Q4 2021 US Foods Holding Corp Earnings Call

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Ladies and gentlemen, todays conference scheduled to begin shortly please continue to standby. Thank you for your patience again, ladies and gentlemen, todays conference scheduled to begin shortly please continue to standby. Thank you for your patience.

Speaker 1: Ladies and gentlemen, today's conference scheduled to begin shortly. Please continue to stand by. Thank you for your patience. Again, ladies and gentlemen, today's conference scheduled to begin shortly. Please continue to stand by. Thank you for your patience.

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Speaker 2: Hello, this is Melissa Napier from U.S. Foods. Thank you everyone for joining our call today. We will have a bit of a delay before we are able to start our prepared remarks. This morning we noticed that there was an inadvertent error.

Hello. This is Melissa Napier from U S foods. Thank you everyone for joining our call today, we will have a bit of a delay before we are able to start our prepared remarks. This morning, we noticed that there was an inadvertent error that was included in the press release.

Speaker 3: Hello, this is Melissa Napier from U.S. Foods. Thank you everyone for joining our call today. We will have a bit of a delay before we are able to start our prepared remarks. This morning we noticed that there was an inadvertent error that was included in the press release that we released this morning, and so we are waiting to update that press release. The error is in our press release.

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Our fiscal 2022 guidance for our adjusted diluted EPS and so we would rather wait for that release to hit the wire before we start our prepared remarks. So we ask for everyone's patience and we will be probably back on the call and ready to start in about 10 minutes. Thank you.

Speaker 3: fiscal 2022 guidance for our adjusted diluted EPS. And so we would rather wait for that release to hit the wire before we start our prepared remarks. So we ask for everyone's patience, and we will be probably back on the call and ready to start in about 10 minutes. Thank you again.

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Speaker 1: Good day and thank you for standing by and welcome to the US Food's fourth quarter earnings call. At this time, all participants are in a lesson only mode.

Good day, and thank you for standing by and welcome to the U S Foods fourth quarter earnings call. At this time all participants are in a listen only mode. After the speaker presentation that will be a question and answer session to ask a question. During this session you will need to press star one on your telephone please be advised.

Speaker 1: After this speaker presentation, there will be a question and answer session. If you ask a question during the session, you will need to press star 1 on your telephone. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. If you require any further assistance, please press star 0.

Today's conference is being recorded.

You require any further assistance. Please press star zero I would now like to hand, the conference over to your speaker today Melissa Napier. Please go ahead.

Speaker 1: I would not lack the hand of conference over your speaker today. Melissa Napier, please.

Thank you and thank you everyone for your patience and we sincerely apologize for the delay it took a bit longer than we had initially anticipated, but we are excited to get into today's commentary and talk about the overview of our results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2021 .

Speaker 3: Thank you and thank you everyone for your patience. We sincerely apologize for the delay. It took a bit longer than we had initially anticipated, but we are excited to get into today's commentary and talk about the overview of our results for the fourth quarter in fiscal year 2021.

Speaker 3: and also provide commentary on our outlook for fiscal 2022 and 2024.

And also provide commentary on our outlook for fiscal 'twenty, 'twenty, two and 'twenty 'twenty, four and talk a bit about our 'twenty 'twenty four long range plan as usual, we'll take your questions. After our prepared remarks conclude and given the delay in the time of the start of the call Pietro and Dirk will be happy to spend.

Speaker 3: and talk a bit about our 2024 long range plan.

Speaker 3: As usual, we'll take your questions after our prepared remarks conclude and given the delay and the time of the start of the call, Peter and Dirk will be happy to spend a bit of extra time on the call to be sure that all questions are answered.

A bit of extra time on the call to be sure that all questions are answered.

Speaker 3: Our earnings release issued early this morning, and today's presentation slides can be accessed on the Investor Relations page of our website. That information should be updated. During today's call and unless otherwise stated, we're comparing fourth quarter and fiscal 2021 results to the same time period in fiscal year 2020.

Our earnings release issued early this morning, and today's presentation slides can be accessed on the Investor Relations page of our website that information should be updated.

During today's call and unless otherwise stated, we're comparing fourth quarter and fiscal 2021 results to the same time period in fiscal year 2020.

Speaker 3: In addition to historical information, certain statements made during today's call are considered forward-looking statements.

In addition to historical information certain statements made during today's call are considered forward looking statements. Please review the risk factors in our most recent Form 10-K for a detailed discussion of those potential factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these statements and lastly.

Speaker 3: Please review the risk factors in our most recent form 10K for detailed discussion of those potential factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the statement.

Speaker 3: And lastly, during today's call, we will refer to certain non- GAAP financial measures. All reconcilations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the schedules on our earnings release, as well as in the appendices to the presentation slides that are posted on the website. As noted, we're not providing reconcilations to forward looking non- GAAP financial measures.

During today's call, we will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures all reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the schedules on our earnings release as well as in the appendices to the presentation slides that are posted on the web side as noted we're not providing reconciliations to forward looking non-GAAP financial.

Sure.

Speaker 3: Now I'd like to turn the call over to Pietro. Thanks Melissa, good morning everyone and apologies as well for the delay, especially on a day where we've got so much to cover. So let's get into it. As you heard us say on the last call, our plans to drive continued value creation are centered on delivering against three financial outcomes.

Now I'd like to turn the call over to Pietro.

Thanks, Melissa good morning, everyone and apologies as well for the delay, especially on a day, where we've got so much to cover so let's get into it.

As you heard us say on the last call. Our plans to drive continued value creation are centered on delivering against three financial outcomes profitably grow share expand gross margin and drive operational efficiencies in 'twenty 'twenty. One we made solid progress against those outcomes in the face of continued headwinds impacting.

Speaker 4: Profitably grow share, expand gross margin, and drive operational efficiency.

Speaker 4: In 2021, we made solid progress against those outcomes in the face of continued headwinds impacting the industry, and our results in the fourth quarter clearly demonstrate the impact of these efforts.

The industry and our results in the fourth quarter clearly demonstrate the impact of these efforts today, we will present, our long range plan against those same financial outcomes. The plan covers the period from 2022 to 'twenty 'twenty four and is anchored on the following strategy setting ourselves apart unreliable service and fresh quality.

Speaker 4: Today, we will present our long-range plan against those same financial outcomes. The plan covers the period from 2022 to 2024 and is anchored on the following strategy. Setting ourselves apart on reliable service and fresh quality, continuing to offer differentiated solutions that help our customers make it. Be it innovative products, digital commerce, expert resources, and the only true omnichannel offering in our industry.

<unk> continuing to offer differentiated solutions that help our customers make it be it innovative products digital commerce expert resources and the only true omni channel offering in our industry.

Speaker 4: And lastly bringing an intense focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency.

And lastly, bringing an intense focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency.

Joining me for that discussion will be Andrew reactive Buchi, Chief commercial officer, and Bill Hancock, Chief supply chain Officer.

Speaker 4: Joining me for that discussion will be Andrew Yakubuchi, Chief Commercial Officer, and Bill Hancock, Chief Supply Channel.

The board and I have a high degree of confidence that our plan will deliver against the targets we are sharing today.

Speaker 4: The board and I have a high degree of confidence that our plan will deliver against the targets we are sharing.

So let me go to the takeaways for today's call, which are summarized on slide two first.

Speaker 4: Let me go to the takeaways for today's call, which are summarized on slide two.

Speaker 4: First, fourth quarter results were in line with the expectations that we outlined on our third quarter call. Strong execution resulted in a 58% increase in adjusted beta compared to fourth quarter 2020.

First first fourth quarter results.

In line with the expectations that we outlined on our third quarter call strong execution resulted in a 58% increase in adjusted EBITDA compared to fourth quarter 2020.

Second throughout 2021 we continued to take actions that solidify the foundation of the business and put in place a new operating model that underpins. Our recent performance and gives us great confidence in our ability to grow EBITDA from here.

Speaker 4: Second, throughout 2021, we continue to take actions that solidify the foundation of the business and put in place a new operating model that underpins our recent performance and gives us great confidence in our ability to grow EBITDA from here. And third, we are presenting a long-range plan that generates $1.7 billion in adjusted EBITDA in 2024. This plan reflects a combination of initiatives that are underway and the continued recovery of our end.

And third we are presenting a long range plan that generates $1 7 billion and adjusted EBITDA in 2020 for this plan reflects a combination of initiatives that are underway and the continued recovery of our industry.

Let's move to slide three with a brief review of our 2021 highlights.

Speaker 4: Let's move to slide three with a brief review of our 2021 Hyrule.

Starting with the first pillar of profitable market share gains, which increased across all target customer types.

Speaker 4: Starting with the first pillar of possible market share gains, which increased across all target customers.

Speaker 4: The biggest increase came in nationally managed business, which includes healthcare, hospitality, and national and regional change.

The biggest thing the biggest increase came in nationally managed business, which includes health care hospitality and national and regional change. The team has won approximately $1 billion of new business over the last two years net of optimizing lower margin business on.

Speaker 4: The team has won approximately $1 billion in new business over the last two years, net of optimizing lower margin business.

Speaker 4: on the independent restaurant side. We also saw you on your market.

On the rest on the independent restaurant side, we also saw year on year market share gains.

Speaker 4: Contributing to our share gains was a solid service funding.

Shifting to our share gains was a solid service foundation based on monthly research with 4000 customers. Our net promoter score on service indicate that we are fairing same or better than our major competitors are differentiated offerings and continued enhancements to our digital strategy also contributed to our market share gains are good example of which is our.

Speaker 4: Based on monthly research with 4,000 customers, our net promoter score on service indicate that we are faring same or better than our major competitors. Our differentiated offerings and continued enhancements to our digital strategy also contributed to our market share gate.

Speaker 4: A good example of which is our online marketplace or US Foods Direct, which thought a sales increase a fourfold year on year. Moving to the second pillar.

Online marketplace or us foods, direct which saw a sales increase of four fold year on year.

Moving to the second pillar of optimizing gross margins.

Speaker 4: This is where we had the greatest success. With gross profit per case, the highest it has been since 2016.

This is where we had the greatest success with gross profit per case, the highest it has been since 2016.

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Speaker 4: where our continued efforts to optimize our portfolio of customers, we drove 110 basis point increase in private grant penetration compared to the same quarter a year ago. And we continue to successfully pass on inflation to both contract and non-contract customers.

Where our continued efforts to optimize our portfolio of customers.

We drove 110 basis point increase in private brand penetration compared to the same quarter a year ago, and we continue to successfully pass on inflation to both contract and non contract customers.

The third pillar operational efficiency is where we are intensely focused.

Speaker 4: The third pillar, operational efficiency, is where we are intensely focused.

On selling and administrative expenses, we fully realized the cost saves we put in place in August 2020, aside from Reinvestments in our sales force.

Speaker 4: On selling an administrative expenses, we fully realize the cost stays we put in place in August 2020, aside from reinvestments in ourselves.

Speaker 4: Distribution cost per case has been significantly impacted by industry-wide staffing and turnover challenges, and higher than historical wage increases that every company has faced.

Distribution cost per case has been significantly impacted by industry wide staffing and turnover challenges and higher than historical wage increases that every company has faced our goal overtime is to completely offset the headwinds on distribution cost per case through a combination of gross margin optimization.

Speaker 4: Our goal over time is to completely offset the headwinds on distribution costs per case through a combination of gross margin optimization and productivity initiatives.

And productivity initiatives.

Speaker 4: Over the last three months, as a result of our efforts, we've seen turnover improve, and we've reduced the time to full productivity for new selectors, which ultimately will result in lower cost.

Over the last three months as a result of our efforts we've seen turnover improve and we've reduced the time to full productivity for new selectors, which ultimately will result in lower costs and.

And lastly, we made changes to strengthen our leadership in almost one third of our distribution centers.

Speaker 4: And lastly, we may change his to strengthen our leadership in almost one-third of our distributions.

Speaker 4: Yet the biggest foundational change we made was to our operating model, reducing the number of regions to four, and creating operations and commercial excellence teams, dedicated to driving standardization more effectively, and more quickly than before. We already seeing the results, as illustrated by our 15% reduction in assortment last year.

Yes, the biggest foundational change we made was to our operating model, reducing the number of regions before and creating operations and commercial excellence teams dedicated to driving standardization more effectively and more quickly than before we are already seeing the results as illustrated by a 15% reduction in assortment last year.

I will now turn to our 2020 for long range plan a plan that has been developed over the course of last year.

Speaker 4: I will now turn to our 2024 long-range plan. A plan that has been developed over the course of last year.

The plant is expected to increase EBITDA to $1 $7 billion in 2024.

Speaker 4: The plan is expected to increase EBITDA to $1.7 billion in 2024.

650 million over increase over 2021, and 220 $250 million of our 2019 pro forma.

Speaker 4: 650 million over increase over 2021 and 220 250 million over 2019 perform

Speaker 4: that the synchrist comes from a combination of volume growth and EBITAB marginics.

This increase comes from a combination of volume growth and EBITDA margin expansion.

Speaker 4: The initiatives you see here represent the most significant ones, and our combination of programs that have successfully created shareholder value in the past with some new initiatives, which we've been piloting this year.

The initiatives you see here represent the most significant ones and are a combination of programs that have successfully created shareholder value in the past with some new initiatives, which we've been piloting this year.

I will introduce each of the pillars and ask my colleagues to elaborate on some of the newer ones.

Speaker 4: I will introduce each of the pillars and ask my colleagues to elaborate on some of the newer ones.

Speaker 4: starting with profitable market share, which we expect to account for roughly 40% of the EBITDA growth.

Starting with profitable market share, which we expect to account for roughly 40% of EBITDA growth.

