Aramark Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2023 Results

Q4 YEAR-OVER-YEAR SUMMARY

• Revenue +12%; Organic Revenue +11%
  • Global FSS +12%¹; Uniform Services +5%¹
• Operating Income +40%; Adjusted Operating Income (AOI) +28%¹
  • Global FSS AOI +33%¹; Uniform Services AOI +15%¹
• EPS +169% to $0.78; Adjusted EPS +34%¹ to $0.64
  • GAAP EPS included a gain on sale from non-controlling equity investment

FISCAL 2023 YEAR-OVER-YEAR SUMMARY

• Net New Business momentum continued in Global FSS
  • Annualized gross new business totaled $1.2 billion, representing 8.8% of prior year revenue
  • Retention at 95.5%, maintained significant improvement vs. historical levels
• Revenue +15%; Organic Revenue +16%
  • Global FSS +18%¹; Uniform Services +5.5%¹
  • Performance driven by net new business, pricing actions, and base business growth
• Operating Income +37%; Adjusted Operating Income (AOI) +34%¹
  • Global FSS AOI +46%¹; Uniform Services AOI +10%¹
  • Well-positioned to drive expected AOI growth and margin expansion into fiscal '24
• EPS +243% to $2.57; Adjusted EPS +50%¹ to $1.70
  • GAAP EPS included a net gain on sales from non-controlling equity investments
• Strong Cash Flow and higher earnings drove 1.4x improvement in leverage ratio
  • Net Cash provided by operating activities of $766 million; Free Cash Flow of $334 million
• Subsequent to year-end, completed spin-off of Uniform Services business; now "Vestis"
  • Vestis began trading as an independent public company on October 2, 2023, under "VSTS"

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) today reported fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2023 results.

"This year represented a significant step forward in achieving our strategic and financial goals," said John Zillmer, Aramark's Chief Executive Officer. "Our hospitality, field-focused culture generated a third consecutive year of strong Net New Business, with rising Revenue and AOI resulting in significant Adjusted EPS growth. Throughout the year, we continued to opportunistically de-lever through diligent cash management and strategic asset optimization. Additionally, we completed a key milestone with the Uniform Services spin-off, which we believe enhances our performance and focus. We could not have accomplished these results without our extraordinary teams around the globe, who exemplify our 'Reach for Remarkable' mindset in all that they do."

FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

Consolidated revenue was $4.9 billion in the fourth quarter, a 12% increase year-over-year, driven by net new business, pricing actions, and base business growth. The effect of currency translation increased revenue by $19 million.

Organic revenue, which adjusts for the effect of currency translation, grew 11% year-over-year. Organic revenue growth for Global FSS exceeded 12% versus the fourth quarter last year and Uniform Services increased 5%.

• FSS United States revenue growth benefited from net new business and pricing actions, as well as strong base business performance led by higher attendance and per capita spending in the Sports & Entertainment business, and favorable volume trends in the Business & Industry ("B&I") sector.

• FSS International grew revenue across all geographies resulting from net new business, pricing actions, and ongoing base business growth—primarily from a robust events calendar and greater B&I participation rates in Europe, mining activity in South America, and a strong start to the academic year for higher education in Canada.

• Uniform & Career Apparel increased revenue largely through pricing actions, and growth in adjacency sales, partially offset by the rollback of an energy surcharge that was in effect during the fourth quarter last year.

Operating Income gained 40% year-over-year to $278 million, and AOI grew 28%¹ to $339 million, reflecting an operating income margin increase of 115 basis points and an AOI margin increase of 91 basis points¹. The effect of currency translation benefited results by $2 million.

Global FSS increased AOI 33%¹ compared to the prior year period, resulting in an AOI margin improvement of 94 basis points¹ to 6.1%. Performance was driven by operating leverage from increased revenue, continued contract maturity of accounts won in prior years, improved supply chain economics, and disciplined above-unit cost management. Uniform Services increased AOI 15%¹ in the quarter resulting in nearly 70 basis points of improvement in AOI margin from the third quarter and 106 basis points¹ higher AOI margin than the fourth quarter last year.

Year-over-year profitability improvement was a result of the following segment performance:

• FSS United States increased driven by the ongoing maturity of previous new business, improved supply chain economics and purchasing initiatives, and disciplined above-unit cost management across the segment, as well as actions taken to close the price-inflation lag within the Education sector and Corrections business.

