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Chefs’ Warehouse (NASDAQ: CHEF) posts Q1 2026 growth and raises outlook

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2026 results with net sales rising 11.4% to $1.06 billion, up from $950.7 million a year earlier. Growth was driven by higher organic volume, increased product penetration and contributions from acquisitions.

GAAP net income climbed to $17.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared with $10.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in first quarter 2025. Gross profit expanded to $257.4 million with margin improving to 24.3% as operating income margin increased to 3.1%.

Adjusted EBITDA rose to $60.1 million from $47.5 million. For full-year 2026, the company guides net sales to $4.35–$4.45 billion, gross profit of $1.053–$1.076 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $276–$286 million, indicating expectations of continued growth.

Positive

  • Strong top-line and profit growth: Q1 2026 net sales rose 11.4% to $1.06 billion, while GAAP net income increased to $17.4 million ($0.40 diluted EPS) and adjusted EBITDA expanded to $60.1 million, reflecting meaningful operating leverage and improved margins.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Chefs’ Warehouse posted double-digit Q1 growth and raised the bar with solid 2026 guidance.

Chefs’ Warehouse delivered an 11.4% jump in net sales to $1.06 billion, with organic sales up 10.4%. Profitability improved as gross margin reached 24.3% and operating income rose to $33.1 million, helped by higher volumes and better mix.

GAAP net income increased to $17.4 million and adjusted EBITDA to $60.1 million, showing leverage even as SG&A grew to support expansion. Cash flow from operations of $38.3 million and modest capital spending of $7.7 million left cash at $122.7 million against substantial long-term debt.

Full-year 2026 guidance targets net sales of $4.35–$4.45 billion, gross profit of $1.053–$1.076 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $276–$286 million. These ranges imply management expects the current growth and margin profile to persist despite noted risks such as cost inflation, competitive pressure and macro uncertainty.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net sales Q1 2026 $1.06 billion Thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2026; up 11.4% from $950.7 million
GAAP net income Q1 2026 $17.4 million Thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2026; versus $10.3 million prior-year quarter
Diluted EPS Q1 2026 $0.40 per share Thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2026; up from $0.25 per share
Adjusted EBITDA Q1 2026 $60.1 million Thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2026; compared to $47.5 million in Q1 2025
Gross margin Q1 2026 24.3% Thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2026; gross profit $257.4 million
Operating income margin Q1 2026 3.1% Operating income $33.1 million on $1.059 billion net sales
2026 net sales guidance $4.35–$4.45 billion Fiscal 2026 full-year outlook
2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance $276–$286 million Fiscal 2026 full-year outlook
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted EBITDA1 was $60.1 million for the first quarter of 2026"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"We present EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share, which are not measurements determined in accordance with GAAP"
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
duplicate rent financial
"Represents rent and occupancy costs expected to be incurred in connection with our facility consolidations while we are unable to use those facilities"
contingent earn-out liabilities financial
"Represents non-cash changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities related to our acquisitions"
convertible notes financial
"Dilutive effect of convertible notes | 6,494,970"
Convertible notes are a type of short-term loan that a company receives from investors, which can later be turned into company shares instead of being paid back in cash. They matter to investors because they offer a way to support a company early on while giving the potential to own a stake in its success if the company grows and later raises more funding.
effective tax rate financial
"The Company’s effective tax rate was 23.6% and 17.6% for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025"
The effective tax rate is the percentage of a company's profits that it pays in taxes. It shows how much of its earnings go to taxes after all deductions and credits are considered. For investors, it indicates how much of the company's income is taken by taxes, impacting overall profitability and financial health.
Net sales $1.06 billion +11.4% vs $950.7 million in Q1 2025
GAAP net income $17.4 million up from $10.3 million in Q1 2025
Diluted EPS $0.40 up from $0.25 in Q1 2025
Adjusted EBITDA $60.1 million up from $47.5 million in Q1 2025
Guidance

For fiscal 2026, the company guides net sales to $4.35–$4.45 billion, gross profit to $1.053–$1.076 billion, and adjusted EBITDA to $276–$286 million.

0001517175false00015171752023-02-152023-02-15

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 29, 2026
 
THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware001-3524920-3031526
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
100 East Ridge Road
Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 894-1345
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01CHEFThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  




Item 2.02.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
In a press release dated April 29, 2026 (the “Press Release”), The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) announced financial results for the Company’s thirteen weeks ended weeks ended March 27, 2026. The full text of the Press Release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

The information contained in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K (including Exhibit 99.1) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
 
Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d)  Exhibits.
 