Profitable growth starts by offering reliable consistent service and consistent quality on fresh our customer research indicates that no broad liner does this consistently well which is why we see this as a big opportunity reliable service and quality then enables us to engage customers on those differentiated solutions that true.

Speaker 4: Profitable growth starts by offering reliable, consistent service and consistent quality on fresh. Our customer research indicates that no broadliner does this consistently well, which is why we see this as a big opportunity.

Speaker 4: reliable service and quality then enables us to engage customers on those differentiated solutions that truly set us apart and that fueled our consistent market share gains heading into the pandemic.

Really set us apart and are fueled our consistent market share gains heading into the pandemic and.

And last but not least our omnichannel offering consisting of chef store and us foods direct both of which have enormous growth potential that we are investing in after opening two stores. In 2021, we are set to accelerate our store opening program, having secured the real estate to open four to six stores in 2022.

Speaker 4: And last but not least, our omni-channel offering, consisting of Chef Store and U.S. Foods Direct, both of which have enormous growth potential that we are investing in.

Speaker 4: After opening two stores in 2021, we are set to accelerate our store opening program, having secured the real estate to open four to six stores in 2022.

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Turning next to the pillar of gross margin, which we expect to generate around 40% of the EBITDA growth.

Speaker 4: Turning next to the pillar of gross margin, which we expect to generate around 40% of the EBITDA.

Speaker 4: Optimizing gross margin is an area in which we have excelled over the years, generating an 83 basis point increase, excluding acquisitions, in the four years leading to COVID, through some of the programs that you see here.

Optimizing gross margin is an area in which we have excelled over the years generating an 83 basis point increase excluding acquisitions and the four years, leading to COVID-19 through some of the programs that you see here.

I'm now going to call on Andrey ACA buchi to highlight to give you a highlight or two from each of the market share and gross margin pillars. Andrew was appointed Chief Commercial officer in April 2021, he joined as Chief merchant in 2017 and is responsible for a significant portion of the gross margin expansion over that period.

Speaker 4: I'm now going to call on Andrew Iacobucci to give you a highlight or two from each of the market share and gross margin pillars. Andrew was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in April 2021. He joined as Chief Merchant in 2017 and is responsible for a significant portion of the gross margin expansion over that period. Andrew, over to you.

Andrew over to you.

Thank you Pietro and good morning, all as.

Speaker 5: Thank you, Pietro, and good morning all. As Pietro mentioned, the commercial roadmap is focused on driving profitable market share growth and margin expansion. And I'll highlight a few of the medium-term areas of focus under these pillars.

As Pietro mentioned, the commercial roadmap is focused on driving profitable market share growth and margin expansion and I'll highlight a few of the medium term areas of focus under these pillars.

The first under profitable market share is fresh leadership, which means taking advantage of an opportunity we see to stake out a clear leadership position in COPD and produce among our broad line peers.

Speaker 5: means taking advantage of an opportunity we see to stake out a clear leadership position in COP and produce among our broad line peers.

Speaker 5: By leveraging the sourcing scale and expertise in AmeriFresh and Ameristar, we are driving high single-digit improvements to cost of goods along with consistently high-quality product and innovative assortment.

Leveraging the sourcing scale and expertise in a matter of fresh and <unk>.

We're driving high single digit improvements to cost of goods, along with consistently high quality product and innovative assortment.

In mid 2021, we launched fresh check which is a 27 point produce inspection program that has yielded a double digit improvement in product drove this performance in our pilot markets. Both C O P and produce drive significant increments already and customer loyalty customer research reveals an inconsistent proteus.

Speaker 5: In mid-2021, we launched Fresh Check, which is a 27-point produce inspection program that has yielded a double-digit improvement in product produce performance in our pilot mark.

Speaker 5: Both COP and produce drive significant incrementality and customer loyalty. Customer research reveals that inconsistent produce quality is the number one reason the customers choose to source from multiple suppliers.

Quality is the number one reason.

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Speaker 5: and delivering high quality fresh is equally important to distributor selection in the first.

And delivering high quality fresh is equally important to distributor selection in the first place.

The second area of focus is strategic vendor management, which entail strengthening our key vendor partnerships to ensure we're delivering best in class service and cost of goods.

Speaker 5: The second area focus is strategic vendor management, which entails strengthening our key vendor partnerships to ensure we're delivering best in class service and cost of goods.

Speaker 5: In a world of inflation, more and more opportunities have emerged for us to improve our cost position, and we plan to pursue those by leveraging our scale all the while balancing the need to take advantage of newly formed regional or smaller player relationships that have flourished in today's supply- constrained environment.

World of inflation more and more opportunities have emerged for us to improve our cost position and we plan to pursue those by leveraging our scale all the while balancing the need to take advantage of newly formed regional or smaller player relationships that have flourished in today's supply constrained environment.

A key lever for U S foods, which when combined with the right supplier value proposition creates sizable cost of goods opportunities.

Speaker 5: Scales are key lever for US foods, which when combined with the right supplier value proposition creates sizable cost of goods opportunities. Strategic Bender Man.

Strategic vendor management is a proven process for us.

Speaker 5: consistent meaningful year-over-year improvement over the past several years. And our recent learnings have only increased this momentum as evidenced by mid-single-digit cogs improvement.

<unk> meaningful year over year improvement over the past several years and our recent learnings have only increased this momentum as evidenced by mid single digit Cogs improvement in recent negotiations.

The last focus area I would like to mentioned is margin enhancement through next generation pricing.

Speaker 5: The last focus area I'd like to mention is margin enhancement through next generation price.

We recently announced a partnership with resilient our market, leading pricing platform that allows us to be more responsive to market changes, but dynamically optimizing prices based on over a dozen different inputs to drive margin or volume as appropriate.

Speaker 5: we recently announced the partnership with Zilliant, a market leading pricing platform that allows us to be more responsive to market changes by dynamically optimizing prices based on over a dozen different inputs to drive margin or volume as a pro.

Speaker 5: This will significantly enhance our agility and will pave the way for continued margin and share of wallet up.

This will significantly enhance our agility and will pave the way for continued margin and share of wallet opportunities development and integration with their existing systems is well underway with a multimarket pilot planned for the second half of 2022.

Speaker 5: Development and integration with our existing systems is well underway with a multi-market pilot plan for the second half of 2022

Back to you.

Thanks, Andrew I will now move to the third pillar of operational efficiency over the years, we've done a lot of good work on reducing selling and administrative expenses, which represent about a third of our operating expenses, but we also recognize that operations remains a big opportunity.

Speaker 4: Thanks Andrew. I will now move to the third pillar of operational efficiency. Over the years, we have done a lot of good work on reducing, styling, and administrative expenses, which represent about a third of our operating.

Speaker 4: But we also recognize that operations remains a big opportunity and one on which we are intensely focused.

And one on which we are intensely focused our opportunity is to reduce operating costs by bringing a greater standardization and process discipline in the short term, while exploring opportunities for automation over the longer term.

Speaker 4: Our opportunity is to reduce operating costs by bringing a greater standardization and process discipline in the short term while exploring opportunities for automation over the longer.

Speaker 4: That is why we hired Bill Hancock, our Chief Supply Chain Officer. Bill joined in November of 2020 and brings deep experience in all aspects of operations, from warehousing to last mile delivery to automation. Since joining, Bill has assembled a terrific team bringing talent from a number of best-in-class companies, logistics and warehouse automation. Bill?

That is why we hired Bill Hancock, our chief supply chain Officer, Bill joined in November of 2020, and brings deep experience in all aspects of operations from warehousing to last mile delivery to automation since joining bill has assembled a terrific team, bringing talent from a number of best in class companies logistics and warehouse automation.

Bill.

Thanks, Thanks P H L.

Speaker 6: Building off a strong exit from 2021, our supply chain team has narrowed our focus to a set of critical initiatives that will deliver continued growth and higher profitability in 2022 and beyond. I'll highlight two of those areas.

Building off a strong exit from 2021, our supply chain team has narrowed our focus to a set of critical initiatives that will deliver continued growth and higher profitability in 2022 and beyond I'll highlight two of those areas.

Speaker 6: First, there's our work on the foundation of our operations, which focuses on providing our teams the best training and technology available to provide a reliable service platform and reduce costs.

First is our work on the foundation of our operations, which focuses on providing our teams the best training and technology available to provide reliable service platform and reduce cost we have reduced our train the trainer ratio for new associates, and we've launched a network wide driver training program to create our own pipeline of CDL drivers were also.

Speaker 6: We've reduced our trainee-to-trainer ratio for new associates, and we've launched a network-wide driver training program to create our own pipeline of CDL drivers. We're also providing all supply chain leaders more advanced leadership training to accelerate the productivity ramp-up with the high number of new associates.

Providing all supply chain leaders more advanced leadership training to accelerate the productivity ramp up with the high number of new associates.

Speaker 6: In 2021, we resumed the rollout of new scanning technology for our warehouse teams. This new technology drives faster onboarding for new associates and has helped us capture up to a 5% productivity gain and reduced mistspicks by 80%.

In 2021, we resumed the rollout of new scanning technology for our warehouse teams.

New technology drives faster Onboarding for new associates, and it's helped us capture up to a 5% productivity gain and reduce mistakes by 80%.

The full network deployment of this technology is on pace to be completed by the close of the second quarter of this year.

Speaker 6: The full network deployment of this technology is on pace to be completed by the close of the second quarter this year.

Speaker 6: We've also fully deployed new proof of delivery devices for our drivers. That has short and driver training time and improved delivery scan rates by 130 basis points in support of more actor.

We've also fully deployed new proof of delivery device for drivers and has shortened driver training time and improve delivery scan rates by 130 basis points in <unk>.

Supported more accurate invoicing.

Speaker 6: And while still early in our planning, this foundational work directly supports the build out of our warehouse automation and supply chain technology roads.

And while still early in our planning this foundational work directly supports the build out of our warehouse automation and supply chain technology roadmap.

The second highlight is the work behind our routing transformation.

Speaker 6: The second highlight is the work behind our routing transformation.

Speaker 6: Initial phase of this work has focused on optimizing our current routing. With pilot markets realizing a 6% improvement in cases per mile, while driving on-time delivery performance close to 90%.

The initial phase of this work has focused on optimizing our current routing with pilot markets. Realizing a 6% improvement in cases per mile while driving on time delivery performance close to 90%.

The next phase of this work will upgrade our routing technology, enabling U S foods to offer dynamic delivery windows and real time visibility to a customer order.

Speaker 6: The next phase of this work will upgrade our routing technology, enabling US foods to offer dynamic delivery windows and real-time visibility to a customer order, both of which improve service and further reduce miles and costs.

Both of which improved service and further reduce miles in cost.

Speaker 6: We're excited about the early result. These initiatives have delivered, and we expect results to improve further over time.

We're excited about the early results. These initiatives have delivered and we expect results to improve further over time.

Speaker 6: Lastly, I want to take an opportunity to thank our frontline associates for their tireless work and dedication to taking care of each other and our customers. We truly have the best team in the industry and we are fully committed to helping all of our associates be successful. With that,

Lastly, I want to take an opportunity to thank our frontline associates for their tireless work and dedication to taking care of each other and our customers. We truly have the best team in the industry and we are fully committed to helping all of our associates be successful.

With that I'll turn it back to Pietro.

Speaker 4: Thanks Bill. As you can see, Bill brings tremendous focus, experience, and leadership to our operation.

Thanks, Bill as you can see build brings tremendous focus experience and leadership to our operations I will now turn the call over to Dirk to discuss our results for the fourth quarter and the year as well as to provide more color on the long range plan I just covered Dirk over to you.

Speaker 4: I will now turn the call over to Dirk to discuss our results for the fourth quarter and the year, as well as to provide more color on the long-range plan I just covered. Dirk, over to you. Thank you, Peter.

Thank you Pietro and good morning.

I'll give a brief recap on 2021 and then discuss our financial outlook for 2022, and 2024 and I'll start on page six.

Speaker 6: I'll give a brief recap on 2021 and then discuss our financial outlook for 2022 and 2024. Now I'll start on page six. Fourth quarter financial results were in...

Fourth quarter financial results were in line with our expectations, our Q4 and fiscal year 'twenty 'twenty. One results were a significant improvement over prior year and we ended the year with a solid foundation for further growth.

Speaker 6: Our Q4 and fiscal year 2021 results were a significant improvement over prior year, and we ended the year with a solid foundation for further growth.

Q4, net sales were $7 $6 billion, which was an increase of 32% over the prior year.

Speaker 6: Q4 net sales were $7.6 billion, which was an increase of 32% over the prior year.

Speaker 6: And you'll likely recall the Q4 2020 had an extra week, which increased that period sales approximately 700 basis points.

And you'll likely recall that Q4 2020, you had an extra week, which increased that period sales approximately 700 basis points.

The 32% growth excludes the extra week total case growth increased 13% and 21% for independent restaurants.

Speaker 6: The 32% growth excludes the extra week. Total case growth increased 13%, and 21% for independent restaurants.

Speaker 6: We produced very strong gross profit dollar growth again this quarter, with our highest gross profit per case of the year, as our team very effectively managed inflation and optimized pricing more broadly.

We produced very strong gross profit dollar growth again this quarter with our highest gross profit per case of the year as our team very effectively managing inflation and optimize pricing more broadly.

Speaker 6: This caps a strong year as fiscal 2021 GP per case was the highest we've had since becoming a public company.

This caps a strong year as fiscal 2021 GP per case was the highest we've had since becoming a public company.

Speaker 6: Supply chain challenges continued through Q4, similar to others in our industry. Despite these challenges, we remain fully staffed in almost all markets and are continuing to build staffing for expected volume growth acceleration this year.

