QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 1-6544
________________
Sysco Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
74-1648137
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1390 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas77077-2099
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(281) 584-1390
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $1.00 Par Value
SYY
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesþ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yesþ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
☑
Accelerated Filer
☐
Non-accelerated Filer
☐
Smaller Reporting Company
☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No þ
504,371,970 shares of common stock were outstanding as of October 13, 2023.
Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except for share data)
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 1, 2023
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
569,104
$
745,201
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $61,475 and $45,599
5,338,699
5,091,970
Inventories
4,648,610
4,480,812
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
333,486
284,566
Income tax receivable
5,815
5,815
Total current assets
10,895,714
10,608,364
Plant and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation
5,021,424
4,915,049
Other long-term assets
Goodwill
4,719,385
4,645,754
Intangibles, less amortization
874,902
859,530
Deferred income taxes
421,037
420,450
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
773,980
731,766
Other assets
566,309
640,232
Total other long-term assets
7,355,613
7,297,732
Total assets
$
23,272,751
$
22,821,145
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$
5,796,398
$
6,025,757
Accrued expenses
2,176,934
2,251,181
Accrued income taxes
182,185
101,894
Current operating lease liabilities
109,669
99,051
Current maturities of long-term debt
188,978
62,550
Total current liabilities
8,454,164
8,540,433
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt
10,703,873
10,347,997
Deferred income taxes
300,034
302,904
Long-term operating lease liabilities
695,717
656,269
Other long-term liabilities
958,614
931,708
Total long-term liabilities
12,658,238
12,238,878
Noncontrolling interest
34,550
33,212
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share Authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued none
—
—
Common stock, par value $1 per share Authorized 2,000,000,000 shares, issued 765,174,900 shares
765,175
765,175
Paid-in capital
1,838,986
1,814,681
Retained earnings
11,560,924
11,310,664
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,326,800)
(1,252,590)
Treasury stock at cost, 260,971,761 and 260,062,834 shares
(10,712,486)
(10,629,308)
Total shareholders’ equity
2,125,799
2,008,622
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
23,272,751
$
22,821,145
Note: The July 1, 2023 balance sheet has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1
Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
Sales
$
19,620,454
$
19,126,830
Cost of sales
15,972,682
15,637,975
Gross profit
3,647,772
3,488,855
Operating expenses
2,844,190
2,752,054
Operating income
803,582
736,801
Interest expense
134,334
124,150
Other expense (income), net (1)
6,640
17,749
Earnings before income taxes
662,608
594,902
Income taxes
159,216
129,334
Net earnings
$
503,392
$
465,568
Net earnings:
Basic earnings per share
$
1.00
$
0.92
Diluted earnings per share
0.99
0.91
Average shares outstanding
505,126,492
507,578,576
Diluted shares outstanding
507,069,435
510,383,149
(1)
Gains and losses related to the disposition of fixed assets have been recognized within operating expenses. Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2
Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
Net earnings
$
503,392
$
465,568
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(108,194)
(232,182)
Items presented net of tax:
Amortization of cash flow hedges
2,170
2,155
Change in net investment hedges
—
23,509
Change in cash flow hedges
27,148
(26,390)
Changes in excluded components of fair value hedge
(20)
—
Amortization of prior service cost
146
74
Amortization of actuarial loss
4,982
6,891
Net actuarial gain arising in current year
503
—
Change in marketable securities
(945)
(3,328)
Total other comprehensive loss
(74,210)
(229,271)
Comprehensive income
$
429,182
$
236,297
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3
Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CHANGES IN CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except for share data)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Common Stock
Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amounts
Totals
Balance as of July 1, 2023
765,174,900
$
765,175
$
1,814,681
$
11,310,664
$
(1,252,590)
260,062,834
$
(10,629,308)
$
2,008,622
Net earnings
503,392
503,392
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(108,194)
(108,194)
Amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax
2,170
2,170
Change in cash flow hedges, net of tax
27,148
27,148
Changes in excluded components of fair value hedge, net of tax
(20)
(20)
Reclassification of pension and other postretirement benefit plans amounts to net earnings, net of tax
5,128
5,128
Net actuarial gain arising in current year, net of tax
503
503
Change in marketable securities, net of tax
(945)
(945)
Dividends declared ($0.50 per common share)
(253,132)
(253,132)
Treasury stock purchases
1,382,947
(99,974)
(99,974)
Share-based compensation awards
24,305
(474,020)
16,796
41,101
Balance as of September 30, 2023
765,174,900
$
765,175
$
1,838,986
$
11,560,924
$
(1,326,800)
260,971,761
$
(10,712,486)
$
2,125,799
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Common Stock
Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amounts
Totals
Balance as of July 2, 2022
765,174,900
$
765,175
$
1,766,305
$
10,539,722
$
(1,482,054)
256,531,543
$
(10,206,888)
$
1,382,260
Net earnings
465,568
465,568
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(232,182)
(232,182)
Amortization of cash flow hedges, net of tax
2,155
2,155
Change in cash flow hedges, net of tax
(26,390)
(26,390)
Change in net investment hedges, net of tax
23,509
23,509
Reclassification of pension and other postretirement benefit plans amounts to net earnings, net of tax
6,965
6,965
Change in marketable securities, net of tax
(3,328)
(3,328)
Dividends declared ($0.49 per common share)
(248,154)
(248,154)
Treasury stock purchases
3,099,268
(267,727)
(267,727)
Share-based compensation awards
(11,896)
(1,215,822)
24,561
12,665
Balance as of October 1, 2022
765,174,900
$
765,175
$
1,754,409
$
10,757,136
$
(1,711,325)
258,414,989
$
(10,450,054)
$
1,115,341
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4
Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings
$
503,392
$
465,568
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense
24,234
27,224
Depreciation and amortization
206,007
188,924
Operating lease asset amortization
28,801
27,542
Amortization of debt issuance and other debt-related costs
4,554
5,435
Deferred income taxes
(22,201)
(31,226)
Provision for losses on receivables
17,659
3,865
Other non-cash items
(2,084)
5,011
Additional changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
Increase in receivables
(284,826)
(576,585)
Increase in inventories
(184,674)
(283,252)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
(39,402)
(28,372)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable
(187,574)
288,517
Decrease in accrued expenses
(40,173)
(10,893)
Decrease in operating lease liabilities
(26,668)
(33,319)
Increase in accrued income taxes
80,292
109,280
Decrease in other assets
20,193
17,627
Decrease in other long-term liabilities
(10,378)
(16,740)
Net cash provided by operating activities
87,152
158,606
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to plant and equipment
(171,364)
(167,260)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment
11,012
22,448
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(219,264)
(32,651)
Purchase of marketable securities
(308)
(3,296)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
—
2,650
Other investing activities
—
3,274
Net cash used for investing activities
(379,924)
(174,835)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Bank and commercial paper borrowings, net
300,000
97,000
Other debt borrowings including senior notes
126,816
59,063
Other debt repayments including senior notes
(19,587)
(18,104)
Debt issuance costs
(492)
—
Proceeds from stock option exercises
17,399
24,561
Stock repurchases
(99,974)
(267,727)
Dividends paid
(252,880)
(249,294)
Other financing activities
(5,006)
(45,851)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
66,276
(400,352)
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(11,427)
(11,369)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(237,923)
(427,950)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
966,032
931,376
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
728,109
$
503,426
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$
94,065
$
84,010
Income taxes, net of refunds
103,277
47,985
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5
Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Unless this Form 10-Q indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Sysco,” or the “company” as used in this Form 10-Q refer to Sysco Corporation together with its consolidated subsidiaries and divisions.
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the company, without audit. The financial statements include consolidated balance sheets, consolidated results of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in consolidated shareholders’ equity and consolidated cash flows. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise disclosed, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for all periods presented have been made.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2023. Certain footnote disclosures included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to applicable rules and regulations for interim financial statements.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table sets forth the company’s reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the amounts shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows:
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
569,104
$
437,670
Restricted cash (1)
159,005
65,756
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows
$
728,109
$
503,426
(1)
Restricted cash primarily represents cash and cash equivalents of Sysco’s wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary, restricted for use to secure the insurer’s obligations for workers’ compensation, general liability and auto liability programs. Restricted cash is located within other assets in each consolidated balance sheet.
The following table sets forth the company’s non-cash investing and financing activities:
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
(In thousands)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Plant and equipment acquired through financing programs
$
82,543
$
—
Assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations
26,817
13,835
6
2.NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Liabilities – Supplier Financing Programs
In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs, Subtopic 405-50, that requires entities to disclose in the annual financial statements the key terms of the supplier finance program they use in connection with the purchase of goods and services, along with information about their obligations under such programs, including a roll forward of those obligations. Additionally, the guidance requires disclosure of the outstanding amount of the obligations as of the end of each interim period. The guidance does not affect the recognition, measurement, or financial statement presentation of supplier finance program obligations.
The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, which is the first quarter of fiscal 2024 for Sysco, except for the roll forward requirement, which is effective annually for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, which is fiscal year 2025 for Sysco. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance requires retrospective application to all periods in which a balance sheet is presented, except for the roll forward requirement, which will be applied prospectively.
Sysco completed its assessment of the disclosures required under ASU 2022-04 and adopted the standard, with the exception of the roll forward requirement, in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 on a retrospective basis. The company has agreements with third parties to provide supplier finance programs which facilitate participating suppliers’ ability to finance payment obligations from the company with designated third-party financial institutions. Participating suppliers may, at their sole discretion, make offers to finance one or more payment obligations of the company prior to their scheduled due dates at a discounted price to participating financial institutions. Obligations of the company that have been confirmed as valid require payment by Sysco upon the due date of the obligation.
