Sysco Reviews Third Quarter Fiscal 2021 Outcomes

HOUSTON, May 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY) today announced financial results for its 13-week third fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2021.

  • Sales trends improving as markets reopen; Q3 decreased 13.7% versus FY20 and decreased 19.3% versus FY19; April increased 102.1% versus 2020 and decreased 8.8% versus 2019;
  • We are now serving more independent customers compared to pre-COVID;
  • Gross profit decreased 17.2% to $2.1 billion; industry-leading gross margin decreased 77 basis points on mix among businesses;
  • Operating income increased 291.4% to $235.9 million; adjusted1 operating income decreased 32.0% to $256.2 million;
  • Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) increased 76.5% to $425.8 million; adjusted1 EBITDA decreased 18.7% to $437.4 million;
  • Earnings per share (“EPS”) increased $0.18, to $0.17; adjusted1 EPS decreased $0.23, to $0.22;
  • Cash flow from operations was $543.1 million and free cash flow was $459.7 million in the quarter; and
  • Company reduced debt by $1.1 billion during the quarter.

“A robust business recovery is now upon us. We are seeing consistently improving demand trends from our customers in the United States and we are ready to execute in International as markets reopen,” said Kevin Hourican, Sysco’s president and chief executive officer. “Sysco has made substantial progress against our transformation agenda, as we simultaneously invest in growth and transform our company to better serve our customers.”

1 Earnings Per Share (EPS) are shown on a diluted basis unless otherwise specified. Adjusted financial results exclude certain items, which primarily include adjustments to our bad debt reserve specific to aged receivables existing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, goodwill impairment charges, restructuring costs, transformational project costs and acquisition-related costs. Specific to EPS, this year’s third quarter and first 39 weeks Certain Items include the impact of a loss on the sale of our Spain operations. The first 39 weeks Certain Items include the impact of a loss on the sale of Cake Corporation and the impact of a new U.K. tax law change. Reconciliations of all non-GAAP measures are included at the end of this release.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

Total Sysco

Sales for the third quarter were $11.8 billion, a decrease of 13.7% compared to the same period last year. The exit rate for the third quarter was stronger than the overall quarter, as select geographic markets continue to drive the recovery as restrictions ease in the areas in which we operate.

Gross profit decreased 17.2% to $2.1 billion, and gross margin decreased 77 basis points to 18.0%, compared in each case to the same period last year. The decline in gross profit for the third quarter was primarily driven by lower volumes due to COVID-19.

Operating expenses decreased $617.2 million, or 24.6%, compared to the same period last year, driven by reduced costs from the achievement of cost-out initiatives, as well as a benefit from a reduction in our allowance for doubtful accounts. Adjusted operating expenses decreased $320.8 million, or 14.7%, compared to the same period last year.

Operating income was $235.9 million, an increase of $175.6 million, or 291.4%, compared to the same period last year. Adjusted operating income was $256.2 million, a decrease of $120.8 million, or 32.0%, compared to the same period last year.

“We are leveraging our balance sheet strength to invest in our business – inventory, fleet, people and technology — while simultaneously reducing our debt levels to reflect the improving business environment,” said Aaron Alt, Sysco’s chief financial officer.

U.S. Foodservice Operations

Sales for the third quarter were $8.4 billion, a decrease of 12.8% compared to the same period last year. Local case volume within U.S. Broadline operations decreased 9.7% for the third quarter, of which a decrease of 9.7% was organic, while total case volume within U.S. Broadline operations decreased 14.1%, of which a decrease of 14.1% was organic.

Gross profit decreased 13.7% to $1.6 billion, and gross margin decreased 22 basis points to 19.6%, compared in each case to the same period last year. Product cost inflation was 3.5% in U.S. Broadline, as measured by the estimated change in Sysco’s product costs, primarily in the paper and disposables, poultry, and meat categories.

Operating expenses decreased $341.9 million, or 23.9%, compared to the same period last year. Adjusted operating expenses decreased $212.9 million, or 16.1%, compared to the same period last year.

Operating income was $545.5 million, an increase of $81.3 million, or 17.5%, compared to the same period last year. Adjusted operating income was $525.1 million, a decrease of $47.7 million, or 8.3%, compared to the same period last year.

International Foodservice Operations

Sales for the third quarter were $1.7 billion, a decrease of 31.3% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, sales for the third quarter were $1.6 billion, a decrease of 35.4% compared to the same period last year. Foreign exchange rates increased International Foodservice Operations sales by 4.1% and total Sysco sales by 0.8% during the quarter.

Gross profit decreased 35.1% to $325.2 million, and gross margin decreased 110 basis points to 18.9%, compared in each case to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, gross profit decreased 39.2% to $304.5 million. Foreign exchange rates increased International Foodservice Operations gross profit by 4.1% and total Sysco gross profit by 0.8% during the quarter.

Operating expenses decreased $138.0 million, or 23.6%, compared to the same period last year. Adjusted operating expenses decreased $78.4 million, or 15.8%, compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, adjusted operating expenses decreased $107.2 million, or 21.6%, compared to the same period last year. Foreign exchange rates increased International Foodservice Operations operating expense by 5.8% and total Sysco operating expense by 1.3% during the quarter.

The International Foodservice Operations segment delivered an operating loss of $121.5 million, a decrease of $37.7 million compared to the same period last year. Adjusted operating loss was $92.4 million, a decrease of $97.4 million compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, adjusted operating loss was $84.2 million, a decrease of $89.2 million compared to the same period last year. Foreign exchange rates increased International Foodservice Operations operating loss by $8.2 million and reduced total Sysco operating income by $8.0 million during the quarter.

Balance Sheet, Capital Spending and Cash Flow

Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of plant and equipment, for the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2021 were $358.8 million lower compared to the prior year period.

Cash flow from operations was $1.5 billion for the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2021, which was $401.3 million higher compared to the prior year period. Free cash flow2 for the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2021 was $1.2 billion, which was $760.1 million higher compared to the prior year period. The improvement in cash flow was driven by higher earnings, improved working capital, lower capital spending and lower cash taxes paid during the quarter.

2Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure that represents net cash provided from operating activities less purchases of plant and equipment and includes proceeds from sales of plant and equipment. Reconciliations for all non-GAAP measures are included at the end of this release.

Conference Call & Webcast

Sysco will host a conference call to review the company’s third quarter fiscal 2021 financial results on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. A live webcast of the call, accompanying slide presentation and a copy of this news release will be available online at investors.sysco.com.

Key Highlights:

  13-Week Period Ended 39-Week Period Ended
         
 Financial Comparison: March 27, 2021 Change March 27, 2021 Change
 Sales $11.8 billion -13.7% $35.2 billion -20.1%
 Gross profit $2.1 billion -17.2% $6.4 billion -22.7%
 Gross Margin 18.0% -77 bps 18.3% -62 bps
         
 GAAP:        
 Operating expenses $1.9 billion -24.6% $5.6 billion -21.0%
Certain Items $20.3 million -93.6% $(12.6) million -102.7%
 Operating Income $235.9 million 291.4% $867.6 million -32.3%
 Operating Margin 2.0% 156 bps 2.5% -44 bps
 Net Earnings $88.9 million NM $373.1 million -55.3%
 Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.17 NM $0.73 -54.9%
         
 Non-GAAP (1):        
 Operating Expenses $1.9 billion -14.7% $5.6 billion -15.2%
 Operating Income $256.2 million -32.0% $855.0 million -51.0%
 Operating Margin 2.2% -59 bps 2.4% -153 bps
 EBITDA $425.8 million 76.5% $1.4 billion -22.3%
 Adjusted EBITDA $437.4 million -18.7% $1.4 billion -38.3%
 Net Earnings $114.8 million -50.5% $374.1 million -68.3%
 Diluted Earnings Per Share (2) $0.22 -51.1% $0.73 -68.1%
         
 Case Growth:        
U.S. Broadline -14.1%   -21.4%  
Local -9.7%   -17.2%  
         
 Sysco Brand Sales as a % of Cases:        
U.S. Broadline 37.3% -116 bps 37.6% -92 bps
Local 44.5% -234 bps 44.4% -274 bps

Note:

(1) A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is included at the end of this release.
(2) Individual components in the table above may not sum to the totals due to the rounding.
NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release or in our earnings call for the third quarter of fiscal 2021 that look forward in time or that express management’s beliefs, expectations or hopes are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the views of management at the time such statements are made and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, estimates, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These statements include statements concerning: the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto, including the extent and duration of lockdowns in the U.S. and Europe; the pace of the business recovery; our expectations regarding our ability to manage the current downturn and capitalize on our position as the industry leader as the global economy recovers; our expectations regarding future market share gains; the pace of implementation of our business transformation initiatives; our belief that our strategy and our transformational initiatives will drive future value for our associates, shareholders and customers in the fourth quarter and beyond; our expectations regarding our company, and our ability to attract and serve new customers, following the COVID-19 crisis; our expectations regarding our ability to win meaningful business in the national account space; the effects of our continuing investments in digital technology; our expectations regarding the timing of the business recovery following the COVID-19 crisis; our belief that consumers are ready to eat at restaurants as soon as COVID-19 restrictions are reduced; our expectations regarding the business recovery in Europe; the impact on our results of government-imposed restrictions on restaurant operations; our expectations that our work to accelerate growth will return to pre-COVID levels as demand resurges; our expectations regarding the effect of our hiring of drivers on transportation expenses in the short term; our belief that our hiring of drivers will help ensure that Sysco is able to maximize our share gain during the upcoming business recovery; our expectations regarding our ability to become the most customer-centric foodservice distributor in the industry; our expectations regarding our ability to accelerate profitable growth; our expectations regarding future sales; our expectations regarding cost savings over the next several quarters; our expectations that our investments in technology and our business will allow for future growth and exceptional customer service; our belief that the steps undertaken as part of our management of the COVID-19 crisis to date will help us retain and win additional business from our independent restaurant customers beyond the pandemic; our expectations that we will hire over 6,000 associates in the second half of our fiscal year; our expectations of significant returns on our investments in our capability builds in service of our transformation; our expectations regarding the impact of our investments in our transformation initiatives on our results in the second half of fiscal 2021; our expectations regarding improvements in the SYGMA segment; our plans to transition away from a large existing SYGMA customer; our expectations that international will be a growth opportunity for Sysco in fiscal 2022; our plans to reinvest a portion of our cost savings into our growth agenda; our ability to deliver against our strategic priorities; statements regarding economic trends in the United States and abroad; our expected repayment of amounts under the UK Commercial Paper Program; our expectations regarding the deployment of capital proceeds that Sysco currently holds; and our expectations regarding our cash performance in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.

