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Aramark

armk · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker armk
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Sector Industrials
Industry Specialty Business Services
Employees 10,000+
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FY2017 Annual Report · Aramark
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INNOVATING THE

EVERYDAY

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

DEAR FELLOW

SHAREHOLDERS,

Every day at Aramark, we focus on delivering 
excellence to the customers, consumers, 
and communities we are privileged to serve 
around the globe. Our mission to enrich 
and nourish lives is carried out daily by our 
associates who are committed to dreaming 
and doing—never losing sight of the 
importance of delighting people wherever 
they learn, work, play, and recover. We 
seek feedback regularly and are proud of 
the significant progress we are making to 
continuously increase consumer satisfaction 
and client loyalty by constantly raising the bar 
on our product offerings and service levels.

I am pleased to report that 2017 was another 
successful year for our company. We made 
further strides on our transformative journey 
while delivering strong results—led by a double-
digit increase in adjusted earnings per share for 
the fourth consecutive year. Our performance 
was driven by maintaining a clear-eyed focus 
on our winning strategy:   

• Accelerating growth 

• Activating productivity

• Attracting talent

• Achieving portfolio optimization

3

OUR CONSUMER FOCUS

At Aramark, everything begins with the principle 
that the consumer sets the table, meaning that we 
must understand, anticipate, and meet consumers’ 
needs centered on:

QUALITY: Providing products featuring 
superior ingredients that are sourced and 
prepared the right way   

HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Developing a variety 
of items that are fresh and good for you, led by 
our groundbreaking Healthy for Life® partnership 
with the American Heart Association®

CONVENIENCE: Capitalizing on technology 
to enable speed of service that fits within 
today’s busy and fast-paced schedules 

PERSONALIZATION: Tailoring and customizing 
our offerings to be relevant to individual tastes 
and preferences

I am very pleased that our consumer satisfaction 
scores continue to improve across the portfolio as we 
innovate against these four critical dimensions for 
today’s consumer. We are also improving our product 
offerings, service, and technology to constantly 
elevate the customer experience—expanding variety 
through unique seasonal offerings, regular Restaurant 
Rotations, limited-time offers, and exciting celebrity 
chef partnerships. And we are also enhancing our 
brand strategy, with additional segmentation around 
premium offerings and a core café concept featuring 
a dynamic food hall experience. 

OUR GROWING PORTFOLIO

We announced two strategic, financially compelling 
transactions that will drive meaningful growth and 
enhance our competitive position across our portfolio. 
We acquired Avendra, the leading hospitality 
procurement service provider in North America, 
which manages nearly $5 billion in annual purchasing 
spend. We also entered into an agreement to acquire 
AmeriPride, one of the largest uniform rental and 
linen supply companies in North America. These 
transactions meet our objective to enhance scale and 
capability in our core business, and represent the next 
step in our commitment to creating sustainable value 
for our shareholders. We look forward to welcoming 
the hard-working team members of Avendra and 
AmeriPride to the Aramark family. 

OUR CULTURE OF RECOGNITION

We are committed to fostering the right culture to 
create a great place to work and ensuring we have 
a diverse and inclusive workplace. We were pleased 

to once again be recognized by the Human Rights 
Campaign as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ 
Equality and to receive the Best Places to Work for 
Disability Inclusion Award. In addition, each year, 
we bring one of our core values, “Front Line First,” 
to life by recognizing the outstanding efforts of our 
front-line team members through our annual Ring 
of Stars celebration. 

OUR COMMITMENT TO 
HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Two years into our groundbreaking alliance with 
the American Heart Association, I’m pleased to 
report that we are well ahead of our targeted goals 
in our Healthy for Life 20 By 20 campaign. We’ve 
achieved a 13 percent reduction in calories, saturated 
fats, and sodium across our menus in higher ed, 
healthcare, and business dining—far exceeding our 
target of 3 to 5 percent annual improvement. At 
the same time, our increased focus on plant-based 
choices has resulted in 30 percent of our menus 
becoming vegetarian or vegan—contributing to both 
the health and wellness of consumers and the well-
being of our environment.

