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CHEF 
The Chefs Warehouse Inc (CHEF)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
12/18/2025: CHEF (1-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
7 Analysts rated it
Limited analyst coverage, niche firm, research info may be scarce.
1 Year Target Price $76.12
1 Year Target Price $76.12
| 6 | Strong Buy |
| 1 | Buy |
| 0 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 3.81% | Avg. Invested days 37 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 12/18/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 2.59B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 37.09 | 1Y Target Price 76.12 |
Price to earnings Ratio 37.09 | 1Y Target Price 76.12 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 7 | Beta 1.3 | 52 Weeks Range 45.00 - 68.94 | Updated Date 12/18/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 45.00 - 68.94 | Updated Date 12/18/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 1.71 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 1.85% | Operating Margin (TTM) 3.81% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 5.01% | Return on Equity (TTM) 14.12% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 37.09 | Forward PE 29.41 | Enterprise Value 3505545656 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.64 |
Enterprise Value 3505545656 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.64 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.87 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 15.72 | Shares Outstanding 40685549 | Shares Floating 36273201 |
Shares Outstanding 40685549 | Shares Floating 36273201 | ||
Percent Insiders 11.23 | Percent Institutions 97.1 |
Upturn AI SWOT
The Chefs Warehouse Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. was founded in 1975 by Christopher L. Pappas. It began as a specialty food distributor serving the New York metropolitan area. Over the years, the company has grown through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, broadening its product offering and geographic reach to become a leading distributor of specialty food products to the foodservice industry.
Core Business Areas
- Specialty Food Products Distribution: The company's primary business is the distribution of a wide array of specialty food products. This includes dry goods, dairy and related products, frozen foods, and artisanal ingredients catering to the unique needs of chefs and restaurateurs.
- Equipment and Supplies: In addition to food products, The Chefs' Warehouse also distributes a selection of kitchenware, tabletop items, and other restaurant supplies, offering a more comprehensive solution for its customers.
Leadership and Structure
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. is led by a management team responsible for its strategic direction and operational execution. The organizational structure is typically hierarchical, with departments dedicated to sales, operations, procurement, finance, and administration. Key leadership roles include CEO, CFO, and heads of various divisions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Artisan Ingredients: Includes high-quality oils, vinegars, spices, grains, and other unique ingredients sourced globally. Competitors include larger broadline distributors and other specialty food importers.
- Specialty Dairy and Cheese: Offers a curated selection of artisanal cheeses, butter, cream, and other dairy products. Competitors include national dairy suppliers and other specialty cheese distributors.
- Exotic Meats and Seafood: Provides a range of unique and high-quality proteins. Competitors include specialized meat and seafood purveyors.
- Frozen Specialty Foods: Includes items like foie gras, pu00e2tu00e9s, and other frozen gourmet products. Competitors are other specialty food distributors and frozen food manufacturers.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The specialty food distribution industry is characterized by a fragmented market with a growing demand for unique, high-quality, and ethically sourced ingredients. Key trends include the rise of farm-to-table movements, increasing consumer interest in global cuisines, and the demand for convenience and specialized dietary options.
Positioning
The Chefs' Warehouse positions itself as a premium provider of specialty food products, emphasizing quality, service, and a broad selection that caters to the needs of professional chefs and high-end restaurants. Its competitive advantages lie in its extensive product portfolio, strong supplier relationships, and established distribution network.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for the foodservice distribution industry in the US is substantial, estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The specialty food segment within this market is growing at a faster pace. The Chefs' Warehouse, while a significant player in the specialty niche, represents a smaller portion of the overall foodservice distribution TAM, with substantial room for growth.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Extensive and diverse product portfolio of specialty food items.
- Strong relationships with high-quality suppliers globally.
- Established distribution network across key metropolitan areas.
- Reputation for quality and service among professional chefs.
- Experienced management team with deep industry knowledge.
Weaknesses
- Higher cost structure compared to broadline distributors.
