Food Distributors

United Natural Foods reported fiscal fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $0.69, beating analyst expectations, while revenue of $7.64 billion came in below consensus. The grocery wholesaler guided for fiscal 2027 net sales of $31.2 billion to $31.8 billion, a return to growth after full-year fiscal 2026 sales declined 2% to $31.2 billion. Full-year adjusted EBITDA rose 27% to $701 million and free cash flow hit a record $323 million, with net debt falling by $295 million and net leverage improving to 2.2 times. Fourth-quarter natural-products sales increased 6.6% even as conventional-products sales declined 8.6%, and management guided fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS to $3.00 to $3.50 versus $2.65 previously. The fiscal 2027 revenue outlook implies growth of only about 0.2% to 2.1% and falls below the $31.95 billion analyst estimate.

Performance Food Group reported second-quarter revenues of $18.03 billion, up 6.4% year on year but falling 0.5% short of analysts' expectations, with full-year revenue guidance meeting estimates and EPS in line. The stock is down 20.1% since reporting and trades at $91.06. Among the 137 consumer discretionary stocks tracked, group revenues beat consensus by 2.7% while next-quarter revenue guidance came in line, and share prices are down 8.1% on average since the latest results. Smith & Wesson posted the sector's best quarter with revenues of $112.6 million, up 32.3% year on year and 14.1% above expectations, while Matthews was the weakest, with revenues of $246 million, down 29.6% and 7% below estimates. Latham reported revenues of $197.5 million, up 14.4% and 4.8% above expectations, and H&R Block reported revenues of $1.14 billion, up 3% and 2.5% above expectations.

CP Axtra Public Company Limited, the operator of the Makro–Lotus wholesale and retail business, has joined with the Department of Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce to buy and distribute in-season mangosteen through Makro and Lotus outlets nationwide in the form of basket mangosteen, targeting total distribution of more than 1 million kilograms over the season. The basket mangosteen is packed 3 kilograms per basket at 99 baht, and is now on sale at Makro and Lotus stores nationwide. The launch was attended by Mr. Jirawut Suwanna-at and Mr. Chanthaphat Panjamanon, Deputy Directors-General of the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, along with their delegation, together with Mr. Wiboon Suphakornpongkul, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Coordination and Public Relations Center, or AFC Center, who visited the basket mangosteen and other Thai fruit display points, including longan, coconut, watermelon and pomelo, at Lotus Rama 4 branch and Makro Sathorn branch. They were welcomed by Ms. Ekkathida Seriratwipachai, Director of Fresh Food Management, and Ms. Chanida Phuensaen, Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs, Government Coordination and Stakeholder Relations Management at CP Axtra. In addition, from January to September 2026, CP Axtra purchased agricultural produce, including vegetables, fruit and aquatic animals, from farmer groups, community enterprises and cooperatives nationwide and sold them through the Makro–Lotus network, totaling 73,736,690 kilograms, generating more than 1,406 million baht in income for Thai farmers.

CP Axtra Public Company Limited, the operator of the wholesale and retail businesses Makro and Lotus's, has joined with the Department of Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce to purchase and distribute mangosteen output through Makro and Lotus's outlets nationwide under the "Mangosteen Basket" format, targeting distribution of more than 1 million kilograms of produce over the season. The Mangosteen Basket holds 3 kilograms per basket and is priced at 99 baht, now on sale at Makro and Lotus's stores nationwide. Mr. Jirawut Suwanna-at and Mr. Chanthaphat Panjamanon, Deputy Directors-General of the Department of Internal Trade, along with their delegation, together with Mr. Wiboon Suphakornpongkul, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the AFC Center Management Committee, visited the Mangosteen Basket and other Thai fruit sales points, including longan, coconut, watermelon, and pomelo, at the Lotus's Rama 4 branch and the Makro Sathorn branch. They were welcomed by Ms. Ekkathida Seriratwiphachai, Director of Fresh Food Merchandise Management, and Ms. Chanida Phuensaen, Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs, Government Coordination, and Stakeholder Relationship Management at CP Axtra. From January to September 2026, CP Axtra purchased agricultural produce, including vegetables, fruits, and aquatic animals, from farmer groups, community enterprises, and cooperatives nationwide and sold them through the Makro and Lotus's network, totaling 73,736,690 kilograms, generating more than 1.406 billion baht in income for Thai farmers.

