Houston, Texas-based Sysco Corporation (SYY) is the world’s largest foodservice distributor, supplying food and related products to businesses that prepare meals away from home. Valued at a market cap of $40.2 billion, its customers include restaurants, healthcare and educational institutions, hotels, entertainment venues, and other foodservice operators.
Despite its defensive business model, Sysco has struggled to keep pace with the broader market over the past year. Shares of SYY have gained 5.5% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has soared 19.9%. However, the picture brightens considerably in 2026, with the stock up 14.3%, edging ahead of the S&P 500’s 12.9% gain.