- Potential vulnerability to supply chain disruptions for niche products.
- Dependence on the health of the foodservice industry, particularly high-end restaurants.
- Limited brand recognition outside of the culinary professional sphere.
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets.
- Growth in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels for certain products.
- Increasing consumer demand for plant-based and sustainable food options.
- Acquisition of smaller specialty distributors to expand market share and product offerings.
- Partnerships with food bloggers, influencers, and culinary schools.
Threats
- Intensifying competition from both specialty and broadline distributors.
- Economic downturns impacting restaurant spending.
- Rising ingredient costs and inflation.
- Changes in consumer dining habits (e.g., shifts towards home cooking or fast-casual).
- Food safety regulations and potential recalls.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Sysco Corporation (SYY)
- US Foods Holding Corp. (USFD)
- Performance Food Group Company (PFGC)
Competitive Landscape
The Chefs' Warehouse competes in a market dominated by large, broadline distributors like Sysco, US Foods, and PFG. While these giants offer a wider range of products and services, The Chefs' Warehouse differentiates itself by focusing on a curated selection of high-quality, niche specialty ingredients and providing personalized service to its customer base, particularly in the fine dining segment. Its smaller scale allows for greater agility in sourcing unique products.
Major Acquisitions
Baton Rouge Food Service
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions):
- Strategic Rationale: Acquired to expand geographic reach in the Gulf Coast region and enhance its specialty product offerings.
Deluxe Food Company
- Year: 2020
- Acquisition Price (USD millions):
- Strategic Rationale: Acquired to strengthen its presence in the New York metropolitan area and broaden its portfolio of specialty ingredients.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: The Chefs' Warehouse has demonstrated consistent revenue growth over the past decade, driven by market expansion, product diversification, and strategic acquisitions. Profitability has also seen an upward trend, albeit with some fluctuations related to economic conditions and operational costs.
Future Projections: Analysts generally project continued revenue growth for The Chefs' Warehouse, driven by ongoing demand for specialty foods and the company's strategic initiatives. Profitability is expected to improve as economies of scale are realized and operational efficiencies are enhanced. Growth in specific segments like plant-based and sustainable products is also anticipated.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives may include efforts to enhance supply chain resilience, expand digital capabilities for ordering and customer engagement, and focus on sustainable sourcing and product development to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Summary
The Chefs' Warehouse Inc. is a strong niche player in the specialty food distribution market, with a robust product offering and established customer relationships. Its focus on quality and unique ingredients provides a competitive edge. However, it faces significant competition from larger distributors and is subject to economic fluctuations impacting the foodservice industry. Continued expansion, operational efficiency, and adaptation to evolving culinary trends are crucial for sustained growth.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Annual Reports (10-K filings)
- Company Quarterly Reports (10-Q filings)
- Financial News and Analysis Websites (e.g., Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg)
- Industry Research Reports
Disclaimers:
This JSON output is generated based on publicly available information and AI analysis. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions. Market share data and acquisition prices may be estimates or based on available reporting and can vary. Numerical data is presented for ease of graphical representation.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About The Chefs Warehouse Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Ridgefield, CT, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2011-07-28 | Founder, Chairman, CEO & President Mr. Christopher Pappas | ||
Sector Consumer Defensive | Industry Food Distribution | Full time employees 5029 | Website https://www.chefswarehouse.com |
Full time employees 5029 | Website https://www.chefswarehouse.com | ||
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes specialty food and center-of-the-plate products in the United States, the Middle East, and Canada. It offers includes specialty food products, such as artisan charcuterie, specialty cheeses, unique oils and vinegars, truffles, caviar, chocolate, and pastry products; and center-of-the-plate products consisting of custom cut beef, seafood, and hormone-free poultry, as well as broadline food products comprising cooking oils, butter, eggs, milk, and flour. The company serves menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, cruise lines, casinos, and specialty food stores. It markets its center-of-the-plate products directly to consumers through a mail and e-commerce platform. The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
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