Lotus's Go Fresh, under CP Axtra Public Company Limited, or CPAXT, is pressing ahead with expanding its neighborhood supermarkets into larger formats in locations suited to each community, aiming to broaden its product range across fresh food, vegetables, fruit, frozen foods, and household essentials, while linking in-store services with online channels. There are six stores serving as the prototypes for this new format: the Soi Suphaphong branch in Bangkok, the Soi Rewadee 38 branch in Nonthaburi, the Phra Pokklao Road branch in Chiang Mai, the Sri That branch in Udon Thani, the Phuket Fantasea branch in Phuket, and the Pracha Suk Sawang Road branch in Chonburi. The company says this model has delivered strong operating results and that the experience gained from these stores can be leveraged to expand into other areas. CPAXT will apply feedback and lessons from the flagship stores to store layout, product selection, and service, with branch development taking into account location, floor space, and consumer behavior in each community. The new-format stores are also connected to Lotus's Shop Online, allowing customers to shop in store or order fresh food and essentials from their local branch for home delivery. Lotus's Go Fresh will continue to expand larger stores in suitable locations as it pursues its goal of becoming the leader in Thailand's supermarket market.

United Natural Foods Inc. reported fourth quarter and full fiscal year results on September 8, swinging to a fourth quarter net income of $35 million from an $87 million net loss a year earlier. Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA rose 48.3% to $172 million, adjusted EPS came in at $0.69 versus a $0.11 adjusted loss per share last year, and gross margin widened to 13.7% from 13.4%. For the full year, adjusted EBITDA grew 27% to $701 million, adjusted EPS climbed to $2.65 from $0.71, and net sales fell 2% to $31.2 billion. Fourth quarter net sales slipped 0.7% as optimization initiatives dragged roughly 500 basis points and the unwind of short-term project work added about 150 basis points of pressure, while capital spending rose to $117 million from $74 million and free cash flow eased to $80 million from $86 million. The company's FY27 guidance points to sales growth of about 1% and adjusted EBITDA growth of nearly 8% at the midpoint, with free cash flow below FY26 levels.

CP Axtra Public Company Limited, or CPAXT, which operates the Makro and Lotus's wholesale and retail businesses, is extending its cooking competition Hidden Taste Thailand Presented by Lotus's into product development under Lotus's own brand, covering ready-to-eat boxed meals, frozen food and bakery items. The full range of three formats is sold at large Hypermarket branches, while smaller Supermarket outlets focus on frozen food. Worawan Pianlikhitwong, Chief Transformation Officer of CPAXT, said the model treats content as a starting point that is extended into real products and experiences. The programme is Lotus's own entertainment intellectual property, built on the concept of from screen to plate. It drew 100 contestants from a wide range of professions, the largest number among cooking competitions in Thailand, and worked with food experts from Suan Dusit University to develop and select menus under a 3C model spanning content, community and commerce. Among the most popular dishes are crispy salt-and-chilli chicken wings from Wa, a home cook from the Monthong community, and creamy mushroom carbonara spaghetti, the winning dish of season one by Chef On. The company is also extending the programme into a Hidden Taste Thailand Pop-up Experience that brings the show's chefs to meet consumers in its branches, starting at Happitat as the first location, with plans to rotate the event through major branches nationwide. It aims to expand its ready-to-eat, or RTE, portfolio to a total of 300 menu items, in line with its Happy & Healthy Mall strategy to elevate itself into a full-service food destination.

Land and Houses Securities recommends "buy on weakness" for CP Axtra Public Company Limited, or CPAXT, with a target price of 17.00 baht, expecting net profit to begin recovering from the fourth quarter of 2026 onward and to grow strongly in 2027. Land and Houses assesses that third-quarter 2026 earnings will weaken both year on year and quarter on quarter, pressured by the low season during the rainy months, energy price pressure, and the recognition of a further 200 million baht loss from the Happitat project this quarter. Total sales are still expected to grow 1-2% year on year, driven by store expansion and omni-channel operations, even though overall purchasing power remains weak due to the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" program and energy prices, with same-store sales growth still negative overall. Meanwhile, the acquisition of The Food Purveyor in Malaysia, valued at about 13.1 billion baht, will help drive retail revenue growth of 4% and lift overall margins, beginning to contribute 1-2% to net profit from 2027.

