ROSEMONT, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD),one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, today announced results for the third quarter of fiscal 2020. In this press release we refer to certain organic financial results. Organic financial results exclude contributions during the respective period from Smart Stores Holding Corp. (“Smart Foodservice”), which was acquired on April 24, 2020. For the Food Group of Companies (the “Food Group”), which was acquired on Sept. 13, 2019, organic financial results include contributions for the Sept. 14, 2020, through Sept. 26, 2020, time period only.
Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Highlights
Nine Month Fiscal 2020 Highlights
CEO Perspective
"In the third quarter, we demonstrated the resiliency of our business model by continuing to gain market share in an industry significantly impacted by COVID-19," said Chairman and CEO Pietro Satriano. "Our case volumes continue to recover and Adjusted Gross Profit Margin improved by 70 basis points over the prior quarter. This profitable growth, along with our prudent approach to cost management, enabled us to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of $209 million for the quarter, more than double what we delivered in the second quarter. I'm proud of the hard work of all our associates, who remain focused on helping our customers Make It during this challenging time."
Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results
Total case volume decreased 8.9% from the prior year, while total organic case volume decreased 22.2%. Independent restaurant case volume decreased 6.8%, while organic independent restaurant case volume decreased 20.0%. Net sales of $5.8 billion decreased 10.5% from the prior year. Both case volume and Net sales improved throughout the quarter as many of our customers adjusted to social distancing measures and capacity restrictions put in place on non-essential businesses as a result of COVID-19. The Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions contributed Net sales of $876 million, or 15.0%, for the quarter.
Gross profit of $974 million decreased $182 million, or 15.7%, from the prior year, primarily as a result of the negative impact of COVID-19 on case volume, changes to our customer mix and lower logistics income. These were partially offset by contributions from the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Gross profit as a percentage of Net sales was 16.7%. Adjusted Gross profit was $977 million, a decrease of $180 million or 15.6% from the prior year, driven by the negative impact of COVID-19 on case volume, changes to our customer mix and lower logistics income. These were partially offset by contributions from the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Adjusted Gross profit as a percentage of Net sales was 16.7%, an improvement of 70 basis points from the prior quarter.
Operating expenses were $896 million, a decrease of $72 million or 7.4% from the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to actions put in place to reduce operating costs as a result of lower case volume, a $30 million reduction in the reserve for uncollectible accounts and a $17 million gain on the sale of excess property in Southern California, which were partially offset by operating expenses for the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Operating expenses as a percent of Net sales were 15.3%. Adjusted Operating expenses were $774 million, a decrease of $75 million or 8.8% from the prior year, primarily due to actions put in place to reduce operating costs as a result of lower case volume and a $17 million gain on the sale of excess property in Southern California, which were partially offset by operating expenses for the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Adjusted Operating expenses as a percent of Net sales were 13.2%, an improvement of 100 basis points from the prior quarter.
Net loss available to common shareholders was $2 million, a decrease of $108 million compared to the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $209 million, a decrease of $98 million or 31.9%, compared to the prior year. Diluted EPS loss was $0.01; Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.15.
Nine Month Fiscal 2020 Results
Total case volume decreased 11.4% from the prior year, while total organic case volume decreased 23.5%. Independent restaurant case volume decreased 13.7%, while organic independent restaurant case volume decreased 24.0%. Net sales of $16.7 billion decreased 11.9% from the prior year. Since early April, both case volume and Net sales have improved as many of our customers have adjusted to social distancing measures and capacity restrictions put in place on non-essential businesses as a result of COVID-19. The Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions contributed Net sales of $2.3 billion, or 13.5%, for the first nine months of fiscal 2020.
Gross profit of $2.7 billion decreased $639 million, or 19.1%, from the prior year, primarily as a result of the negative impact of COVID-19 on case volume, changes to our customer mix, lower logistics income and higher inventory write-offs and product donations. These were partially offset by contributions from the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Gross profit as a percentage of Net sales was 16.2%. Adjusted Gross profit was $2.8 billion, a decrease of $603 million or 17.9% from the prior year, driven by the negative impact of COVID-19 on case volume, changes to our customer mix and lower logistics income. These were partially offset by contributions from the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Adjusted Gross profit as a percentage of Net sales was 16.5%.