The company’s outstanding payment obligations that suppliers financed to participating financial institutions, which are included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 1, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
Jul. 2, 2022
(In thousands)
Financed payment obligations
$
98,248
$
99,606
$
101,083
$
90,267
3. REVENUE
The company recognizes revenues when its performance obligations are satisfied in an amount that reflects the consideration Sysco expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods and services. Customer receivables, which are included in accounts receivable, less allowances in the consolidated balance sheet, were $5.1 billion and $4.7 billion as of September 30, 2023 and July 1, 2023, respectively.
Sysco has certain customer contracts in which upfront monies are paid to its customers. These payments have become industry practice and are not related to financing of the customer’s business. They are not associated with any distinct good or service to be received from the customer and, therefore, are treated as a reduction of transaction prices. All upfront payments are capitalized in other assets and amortized over the life of the contract or the expected life of the relationship with the customer on a straight-line basis. As of September 30, 2023, Sysco’s contract assets were not significant. Sysco has no significant commissions paid that are directly attributable to obtaining a particular contract.
7
The following tables present our sales disaggregated by reportable segment and sales mix for the company’s principal product categories for the periods presented:
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
US Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Total
(In thousands)
Principal Product Categories
Canned and dry products
$
2,684,668
$
831,543
$
232,985
$
—
$
3,749,196
Fresh and frozen meats
2,569,190
519,741
480,589
—
3,569,520
Frozen fruits, vegetables, bakery and other
2,027,934
673,548
305,299
—
3,006,781
Dairy products
1,453,960
414,171
141,431
—
2,009,562
Poultry
1,361,695
291,322
273,708
—
1,926,725
Fresh produce
1,361,357
274,718
70,318
—
1,706,393
Paper and disposables
993,837
141,163
186,543
16,282
1,337,825
Seafood
577,635
125,025
43,515
—
746,175
Beverage products
362,665
170,553
146,222
23,866
703,306
Other (1)
330,858
241,426
25,404
267,283
864,971
Total Sales
$
13,723,799
$
3,683,210
$
1,906,014
$
307,431
$
19,620,454
(1)
Other sales relate to non-food products, including textiles and amenities for our hotel supply business, equipment, and other janitorial products, medical supplies and smallwares.
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
US Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Total
(In thousands)
Principal Product Categories
Canned and dry products
$
2,577,255
$
691,374
$
236,168
$
2,068
$
3,506,865
Fresh and frozen meats
2,465,450
453,364
463,440
—
3,382,254
Frozen fruits, vegetables, bakery and other
1,843,464
580,032
309,197
149
2,732,842
Poultry
1,574,251
292,849
277,464
—
2,144,564
Dairy products
1,525,483
366,847
164,648
—
2,056,978
Fresh produce
1,337,919
254,737
65,244
—
1,657,900
Paper and disposables
1,022,904
144,068
209,358
15,056
1,391,386
Seafood
638,405
121,201
40,124
—
799,730
Beverage products
315,619
136,475
138,169
24,657
614,920
Other (1)
301,732
242,788
29,645
265,226
839,391
Total Sales
$
13,602,482
$
3,283,735
$
1,933,457
$
307,156
$
19,126,830
(1)
Other sales relate to non-food products, including textiles and amenities for our hotel supply business, equipment, and other janitorial products, medical supplies and smallwares.
8
4. ACQUISITIONS
During the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, the company paid cash of $219.3 million for the acquisition of BIX Produce Company.
Certain acquisitions involve contingent consideration that may include earnout agreements that are typically payable over periods of up to three years in the event that certain operating results are achieved. As of September 30, 2023, aggregate contingent consideration outstanding was $57.2 million, of which $55.6 million was recorded as earnout liabilities. Earnout liabilities are all measured using unobservable inputs that are considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Sysco’s policy is to invest in only high-quality investments. The fair value of the company’s cash deposits and money market funds included in cash equivalents are valued using inputs that are considered a Level 1 measurement. Other cash equivalents, such as time deposits and highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less, are valued using inputs that are considered a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of the company’s marketable securities are all measured using inputs that are considered a Level 2 measurement, as they rely on quoted prices in markets that are not actively traded or observable inputs over the full term of the asset. The location and the fair value of the company’s marketable securities in the consolidated balance sheet are disclosed in Note 6, “Marketable Securities.” The fair value of the company’s derivative instruments are all measured using inputs that are considered a Level 2 measurement, as they are not actively traded and are valued using pricing models that use observable market quotations. The location and the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities designated as hedges in the consolidated balance sheet are disclosed in Note 7, “Derivative Financial Instruments.”
The following tables present the company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2023 and July 1, 2023:
Assets Measured at Fair Value as of Sep. 30, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
$
215,714
$
10,027
$
—
$
225,741
Other assets (1)
159,005
—
—
159,005
Total assets at fair value
$
374,719
$
10,027
$
—
$
384,746
(1)
Represents restricted cash balance recorded within other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Assets Measured at Fair Value as of Jul. 1, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
$
308,952
$
10,021
$
—
$
318,973
Other assets (1)
220,831
—
—
220,831
Total assets at fair value
$
529,783
$
10,021
$
—
$
539,804
(1)
Represents restricted cash balance recorded within other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
The carrying values of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their respective fair values due to their short-term maturities. The fair value of Sysco’s total debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the company for new debt with the same maturities as existing debt, and is considered a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of total debt was approximately $9.8 billion as of September 30, 2023 and $9.8 billion as of July 1, 2023, while the carrying value was $10.9 billion as of September 30, 2023 and $10.4 billion as of July 1, 2023.
9
6. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Sysco invests a portion of the assets held by its wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary in a restricted investment portfolio of marketable fixed income securities, which have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. The company includes fixed income securities maturing in less than 12 months within prepaid expenses and other current assets and includes fixed income securities maturing in more than 12 months within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The company records the amounts at fair market value, which is determined using quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period.
Unrealized gains and any portion of a security’s unrealized loss attributable to non-credit losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. There were no significant credit losses recognized in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024.
The following table presents the company’s available-for-sale marketable securities as of September 30, 2023 and July 1, 2023:
Sep. 30, 2023
Amortized Cost Basis
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Short-Term Marketable Securities
Long-Term Marketable Securities
(In thousands)
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds
$
99,567
$
—
$
(7,211)
$
92,356
$
22,838
$
69,518
Government bonds
29,703
—
(2,579)
27,124
—
27,124
Total marketable securities
$
129,270
$
—
$
(9,790)
$
119,480
$
22,838
$
96,642
Jul. 1, 2023
Amortized Cost Basis
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Short-Term Marketable Securities
Long-Term Marketable Securities
(In thousands)
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds
$
99,501
$
96
$
(6,777)
$
92,820
$
12,767
$
80,053
Government bonds
29,777
—
(1,913)
27,864
—
27,864
Total marketable securities
$
129,278
$
96
$
(8,690)
$
120,684
$
12,767
$
107,917
As of September 30, 2023, the balance of available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity is shown in the following table. Within the table, maturities of fixed income securities have been allocated based upon timing of estimated cash flows. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.
Sep. 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Due in one year or less
$
22,838
Due after one year through five years
58,455
Due after five years through ten years
38,187
Total
$
119,480
There were no significant realized gains or losses in marketable securities in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024.
7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Sysco uses derivative financial instruments to enact hedging strategies for risk mitigation purposes; however, the company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Hedging strategies are used to manage interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and fuel price risk.
10
Hedging of interest rate risk
Sysco manages its debt portfolio with interest rate swaps from time to time to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates.
Hedging of foreign currency risk
Sysco’s operations in Europe have inventory purchases denominated in currencies other than their functional currency, such as the euro, U.S. dollar, British pound sterling, Polish zloty and Danish krone. These inventory purchases give rise to foreign currency exposure between the functional currency of each entity and these currencies. The company enters into foreign currency forward swap contracts to sell the applicable entity’s functional currency and buy currencies matching the inventory purchase, which operate as cash flow hedges of the company’s foreign currency-denominated inventory purchases.
Additionally, Sysco has cross-currency swaps designated as fair value hedges for the purpose of hedging foreign currency risk associated with changes in spot rates on foreign denominated intercompany loans. Sysco has elected to exclude the changes in fair value of the forward points from the assessments of hedge effectiveness. Gains or losses from fair value hedges impact the same category on the consolidated statements of income as the item being hedged, including the earnings impact of the excluded components. Unrealized gains or losses on components excluded from hedge effectiveness are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and recognized into earnings over the life of the hedged instrument. Except for the excluded components, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge are offset against changes in fair value of the hedged assets or liabilities through earnings.
Hedging of fuel price risk
Sysco uses fuel commodity swap contracts to hedge against the risk of the change in the price of diesel on anticipated future purchases. These swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges.