CP Axtra, or CPAXT, which operates the Makro-Lotus wholesale and retail business, is extending its cooking competition Hidden Taste Thailand Presented by Lotus's into real product development under the Lotus's brand, covering boxed ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods and bakery items. These are sold in large hypermarket branches across all three formats, while smaller supermarkets focus on frozen foods. The programme is Lotus's own entertainment IP, built on the concept of from screen to plate. It drew 100 contestants from a wide range of professions, the largest number among cooking competitions in Thailand, and worked with food experts from Suan Dusit University to develop and select menus under a 3C model spanning Content and Community through to Commerce. Among the popular menus are crispy chicken wings with salt and chili, a recipe from Khun Wa, a cook from the Monthong community, and creamy mushroom carbonara spaghetti, the winning dish of season one by Chef On, Ms. Worawan Pianlikhitwong, Chief Transformation Officer of CPAXT. She said the company sees content as a starting point that can be extended into real products and experiences, while giving chefs the chance to turn their menus into businesses. CP Axtra aims to expand its ready-to-eat, or RTE, food portfolio to a total of 300 menus, in line with its Happy & Healthy Mall strategy to elevate hypermarkets into comprehensive food destinations. It is also extending the programme into a Hidden Taste Thailand Pop-up Experience that brings the show's chefs to meet consumers inside branches, starting at Happitat as the first location, with plans to rotate the event through major branches nationwide.

Land and Houses Securities assessed CPAXT, noting that net profit in the third quarter of 2026 is likely to weaken both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, due to the low season during the rainy period, pressure from energy prices, and the recognition of a loss of another 200 million baht from the Happitat project this quarter. Total sales are still expected to grow 1-2% year-on-year, driven by branch expansion and Omni-channel, even though overall same-store sales growth remains negative amid weak purchasing power from the Thai Help Thai Plus program and energy prices. The company has acquired The Food Purveyor in Malaysia for around 13.1 billion baht, which helps support retail revenue growth of 4% and raises overall margins, beginning to contribute positively to net profit by 1-2% from 2027 onward. The research team has initiated a buy-on-weakness recommendation with a target price of 17.00 baht, expecting profit to begin recovering from the fourth quarter of 2026 onward and to grow strongly in 2027 on TFP and the Happitat project's narrowing losses.

The Ministry of Finance is considering extending the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" program, a 60/40 co-payment measure, by roughly one to two months from its original end date of September 30, 2026. The co-payment formula may be adjusted from 60/40 to 50/50 or to the "Khon La Khrueng" half-half format if the extension goes ahead. The program is drawing close attention amid the protracted war between the United States and Iran in the Middle East, which has pushed crude oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel, pressuring travel costs, transport costs, and the public's cost of living. From a stock market perspective, the stock expected to benefit most is CPAXT, which not only gains directly from consumers but is also supported by the mom-and-pop shops and small retailers joining the program, who must buy stock from Makro. Previously, Krungsri Securities viewed CPAXT as one of the stocks benefiting from the measure and gave it a target price of 19 baht. BJC, or Berli Jucker, holds both the Big C retail business and a consumer goods business. CPALL benefits directly from higher consumption through its nationwide 7-Eleven network. Globlex Securities also previously picked CPALL and CPAXT as stocks benefiting from government measures and the stimulus of purchasing power, while consumer goods names such as CBG and OSP stand to gain in a "second round" manner.

Wichian Pongsathorn, Chairman of the Executive Board of Premier Marketing Public Company Limited, or PM, told Than Hoon that the operating performance trend in the third quarter of 2026 is set to recover from the second quarter of 2026, when the company posted a net profit of 135 million baht and revenue of 1.448 billion baht. The second quarter was pressured by slowing overseas sales, particularly in the cat food production business, amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding US import tariff measures. Currently, about 40% of the company's main customer base is in the United States, so it was directly affected by the tariff wall issue, a factor that weighed on margins. However, the situation has begun to become clearer and is returning to normal, and foreign customers have started placing orders again as usual. The company is therefore increasing its focus on expanding the pet food product group, especially the cat food market, which continues to grow at a strong double-digit rate and faster than the dog food market, and is pressing ahead with raising production capacity to meet demand. Meanwhile, the snack business is focused mainly on the domestic market, amid still-intense competition and a battle for market share. As for government economic stimulus measures under the Thai Help Thai Plus program, they are expected to support domestic spending to some extent, but consumer spending confidence has not yet recovered to a high level.

