design, equipment sourcing, electronic payments processing, network and data hosting solutions, and administrative back-office solutions; and marketing services comprising consumer and trade marketing programs, as well as programs to support suppliers in understanding its markets. The company serves chains, independent retailers, and supernatural chains, as well as foodservice, e-commerce, conventional military business, and other sales customers. United Natural Foods, Inc. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.
How the Company Makes MoneyUNFI generates revenue primarily through its wholesale distribution services by purchasing products from manufacturers and suppliers and selling them to its diverse customer base, which includes grocery stores, supermarkets, and food service businesses. Key revenue streams include the sale of natural and organic foods, specialty products, and conventional grocery items. The company also earns from providing value-added services such as marketing support, merchandising assistance, and logistical solutions. In addition, UNFI's partnerships with leading grocery retailers, including its significant supply arrangement with Whole Foods Market, owned by Amazon, contribute notably to its earnings by ensuring consistent demand for its products. UNFI's strategic acquisitions and expansion into different geographic markets further bolster its revenue by increasing its distribution network and customer reach.

United Natural Foods Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jun 10, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: -16.46%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 07, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture with strong sales and profitability growth but was overshadowed by significant operational disruptions due to an IT security breach. The termination of a major contract with Key Food also poses challenges. While underlying business momentum remains strong, the immediate focus is on resolving the IT issues and managing customer relationships.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Q3 Sales Growth
Sales grew by 7.5% or about $506 million to nearly $8.1 billion, driven by 12% growth in the Wholesale Natural Products business and new business wins in the Wholesale Conventional Products business.
Adjusted EBITDA and Margin Improvement
Adjusted EBITDA grew by 21% to $157 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin rate of 2%, the highest in 2 years.
Free Cash Flow and Debt Reduction
Generated $190 million in free cash flow in the quarter, reducing net debt to under $1.93 billion and lowering net leverage to 3.3 turns.
Network Optimization
Closed the sale of the Billings distribution center and used the proceeds to reduce debt. Continued progress on Lean Daily Management in 20 of 52 distribution centers.
Negative Updates
IT System Security Breach
The company experienced unauthorized activity on its IT systems, leading to system shutdowns and operational disruptions, with impacts still being assessed.
Termination of Key Food Agreement
Mutually agreed to end the Northeastern distribution agreement with Key Food, incurring a $53 million contract termination fee and ceasing operations at the Allentown facility.
Potential Short-term Cost Increases
Expected elevated costs related to managing the IT incident and operational disruptions, though precise impacts are still uncertain.
Company Guidance
During UNFI's Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 earnings call, management provided a comprehensive update on the company's performance and strategic initiatives. They reported a 7.5% increase in third-quarter sales, reaching nearly $8.1 billion, driven by a 12% rise in the Wholesale Natural Products segment and close to a 3% increase in the Wholesale Conventional Products segment. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 21% year-over-year to $157 million, with an adjusted EBITDA rate of 2%, the highest in two years. UNFI also achieved a 75 basis point reduction in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, reflecting improvements in process efficiency and Lean Daily Management implementation in 20 of their 52 distribution centers. The company generated $190 million in free cash flow during the quarter, surpassing their original annual outlook, and reduced net leverage by 1.3 turns compared to the previous year. Despite a recent cybersecurity incident, which UNFI is actively managing, the company remains confident in achieving its fiscal 2027 financial objectives ahead of schedule, with plans to update long-term financial goals in the fall.

United Natural Foods Financial Statement Overview

Summary
United Natural Foods shows modest revenue growth, but profitability is a concern with negative net income and low margins. High leverage on the balance sheet adds to financial risk, although improved cash flow provides some stability.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
United Natural Foods shows modest revenue growth, with a slight increase in total revenue from $30.72 billion to $31.68 billion in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months). However, profitability remains a concern as the company reported a negative net income in TTM, with a net profit margin of approximately -0.26%. Gross profit margin is stable at around 13.16%, but the EBIT margin is quite low at 0.23%, indicating operational inefficiencies. The company needs to improve its cost management and operational efficiency to enhance profitability.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet indicates a relatively high debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 2.29, suggesting significant leverage. While the equity ratio stands at about 21.02%, indicating a fair proportion of assets financed by equity, the return on equity is negative due to the net loss, highlighting the need for improved profitability. The company should focus on managing its debt levels and enhancing equity returns to strengthen its financial position.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
The cash flow statement reveals a positive trend in operating cash flow, increasing from $253 million to $461 million in the TTM. Free cash flow has improved significantly, turning positive at $203 million from a negative position previously. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is favorable due to strong operating cash flows despite the net loss. Continued focus on cash flow generation can provide stability and support financial obligations.
BreakdownTTMSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue31.68B30.98B30.27B28.93B26.95B26.51B
Gross Profit4.17B4.20B4.13B4.18B3.94B3.87B
EBITDA408.00M356.00M502.00M684.00M599.00M115.00M
Net Income-82.00M-112.00M24.00M248.00M149.00M-254.01M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets7.73B7.53B7.39B7.63B7.53B7.59B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments44.00M40.00M37.00M44.00M41.00M46.99M
Total Debt3.72B3.55B3.27B3.38B3.43B3.66B
Total Liabilities6.11B5.89B5.65B5.84B6.01B6.44B
Stockholders Equity1.63B1.64B1.74B1.79B1.51B1.14B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow203.00M-92.00M301.00M80.00M304.00M283.97M
Operating Cash Flow461.00M253.00M624.00M331.00M614.00M456.54M
Investing Cash Flow-300.00M-342.00M-339.00M-49.00M-237.00M-1.47M
Financing Cash Flow-150.00M92.00M-292.00M-279.00M-384.00M-453.07M

United Natural Foods Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price21.67
Price Trends
50DMA
26.43
Negative
100DMA
27.45
Negative
200DMA
25.15
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.82
Positive
RSI
33.30
Neutral
STOCH
36.63
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For UNFI, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 21.67 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 25.09, below the 50-day MA of 26.43, and below the 200-day MA of 25.15, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.82 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.30 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 36.63 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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 (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
SYSYY
78
Outperform
$36.38B19.6394.91%2.69%3.55%-5.79%
77
Outperform
$17.66B35.2411.16%6.32%5.69%
76
Outperform
$2.60B42.5712.90%7.85%79.89%
76
Outperform
$13.35B35.609.05%6.20%-10.58%
71
Outperform
$894.97M2,245.98-1.38%3.33%0.26%-119.66%
64
Neutral
$26.81B15.04-4.04%3.19%0.99%2.60%
48
Neutral
$1.36B-4.11%6.62%53.12%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
UNFI
United Natural Foods
21.67
8.77
67.98%
SPTN
SpartanNash Co
26.44
8.78
49.72%
SYY
Sysco
75.05
4.55
6.45%
CHEF
The Chefs' Warehouse
63.80
24.74
63.34%
PFGC
Performance Food Group
85.53
18.15
26.94%
USFD
US Foods Holding
76.19
23.05
43.38%

United Natural Foods Corporate Events

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: Jun 12, 2025