Operating expenses were $2.8 billion, a decrease of $19 million or 0.7% from the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to actions put in place to reduce operating costs as a result of lower case volume, which were partially offset by a $65 million net increase in the reserve for uncollectible accounts and operating expenses for the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Operating expenses as percent of Net sales were 16.8%. Adjusted Operating expenses were $2.3 billion, a decrease of $205 million or 8.2% from the prior year, primarily due to actions put in place to reduce operating costs as a result of lower case volume, which were partially offset by operating expenses for the Food Group and Smart Foodservice acquisitions. Adjusted Operating expenses as a percent of Net sales were 13.7%.
Net loss available to common shareholders was $231 million, a decrease of $524 million compared to prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $474 million, a decrease of $385 million or 44.8%, compared to the prior year. Diluted EPS loss was $1.05; Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.05.
Cash Flow and Capital Transactions
Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2020 was $533 million, a decrease of $26 million from the same prior year period. Cash capital expenditures for the first nine months of fiscal 2020 totaled $154 million, compared to $157 million for the same prior year period.
At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the company had $1.0 billion in cash on hand and approximately $1.7 billion in borrowing capacity available under the company's asset-based lending facility for total liquidity of approximately $2.7 billion.
Net Debt at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2020 was $4.8 billion, an increase of $130 million versus the end of fiscal 2019. The ratio of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA was 5.9x at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to 3.9x at the end of fiscal 2019.
Outlook for Fiscal Year 2020
Due to the continued uncertainty associated with COVID-19, the company withdrew its fiscal 2020 financial guidance on March 23, 2020, and is not providing financial guidance at this time.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
US Foods' third quarter fiscal 2020 earnings call will be broadcast live via the internet on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. CST. The call can also be accessed live over the phone by dialing (844) 292-0976; the conference ID number is 3597289. The presentation slides reviewed during the webcast will be available shortly before that time. The webcast, slides, and a copy of this press release can be found in the Investor Relations section of our website at https://ir.usfoods.com.
About US Foods
US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With 70 broadline locations and 76 cash and carry stores, US Foods provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill. Visit www.usfoods.com to learn more.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release which are not historical in nature are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “target,” “seek,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “forecast,” “mission,” “strive,” “more,” “goal,” or similar expressions and are based upon various assumptions and our experience in the industry, as well as historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments. However, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results and there are a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: any declines in the consumption of food prepared away from home; the extent and duration of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on us; cost inflation/deflation and commodity volatility; competition; reliance on third party suppliers; interruption of product supply or increases in product costs; changes in our relationships with customers and group purchasing organizations; our ability to increase or maintain the highest margin portions of our business; effective integration of acquired businesses; achievement of expected benefits from cost savings initiatives; increases in fuel costs; economic factors affecting consumer confidence and discretionary spending; changes in consumer eating habits; our reputation in the industry; labor relations and costs; continued access to qualified and diverse labor; cost and pricing structures; changes in tax laws and regulations and resolution of tax disputes; environmental, health and safety and other governmental regulation, including actions taken by national, state and local governments to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, such as travel restrictions or bans, social distancing requirements, and required closures of non-essential businesses; product recalls and product liability claims; adverse judgments or settlements resulting from litigation; disruption of existing technologies and implementation of new technologies; cybersecurity incidents and other technology disruptions; management of retirement benefits and pension obligations; extreme weather conditions, natural disasters and other catastrophic events, including pandemics and the rapid spread of contagious illnesses; risks associated with intellectual property, including potential infringement; indebtedness and restrictions under agreements governing our indebtedness; and interest rate increases.
For a detailed discussion of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 13, 2020, and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which was filed with the SEC on August 4, 2020. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However, Adjusted Gross profit, Adjusted Operating expenses, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Net Debt, Adjusted Net (loss) income available to common shareholders and Adjusted Diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures regarding our operational performance and liquidity. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of certain items and, therefore, have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP.