11
None of the company’s hedging instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features. Details of outstanding hedging instruments as of September 30, 2023 are presented below:
Maturity Date of the Hedging Instrument
Currency / Unit of Measure
Notional Value
(In millions)
Hedging of foreign currency risk
Various (October 2023)
Swedish Krona
73
Various (October 2023 to April 2024)
British Pound Sterling
23
May 2024
Mexican Peso
439
April 2025
Canadian Dollar
180
Hedging of fuel risk
Various (October 2023 to December 2025)
Gallons
62
The location and the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedges in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2023 and July 1, 2023 are as follows:
Derivative Fair Value
Balance Sheet location
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 1, 2023
(In thousands)
Fair Value Hedges:
Cross currency swaps
Other current liabilities
$
785
$
1,262
Cross currency swaps
Other long-term liabilities
2,237
—
Cash Flow Hedges:
Fuel swaps
Other current assets
9,509
102
Foreign currency forwards
Other current assets
178
624
Fuel swaps
Other assets
2,290
40
Fuel swaps
Other current liabilities
725
17,932
Foreign currency forwards
Other current liabilities
225
404
Fuel swaps
Other long-term liabilities
1
5,637
Gains or losses recognized in the consolidated results of operations for cash flow hedging relationships are not significant for each of the periods presented. The location and amount of gains or losses recognized in the consolidated results of operations for fair value hedging relationships for each of the periods, presented on a pretax basis, are as follows:
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
(In thousands)
Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the consolidated results of operations in which the effects of fair value hedges are recorded
$
6,640
$
124,150
Gain or (loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Interest rate swaps:
Hedged items
$
—
$
2,376
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
—
(4,759)
Cross currency swaps:
Hedged items
$
2,996
$
—
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
(2,996)
—
The gains and losses on the fair value hedging relationships associated with the hedged items as disclosed in the table above consist of the following components for each of the periods presented:
12
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
(In thousands)
Interest expense
$
—
$
(1,939)
Decrease in fair value of debt
—
(4,315)
Foreign currency gain (loss)
(2,996)
—
Hedged items
$
2,996
$
2,376
The location and effect of cash flow, net investment, and excluded components of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the 13-week periods ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, presented on a pretax basis, are as follows:
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Fuel swaps
$
34,499
Operating expense
$
2,334
Foreign currency contracts
(284)
Cost of sales / Other income
—
Total
$
34,215
$
2,334
Derivatives in net investment hedging relationships:
Foreign denominated debt
$
—
N/A
$
—
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships:
Change in excluded component of fair value hedge
$
(26)
Other expense (income)
$
—
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income
(In thousands)
(In thousands)
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Fuel swaps
$
(36,295)
Operating expense
$
12,985
Foreign currency contracts
286
Cost of sales / Other income
—
Total
$
(36,009)
$
12,985
Derivatives in net investment hedging relationships:
Foreign denominated debt
$
31,346
N/A
$
—
13
8. DEBT
Sysco has a long-term revolving credit facility that includes aggregate commitments of the lenders thereunder of $3.0 billion, with an option to increase such commitments to $4.0 billion. As of September 30, 2023, there were $116.5 million in borrowings outstanding under this facility.
Sysco has a U.S commercial paper program allowing the company to issue short-term unsecured notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $3.0 billion. Any outstanding amounts are classified within long-term debt, as the program is supported by the long-term revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2023, there were $300.0 million in commercial paper issuances outstanding under this program.
The total carrying value of our debt was $10.9 billion as of September 30, 2023 and $10.4 billion as of July 1, 2023. The increase in the carrying value of our debt from the prior year was due to new financing leases in support of equipment and borrowings under our long-term revolving credit facility and commercial paper program.
On October 17, 2023, Sysco entered into a new commercial paper dealer agreement with Barclays Bank of Ireland for a commercial paper program with borrowings not to exceed €250 million.
Information regarding the guarantors of our registered debt securities is contained in the section captioned Guarantor Summarized Financial Information in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 2 of Part I of this Form 10-Q.
9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Numerator:
Net earnings
$
503,392
$
465,568
Denominator:
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding
505,126,492
507,578,576
Dilutive effect of share-based awards
1,942,943
2,804,573
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
507,069,435
510,383,149
Basic earnings per share
$
1.00
$
0.92
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.99
$
0.91
The number of securities that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was approximately 5,988,000 and 1,393,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
10. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is net earnings plus certain other items that are recorded directly to shareholders’ equity, such as foreign currency translation adjustment, changes in marketable securities, amounts related to certain hedging arrangements and amounts related to pension and other postretirement plans. Comprehensive income was $429.2 million and $236.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
A summary of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects for each of the periods presented is as follows:
14
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
Location of Expense (Income) Recognized in Net Earnings
Before Tax Amount
Tax
Net of Tax Amount
(In thousands)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments:
Net actuarial gain, arising in the current year
Other expense, net
$
672
$
169
$
503
Total other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
672
169
503
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service cost
Other expense, net
195
49
146
Amortization of actuarial loss, net
Other expense, net
6,641
1,659
4,982
Total reclassification adjustments
6,836
1,708
5,128
Foreign currency translation:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
N/A
(108,194)
—
(108,194)
Marketable securities:
Change in marketable securities (1)
N/A
(1,196)
(251)
(945)
Hedging instruments:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments:
Change in excluded component of fair value hedge
Other expense, net
(26)
(6)
(20)
Change in cash flow hedges
Operating expenses (2)
34,215
7,067
27,148
Total other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments
34,189
7,061
27,128
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of cash flow hedges
Interest expense
2,893
723
2,170
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(64,800)
$
9,410
$
(74,210)
(1)
Realized gains or losses on marketable securities are presented within other (income) expense, net in the consolidated results of operations; however, there were no significant gains or losses realized in the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
(2)
Amount partially impacts operating expense for fuel swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges.
15
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Location of Expense (Income) Recognized in Net Earnings
Before Tax Amount
Tax
Net of Tax Amount
(In thousands)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of prior service cost
Other expense, net
$
99
$
25
$
74
Amortization of actuarial loss, net
Other expense, net
9,186
2,295
6,891
Total reclassification adjustments
9,285
2,320
6,965
Foreign currency translation:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
N/A
(232,182)
—
(232,182)
Marketable securities:
Change in marketable securities (1)
N/A
(4,212)
(884)
(3,328)
Hedging instruments:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments:
Change in cash flow hedges
Operating expenses (2)
(36,009)
(9,619)
(26,390)
Change in net investment hedges
N/A
31,346
7,837
23,509
Total other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
(4,663)
(1,782)
(2,881)
Reclassification adjustments:
Amortization of cash flow hedges
Interest expense
2,874
719
2,155
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(228,898)
$
373
$
(229,271)
(1)
Realized gains or losses on marketable securities are presented within other (income) expense, net in the consolidated results of operations; however, there were no significant gains or losses realized in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
(2)
Amount partially impacts operating expense for fuel swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges.
16
The following tables provide a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the periods presented:
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, net of tax
Foreign Currency Translation
Hedging, net of tax
Marketable Securities, net of tax
Total
(In thousands)
Balance as of Jul. 1, 2023
$
(839,541)
$
(374,290)
$
(31,966)
$
(6,793)
$
(1,252,590)
Net actuarial loss arising in the current year
503
—
—
—
503
Equity adjustment from foreign currency translation
—
(108,194)
—
—
(108,194)
Amortization of cash flow hedges
—
—
2,170
—
2,170
Change in excluded component of fair value hedge
—
—
(20)
—
(20)
Change in cash flow hedge
—
—
27,148
—
27,148
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
146
—
—
—
146
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial losses
4,982
—
—
—
4,982
Change in marketable securities
—
—
—
(945)
(945)
Balance as of Sep. 30, 2023
$
(833,910)
$
(482,484)
$
(2,668)
$
(7,738)
$
(1,326,800)
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, net of tax
Foreign Currency Translation
Hedging, net of tax
Marketable Securities
Total
(In thousands)
Balance as of Jul. 2, 2022
$
(1,011,335)
$
(501,517)
$
35,770
$
(4,972)
$
(1,482,054)
Equity adjustment from foreign currency translation
—
(232,182)
—
—
(232,182)
Amortization of cash flow hedges
—
—
2,155
—
2,155
Change in net investment hedges
—
—
23,509
—
23,509
Change in cash flow hedge
—
—
(26,390)
—
(26,390)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
74
—
—
—
74
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial losses
6,891
—
—
—
6,891
Change in marketable securities
—
—
—
(3,328)
(3,328)
Balance as of Oct. 1, 2022
$
(1,004,370)
$
(733,699)
$
35,044
$
(8,300)
$
(1,711,325)
11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Sysco provides compensation benefits to employees under several share-based payment arrangements, including various long-term employee stock incentive plans and the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
Stock Incentive Plans
In the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, options to purchase 770,442 shares were granted to employees. The fair value of each option award is estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant-date fair value per option granted during the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 was $19.33.
17
In the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, employees were granted 495,045 performance share units (PSUs). Based on the jurisdiction in which the employee resides, some of these PSUs were granted with forfeitable dividend equivalents. The fair value of each PSU award granted with a dividend equivalent is based on the company’s stock price as of the date of grant. For PSUs granted without dividend equivalents, the fair value was reduced by the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period. The weighted average grant-date fair value per PSU granted during the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 was $75.10. The PSUs will convert into shares of Sysco’s common stock at the end of the three-year performance period based on actual performance targets achieved, as well as the market-based return of Sysco’s common stock relative to that of each company within the S&P 500 index.
In the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, employees were granted 339,386 restricted stock units. The weighted average grant-date fair value per restricted stock unit granted during the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 was $72.28.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Plan participants purchased 360,130 shares of common stock under the ESPP during the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024. The weighted average fair value per employee stock purchase right issued pursuant to the ESPP was $9.91 during the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024. The fair value of each stock purchase right is estimated as the difference between the stock price at the date of issuance and the employee purchase price.