Supply chain challenges continued through Q4 similar to others in our industry. Despite these challenges we remain fully staffed in almost all markets and are continuing to build staffing for expected volume growth acceleration this year.

We remain focused on increasing productivity of those hired in recent months as Bill noted we've seen improvement in productivity during Q4 and expect further improvements in 2022, reaching 2019 productivity levels around mid year.

Speaker 6: We remain focused on increasing productivity of those hired in recent months.

Speaker 6: Bill noted we've seen improvement in productivity during Q4 and expect further improvements in 2022 at reaching 2019 productivity levels around mid-year.

Our supply chain cost was higher in Q4 than Q3, mainly due to more associates earnings sign on a retention bonuses inflation hiring in preparation for continued volume increases and retaining additional staff is a bit of an insurance policy.

Speaker 6: Our supply chain cost was higher in Q4 than Q3, mainly due to more associates earning sign-on and retention bonuses, inflation, hiring in preparation for continued volume increases, and retaining additional staff as a bit of an insurance policy.

Speaker 6: We successfully refinanced $2.7 billion of debt in 2021, taking advantage of attractive market conditions to further strengthen our balance sheet by extending tenor and replacing more of our secured floating rate debt with unsecured fixed rate debt.

We successfully refinanced $2.7 billion of debt in 2021 taking advantage of attractive market conditions to further strengthen our balance sheet by extending tenor and replacing more of our secured floating rate debt with unsecured fixed rate debt.

And finally, we significantly improved our debt leverage this year with a three turn reduction in leverage to four six times at year end.

Speaker 6: And finally, we significantly improved our debt leverage this year with a three-turn reduction in leverage to 4.6 times at U.S.

On slide seven as I mentioned Q4, net sales increased 32% over 2020 and within sales volume grew 13% excluding the extra week in 2020 food inflation was 14, 4% and the remainder was related to sales mix.

Speaker 6: On slide 7, as I mentioned, Q4 net sales increased 32% over 2020. And within sales, volume grew 13% excluding the extra week in 2020. Food inflation was 14.4% and the remainder was related to sales.

Speaker 6: Our independent restaurant volume increased 20% excluding the extra week.

Our independent restaurant volume increased 20%, excluding the extra week.

And we saw acceleration earlier in the quarter before omicron impacts, which bodes well for 2022.

Speaker 6: And we saw acceleration earlier in the quarter before Omicron impacts, which boasts well for 2022.

Q4 ends a year of significant sales and volume improvement over 2024.

Speaker 6: Q4 ends a year of significant sales and volume improvement over 2020.

Speaker 6: Full year total volume was up 19% and independent volume up 30%. Each is...

Full year total volume was up 19% and independent volume up 30%.

Each excluding the extra week in 2020.

Speaker 6: Adjusted EBITDA was $262 million for the quarter, a 51% increase over the prior year.

That EBITDA was $262 million for the quarter.

51% increase over the prior year.

We estimate the extra week in Q4 of 2020 increased EBITDA by $8 million. So excluding the extra week adjusted EBITDA for Q4 increased 58% over prior year.

Speaker 6: We estimate the extra week in Q4 of 2020 increased EBITDA by $8 million. So excluding the extra week, adjusted EBITDA for Q4 increased 58% over prior year.

Q4, adjusted EBITDA as a percent of sales increased to three 4%.

Speaker 6: Q4, adjust the EBADAS of percent of sales increased to 3.4%.

Speaker 6: For the full year, our adjusted EBITDA increased 65%, and EBITDA margin increased 70 basis points compared to 2020.

For the full year, our adjusted EBITDA increased 65%.

EBITDA margin increased 70 basis points compared to 2020.

We did experienced limited impact from Omicron in December and the more significant impact is in Q1, 2022, which we think will be temporary.

Speaker 6: We did experience limited impact from Omicron in December , and the more significant impact is in Q1 2022, which we think will be temporary.

The Q4 P&L outcome was largely in line with our expectations no real surprises in the way the quarter played out.

Speaker 6: The Q4 P&L outcome was largely in line with our expectations. No real surprises in the way the quarter played out.

Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was 38 cents and full year of $1 55 per share each up significantly over the prior year.

Speaker 6: Adjusted diluted EPS for Q4 was 38 cents and full year $1.55 per share each up significantly over the prior year.

And lastly specific to food group most of the integration was completed by the end of 'twenty 'twenty. One we have the last system conversion plan for this coming weekend and we are on track and confident to achieve the $65 million in synergies.

Speaker 6: And lastly, specific to food group, most of the integration was completed by the end of 2021. We have the last system conversion plan for this coming weekend, and we are on track and confident to achieve the $65 million in standards.

Speaker 6: Future discussions of food group will be incorporated into our discussions of the overall business.

Future discussions of food group will be incorporated into our discussions of the overall business.

Operating cash flow for the fiscal year was $419 million similar to prior year and 'twenty 'twenty. One working capital was 300 million dollar plus use of cash as a result of receivables growth due to the significant growth in sales, while 2020 had the benefit of approximately 200 million dollar working capital reduction.

Speaker 6: Operating cash flow for the fiscal year was $419 million similar to prior year. In 2021, working capital was $300 million plus use of cash as a result of receivables growth due to the significant growth in sales. While 2020 had the benefit of approximately $200 million working capital reduction due to lower sales.

The lower sales.

Speaker 6: Our business has historically generated a significant amount of operating cash flow. We expect to grow that cash flow with EBITDA over time.

Our business has historically generated a significant amount of operating cash flow and we expect to grow that cash flow with EBITDA over time.

And as I've already highlighted we further strengthened our balance sheet as we decreased our leverage in fiscal 2021 to four six times and we are well on our way toward our target net leverage ratio of two five to three times.

Speaker 6: And as they've already highlighted, we further strengthen our balance sheet as we decreased our leverage in fiscal 2021 to 4.6 times. And we are well on our way toward our target net leverage ratio of 2.5 to 3.

Turning to 2022, we expect continued increases in volume and earnings through the execution of our strategic initiatives to grow market share increase gross margins and improve operational efficiencies.

Speaker 6: Turning to 2022, we expect continued increases in volume and earnings through the execution of our strategic initiatives to grow market share, increase gross margins, and improve operational efficiency.

Speaker 6: One point to call out is you will hear me talk about a higher 2022 adjusted diluted EPS range than we initially included in our press release earlier this morning. The numbers I'm talking about are correct and the press release has been updated to reflect these numbers.

One point to call out as you will hear me talk about a higher 2022 adjusted diluted EPS range than we initially included in our press release earlier this morning.

The numbers I'm talking about are correct and the press release has been updated to reflect these numbers.

We expect to grow volume at 1.5 times, the market for restaurants and grow up market for the remaining customer types.

Speaker 6: We expect to grow volume at 1.5 times the market for restaurants and grow at market for the remaining customer type.

Speaker 6: We expect to deliver $1.2 to $1.3 billion of adjusted EBITDA and $1.95 to $2.25 adjusted diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2022.

We expect to deliver 1.2 to one $3 billion of adjusted EBITDA and $1 95 to $2 25, adjusted diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2022.

Omicron appears to be largely in the rearview mirror. However, it has had a meaningful impact on volume and supply chain costs in Q1 and likely to a more limited extent in Q2.

Speaker 6: Omicron appears to be largely in the rear view mirror. However, it has had a meaningful impact on volume at supply chain costs in Q1 and likely to have more limited extent in Q2.

We also plan to continue to temporarily carry additional supply chain head count to ensure adequate staffing and service levels in the event of another impact from Covid.

Speaker 6: We also plan to continue to temporarily carry additional supply chain headcount to ensure adequate staffing and service levels in the event of another impact from COVID.

Our outlook range reflects these omicron related costs and impacts, which we estimate at $80 million to $90 million going forward. We are optimistic about the continued rapid recovery of our business post omicron.

Speaker 6: Our outlook range reflects these Omicron related costs and impacts, which we estimate at $80 to $90 million. Going forward, we are optimistic about the continued rapid recovery of our business post-omocry.

If the U S does not have another significant COVID-19 wave, we expect to be at the higher end of the earnings range. The lower end of the range takes into account the possibility of another similar wave.

Speaker 6: If the US does not have another significant COVID wave, we expect to be at the higher end of the earnings range. The lower end of the range takes into account the possibility of another similar wave.

Specific to Q1, 2022 and the omicron impact we are experiencing reduced volume and incremental supply chain costs. We've seen volume improve the last couple of weeks and are very encouraged it will continue to improve through Q1.

Speaker 6: Specific to Q1 2022 in the Omicron Impact. We are experiencing reduced volume and incremental supply chain costs. We've seen volume improve the last couple of weeks and are very encouraged it will continue to improve through Q1.

Client appears to mostly be driven by customer staffing challenges and believe that the end customer demand will be robust as omicron subsides.

Speaker 6: Client appears to mostly be driven by customer staffing, challenges, and believe that the un-customer demand will be robust as Amicron subsides.

Historically, our Q1 EBITDA is lower than other quarters of the year and approximately 20% of our annual EBITDA dollars.

Speaker 6: Historically, our Q1 eva-da is lower than other quarters of the year and approximately 20% of our annual eva-da dollars.

Speaker 6: With most of the Omicron impact expected in Q1, we expect Q1 EBITDA to be a lower percent of our full year EBITDA than normal.

With most of the omicron impact expected in Q1, we expect Q1 EBITDA to be a lower percent of our full year EBITDA than normal this year.

Assuming there's not another significant wave and macro volume improvement occurs, especially in health care and hospitality, we expect volume to return to 2019 levels sometime in half two.

Speaker 6: Assuming there's not another significant wave, and macrovolume improvement occurs, especially in healthcare and hospitality, we expect volume to return to 2019 levels some time and half to.

And 2022 we expect adjusted EBITDA margins to improve over fiscal 2021 along with continued strong gross profit per case and increased operational efficiencies.

Speaker 6: In 2022, we expect adjusted EBITDA margins to improve over fiscal 2021, along with continued strong gross profit per case and increased operational efficiency.

We continue to expect supply chain productivity to returned to 2019 levels mid year and surpassed by yearend.

Speaker 6: We continue to expect supply chain productivity to return to 2019 levels mid-year and surpass by year-end.

Speaker 6: We're focused on returning our Adjusted EBITDA margin to pre-COVID levels and increasing it further in the coming year.

We're focused on returning our adjusted EBITDA margin to pre COVID-19 levels and increasing it further in the coming years.

Prior to the pandemic, we grew EBITDA margins 90 basis points or 25% improvement from 2015 to 2019 and expect to build upon that track record.

Speaker 6: Prior to the pandemic, we grew EBITDA margins 90 basis points or a 25% improvement from 2015 to 2019 and expect to build upon that track record.

We're also providing additional guidance on interest expense and Capex cash capex.

Speaker 6: We're also providing additional guidance on interest expense and CAPEX, cash CAPEX.

Speaker 6: And as we significantly increase earnings in 2022, we expect to further reduce debt, and as a result, be near 3 1?2 times leveraged by year-end.

And as we significantly increased earnings in 2022, we expect to further reduce to reduce debt and as a result be near three five times leverage by year end.

As Pietro said, we're executing a multiyear plan to deliver significant earnings growth from the combination of profitable volume growth and margin expansion.

Speaker 6: As Pietro said, we're executing a multi-year plan to deliver significant earnings growth from the combination of profitable volume growth and margin expansion.

As we look further ahead to 'twenty 'twenty four we expect to continue growing at one five times the market for restaurants in that market for other customer types, we expect adjusted EBITDA to grow at roughly.

Speaker 6: As we looked further ahead to 2024, we expect to continue growing at 1.5 times the market for restaurants and at market for other customer types.

Speaker 6: We expect adjusted EBITDA to grow to roughly $1.5 billion in 2023 and then reach approximately $1.7 billion in 2024 as a result of executing our balance plan.

Grow to roughly $1.5 billion in 2023, and then reach approximately $1 $7 billion in 'twenty 'twenty four as a result of executing our balanced plan.

We will likely be near or at 2019 EBITDA margins in 2023, and then exceed in 'twenty 'twenty four as we returned to an expectation of EBITDA margin improvement each year.

Speaker 6: We will likely be near or at 2019 EBITDA margins in 2023 and then exceed in 2024 as we return to an expectation of EBITDA margin improvement each year.

Speaker 6: Adjust the diluted EPS is estimated to be approximately $3.40 in 2024. CAPEX is estimated at 1.3 to 1.4% of sales.

Adjusted diluted EPS is estimated to be approximately three $3 40, and 2020 for Capex is estimated at 1.3 to one 4% of sales.

Speaker 6: With respect to leverage, we plan to reach our target leverage range of 2.5 to 3 times in 2023 and remain in that range.

With respect to leverage we plan to reach our target leverage range of two five to three times in 2023 and remain in that range.

As we approach the range, we will further evaluate return of capital options such as share repurchases.

Speaker 6: As we approach the range, we will further evaluate return of capital options such as share reburgement.

Speaker 6: Our focus is on executing the plan to achieve these 2024 targets.

Our focus is on executing the plan to achieve these 'twenty 'twenty four targets.

However, beyond 'twenty 'twenty, four we would likely expect a 6% to 7% adjusted EBITDA growth algorithm.

Speaker 6: However, beyond 2024, we would likely expect a 6-7% adjusted the Pedagirl to algorithm.

Speaker 6: I'd like to reiterate the relative contributions of the various pillars of our strategy as they contribute to our expected EBITDA growth.

I'd like to reiterate the relative contributions of the various pillars of our strategy as they contribute to our expected EBITDA growth.