Exhibit No. Description
99.1
 Press Release of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. dated April 29, 2026.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
 



































SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
  
 By: /s/ James Leddy
 Name:
Title:
James Leddy
Chief Financial Officer
 
Date:    April 29, 2026
 


Exhibit 99.1
  
The Chefs’ Warehouse Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Ridgefield, CT, April 29, 2026 - The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHEF) (the “Company” or “Chefs’”), a premier distributor of specialty food products in the United States, the Middle East, and Canada, today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 27, 2026.

Financial highlights for the first quarter of 2026:

Net sales increased 11.4% to $1.06 billion for the first quarter of 2026 from $950.7 million for the first quarter of 2025.
GAAP net income was $17.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $10.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025.
Adjusted net income per share1 was $0.40 for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $0.25 for the first quarter of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA1 was $60.1 million for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $47.5 million for the first quarter of 2025.

“First quarter 2026 business activity displayed typical seasonal cadence as revenue trends coming out of January increased steadily into February and March. Despite some volatility in business due to extreme weather events and the start of the conflict in the Middle East later in the quarter, our businesses continued to grow market share, delivering strong year-over-year growth in volume, product penetration, unique customers, revenue and profitability,” said Christopher Pappas, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Company. “I would like to thank all of Chefs’ Warehouse, from sales and operations to all the supporting functions, for delivering a great start to 2026. Our regional leadership and their teams continue to execute our strategy to leverage our investments and train the next generation of sales and operational talent. They are accelerating our long-term plan, as they grow deeper understanding of our customer base and become the ultimate specialty ingredient professionals, marrying technology with industry know how to become trusted advisors to the best chefs in the world.”

First Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results

Net sales for the first quarter of 2026 increased 11.4% to $1.06 billion from $950.7 million in the first quarter of 2025. Organic sales increased $98.3 million, or 10.4% versus the prior year quarter. Sales growth of $10.0 million, or 1.0%, resulted from acquisitions. Organic case count increased approximately 5.7% in the Company’s specialty category for the first quarter of 2026 with unique customer and placement increases of 1.9% and 6.2% respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2025. Organic pounds sold in the Company’s center-of-the-plate category increased approximately 6.2% for the first quarter of 2026 compared to the prior year quarter.

Gross profit increased 13.9% to $257.4 million for the first quarter of 2026 from $226.0 million for the first quarter of 2025. The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily a result of increased sales volumes, price inflation and acquisitions. Gross profit margins increased approximately 53 basis points to 24.3%. Gross profit margins increased 43 basis points in the Company’s specialty category and increased 110 basis points in the center-of-the-plate category.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately 10.5% to $224.1 million for the first quarter of 2026 from $202.8 million for the first quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher costs associated with compensation and benefits to support sales growth and higher depreciation expense driven by facility and fleet investments. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 21.2% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 21.3% in the first quarter of 2025.
1Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share are non-GAAP measures. Please see the schedules accompanying this earnings release for a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share to these measures’ most directly comparable GAAP measure.



Operating income for the first quarter of 2026 was $33.1 million compared to $22.7 million for the first quarter of 2025. The increase in operating income was driven primarily by higher gross profit, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses, as discussed above. As a percentage of net sales, operating income was 3.1% in the first quarter of 2026 as compared to 2.4% in the first quarter of 2025.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 23.6% and 17.6% for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025, respectively. Both quarters include the impact of a discrete item related to a tax benefit from the vesting of stock awards.

Net income for the first quarter of 2026 was $17.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to $10.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025.

Adjusted EBITDA1 was $60.1 million for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $47.5 million for the first quarter of 2025. For the first quarter of 2026, adjusted net income1 was $17.2 million, or $0.40 per diluted share compared to adjusted net income of $10.2 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2025.

2026 Guidance

We are providing our fiscal 2026 full year financial guidance as follows:

Net sales in the range of $4.35 billion to $4.45 billion,
Gross profit to be between $1.053 billion and $1.076 billion and
Adjusted EBITDA1 to be between $276 million and $286 million.

First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss first quarter 2026 financial results today at 8:30 a.m. ET. Hosting the call will be Chris Pappas, chairman and chief executive officer, and Jim Leddy, chief financial officer. The conference call will be webcast live from the Company’s investor relations website at http://investors.chefswarehouse.com. An online archive of the webcast will be available on the Company’s investor relations website.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share, as well as forecasted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA ranges, which are not measurements determined in accordance with the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), because we believe these measures provide additional metrics to evaluate our operations and our forecasted results and which we believe, when considered with both our GAAP results and the reconciliation to net income and net income available to common shareholders, provide a more complete understanding of our business than could be obtained absent this disclosure. We use EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share together with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as revenue and cash flows from operations, to assess our historical and prospective operating performance and to enhance our understanding of our core operating performance. The use of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share as performance measures permits a comparative assessment of our operating performance relative to our GAAP performance while isolating the effects of some items that vary from period to period without any correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies.








1EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share are non-GAAP measures. Please see the schedules accompanying this earnings release for a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share to these measures’ most directly comparable GAAP measure.
2


Other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently, and therefore our measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures should only be used as supplemental measures of our operating performance.

Please see the schedules accompanying this earnings release for a reconciliation of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share to these measures’ most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding the Company’s business that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements include, but are not limited to the following: our success depends to a significant extent upon general economic conditions, including disposable income levels and changes in consumer discretionary spending; the relatively low margins of our business, which are sensitive to inflationary and deflationary pressures and intense competition; changes in our credit profile and any effect they may have on our relationships with suppliers; the effects of rising costs for and/or decreases in supply of commodities, ingredients, packaging, other raw materials, distribution and labor; price reductions by our manufacturers of products that we sell which could cause the value of our inventory to decline or our customers to demand lower sales prices; fuel cost volatility and its impact on distribution, packaging and energy costs; our continued ability to promote our brand successfully, to anticipate and respond to new customer demands, and to develop new products and markets to compete effectively; our ability and the ability of our supply chain partners to continue to operate distribution centers and other work locations without material disruption, and to procure ingredients, packaging and other raw materials when needed despite disruptions in the supply chain or labor shortages; risks associated with the expansion of our business; our possible inability to identify new acquisitions or to integrate recent or future acquisitions, or our failure to realize anticipated revenue enhancements, cost savings or other synergies from recent or future acquisitions; other factors that affect the food industry generally, including: recalls if products become adulterated or misbranded, liability if product consumption causes injury, ingredient disclosure and labeling laws and regulations and the possibility that customers could lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain food products; new information or attitudes regarding diet and health or adverse opinions about the health effects of the products we distribute; dependence on independent certifications for products; changes in disposable income levels and consumer purchasing habits; competitors’ pricing practices and promotional spending levels; fluctuations in the level of our customers’ inventories and credit and other related business risks; and the risks associated with third-party suppliers, including the risk that any failure by one or more of our third-party suppliers to comply with food safety or other laws and regulations may disrupt our supply of raw materials or certain products or injure our reputation; our ability to recruit and retain senior management and a highly skilled and diverse workforce; unanticipated expenses, including, without limitation, litigation or legal settlement expenses, adverse judgments, or impairment charges; the cost and adequacy of our insurance policies; the impact and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics and the adverse impact thereof on our business, financial condition, and results of operations; economic and other developments, or events, including adverse weather conditions, in the culinary markets in which we operate; information technology system failures, cybersecurity incidents, or other disruptions to our use of technology and networks; our ability to realize the benefits we anticipate from investments in information technology; our ability to protect our intellectual property; significant governmental regulation and any potential failure to comply with such regulations; changing rules, public disclosure regulations and stakeholder expectations on ESG-related matters; federal, state, provincial and local tax rules in the United States and the foreign countries in which we operate, including tax reform and legislation; climate change, or the legal, regulatory or market measures being implemented to address climate change; the concentration of ownership among our existing executive officers, directors and their affiliates which may prevent new investors from influencing
3


significant corporate decisions; risks relating to our substantial indebtedness; our ability to raise additional capital and/or obtain debt or other financing, on commercially reasonable terms or at all; our ability to meet future cash requirements, including the ability to access financial markets effectively and maintain sufficient liquidity; the effects of currency movements in the jurisdictions in which we operate as compared to the U.S. dollar; and the effects of international trade disputes, tariffs, quotas and other import or export restrictions on our international procurement, sales and operations. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. A more detailed description of these and other risk factors is contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 24, 2026 and other reports filed by the Company with the SEC since that date. The Company is not undertaking to update any information until required by applicable laws. Any projections of future results of operations are based on a number of assumptions, many of which are outside the Company’s control and should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. These projections are subject to change and could differ materially from final reported results. The Company may from time to time update these publicly announced projections, but it is not obligated to do so.

About The Chefs’ Warehouse

The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (http://www.chefswarehouse.com) is a premier distributor of specialty food products in the United States, the Middle East and Canada focused on serving the specific needs of chefs who own and/or operate some of the nation’s leading menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolateries, cruise lines, casinos and specialty food stores. The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. carries and distributes more than 90,000 products to more than 55,000 customer locations throughout the United States, the Middle East and Canada.