All Share-Based Payment Arrangements
The total share-based compensation cost that has been recognized in results of operations was $24.2 million and $27.2 million for the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
As of September 30, 2023, there was $165.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.07 years.
12. INCOME TAXES
Effective Tax Rate
For the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the company’s effective tax rate of 24.03% is higher than the company’s statutory tax rate as a result of state income taxes, and partially offset by a foreign income tax benefit. For the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the company’s effective tax rate of 21.74% was higher than the company’s statutory tax rate as a result of state income taxes, partially offset by a foreign income tax benefit and equity-based compensation excess tax benefits.
Uncertain Tax Positions
As of September 30, 2023, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefit and related accrued interest was $32.4 million and $8.7 million, respectively. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain unrecognized tax positions of the company will increase or decrease in the next 12 months. At this time, an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change cannot be made.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, Sysco received a Statutory Notice of Deficiency from the Internal Revenue Service, mainly related to foreign tax credits generated in fiscal 2018 from repatriated earnings primarily from our Canadian operations. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the company filed suit in the U.S. Tax Court challenging the validity of certain tax regulations related to the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, which was enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). The lawsuit seeks to have the court invalidate these regulations, which would affirm the company’s position regarding its foreign tax credits. Sysco has previously recorded a benefit of $131.0 million attributable to its interpretation of the TCJA and the Internal Revenue Code. If the company is ultimately unsuccessful in defending its position, it may be required to reverse all, or some portion, of the benefit previously recorded.
Other
The determination of the company’s provision for income taxes requires judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. The company’s provision for income taxes reflects income earned and taxed in the various United States (U.S.) federal and state, as well as foreign jurisdictions. Tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent book versus tax basis differences, accruals or adjustments of accruals for unrecognized tax benefits or valuation
18
allowances, and the company’s change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
Sysco is engaged in various legal proceedings that have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss for these legal proceedings, based on definitions within contingency accounting literature, ranges from remote to reasonably possible to probable. When probable and reasonably estimable, the losses have been accrued. Although the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, based on estimates of the range of potential losses associated with these matters, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the company.
14. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
Sysco distributes food and related products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers. Our primary operations are located in North America and Europe. Under the accounting provisions related to disclosures about segments of an enterprise, we have aggregated certain operating segments into three reportable segments. “Other” financial information is attributable to our other operating segments that do not meet the quantitative disclosure thresholds.
•U.S. Foodservice Operations – primarily includes (a) our U.S. Broadline operations, which distribute a full line of food products, including custom-cut meat, seafood, produce, specialty Italian, specialty imports and a wide variety of non-food products and (b) our U.S. Specialty operations, which include our FreshPoint fresh produce distribution business, our Specialty Meats and Seafood Group specialty protein operations, our growing Italian Specialty platform anchored by Greco & Sons, our Asian specialty distribution company and a number of other small specialty businesses that are not material to our operations;
•International Foodservice Operations – includes operations outside of the U.S., which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products. The Americas primarily consists of operations in Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, as well as our export operations that distribute to international customers. Our European operations primarily consist of operations in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and Sweden;
•SYGMA – our U.S. customized distribution operations serving quick-service chain restaurant customer locations; and
•Other – primarily our hotel supply operations, Guest Worldwide.
The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those disclosed by Sysco for its consolidated financial statements. Our Global Support Center generally includes all expenses of the corporate office and Sysco’s shared service operations. These also include all U.S. share-based compensation costs.
19
The following tables set forth certain financial information for Sysco’s reportable business segments:
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
Sales:
(In thousands)
U.S. Foodservice Operations
$
13,723,799
$
13,602,482
International Foodservice Operations
3,683,210
3,283,735
SYGMA
1,906,014
1,933,457
Other
307,431
307,156
Total
$
19,620,454
$
19,126,830
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
Operating income (loss):
(In thousands)
U.S. Foodservice Operations
$
940,971
$
905,712
International Foodservice Operations
93,483
86,980
SYGMA
12,767
5,696
Other
11,823
11,538
Total segments
1,059,044
1,009,926
Global Support Center
(255,462)
(273,125)
Total operating income
803,582
736,801
Interest expense
134,334
124,150
Other expense, net
6,640
17,749
Earnings before income taxes
$
662,608
$
594,902
20
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements as of July 1, 2023, and for the fiscal year then ended, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2023 (our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K), as well as the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) and notes to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) contained in this report.
Highlights
Our improved results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 demonstrate the favorable impact of our Recipe for Growth Strategy on our business, as we experienced earnings growth in excess of sales growth, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in earnings was the result of volume growth, effective margin management and productivity improvements. Our gross profit growth this quarter outpaced operating expense, due to effective management of product cost deflation in the U.S., improvements in supply chain productivity and cost-out actions. See below for a comparison of our fiscal 2024 results to our fiscal 2023 results, both including and excluding Certain Items (as defined below).
Comparisons of results from the first quarter of fiscal 2024 to the first quarter of fiscal 2023 are presented below:
•Sales:
◦increased 2.6%, or $493.6 million, to $19.6 billion;
•Operating income:
◦increased 9.1%, or $66.8 million, to $803.6 million;
◦adjusted operating income increased 10.6%, or $81.6 million, to $854.3 million;
•Net earnings:
◦increased 8.1%, or $37.8 million, to $503.4 million;
◦adjusted net earnings increased 9.9%, or $49.0 million, to $541.6 million;
•Basic earnings per share:
◦increased 8.7%, or $0.08, to $1.00 per share;
•Diluted earnings per share:
◦increased 8.8%, or $0.08, to $0.99 per share;
◦adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 10.3%, or $0.10, to $1.07;
•EBITDA:
◦increased 10.5%, or $95.0 million, to $1.0 billion; and
◦adjusted EBITDA increased 11.7%, or $107.5 million, to $1.0 billion.
The discussion of our results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, that we believe provide important perspective with respect to underlying business trends. Other than EBITDA and free cash flow, any non-GAAP financial measures will be denoted as adjusted measures to remove (1) restructuring charges; (2) expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives; (3) severance charges; and (4) acquisition-related costs consisting of: (a) intangible amortization expense and (b) acquisition costs and due diligence costs related to our acquisitions. Our results for fiscal 2023 were also impacted by adjustments to a product return allowance pertaining to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory and the reduction of bad debt expense previously recognized in fiscal 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the collectability of our pre-pandemic trade receivable balances.
The fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 items discussed above are collectively referred to as “Certain Items.” The results of our operations can be impacted by changes in exchange rates applicable to converting from local currencies to U.S. dollars. We measure our results on a constant currency basis.
Trends
Economic and Industry Trends
Sysco continues to outperform the foodservice market due to the success of the Recipe for Growth strategy. The food-away-from-home sector is a healthy long-term market. Sysco is diversified and well positioned as a market leader in food service. The foodservice market is expected to grow at a slower rate in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023, due to current macroeconomic conditions.
21
Sales and Gross Profit Trends
Our sales and gross profit performance are influenced by multiple factors, including price, volume, inflation, customer mix and product mix. The most significant factor affecting performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was volume growth, as we experienced a 1.6% improvement in U.S. Foodservice case volume and a 0.1% decrease in local case volume within our U.S. segment in each case as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. This volume reflects our broadline and specialty businesses, except for our specialty meats business, which measures its volume in pounds.
We experienced inflation at a rate of 1.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, at the total enterprise level, primarily driven by inflation in the frozen and canned and dry categories. We continue to be successful in managing our inflation, resulting in an increase in gross profit dollars. Gross margin increased 35 basis points in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, primarily driven by higher volumes, the effective management of inflation, and our strategic sourcing efforts. We expect total enterprise level inflation to continue to be slightly positive in fiscal 2024.
Operating Expense Trends
Total operating expenses increased 3.3% during the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, driven by increased volumes. We continued to improve our supply chain efficiency, while investing in associate retention and best-in-class training, primarily for transportation and warehouse colleagues. These efficiency efforts are expected to continue to improve in fiscal 2024. We believe the advancements we are making in our physical capabilities, and the investments we are making in improved training, will provide higher service levels to our customers and strengthen Sysco’s ability to profitably win market share.
Interest Expense Trends
Interest expense for fiscal 2024 is expected to increase by approximately $50 million, as compared to fiscal 2023, due to higher debt associated with our planned acquisition of Edward Don & Company.
Mergers and Acquisitions
We continue to focus on mergers and acquisitions as a part of our growth strategy, where we plan to reinforce our existing businesses, while cultivating new channels, new segments and new capabilities.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we acquired BIX Produce Company, a leading produce specialty distributor based in Minnesota. This acquisition is expected to provide a strategic opportunity for specialty produce operations to expand its geographic footprint in an area of the country where it does not currently have operations. This company’s results are included within U.S. Foodservice Operations and were not material to our results for the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we announced our planned acquisition of Edward Don & Company, one of the largest kitchen equipment and supplies distributors, based out of Chicago. Edward Don & Company has a robust supply chain that is expected to enable cost effective distribution of restaurant equipment and supplies. This acquisition will further demonstrate our Recipe for Growth strategy of focusing on building strategic specialty platforms that help us better support restaurant and hospitality customers.
The results of these acquisitions are not expected to be material to the consolidated results of the company for fiscal 2024.
Strategy
Our purpose is “Connecting the World to Share Food and Care for One Another.” Purpose driven companies are believed to perform better, and we believe our purpose will assist us to grow substantially faster than the foodservice distribution industry and deliver profitable growth through our Recipe for Growth transformation. This growth transformation is supported by strategic pillars that we believe will allow us to better serve our customers, including our digital, products and solutions, supply chain, customer teams, and future horizons strategies.