NTF Intergroup (Thailand) Public Company Limited, or NTF, announced that for 2027 the company has received product orders and signed business contracts for 2027 with a total of four business partners, comprising three existing customers and one new customer, representing total order value of 5.5 billion baht. Meanwhile, the company's operating results have continued to grow. In 2024, it recorded revenue of 1.118 billion baht and net profit of 64 million baht. In 2025, it recorded revenue of 2.524 billion baht and net profit of 229 million baht. In the first half of 2026, it recorded revenue of 2.659 billion baht and net profit of 276 million baht. As for the NTF share price, which was offered in its IPO at 6 baht per share, as of September 9, 2026, it stood at 13.10 baht per share.

United Natural Foods reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results that beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both the top and bottom lines, with adjusted earnings of 69 cents per share versus the expected 62 cents, and net sales of $7,642 million, down 0.7% year over year but above the $7,576 million consensus. The sales decline included an approximately 500-basis-point adverse impact from planned optimization actions and a 150-basis-point headwind from the unwind of short-term project work, partly offset by the prior-year cybersecurity incident comparison. Gross profit rose 1.9% to $1,050 million, with the gross margin improving to 13.7% from 13.4%, while operating expenses fell to $984 million from $1,046 million, improving as a percentage of sales to 12.9% from 13.6%. Adjusted EBITDA surged 48.3% to $172 million, and the company generated free cash flow of $80 million. For fiscal 2027, UNFI guided net sales of $31.2-$31.8 billion, adjusted earnings of $3.00-$3.50 per share, and adjusted EBITDA of $730-$780 million, and its board authorized a new $200 million share repurchase program.

Sysco has reaffirmed its fiscal 2027 outlook while raising its mid-term growth targets, backed by a new $500 million AI-powered efficiency program designed to reduce structural costs over the next three years. The company continues to expect 9% to 11% growth in adjusted earnings per share in fiscal 2027 on a 53-week basis, with net sales growth of approximately 6% to 7% to about $90 billion. For fiscal 2028 and 2029, Sysco raised its mid-term outlook for net sales growth to approximately 4% to 7%, up from 4% to 6% previously, and increased its adjusted EPS growth target to 9% to 11%, up from 6% to 8%. The company also introduced the $500 million AI-powered efficiency program to remove structural costs across the next three fiscal years, while remaining on target for the $100 million of in-year net cost savings previously announced for fiscal 2027. Sysco said the combination of AI-enabled cost savings and underlying business performance should support stronger earnings growth over the three-year period.

Sysco Corporation is reaffirming its fiscal 2027 financial guidance and introducing a $500 million multi-year AI-powered efficiency program, while raising its mid-term financial targets for fiscal 2028 and 2029. The company, which generated sales of more than $84 billion in fiscal 2026, expects net sales growth of approximately 6% to 7% to about $90 billion in fiscal 2027, with adjusted earnings per share of $5.02 to $5.12, representing growth of 9% to 11% on a 53-week basis. The AI program, which builds on $100 million of expected in-year savings already included in fiscal 2027 guidance, aims to remove structural costs across truck routing, merchandising, and sales, targeting at least $500 million in savings by fiscal 2029. As a result, Sysco has raised its mid-term growth algorithm to net sales growth of 4% to 7% (previously 4% to 6%) and adjusted EPS growth of 9% to 11% (previously 6% to 8%) for fiscal 2028 and 2029. CEO Kevin Hourican said the savings reflect a durable change in daily operations and position Sysco to delever quickly after the expected closure of the Jetro Restaurant Depot transaction by the third quarter of fiscal 2027.

United Natural Foods shares jumped 3.5% in afternoon trading after the company reported fiscal second-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street estimates on profit and raised its full-year guidance. Net sales came in at $7.64 billion, flat year-over-year and slightly below the consensus estimate of $7.70 billion, but adjusted earnings per share reached $0.69, beating the $0.62 consensus by 11.9%. Adjusted EBITDA was $172.0 million, a 1.2% beat over expectations, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 2.3%. Management raised its fiscal 2027 outlook, projecting adjusted EPS of $3.25 at the midpoint, above forecasts by 1.1%, and full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $755.0 million, above the consensus of $747.3 million. The stock was trading at $45.68, up 4% from the previous close.