• FSS International benefited from scaling new business, pricing, higher base business volumes, improved supply chain economics, and reduced above-unit costs from personnel actions taken earlier in the fiscal year.

• Uniform & Career Apparel improved through the execution on the strategic initiatives outlined at the Vestis Analyst Day in September.

• Corporate expenses improved primarily from above-unit cost containment while appropriately supporting the business, as well as lower share-based compensation expense.

FISCAL 2023 SUMMARY

Consolidated revenue was $18.9 billion, a 15% increase year-over-year, driven by net new business, pricing actions, and base business growth. Organic revenue increased 16% year-over-year to $18.9 billion, which adjusted for $186 million from Union Supply Group through the anniversary of its acquisition in June 2023, as well as $207 million of currency translation associated with a stronger dollar compared to prior year. Organic Revenue for Global FSS grew 18% to $16.1 billion, and Uniforms Services increased 5.5% to $2.8 billion.

Aramark's operating income increased 37% to $863 million and margin increased 73 basis points to 4.6%. Adjusted Operating Income grew 34%¹ to $1.03 billion, resulting in a year-over-year AOI margin improvement of 76 basis points¹ to 5.5%. AOI in Global FSS increased 46%¹ to $743 million reflecting AOI margin progression of 92 basis points¹ to 4.7%. Uniform Services improved 10%¹ to $292 million, expanding margins 43 basis points¹.

The Company's earnings per share of $2.57 included a net gain on sales of non-controlling equity investments. Adjusted earnings per share increased 50%¹ to $1.70, associated with the ongoing focus on profitable growth across the organization.

CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE

Consistent with the typical quarterly cadence of the business, the fourth quarter generated a significant cash inflow. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.04 billion, a year-over-year increase of $200 million, and Free Cash Flow was $892 million, representing a $174 million improvement compared to the prior year period.

In fiscal 2023, Net cash provided by operating activities was $766 million and Free Cash Flow was $334 million that included a payment of $64 million of deferred payroll taxes associated with the CARES Act and $72 million in spin-off and restructuring related costs that were less than expected due to timing. Before these items, fiscal 2023 Free Cash Flow was $471 million. Favorable year-over-year performance was primarily due to significantly higher operational results and lower working capital.

As a result of the cash flow performance, higher year-over-year earnings, and over $800 million of net debt reduction versus prior year-end, the Company's leverage ratio improved 1.4x to 3.9x at year-end.

Immediately prior to year-end, Aramark received proceeds of $1.5 billion in debt associated with the Uniform Services capital raise in preparation for its spin-off. Subsequent to fiscal year-end, Aramark used the funds to redeem the entire $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of its 6.375% Senior Notes due 2025, resulting in a future interest expense savings of approximately $100 million annually.

DIVIDEND DECLARATION

Given the Company's strengthening financial profile, Aramark's Board of Directors approved a 15% increase to its pro rata portion of the pre-spin quarterly dividend. The dividend of 9.5 cents per common share will be payable on December 8, 2023, to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 28, 2023.

UNIFORM SERVICES SPIN-OFF

Aramark completed the spin-off of its Uniform Services business—now called Vestis—on September 30, 2023, the first day of the Company's fiscal year 2024. The strengthened results of the Uniform Services business in the fourth quarter reflected the strategic priorities outlined at the Vestis Analyst Day in September 2023.

ARAMARK BUSINESS UPDATE

With a growth mindset now firmly in place across the organization, Aramark continued its net new business momentum for the third consecutive year. In fiscal 2023, Annualized Net New Business for the Global FSS business was $582 million, representing 4.3% of its prior year revenue. The Company's performance was a result of high retention rates of 95.5% and strength in new business signings that totaled nearly $1.2 billion across multiple lines of business and geographies. Entering fiscal 2024, Aramark is already off to a strong start and remains confident in the robust sales pipeline for the remainder of the year to achieve its target Net New Business at 4% to 5% of prior year revenue.

Aramark expects its typical "U-shaped" margin seasonality to continue in its Global FSS segments—with margins higher in the first and fourth quarters compared to the second and third quarters.

