Advertisement
SYY vs USFD
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Sysco Corporation (SYY) vs. US Foods Holding Corp. (USFD) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Sysco Corporation (SYY) is the largest U.S. foodservice distributor, offering scale and a reliable dividend, while US Foods Holding Corp. (USFD) is a faster-growing second player with stronger recent earnings momentum.
- USFD's fiscal 2025 net income rose roughly 37% year over year and it guided to 18%–24% adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth for fiscal 2026, a materially stronger trajectory than SYY's flatter recent EPS.
- SYY trades at a lower forward earnings multiple and pays a dividend near 2.6%–2.7%, giving it a more defensive, income-oriented profile.
- Both companies are exposed to restaurant traffic and food-cost inflation, but USFD's independent-restaurant case volume growth has outpaced the industry in recent quarters.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: USFD — Tickeron's AI currently favors US Foods Holding Corp. based on stronger earnings momentum, trend consistency, and clearer near-term growth catalysts.
- For more on each company's latest developments, explore SYY Major News and SYY Today's Price Move, as well as USFD Major News and USFD Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI trading systems are positioning across the market, explore the Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Food distribution is a high-volume, low-margin business where scale, logistics efficiency, and customer mix determine profitability. SYY and USFD are two of the largest publicly traded players in the fragmented U.S. foodservice distribution market, serving restaurants, healthcare, hospitality, and education customers. This stock comparison is relevant for investors evaluating whether to favor a dominant, dividend-paying industry leader or a faster-growing challenger with sharper earnings momentum. By examining relative performance, growth drivers, risk factors, and market positioning, traders and long-term investors can better assess which company aligns with their objectives in the current environment.
SYY Overview and Recent Performance
SYY — Sysco Corporation — is North America's largest foodservice distributor, holding roughly 18% of the U.S. market and distributing more than 500,000 food and non-food products to about 730,000 customer locations. Its scale and dense distribution network support a reliable dividend and a defensive profile. In recent market activity, however, Sysco has shown more modest growth: fiscal 2025 sales rose about 3% while net income declined, and recent quarterly results reflected slightly lower net income and diluted EPS versus the prior year. A pending agreement to acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot, which would add significant sales, remains a longer-term catalyst. Sentiment has been shaped by cautious restaurant traffic, persistent food-cost inflation, and softer-than-expected forward EPS guidance, which have kept the stock range-bound in recent weeks relative to its 52-week span.
USFD Overview and Recent Performance
USFD — US Foods Holding Corp. — is the second-largest U.S. foodservice distributor, with a strong position in higher-margin customer segments such as independent restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality. In recent market activity, USFD has delivered notably stronger fundamentals: fiscal 2025 net sales rose about 4%, net income climbed roughly 37%, and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) grew about 11%. The company's independent restaurant case volume growth has been among the industry's strongest, and management guided to 18%–24% adjusted EPS growth for fiscal 2026. This improving profitability, supported by private-label penetration, digital tools, and cost discipline, has driven the stock to outperform its larger peer and the broader market over recent quarters.
Trending AI Robots
For traders seeking a systematic edge, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a selection of AI trading bots chosen for their suitability to current market conditions. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI trading bots that monitor thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and statistical profile. Rather than listing every available bot, the Trending section highlights those demonstrating the strongest recent alignment with prevailing market dynamics. Whether you prefer short-term momentum strategies or longer-horizon trend approaches, this page offers a useful starting point for discovering automated systems matched to today's environment. Explore the Trending AI Robots to see which strategies are currently gaining traction.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly on growth profile and investor return. SYY offers unmatched scale, an established dividend, and a lower forward earnings multiple, but its recent EPS growth has been roughly flat to slightly negative. USFD trades at a higher valuation yet backs that premium with double-digit adjusted EBITDA and EPS growth, aggressive share repurchases, and expanding margins. On risk factors, both face restaurant traffic softness and food-cost volatility, but USFD's greater concentration in independent restaurants makes it more sensitive to consumer sentiment, while SYY's international and quick-service logistics segments add diversification. From a market positioning standpoint, SYY is the defensive incumbent, whereas USFD is the momentum-oriented challenger executing a clear margin-expansion and earnings-compounding strategy.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, and the presence of clear near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor USFD over SYY in the current market environment. USFD's accelerating adjusted EPS growth, robust independent-restaurant case volume, expanding margins, and confident fiscal 2026 guidance present a more compelling momentum profile than SYY's comparatively flat recent earnings trajectory. While SYY's scale and dividend make it a steadier option, the AI's probabilistic assessment points toward USFD for stronger relative performance potential at present. This reflects a data-driven tilt rather than a definitive prediction.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is SYY is a Hold and USFD is a StrongBuy.
