CHEF

The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc.

Fundamental data last updated:October 17, 2026

We may earn a commission from partner links. This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Information may be delayed or inaccurate.

company profile

SECTOR

Consumer Defensive

industry

Food Distribution

Exchange

NASDAQ

County of HQ

US

Next Earnings Date

Pending Announcement

Business Summary

The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in distribution of specialty food products in the United States and Canada. The company's product portfolio includes approximately 50,000 stock-keeping units, such as specialty food products, such as artisan charcuterie, specialty cheeses, unique oils and vinegars, truffles, caviar, chocolate, and pastry products. It also offers a line of center-of-the-plate products, including custom cut beef, seafood, and hormone-free poultry, as well as food products, such as cooking oils, butter, eggs, milk, and flour. The company serves menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, cruise lines, casinos, and specialty food stores. It markets its center-of-the-plate products directly to consumers through a mail and e-commerce platform. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

 


VALUATION

P/E

38.05

Market Cap ($M USD)

$3.18B

Forward P/E

20.72

PEG

0.25

PRICE TO SALES

0.75

PRICE TO BOOK

4.97

EV / EBITDA

7.90

5-Year Average P/E

Free Cash Flow Yield

2.55%

DCF Value

$42.74

Graham Number

$26.88

Price to FCF

39.16

EV to FCF

40.82

Earnings Yield

2.63%

FCF Yield

2.55%

DIVIDEND

Yield

0.00%

Annual Payout

$0.00

Payout Ratio

0.00%

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth

5-Year Dividend Growth Rate

Financial Health & Profitability

Earnings Per Share

$2.05

Next Year EPS Growth Estimate

$3.76

Next Year Revenue Growth Estimate

$6.01B

Return on Equity (ROE)

13.54%

FREE CASH FLOW

Operating Margin

3.84%

Debt-to-Equity

1.95

Piotroski F-Score

8

Altman Z-Score

4.22

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

10.47%

Current Ratio

2.18

Quick Ratio

1.33

Net Debt to EBITDA

0.32

Interest Coverage

3.92

Gross Profit margin

24.32%

FCF PER SHARE

$2.09

REVENUE PER SHARE

$109.75

Gainseekers Quantitative Analysis

Summary

The market seems to have priced CHEF The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. with a level of optimism that might not align with its intrinsic value. The stock traded significantly above its DCF Value and Graham Number, suggesting a potential overvaluation. However, a Forward P/E of 21.73 and an impressive Altman Z-score of 4.31 indicate financial stability and growth potential. The Earnings Yield of 2.51% is modest, hinting at a need for caution. Overall, while the company shows robust growth prospects, the current valuation may not offer a margin of safety for deep value investors.

AI Exposure / Tech Reliance

Operating in the food distribution sector, CHEF is less directly exposed to AI disruptions compared to tech-heavy industries. However, its ability to integrate modern logistics and supply chain technologies could enhance efficiency. The company's resilience will depend on how well it leverages these advancements to maintain competitive pricing and service quality.

The Bull Case

For GARP investors, CHEF presents a compelling case with its strong ROIC of 10.47% and a high Piotroski F-Score of 8, indicating operational efficiency and financial health. The company's ability to generate cash is evident from its FCF Yield, albeit modest, and a solid Operating Margin of 3.84%. These metrics suggest effective capital allocation and pricing power, making it an attractive buy for those seeking growth at a reasonable price.

The Bear Case

Despite its strengths, CHEF faces significant structural risks. The Price/Book ratio of 5.21 and Price/Sales of 0.78 highlight a potentially inflated valuation. Additionally, the stock's proximity to its 52-week high suggests it may be technically overextended. The lack of dividend yield and high Price to FCF ratio further underscore concerns about cash flow sustainability. Investors should be wary of these valuation pressures.

Market Sentiment & Smart Money

Short Interest %

Analyst Consensus

Buy

Average Analyst Price Target

$83.33

Institutional Ownership %

1-Year Beta

1.47

Insider Buying % (6 Mo)

Distance to 52-Week High

6.29%

Distance to 52-Week Low

31.72%

EARNINGS SURPRISE %

73.91%

50-DAY SMA

$69.18

200-DAY SMA

$64.11

⚠️ Financial Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Information may be delayed or inaccurate. We may earn a commission from partner links.