Contact:
Investor Relations
Jim Leddy, CFO, (718) 684-8415

4


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited; in thousands except share amounts and per share data)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2026March 28, 2025
Net sales$1,059,010 $950,748 
Cost of sales801,642 724,753 
Gross profit257,368 225,995 
Selling, general and administrative expenses224,145 202,763 
Other operating expenses, net89 497 
Operating income33,134 22,735 
Interest expense10,396 10,253 
Income before income taxes22,738 12,482 
Provision for income tax expense5,371 2,194 
Net income$17,367 $10,288 
Net income per share:  
Basic$0.45 $0.27 
Diluted$0.40 $0.25 
Numerator:
Net income$17,367 $10,288 
Add effect of dilutive securities:
Interest on convertible notes, net of tax1,192 1,212 
Net income available to common shareholders$18,559 $11,500 
Denominator:
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding38,795,537 38,695,791 
Dilutive effect of unvested common shares, stock options and warrants788,792 900,680 
Dilutive effect of convertible notes6,494,970 6,494,970 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding46,079,299 46,091,441 

5


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited; in thousands)
 March 27, 2026December 26, 2025
Cash and cash equivalents$122,709 $120,982 
Accounts receivable, net377,354 392,374 
Inventories364,037 385,722 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets66,833 70,811 
Total current assets930,933 969,889 
Property and equipment, net345,416 342,019 
Operating lease right-of-use assets207,833 205,270 
Goodwill362,684 362,742 
Intangible assets, net131,644 137,310 
Other assets11,257 10,777 
Total assets$1,989,767 $2,028,007 
Accounts payable$233,025 $275,622 
Accrued liabilities84,135 78,458 
Short-term operating lease liabilities25,008 24,832 
Accrued compensation56,045 66,350 
Current portion of long-term debt29,528 28,197 
Total current liabilities427,741 473,459 
Long-term debt, net of current portion720,902 720,333 
Operating lease liabilities202,749 201,542 
Deferred taxes, net23,767 22,424 
Other liabilities5,977 5,940 
Total liabilities1,381,136 1,423,698 
Common stock408 407 
Additional paid in capital400,620 405,020 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2,988)(2,763)
Retained earnings210,591 201,645 
Stockholders’ equity608,631 604,309 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,989,767 $2,028,007 

6


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited; in thousands)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2026March 28, 2025
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net income$17,367 $10,288 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment14,788 12,244 
Amortization of intangible assets5,651 6,094 
Provision for allowance for credit losses5,287 2,702 
Deferred income tax provision 1,306 205 
Stock compensation5,290 4,763 
Non-cash interest and other operating activities(273)1,316 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:  
Accounts receivable9,666 27,826 
Inventories21,582 (774)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets3,619 4,115 
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued compensation(45,442)(19,591)
Other assets and liabilities(583)378 
Net cash provided by operating activities38,258 49,566 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Capital expenditures(7,699)(12,344)
Net cash used in investing activities(7,699)(12,344)
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Payment of debt and other financing obligations(5,750)(750)
Payment of finance leases(4,953)(3,253)
Common stock repurchases(10,003)— 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options2,041 — 
Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxes(10,112)(11,409)
Payments under asset-based loan facility— (20,000)
Net cash used in financing activities(28,777)(35,412)
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents(55)65 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents1,727 1,875 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period120,982 114,655 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$122,709 $116,530 
7


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
(unaudited; in thousands)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2026March 28, 2025
Net income$17,367 $10,288 
Interest expense10,396 10,253 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment14,788 12,244 
Amortization of intangible assets5,651 6,094 
Provision for income tax expense5,371 2,194 
EBITDA (1)53,573 41,073 
Adjustments:  
Stock compensation (2)5,290 4,763 
Other operating expenses, net (3)89 497 
Duplicate rent (4)1,144 953 
Moving expenses (5)— 197 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)$60,096 $47,483 

1.See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of the press release.
2.Represents non-cash stock compensation expense associated with awards of restricted shares of our common stock and stock options to our key employees and our independent directors.
3.Represents non-cash changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities related to our acquisitions, non-cash charges related to asset disposals, asset impairments, including intangible asset impairment charges, certain third-party deal costs incurred in connection with our acquisitions or financing arrangements and certain other costs.
4.Represents rent and occupancy costs expected to be incurred in connection with our facility consolidations while we are unable to use those facilities.
5.Represents moving expenses for the consolidation and expansion of several of our distribution facilities.