OUR SERVICE STARS

I want to thank all of our team members who 
deliver service excellence every day to our customers 
around the world. I also want to salute the heroic 
efforts of our associates who supported our clients, 
consumers, and their broader communities in the face 
of several unprecedented natural disasters in 2017 
and who will continue to do so through the cleanup 
efforts that lie ahead. Finally, I also want to thank 
our team members who volunteered their time and 
expertise as part of Aramark Building Community, 
impacting nearly 500,000 families in communities 
where we operate around the globe. 

OUR PROMISING FUTURE

Looking forward, I remain exceptionally confident in 
the Aramark team and the outlook for our company. 
Thank you for your investment in Aramark and your 
ongoing interest. Our success is fueled by your 
confidence in us, and we count on your support 
to enable our future success.

Eric J. Foss 
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer 

4

WE DREAM
    WE DO  

The Momentum Continues

Four years ago, with our proud history as an anchor, 
Aramark embarked on an exciting journey to transform the 
company. We took the company public, established a new 
mission and values, redefined our brand, and unveiled a 
strategic framework to accelerate growth, activate 
productivity, attract the best talent, and 
achieve portfolio optimization.  

5

This clear and focused strategy has delivered 

promising results as 2017 was another 

successful year at Aramark. It marks the fourth 

consecutive year of double-digit growth in adjusted 

earnings per share. The company also generated record free 

cash flow. Combined with disciplined financial management, 

this allowed us to achieve our long-term target leverage ratio of 

3.5x as of the end of fiscal 2017—ahead of our original expectations laid 

out at our Investor Day in 2015. 

Achieving this milestone underscores the accomplishments we have 

made in strengthening the balance sheet since the IPO. This financial 

flexibility enabled us to commit to two strategically sound and financially 

compelling acquisitions: Avendra, a leading hospitality procurement 

services company, and AmeriPride, a leading uniform and linen rental 

and supply company. They will drive meaningful growth and enhance 

our competitive position across our portfolio. Either one of these deals 

alone would have been the largest in the company’s 80-year history. 

Together, they create greater scale and capabilities in critical areas 

of our business, which will enable us to enhance our service offerings 

to our customers, create career opportunities for our employees, 

and deliver meaningful, sustainable value for our shareholders. 

6

7

ELEVATING THE  
CONSUMER
EXPERIENCE

As a global leader, we regularly 
monitor how we are doing with our 
consumers and clients through 
our Voice of the Consumer and 
Partnership Value Index surveys. 
Both surveys feature a strong 
representative sample across 
businesses and geographies. 

Through our research, we have identified four 
universal criteria that drive consumer choices 
around food consumption: quality, health, 
convenience, and personalization. We design 
our menus to offer quality, on-trend flavors, 
healthy options, and a variety of convenient 
choices to increase consumer satisfaction. Our 
culinary team and dietitians develop the best 

recipes based on flavors, nutritional value, and 
cooking techniques. Before rolling out new menu 
items, we use tools like panels, focus groups, 
and even on-site taste tests to collect consumer 
feedback on everything from flavor preferences 
to marketing posters. Finally, we review ongoing 
feedback through our Voice of the Consumer 
program to share with our clients and better 
understand how we can continue to elevate 
the consumer experience. 

In 2017, we drove a strong double-digit percentage 
improvement in overall consumer satisfaction, 
including a major improvement in the key 
categories of quality, convenience, health, and the 
overall service experience. Client loyalty scores 
continue to rise, led by a notable improvement 
in innovation. 

8

TASTY AND ON-TREND

We have been laser-focused on improving 
quality and expanding variety through unique 
seasonal offerings, regular Restaurant Rotations, 
limited-time offers, and exciting celebrity chef 
partnerships. In 2017, we introduced several on-
trend popup restaurant concepts, including Fresh 
Ginger, allowing consumers to personalize their 
meals with unique ingredients and flavors from the 
Pacific, and Zoca, which celebrates fresh Mexican 
fare. We continue to work across our supply chain 
to create menus with more vegan, vegetarian, 
and plant-based options that are produced locally 
and sustainably.