Speaker 6: While we won't be breaking down the quantified impact of each initiative, we have provided impacts for each bucket of the plan, which reflect the combined contribution of initiatives that Pietro, Andrew, and Bill discussed.

While we won't be breaking down the quantified impact of each initiative, we have provided impacts for each bucket of the plan, which reflect the combined contribution of initiatives that Pietro Andrew and Bill discussed.

We expect to generate nearly $650 million of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 'twenty 'twenty four compared to 2021.

Speaker 6: We expect to generate nearly $650 million of Adjusted EBITDA in fiscal 2024 compared to 2021.

We expect the contribution contributions of our increased earnings to be significant for each of these pillars.

Speaker 6: We expect the contributions of our increased earnings to be significant for each of these pillars.

Volume is expected to contribute an estimated $290 million gross margin expansion of approximately $325 million and opex efficiency approximately $235 million.

Speaker 6: Volume is expected to contribute an estimated $290 million gross margin expansion approximately $325 million and op-ex deficiency approximately $235 million.

Speaker 6: which is incremental to the $130 million fixed cost reductions completed in 2022.

Which is incremental to the $130 million of fixed cost reductions completed in 2020.

Then we have annual Opex cost inflation that we must mitigate their productivity and gross margin increases opex inflation is estimated a total about $210 million over the three years.

Speaker 6: Then we have annual op-X cost inflation that we must mitigate through productivity and gross margining.

Speaker 6: OpExinflation is estimated total about $210 million over the three years.

Pietro Andrew Bill covered the key drivers in each pillar, so I won't repeat them.

Speaker 6: Pietro and Roman bill cover the key drivers in each pillar so I won't repeat.

We successfully grew independent restaurants at approximately two extra market rate and increased gross margin per case more than opex per case, driving operating leverage gains over multiple years pre pandemic. So we know how to do this well.

Speaker 6: We successfully grew independent restaurants at approximately 2X to market rate and increased gross margin per case, more than a PX per case, driving operating leverage gains over multiple years pre-pandemic. So we knew how to do this well.

Speaker 6: Our new operating model gives us line of sight through initiatives already underway to improve execution on cost reduction. And as you've heard, we are especially focused on supply chain, where we have new leadership with strong capability.

Our new operating model gives us line of sight through initiatives already underway to improve execution on cost reduction.

And as you've heard we are especially focused on supply chain, where we have new leadership with strong capabilities.

We are.

Speaker 6: We are confident in our ability to deliver strong adjusted EBITDA growth via continued share gains, further gross margin improvement, and a more intense focus on operational efficiency.

<unk> and our ability to deliver strong adjusted EBITDA growth via continued share gains further gross margin improvement and a more intense focus on operational efficiency.

Speaker 6: These increased earnings will produce strong and growing cash flows, which we can then prudently allocate to reinvest in the business, reduce leverage, return capital to shareholders, and opportunistically pursue tuck-in M&A.

These increased earnings will produce strong and growing cash flows, which we think can then prudently allocate to reinvest in the business reduce leverage and return capital to shareholders and Opportunistically pursue tuck in M&A.

We estimate that this will lead to adjusted diluted EPS of approximately $3 40 per share.

Speaker 6: We estimate that this will lead to adjusted duality P.S. of approximately $3.40 per share, which is more than a 40% increase over FY 2019.

Which is more than a 40% increase over FY 2019.

Throw it back to you.

Thanks, Dirk I hope you all share in our excitement and our long range plan and what the future holds for U S foods.

Speaker 4: Thanks, Dirk. I hope you all share in our excitement in our long-range plan and what the future holds for U.S. foods.

Speaker 4: Our plan is bold, achievable, and it builds on a very strong foundation. The progress we have made, the initiatives currently underway, and our talented and dedicated team of leaders and frontline associates give me great confidence that we will deliver on the plan we outlined and create significant value for our shareholders. We will now open the call.

Our plan is bold achievable that builds on a very strong foundation. The progress we have made the initiatives currently underway and our talented and dedicated team of leaders and frontline Associates give me great confidence that we will deliver on the plan, we outlined and create significant value for our shareholders.

We will now open the call for Q&A.

Thank you Sir.

Speaker 1: As a reminder to ask a question, you'll need to press the star one on your telephone. The red-red question, press the pound key. Please stand by with the Kewindee Ross.

As a reminder to ask a question you will need to press star one on your telephone question press the pound key please stand by we compile the Q&A roster.

Your first question comes from the line of John Glass from Morgan Stanley . Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your first question comes from the line of John Glass from Morgan Stanley . The line is open.

Thanks, Good morning, Thanks for all the details.

Speaker 7: Thanks, good morning, thanks for all the details. You know, one way to look at your business, I think some of the frame is looking comparing your business to your largest competitors Cisco and thinking about the gap in margins that you have and your desire to think to close a part of that, maybe not all of it, maybe 75% of it. Can you talk about how you put that in the context of your plan for 24? It doesn't seem like it closes that entire gap, but do you see that as a feasible opportunity over time? And I've got to follow up, please.

One way to look at your business I think some of it framed as looking comparing your business to the to your largest competitors Cisco and thinking about the gap in margins that you have and your desire to thing to close a part of that maybe not all of it maybe 75% of it can you talk about how you put that in the context of your plan for 'twenty four it doesn't seem like an it closes that entire gap, but do you see that as a.

Feasible opportunity over time.

And I've got I've got a follow up please thanks.

Sure. Thank you John Good morning, and good question. So our job first of all and what we're focused on is executing our plan, which generates as you heard us talk about meaningful value based on a combination of margin expansion of volume growth.

Speaker 6: Sure, thank you John , good morning and good question. So our job first of all, and what we're focused on is executing our plan, which generates, as you heard us talk about, meaningful value based on a combination of margin expansion and volume growth.

Speaker 6: We're not going to speculate specifically on how much of the progress of things that are outside of our control, IE others peers, but this plan does include additional margin expansion on top of what we've done in recent years. And like I said, we expected the plan to generate over $600 million and 40% higher adjusted diluted EPS than 2019. And we're confident we'll deliver value through the combination of this volume growth and margin.

We're not going to speculate specifically on how much of the progress of things that are outside of our control others. Our peers, but this plan does includes additional margin expansion on top of what we've done in recent years and like I said, we expect the plan to generate over $600 million, 40% higher adjusted diluted EPS in 2019.

And we're confident we'll deliver value through the combination of this volume growth and margin expansion.

If I could follow up it and forgive me. If this is wrong, but I think your capex as a percentage of sales in your target is higher than it has been historically is that right and does this plan I guess more broadly require more capital spending to improve operational efficiencies and warehouse and fleet et cetera.

Speaker 7: If I could follow up and forgive me if this is wrong, I think your CAPEX percentage of sales in your target is higher than it has been historically? Is that right? And does this plan, I guess, more broadly require more capital spending to improve operational efficiencies in warehouse and fleet, etc?

So the the range. So when you get to 'twenty 'twenty four it's a little bit higher than it was say in 2019 and so it's a very similar I think to the point of maybe our attempts and that contemplates some modest increase potentially for some.

Speaker 6: So the range, so when you get to 2024, it's a little bit higher than it was, say, in 2019. And so it's very similar, I think, to the point of maybe a 10th. And that contemplates some modest increase potentially for some beginning of some warehouse automation, et cetera. But it is not an extremely heavy capital-intensive plan out there other than, again, some limited areas. So expect to continue to generate strong cash flows.

Beginning of some.

Warehouse automation et cetera, but it is not an extremely heavy capital intensive plan out there other than again some limited areas. So expect to continue to generate strong cash flows.

Got it thank you.

Your next question comes from the line of John <unk> from Guggenheim. Your line is open.

Speaker 1: With your next question comes from the line of John Hype Buckle from Guggenheim. Her line is open.

Speaker 8: So, and two things, when we start with, you didn't give, I was talking about one and a half times the mark.

So two things let me start with.

You didn't give I've just talked about one five times the market.

Speaker 8: you know, you didn't give specific revenue targets, but do you think, you know, 4 to 5%, is that a, is that a fair growth rate beyond the recovery, right, 23, 24? And when I think about the 290, right, and incremental margin.

You didn't give specific revenue targets, but do you think.

4% to 5% is that a is that a fair growth rate beyond the recovery by 'twenty three 'twenty four.

And when I think about the $2 90, right and incremental margin.

Speaker 8: you know what what's the fairt in criminal large on uh... you know whether it's four five six percent you know is it uh... high single digit or is that too high on the rubble

What's a fair incremental margin on you know, whether it's four or five 6%.

Is it high single digit or is that too high on the revenue growth.

Speaker 6: My name is John , this is a dark question. I think that, so the reason we stayed away from specific numbers is that that's more feasible in order to be accurate during a more stable period. In a period of recovery like this, really what our focus is is relative to what the market does and it's really growing.

John This is Dirk good question I think that so the reason we stayed away from specific numbers is that's more feasible and donor to be accurate during a more stable period and a period of recovery like this really what our focus is is relative to what the market does and it's really growing.

Speaker 6: with especially our key target customers of the restaurants and within there especially the independents, meaningfully faster as we have done, and then at least that market with the target customer type. So, although we haven't given a specific number, that really is, it's kind of indexed to how a technology is calling for the outlook.

With especially our key target customers of the restaurants and within there, especially the independents are meaningfully faster as we have done and then at least at market with a targeted customer types. So although we haven't given a specific number that really is it's kind of index to how technomic is calling for the outlook and would expect again meaningful.

Speaker 6: And would expect, again, meaningful growth on that. So I know it's not a specific number, but that's how we thought about and why we're focused on relative to the market and other.

Growth on that so I know, it's not a specific number but that's how we thought about and why we're focused on relative to the market and others.

Speaker 9: Yeah, maybe follow up on that in the time to my last question.

Yeah, maybe.

Follow up on that and then my.

My last question again, when you think about it look at that 290, right and I know it.

Speaker 8: Again, when you think about it, look at that 290. And I know it depends. It's drop size, the margin is higher.

It depends right if it's drop size the margin is higher.

Speaker 8: But just as a thought process, how you guys think about incremental margin on new business? And obviously it has to be great.

New account wins, it's lower.

But just as a thought process. How you guys think about incremental margins on new business and obviously it has to be greater than.

Speaker 8: You know the three and a half percent that you said out today and then lastly the three twenty five of gross profit Right, if you if you broke that down, I think procurement and mix is probably the

The three 5% that you set out today.

And then lastly, the $3 25 of gross profit if you broke that down I think procurement and mix is probably the two biggest components.

Is that is that heavily skewed to procurement.

Speaker 8: Is that heavily skewed to procurement? You know, is it maybe two thirds per procurement one third mix or what's the biggest bucket in the gross

Is it maybe two thirds procurement, one certain mix or what's the.

What's the biggest bucket and and the gross profit dollar improvement.

Sure.

Speaker 6: So on the volume growth, we look at, to your point, we do look at new volume higher than our overall EBITDA margins. It really is kind of dependent on the specific customer types, as you remember. Our independents are the most profitable in healthcare and hospitality. The chain business that we've brought on has been meaningfully more profitable than that we've had in the past, which has allowed us to be more opportunistic with our growth there. So we do expect it to be higher than our overall EBITDA number.

So on the volume growth.

We look at to your point, we do look at new volume are higher than our overall EBITDA margins. It really is.

Kind of dependent on the specific customer types as you remember our independents are the most profitable on health care and hospitality.

The chain business that we brought on has been meaningfully more profitable than that we've had in the past, which has allowed us to be more opportunistic with our growth. There. So we do expect it to be higher than our overall EBITDA number.

Speaker 6: With respect to your gross margin, you're right, procurement is a meaningful part that is within there. I think the other two things that I would call out and talk about that...

With respect to your gross margin you're right procurement is a meaningful part of that is within there I think the other two things that I would call out and talk about that.

At least one of them Andrew talked about is pricing and customer profitability optimization. So some of it is from the tool that he talked about some of it comes from the success that we are have and expect to continue to have with lower margin large customer improvements and then the third piece is around logistics, so our inbound logistics.

Speaker 6: at least one of them Andrew talked about, is pricing and customer profitability optimization. So some of it is from the tool that he talked about. Some of it comes from the success that we are having and expect to continue to have with lower margin, large customer improvements.

Speaker 6: And then the third piece is around logistics. So our environmental logistics.

Optimizing that's another form of cost of goods, but it's about optimizing our inbound cost of goods and that is our key focus areas for us as well. So those are the those are the key largest pieces of it.

Speaker 6: Optimizing, that's another form of cost of goods, but it's about optimizing our inbound cost of goods, and that is a key focus area for us as well. So those are the key largest pieces.

Okay. Thank you.

Thanks.

Your next question is from Peter Saleh from <unk>. Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from Peter Salay from B.P.I.G. Your line is okay.

Speaker 10: Great, thank you. In 2021, you have had about a 15% reduction in your assortment or the skewer rationalization. Just curious if you elaborate a little bit on, is that part of the plan going forward in 22, 23, and 24 to get to your EBITDA targets to anticipate reducing the skew counts even further, or is that the most we're gonna see at 15%.

Great. Thank you and.

In 2021 .

You just had about a 15% reduction in your assortment or the SKU rationalization.

Curious if you can elaborate a little bit on is that part of the plan going forward in 'twenty two 'twenty three 'twenty four to get to your EBITDA targets you anticipate.

Using the SKU counts, even further or or is that the most we're going to see a 15%.

So we do we do anticipate a further reduction in the assortment.

Speaker 4: So we do anticipate further reduction in the assortment over the course of time, and that helps in a number of ways. It helps provide better service to the customers by reducing the volatility that you see typically in the slower moving part of the tail, and it also helps streamline operations, which helps contribute to improved distribution costs per capita.