8


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND
ADJUSTED NET INCOME PER SHARE
(unaudited; in thousands except share amounts and per share data)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2026March 28, 2025
Net income$17,367 $10,288 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to adjusted net income (1):  
Other operating expenses, net (2)89 497 
Duplicate rent (3)1,144 953 
Moving expenses (4)— 197 
Debt modification and extinguishment expenses (5)655 — 
Tax effect of adjustments (6)(2,017)(1,762)
Total adjustments(129)(115)
Adjusted net income (1)$17,238 $10,173 
Diluted adjusted net income per common share (1)$0.40 $0.25 
Numerator:
Adjusted net income (1)$17,238 $10,173 
Add effect of dilutive securities:
Interest on convertible notes, net of tax1,192 1,212 
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders$18,430 $11,385 
Denominator:
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding38,795,537 38,695,791 
Dilutive effect of unvested common shares, stock options and warrants788,792 900,680 
Dilutive effect of convertible notes6,494,970 6,494,970 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding46,079,299 46,091,441 

1.See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of the press release.

2.Represents non-cash changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities related to our acquisitions, non-cash charges related to asset disposals, asset impairments, including intangible asset impairment charges, certain third-party deal costs incurred in connection with our acquisitions or financing arrangements and certain other costs.

3.Represents rent and occupancy costs expected to be incurred in connection with our facility consolidations while we are unable to use those facilities.

4.Represents moving expenses for the consolidation and expansion of several of our distribution facilities.

5.Represents debt modification costs, extinguishment costs and interest expense related to the write-off of certain deferred financing fees related to our credit agreements.

6.Represents the adjustments to the tax provision values to reflect a normalized annual effective tax rate on adjusted pretax earnings of 30.0% and 28.0% for the first quarters of 2026 and 2025, respectively.
9


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA GUIDANCE FOR FISCAL 2026
(unaudited; in thousands)
 Low-End GuidanceHigh-End Guidance
Net income:$88,000 $92,000 
Provision for income tax expense34,000 36,000 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment85,000 87,000 
Interest expense41,000 42,000 
EBITDA (1)248,000 257,000 
Adjustments:  
Stock compensation (2)23,500 24,000 
Duplicate rent (3)3,500 3,500 
Other operating expenses (4)1,000 1,500 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)$276,000 $286,000 
 
1.See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of the press release.

2.Represents non-cash stock compensation expense associated with awards of restricted shares of our common stock and stock options to our key employees and our independent directors.

3.Represents rent and occupancy costs expected to be incurred in connection with our facility consolidations while we are unable to use those facilities.

4.Represents non-cash changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities related to our acquisitions, non-cash charges related to asset disposals, asset impairments, including intangible asset impairment charges, certain third-party deal costs incurred in connection with our acquisitions or financing arrangements, moving expenses for the consolidation and expansion of several of our distribution facilities and certain other costs.



10

FAQ

How did The Chefs’ Warehouse (CHEF) perform in Q1 2026?

The Chefs’ Warehouse delivered solid Q1 2026 results, with net sales rising 11.4% to $1.06 billion. GAAP net income increased to $17.4 million and diluted EPS reached $0.40, supported by higher volumes, better margins and disciplined cost control.

What were Chefs’ Warehouse’s key profitability metrics for Q1 2026?

Profitability improved as gross profit reached $257.4 million and gross margin rose to 24.3%. Operating income increased to $33.1 million, or 3.1% of net sales, while adjusted EBITDA climbed to $60.1 million, up from $47.5 million a year earlier.

What fiscal 2026 guidance did Chefs’ Warehouse provide?

For fiscal 2026, Chefs’ Warehouse projects net sales of $4.35–$4.45 billion, gross profit between $1.053–$1.076 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of $276–$286 million. This guidance reflects management’s expectations for continued revenue growth and sustained profitability throughout the year.

How did Chefs’ Warehouse’s Q1 2026 results compare to Q1 2025?

Compared with Q1 2025, net sales increased from $950.7 million to $1.06 billion, and GAAP net income rose from $10.3 million to $17.4 million. Diluted EPS improved from $0.25 to $0.40, while adjusted EBITDA advanced from $47.5 million to $60.1 million.

What drove Chefs’ Warehouse’s revenue growth in Q1 2026?

Q1 2026 revenue growth came mainly from strong organic performance, with organic sales up 10.4% and additional $10.0 million from acquisitions. The company reported higher case and pound volumes, more unique customers, and greater product placement across specialty and center-of-the-plate categories.

What is Chefs’ Warehouse’s cash and debt position after Q1 2026?

At March 27, 2026, Chefs’ Warehouse held $122.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and reported long-term debt of $720.9 million plus $29.5 million current portion. Cash from operating activities was $38.3 million, and capital expenditures totaled $7.7 million in the quarter.

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