In 2017, we announced a partnership with The 
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to 
conduct a series of plant-based culinary trainings 
throughout 2018 that will further enable 
Aramark’s 1,000+ chefs, who serve millions of 
meals daily in hospitals, schools, and workplaces, 
to create meals, menus, and dining concepts that 
center on foods, including vegetables, whole 
grains, legumes, and nuts. Currently, as part of our 
Healthy for Life 20 By 20 commitment with the 
American Heart Association, 30 percent 
of the main dishes Aramark serves across our 
dining operations in healthcare, higher 
education, and business dining are vegan or 
vegetarian. And 10 percent feature whole grains 
as their main ingredient.

9
9

CELEBRITY CHEF PARTNERS

Award-winning chef Michael White joined our 
celebrity chef lineup, opening his renowned 
restaurant Nicoletta at Citi Field, home of the New 
York Mets. We also expanded our relationships with 
Danny Meyer and Cat Cora. With Meyer, we opened 
new Shake Shack locations at M&T Bank Stadium, 
the home of the Baltimore Ravens, and Minute Maid 
Park, home of the World Champion Houston Astros.  
With Cat Cora, we created a new proprietary 

INCREASING SPEED OF SERVICE 

concept, Wicked Eats, that 
follows last year’s successful 
introduction of OLILO. Wicked Eats 
is inspired by the vibe and energy of 
street foods, highlighting fresh, healthy 
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures.

To meet increased consumer demand for 
convenience and speed of service, we are piloting 
automated ordering and checkout across our 
portfolio with technology that is generating 
positive reviews from our customers and clients. 
This includes mobile app and kiosk ordering, 
self-checkout, cashless vending, and instant text-
message feedback. We are removing friction from 

the ordering process so that our customers can 
spend less time in line and more time enjoying 
their dining experience, as well as have easy 
access to nutritional information. In our sports 
business, we launched a new self-ordering 
cashless kiosk concept called Zoom Food that 
is significantly increasing volume and speed of 
service at many venues.

EXPANDING OUR FOOTPRINT

We are also enhancing our brand strategy, 
with additional segmentation around premium 
offerings and a core café concept, featuring 
a dynamic food hall experience called 

Simple Spoon planned for debut in 2018. The next 
page will give you a glimpse of how it will come 
to life in our locations.

10

QUALITY

HEALTH

At Simple Spoon, a customer is 

Aramark makes nutrition a key 

guaranteed a great-tasting meal 

priority in Simple Spoon. We hold 

made to order by expert chefs. 

ourselves to superior standards of 

Aramark holds itself to the highest 

excellence by using the freshest 

standards in food quality, the 

ingredients, sourced from local 

outstanding craftsmanship in the 

suppliers as often as possible. 

cooking and preparation of dishes, 

and the top-notch presentation 

of its culinary creations. Those 

standards are reflected in every 

Simple Spoon offering.

Simple Spoon always makes it easy 

for customers to find healthier 

selections, such as wholesome 

foods and fresh fruit, to satisfy 

their appetites.

11
11

CONVENIENCE

PERSONALIZATION

Every day is a busy day and 

Every meal is uniquely tailored 

there’s never time to wait! Kiosk 

to the customer’s specific tastes. 

ordering cuts down on wait times

Specialized action stations show 

and lines, and allows more 

off an amazing array of cuisines, 

customization to individual orders.

and regional and ethnic styles.

Simple Spoon is equipped with 

Never discount the importance 

integrated seating, with tables for 

of a café’s atmosphere either. 

large parties looking for a break 

Simple Spoon takes great care 

from their desks, and single seating 

in fashioning inviting destinations 

at action stations for busy associates 

where people love to eat.

just looking to eat and go.

12

GROWTH AND

PRODUCTIVVITYV

ACCELERATING GROWTH

In 2017, we won a number of new accounts across our key 
sectors: education, sports, leisure, business and industry, 
healthcare, and facilities.