Over the course of time and that helps in a number of ways. It helps provide.

Our service to the customers by reducing the volatility that you see typically in the slower moving.

Part of the tail and it also helps streamline operations, which helps contribute to improved distribution costs per case.

Speaker 10: Are there any targets on that in terms of should we expect you guys to be, you know, 30% lower or 25 or anything that we can hang our hat on?

Are there any targets on that in terms of should we expect you guys to be 30% lower or 25 or anything that we can hang our hat on.

Speaker 4: Yeah, we obviously we have our internal targets, but we're not prepared to discuss them on.

Yes, we are obviously, we have our internal targets, but we're not prepared to discuss them on this call.

Speaker 10: Understood. Okay. And just lastly for me, is the private label expansion also part of this strategy? I mean, where do you expect to be in 2024 in terms of the private label mix versus where we are today?

Understood, Okay, and just lastly for me.

Is the private label expansion also part of this strategy I mean, where do you expect to be in 2024 in terms of their private label mix versus where we are today.

Speaker 4: Yeah, maybe I'll toss that to Andrew. He's really driven the EB growth of the last few years. So Andrew, how would you answer that? Yeah, thanks for the question, Peter. I think we have a tremendous focus on growing our EB penetration. It's something we make great progress on pre-COVID and then supply in our interrupt.

Yeah, maybe I'll toss that to Andrew he has really driven the EBIT growth.

The last few years, though Andrew how would you answer that.

Yes. Thanks for the question Peter I think we have a tremendous focus on growing our EV penetration. It's something we made great progress on pre Covid, and then supply interruptions sort of stalled out progress, but it's great to see in Q4, a resumption of a pretty strong year over year growth and we.

Speaker 5: that progress, but it's great to stay in Q4. Resumption of pretty strong year over year growth, and we anticipate that continuing and being an important part of our strategy over the next three years and beyond. Thanks for watching.

Despite that continuing and being an important part of our strategy over the next three years and beyond.

Thank you very much.

Your next question is from the line of Brian Newman from Deutsche Bank. Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your next question from the line of Brian Muleen, Handoish Bank, your line is open.

Okay. Thank you I just want to confirm did you say adjusted EBITDA of about $1 5 billion in 'twenty, three I think I heard that so.

Speaker 6: Thank you. So I confirmed did you say adjusted EBITDA of about 1.5 billion in 23? I think I heard that. So if yes, using the high end of the 2022 guide, it would imply you expect adjusted EBITDA growth of about 15% in 23 followed by another 13 or 14% again.

Yes, using the high end of the 2022 guide it would imply you expect adjusted EBITDA growth of about 15% and 23, followed by another 13 or 14% again.

In 24, so I think expecting outsized EBITDA growth next year, when you're lapping over would've still a COVID-19 impact environment right now I think people can get their arms around that but as far as 2004 can you speak to what would be the biggest driver of that outsized growth that you expect to take place that following year between volumes growth profit gross profit opex.

Speaker 6: in 24. So I think expecting outside Ziva.gross, you know, next year when you're laughing over what is still a COVID impact in the library. Now I think people can get their arms around that. But as far as 24, if you speak to what will be the biggest driver of that outside's growth that you expect to take place that following year, you know, between volumes, growth profit, growth profit, I've ex-efficiency is one item the most important or do you have outside confidence in as you look out to 24.

Efficiency is one item the most important or do you have outsized competence and as you look out to 'twenty four.

Thank you a good question and yes, you're correct. The $1 5 billion is what I noted for 2023, and I think that so to your point in the 'twenty three you'll have a lot of recovery.

Speaker 6: Thank you, a good question. And yes, you're correct. The 1.5 billion is what I noted for 2023. And I think that to your point in the 23, you have a lot of recovery.

Speaker 6: That still occurs, whether it be the rebound from the, as you heard me talk about the meaningful amount of

That's still occurs whether it be the rebound from the as you heard me talk about the meaningful amount of omicron impact this year as well as health care and hospitality recovery, which is likely not fully back to normal. This year I think as we get further through that we see more of the initiatives take hold.

Speaker 6: I'm a chronic impact this year, as well as health care and hospitality recovery, which is likely not fully back to normal this year.

Speaker 6: I think as we get further through that, we see more of the initiatives take hold across gross margin, around the fresh accelerators of volume that Andrew talked about, and the supply chain improvements there. So there's not a single thing that I would call out as opposed to continued execution and feeling good about our ability to deliver the $1.7 billion.

<unk> cross gross margin around the fresh accelerators of volume that Andrew talked about in the supply chain improvements. There. So there's not a single thing that I would call about callout as opposed to <unk>.

Continued execution and.

Feeling good about our ability to deliver the $1 7 billion.

Okay. Thank you and then just a follow up question on just balance sheet capital allocation as it relates to the guide you expect net leverage to get back in the two and a half to three turns range in 'twenty. Three it appears like you expect it to stay in that range for 'twenty four as well. So if that's right I'm wondering if there are any share repurchases contemplated and then adjusted each.

Speaker 6: Okay, thank you. And then just to follow up the question on just balance sheet capital allocation, as it relates to the guide, you know, you expect that leverage to get back in the two and a half to three terms range and 23. It appears like you expected to stay in that range for 24 as well. So that's right. I'm wondering if there are any share repurchase contemplated and then adjusted EPS guide.

P S guide of $3 40 and 2024.

Speaker 6: $3.40 in 2024. You know, if net leverage stays flat from 23 to 24, I'm just curious what the plan is for the free cash.

If net leverage stays flat from 'twenty three 'twenty four I'm just curious what the plan is for the free cash flow.

Speaker 6: Sure, good question. You're right. So we're happy to be, you know, expect to be in that range next year and then stay there. As I said, we'll explore other returns. Similar to what we've talked about in the past. More likely, starting with shared repurchases, as we get closer to the range, we'll do that work. For assumptions here, we've assumed some levels of repurchases beginning and look forward to hearing more from us as we get closer to that range.

Sure. Good question, you're right. So we're happy to be expect to be in that range next year and then stay there as I said, we will explore other returns.

Similar to we've talked about in the past more likely starting with share repurchases as we get closer to the range. What we will do that work for assumptions here, we've assumed some levels of repurchases beginning and I look forward to hearing more from us as we get closer to that range.

Thank you.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from the line of Kelly Banya from Bimo Capital. Your line is up.

Your next question is from the line of Kelly Bania from BMO capital. Your line is open.

Hi, good morning, Thanks for taking our questions and for all the color.

Speaker 11: Hi, good morning. Thanks for taking our questions and for all the color. I wanted to just ask about the Cisco 24 plan, the 1.7 billion EBITDA target. I guess what would you consider the biggest risk, from an internal execution standpoint to achieving that, obviously aside from external factors, COVID and new variants and so forth.

I wanted to just ask about the.

The fiscal 'twenty four plan the $1 7 billion EBITDA target I guess, what would you consider the biggest risk from an internal execution standpoint to achieving that obviously aside from external factors COVID-19 any variance and so forth.

Yes. Thank you good morning Kelly.

Speaker 4: Yeah, I think you've, the morning Kelly, the main rest that we anticipate are more external and macro focus whether it's new variants or economic conditions from an internal execution perspective. We feel very confident in our ability to execute. You know, because of some of the things we've mentioned, you know, we're...

Main risks that we anticipate a more external and macro focus whether it's a new variants or economic conditions from an internal execution perspective, we feel very confident in our ability to execute.

Because of some of the things we've mentioned.

Speaker 4: were in some ways a bit of a different company from three or four years ago, thanks to having prototypes, some of these initiatives and the results we see, the impact of the operating model that I talked about, and some of the talent that we've brought into.

We're in some ways a bit of a different company from three or four years ago. Thanks to.

Having prototype some of these initiatives and the results we see.

The impact of the operating model that I talked about and some of the talent that we've brought into the company.

Speaker 11: Okay, and just another follow-up, I think I heard the algorithm beyond fiscal 24, 6 to 7% adjusted EBITDA growth, and just was curious, I believe, you know, the 2018 Analyst Day outlined a 9 to 11% path, so just what are the big factors that lead to that being lower to the kind of prior algorithm?

Okay and just another follow up I think I heard the algorithm beyond fiscal 'twenty four.

6% to 7% adjusted EBITDA growth.

Just was curious I believe the two.

18 analyst day outlined at 9% to 11%. So just what are the big factors that lead to that being lower to the kind of prior algorithm.

Sure. Good morning, Kelly I appreciate the question. So I think in the <unk> in the prior Investor day that was more focused on the near term and some of the opportunities there really the intent since our focus right now is on executing this plan through 2024, which you've heard us say multiple times, which we're excited and expect significant value.

Speaker 6: Good morning Kelly. Appreciate the question. So I think in the prior investor day, that was more focused on the near term and some of the opportunities there. Really the intent since our focus right now is on executing this plan through 2024, which you've heard us say multiple times, we're excited and expect significant value creation from it.

Accretion from it the 'twenty 'twenty four you're right the 6% to 7% was really to give people a sense of post that we will obviously refine it as we get closer to there, but really to indicate more than we do expect meaningful growth to continue as we get beyond 2024.

Speaker 6: The 2024, you're right, the 6 to 7% was really to give people a sense of post that. We will obviously refine it as we get closer to there, but really to indicate more that we do expect meaningful growth to continue as we get beyond 20.

Thank you.

Your next question is from the line of Jeffrey Bernstein from Barclays. Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from the line of Jeffrey Bernstein from Bartlees. Your line is open.

Great. Thank you too.

Speaker 12: Great, thank you. Two questions, one, just from a top-line perspective. The market share gains you talked about one and a half times the industry for the pure play restaurant industry. So I'm wondering, obviously, I have to move in target. How do you arrive at a target like that? Maybe put the out performance bin in past years.

Two questions one just from a topline perspective.

The market share gains you talked about one five times the industry for the pure play restaurant industry I'm just wondering obviously, it's a moving target how do you arrive at.

Like that maybe puts the outperformance has been in past years.

Is that assuming any M&A, maybe what do you assume the industry is growing anything to at least at a more normalized period. What is the assumption that this one and a half times against.

Speaker 12: assuming in the M&A, maybe what do you assume the industry is growing anything to, at least in a more normalized period, what is the assumption that this one and half times is against? Sure.

Sure Good morning Jeffrey.

<unk>.

Speaker 4: It's a blend of what we expect on the independent restaurant and the national chain side. If you go back to the four years leading to COVID, we pretty consistently performed at twice the market from an independent restaurant perspective. And so the one and a half is in part based on that experience. And on the restaurant side, as we've talked about, we've had really good success, so on the on the chain side of the restaurant business, we've had really good success.

It's a blend of what we expect on the independent restaurant in the national chain side.

If you go back to the four years, leading to Covid, we pretty consistently performed at twice the market for an independent restaurant perspective.

So the one and a half is in part based on that experience.

And on the restaurant side as we've talked about we've had really good success around that on the chain side of the restaurant business. We've had really good success.

Over the last couple of years and when we look at our pipeline, we expect that to continue probably on the lower side of the of the one and a half which is how we get to that blend.

Speaker 4: over the last couple of years. And when we look at our pipeline, we expect that to continue, probably on the lower side of the one and a half, which is how we get to that.

Gotcha and then the.

Speaker 12: Gotcha. And then the fiscal 24 EBITDA, you give those three big pillars to drive that incremental gain over the next three years. I'm just wondering if maybe you could provide some color on the sequencing of that. Maybe what you see is the biggest near-term opportunity versus what you think is going to take, you know, be more of a back-end story, kind of how you see those buckets of $200 million to $300 million each playing out over the next few years. Thank you.

Fiscal 'twenty for EBITDA.

Give those three big pillars to drive that incremental gain over the next three years I'm. Just wondering if maybe you could provide some color on the sequencing of that maybe what you see as the biggest near term opportunity versus what you think is going to take.

Be more of a backend story kind of how you see those buckets of $2 million to $300 million each playing out over the next few years. Thank you.

Okay.

Thank you good morning, I think when we think of it really all three of the buckets, we think of as a pretty steady stream and I say that because a number of things. So you heard Andrew and Bill each talk about an example, maybe I'll build on those so.

Speaker 6: Thank you. Good morning. I think when we think of it, really all three of the buckets we think of as a pretty steady stream. And I say that because.

Speaker 6: A number of things, so you heard Andrew and Bill each talk about an example, so maybe I'll build on those. The example on whether it's routing, for example, there's a shorter-term impact, and then there's a longer-term impact that's enabled by additional technology and process. Pricing has a similar with some of the things we're doing around pricing and customer optimization now, and then that's enabled further by the enhanced pricing tool.

You know the example on whether it's a routing for example, there's a short term impact and then there's a longer term impact. It that's enabled by additional technology and process pricing has a similar with some of the things we're doing around pricing and customer optimization now and then that's enabled further by the enhanced pricing tool that is an.

Speaker 6: that is an upgrade over the one that we've had in place for a number of years. So as we look ahead, really each of those, there isn't a hockey stick or extremely different phasing as opposed to we expect incremental value to come out of all of them over the three years.

Over the one that we've had in place for a number of years. So as we look ahead really each of those there isn't a hockey stick or extremely different phasing as opposed to we expect incremental value to come out of all of them over the three years.

Understood. Thank you.

Thanks, Jeff.

Your next question is from the line of Joshua long from Piper Sandler Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from the land. Joshua Long from Piper Sandler. Your line is open.

Great. Thank you are encouraged to hear about the private brand growth curious if you might be able to give us an actual base of kind of our mix or however, you are thinking about it.

