UNFI started fiscal 2025 with a solid operating setup, delivering revenue growth of 4.2% in Q1 (USD 7.871B) led by wholesale volume gains of roughly 2%. Management attributes the topline strength to the strength of its large 30,000-store customer base, continued growth in natural/organic and multicultural segments, and an expanding value-added services proposition. Adjusted EBITDA rose about 15% year over year to approximately USD 134 million, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of sequential EBITDA improvements, reflecting ongoing efficiency gains and cost-control efforts under the Lean program. Net income remained negative at USD -21 million, with an EPS of -0.35, driven by working capital movements and near-term cost timing. Free cash flow remained negative at USD -159 million, pressured by inventory management and working capital dynamics, though the company reiterated its plan to deleverage and improve free cash flow over the remainder of fiscal 2025.
Management raised its full-year outlook across most financial metrics (except capital spending), signaling confidence in the multi-year program: net sales guidance lifted to USD 30.6-31.0 billion; adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to USD 530-580 million; adjusted EPS guidance increased to USD 0.40-0.80; and full-year free cash flow expected to be > USD 100 million. The firm also outlined concrete operating actions—DC closures and realignment, lean daily management pilots in two DCs, decentralization of procurement, and enhanced supplier go-to-market programs—that are intended to accelerate service levels, reduce waste, and expand margin opportunities. While leverage remains elevated at around 4.2x net debt to EBITDA, UNFI views the current trajectory as consistent with deleveraging goals toward roughly 2.5x by 2027, supported by additional asset-light opportunities and potential real estate monetization from closed DCs.
Investor takeaway: UNFI appears to be on a measured turnaround path anchored by volume-led growth in wholesale, a rapid rollout of lean practices, and a disciplined plan to monetize underutilized assets while returning leverage toward its target range. The key risk remains macro consumer demand, supply chain volatility, and the pace at which margin and cash flow benefits materialize, particularly given the near-term negative free cash flow and ongoing working capital needs. Nevertheless, the company’s progress on efficiency, value-added services, and strategic asset optimization provides a constructive basis for longer-term upside if the pace of deleveraging and revenue mix transformation accelerates.