Our various business transformation initiatives remain on track, including promoting our specialty programs for produce, protein and Italian products and our customer growth initiatives. Our strategic initiative to enable omni-channel inventory fulfillment is operating in our first test region, and we have made progress in expanding to deliveries six days a week.
22
From these actions as a part of our Recipe for Growth, the benefits of our developing capabilities are apparent in the new customers we are winning and in the progress we are making toward increasing market share. We expect that, as our Recipe for Growth matures, the impact on our top-line growth will continue to accelerate.
Resultsof Operations
The following table sets forth the components of our consolidated results of operations expressed as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 1, 2022
Sales
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cost of sales
81.4
81.8
Gross profit
18.6
18.2
Operating expenses
14.5
14.4
Operating income
4.1
3.8
Interest expense
0.7
0.6
Other expense (income), net
—
0.1
Earnings before income taxes
3.4
3.1
Income taxes
0.8
0.7
Net earnings
2.6
%
2.4
%
23
The following table sets forth the change in the components of our consolidated results of operations expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the comparable period in the prior year:
13-Week Period Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sales
2.6
%
Cost of sales
2.1
Gross profit
4.6
Operating expenses
3.3
Operating income
9.1
Interest expense
8.2
Other expense (income), net (1)
(62.6)
Earnings before income taxes
11.4
Income taxes
23.1
Net earnings
8.1
%
Basic earnings per share
8.7
%
Diluted earnings per share
8.8
Average shares outstanding
(0.5)
Diluted shares outstanding
(0.6)
(1)
Other expense (income), net was expense of $6.6 million and $17.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
The following tables represent our results by reportable segments:
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
U.S. Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Global Support Center
Consolidated Totals
(In thousands)
Sales
$
13,723,799
$
3,683,210
$
1,906,014
$
307,431
$
—
$
19,620,454
Sales increase (decrease)
0.9
%
12.2
%
(1.4)
%
0.1
%
2.6
%
Percentage of total
69.9
%
18.8
%
9.7
%
1.6
%
100.0
%
Operating income (loss)
$
940,971
$
93,483
$
12,767
$
11,823
$
(255,462)
$
803,582
Operating income (loss) increase (decrease)
3.9
%
7.5
%
NM
2.5
%
(6.5)
%
9.1
%
Percentage of total segments
88.9
%
8.8
%
1.2
%
1.1
%
100.0
%
Operating income as a percentage of sales
6.9
%
2.5
%
0.7
%
3.8
%
4.1
%
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
U.S. Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Global Support Center
Consolidated Totals
(In thousands)
Sales
$
13,602,482
$
3,283,735
$
1,933,457
$
307,156
$
—
$
19,126,830
Percentage of total
71.1
%
17.2
%
10.1
%
1.6
%
100.0
%
Operating income (loss)
$
905,712
$
86,980
$
5,696
$
11,538
$
(273,125)
$
736,801
Percentage of total segments
89.7
%
8.6
%
0.6
%
1.1
%
100.0
%
Operating income as a percentage of sales
6.7
%
2.6
%
0.3
%
3.8
%
3.9
%
Results of U.S. Foodservice Operations
The following tables set forth a summary of the components of operating income expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the comparable period in the prior year:
24
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Change in Dollars
% Change
(Dollars in thousands)
Sales
$
13,723,799
$
13,602,482
$
121,317
0.9
%
Gross profit
2,684,775
2,612,343
72,432
2.8
Operating expenses
1,743,804
1,706,631
37,173
2.2
Operating income
$
940,971
$
905,712
$
35,259
3.9
%
Gross profit
$
2,684,775
$
2,612,343
$
72,432
2.8
%
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP)
1,731,201
1,696,686
34,515
2.0
Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP)
$
953,574
$
915,657
$
37,917
4.1
%
Sales
The following table sets forth the percentage and dollar value increase or decrease in the major factors impacting sales as compared to the corresponding prior year period in order to demonstrate the cause and magnitude of change:
Increase (Decrease)
13-Week Period
(Dollars in millions)
Cause of change
Percentage
Dollars
Case volume (1)
1.6
%
$
206.5
Deflation
(0.4)
(49.1)
Other (2)
(0.3)
(36.1)
Total change in sales
0.9
%
$
121.3
(1)
Case volumes increased 1.6% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. This volume increase resulted in a 1.6% increase in the dollar value of sales compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
(2)
Case volume reflects our broadline and specialty businesses, with the exception of our specialty meats business, which measures its volume in pounds. Any impact in volumes from these specialty meats operations is included within “Other.”
The sales growth in our U.S. Foodservice Operations was fueled by market share gains. Case volumes from our U.S. Foodservice Operations increased 1.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. This included a 0.1% decrease in local customer case volume in the first quarter of fiscal 2024.
Operating Income
The increase in operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, was driven by gross profit dollar growth, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses.
Gross profit dollar growth in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, was driven primarily by higher volumes, improvements in supply chain productivity and our strategic sourcing efforts. The estimated change in product costs, an internal measure of inflation or deflation, decreased in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Gross margin, which is gross profit as a percentage of sales, was 19.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 for our U.S. Foodservice Operations, which was an increase of 36 basis points compared to gross margin of 19.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
The increase in operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, was primarily driven by increased volumes.
25
Results of International Foodservice Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of the components of operating income and adjusted operating income expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the comparable period in the prior year:
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Change in Dollars
% Change
(Dollars in thousands)
Sales
$
3,683,210
$
3,283,735
$
399,475
12.2
%
Gross profit
732,039
649,265
82,774
12.7
Operating expenses
638,556
562,285
76,271
13.6
Operating income
$
93,483
$
86,980
$
6,503
7.5
%
Gross profit
$
732,039
$
649,265
$
82,774
12.7
%
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP)
615,856
542,364
73,492
13.6
Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP)
$
116,183
$
106,901
$
9,282
8.7
%
Sales on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
3,577,707
$
3,283,735
$
293,972
9.0
%
Gross profit on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
705,328
649,265
56,063
8.6
Adjusted operating expenses on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
590,439
542,364
48,075
8.9
Adjusted operating income on a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
114,889
$
106,901
$
7,988
7.5
%
Sales
The following tables set forth the percentage and dollar value increase or decrease in the major components impacting sales as compared to the corresponding prior year period in order to demonstrate the cause and magnitude of change.
Increase (Decrease)
13-Week Period
(Dollars in millions)
Cause of change
Percentage
Dollars
Inflation
7.6
%
$
248.8
Foreign currency
3.2
105.5
Other (1)
1.4
45.2
Total change in sales
12.2
%
$
399.5
(1)
The impact of volumes as a component of sales growth from international operations are included within “Other.” Volume in our foreign operations includes volume metrics that differ from country to country and cannot be aggregated on a consistent, comparable basis.
Sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were higher, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, due to inflation, a positive impact of foreign currency translation, and an improvement in volume primarily attributable to our Recipe for Growth initiatives.
Operating Income
The increase in operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, was due to the continuing increase in sales volumes, along with specific efforts to optimize our gross profit while addressing our increased operating expenses.
The increase in gross profit dollars in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, was attributable to the increase in sales volume and the management of inflation, along with specific efforts to optimize our gross profit dollars.
26
The increase in operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, was primarily due to increased volume.
Results of SYGMA and Other Segment
For SYGMA, sales were 1.4% lower in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, primarily due to the planned exit of business that did not meet our disciplined profit thresholds. Operating income increased by $7.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, due to decreases in operating expenses.
For the operations that are grouped within Other, operating income increased $0.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The operations in this group mainly consist of our hospitality business, Guest Worldwide.
Global Support Center Expenses
Our Global Support Center generally includes all expenses of the corporate office and Sysco’s shared service operations. These expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased $10.0 million, or 3.8%, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, primarily due to decreases in insurance expenses and fuel hedging program costs, offset by increases in costs associated with business technology transformation initiatives, payroll-related costs, and depreciation expenses.
Included in Global Support Center expenses are Certain Items that totaled $15.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to $6.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Certain Items impacting the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were primarily expenses associated with our business technology transformation initiatives and expenses associated with acquisitions. Certain Items impacting the first quarter of fiscal 2023 were primarily expenses associated with our business technology transformation initiatives.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $10.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased interest rates on borrowings and an increase in commercial paper borrowing activity.
Other income and expense
Other expense, net decreased $11.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, due to an increase in interest income earned and a decrease in pension and postretirement non-service costs.
Net Earnings
Net earnings increased 8.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2023, primarily due to the items noted above for operating income and other expense, as well as items impacting our income taxes that are discussed in Note 12, “Income Taxes,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q. Adjusted net earnings, excluding Certain Items, increased 9.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, primarily due to an increase in sales volume.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were $1.00, an 8.7% increase from the comparable prior year amount of $0.92 per share. Diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were $0.99, an 8.8% increase from the comparable prior year period amount of $0.91 per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding Certain Items, in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were $1.07, a 10.3% increase from the comparable prior year amount of $0.97 per share.
27
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
The discussion of our results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, that we believe provide important perspective with respect to underlying business trends. Other than EBITDA and free cash flow, any non-GAAP financial measures will be denoted as adjusted measures to remove (1) restructuring charges; (2) expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives; (3) severance charges; and (4) acquisition-related costs consisting of: (a) intangible amortization expense and (b) acquisition costs and due diligence costs related to our acquisitions. Our results for fiscal 2023 were also impacted by adjustments to a product return allowance pertaining to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory and the reduction of bad debt expense previously recognized in fiscal 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the collectability of our pre-pandemic trade receivable balances.