Speaker 6: Great. Thank you. Encouraged to hear about the private brand growth. Curious if you might be able to give us an actual base of or mix or however you're thinking about it in terms of where you are now with private brand. I think earlier I heard you say something along the lines of 110 basis points of growth, but just curious what the actual mix of that

In terms of where you are now with private brand I think earlier I heard you say something along the lines of 110 basis points of growth, but just curious what the actual mix of that segment of the business was.

Sure.

Speaker 6: Sure, good morning. So we were at about 34% of sales from private brand for this year, which we do include that in our 10K.

Morning, So we were at about 34% of sales from private brand for this year, which we do include that in our 10-K and I think that.

Speaker 6: And I think that what I'll just build on what Pietro talked about earlier is.

What I'll just build on what Pietro talked about earlier is that is an area that is both with smaller with the independents as well as the national customers and area of focus for us and a value driver in our plan for the next three years. If you remember we grew call. It 70 to 100 basis points in the multiple years, leading up to it we've talked.

Speaker 6: That is an area that is both with smaller, with the independents, as well as the national customers, an area of focus for us and a value driver in our plan for the next three years.

Speaker 6: If you remember, we grew, call it 70 to 100 basis points in the multiple years leading up to it. We've talked about that we don't see a ceiling in a lot of opportunity. So that remains an area of focus for us. And especially in this timeframe with the inflation, because it tends to be a double win from a customer perspective. It's a better value. And for us, it is higher margin.

About that we don't see a ceiling and a lot of opportunity. So that remains an area of focus for us and especially in this time frame or what the inflation because it tends to be.

A double win from a customer perspective, it's a better value and for US It is higher margin.

Speaker 6: Great, thank you for that. And maybe on that inflation point, curious, if you've seen any sort of abatement here of late, or just kind of what your latest take is on the inflationary environment, and then as you've gone through your pricing work with consumers and laid out your tools, any sort of pushback or commentary in terms of just how your inconsumers are being able to manage the inflationary environments as well.

Great. Thank you for that and maybe on that inflation point curious if you've seen any sort of abatement here of late or just kind of what your latest take is on the.

On the inflationary environment, and then as you've gone through your pricing work with consumers and laid out your tools are any sort of pushback or commentary in terms of just how youre in consumers are being able to manage the inflationary environments as well.

So I'll start with the consumer side, and then and then turn it over to Derek in terms of what.

Speaker 4: So, I'll start with the consumer side and then turn it over to Dirk in terms of...

Speaker 4: what we expect. So as I mentioned in my prepared remarks, we've been very successful in terms of passing on inflation both to non-contract and contract customers. I think the general environment has made it possible to have conversations and off-cycle that we normally wouldn't have. And you've seen that, you know, those increases reflected in menu prices as you dine out or take out.

What we what we expect.

So as I mentioned in my prepared remarks.

Been very successful in terms of passing on inflation, both to non contract and contract customers I think the general environment has made it possible to have conversations and off cycle that we normally wouldn't have.

You've seen that those increases reflected in menu prices as you dine out or take out.

<unk>.

One of the things, that's perhaps a little bit different than historically is when we look at inflation in our channel relative to inflation in the grocery channel.

Speaker 4: One of the things that's perhaps a little bit different than historically is when we look at inflation in our channel relative to inflation in the grocery channel, it's been roughly the same. In fact, over the last few months, inflation in the grocery channel has been even higher than inflation in our channel. So, you know, we're not disadvantaged from that position. Consumers have to eat. They may change a little bit the mix of what they eat based on inflation, but the two channels have kind of stayed consistent with each other. Dirk, do you want to talk about the expectations going forward? Sure. Thanks. Good morning.

It's been roughly the same in fact over the last few months inflation in the grocery channel has been even higher than inflation. Our channels. So we're not disadvantaged from that position consumers FTE. They may change a little bit the mix of what the based on inflation.

But the two channels have kind of stayed consistent with each other Jack do you want to talk about the expectations going forward sure. Thanks Good morning.

Speaker 6: You know, I think when my crystal ball is probably going to be...

I think when my Crystal ball is probably going to be just as accurate as anybody else's since we're not quite sure exactly how it plays out a couple of things I will tell you from the data points as we look at it is the year over year inflation as we go back over the past few quarters sequential inflation quarter to quarter has slowed each of the quarters, which is we think is a positive.

Speaker 6: as accurate as anybody else's since we're not quite sure exactly how it plays out. A couple of things I will tell you from the data points as we look at it is.

Speaker 6: The year of year inflation, as we go back over the past few quarters, the sequential inflation quarter to quarter has slowed each of the quarters, which is we think is a positive toward hopefully price stable.

Toward hopefully price stabilization, we would expect inflation to remain higher here in 2022 with likely some incremental inflation here in the earlier part of the year and additional.

Speaker 6: We would expect inflation to remain higher here in 2022 with likely some incremental inflation here in the earlier part of the year.

Speaker 6: and additional stabilization as we get further into the year. I think the thing that's harder to predict for anybody is, does it then just stagnate and stay at that higher level, or do you see any kind of reduction in that going forward?

Additional stabilization as we get further into the year I think the thing that's harder to predict for anybody is does it then just stagnated stay at that higher level or do you see any kind of a reduction in that going forward.

Great. That's helpful. Thank you and then when we think about the labor front as well.

Speaker 6: Great, that's helpful. Thank you. And then when we think about the labor front as well, this, you know, excited to hear about some of the initiatives you have outlined on the labor front to support these longer-term targets. But here's if you could provide a little bit more color there in just in terms of what you're seeing, how the pipeline, maybe on the driver or the warehouse side is shaping up and any sort of other initiatives that are embedded to make sure that you have the human capital side to support these target study outline today.

I'm excited to hear about some of the initiatives you have outlined on the labor front to support these longer term targets, but curious if you could provide a little bit more color there and just in terms of what youre seeing how the pipeline maybe on the driver or the warehouse side is shaping up and any sort of other initiatives that are embedded to make sure that you have the human capital side to support these targets that you found.

Do they.

Yeah, I think sorry go ahead.

What you can say, maybe I'll start and then hand it over to bill for any insights on the the driver pipeline, but ultimately as you heard Bill talk about we will continue to be staffed in.

Speaker 6: I was going to say, maybe I'll start and then hand it over to Bill for any insights on the driver pipeline. But ultimately, as you heard Bill talk about, we continue to be staffed in the fourth quarter. And we didn't use a lot of temporary resources, but even further reduced that in the fourth quarter. So very optimistic on the progress that we've been seeing there.

In the fourth quarter, and we didn't use a lot of temporary resources, but even further reduce that in the fourth quarter. So a very optimistic on the progress that we've been seeing there.

Speaker 6: But Bill can comment more specifically on drivers. I think when we talk about inflation and sort of the wage inflation we talked a lot about this last year and you know Transitory has been a word that we've used that has been used in a lot of different ways I think you know the way we talked from Q3 was

But bill can comment more specifically on drivers I think when we talk about inflation in the sort of the wage inflation.

We talked a lot about this last year end.

Transitory as been a word that we view that has been used in a lot of different ways I think the way we talk from Q3 was the.

Speaker 6: The higher level of inflation, some of it temporary, some of it permanent.

The higher level of inflation.

Some of it temporary some of it permanent.

Speaker 6: was likely transitory in the sense that we didn't think and don't think that that becomes the new norm as opposed to some higher inflation and then we return to more normal levels. So what we had estimated on top of the normal 50 million or so of inflation that we see for supply chain in a given year is an additional 40 to 60 million annually.

With likely transitory in the sense that we Didnt think can don't think that that becomes the new norm as opposed to some higher inflation and then we return to more normal levels. So what we had estimated on top of the normal 50 million or so of inflation that we see for supply chain in a given year is an additional 40 to 60 million annual impact.

Speaker 6: with a combination of wage increases and signing and retention bonuses. We indicated that we expect most of that to be permanent or outlook on the range and on the ratio doesn't really hasn't changed since then. Well, tell you though is when we talked about an expectation for covering most, if not all, that through margin improvements with lower profitability customers, our confidence is stronger than ever that we're able to do that as we continue to see good progress.

With a combination of wage increases and signing and retention bonuses.

We'd indicated that we expect most of that to be a permanent our outlook on the range and on the ratio doesn't really hasnt changed since then.

Tell you, though is when we talked about an expectation for covering most if not all of that through margin improvements with lower profitability customers. Our confidence is stronger than ever that we're able to do that as we've continued to see good progress.

Speaker 6: Bill, anything you want to add on or would you add on driver and warehouse staff?

Bill anything you want to add on or would you add on driver.

Warehouse staffing.

Speaker 13: Yeah, a couple of key points out add. You know, I would say like most supply chains, we found ourselves behind in the first quarter of 21 on driver and warehouse staffing. You know, we put a lot of very intentional work into how we recruit, how we hire, how we train.

A couple of key points I'd add.

I would say like most supply change we found ourselves behind in the first quarter of 'twenty, one on driver and warehouse staffing we put a lot of very intentional work into how we recruit how we hire how we train and <unk>.

Speaker 13: you know, intentional investments and sign on bonuses, wage adjustments to make sure that we're competitive.

<unk> investments and sign on bonuses wage adjustments to make sure that we're competitive and we.

Speaker 13: And we saw the kind of the return on that work, which, you know, like Dirk said, we've come into 2022 fully.

We saw the kind of the return on that work, which you know like Derrick said, we've come into 2022 fully staffed specific to drivers. We don't expect the shortage of drivers to go away anytime soon which is why we stood up our driver training program, where we can take an existing warehouse worker or somebody off the street and put them through a fully fun.

Speaker 13: Specific to drivers, we don't expect the shortage of drivers to go away anytime soon, which is why we set up our driver training program where we can take an existing warehouse worker or somebody off the street.

Speaker 13: and put them through a fully funded driver training program and create our own CDL pipe.

The driver training program and create our own CDL pipeline.

Speaker 13: We're gonna stay really close to that. Like I said, we expect...

Gonna stay really close to that.

I said, we expect.

Speaker 13: continued volatility on the labor front and we're going to make sure we're prepared to staff for business.

Continued volatility on the labor front, and we're going to make sure we're prepared to staff our business.

Thank you.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from the line of Lauren Silverman from Credit Fist. Your line is a-

Your next question is from the line of Lauren Silberman from Credit Suisse. Your line is open.

Hi, Thank you guys. So just the first I believe you implied pro forma 29, EBITDA was 1.45 billion can I confirm that's what you were saying.

Speaker 14: Hi, thank you guys. So just the first, I believe you implied pro forma 29, EBITDA was 1.45 billion. Can I confirm? That's what you were saying. Good morning, Laura. Yes.

Good morning, Laura Yes, that's correct when we so.

Speaker 6: When we talk about performance, spending the context of how we've talked about it with you, other analysts and investors that contemplates the synergies, inflation, new business wins, et cetera, and that's what we've then estimated.

When we talk about pro forma spend in the context of how we've talked about it with you other analysts investors that contemplates the sinter.

Synergies inflation, new business wins et cetera, and that's what we've done and estimated it at.

Okay. So looking at 2023 EBITDA of $1 5 billion, which is full recovery volume plus the $180 million in cost savings and then understanding some of the incremental investments that you guys have talked about can you walk us through the difference between the 2019 pro forma of one 5 million in the 2023.

Speaker 14: Okay. So, looking at 2023 EBITDA of $1.5 billion, which is full recovery of volume, plus the $180 million in cost savings, and then understanding some of the incremental investments that you guys have talked about, can you walk us through the difference between the 2019 pro forma $1.5 billion and the 2023 $1.5 billion? Just trying to wrap my head around.

$1 5 billion.

Just trying to wrap.

Wrap my head around.

What some of those dynamics are.

I mean, it's a thank you. It's many of the same elements we've talked about it's the combination of our realizing a number of the synergies from the transactions it is incremental.

Speaker 6: I mean, it's, it's, uh, thank you. Uh, it's many of the same elements we've talked about. It's the combination of realizing a number of the synergies from the transactions. It is incremental, uh, with volume recovery. It is some of the wins with, uh, national sales. It is multiple years of, uh, cost inflation. It is the cost savings that you've mentioned. So really, is, is all those things there? And, and that's the way I think that the way you maybe started is the way I would think about it is.

With volume recovery. It is some of the wins with our national sales. It is multiple years of cost.

Cost inflation. It is the cost savings that you've mentioned so it really is all those things there and that's the way I think the way you. Maybe started is the way I would think about it is.

Speaker 6: It's maybe not getting all the way back in the exact same way, but it's basically back to where the business was and sort of the platform for growth there beyond.

It's maybe not getting all the way back in the exact same way, but it's basically back to where the business was in sort of the platform for growth there beyond.

Okay got it on the gross margin piece I understand there's some noise with the actual gross margin percentage given the inflation.

Speaker 14: Okay, got it. On the gross margin piece, I understand there's some noise with the actual growth margin percentage, given the inflation.

Speaker 14: and how the numbers work. But can you talk about what's embedded in your gross margin percentage expectation or if you expect to get back to 2019, I think 17.8%.

And how about the numbers work, but can you talk about what's embedded in your gross margin percentage expectation or if you expect to get back to 2019, I think 17, 8%.

Sure sure.

Speaker 6: Sure, happy to do that. I think that when we look ahead, what's harder to predict is in the period of inflation that we're in, what happens exactly on that. And that really drives, as you just alluded to, how

Sure happy to do that I think that when when we look ahead, we know what's what's harder to predict is in the period of inflation that we're in what happens exactly on that and that really drives as you just alluded to.

How.

How gross margins versus an opex as a percent of sales play out it doesn't change EBITDA impact so I'd, rather stay away from that specifically, what I will say, though is specific to our when we look at our plans for 2020 for what we expect to do is to get EBITDA margins sort of at or near.