United Natural Foods (UNFI) outlined its fiscal 2027 outlook, projecting adjusted EPS of $3 to $3.50 per share, adjusted EBITDA of $730 million to $780 million, and sales of $31.2 billion to $31.8 billion, while aiming to reduce net leverage to under 2x by fiscal year-end. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, UNFI reported adjusted EBITDA of $172 million and free cash flow of $80 million, contributing to full-year free cash flow of $323 million and a year-end net leverage ratio of 2.2x. The company also announced a new $200 million share repurchase program and plans to deploy approximately $300 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2027. Management highlighted operational initiatives including over 130 new private brand SKUs, AI-enabled features on the UNFI Insights platform, and the rollout of an AI-powered supply chain platform across all distribution centers. CEO James Alexander Douglas noted the company's target addressable market of approximately $90 billion, where retailers grew in the low single digits and increased their combined grocery industry share by about 30 basis points year-over-year.

United Natural Foods, Inc. reported 27% full-year adjusted EBITDA growth despite a decline in reported sales, driven by disciplined execution of its value creation strategy. The company attributed underlying sales growth to the $90 billion target addressable market of differentiated retailers, who increased their grocery industry share by 30 basis points. Operational efficiency improved through the deployment of 'Lean' daily management to 44 distribution centers, resulting in four consecutive quarters of fill rate and throughput gains. For fiscal 2027, the company expects to achieve its fiscal 2028 margin rate targets one year early, with capital expenditure projected at $300 million and a goal to reduce net leverage to under 2.0x by year-end. The company also authorized a new $200 million share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its long-term strategy.

United Natural Foods reported strong profitability and cash flow improvements for fiscal 2026, with adjusted EBITDA rising 27% to $701 million and free cash flow reaching a record $323 million. Fourth-quarter sales were slightly lower year over year at more than $7.6 billion, due to planned network optimization, the end of temporary project work, and comparisons with last year's cyber incident. For fiscal 2027, the company expects sales of $31.2 billion to $31.8 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $730 million to $780 million, and adjusted EPS of $3.00 to $3.50, with profitable growth expected to resume in the second half. UNFI also reduced net leverage to 2.2 times and authorized a new $200 million share repurchase program.

United Natural Foods, Inc. reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended August 1, 2026, with net sales decreasing 0.7% to $7.6 billion in the quarter and 2.0% to $31.2 billion for the year. The company posted net income of $35 million in the quarter and $84 million for the full year, with adjusted EBITDA rising 48.3% to $172 million in the quarter and 27.0% to $701 million for the year. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.69 in the quarter and $2.65 for the year, while free cash flow reached $80 million in the quarter and $323 million for the year. The company's net leverage ratio stood at 2.2x, and it repurchased 420,502 shares at an average price of $49.94 during the quarter. Looking ahead, UNFI issued fiscal 2027 guidance projecting net sales between $31.2 billion and $31.8 billion, adjusted EBITDA between $730 million and $780 million, and adjusted EPS between $3.00 and $3.50, with the midpoint of adjusted EBITDA guidance $25 million higher than its December 2025 Investor Day projection.

CP Axtra, or CPAXT, the operator of Makro-Lotus, has announced plans to develop and renovate 60 projects across 29 provinces nationwide between 2026 and 2027 under the Happy & Healthy Mall strategy. This initiative elevates the Hypermarket from a traditional retail space to the core of projects that attract people to shopping centers, linking shopping and lifestyle under four pillars: Food Destination, Lifestyle, Wellness, and Sustainability. It also adds over 50,000 products, focusing on fresh food, ready-to-eat meals, and craft-style bakery through Open Kitchen, and utilizes retail technologies such as AI and Electronic Shelf Labels to enhance customer experience and drive long-term growth.

Sysco's shares have fallen 2.9% since its last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500, but the company posted a fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 beat on volume and cost gains. Adjusted earnings were $1.53 per share, up 3.4% year over year and above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51, while sales grew 4.7% to $22,124 million, beating the consensus of $21,921 million. The company issued fiscal 2027 guidance for sales growth of 6-7% and adjusted earnings growth of 9-11% on a 53-week basis, including about $100 million in cost savings from AI-enabled initiatives. Despite the positive results, estimates have been revised downward since the release, and Sysco holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with a VGM Score of C.