The success of our plans and expectations regarding our operating performance are subject to the general risks associated with our business, including the risks of interruption of supplies due to lack of long-term contracts, severe weather, crop conditions, work stoppages, intense competition, technology disruptions, dependence on large, long-term regional and national customers, inflation risks, the impact of fuel prices, adverse publicity, labor issues, political or financial instability, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and costs and other factors relating to foreign trade, any or all of which could delay our receipt of product or increase our input costs. Risks and uncertainties also include the impact and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the adverse impact thereof on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, but not limited to, our growth, product costs, supply chain, labor availability, logistical capabilities, customer demand for our products and industry demand generally, consumer spending, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our credit ratings, our ability to maintain compliance with the covenants in our credit agreement, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally. Risks and uncertainties also include risks impacting the economy generally, including the risks that the current general economic conditions will deteriorate, or consumer confidence in the economy or consumer spending, particularly on food-away-from-home, may decline. Market conditions may not improve. Competition and the impact of GPOs may reduce our margins and make it difficult for us to maintain our market share, growth rate and profitability. We may not be able to fully compensate for increases in fuel costs, and fuel hedging arrangements intended to contain fuel costs could result in above market fuel costs. Our ability to meet our long-term strategic objectives depends on our ability to grow gross profit, leverage our supply chain costs and reduce administrative costs. This will depend largely on the success of our various business initiatives, including efforts related to revenue management, expense management, our digital e-commerce strategy and any efforts related to restructuring or the reduction of administrative costs. There are various risks related to these efforts, including the risk that if sales from our locally managed customers do not grow at the same rate as sales from regional and national customers, or if we are unable to continue to accelerate local case growth, our gross margins may decline; 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 mitigate increases in warehouse 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; 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 risk that the actual costs of any initiatives may be greater or less than currently expected; and the risk of adverse effects to our business, results of operations and liquidity if past and future undertakings, and the associated changes to our business, do not prove to be cost effective or do not result in the cost savings and other benefits at the levels that we anticipate. Our plans related to and the timing of any initiatives are subject to change at any time based on management’s subjective evaluation of our overall business needs. If we are unable to realize the anticipated benefits from our efforts, we could become cost disadvantaged in the marketplace, and our competitiveness and our profitability could decrease. Adverse publicity about us or lack of confidence in our products could negatively impact our reputation and reduce earnings. 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. Periods of significant or prolonged inflation or deflation, either overall or in certain product categories, can have a negative impact on us and our customers, as high food costs can reduce consumer spending in the food-away-from-home market, and may negatively impact our sales, gross profit, operating income and earnings, and periods of deflation can be difficult to manage effectively. Fluctuations in inflation and deflation, as well as fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies, are beyond our control and subject to broader market forces. Expanding into international markets presents unique challenges and risks, including compliance with local laws, regulations and customs and the impact of local political and economic conditions, including the impact of Brexit and the “yellow vest” protests in France against a fuel tax increase, pension reform and the French government, and such expansion efforts may not be successful. Any business that we acquire may not perform as expected, and we may not realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions. Expectations regarding the financial statement impact of any acquisitions may change based on management’s subjective evaluation. A divestiture of one or more of our businesses may not provide the anticipated effects on our operations. Meeting our dividend target objectives depends on our level of earnings, available cash and the success of our various strategic initiatives. Changes in applicable tax laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could negatively affect our financial results. We rely on technology in our business and any cybersecurity incident, other technology disruption or delay in implementing new technology could negatively affect our business and our relationships with customers. For a discussion of additional factors impacting Sysco’s business, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 2020, as filed with the SEC, and our subsequent filings with the SEC. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 57,000 associates, the company operates 326 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 625,000 customer locations. For fiscal 2020 that ended June 27, 2020, the company generated sales of more than $52 billion. Information about our CSR program, including Sysco’s 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, can be found at sysco.com/csr2020report.

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except for Share and Per Share Data)

  13-Week Period Ended   39-Week Period Ended
  Mar. 27, 2021   Mar. 28, 2020   Mar. 27, 2021   Mar. 28, 2020
               
Sales $ 11,824,589     $ 13,698,699     $ 35,160,950     $ 44,026,746  
Cost of sales 9,701,921     11,134,459     28,719,979     35,690,737  
Gross profit 2,122,668     2,564,240     6,440,971     8,336,009  
Operating expenses 1,886,751     2,503,966     5,573,413     7,054,924  
Operating income 235,917     60,274     867,558     1,281,085  
Interest expense 145,773     83,854     438,988     243,951  
Other (income) expense, net (12,708 )   5,200     (14,140 )   7,505  
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 102,852     (28,780 )   442,710     1,029,629  
Income taxes 13,925     (25,483 )   69,594     195,735  
Net earnings (loss) $ 88,927     $ (3,297 )   $ 373,116     $ 833,894  
               
Net earnings (loss):              
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.17     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.73     $ 1.63  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share 0.17     (0.01 )   0.73     1.62  
               
Average shares outstanding 511,110,670     508,745,253     510,081,610     510,729,277  
Diluted shares outstanding 514,585,129     512,657,657     512,688,895     515,632,815  

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except for Share Data)

  Mar. 27, 2021   Jun. 27, 2020
       
ASSETS
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,895,723     $ 6,059,427  
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $211,607 and $334,810 3,220,659     2,893,551  
Inventories 3,218,827     3,095,085  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 250,022     192,163  
Income tax receivable 1,534     108,006  
Total current assets 11,586,765     12,348,232  
Plant and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation 4,297,862     4,458,567  
Other long-term assets      
Goodwill 3,932,570     3,732,469  
Intangibles, less amortization 769,503     780,172  
Deferred income taxes 321,674     194,115  
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 661,474     603,616  
Other assets 473,433     511,095  
Total other long-term assets 6,158,654     5,821,467  
Total assets $ 22,043,281     $ 22,628,266  
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities      
Notes payable $ 8,315     $ 2,266  
Accounts payable 4,221,252     3,447,065  
Accrued expenses 1,645,139     1,616,289  
Accrued income taxes 64,159     2,938  
Current operating lease liabilities 111,761     107,167  
Current maturities of long-term debt 957,303     1,542,128  
Total current liabilities 7,007,929     6,717,853  
Long-term liabilities      
Long-term debt 11,741,114     12,902,485  
Deferred income taxes 49,426     86,601  
Long-term operating lease liabilities 586,479     523,496  
Other long-term liabilities 1,228,265     1,204,953  
Total long-term liabilities 13,605,284     14,717,535  
Commitments and contingencies      
Noncontrolling interest 34,471     34,265  
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 1,594,561     1,506,901  
Retained earnings 10,241,666     10,563,008  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,352,446 )   (1,710,881 )
Treasury stock at cost, 253,817,013 and 256,915,825 shares (9,853,359 )   (9,965,590 )
Total shareholders’ equity 1,395,597     1,158,613  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 22,043,281     $ 22,628,266  

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)

  39-Week Period Ended
  Mar. 27, 2021   Mar. 28, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net earnings $ 373,116     $ 833,894  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:      
Share-based compensation expense 65,655     63,942  
Depreciation and amortization 542,471     558,588  
Operating lease asset amortization 81,414     83,749  
Amortization of debt issuance and other debt-related costs 19,485     15,247  
Goodwill impairment     68,725  
Deferred income taxes (161,824 )   (145,133 )
Provision for losses on receivables (137,670 )   213,769  
Loss on sale of businesses 22,834      
Other non-cash items (7,507 )   6,765  
Additional changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:      
(Increase) decrease in receivables (130,403 )   342,557  
Increase in inventories (82,525 )   (497,391 )
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets (50,833 )   (38,831 )
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 800,248     (353,836 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses 9,065     (28,406 )
Decrease in operating lease liabilities (94,228 )   (95,861 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes 167,693     (25,987 )
Decrease in other assets 23,345     23,263  
Increase in other long-term liabilities 39,448     53,415  
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,479,784     1,078,469  
       
