Business Overview

US Foods Holding Corp. (USFD) is one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, serving a diverse customer base ranging from independent restaurants to large healthcare systems and hospitality providers. With a history spanning over a century, the company has evolved to become a strategically positioned player in the dynamic foodservice industry.

US Foods Holding Corp. was formed in 2010 through the combination of US Foodservice and several of Ahold's foodservice operations. Prior to this merger, US Foodservice was already one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, catering to a diverse customer base including independent restaurants, healthcare facilities, hospitality providers, and government entities.

Following the combination, US Foods continued its expansion strategy through strategic acquisitions. In 2013, the company acquired Wellshire Farms, a leading distributor of high-quality meat and seafood products. This acquisition significantly bolstered US Foods' center-of-the-plate offerings, enhancing its ability to meet customer needs more comprehensively.

In the face of increasing competition from regional and local distributors, as well as growing industry consolidation, US Foods invested heavily in new technology and infrastructure to improve efficiency and customer service. A key initiative was the rollout of its MOXe digital platform, which revolutionized the ordering process by allowing customers to easily place orders and manage their inventories online.

The company reached a significant milestone in 2016 when it went public, raising over $1 billion in its initial public offering. This influx of capital provided US Foods with the resources to further invest in its business and pursue additional acquisitions. In 2017, the company acquired Save-Rite Foods, a leading distributor in the Southeastern United States, further expanding its geographic footprint and customer base.

Throughout its history, US Foods has maintained a steadfast commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional service to its customers. This dedication has enabled the company to weather industry challenges and emerge as one of the most respected foodservice distributors in the United States.

Financial Highlights

In fiscal year 2024, US Foods reported record financial results, delivering net sales of $37.88 billion, a 6.4% increase from the prior year. The company's net income for the year stood at $494 million, with diluted earnings per share of $2.02. US Foods' robust financial performance was driven by continued market share gains across its target customer segments, including independent restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality.

The company's adjusted EBITDA, a key metric, reached $1.74 billion in 2024, representing an 11.7% year-over-year increase. Notably, US Foods was able to expand its adjusted EBITDA margin by 22 basis points to 4.6% during the year, showcasing its ability to drive profitability through strategic initiatives.

US Foods' strong cash flow generation enabled it to invest in the business, pursue strategic acquisitions, and return capital to shareholders. In 2024, the company deployed $341 million in capital expenditures, completed the $220 million acquisition of IWC Food Service, and repurchased $958 million of its common stock.

For the most recent quarter (Q4 2024), US Foods reported revenue of $9.49 billion, representing a 6.2% year-over-year increase. This growth was driven by a 3.5% increase in total case volume and a 2.7% food cost inflation and mix impact. Net income for the quarter stood at $66 million.

In terms of annual cash flow, US Foods generated $1.17 billion in operating cash flow and $836 million in free cash flow for fiscal year 2024, demonstrating the company's strong ability to convert earnings into cash.

Liquidity

US Foods has maintained a strong liquidity position, which has allowed it to navigate industry challenges and pursue growth opportunities. As of December 28, 2024, the company had $59 million in cash and cash equivalents, with an additional $1.49 billion available under its ABL Facility. This provides ample liquidity to support its operations and strategic initiatives.

The company's debt-to-equity ratio stood at 1.088 as of December 28, 2024, indicating a balanced approach to capital structure. US Foods also maintained a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 0.71, reflecting its ability to meet short-term obligations.

Operational Highlights

One of the key pillars of US Foods' strategy is its differentiated go-to-market approach, which focuses on its three target customer segments: independent restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality. The company's team-based selling model, combined with its extensive product portfolio and value-added services, has allowed it to consistently gain market share in these high-growth and high-margin customer types.

In 2024, US Foods continued to make progress in executing its strategic initiatives, including the rollout of its Descartes routing technology, which has driven improved delivery efficiency and a better customer experience. The company also made significant advancements in its Pronto small-truck delivery service, which has been well-received by its independent restaurant customers.