The Andersons Inc. reported second-quarter net income of $57 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, up from $7.9 million a year earlier, driven by a record quarter in its renewable fuels segment. Adjusted net income reached $74 million, or $2.15 per share, versus $8.4 million in the prior-year period. The renewables segment posted record pretax income of $65 million, or $88 million on an adjusted basis, benefiting from $24 million in 45Z producer tax credits and the finalization of Renewable Volume Obligations. Agribusiness pretax income rose to $20 million from $17 million, while operating cash flow increased to $488 million from $299 million. However, cash and cash equivalents fell to $66.5 million from $351 million, and short-term debt climbed to $314 million from $104 million, leaving a thinner cushion. The company is advancing a debottlenecking project at its Clymers, Indiana ethanol plant and a new soybean meal export operation at the Port of Houston, expected online in the fourth quarter. Management guided to a full-year adjusted tax rate of 14% to 18%, assuming continued 45Z credits, and noted that drier conditions in western growing regions could weigh on grain-asset profits this fall.

CP Axtra, or CPAXT, announced the completion of its acquisition of The Food Purveyor, a premium supermarket operator in Malaysia, for 1,660 million Malaysian ringgit, or approximately 13,483 million baht. Its subsidiary, Lotuss Stores (Malaysia), acquired 100% of the shares on September 1, 2026, after fulfilling conditions and obtaining regulatory approvals. This makes The Food Purveyor an indirect subsidiary, operating under the brands Village Grocer, B.I.G., BSC Fine Foods, OTK, and The Food Merchant, with a total of 50 branches. KGI Securities expects TFP's profit to be around 38 million ringgit, or 300 million baht per year, based on a 31% market share in Malaysia's premium supermarket market, which is valued at 4.1 billion ringgit, and a net margin of 3%. Meanwhile, CPAXT may incur debt of 60-70% of the investment value and use some cash of around 4-5 billion baht, causing its debt-to-equity ratio to rise from 0.4 times to 0.42-0.43 times. The outlook is neutral due to limited synergies, and third-quarter profit is expected to decline due to government stimulus measures and business expansion costs. The recommendation is 'Hold' with a target price of 15 baht.

CP Extra Public Company Limited, or CPAXT, announced the successful acquisition of shares in The Food Purveyor Sdn. Bhd. group of companies in Malaysia. Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of CPAXT, has fulfilled all conditions precedent under the share purchase agreement, and the transaction has received approval from relevant regulatory authorities. The acquisition was completed on September 1, 2026, making The Food Purveyor an indirect subsidiary of CPAXT.

CP Axtra, or CPAXT, the operator of Makro-Lotus, has announced its 2026-2027 strategy to renovate 60 projects across 29 provinces nationwide under the concept of Happy & Healthy Mall. The plan elevates hypermarkets from traditional retail spaces to traffic anchors, attracting people into shopping centers and linking shopping and lifestyle under four pillars: Food Destination, Lifestyle, Wellness, and Sustainability. It also includes adding over 50,000 products, focusing on fresh food, ready-to-eat meals, and craft-style bakery made with authentic French butter, as well as adopting retail technologies such as Electronic Shelf Labels, Self-Checkout, and AI to enhance the customer experience.

Sysco Corporation enters fiscal 2027 with a higher growth target and a clear efficiency mandate, putting AI-enabled productivity projects at the center of a plan to lift earnings faster than sales. The company expects fiscal 2027 sales to grow 6-7% to approximately $90 billion, with adjusted EPS projected to increase 9-11% to $5.02-$5.12 on a 53-week basis. Approximately $100 million of in-year savings is expected from AI-enabled inventory management, forecasting, coding efficiency, routing optimization, and back-office automation, with identified actions amounting to about $160 million on a run-rate basis. The savings are net of investment and weighted toward the second half, making implementation pace critical. Sysco's fourth-quarter adjusted operating income rose 4.1% to $1.14 billion, and routing improvements lifted on-time delivery by 10 points. The guidance assumes an industry traffic environment similar to fiscal 2026 and inflation of roughly 1.5-2%, with no restaurant recovery built in. Sysco currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), but its mixed style scores suggest investors should watch for evidence of cost savings and margin expansion.

CP Axtra, or CPAXT, announced the successful acquisition of all ordinary shares of The Food Purveyor Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia. The transaction was completed on September 1, 2026, after the parties fulfilled all conditions precedent and obtained approvals from relevant regulatory authorities. The acquisition was carried out through Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary in which CPAXT holds an indirect 100% stake. As a result, The Food Purveyor became an indirect subsidiary of CPAXT from that date, strengthening the group's retail business in the region.