PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 (13 weeks) ended May 2, 2026.
Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Performance (comparisons to third quarter fiscal 2025)
- Net sales decreased 4.2% to $7.7 billion, which includes impact of approximately 450 basis points from optimization actions
- Net income of $33 million; Net income per diluted share (EPS) of $0.52
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 16.6% to $183 million
- Adjusted EPS increased to $0.77
- Net cash provided by operating activities of $98 million; Free cash flow of $54 million
Recent Financial and Operational Summary
- Narrowing ranges while maintaining fiscal-year midpoints for Net Sales, Net Income, EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EPS
- Strengthened capabilities to add value for customers and suppliers while becoming more effective and efficient
- Diversified and growing new business pipeline reflects focus on supporting customers’ unique strategies
- Continued implementation of next-generation supply chain technologies and lean practices, which are improving fill rates, on-time deliveries, and productivity
- Reduced operating expenses by nearly 7% and operating expense rate by nearly 40 basis points, reflecting the benefits of network optimization and disciplined cost management
- Reduced net debt to $1.63 billion and improved Net leverage ratio to 2.5x, lowest since fiscal 2018
- Repurchased approximately 990,000 shares in fiscal 2026 through the end of May for approximately $38 million
“Through disciplined execution of our value creation strategy, we delivered underlying sales growth, higher profitability, and strong free cash flow, which strengthened our balance sheet and increased our financial flexibility. At the same time, we advanced capabilities to help our customers and suppliers grow profitably, while continuing to invest in next-generation supply chain solutions that are steadily improving our effectiveness and efficiency,” said Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO, in the recent release.
Douglas continued, “Our team remains focused on delivering a strong close to fiscal 2026 and creating long-term, shared value for our stakeholders.”
See the full release here.