We use Adjusted Gross profit and Adjusted Operating expenses as supplemental measures to GAAP measures to focus on period-over-period changes in our business and believe this information is helpful to investors. Adjusted Gross profit is Gross profit adjusted to remove the impact of the LIFO inventory reserve changes. Adjusted Operating expenses are Operating expenses adjusted to exclude amounts that we do not consider part of our core operating results when assessing our performance, as well other items specified in the agreements governing our indebtedness.
We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide meaningful supplemental information about our operating performance because they exclude amounts that we do not consider part of our core operating results when assessing our performance. EBITDA is Net (loss) income, plus Interest expense-net, Income tax (benefit)/provision, and Depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted for (1) Restructuring costs and asset impairments; (2) Share-based compensation expense; (3) the non-cash impact of LIFO reserve adjustments; (4) Business transformation costs; and (5) other gains, losses or charges as specified in the agreements governing our indebtedness.
We use Net Debt as a supplemental measure to GAAP measures to review the liquidity of our operations. Net Debt is defined as total debt net of total Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash remaining on the balance sheet as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter. We believe that Net Debt is a useful financial metric to assess our ability to pursue business opportunities and investments. Net Debt is not a measure of our liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to Cash Flows Provided by Operations or Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities.
We believe that Adjusted Net (loss) income available to common shareholders is a useful measure of operating performance for both management and investors because it excludes items that are not reflective of our core operating performance and provides an additional view of our operating performance including depreciation, interest expense, and Income taxes on a consistent basis from period to period. Adjusted Net (loss) income available to common shareholders is Net income excluding such items as Restructuring benefits and costs, intangible asset impairments, Share-based compensation expense, the non-cash impacts of LIFO reserve adjustments, Business transformation costs (costs associated with the redesign of systems and processes), and other items, and adjusted for the tax effect of the exclusions and discrete tax items. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform with the current year presentation. We believe that Adjusted Net (loss) income available to common shareholders may be used by investors, analysts, and other interested parties to facilitate period-over-period comparisons and provides additional clarity as to how factors and trends impact our operating performance.
We use Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, which is calculated by adjusting the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, Diluted Earnings per Share, by excluding the same items excluded in our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA to the extent that each such item was included in the applicable GAAP financial measure. We believe the presentation of Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share is useful to investors because the measurement excludes amounts that we do not consider part of our core operating results when assessing our performance. We also believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share is useful to investors because these metrics may be used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in our industry.
Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures (a) to evaluate our historical and prospective financial performance as well as our performance relative to our competitors as they assist in highlighting trends, (b) to set internal sales targets and spending budgets, (c) to measure operational profitability and the accuracy of forecasting, (d) to assess financial discipline over operational expenditures, and (e) as an important factor in determining variable compensation for management and employees. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are also used in connection with certain covenants and restricted activities under the agreements governing our indebtedness. We also believe these and similar non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry.
We caution readers that our definitions of Adjusted Gross profit, Adjusted Operating expenses, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Net Debt, Adjusted Net (loss) income available to common shareholders and Adjusted Diluted EPS may not be calculated in the same manner as similar measures used by other companies. Definitions and reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the schedules attached to this press release. We have not, however, provided a reconciliation of our full fiscal 2019 Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted Diluted EPS outlook because we are not able to accurately estimate all the adjustments on a forward-looking basis and such items could have a significant impact on our GAAP financial results as a result of their variability.