Another key area of focus for US Foods has been the growth of its private label brands, which represented 52% of sales to its core independent restaurant customers in 2024, up nearly 50 basis points from the prior year. The company's Scoop program, which introduces innovative and on-trend products, has been a crucial driver of private label growth and customer loyalty.

US Foods operates in one business segment, distributing food and non-food products to foodservice customers throughout the United States. The company's product offerings are organized into several key categories:

1. Meats and Seafood: Accounting for 34.2% of net sales in fiscal year 2024, this category includes fresh, frozen, and processed meat and seafood products.

2. Dry Grocery Products: Making up 17.5% of net sales, this category includes canned goods, spices, and other shelf-stable foods.

3. Refrigerated and Frozen Grocery: Contributing 16.9% to total net sales, this segment consists of perishable food items requiring temperature-controlled storage and distribution.

4. Dairy: Accounting for 10.7% of net sales, this category provides customers with milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

5. Equipment, Disposables and Supplies: Making up 9.4% of net sales, this segment includes food preparation equipment, serving supplies, and janitorial products.

6. Produce: Contributing 5.7% of fiscal 2024 net sales, this category offers fresh fruits and vegetables.

7. Beverage Products: Also accounting for 5.7% of total net sales, this category encompasses both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options.

Risks and Challenges

While US Foods has demonstrated strong operational and financial performance, the company is not without its risks and challenges. The foodservice distribution industry is highly competitive, with regional and local players vying for market share. Additionally, the company is exposed to fluctuations in commodity prices, which can impact its cost of goods sold and profitability.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the foodservice industry, with disruptions to consumer demand and supply chains. While US Foods has proved its ability to navigate these challenges, any future macroeconomic or industry-specific headwinds could pose a risk to the company's growth trajectory.

Outlook and Growth Opportunities

Looking ahead, US Foods is well-positioned to capitalize on the long-term growth opportunities in the foodservice industry. The company's new long-range plan for 2025-2027 calls for a 5% sales CAGR, a 10% adjusted EBITDA CAGR, and at least 20 basis points of annual adjusted EBITDA margin expansion.

Key drivers of this growth include continued market share gains in the company's target customer segments, further expansion of its private label portfolio, and ongoing operational improvements through initiatives like the Descartes routing technology and the Pronto delivery service. US Foods also remains actively engaged in the M&A landscape, as evidenced by its recent acquisitions, which are expected to contribute to its long-term growth.

For fiscal year 2025, US Foods has provided strong guidance, expecting to grow total company net sales by 4% to 6% compared to 2024. This includes total case volume growth of 2% to 4%, with independent restaurant case growth projected at 4% to 7%. The company anticipates growing adjusted EBITDA by 8% to 12% and adjusted diluted EPS by 17% to 23% in 2025. This guidance assumes a normal inflationary environment with sales inflation and mix impact of approximately 2%.

It's worth noting that US Foods exceeded its previous long-range plan commitments, delivering record adjusted EBITDA of $1.74 billion in 2024 and expanding adjusted EBITDA margin by 100 basis points to 4.6%. The company also achieved record adjusted EPS of $3.15 in 2024, growing 19.8% year-over-year.

The broader U.S. foodservice distribution industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.99% from 2022 to 2032, reaching a market size of $2.2 trillion by 2032. This positive industry outlook, combined with US Foods' strong market position and strategic initiatives, bodes well for the company's future growth prospects.

Conclusion

US Foods Holding Corp. is a well-established and strategically positioned player in the dynamic foodservice distribution industry. The company's strong financial performance, operational excellence, and focus on high-growth and high-margin customer segments have positioned it for sustained growth in the years ahead. As US Foods continues to execute on its strategic initiatives and capitalize on industry trends, it remains an intriguing investment opportunity for those seeking exposure to the evolving foodservice landscape.