The Company anticipates increased profitability in the near- and longer-term through:

• Profitability ramp of new business booked in prior years as a result of operational maturity and efficiencies, following three consecutive strong years of adding new clients;

• Benefits from early trends related to the slow moderation of inflation, paired with progress in pricing, most notably in the Education sector and Corrections business;

• Run-rate of improved supply chain economics, as well as incremental optimization opportunities through purchasing, efficiencies from new deals, and benefits from greater scale;

• Continued rebound of front-line margins as food and labor costs normalize, combined with leveraging a flexible operating model;

• And, disciplined control and containment of above-unit overhead costs, including leveraging existing resources to support the lines of business in additional ways post-spin.

OUTLOOK

The Company provides its expectations for organic revenue growth, Adjusted Operating Income growth, Adjusted Earnings per Share growth, and Net Debt to Covenant Adjusted EBITDA ("Leverage Ratio") on a non-GAAP basis, and does not provide a reconciliation of such forward-looking non-GAAP measures to GAAP due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliations, including adjustments that could be made for the effect of currency translation. The fiscal 2024 outlook reflects management's current assumptions regarding numerous evolving factors that are difficult to accurately predict, including those discussed in the Risk Factors set forth in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Aramark currently expects its full-year performance for fiscal 2024 as follows:

"With the spin-off now complete, fiscal '24 represents a new chapter in Aramark's history," Zillmer continued. "The business is off to a strong start to the year in delivering profitable growth, and we believe it is well positioned for continued top- and bottom-line success. We remain confident in our ability to build upon the momentum we've worked hard to establish, rooted in the hospitality culture and growth mindset that now define all aspects of the organization."

CONFERENCE CALL SCHEDULED

The Company has scheduled a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss its earnings and outlook. This call and related materials can be heard and reviewed, either live or on a delayed basis, on the Company's website, www.aramark.com, on the investor relations page.

About Aramark

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 15 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Aramark has been recognized on FORTUNE’s list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” and “Top Companies for Supplier Diversity,” Newsweek’s list of “America’s Most Responsible Companies 2023,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,” and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram.

Selected Operational and Financial Metrics

Adjusted Revenue (Organic)

Adjusted Revenue (Organic) represents revenue growth, adjusted to eliminate the effect of certain material acquisitions and the impact of currency translation.

Adjusted Operating Income

Adjusted Operating Income represents operating income adjusted to eliminate the change in amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; the impact of the change in fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel agreements; severance and other charges; the effect of certain material acquisitions; spin-off related charges and other items impacting comparability.

Adjusted Operating Income (Constant Currency)

Adjusted Operating Income (Constant Currency) represents Adjusted Operating Income adjusted to eliminate the impact of currency translation.

Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted Net Income represents net income attributable to Aramark stockholders adjusted to eliminate the change in amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; the impact of changes in the fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel agreements; severance and other charges; the effect of certain material acquisitions; spin-off related charges; gain on sale of equity investments, net; loss on defined benefit pension plan termination; the effect of debt repayments and refinancings on interest and other financing costs, net, and other items impacting comparability, less the tax impact of these adjustments. The tax effect for adjusted net income for our United States earnings is calculated using a blended United States federal and state tax rate. The tax effect for adjusted net income in jurisdictions outside the United States is calculated at the local country tax rate.

Adjusted Net Income (Constant Currency)

Adjusted Net Income (Constant Currency) represents Adjusted Net Income adjusted to eliminate the impact of currency translation.

Adjusted Net Income Net of Interest Adjustment

Adjusted Net Income Net of Interest Adjustment represents Adjusted Net Income adjusted to eliminate the effect of the repayment of the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2025 on interest expense, net of tax.

Adjusted EPS

Adjusted EPS represents Adjusted Net Income divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Adjusted EPS (Constant Currency)

Adjusted EPS (Constant Currency) represents Adjusted EPS adjusted to eliminate the impact of currency translation.

Adjusted EPS Net of Interest Adjustment

Adjusted EPS Net of Interest Adjustment represents Adjusted EPS adjusted to eliminate the effect of the repayment of the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2025 on interest expense, net of tax.

Covenant Adjusted EBITDA

Covenant Adjusted EBITDA represents net income attributable to Aramark stockholders adjusted for interest and other financing costs, net; provision for income taxes; depreciation and amortization and certain other items as defined in our debt agreements required in calculating covenant ratios and debt compliance. We also use Net Debt for our ratio to Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, which is calculated as total long-term borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities.

Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less net purchases of property and equipment and other. Management believes that the presentation of free cash flow provides useful information to investors because it represents a measure of cash flow available for distribution among all the security holders of the Company.

Free Cash Flow Before Items

Free Cash Flow Before Items represents free cash flow adjusted to add back deferred payroll taxes associated with the CARES Act and spin-off and restructuring related costs.

Items to Rebase

Items to Rebase represents the elimination of balances related to the Company's Uniform segment, along with other adjustments related to the spin-off of the Uniform segment, and the elimination of adjustments related to the effect of certain acquisitions.

Net New Business

Net New Business is an internal statistical metric used to evaluate our new sales and retention performance. The calculation is defined as the annualized value of gross new business less the annualized value of lost business, excluding portfolio optimization in the Next Level business.

We use Adjusted Revenue (Organic), Adjusted Operating Income (including on a constant currency basis), Adjusted Net Income (including on a constant currency and net of interest adjustment basis), Adjusted EPS (including on a constant currency and net of interest adjustment basis), Covenant Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow (including on a before items basis) as supplemental measures of our operating profitability and to control our cash operating costs. We believe these financial measures are useful to investors because they enable better comparisons of our historical results and allow our investors to evaluate our performance based on the same metrics that we use to evaluate our performance and trends in our results. These financial metrics are not measurements of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Our presentation of these metrics has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. You should not consider these measures as alternatives to revenue, operating income, net income, earnings per share or net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, determined in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted Revenue (Organic), Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EPS, Covenant Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow as presented by us may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies because not all companies use identical calculations.

Explanatory Notes to the Non-GAAP Schedules

Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets - adjustments to eliminate the change in amortization expense resulting from the purchase accounting applied to the January 26, 2007 going-private transaction and amortization expense recognized on other acquisition-related intangible assets.

Severance and Other Charges - adjustments to eliminate severance expenses in the applicable period ($3.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, $37.5 million for fiscal 2023 and $19.6 million for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2022).

Effect of Certain Acquisitions - adjustments to eliminate the operating results of certain material acquisitions that are not comparable to the prior year periods.

Spin-off Related Charges - adjustments to eliminate charges related to the Company's spin-off of the Uniform segment, including salaries and benefits, recruiting and relocation costs, accounting and legal related expenses, branding and other costs.

Gains, Losses and Settlements impacting comparability - adjustments to eliminate certain transactions that are not indicative of the Company's ongoing operational performance, primarily for the reversal of contingent consideration liabilities related to acquisition earn outs, net of expense ($13.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, $85.7 million for fiscal 2023, $16.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 and $15.1 million for fiscal 2022), non-cash charges for the impairment of operating lease right-of-use assets and property and equipment ($29.3 million for fiscal 2023), charges related to hyperinflation in Argentina ($3.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, $10.4 million for fiscal 2023, $1.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 and $3.5 million for fiscal 2022), non-cash charges related to information technology assets ($2.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $8.2 million for fiscal 2023), the gain from the sale of land ($6.8 million for fiscal 2023), multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charges, net ($2.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $5.9 million for fiscal 2023), non-cash charges for the impairment of certain assets related to a business that was sold ($5.2 million for fiscal 2023), legal settlement charges ($2.7 million for fiscal 2023), charges related to the retirement of the Company's former Executive Vice President of Human Resources ($2.6 million for fiscal 2023), non-cash charges related to the impairment of a tradename ($2.3 million for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2023), the impact of the change in fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel agreements ($1.1 million gain for the fourth quarter of 2023, $1.9 million gain for fiscal 2023, $6.8 million loss for the fourth quarter of 2022 and $6.4 million loss for fiscal 2022), cash termination fees and moving costs related to exiting a real estate property ($1.3 million for fiscal 2023), non-cash charges for inventory write-downs to net realizable value, excess inventory and fixed asset write-offs related to personal protective equipment ($20.5 million for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2022), the gain from insurance proceeds received related to property damage from a tornado in Nashville ($3.1 million for fiscal 2022) and other miscellaneous charges.

Gain on Sale of Equity Investments, net - adjustments to eliminate the impact of the gain from the sale of the Company's equity method investment in AIM Services, Co., Ltd. ($377.1 million for fiscal 2023), the gain from the sale of the Company's equity investment in a uniform company ($51.8 million for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2023) and the loss from the sale of a portion of the Company's equity investment in the San Antonio Spurs NBA franchise ($1.1 million for fiscal 2023).