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Additions to plant and equipment (251,167 )   (603,865 )
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment 19,308     13,245  
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired     (142,780 )
Purchase of marketable securities (44,687 )   (11,424 )
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 30,773     17,465  
Other investing activities     67,371  
Net cash used for investing activities (245,773 )   (659,988 )
       
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Bank and commercial paper (repayments) borrowings, net (411,200 )   20,886  
Other debt borrowings 2,943     2,682,278  
Other debt repayments (1,489,431 )   (28,244 )
Proceeds from stock option exercises 112,231     186,503  
Stock repurchases     (844,699 )
Dividends paid (689,251 )   (628,056 )
Other financing activities (1) (15,024 )   (45,990 )
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (2,489,732 )   1,342,678  
       
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 85,183     (8,857 )
       
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (2) (1,170,538 )   1,752,302  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 6,095,570     532,245  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period (2) $ 4,925,032     $ 2,284,547  
       
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:      
Cash paid during the period for:      
Interest $ 386,753     $ 247,606  
Income taxes, net of refunds 71,435     358,622  

(1)  Change includes cash paid for shares withheld to cover taxes, debt issuance costs and other financing activities.
(2)  Change includes restricted cash included within other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Impact of Certain Items

Sysco’s results of operations for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 were impacted by restructuring and transformational project costs consisting of: (1) restructuring charges; (2) expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives; and (3) facility closure and severance charges. Sysco’s results for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 were also impacted by intangible amortization expense related to the fiscal 2017 acquisition of Cucina Lux Investments Limited (the Brakes Acquisition). Additionally, our results for fiscal 2021 were impacted by loss on the sale of businesses.

Fiscal 2021 results of operations were also positively impacted by the reduction of bad debt expense previously recognized in fiscal 2020 due to the unexpected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the collectability of our pre-pandemic trade receivable balances. Fiscal 2020 results of operations were also negatively impacted by costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the most significant of which were (1) excess bad debt expense, as we experienced an increase in past due receivables and recognized additional bad debt charges, and (2) goodwill impairment charges. Many of Sysco’s customers, including those in the restaurant, hospitality and education segments, are operating at a substantially reduced volume due to governmental requirements for closures or other social-distancing measures and a portion of Sysco’s customers have been closed. Some of these customers ceased paying their outstanding receivables, creating uncertainty as to their collectability. We experienced an increase in past due receivables and recognized additional bad debt charges in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020; however, collections have improved in fiscal 2021, partially from restaurant reopenings, volumes improvements and Sysco’s improved credit processes. We have estimated uncollectible amounts based on the current collection experience and by applying write-off percentages based on historical loss experience, including loss experience during times of local and regional disasters, current conditions and collection rates, and expectations regarding future losses. The COVID-19 pandemic is more widespread and longer in duration than historical disasters impacting our business, and it is possible that actual uncollectible amounts will differ and additional charges may be required; however, if collections continue to improve, it is also possible that additional reductions in our bad debt reserve could occur. While Sysco traditionally incurs bad debt expense, the magnitude of such expenses and benefits, that we have experienced is not indicative of our normal operations. Our adjusted results have not been normalized in a manner that would exclude the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. As such, Sysco has not adjusted its results for lost sales, inventory write-offs or other costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic not previously stated.

The results of our foreign operations can be impacted due to changes in exchange rates applicable in converting local currencies to U.S. dollars. We measure our total Sysco and our International Foodservice Operations 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. The constant currency impact on our adjusted total Sysco and our adjusted International Foodservice Operations results are disclosed when the impact exceeds a defined threshold of greater than 1% on the growth metric. If the amount does not exceed this threshold, a disclosure will be made that the impact of the currency change was not significant.

Management believes that adjusting its operating expenses, operating income, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to remove these Certain Items and presenting its International Foodservice Operations results on a constant currency basis, provides an important perspective with respect to our underlying business trends and results and 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.

Although Sysco has a history of growth through acquisitions, the Brakes Group was significantly larger than the companies historically acquired by Sysco, with a proportionately greater impact on Sysco’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, Sysco is excluding from its non-GAAP financial measures for the relevant period the impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization specific to the Brakes Acquisition. We believe this approach significantly enhances the comparability of Sysco’s results for fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of sales, operating expenses, operating income, interest expense, 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 add up to the total presented due to rounding. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by diluted shares outstanding.

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Impact of Certain Items
(Dollars in Thousands, Except for Share and Per Share Data)

  13-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 27, 2021
  13-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
  Change in
Dollars
  % Change
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 1,886,751     $ 2,503,966     $ (617,215 )   -24.6   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (34,953 )   (77,195 )   42,242     -54.7    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) (18,834 )   (17,321 )   (1,513 )   8.7    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) 33,473     (153,499 )   186,972     -121.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     (68,725 )   68,725     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) 1,866,437     2,187,226     (320,789 )   -14.7   %
Impact of currency fluctuations (4) (29,659 )       (29,659 )   -1.3    
Comparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items
using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$ 1,836,778     $ 2,187,226     $ (350,448 )   -16.0   %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 235,917     $ 60,274     $ 175,643     291.4   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 34,953     77,195     (42,242 )   -54.7    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) 18,834     17,321     1,513     8.7    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) (33,473 )   153,499     (186,972 )   -121.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     68,725     (68,725 )   NM
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) 256,231     377,014     (120,783 )   -32.0   %
Impact of currency fluctuations (4) 8,029         8,029     -2.1    
Comparable operating income adjusted for Certain Items
using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$ 264,260     $ 377,014     $ (112,754 )   -29.9   %
               
Other (income) expense (GAAP) $ (12,708 )   $ 5,200     $ (17,908 )   NM
Impact of loss on sale of businesses (10,790 )       (10,790 )   NM
Other (income) expense (Non-GAAP) $ (23,498 )   $ 5,200     $ (28,698 )   NM
               