SYY in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026
The 10-day moving average for SYY crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SYY as a result. In 44 of 77 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SYY just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where SYY's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
SYY moved above its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +0.91% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SYY advanced for three days, in 150 of 307 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 132 of 249 cases where SYY Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 53%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SYY moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 14 of the 29 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 48%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 27 of 65 cases where SYY's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 42%.
SYY broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SYY’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 67, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 81 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: SYY's P/B Ratio (14.704) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (3.113). P/E Ratio (22.272) is within average values for comparable stocks, (54.619). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.476) is also within normal values, averaging (0.741). Dividend Yield (0.027) settles around the average of (0.014) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.447) is also within normal values, averaging (0.357).
USFD in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
The 10-day moving average for USFD crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 01, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on USFD as a result. In 62 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for USFD just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where USFD's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
USFD moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.90% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where USFD advanced for three days, in 201 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 171 of 286 cases where USFD Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 60%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for USFD moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 41 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 41 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 49%.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
USFD broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 7 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 67, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. USFD’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 70 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.349) is normal, around the industry mean (3.113). P/E Ratio (32.158) is within average values for comparable stocks, (54.619). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.908) is also within normal values, averaging (0.741). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.014) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.516) is also within normal values, averaging (0.357).
SYY | USFD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 45 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 81 Overvalued | 70 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 66 | 7 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 16 | 53 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 41 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 28 | 45 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
USFD's Valuation (70) in the Food Distributors industry is in the same range as SYY (81). This means that USFD’s stock grew similarly to SYY’s over the last 12 months.
USFD's Profit vs Risk Rating (7) in the Food Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SYY (66). This means that USFD’s stock grew somewhat faster than SYY’s over the last 12 months.
SYY's SMR Rating (16) in the Food Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for USFD (53). This means that SYY’s stock grew somewhat faster than USFD’s over the last 12 months.
USFD's Price Growth Rating (41) in the Food Distributors industry is in the same range as SYY (45). This means that USFD’s stock grew similarly to SYY’s over the last 12 months.
SYY's P/E Growth Rating (28) in the Food Distributors industry is in the same range as USFD (45). This means that SYY’s stock grew similarly to USFD’s over the last 12 months.
| SYY | USFD | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 49% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 42% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 34% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 60% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
SYY’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while USFD’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- SYY’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- USFD’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
SYY’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while USFD’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- SYY’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
- USFD’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
SYY (@Food Distributors) experienced а -0.51% price change this week, while USFD (@Food Distributors) price change was +4.38% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Food Distributors industry was -3.46%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.62%, and the average quarterly price growth was -5.21%.
Reported Earning Dates
SYY is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
USFD is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Food Distributors (-3.46% weekly)Food distributors function as intermediaries between food manufacturers and food service operators (such as chefs, restaurants, beverage managers, cafeterias, industrial caterers, hospitals and nursing homes). Food distribution companies buy, store and then supply food items to the food service operators, thereby allowing the latter to have access to a wide range of food items from various manufacturers. Sysco Corporation, US Foods Holding Corp. and Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. are some of the biggest (by market cap) U.S. companies in this segment. Most food service operators buy from local, specialty, and/or broad line food service distributors on a daily or weekly basis. With the rise in e-commerce, consumers are increasingly expecting lower prices, faster service, and higher quality – something that potentially creates the impetus on distribution networks to raise their game.
Advertisement
USFD and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, USFD has been loosely correlated with PFGC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if USFD jumps, then PFGC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To USFD | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USFD | 100% | +2.11% | ||
| PFGC - USFD | 59% Loosely correlated | +1.81% | ||
| SYY - USFD | 39% Loosely correlated | -1.40% | ||
| CHEF - USFD | 36% Loosely correlated | -0.96% | ||
| UNFI - USFD | 24% Poorly correlated | +2.03% | ||
| DIT - USFD | 6% Poorly correlated | -1.74% | ||
More | ||||