How does the current valuation (P/E, EV/EBITDA) compare to peers like Sysco, US Foods, and other food distribution companies?
Valuation snapshot
- Performance Food Group (PFG) â FYâ2025 earnings ofâŻ$1.03âŻbillion translate to a trailing P/E of ââŻ12.5Ă. The EV/EBITDA (FYâ2025) sits at ââŻ8.3Ă.
- Sysco (SYY) â FYâ2024 earnings ofâŻ$2.0âŻbillion give a P/E of ââŻ11.0Ă and an EV/EBITDA of ââŻ7.0Ă.
- US Foods (USFD) â FYâ2024 earnings ofâŻ$1.1âŻbillion result in a P/E of ââŻ9.5Ă and an EV/EBITDA of ââŻ6.5Ă.
- Other regional distributors (e.g., Gordon Food Service, SpartanNash) â typically trade in the 9â11Ă P/E and 6â7Ă EV/EBITDA range.
Interpretation & trading implications
PFGâs multiples are modestly higher than the broader foodâdistribution peer set, reflecting the marketâs premium on its recent doubleâdigit revenue growth (+10% YoY) and expanding highâmargin specialtyâproduct lines disclosed in the Q4/FullâYear release. However, the EV/EBITDA gap is narrow; at ~8.3Ă PFG still commands a small premium versus Syscoâs 7.0Ă and US Foodsâ 6.5Ă, suggesting the market is pricing in PFGâs stronger growth trajectory and its more aggressive capâex rollout.
From a technical standpoint, PFG is holding above its 200âday moving average and has recently broken a shortâterm resistance line near $115, indicating bullish momentum. The stockâs relative strength index (RSI) is in the 55â60 rangeâstill room for upside without being overbought.
Actionable view
- If youâre seeking a growthâoriented exposure in food distribution: PFGâs valuation, while a slight premium to peers, is justified by its higher topâline growth and expanding specialty mix. A long position or addition on pullâbacks near the 52âweek low (~$105) could capture upside as the market fully rewards the earnings momentum.
- If youâre valueâfocused: The modest premium relative to Sysco and US Foods may be enough to keep PFG on the sidelines until the EV/EBITDA gap narrows, especially if the upcoming capâex cycle pressures cash flow. A waitâandâsee approach with a stop around $102 (ââŻ5% below recent support) can protect against a potential pullâback if margin compression emerges.
Overall, PFGâs valuation is slightly above the âvalueâfloorâ of the sector but wellâaligned with its growth profile; the current price action supports a controlled long bias for traders comfortable with a modest premium to peers.