IN NORTH AMERICA, we also leveraged our reputation for service 
excellence to grow a number of key client relationships  , extending 

and expanding our contracts with them. A few highlights include winning 

dining contracts at the University of South Carolina and Atlanta Public 

Schools. In healthcare, we expanded our relationship with Baylor Scott & 

White Health and Christus Health in Texas and won the dining contract at 

Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, one of Canada’s leading hospitals. In 

sports, we were named the official retail merchandise concessionaire for 

the National Football League for all special league events in the United 

States, including the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft. We were also named 

the official retail partner for the U.S. Tennis Association, home of the U.S. 

Open tennis championship. Our leisure business was awarded the retail 

and e-commerce business contract at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, 

the world’s most recognized living history museum.

13

15

ACCELERATING GROWTH

IN OUR INTERNATIONAL SEGMENT, we delivered broad-based growth, with wins 
across Europe, Asia, and Mexico. We entered into a new business dining contract 

with SKODA AUTO, a Volkswagen subsidiary, in the Czech Republic. In South America, 

we won a new food and facilities contract with ENAP, a large oil and gas exploration 

company. And in Ireland, we expanded our retail footprint, opening the newest and 

largest Avoca store in Dunboyne, and began a partnership with Hammerson Dundrum,

a leading owner, manager, and developer of retail destinations in Europe.

IN OUR UNIFORMS SEGMENT, we secured a strategic partnership with JBS USA, 
one of the world’s largest meat processing companies. We also expanded 

our long-term relationship with McDonald’s and created a digital portal and call 

center environment that centralizes uniform ordering and fulfillment for the first 

time across the entire McDonald’s organization. This innovation earned Aramark 

the first-ever McDonald’s Customer Obsessed Award, given to suppliers that are 

always putting the McDonald’s customer first, whether through product innovation, 

customer experience, or field support. 

IN OUR FACILITIES BUSINESS, it has been a year since we stood up a separate 
management team and we are making substantial progress. We have improved 

our “right to win” as we leverage best practices across the organization to 

ensure we deliver service excellence for our clients each and every day. In 2017, 

we expanded our relationship with Eastern Kentucky University and partnered 

with several new clients in K–12. We continue to be excited about this important 

long-term growth opportunity.

ACTIVATING 
PRODUCTIVITY

We continued to drive strong base productivity improvements in 2017 while also 
investing in growth, people, and technology. By leveraging the scale of our $14.6 
billion worldwide enterprise, we are reducing complexity and driving a more nimble 
operation focused on enhancing quality and the overall customer experience. 
Our three-fold approach covers food, labor, and SG&A. 

We are attacking complexity in the supply chain through strategic sourcing, menu optimization, 
and food management and waste reduction initiatives. An enhanced, easier-to-execute menu, 
as well as the development of standards and processes, enable our front-line associates 
to focus on their most important objective: delivering service excellence at the moment of truth 
to our clients and consumers.

We are focused on reducing labor spend by driving headcount productivity through effective 
scheduling, proactive management of overtime and agency labor costs, and the ongoing rollout 
of our standard labor model. In SG&A, efficient above-unit cost controls give us additional operating 
leverage while creating more agility across the company. 

17

ATTRACTING THE 
BEST TALENT

Aramark is committed to fostering the right 
culture to create a great place to work. This 
begins with ensuring that we have a diverse 
and inclusive workplace where people from all 
backgrounds can grow, contribute, and succeed. 

We were pleased to once again be recognized 
by the Human Rights Campaign as a Best Place 
to Work for LGBTQ Equality and to receive 
the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 
Award. We were also proud to be named 

among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by 
DiversityInc and one of FORTUNE magazine’s 
Most Admired Companies, an honor that we 
have proudly shared with our team members 
for almost 20 years. In addition, Chairman, 
President, and CEO Eric Foss became 
a Catalyst CEO Champion for Change, 
joining more than 50 other global business 
leaders who pledged to help accelerate more 
women—including women of color—into senior 
leadership positions. 