Net earnings (loss) (GAAP) $ 88,927     $ (3,297 )   $ 92,224     NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 34,953     77,195     (42,242 )   -54.7    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) 18,834     17,321     1,513     8.7    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) (33,473 )   153,499     (186,972 )   -121.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     68,725     (68,725 )   NM
Impact of loss on sale of businesses 10,790         10,790     NM
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) (10,300 )   (28,461 )   18,161     -63.8    
Tax impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (4) (5,573 )   (6,777 )   1,204     -17.8    
Tax impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (4) 10,354     (46,410 )   56,764     -122.3    
Tax impact of loss on sale of businesses 301         301     NM
Net earnings adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 114,813     $ 231,795     $ (116,982 )   -50.5   %
               
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (GAAP) $ 0.17     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.18     NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 0.07     0.15     (0.08 )   -53.3    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) 0.04     0.03     0.01     33.3    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) (0.07 )   0.30     (0.37 )   -123.3    
Impact of goodwill impairment     0.13     (0.13 )   NM
Impact of loss on sale of businesses 0.02         0.02     NM
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) (0.02 )   (0.06 )   0.04     -66.7    
Tax impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (4) (0.01 )   (0.01 )       0.0    
Tax impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (4) 0.02     (0.09 )   0.11     -122.2    
Diluted EPS adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) (5) $ 0.22     $ 0.45     $ (0.23 )   -51.1   %
               
Diluted shares outstanding 514,585,129   512,657,657        
(1) Fiscal 2021 includes $21 million related to restructuring charges and $14 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy. Fiscal 2020 includes $48 million related to restructuring, facility closure and severance charges and $30 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.
(2) Represents intangible amortization expense from the Brakes Acquisition, which is included in the results of International Foodservice.
(3) Fiscal 2021 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020. Fiscal 2020 represents excess bad debt charges recognized on the increase in past due receivables arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(4) Represents a constant currency adjustment, which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on current year results.
(5) 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.
(6) Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not add up to the total presented 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.

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Impact of Certain Items
(Dollars in Thousands, Except for Share and Per Share Data)

  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 27, 2021
  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
  Change in
Dollars
  % Change
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 5,573,413     $ 7,054,924     $ (1,481,511 )   -21.0   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (95,078 )   (191,022 )   95,944     -50.2    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) (54,714 )   (51,543 )   (3,171 )   6.2    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) 162,372     (153,499 )   315,871     -205.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     (68,725 )   68,725     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 5,585,993     $ 6,590,135     $ (1,004,142 )   -15.2   %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 867,558     $ 1,281,085     $ (413,527 )   -32.3   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 95,078     191,022     (95,944 )   -50.2    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) 54,714     51,543     3,171     6.2    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) (162,372 )   153,499     (315,871 )   -205.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     68,725     (68,725 )   NM
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 854,978     $ 1,745,874     $ (890,896 )   -51.0   %
               
Other (income) expense (GAAP) $ (14,140 )   $ 7,505     $ (21,645 )   -288.4   %
Impact of loss on sale of businesses (22,834 )       (22,834 )   NM
Other (income) expense (Non-GAAP) $ (36,974 )   $ 7,505     $ (44,479 )   NM
               
Net earnings (loss) (GAAP) $ 373,116     $ 833,894     $ (460,778 )   -55.3   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 95,078     191,022     (95,944 )   -50.2    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) 54,714     51,543     3,171     6.2    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) (162,372 )   153,499     (315,871 )   -205.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     68,725     (68,725 )   NM
Impact of loss on sale of businesses 22,834         22,834     NM
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) (26,886 )   (57,756 )   30,870     -53.4    
Tax impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (4) (15,471 )   (15,584 )   113     -0.7    
Tax impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (4) 45,913     (46,410 )   92,323     -198.9    
Tax impact of loss on sale of businesses (7,251 )       (7,251 )   NM
Impact of foreign tax rate change (5,548 )   924     (6,472 )   NM
Net earnings adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 374,127     $ 1,179,857     $ (805,730 )   -68.3   %
               
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (GAAP) $ 0.73     $ 1.62     $ (0.89 )   -54.9   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 0.19     0.37     (0.18 )   -48.6    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (2) 0.11     0.10     0.01     10.0    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (3) (0.32 )   0.30     (0.62 )   -206.7    
Impact of goodwill impairment     0.13     (0.13 )   NM
Impact of loss on sale of businesses 0.04         0.04     NM
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) (0.05 )   (0.11 )   0.06     -54.5    
Tax impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (4) (0.03 )   (0.03 )       0.0    
Tax impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (4) 0.09     (0.09 )   0.18     -200.0    
Tax impact of loss on sale of businesses (0.01 )       (0.01 )   NM
Tax impact of foreign tax rate change (0.01 )       (0.01 )   NM
Diluted EPS adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) (5) $ 0.73     $ 2.29     $ (1.56 )   -68.1   %
               
Diluted shares outstanding 512,688,895     515,632,815          
(1) Fiscal 2021 includes $56 million related to restructuring, severance and facility closure charges, and $39 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy. Fiscal 2020 includes $100 million related to restructuring, severance, and facility closure charges and $91 million related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.
(2) Represents intangible amortization expense from the Brakes Acquisition, which is included in the results of International Foodservice.
(3) Fiscal 2021 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020. Fiscal 2020 represents excess bad debt charges recognized on the increase in past due receivables arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(4) 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.
(5) Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not add up to the total presented 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.