The results of our operations can be impacted due to changes in exchange rates applicable in converting local currencies to U.S. dollars. We measure our results on a constant currency basis. Constant currency operating results are calculated by translating current-period local currency operating results with the currency exchange rates used to translate the financial statements in the comparable prior-year period to determine what the current-period U.S. dollar operating results would have been if the currency exchange rate had not changed from the comparable prior-year period.
Management believes that adjusting its operating expenses, operating income, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to remove these Certain Items and presenting its results on a constant currency basis provides an important perspective with respect to our underlying business trends and results. It provides meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors that (1) is indicative of the performance of the company’s underlying operations and (2) facilitates comparisons on a year-over-year basis.
Sysco has a history of growth through acquisitions and excludes from its non-GAAP financial measures the impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization, acquisition costs and due-diligence costs for those acquisitions. We believe this approach significantly enhances the comparability of Sysco’s results for fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2023.
Set forth on the following page is a reconciliation of sales, operating expenses, operating income, other (income) expense, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to adjusted results for these measures for the periods presented. Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not be equal to the total presented when added due to rounding. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by diluted shares outstanding.
28
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Change in Dollars
%/bps Change
Sales (GAAP)
$
19,620,454
$
19,126,830
$
493,624
2.6
%
Impact of currency fluctuations (1)
(104,066)
—
(104,066)
(0.6)
Comparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
19,516,388
$
19,126,830
$
389,558
2.0
%
Cost of sales (GAAP)
$
15,972,682
$
15,637,975
$
334,707
2.1
%
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (2)
—
2,571
(2,571)
NM
Cost of sales adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
$
15,972,682
$
15,640,546
$
332,136
2.1
%
Gross profit (GAAP)
$
3,647,772
$
3,488,855
$
158,917
4.6
%
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (2)
—
(2,571)
2,571
NM
Gross profit adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
3,647,772
3,486,284
161,488
4.6
Impact of currency fluctuations (1)
(26,184)
—
(26,184)
(0.7)
Comparable gross profit adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
3,621,588
$
3,486,284
$
135,304
3.9
%
Gross margin (GAAP)
18.59
%
18.24
%
35 bps
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (2)
—
(0.01)
1 bps
Gross margin adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
18.59
18.23
36 bps
Impact of currency fluctuations (1)
(0.03)
—
-3 bps
Comparable gross margin adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
18.56
%
18.23
%
33 bps
Operating expenses (GAAP)
$
2,844,190
$
2,752,054
$
92,136
3.3
%
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (3)
(19,675)
(11,645)
(8,030)
(69.0)
Impact of acquisition-related costs (4)
(31,038)
(29,454)
(1,584)
(5.4)
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (5)
—
2,592
(2,592)
NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
2,793,477
2,713,547
79,930
2.9
Impact of currency fluctuations (1)
(25,838)
—
(25,838)
(0.9)
Comparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
2,767,639
$
2,713,547
$
54,092
2.0
%
Operating expense as a percentage of sales (GAAP)
14.50
%
14.39
%
11 bps
Impact of certain item adjustments
(0.26)
(0.20)
-6 bps
Adjusted operating expense as a percentage of sales (Non-GAAP)
14.24
%
14.19
%
5 bps
Operating income (GAAP)
$
803,582
$
736,801
$
66,781
9.1
%
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (2)
—
(2,571)
2,571
NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (3)
19,675
11,645
8,030
69.0
Impact of acquisition-related costs (4)
31,038
29,454
1,584
5.4
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (5)
—
(2,592)
2,592
NM
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
854,295
772,737
81,558
10.6
Impact of currency fluctuations (1)
(346)
—
(346)
(0.1)
Comparable operating income adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
853,949
$
772,737
$
81,212
10.5
%
Operating margin (GAAP)
4.10
%
3.85
%
25 bps
Operating margin adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
4.35
%
4.04
%
31 bps
29
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Change in Dollars
%/bps Change
Operating margin adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
4.38
%
4.04
%
34 bps
Net earnings (GAAP)
$
503,392
$
465,568
$
37,824
8.1
%
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (2)
—
(2,571)
2,571
NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (3)
19,675
11,645
8,030
69.0
Impact of acquisition-related costs (4)
31,038
29,454
1,584
5.4
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (5)
—
(2,592)
2,592
NM
Tax impact of inventory valuation adjustment (6)
—
637
(637)
NM
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (6)
(4,847)
(2,884)
(1,963)
(68.1)
Tax impact of acquisition-related costs (6)
(7,646)
(7,295)
(351)
(4.8)
Tax impact of bad debt reserves adjustments (6)
—
642
(642)
NM
Net earnings adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
$
541,612
$
492,604
$
49,008
9.9
%
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)
$
0.99
$
0.91
$
0.08
8.8
%
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (2)
—
(0.01)
0.01
NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (3)
0.04
0.02
0.02
100.0
Impact of acquisition-related costs (4)
0.06
0.06
—
—
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (5)
—
(0.01)
0.01
NM
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (6)
(0.01)
(0.01)
—
—
Tax impact of acquisition-related costs (6)
(0.02)
(0.01)
(0.01)
(100.0)
Diluted earnings per share adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) (7)
$
1.07
$
0.97
$
0.10
10.3
%
30
(1)
Represents a constant currency adjustment, which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the current year results.
(2)
Fiscal 2023 represents an adjustment to a product return allowance, related to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory.
(3)
Fiscal 2024 includes $6 million related to restructuring and severance charges and $14 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy. Fiscal 2023 includes $4 million related to restructuring and severance charges and $8 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.
(4)
Fiscal 2024 includes $28 million of intangible amortization expense and $3 million in acquisition and due diligence costs. Fiscal 2023 includes $26 million of intangible amortization expense and $4 million in acquisition and due diligence costs.
(5)
Fiscal 2023 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020.
(6)
The tax impact of adjustments for Certain Items are calculated by multiplying the pretax impact of each Certain Item by the statutory rates in effect for each jurisdiction where the Certain Item was incurred.
(7)
Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not equal the total presented when added due to rounding. Total diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by diluted shares outstanding.
NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.
31
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Change in Dollars
%/bps Change
U.S. FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS
Operating expenses (GAAP)
$
1,743,804
$
1,706,631
$
37,173
2.2
%
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs
(55)
48
(103)
NM
Impact of acquisition-related costs (1)
(12,548)
(12,585)
37
0.3
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2)
—
2,592
(2,592)
NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
$
1,731,201
$
1,696,686
$
34,515
2.0
%
Operating income (GAAP)
$
940,971
$
905,712
$
35,259
3.9
%
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs
55
(48)
103
NM
Impact of acquisition-related costs (1)
12,548
12,585
(37)
(0.3)
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2)
—
(2,592)
2,592
NM
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
$
953,574
$
915,657
$
37,917
4.1
%
INTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS
Sales (GAAP)
$
3,683,210
$
3,283,735
$
399,475
12.2
%
Impact of currency fluctuations (3)
(105,503)
—
(105,503)
(3.2)
Comparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
3,577,707
$
3,283,735
$
293,972
9.0
%
Gross profit (GAAP)
$
732,039
$
649,265
$
82,774
12.7
%
Impact of currency fluctuations (3)
(26,711)
—
(26,711)
(4.1)
Comparable gross profit using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
705,328
$
649,265
$
56,063
8.6
%
Gross margin (GAAP)
19.88
%
19.77
%
11 bps
Impact of currency fluctuations (3)
(0.17)
—
-17 bps
Comparable gross margin using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
19.71
%
19.77
%
-6 bps
Operating expenses (GAAP)
$
638,556
$
562,285
$
76,271
13.6
%
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4)
(5,803)
(3,907)
(1,896)
(48.5)
Impact of acquisition-related costs (5)
(16,897)
(16,014)
(883)
(5.5)
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
615,856
542,364
73,492
13.6
Impact of currency fluctuations (3)
(25,417)
—
(25,417)
(4.7)
Comparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
590,439
$
542,364
$
48,075
8.9
%
Operating income (GAAP)
$
93,483
$
86,980
$
6,503
7.5
%
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4)
5,803
3,907
1,896
48.5
Impact of acquisition-related costs (5)
16,897
16,014
883
5.5
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
116,183
106,901
9,282
8.7
Impact of currency fluctuations (3)
(1,294)
—
(1,294)
(1.2)
Comparable operating income adjusted for Certain Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$
114,889
$
106,901
$
7,988
7.5
%
SYGMA
Operating expenses (GAAP)
$
140,043
$
148,197
$
(8,154)
(5.5)
%
Operating income (GAAP)
12,767
5,696
7,071
NM
OTHER
Operating expenses (GAAP)
$
66,152
$
69,300
$
(3,148)
(4.5)
%
Operating income (GAAP)
11,823
11,538
285
2.5
32
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Change in Dollars
%/bps Change
GLOBAL SUPPORT CENTER
Gross profit (loss) (GAAP)
$
173
$
(7,484)
$
7,657
NM
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (6)
—
(2,571)
2,571
NM
Gross profit (loss) adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
$
173
$
(10,055)
$
10,228
NM
Operating expenses (GAAP)
$
255,635
$
265,641
$
(10,006)
(3.8)
%
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (7)
(13,817)
(7,786)
(6,031)
(77.5)
Impact of acquisition-related costs (8)
(1,593)
(855)
(738)
(86.3)
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
$
240,225
$
257,000
$
(16,775)
(6.5)
%
Operating loss (GAAP)
$
(255,462)
$
(273,125)
$
17,663
6.5
%
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (6)
—
(2,571)
2,571
NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (7)
13,817
7,786
6,031
77.5
Impact of acquisition-related costs (8)
1,593
855
738
86.3
Operating loss adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
$
(240,052)
$
(267,055)
$
27,003
10.1
%
(1)
Fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 include intangible amortization expense and acquisition costs.