SERVING ON THE BIG STAGE

In 2017, our Service Stars once again shined 
on the world’s biggest and brightest stages, 
including the NFL Draft in Philadelphia, the 
Houston Rodeo, and Super Bowl LI, where 
thousands of our team members served more 
than 1 million fans and guests during the 

week-long festivities and managed more than 
70 exclusive NFL retail locations throughout 
Houston. We are looking forward to continuing 
our championship service record at Super 
Bowl LII on February 4, 2018 at the new U.S. 
Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. 

18

ARAMARK
BUILDING
COMMUNITY

ENRICHING AND NOURISHING LIVES 
IN OUR COMMUNITIES

We serve clients in thousands of communities worldwide, and we invest financial 
resources, dedicate the skills of our employees, and develop community and national 
partnerships that we know will make a meaningful difference. 

Through these strategic partnerships, including Healthy for Life 20 By 20, our 
breakthrough initiative with the American Heart Association, we aim to improve 
the health of all Americans 20 percent by 2020. As part of our effort to engage millions 
of Americans, in 2017 we launched an innovative campaign to help consumers discover 
what healthy food can do to feed their potential and live a healthier life. The new Feed 
Your Potential 365™ health engagement campaign was launched in more than 1,000 
Aramark-managed food service locations. 

19

PHILANTHROPY

Through Aramark Building Community, our global 
volunteer and philanthropic program, we partner 
on the local level with community centers to 
address critical issues. Our employees “adopt” 
community centers and build strong, sustainable 
partnerships, matching skills and passion to the 
needs of the neighborhood. Since 2008, more 
than 55,000 employees have contributed over 
200,000 volunteer hours through Aramark Building 
Community, impacting nearly 5 million children, 
adults, and families.

During our annual global day of service in 2017, 
Aramark Building Community Day, we celebrated 
our year-round efforts to enrich and nourish lives 
in our communities. More than 12,000 employees 
in 12 countries impacted the lives of 500,000 people 
on a single day, through more than 400 projects 
aimed at helping families lead healthier lives 
or gain job skills. 

Our corporate giving is also focused on health 
and wellness and workforce readiness. Overall, 
we contribute approximately $15 million a year 
to nonprofit organizations through the Aramark 
Charitable Fund, corporate contributions, and 
our businesses.

In 2017, our giving expanded to help the thousands 
of people who were impacted by natural disasters 
during the late summer and early fall. Aramark 
donated more than $700,000 to relief agencies 
and charities, including the American Red Cross, 
Save the Children, AmeriCares, The Salvation Army, 
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Feeding Texas. 
The company also matched all employee donations. 

SUSTAINABILITY

MINIMIZING

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Our goal is to enhance the places where our employees, clients, customers, 

and community members work, learn, play, and recover. We create practical 

solutions to minimize environmental impacts in our operations and in our 

communities. Our enterprise-wide environmental sustainability platform 

focuses on responsible sourcing and waste minimization, as well as efficient 

operations and transportation management. 

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING

In the past few years, we’ve taken important steps—and made significant progress—
in our responsible sourcing practices. Core to our approach is offering clients and 
customers fresh, safe, whole foods that are raised, grown, and harvested in a sustainable 
manner, while providing a wide spectrum of responsibly sourced food products. 

Our responsible sourcing strategy is led by our internal Sustainable Sourcing 
Council, which drives our approach, priorities, and objectives. We also seek 
expertise and insights from a diverse group of leaders from industry and academia, 
as well as animal welfare and environmental organizations as part of a formal 
Sustainable Sourcing Advisory Panel.

21

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD AND ANIMAL WELFARE

WASTE MINIMIZATION 

Our Sustainable Seafood Principles and Policy guide 
our global position on responsible sourcing for wild-
caught and farm-raised seafood products, and detail 
our purchasing practices, commitment to reporting, 
and approach to stakeholder engagement. 