Speaker 6: how gross margins versus an OPEX was a percent of sales play out, doesn't change EBITDA impact. So I'd rather stay away from that specifically. What I will say, though, is specific to our, when we look at our plan through 2024, what we expect to do is to get EBITDA margins at or near 2019 levels in 2023, and then exceed those EBITDA margin levels in 2024 through the.

2019 levels in 2023, and then exceed those EBITDA margin levels in 2024 through the.

Number of initiatives around operating efficiency as well as gross margin expansion.

Speaker 6: number of initiatives around operating efficiency as well as gross marketing.

Speaker 14: Okay, thanks. And then just my last question, can you give us an update on the business mix for 2021?

Okay. Thanks, and then just my last question can you give us an update on the business mix.

2021 .

Across the different channels.

Sure happy to and I'm going to actually.

Speaker 6: Sure, happy to. And I'm going to actually. Yeah, Lauren, it's Melissa Napier. Is that, do you mind if that's something that we can follow up on with you afterwards? We still have a lot of people in our two that we want to get through. Sure. OK.

Lauren it's it's Melissa Napier is that do you mind, if that's something that we can follow up on with you. Afterwards, we still have a lot of <unk>.

People in our queue that we want to get through.

Sure.

Okay.

Excellent. Thank.

Thank you guys.

Yep.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from the line of Edward Kelly from Wells Fargo. Your line is open.

Your next question is from the line of Edward Kelly from Wells Fargo. Your line is open.

Yes, hi, everybody good morning.

Speaker 4: First thing I just wanted to ask about the 2022 outlook, you know, the 1.25 billion midpoint of EBITDA, which, you know, obviously it's been already talked about, right? It's below 2019 pro forma levels. But there's a lot of optimism around sort of like, you know, spring-summer period. You've obviously talked about share gains. I'm just kind of curious as to why, you know, volumes wouldn't get back to 2019 levels earlier than maybe the back half.

First of all I just wanted to ask about the 2022 outlook you know the 125 billion of EBITDA, which obviously, it's been already talked about right. It's below 2019 pro forma lateral levels.

But there is a lot of optimism around sort of like spring summer periods, you've obviously talked about share.

Share gains I'm, just kind of curious as to why you know volumes will get back in 2019 levels earlier than maybe the back half.

Speaker 4: And then from a cost perspective, how much of like unusual costs are still sitting in this 2022 guidance number? Just really trying to bridge to the like that.

And then from a cost perspective, how much of like unusual cost are still sitting in this 2022 guidance number just really trying to bridge should I like that too.

Speaker 4: you know, 22 number, you know, being below the 19 number by the amount that it is still.

22 number being.

Below the 19 number by the amount that it is still.

Sure. Good morning. Good question I think that a couple of things I would I would highlight.

Speaker 6: Sure, good morning, good question. I think that a couple things I would highlight. One is really that. When we took point with a 1.2 to 1.3 as I commented it, absent another COVID wave like Omicron, we would expect to be at the higher end of that range.

One is really that we.

To your point with the one two to one three as I commented that absent another COVID-19 wave like Omicron, we would expect to be at the higher end of that range.

And so I think that and within that we've embedded roughly $80 million to $90 million of impact from omicron. So that gives you a jumping point from.

Speaker 6: So I think that, and within, you know, that we've, we've embedded roughly 80 to $90 million of impact from Omicron. So that gives you a jumping point from where.

Where.

Speaker 6: that range is, plus the additional amount. So we aren't going to talk today about specific amounts that we've embedded in there, but I think it is not an insignificant amount in the first half of the year, especially as we're still working to get productivity back to 2019, similar to a number of our peers.

Sort of that range is plus the additional amount so.

So we are going to talk today about specific amounts that we've embedded in there, but I think it is it is not an insignificant amount in the first half of the year, especially as we're still working to get productivity back to 2019 similar to a number of our of our peers.

Speaker 6: I think that the thing that we are expecting is we expect steady improvement in our EBITDA versus 2019 as the year goes on and expect to make meaningful progress. And I think what you see from there is if we expect which we are roughly $1.5 billion of EBITDA next year, that means a healthy exit rate for this.

The thing that our we are expecting as we expect steady improvement in our EBITDA versus 2019 as the year goes on and expect to make meaningful progress.

And I think what you see from there if we expect which we are roughly $1 $5 billion of EBITDA next year that means a healthy exit rate for this year.

Speaker 5: Sir, can I add a little bit in terms of some of the points I've made in terms of volume and supply chain and why? Why the ramp that perhaps is not what you would expect it? So I'll talk about volume first. So we're in a very good place from a restaurant perspective. Hospitaling healthcare as we've said in the past, we do expect volume to recover.

Can I add a little bit in terms of some of the points I'd made in terms of volume and supply chain and why why the ramp that perhaps is not what you would have expected. So I'm talking about volume first so we're in very good place from a restaurant perspective.

Hospitality and health care as we said in the past, we do expect volume to recover.

But the timing is a bit uncertain right I mean health care has flat lined a little bit drip.

Speaker 5: But the timing is a bit uncertain, right? I mean, healthcare is flatlined a little bit driven by senior living. We expect demographic trends are extremely favorable, but it'll take time for healthcare to recover. And with hospitality, similarly, we've seen a recovery on the leisure side of things. There's other parts of hospitality that I've not yet recovered and will take some time. So that's a little bit of the volume story. On the...

Driven by senior living we expect demographic trends are extremely favorable, but it'll take time for health care to recover and with hospitality. Similarly, we've seen a recovery on the leisure side of things Theres other parts of hospitality that have not yet recovered and we will take some time, so that's a little bit of the volume story on the.

Speaker 5: Operation Expense, Operation Expense I primarily in distribution. As Bill mentioned, the percent of workers in our buildings, and you've heard this from others in the industry is, is abnormally high. It just takes time to get those new associates to the level of productivity that then drives, meaningfully lower cost per case. And those two factors, in addition to the Q1 Omicron impact that Dirk referred to are what is driving perhaps, almost now began to run Excellent.

Operation expense operational expense side, primarily in distribution as Bill mentioned the percent of workers in our in our buildings and you've heard this from from others. In the industry is is is abnormally high and it just takes time to get those new associates to the level of productivity that then.

Drives meaningfully lower cost per case and those two factors. In addition to the Q1 omicron impact that Derek referred to are what is driving perhaps a ramp that is not one you might have one might have modeled or expected.

Speaker 5: a ramp that is not one you might have, one might have modeled or.

Okay, and then just a follow up.

Speaker 4: Okay. And then just to follow up, Pietro, for you, can you maybe just take a step back for us and talk about some of the strategic adjustments that you're making to the business? So, there's been talk maybe about a CLO in the press.

Sure It for you.

You, maybe just take a step back for us and talk about some of the strategic adjustments that youre, making to the business. So theres been talk maybe about the CLO and the press obviously.

Speaker 4: Obviously, there's been a pitch that you could use some more supply chain management. Also, strategically, are you making any adjustments to things that you plan to do? I mean, internal pressure can create like a rethink, right? So I'm just kind of curious what's changing on that front.

Theres been a pitch day could you use more supply chain management bussell.

Strategically right are you, making any adjustments to.

Things that.

Planning to do on the.

External pressure create.

Create like a rethink right so.

Just kind of curious.

What's changing on that front.

Speaker 5: Sure, and maybe what I'll do is add a little bit of color to the three things I talked about earlier that really increase our level of confidence in the plan, and as I said to Kelly earlier, reduce the execution risk. So the first is this operating model.

Sure and maybe what I'll do add.

Is it a little bit of color to that the three things I talked about earlier that are they really.

Increase our level of confidence in the plan as I and as I said to Kelly earlier reduce the execution risk.

So so the first is this operating model.

Speaker 5: You know, historically, when we drove an initiative, things might get, you know.

You know historically when we when we drove an initiative.

Things might get.

Regionalized or customize in a way that kind of slowed things down and what these operations and commercial excellence teams that sit inside billing Andrews area is.

Speaker 5: regionalized or customized in a way that kind of slowed things down and what these operations and commercial excellence teams that sit inside Bill and Andrew's area is You know, they they drive best practices and for example We have I call them the assortments are Brent Wilson and that's all he does and he works with the field to put that in place and so we've seen

They drive best practices and for example, we have a I call them. The Assortments are Brent Wilson and that's all he does and he works with the field to put that in place and so we've seen.

Speaker 5: progress on those initiatives and standardization, unlike what we've seen before. So that operating model is really critical and it's been extremely well received by the field. So that's number one. Talent.

<unk> on those initiatives and and standardization. Unlike what we've seen before so that operating model.

Is really critical and it's been extremely well received by the field. So that's number one.

Talent.

So you've heard from Bill today, Bill has honest team a new logistics person new continuous improvement person new technology person, who comes from Amazon. So that beat the new folks on my team have brought with them. Some really good talent and that's going to change the trajectory and then the third is having more.

Speaker 5: So you've heard from Bill today. Bill has on his team a new logistics person, new continuous improvement person, new technology person who comes from Amazon. So the new folks on my team have brought with them some really good talent and that's gonna change the trajectory.

Speaker 5: And then the third is, you know, having more of an agile approach when we launch these initiatives, making sure we prototype and iterate, get customer feedback that's embedded in the operating model. And that's something else that has been adopted. And all three of those changes, the talent, the op model, and the agile approach, we really put in place, you know, early in 21 and based on reflection of our results leading into COVID and what we could do to improve our results from there.

Of an agile approach when we launched these initiatives, making sure we prototype and iterate get customer feedback.

That's embedded in the operating model and that's something else that has been adopted in all three of those changes of talent the op model.

And the agile approach of we really put in place you know early.

Early in 'twenty, one and based on reflection of our results leading to Covid and what we could do to improve our results from there.

Okay. Thank you.

Your next question is from the line of Mark Carden from UBS. Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from the line of Mark Carden from UBS. Your line is open.

Speaker 5: Good morning. Thanks a lot for taking my questions. Building on some of the prior questions on the 1.5x growth and the restaurants, we're seeing really all the major players anticipating pretty considerable levels of growth on that front. Are you expecting your share gains to come primarily from smaller distributors with fewer resources? Are you seeing these players facing more pressure, get it given the latest COVID wave? Or would you expect for the gain steps to come from some larger players as well? Thanks.

Good morning, Thanks, a lot for taking my questions building on some of the prior questions on the one five X growth in the restaurants.

We're seeing really all the major players anticipating pretty considerable levels of growth on that front are you expecting your share gains to come primarily from smaller distributors with fewer resources are you seeing these players facing more pressure given the latest COVID-19 wave.

Or would you expect for the gains that come from some larger players as well thanks.

So thanks for the question, maybe I'll toss that one to Andrew Who's again responsible for driving our our commercial initiatives on the local side of the business and the emphasis on kind of new versus versus existing customers Andrew.

Speaker 5: So thanks for the question. Maybe I'll toss that one to Andrew who's again responsible for driving our commercial initiatives on the local side of the business and the emphasis on on kind of new versus existing customers Andrew.

Yeah. Thanks, Thanks, gentlemen, and thanks, Mark for the question, Yes. It is fair to say is we really have a balanced.

Speaker 12: Yeah, thanks. Thanks, Pietro. And thanks, Mark, for the question. Yeah, as Pietro says, we really have a balanced approach to growing our case growth across not only, obviously, significant new customers, but also improving our penetration of testing in both.

To grow in our case growth.

Across not only obviously significant new customers, but also improving our penetration testing.

Equally important as is preventing.

Churn within our existing customer base. So all three of those things in balance are going to be the ways in which we go after the business and our focus is really.

Speaker 12: So all three of those things in balance are going to be the ways in which we go after the business. And our focus is really on delivering customer value more than specifically targeting one competitor or another.

On delivering customer value more than specifically targeting one competitor or another as we look to drive that business forward.

Got it Okay. That's helpful. And then can you remind us of where online penetration stands today as we hopefully emerge from the pandemic do you think there's still much room to grow penetration in the near to intermediate term or are you just getting closer to maturity on the proportion of your bids and second you can do digitally just giving you a head start on that front.

Speaker 5: Got it. Okay, that's helpful. And then can you remind us of where online penetration stands today? As we hopefully emerge from the pandemic, do you think there's still much room to grow penetration in the near-to-erimedia term? Or are you just getting closer to maturity on a proportion of your business that can, you can do digitally just giving your head start on that front?

Thanks, Yeah, so we're at 80% today.

Speaker 5: Yes, we're at 80% today, and we still see opportunity to grow that. In fact, we are working on our next release for our digital platform, which is being piloted right now and been very well received. And as I talked about, further supplementing that is our marketplace, which creates an added reason to go to our digital platform.

And we still see opportunity to grow that in fact, we are working on our next release of our digital platform, which is being piloted right now and been very well received and as I talked about further supplementing that as our as our marketplace, which helps.

It's an added reason to go to our our digital platform.

Great. Thanks, very much guys.

Your next question is from Alex Slagle from Jefferies. Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from Alex Tlegel from Jeffreece. Your line is open.

Thanks, Good morning.

Speaker 15: Thanks. Good morning. I wanted to follow up on some of the previous comments around the growth expectations relative to the market. And I think we kind of know the reasons, but I mean, those other non-restaurant segments, kind of what makes it so hard to outpace the market there? And, you know, what are some of the opportunities to maybe see some better share gains in those categories?

Wanted to follow up on the previous comments around the growth expectations relative to the market.

I mean, I think I think we kind of know the reasons, but I mean, those other non restaurant segment.

Kind of what Nate what makes it so hard to outpace the market there and what are some of the opportunities to maybe see some better share gains in.

In those categories.