(2)
Fiscal 2023 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020.
(3)
Represents a constant currency adjustment, which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on current year results.
(4)
Includes restructuring costs primarily in Europe.
(5)
Represents intangible amortization expense.
(6)
Fiscal 2023 represents an adjustment to a product return allowance, related to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory.
(7)
Includes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.
(8)
Represents due diligence costs.
NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.
33
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be used as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measure in assessing Sysco’s overall financial performance for the periods presented. An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Key Performance Indicators” contained in our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K for discussions regarding this non-GAAP performance metric. Set forth below is a reconciliation of actual net earnings to EBITDA and to adjusted EBITDA results for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Change in Dollars
% Change
Net earnings (GAAP)
$
503,392
$
465,568
$
37,824
8.1
%
Interest (GAAP)
134,334
124,150
10,184
8.2
Income taxes (GAAP)
159,216
129,334
29,882
23.1
Depreciation and amortization (GAAP)
206,007
188,924
17,083
9.0
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
$
1,002,949
$
907,976
$
94,973
10.5
%
Certain Item adjustments:
Impact of inventory valuation adjustment (1)
$
—
$
(2,571)
$
2,571
NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (2)
18,833
10,509
8,324
79.2
Impact of acquisition-related costs (3)
2,629
3,546
(917)
(25.9)
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (4)
—
(2,592)
2,592
NM
EBITDA adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) (5)
$
1,024,411
$
916,868
$
107,543
11.7
%
(1)
Fiscal 2023 represents an adjustment to a product return allowance, related to COVID-related personal protection equipment inventory.
(2)
Fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 include charges related to restructuring and severance, as well as various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy, excluding charges related to accelerated depreciation.
(3)
Fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 include acquisition and due diligence costs.
(4)
Fiscal 2023 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020.
(5)
In arriving at adjusted EBITDA, Sysco does not adjust out interest income of $12 million and $3 million or non-cash stock compensation expense of $24 million and $27 million in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Highlights
We produced negative free cash flow, impacted by higher capital expenditures, timing and historical seasonality, and investments towards our Recipe for Growth strategy. In the table that follows, free cash flow for each period presented is reconciled to net cash provided by operating activities and comparisons of the significant cash flows from the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 to the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023 are provided.
34
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
13-Week Period Ended Oct. 1, 2022
Source of cash (use of cash)
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)
$
87,152
$
158,606
Additions to plant and equipment
(171,364)
(167,260)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment
11,012
22,448
Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP) (1)
$
(73,200)
$
13,794
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
$
(219,264)
$
(32,651)
Debt borrowings (repayments), net
407,229
137,959
Stock repurchases
(99,974)
(267,727)
Dividends paid
(252,880)
(249,294)
(1)
Free cash flow should not be used as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measure in assessing the company’s liquidity for the periods presented. An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Key Performance Indicators” contained in our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K for discussions regarding this non-GAAP performance metric.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Sysco generates cash in the U.S. and internationally. As of September 30, 2023, we had $569.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, approximately 92% of which was held by our international subsidiaries. Sysco’s strategic objectives are funded primarily by cash from operations and external borrowings. Traditionally, our operations have produced significant cash flow and, due to our strong financial position, we believe that we will continue to be able to effectively access capital markets, as needed. Cash is generally allocated to working capital requirements, investments compatible with our overall growth strategy (organic and inorganic), debt management, and shareholder return. Remaining cash balances are invested in high-quality, short-term instruments.
We believe our cash flow from operations, the availability of liquidity under our commercial paper program and our revolving credit facility, and our ability to access capital from financial markets will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for more than the next 12 months, while maintaining sufficient liquidity for normal operating purposes.
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
We generated $87.2 million in cash flows from operations in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, compared to cash flows from operations of $158.6 million in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023. In the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, these amounts included year-over-year unfavorable comparisons on working capital of $85.8 million due to an unfavorable comparison on accounts payable, partially offset by a favorable comparison on accounts receivable and inventory. Accrued expenses also had an unfavorable comparison, primarily from accrued payroll in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 in comparison to the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023. Income taxes negatively impacted cash flows from operations, as estimated payments made in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 increased compared to the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023.
Investing Activities
Our capital expenditures in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 consisted primarily of investments in buildings and building improvements, technology equipment, warehouse equipment, and fleet. Our capital expenditures in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 were $4.1 million higher than in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023, as we made investments to advance our Recipe for Growth strategy.
During the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, we paid $219.3 million, net of cash acquired, for acquisitions compared to $32.7 million in acquisitions made in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023.
35
Financing Activities
Equity Transactions
Proceeds from exercises of share-based compensation awards were $17.4 million in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, as compared to $24.6 million in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023. The level of option exercises, and thus proceeds, will vary from period to period and is largely dependent on movements in our stock price and the time remaining before option grants expire.
In May 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to authorize the repurchase of up to $5.0 billion of the company’s common stock, which will remain available until fully utilized. We repurchased 1,382,947 shares for $100.0 million during the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024, and intend to repurchase $750.0 million in fiscal 2024. As of September 30, 2023, we had a remaining authorization of approximately $3.9 billion. We repurchased 319,375 additional shares for $20.4 million under our authorization through October 13, 2023.
Dividends paid in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2024 were $252.9 million, or $0.50 per share, as compared to $249.3 million, or $0.49 per share, in the first 13 weeks of fiscal 2023. In August 2023, we declared our regular quarterly dividend for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 of $0.50 per share, which was paid in October 2023.
Debt Activity and Borrowing Availability
Our debt activity, including issuances and repayments, if any, and our borrowing availability are described in Note 8, “Debt,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q. Our outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2023 are disclosed within that note.
Guarantor Summarized Financial Information
On January 19, 2011, the wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries of Sysco Corporation, which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products, at that time entered into full and unconditional guarantees of all outstanding senior notes and debentures of Sysco Corporation. All subsequent issuances of senior notes and debentures in the U.S. and borrowings under the company’s $3.0 billion long-term revolving credit facility have also been guaranteed by these subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2023, Sysco had a total of $9.5 billion in senior notes, debentures and borrowings under the long-term revolving credit facility that were guaranteed by these subsidiary guarantors. Our remaining consolidated subsidiaries (non-guarantor subsidiaries) are not obligated under the senior notes indenture, debentures indenture or our long-term revolving credit facility. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” contained in our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding the terms of the guarantees.
Basis of Preparation of the Summarized Financial Information
The summarized financial information of Sysco Corporation (issuer), and certain wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries (guarantors) (together, the obligor group) is presented on a combined basis with intercompany balances and transactions between entities in the obligor group eliminated. Investments in and equity in the earnings of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, which are not members of the obligor group, have been excluded from the summarized financial information. The obligor group’s amounts due to, amounts due from and transactions with non-guarantor subsidiaries have been presented in separate line items, if they are material to the obligor financials.The following tables include summarized financial information of the obligor group for the periods presented.
36
Combined Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries Summarized Balance Sheet
Sep. 30, 2023
Jul. 1, 2023
(In thousands)
ASSETS
Receivables due from non-obligor subsidiaries
$
272,246
$
321,476
Current assets
5,723,242
5,149,509
Total current assets
$
5,995,488
$
5,470,985
Notes receivable from non-obligor subsidiaries
$
109,020
$
108,380
Other noncurrent assets
4,356,920
4,254,145
Total noncurrent assets
$
4,465,940
$
4,362,525
LIABILITIES
Payables due to non-obligor subsidiaries
$
139,794
$
71,175
Other current liabilities
2,210,744
2,305,435
Total current liabilities
$
2,350,538
$
2,376,610
Notes payable to non-obligor subsidiaries
$
239,892
$
240,874
Long-term debt
10,148,155
9,793,541
Other noncurrent liabilities
1,213,561
1,121,884
Total noncurrent liabilities
$
11,601,608
$
11,156,299
Combined Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries Summarized Results of Operations
13-Week Period Ended Sep. 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Sales
$
12,311,637
Gross profit
2,262,288
Operating income
663,645
Interest expense from non-obligor subsidiaries
2,698
Net earnings
387,862
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations. These policies require our most subjective or complex judgments, often employing the use of estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We have reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors the development and selection of the critical accounting policies and estimates and this related disclosure. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates pertain to goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes, company-sponsored pension plans and inventory valuation, which are described in Item 7 of our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made herein that look forward in time or express management’s expectations or beliefs with respect to the occurrence of future events are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “future,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” “projected,” “continues,” “continuously,” variations of such terms, and similar terms and phrases denoting anticipated or expected occurrences or results. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
•our expectations of an improving market over the course of fiscal 2024;
•our expectations regarding the ability of our supply chain and facilities to remain in place and operational;
37
•our plans regarding our transformation initiatives and the expected effects from such initiatives, including the Sysco Driver Academy;
•statements regarding uncollectible accounts, including that if collections continue to improve, additional reductions in bad debt expense could occur;
•our expectations that our Recipe for Growth strategy will allow us to better serve our customers and differentiate Sysco from our competition;
•our expectations regarding our fiscal 2024 sales and our rate of sales growth in fiscal 2024 and the three years of our long-range plan;
•our expectations regarding the impact of inflation on sales, gross margin rates and gross profit dollars;
•our expectations regarding gross margins in fiscal 2024;
•our plans regarding cost savings, including our target for cost savings through fiscal 2024 and the impact of costs savings on the company;
•our belief that our purpose will allow us to grow substantially faster than the foodservice distribution industry and deliver profitable growth through our Recipe for Growth transformation, and statements regarding our plans with respect to our strategic pillars that support this growth transformation;
•our expectations regarding the use and investment of remaining cash generated from operations;
•the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto, including our ability to withstand and recover from the crisis;
•the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of the U.S. Retirement Plan;
•the sufficiency of our available liquidity to sustain our operations for multiple years;
•estimates regarding the outcome of legal proceedings;
•the impact of seasonal trends on our free cash flow;
•estimates regarding our capital expenditures and the sources of financing for our capital expenditures;
•our expectations regarding the impact of potential acquisitions and sales of assets on our liquidity, borrowing capacity, leverage ratios and capital availability;
•our expectations regarding real sales growth in the U.S. foodservice market and trends in produce markets;
•our expectations regarding the calculation of adjusted return on invested capital, adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per share;
•our expectations regarding the impact of future Certain Items on our projected future non-GAAP and GAAP results;
•our expectations regarding our effective tax rate in fiscal 2024;
•the sufficiency of our mechanisms for managing working capital and competitive pressures, and our beliefs regarding the impact of these mechanisms;
•our ability to meet future cash requirements, including the ability to access financial markets effectively, including issuances of debt securities, and maintain sufficient liquidity;
•our expectations regarding the payment of dividends, and the growth of our dividend, in the future;
•our expectations regarding future activity under our share repurchase program;
•future compliance with the covenants under our revolving credit facility;
•our ability to effectively access the commercial paper market and long-term capital markets; and
•our intention to repay our long-term debt with cash on hand, cash flow from operations, issuances of commercial paper, issuances of senior notes, or a combination thereof.