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Segment Results
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Impact of Certain Items on Applicable Segments
(Dollars in Thousands)

  13-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 27, 2021
  13-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
  Change in
Dollars
  %/bps
Change
U.S. FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS              
Sales $ 8,360,241       $ 9,587,005       $ (1,226,764 )   -12.8 %
Gross Profit 1,634,837       1,895,378       (260,541 )   -13.7 %
Gross Margin 19.6   %   19.8   %       -22 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 1,089,335       $ 1,431,205       $ (341,870 )   -23.9 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (1,285 )     (1,403 )     118     -8.4  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 21,669       (107,230 )     128,899     -120.2  
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 1,109,719       $ 1,322,572       $ (212,853 )   -16.1 %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 545,502       $ 464,173       $ 81,329     17.5 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 1,285       1,403       (118 )   -8.4  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (21,669 )     107,230       (128,899 )   -120.2  
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 525,118       $ 572,806       $ (47,688 )   -8.3 %
               
INTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS              
Sales (GAAP) $ 1,723,126       $ 2,508,642       $ (785,516 )   -31.3 %
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) (103,338 )           (103,338 )   4.1  
Comparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) $ 1,619,788       $ 2,508,642       $ (888,854 )   -35.4 %
               
Gross Profit (GAAP) $ 325,200       $ 500,929       $ (175,729 )   -35.1 %
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) (20,660 )           (20,660 )   4.1  
Comparable gross profit using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) $ 304,540       $ 500,929       $ (196,389 )   -39.2 %
               
Gross Margin (GAAP) 18.9   %   20.0   %       -110 bps
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) 0.1                 7 bps
Comparable gross margin using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) 18.8   %   20.0   %       -117 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 446,687       $ 584,715       $ (138,028 )   -23.6 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) (18,635 )     (25,180 )     6,545     -26.0  
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) (18,834 )     (17,321 )     (1,513 )   8.7  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 8,357       (46,269 )     54,626     -118.1  
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 417,575       $ 495,945       $ (78,370 )   -15.8 %
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) (28,811 )           (28,811 )   5.8  
Comparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain
Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$ 388,764       $ 495,945       $ (107,181 )   -21.6 %
               
Operating (loss) income (GAAP) $ (121,487 )     $ (83,786 )     $ (37,701 )   -45.0 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) 18,635       25,180       (6,545 )   -26.0  
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) 18,834       17,321       1,513     8.7  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (8,357 )     46,269       (54,626 )   -118.1  
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ (92,375 )     $ 4,984       $ (97,359 )   NM
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) 8,151             8,151     NM
Comparable operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain
Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$ (84,224 )     $ 4,984       $ (89,208 )   NM
               
SYGMA              
Sales $ 1,580,695       $ 1,364,111       $ 216,584     15.9 %
Gross Profit 133,478       118,891       14,587     12.3 %
Gross Margin 8.4   %   8.7   %       -27 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 120,541       $ 108,590       $ 11,951     11.0 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1)       (122 )     122     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 120,541       $ 108,468       $ 12,073     11.1 %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 12,937       $ 10,301       $ 2,636     25.6 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1)       122       (122 )   NM
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 12,937       $ 10,423       $ 2,514     24.1 %
               
OTHER              
Sales $ 160,527       $ 238,941       $ (78,414 )   -32.8 %
Gross Profit 37,911       56,000       (18,089 )   -32.3 %
Gross Margin 23.6   %   23.4   %       18 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 32,027       $ 75,051       $ (43,024 )   -57.3 %
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 3,447             3,447     NM
Impact of goodwill impairment       (11,660 )     11,660     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 35,474       $ 63,391       (27,917 )   -44.0 %
               
Operating (loss) income (GAAP) $ 5,884       $ (19,051 )     $ 24,935     130.9 %
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (3,447 )           (3,447 )   NM
Impact of goodwill impairment       11,660       (11,660 )   NM
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 2,437       $ (7,391 )     9,828     133.0 %
               
CORPORATE              
Gross Profit $ (8,758 )     $ (6,958 )     $ (1,800 )   -25.9 %
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 198,161       $ 304,405       $ (106,244 )   -34.9 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (6) (15,033 )     (50,490 )     35,457     -70.2  
Impact of goodwill impairment       (57,065 )     57,065     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 183,128       $ 196,850       $ (13,722 )   -7.0 %
               
Operating loss (GAAP) $ (206,919 )     $ (311,363 )     $ 104,444     33.5 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (6) 15,033       50,490       (35,457 )   -70.2  
Impact of goodwill impairment       57,065       (57,065 )   NM
Operating loss adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ (191,886 )     $ (203,808 )     $ 11,922     5.8 %
               
TOTAL SYSCO              
Sales $ 11,824,589       $ 13,698,699       $ (1,874,110 )   -13.7 %
Gross Profit 2,122,668       2,564,240       (441,572 )   -17.2 %
Gross Margin 18.0   %   18.7   %       -77 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 1,886,751       $ 2,503,966       $ (617,215 )   -24.6 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (4) (6) (34,953 )     (77,195 )     42,242     -54.7  
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) (18,834 )     (17,321 )     (1,513 )   8.7  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 33,473       (153,499 )     186,972     -121.8  
Impact of goodwill impairment       (68,725 )     68,725     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 1,866,437       $ 2,187,226       $ (320,789 )   -14.7 %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 235,917       $ 60,274       $ 175,643     291.4 %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (4) (6) 34,953       77,195       (42,242 )   -54.7  
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) 18,834       17,321       1,513     8.7  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (33,473 )     153,499       (186,972 )   -121.8  
Impact of goodwill impairment       68,725       (68,725 )   NM
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 256,231       $ 377,014       $ (120,783 )   -32.0 %
(1) Includes charges related to restructuring and business transformation projects.
(2) Fiscal 2021 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020. Fiscal 2020 represents excess bad debt charges recognized on the increase in past due receivables arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(3) Represents a constant currency adjustment, which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on current year results.
(4) Includes restructuring, severance and facility closure costs primarily in Europe.
(5) Represents intangible amortization expense from the Brakes Acquisition.
(6) Includes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.
  NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Segment Results
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Impact of Certain Items on Applicable Segments
(Dollars in Thousands)

  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 27, 2021
  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
  Change in
Dollars
  %/bps
Change
U.S. FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS              
Sales $ 24,205,917       $ 30,659,215       $ (6,453,298 )   -21.0   %
Gross Profit 4,793,866       6,089,171       (1,295,305 )   -21.3   %
Gross Margin 19.8   %   19.9   %       -6 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 3,174,704       $ 4,126,576       $ (951,872 )   -23.1   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (4,010 )     (9,208 )     5,198     -56.5    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 123,225       (107,230 )     230,455     -214.9    
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 3,293,919       $ 4,010,138       $ (716,219 )   -17.9   %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 1,619,162       $ 1,962,595       $ (343,433 )   -17.5   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 4,010       9,208       (5,198 )   -56.5    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (123,225 )     107,230       (230,455 )   -214.9    
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 1,499,947       $ 2,079,033       $ (579,086 )   -27.9   %
               
INTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS              
Sales (GAAP) $ 5,854,608       $ 8,311,081       $ (2,456,473 )   -29.6   %
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) (197,380 )           (197,380 )   2.4    
Comparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) $ 5,657,228       $ 8,311,081       $ (2,653,853 )   -31.9   %
               
Gross Profit (GAAP) $ 1,149,438       $ 1,692,153       $ (542,715 )   -32.1   %
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) (43,631 )           (43,631 )   2.6    
Comparable gross profit using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) $ 1,105,807       $ 1,692,153       $ (586,346 )   -34.7   %
               
Gross Margin (GAAP) 19.6   %   20.4   %       -73 bps
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) 0.1                 9 bps
Comparable gross margin using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP) 19.5   %   20.4   %       -81 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 1,351,411       $ 1,686,258       $ (334,847 )   -19.9   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) (52,033 )     (74,302 )     22,269     -30.0    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) (54,714 )     (51,543 )     (3,171 )   6.2    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 33,583       (46,269 )     79,852     -172.6    
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 1,278,247       $ 1,514,144       $ (235,897 )   -15.6   %
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) (56,263 )           (56,263 )   3.7    
Comparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain
Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$ 1,221,984       $ 1,514,144       $ (292,160 )   -19.3   %
               
Operating (loss) income (GAAP) $ (201,973 )     $ 5,895       $ (207,868 )   NM
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (4) 52,033       74,302       (22,269 )   -30.0    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) 54,714       51,543       3,171     6.2    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (33,583 )     46,269       (79,852 )   -172.6    
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ (128,809 )     $ 178,009       $ (306,818 )   -172.4   %
Impact of currency fluctuations (3) 12,632             12,632     -7.1    
Comparable operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain
Items using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
$ (116,177 )     $ 178,009       $ (294,186 )   -165.3   %
               
SYGMA              
Sales $ 4,625,244       $ 4,266,998       $ 358,246     8.4   %
Gross Profit 394,318       369,048       25,270     6.8   %
Gross Margin 8.5   %   8.6   %       -12 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 358,361       $ 341,316       $ 17,045     5.0   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (7 )     (3,662 )     3,655     -99.8    
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 358,354       $ 337,654       $ 20,700     6.1   %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 35,957       $ 27,732       $ 8,225     29.7   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) 7       3,662       (3,655 )   -99.8    
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 35,964       $ 31,394       $ 4,570     14.6   %
               
OTHER              
Sales $ 475,181       $ 789,452       $ (314,271 )   -39.8   %
Gross Profit 114,108       194,248       (80,140 )   -41.3   %
Gross Margin 24.0   %   24.6   %       -59 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 109,247       $ 193,762       $ (84,515 )   -43.6   %
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 5,564             5,564     NM
Impact of goodwill impairment       (11,660 )     11,660     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 114,811       $ 182,102       $ (67,291 )   -37.0   %
               
Operating (loss) income (GAAP) $ 4,861       $ 486       $ 4,375     NM
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (5,564 )           (5,564 )   NM
Impact of goodwill impairment       11,660       (11,660 )   NM
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ (703 )     $ 12,146       (12,849 )   -105.8   %
               
CORPORATE              
Gross Profit $ (10,759 )     $ (8,611 )     $ (2,148 )   -24.9   %
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 579,690       $ 707,012       $ (127,322 )   -18.0   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (6) (39,028 )     (103,850 )     64,822     -62.4    
Impact of goodwill impairment       (57,065 )     57,065     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 540,662       $ 546,097       $ (5,435 )   -1.0   %
               
Operating loss (GAAP) $ (590,449 )     $ (715,623 )     $ 125,174     17.5   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (6) 39,028       103,850       (64,822 )   -62.4    
Impact of goodwill impairment       57,065       (57,065 )   NM
Operating loss adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ (551,421 )     $ (554,708 )     $ 3,287     0.6   %
               
TOTAL SYSCO              
Sales $ 35,160,950       $ 44,026,746       $ (8,865,796 )   -20.1   %
Gross Profit 6,440,971       8,336,009       (1,895,038 )   -22.7   %
Gross Margin 18.3   %   18.9   %       -62 bps
               
Operating expenses (GAAP) $ 5,573,413       $ 7,054,924       $ (1,481,511 )   -21.0   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (4) (6) (95,078 )     (191,022 )     95,944     -50.2    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) (54,714 )     (51,543 )     (3,171 )   6.2    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) 162,372       (153,499 )     315,871     -205.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment       (68,725 )     68,725     NM
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 5,585,993       $ 6,590,135       $ (1,004,142 )   -15.2   %
               
Operating income (GAAP) $ 867,558       $ 1,281,085       $ (413,527 )   -32.3   %
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) (4) (6) 95,078       191,022       (95,944 )   -50.2    
Impact of acquisition-related intangible amortization (5) 54,714       51,543       3,171     6.2    
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (162,372 )     153,499       (315,871 )   -205.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment       68,725       (68,725 )   NM
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 854,978       $ 1,745,874       $ (890,896 )   -51.0   %
(1) Includes charges related to restructuring and business transformation projects.
(2) Fiscal 2021 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020. Fiscal 2020 represents excess bad debt charges recognized on the increase in past due receivables arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(3) Represents a constant currency adjustment, which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on current year results.
(4) Includes restructuring, severance and facility closure costs primarily in Europe.
(5) Represents intangible amortization expense from the Brakes Acquisition.
(6) Includes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy.
  NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Free Cash Flow
(In Thousands)

Free cash flow represents net cash provided from operating activities less purchases of plant and equipment and includes proceeds from sales of plant and equipment. Sysco considers free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases and sales of buildings, fleet, equipment and technology, which may potentially be used to pay for, among other things, strategic uses of cash including dividend payments, share repurchases and acquisitions. However, free cash flow may not be available for discretionary expenditures, as it may be necessary that we use it to make mandatory debt service or other payments. 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. In the table that follows, free cash flow for each period presented is reconciled to net cash provided by operating activities.