US FOODS HOLDING CORP.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
($ in millions)
September 26, 2020
December 28, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,019
90
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $88 and $30
1,185
1,455
Vendor receivables, less allowances of $7 and $4
155
143
Inventories—net
1,314
1,432
Prepaid expenses
93
109
Assets held for sale
10
1
Other current assets
29
32
Total current assets
3,805
3,262
Property and equipment—net
2,055
2,075
Goodwill
5,644
4,728
Other intangibles—net
913
967
Other assets
379
256
Total assets
12,796
11,288
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Cash overdraft liability
159
222
Accounts payable
1,543
1,460
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
521
538
Current portion of long-term debt
149
142
Total current liabilities
2,372
2,362
Long-term debt
5,638
4,594
Deferred tax liabilities
250
308
Other long-term liabilities
525
315
Total liabilities
8,785
7,579
Mezzanine equity:
Series A convertible preferred stock
496
—
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock
2
Additional paid-in capital
2,886
2,845
Retained earnings
684
916
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(57)
(54)
Total shareholders’ equity
3,515
3,709
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders' equity
Consolidated Statements of Operations
13 Weeks Ended
39 Weeks Ended
($ in millions, except share and per share data)
September 28, 2019
Net sales
5,848
6,531
16,747
19,005
Cost of goods sold
4,874
5,375
14,036
15,655
Gross profit
974
1,156
2,711
3,350
Operating expenses:
Distribution, selling and administrative costs
873
968
2,779
2,837
Restructuring and asset impairment charges
23
39
Total operating expenses
896
2,818
Operating income (loss)
78
188
(107)
513
Other (income) expense—net
(6)
(16)
(3)
Interest expense—net
63
43
178
127
Income (loss) before income taxes
21
144
(269)
389
Income tax provision (benefit)
13
(53)
97
Income (loss) from continuing operations
8
105
(216)
292
Income from discontinued operations—net of tax:
Net income (loss)
106
293
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends
15
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders
(2)
(231)
Net (loss) income per share—basic
Continuing operations
(0.01)
0.48
(1.05)
1.33
Discontinued operations
0.01
Net (loss) income per share
0.49
1.34
Net (loss) income per share—diluted:
0.47
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic
220,155,366
218,444,812
219,659,697
217,859,653
Diluted
219,757,050
219,264,731
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
(1)
Depreciation and amortization
316
260
Asset impairment charges
9
Gain on disposal of property and equipment—net
(15)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
12
3
Deferred tax (benefit) provision
(65)
7
Share-based compensation expense
22
Provision for doubtful accounts
80
14
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in receivables
182
(162)
Decrease (increase) in inventories—net
161
(22)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets
30
Increase in accounts payable and cash overdraft liability
19
160
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(9)
(29)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
533
558
Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
Net cash provided by operating activities
559
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses—net of cash
(973)
(1,829)
Proceeds from sales of assets
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
33
Purchases of property and equipment
(154)
(157)
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,087)
(1,977)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt borrowings
3,645
5,084
Principal payments on debt and financing leases
(2,640)
(3,654)
Net proceeds from issuance of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
491
Debt financing costs and fees
(33)
(42)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Tax withholding payments for net share-settled equity awards
(5)
Net cash provided by financing activities
1,475
1,411
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
921
(7)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
98
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid—net of amounts capitalized
122
112
Income taxes paid—net
116
Property and equipment purchases included in accounts payable
11
Leased assets obtained in exchange for financing lease liabilities
77
Leased assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
Cashless exercise of stock options
Paid-in-kind Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Dividends
5
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
Change
%
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders (GAAP)
(108)
(101.9)
Series A convertible preferred stock dividends
NM
Net income (GAAP)
(98)
(92.5)
20
46.5
Income tax provision
(26)
(66.7)
Depreciation expense
88
75
17.3
Amortization expense
75.0
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
193
275
(82)
(29.8)
Adjustments:
Restructuring and asset impairment costs(1)
Share-based compensation expense (2)
42.9
LIFO reserve change (3)
200.0
Business transformation costs (4)
(100.0)
Income from discontinued operations (8)
COVID-19 bad debt benefit (5)
(30)
COVID-19 other related expenses(5)
4
Business acquisition and integration related costs and other (6)
6
(72.7)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
209
307
(31.9)
(88)
(75)
(13)
(63)
(43)
(20)
Income tax provision, as adjusted (7)
(46)
(65.2)
(10)
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders (Non-GAAP)
(111)
(77.6)
Diluted EPS (GAAP)
(0.49)
(102.1)
0.10
0.05
0.03
0.02
66.7
(0.14)
(0.07)
(70.0)
0.14
0.04
(0.05)
Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP)
0.15
0.65
(0.50)
(76.9)
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (GAAP) (9)
Gross profit (GAAP)
(182)
(15.7)
Adjusted Gross profit (Non-GAAP)
977
1,157
(180)
(15.6)
Operating expenses (GAAP)
(72)
(7.4)
Depreciation and amortization expense
(109)
(87)
25.3
(23)
(4)
Business acquisition and integration related costs and other (5)
16
Adjusted Operating expenses (Non-GAAP)
774
849
(8.8)
NM - Not Meaningful
Consists primarily of severance and related costs, organizational realignment costs and asset impairment charges.