38
These statements are based on management’s current expectations and estimates; actual results may differ materially due in part to the risk factors set forth below, those within Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and those discussed in Item 1A of our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K:
•the risk that if sales from our locally managed customers do not grow at the same rate as sales from multi-unit customers, our gross margins may decline;
•periods of significant or prolonged inflation or deflation and their impact on our product costs and profitability generally;
•the risk that we are unlikely to be able to predict inflation over the long term, and lower inflation is likely to produce lower gross profit;
•the risk that our efforts to modify truck routing, including our small truck initiative, in order to reduce outbound transportation costs may be unsuccessful;
•the risk that we may not be able to accelerate and/or identify additional administrative cost savings in order to compensate for any gross profit or supply chain cost leverage challenges;
•risks related to unfavorable conditions in the Americas and Europe and the impact on our results of operations and financial condition;
•the risks related to our efforts to implement our transformation initiatives and meet our other long-term strategic objectives, including the risk that these efforts may not provide the expected benefits in our anticipated time frame, if at all, and may prove costlier than expected;
•the impact of unexpected future changes to our business initiatives based on management’s subjective evaluation of our overall business needs;
•the risk that the actual costs of any business initiatives may be greater or less than currently expected;
•the risk that competition in our industry and the impact of GPOs may adversely impact our margins and our ability to retain customers and make it difficult for us to maintain our market share, growth rate and profitability;
•the risk that our relationships with long-term customers may be materially diminished or terminated;
•the risk that changes in consumer eating habits could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations;
•the impact and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impact thereof on our business, financial condition and results of operations;
•the risk that changes in applicable tax laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could negatively affect our financial results;
•the risk that we may not be able to fully compensate for increases in fuel costs, and forward purchase commitments intended to contain fuel costs could result in above market fuel costs;
•the risk of interruption of supplies and increase in product costs as a result of conditions beyond our control;
•the potential impact on our reputation and earnings of adverse publicity or lack of confidence in our products;
•risks related to unfavorable changes to the mix of locally managed customers versus corporate-managed customers;
•the risk that we may not realize anticipated benefits from our operating cost reduction efforts;
•difficulties in successfully expanding into international markets and complimentary lines of business;
•the potential impact of product liability claims;
•the risk that we fail to comply with requirements imposed by applicable law or government regulations;
39
•risks related to our ability to effectively finance and integrate acquired businesses;
•risks related to our access to borrowed funds in order to grow and any default by us under our indebtedness that could have a material adverse impact on cash flow and liquidity;
•our level of indebtedness and the terms of our indebtedness could adversely affect our business and liquidity position;
•the risk that the implementation of various initiatives, the timing and successful completion of acquisitions, construction schedules and the possibility that other cash requirements could result in delays or cancellations of capital spending;
•the risk that divestiture of one or more of our businesses may not provide the anticipated effects on our operations;
•the risk that future labor disruptions or disputes could disrupt the integration of Brakes France and Davigel into Sysco France and our operations in France and the European Union generally;
•the risk that factors beyond management’s control, including fluctuations in the stock market, as well as management’s future subjective evaluation of the company’s needs, would impact the timing of share repurchases;
•due to our reliance on technology, any technology disruption or delay in implementing new technology could have a material negative impact on our business;
•the risk of negative impacts to our business and our relationships with customers from a cybersecurity incident and/or other technology disruptions;
•the risk that changes in the method of determining LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate, may adversely affect interest expense related to outstanding debt;
•the potential requirement to pay material amounts under our multiemployer defined benefit pension plans;
•our funding requirements for our company-sponsored qualified pension plan may increase should financial markets experience future declines;
•labor issues, including the renegotiation of union contracts and shortage of qualified labor;
•capital expenditures may vary based on changes in business plans and other factors, including risks related to the implementation of various initiatives, the timing and successful completion of acquisitions, construction schedules and the possibility that other cash requirements could result in delays or cancellations of capital spending;
•the risk that the anti-takeover benefits provided by our preferred stock may not be viewed as beneficial to stockholders; and
•the risk that the exclusive forum provisions in our amended and restated bylaws could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
For a more detailed discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the risk factors discussion contained in Item 1A of our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this Form 10-Q.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our market risks consist of interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, fuel price risk and investment risk. For a discussion on our exposure to market risk, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks” in our fiscal 2023 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes to our market risks since July 1, 2023.
40
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Sysco’s management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2023. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Sysco’s disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2023, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, Sysco’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
41
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Environmental Matters
Item 103 of SEC Regulation S-K requires disclosure of certain environmental matters in which a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and when such proceedings involve the potential for monetary sanctions that Sysco’s management reasonably believes will exceed a specified threshold. Pursuant to recent SEC amendments to this item, Sysco has chosen a reporting threshold for such proceedings of $1 million. Applying this threshold, there are no material environmental matters to disclose for this period.
From time to time, we may be party to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe there are any pending legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of our risk factors, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use ofProceeds
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We made the following share repurchases during the first quarter of fiscal 2024:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Month #1
July 2 - July 29
292,233
$
74.37
292,233
—
Month #2
July 30 - August 26
593,685
73.18
593,685
—
Month #3
August 27 - September 30
497,029
69.96
497,029
—
Totals
1,382,947
$
72.28
1,382,947
—
(1)
The total number of shares purchased includes no shares tendered by individuals in connection with stock option exercises in Month #1, Month #2 or Month #3.
(2)
See the discussion in Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Equity Transactions” for additional information regarding Sysco’s share repurchase program.
In May 2021, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to authorize the repurchase of up to $5.0 billion of the company’s common stock, which will remain available until fully utilized.
We repurchased 1,382,947 shares for $100.0 million during fiscal 2024. As of September 30, 2023, we had a remaining authorization of approximately $3.9 billion. We purchased 319,375 additional shares under our authorization through October 13, 2023.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
42
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5. Other Information
Insider Trading Arrangements and Policies
The table below shows the outstanding plans or other arrangements (each, a (Plan)) providing for the purchase and/or sale of Sysco securities by Sysco’s directors and Section 16 officers, including those Plans adopted or terminated during the quarter ended September 30, 2023:
Name
Title
Action
Date
Trading Arrangement
Number of Securities Converted
Expiration Date (4)
Rule 10b5-1 (1)
Non-Rule 10b5-1 (2)
Kevin Hourican
President and Chief Executive Officer
Adopt
May 4, 2023
X
75,019 shares to be sold
March 1, 2024
Greg Bertrand
Executive Vice President, US Foodservice Operations
Adopt
February 15, 2023
X
92,145 shares to be sold (3)
December 31, 2024
Neil Russell
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer
Adopt
February 14, 2023
X
1,056 shares to be sold
1,000 shares to be acquired and held upon the exercise of vested stock options
December 29, 2023
Scott Stone
Vice President, Financial Reporting and former Interim Chief Accounting Officer
Adopt
February 6, 2023
X
21,884 shares to be sold
March 7, 2024
(1)
Intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of SEC Rule 10b5-1(c).
(2)
Non-Rule Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
(3)
The shares reported for Mr. Bertrand include 3,444 shares directly held by Mr. Bertrand’s children and covered under three separate trading plans with identical adoption and expiration dates.
(4)
Each Plan terminates on the earlier of: (i) the expiration date listed in the table above; (ii) the first date on which all trades set forth in the Plan have been executed; or (iii) such date the Plan is otherwise terminated according to its terms.
Item 6. Exhibits
The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index below are filed as a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
___________
† Executive Compensation Arrangement pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K
# Filed herewith
45
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.