Sure. Good question I think that when we maybe I'll focus primarily on when you talk about the non restaurant on health care and hospitality, which are our target customer types. Because there are a number of things that show up in the marketplace that are not our focus so with health care and hospitality, we have a strong presence there we.

Speaker 6: For a good question, I think that when we, maybe I'll focus primarily on, when you talk about the non-restraint health care and hospitality, which are our target customer types, because there are a number of things that show up in the marketplace that are not our focus.

Speaker 6: So with healthcare and hospitality, we have a strong presence there. We have a differentiated offering with people. So our expectation there is to grow a little bit above the market in those spaces where it's our focus area and other areas like local schools, okay, through 12 is an area where it has added complexity. They tend to not be as profitable as federal and we would expect to grow below the market there. So the way to think about it is.

We have a differentiated offering with people. So our expectation there is to grow a little bit above the market in those spaces, where it's our focus area and other areas like a local school. So K through 12 is an area where it has added complexity they tend to not be as profitable et cetera, and we would expect to grow below the market. There. So the way to think about it is <unk>.

Speaker 6: even though it's at market, it's an expectation of above market and are more attractive target customer types and below market and those that are less attractive in order to optimize the value that we generate.

Even though it's at market, it's an expectation of above market in a more attractive target customer types and below market and those that are less attractive in order to optimize the.

The value that we generate.

That makes sense.

Speaker 15: That makes sense. And on the new national business, how much of this $1 billion that you gained or won in 2021? How much of that comes online in 22 in terms of the magnitude? I know you hadn't really had the staffing all in place that maybe that held it back something 20.

And on the new National business, how much of this $1 billion.

Gain or one in 2020 , one how much of that comes online in 'twenty. Two in terms of the magnitude I know you hadn't really had the staffing you know all in place and it maybe that held it back some in 'twenty one.

Not a lot of it most of it has been in and some through.

Speaker 6: Not a lot of it. Most of it has been in some, you're through 20 or 21. You know, the other thing on the national, I guess that I would just add in, is that the thing that we're excited about is our pipeline on these attractive national customers is just as strong for this time of year as it's been the last two years.

<unk> through 'twenty or 'twenty one.

The other thing on the on the National I guess that I would just add in is that the thing that we're excited about is our pipeline on these are attractive national customers is just as strong for this time of year as it's been the last two years.

Speaker 6: So when we talk about just attractively adding and especially healthcare hospitality chains, we're bullish about our ability to continue to attract net new customers.

So when we talk about just attractively, adding an especially health care hospitality chains.

We're bullish about our ability to continue to attract net new customers.

Just a quick clarification on the 24 guide to give you a sense.

Speaker 15: just a quick clarification on the 24 guide to get it soon.

Accretive tuck in M&A is there a magnitude of accretion baked into that $3 40 EPS target.

Speaker 15: the creative tuck-in M&A. Is there a magnitude of a creation baked into that 340 EPS target?

Speaker 6: It does not assume token emanates. This is an all organic plan. And just because we've talked about being more opportunistic, what we decided to focus on was your organic and the way we would deploy our cash. And in those cases, if we have the right tokens that come in, they would be incremental.

It does not assume a tuck in M&A is that this is an all organic plan and just because we've talked about being more opportunistic what we decided to focus on was the organic and the way we would deploy our cash and in those cases, if we have the right tuck ins that come in they would be incremental.

Hi, Thank you.

Thanks.

Speaker 1: We have time for two more questions. Your next question is from John Ivanko from JB Morgan. Your line is open.

We have time for two more questions. Your next question is from John <unk> from Jpmorgan. Your line is open.

Speaker 7: Hi, thank you. I was wondering if some of the conversations with restaurants may have shifted.

Hi, Thank you I was wondering if you know some of the conversations with restaurants, you know may have shifted.

Speaker 7: uh... it to more value-added products that would allow them to reduce the i'd use of labor further uh... in their own operations of whether you think exclusive brands or whether you think you know manufacture brands if that is uh... an opportunity that you have you know i i guess specifically now uh... and whether an opportunity like that would fit into some of that skewers for men uh... productions that you've discussed

To more value added products that would allow them to reduce the use of labor further in their own operations or whether you think exclusive brands or whether using you know manufacturer brands. If that is an opportunity that you have I guess, specifically now and whether an opportunity like that would fit.

And to some of the SKU assortment.

<unk> that you've discussed.

Yes.

Speaker 5: Good morning, John . Yeah, so one of the major thrusts of our SCOOP program has been on labor saving.

Good morning, John Yes.

Yeah. So.

One of the major thrust of our Scoop program has been on labor saving.

Products, we believe that with the.

Speaker 5: products, we believe that with the resources that support those, the sales people, you know, the restaurant operations consultants, it's something that truly distinguishes us versus our competitors in industry and one that has been really welcomed by our customers.

Resources that support those salespeople you know the restaurant operations consultants or something that truly distinguishes us versus versus our competitors in the industry and one that has been really.

<unk> welcomed by our customers.

And in terms of that sitting in terms of a reduction in the overall assortment that you plan to offer and I know you've quoted some percents there.

Speaker 7: And in terms of that sitting, in terms of reduction in the overall assortment that you plan to offer, I mean, I know you've quoted some percent there.

Speaker 5: Yeah, so as I said earlier, John , we, you know, we really get success this year, probably, you know, better than a number of years combined leading into this year. And a lot of that credit goes to,

Yeah, So as I said earlier John we.

Really good success this year, probably better than a number of years combine leading into this year and you know a lot of that credit goes to.

Speaker 5: the operating model we put in place. We have goals to further optimize the assortment, focusing on the duplication that exists within a DC or some of the harder to manage tail items with the lower value customers where we don't necessarily get the return from them and end up making Bill's job in the supply chain side harder. Again, not ready to disclose any specific goals, but definitely meaningful reduction as part of our playbook going forward.

The the operating model, we put in place we have goals to further optimize the assortment focusing on the duplication that exists within a DC or some of the hunter to manage tail items with the lower value customers, where we don't necessarily get the return from them and end up.

Making bills, John the supply chain side harder.

Again, not not ready to disclose any specific goals, but definitely meaningful reduction as part of our of our playbook going forward.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Your next question is from Jake Bartlett from true Securities. Your line is open.

Speaker 1: Your next question is from Jake Bartlett from Truvist Securities. Your line is open.

Speaker 16: Great. Thanks for taking the question and sneaking me in here. My first was on really what we might think of transitory costs in 2021. We've heard from others as well.

Great. Thanks for taking the question and sneaking me in here.

My first one was on.

Really the trends, what we might think of transitory costs in 2021.

We've heard from others as well.

Overtime, there may be temporary staffing costs or bonuses.

Speaker 16: Over time, there's maybe temporary staffing costs. There's this bonuses that you can probably

Yeah.

Didn't publish.

Yeah.

Jacob you you cut out.

It wasn't us.

Yes.

Operator.

Mr. Bartlett. Please press star one again to keep for a question.

Your line is open Mr. Bartlett.

Speaker 16: right? Sorry, I'm not sure what happened there. The question is on the transitory cost that I would have thought would be in 2021 and others have talked about, you know, simply in costs around over time, the bonuses you've talked about, that they do seem kind of something that wouldn't recur, maybe temporary staffing agencies using those.

Right, sorry, I'm not sure what happened there.

The question is on the transitory costs that I would've thought would be in 2021 and others have talked about you know sinking cost around overtime bonuses you've talked about that.

They do seem kind of something that wouldn't recur maybe temporary staffing agencies using those but where is that reflected in this bridge and looking at the bridge from 2021 to 24, EBITDA would that be capturing opex efficiencies. They just don't see kind of.

Speaker 16: But where is that reflected in this bridge? And looking at the bridge from 2021 to 24 EBIDA. You know, would that be captured in op-ex efficiencies? I just don't see kind of a bar there what I might expect, you know, as you kind of lap some of those kind of one-time costs.

A bar there what I might expect.

As you kind of lap some of those kind of one time costs.

Sure a good good question Jake I think that so yes. It is in the Opex efficiency line. There I think when you think about our.

Speaker 6: Sure, good question, Jake. I think that, please, yes, it is in the op-ex efficiency line there. I think when you think about our...

Transitory temporary type of costs as our peers have talked about at the level that we incurred in the fourth quarter is not dissimilar to theirs called the neighborhood of 40, maybe $50 million. So very similar and that comes from whether it's temporary staffing the additional training hours, the signing and retention bonuses all those kinds of things.

Speaker 6: Transitory temporary type of cost as as our peers have talked about it The level that we incurred in the fourth quarter is not dissimilar to theirs They call in the neighborhood of you know, 40 maybe 50 million dollars So very similar and that comes from whether it's temporary staffing the additional training hours There's the signing and retention bonuses all those kinds of things as you would think about

As you would think about in there and then we would expect as you've called out to go away as we continue to.

Speaker 6: in there and that we would expect as you called out to go away as we continue to get our individuals that have been on more productive and staffed up to a more normal level as we go.

Get our individuals that have been on more productive and staffed up to more normal levels as we go ahead.

Great Great. Thanks. My next question is about gross profit per case, obviously very strong.

Speaker 16: Great, great, thanks. My next question is about the gross profits per case. Obviously, you know, very strong, you know, I think the strongest since 2016. It seems like that's being driven, you know, in part by just supply chain disruption, you know, and driving really strong pricing power for you and your peers. But, you know, how sustainable is that? I'm thinking about...

So we think 2016.

Like that's being driven in part by just supply chain disruption.

No.

Having really strong pricing power for you and your peers, but how sustainable is that I'm thinking about.

Speaker 16: It seems like that could be a risk, especially if we see some deflation from product costs. How confident are you that what looks to be kind of an outsized gross profit per case really can continue long term?

Does that mean that it seems like that could be a risk, especially if we see some some deflation from product cost will help often argue that what looks to be kind of an outsized gross profit per case, you really can continue long term.

Yeah.

We do think that gross profits do stay stronger over the longer term than they were historically in part because of.

Speaker 6: We do think that gross profits do stay stronger over the longer term than they were historically, in part because of

Well.

Meaningful portion of this inflation is likely to stay but also labor costs are different than they were a few years back. So as you pointed out it's hard to say exactly the amount as we see what plays out with inflation deflation, but I think over time, we do expect through.

Speaker 6: meaningful portion of this inflation is likely to stay, but also labor costs are different than they were a few years back. So as you pointed out, it's hard to say exactly the amount as we see what plays out with inflation deflation, but I think over time we do expect through.

Speaker 6: the processes, the margin improvements we've had from individual customers, etc., that we expect gross profit to remain stronger, and TBD on exactly where it lands, and the same, I think, would be the case for the broader industry.

The processes the margin improvements we've had from individual customers et cetera, do we expect gross profit to remain stronger and TBD on exactly where it lands and the same I think would be the case for the broader industry.

Speaker 16: Right. And then my last question is just on the on the customer kind of segments. I'm looking at at chart of the page 16. Looking at those lines and they say eyeball it. You know, it looks like kind of all other which I believe includes chain restaurants, a big chunk of it.

Great and then my last question is just on the on the customer.

Segments, and looking at and chart of the page six blue.

Look at those lines.

Ball. It you know it looks like kind of all other which I believe includes chain restaurants, a big chunk of it really is negative.

Speaker 16: really, you know, is negative versus, you know, lapping in negative and really decelerated sharply on a two-year basis.

Versus lapping a negative it really decelerated sharply on a two year basis.

Speaker 16: One, it seems like maybe those numbers are kind of non-adjusted for the operating week in the fourth quarter, 21, and are in 20, in 20. But just if you could talk about the trajectory of that big slice of the customer base, really what's happening there, I would have thought that some of the gains, that the billion dollars in new business would have come in, you know, in that customer type as well, kind of helping to grow cases.

One it seems like maybe those numbers are kind of not adjusted for the operating week in the fourth quarter 'twenty, one and are in 2020 , but just if you could talk about the trajectory of that big slice of the customer base, you really what's happening there I wonder who would've thought that some of the gains that the $1 billion in new business would have come in that customer type as well.

It's kind of helping to grow cases there.

Speaker 6: That would be to your right, that would include some of the chain and that would help that.

That would be so you're right that would include some of the chain and that would help that.

Speaker 6: The other thing that, again, that I would call out is school volumes have continued to remain lower than they were before. I think the other thing that does cloud that as you go through 2020 into really the middle of 2021 is some of the retail support business that we and others picked up, and in our case, we picked up, and most of that had

The other thing that's again as that I would call out as school volumes have continued to remain lower than they were before I think the other thing that it does cloud that as you go through 2020 into really the middle of 2021 is some of the retail support business that we and others picked up and in our case.

We picked up and most of that had it was temporary in the sense was gone by the end of 2020. We did have some portion that remains kind of in through the earlier part of Q3 and that is a fully gone now.

Speaker 6: Temporary in the sense was gone by the end of 2020. We did have some portion that remained kind of in through

Speaker 6: the earlier part of Q3 and that is fully gone now. Those are the main reasons for it. Got it. Thank you so much. Appreciate it.

Those are the main the main reasons for it.

Got it. Thank you so much appreciate it.

Thank you.

I will now turn the call back to Pietro Sochi Yano.

So thanks, everyone for tuning in appreciate all the questions hopefully you have the same level of.

Speaker 5: So thanks everyone for tuning in. Appreciate all the questions. Hopefully you have the same level of excitement and energy and a better level of understanding about our plans. Again apologies for the delay earlier today and we look forward to continuing our conversation.

Excitement and energy and a better level of understanding about our plans again apologies for the delay earlier today and we look forward to continuing our conversations.

This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating you may now disconnect.

Speaker 1: This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect.

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