Why This Matters to Distributors: US Foods continued to win business from independent restaurants while expanding margins through pricing discipline, productivity improvements, and operational execution. The results show how large distributors are generating growth even as overall foodservice demand remains steady rather than robust.
US Foods reported higher second-quarter sales and earnings, driven by stronger case volume from independent restaurants and continued productivity improvements.
The food service distributor reported second-quarter net sales of $10.5 billion, up 4.5% from $10.1 billion a year earlier. Net income increased 22.8% to $275 million from $224 million.
For the first six months of fiscal 2026, net sales increased 3.6% to $20.1 billion from $19.4 billion in the same period last year. Net income rose 15.3% to $391 million from $339 million.
The company reaffirmed its full-year forecast for 4% to 6% sales growth and 9% to 13% adjusted operating profit growth.
“Our team delivered another strong quarter, highlighted by accelerating volume grow,” CEO Dave Flitman said, adding that the company continued to gain market share while improving customer service and productivity.
Total case volume increased 1.9% during the quarter, led by 5.1% growth in independent restaurant case volume. Healthcare case volume increased 3.5%, while hospitality volume rose 4.4%. Chain restaurant volume declined 1.5%.
Organic case volume increased 1.7%, including 5.0% growth among independent restaurants. Net sales also benefited from approximately 2.3% food cost inflation.
The company said it continues to focus on independent restaurants, one of its fastest-growing customer segments, as part of its long-term strategy to gain market share.
Gross profit increased 8.0% to $1.9 billion from $1.78 billion, reflecting higher case volume, improved purchasing and inventory management, and favorable product costs. Gross margin improved to 18.2%.
Operating expenses increased 5.1% to $1.5 billion from $1.4 billion, primarily because of higher distribution, selling and administrative costs tied to increased business activity. The company said those costs were partially offset by efforts to streamline administrative operations and improve productivity.
Chief financial officer Dirk Locascio said the company’s operating initiatives continued to improve profitability.
“Our second-quarter results reflect consistent execution of our key initiatives, supported by strong operating performance,” he said. “We expanded margins again this quarter through a combination of volume growth, gross profit gains and cost productivity improvements.”
US Foods generated $725 million in operating cash flow during the first six months of the year, unchanged from the prior-year period. The company invested $174 million in technology, facilities, and distribution infrastructure during the first half.
With more than 70 distribution centers, 90-plus cash-and-carry locations and approximately 250,000 customer locations, US Foods is one of the nation’s largest foodservice distributors.
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