  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 27, 2021
  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
  39-Week
Period Change
in Dollars
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) $ 1,479,784     $ 1,078,469     $ 401,315  
Additions to plant and equipment (251,167 )   (603,865 )   352,698  
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment 19,308     13,245     6,063  
Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP) $ 1,247,925     $ 487,849     $ 760,076  

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Impact of Certain Items on Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)
(Dollars in Thousands)

EBITDA represents net earnings (loss) plus (i) interest expense, (ii) income tax expense and benefit, (iii) depreciation and (iv) amortization. The net earnings (loss) component of our EBITDA calculation is impacted by Certain Items that we do not consider representative of our underlying performance. As a result, in the non-GAAP reconciliations below for each period presented, adjusted EBITDA is computed as EBITDA plus the impact of Certain Items, excluding Certain items related to interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Sysco’s management considers growth in this metric to be a measure of overall financial performance that provides useful information to management and investors about the profitability of the business, as it facilitates comparison of performance on a consistent basis from period to period by providing a measurement of recurring factors and trends affecting our business. Additionally, it is a commonly used component metric used to inform on capital structure decisions. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measure in assessing the company’s 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. In the tables that follow, adjusted EBITDA for each period presented is reconciled to net earnings (loss).

  13-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 27, 2021
  13-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
  Change in
Dollars
  % Change
Net earnings (loss) (GAAP) $ 88,927     $ (3,297 )   $ 92,224     NM
Interest (GAAP) 145,773     83,854     61,919     73.8    
Income taxes (GAAP) 13,925     (25,483 )   39,408     -154.6    
Depreciation and amortization (GAAP) 177,139     186,172     (9,033 )   -4.9    
EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 425,764     $ 241,246     $ 184,518     76.5   %
Certain Item adjustments:              
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) $ 34,301     $ 74,656     $ (40,355 )   -54.1   %
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (33,473 )   153,499     (186,972 )   -121.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     68,725     (68,725 )   NM
Impact of loss on sale of businesses 10,790         10,790     NM
EBITDA adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 437,382     $ 538,126     $ (100,744 )   -18.7   %
(1) Includes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy, excluding charges related to accelerated depreciation.
(2) Fiscal 2021 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020. Fiscal 2020 represents excess bad debt charges recognized on the increase in past due receivables arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 27, 2021
  39-Week
Period Ended
Mar. 28, 2020
  Change in
Dollars
  % Change
Net earnings (loss) (GAAP) $ 373,116     $ 833,894     $ (460,778 )   -55.3   %
Interest (GAAP) 438,988     243,951     195,037     79.9    
Income taxes (GAAP) 69,594     195,735     (126,141 )   -64.4    
Depreciation and amortization (GAAP) 542,471     558,588     (16,117 )   -2.9    
EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 1,424,169     $ 1,832,168     $ (407,999 )   -22.3   %
Certain Item adjustments:              
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) $ 89,253     $ 174,066     $ (84,813 )   -48.7   %
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (162,372 )   153,499     (315,871 )   -205.8    
Impact of goodwill impairment     68,725     (68,725 )   NM
Impact of loss on sale of businesses 22,834         22,834     NM
EBITDA adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP) $ 1,373,884     $ 2,228,458     $ (854,574 )   -38.3   %
(1) Includes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy, excluding charges related to accelerated depreciation.
(2) Fiscal 2021 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020. Fiscal 2020 represents excess bad debt charges recognized on the increase in past due receivables arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  13-Week Period Ended 39-Week
Period Ended
  Sep. 26, 2020   Dec. 26, 2020   Mar. 27, 2021   Mar. 27, 2021
Net earnings (loss) (GAAP) $ 216,900     $ 67,289     $ 88,927     $ 373,116  
Interest (GAAP) 146,717     146,498     145,773     438,988  
Income taxes (GAAP) 41,838     13,831     13,925     69,594  
Depreciation and amortization (GAAP) 180,521     184,811     177,139     542,471  
EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 585,976     $ 412,429     $ 425,764     $ 1,424,169  
Certain Item adjustments:              
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) $ 25,278     $ 29,674     $ 34,301     $ 89,253  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2) (98,628 )   (30,271 )   (33,473 )   (162,372 )
Impact of loss on sale of businesses 12,044         10,790     22,834  
EBITDA adjusted for certain items (Non-GAAP) $ 524,670     $ 411,832     $ 437,382     $ 1,373,884  
(1) Includes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy, excluding charges related to accelerated depreciation.
(2) Fiscal 2021 represents the reduction of bad debt charges previously taken on pre-pandemic trade receivable balances in fiscal 2020.
  13-Week Period Ended   52-Week
Period Ended
  Sep. 28, 2019   Dec. 28, 2019   Mar. 28, 2020   June 27, 2020   June 27, 2020
Net earnings (loss) (GAAP) $ 453,781     $ 383,410     $ (3,297 )     $ (618,419 )     $ 215,475  
Interest (GAAP) 83,335     76,762     83,854       164,269       408,220  
Income taxes (GAAP) 128,090     93,128     (25,483 )     (117,826 )     77,909  
Depreciation and amortization (GAAP) 187,405     185,011     186,172       247,177       805,765  
EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 852,611     $ 738,311     $ 241,246       $ (324,799 )     $ 1,507,369  
Certain Item adjustments :                  
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs (1) $ 45,546     $ 53,864     $ 74,656       $ 116,218       $ 290,284  
Impact of bad debt reserve adjustments (2)         153,499       169,903       323,402  
Impact of goodwill impairment         68,725       134,481       203,206  
Impact of loss on assets held for sale               46,968       46,968  
EBITDA adjusted for certain items (Non-GAAP) $ 898,157     $ 792,175     $ 538,126       $ 142,771       $ 2,371,229  
(1) Includes various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy, excluding charges related to accelerated depreciation.
(2) Fiscal 2020 represents excess bad debt charges recognized on the increase in past due receivables arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information contact:
   
Shannon Mutschler
Media Contact
[email protected]
T 281-584-5980
Rachel Lee
Investor Contact
[email protected]
T 281-436-7815