Share-based compensation expense for stock and option awards and discounts provided under employee stock purchase plan.
Represents the non-cash impact of LIFO reserve adjustments.
Consists primarily of costs related to significant process and systems redesign across multiple functions.
Includes COVID-19 related gains, losses or costs as specified under the agreements governing our indebtedness.
Includes: (i) Smart Foodservice acquisition and integration related costs of less than $1 million for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020; (ii) Food Group acquisition and integration related costs of $4 million and $17 million for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively; and (iii) gains, losses or costs as specified under the agreements governing our indebtedness.
Represents our income tax provision adjusted for the tax effect of pre-tax items excluded from Adjusted Net income available to common shareholders and the removal of applicable discrete tax items. Applicable discrete tax items include changes in tax laws or rates, changes related to prior year unrecognized tax benefits, discrete changes in valuation allowances, and excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. The tax effect of pre-tax items excluded from Adjusted net income available to common shareholders is computed using a corporate income tax rate after considering the impact of permanent differences and valuation allowances.
(8)
Consists of income net of income taxes from discontinued operations.
GAAP weighted-average diluted shares outstanding used in the Adjusted Diluted EPS calculation
(524)
(178.8)
Net (loss) income (GAAP)
(509)
(173.7)
51
40.2
Income tax (benefit) provision
(150)
(154.6)
257
228
12.7
59
27
84.4
225
777
(552)
(71.0)
31.8
(30.8)
33.3
Income from discontinued operations(8)
COVID-19 bad debt expense (5)
65
COVID-19 product donations and inventory adjustments(5)
40
44
42
4.8
474
859
(385)
(44.8)
(257)
(228)
(178)
(127)
(51)
(14)
(126)
(88.9)
378
(368)
(97.4)
(2.39)
(178.4)
0.18
0.13
30.0
0.06
(0.02)
(33.3)
0.30
0.07
0.20
0.19
5.3
Income tax impact of adjustments (7)
50.0
1.73
(1.68)
(97.1)
(639)
(19.1)
2,760
3,363
(603)
(17.9)
(19)
(0.7)
(316)
(260)
(56)
21.5
(39)
(44)
2,302
2,507
(205)
(8.2)
Includes: (i) Smart Foodservice acquisition and integration related costs of $20 million for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020; (ii) Food Group acquisition and integration related costs of $23 million and $35 million for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively; and (iii) gains, losses or costs as specified under the agreements governing our indebtedness.
GAAP weighted-average diluted shares outstanding used in the Adjusted Diluted EPS calculation.
Net Debt and Net Leverage Ratios
($ in millions, except ratios)
Total Debt (GAAP)
5,787
4,736
4,924
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(1,019)
Net Debt (Non-GAAP)
4,768
4,638
4,826
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
809
1,194
Net Leverage Ratio (2)
5.9
3.9
4.2
Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) Adjusted EBITDA
Net Debt/TTM Adjusted EBITDA
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201102005452/en/
INVESTOR CONTACT: Melissa Napier (847) 720-2767 melissa.napier@usfoods.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Sara Matheu (847) 720-2392 sara.matheu@usfoods.com
Source: US Foods