Loss on Defined Benefit Pension Plan Termination - adjustment to eliminate the impact of a non-cash loss in the prior year from the termination of certain single-employer defined benefit pension plans.

Effect of Debt Repayments and Refinancings on Interest and Other Financing Costs, net - adjustments to eliminate expenses associated with refinancing activities undertaken by the Company in the applicable period such as non-cash charges for the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to debt activity, including the repayment of borrowings ($2.5 million for fiscal 2023).

Effect of Tax Legislation on Provision for Income Taxes - adjustments to eliminate the impact of tax legislation that is not indicative of the Company's ongoing tax position based on new tax policies, including the benefit from a tax legislative change in the state of Pennsylvania ($4.2 million for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2022).

Tax Impact of Adjustments to Adjusted Net Income - adjustments to eliminate the net tax impact of the adjustments to adjusted net income calculated based on a blended United States federal and state tax rate for United States adjustments and the local country tax rate for adjustments in jurisdictions outside the United States. Adjustment also eliminates the impact related to international tax restructuring initiatives ($29.1 million for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2023), including the utilization of capital losses to offset the tax gain related to the Company's sale of AIM Services, Co., Ltd. and from the reversal of valuation allowances based on the Company's ability to utilize deferred tax assets based on future taxable income, and reverses valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets in a foreign subsidiary that were previously deemed to be not realizable, mainly due to business acquisitions (approximately $3.8 million for fiscal 2023, $0.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 and $9.3 million for fiscal 2022).

Effect of Currency Translation - adjustments to eliminate the impact that fluctuations in currency translation rates had on the comparative results by presenting the periods on a constant currency basis. Assumes constant foreign currency exchange rates based on the rates in effect for the prior year period being used in translation for the comparable current year period.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect our current expectations as to future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements under the heading "Outlook" and those related to our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our operations, our liquidity and capital resources, the conditions in our industry and our growth strategy. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "outlook," "aim," "anticipate," "have confidence," "estimate," "expect," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "see," "look to" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative versions of such words. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those that we expected.

Some of the factors that we believe could affect or continue to affect our results include without limitation: unfavorable economic conditions; natural disasters, global calamities, climate change, pandemics, energy shortages, sports strikes and other adverse incidents; geopolitical events including, but not limited to, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and its effects on global supply chains, inflation, volatility and disruption of global financial markets; the failure to retain current clients, renew existing client contracts and obtain new client contracts; a determination by clients to reduce their outsourcing or use of preferred vendors; competition in our industries; increased operating costs and obstacles to cost recovery due to the pricing and cancellation terms of our food and support services contracts; currency risks and other risks associated with international operations, including compliance with a broad range of laws and regulations, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; risks associated with suppliers from whom our products are sourced; disruptions to our relationship with our distribution partners; the contract intensive nature of our business, which may lead to client disputes; the inability to hire and retain key or sufficient qualified personnel or increases in labor costs; our expansion strategy and our ability to successfully integrate the businesses we acquire and costs and timing related thereto; risks associated with the recently completed spin-off of Aramark Uniform Services (our Uniform segment) as an independent publicly traded company to our stockholders; continued or further unionization of our workforce; liability resulting from our participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans; laws and governmental regulations including those relating to food and beverages, the environment, wage and hour and government contracting; liability associated with noncompliance with applicable law or other governmental regulations; new interpretations of or changes in the enforcement of the government regulatory framework; increases or changes in income tax rates or tax-related laws; potential liabilities, increased costs, reputational harm, and other adverse effects based on our commitments and stakeholder expectations relating to environmental, social and governance considerations; the failure to maintain food safety throughout our supply chain, food-borne illness concerns and claims of illness or injury; a cybersecurity incident or other disruptions in the availability of our computer systems or privacy breaches; our leverage; variable rate indebtedness that subjects us to interest rate risk; the inability to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness; debt agreements that limit our flexibility in operating our business; and other factors set forth under the headings "Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors," "Part I, Item 3 Legal Proceedings" and "Part II, Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 22, 2022 as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and which may be obtained by contacting Aramark's investor relations department via its website at www.aramark.com. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and in our other filings with the SEC. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, us. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, changes in our expectations, or otherwise, except as required by law.