Since 2008, we’ve been working toward purchasing 
100 percent of our contracted seafood in the U.S. 
from sources that meet Monterey Bay Aquarium 
Seafood Watch® Best Choice and Good Alternative 
recommendations by 2018, and we’re on track 
to meet our commitment. 

• Of our contracted purchases, more than 90 percent 
of our frozen finfish and 100 percent of our canned 
tuna meet Seafood Watch recommendations. 

• We are transitioning all contracted salmon and 

shrimp products to Seafood Watch Best Choice 
and Good Alternative, including wild-caught salmon 
from Marine Stewardship Council–certified fisheries 
and shrimp from eco-certified sources.  

We’ve also made significant progress related to our 
Animal Welfare Principles and Policy: 

• We committed to humane treatment of broiler 
chickens, calling on our suppliers to meet our 
requirements by 2024.

• We plan to transition to 100 percent group-housed 
pork by 2022, and in 2017, we eliminated veal crates 
from our supply chain.

• We also committed to serve 100 percent cage-free 
eggs by 2020 in the U.S. and 100 percent cage-free 
eggs globally by 2025. 

Waste minimization is an important aspect of our 
environmental sustainability platform and extends to 
every stage of our operations—from what we purchase 
to what we serve. Environmentally responsible waste 
management practices—reducing, reusing, recycling, 
and composting—are standard procedure at thousands 
of our locations. 

Our goal is to eliminate waste before it is generated. 
Every one of our locations employs Aramark’s Food 
Management Process and consistently tracks food 
waste. We implement standards to ensure we order 
the right amount of food, prepare it and serve it in 
a way that limits waste, and track what’s left at the 
end of the day. 

Using innovative technology, we have reduced food 
waste across 161 sites by 44 percent, and diverted 
479 tons of waste from landfills since 2016. We’re 
expanding our program to hundreds more sites to 
enable real-time food waste tracking and insights 
that help drive behavior change. 

Reducing food waste goes beyond what happens 
in the kitchen. We’ve found some great ways to 
engage consumers and reduce our impact even 
more. We compost food waste at many locations, 
from carrot peels and apple cores to uneaten buffet 
items. In partnership with our clients and local 
waste haulers, we divert organic waste from 
landfills whenever possible. 

At times, even with the best practices in place, 
there may be instances of overproduction. 
Aramark’s Food Donation Program, in partnership
with Food Donation Connection, provides a way 
to donate unused, unserved food to qualified 
nonprofit organizations. Our food donation process 
minimizes waste and feeds those in need, helping the 
environment and our communities.

22

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

$1.95

$1.74

$1.57

$1.45

$1.24

6.6%

6.5%

6.2%

5.9%

5.7%

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

ADJUSTED EPS

MARGIN

$952

$962

$852

$881

$781

4.8x

4.3x

4.1x

3.8x

3.5x

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME
(IN MILLIONS)

NET DEBT TO COVENANT 
ADJUSTED EBITDA

See reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP information at the end of this Annual Report.

Aramark 2017
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
___________________________________________
FORM 10-K 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
___________________________________________

For the fiscal year ended September 29, 2017                             Commission File Number: 001-36223 

Aramark
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
Aramark Tower
1101 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)

20-8236097
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

19107
(Zip Code)

(215) 238-3000 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

___________________________________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.

Yes  

    No  

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.

Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the 
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not 

be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of 
this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

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

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  

As of March 31, 2017, the aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant was 

approximately $8,850.7 million.

As of October 27, 2017, the number of shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding is 245,038,765.

___________________________________________

  
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to 
the registrant's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on January 31, 2018, will be incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K 
in response to portions of Part III. The definitive proxy statement will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the registrant's 
fiscal year ended September 29, 2017.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART I

PART II

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Item 9.

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities

Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

PART III

PART IV

Item 10.

Item 11.
Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Item 15.

Item 16.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Form 10-K Summary

1

1

9

18

18

19

19

21
21

23
25

41

41

41

42

44

44

44
44

44

44

45

45

45

Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our 
current views as to future events and financial performance with respect to, without limitation, conditions in our industry, our operations, our 
economic performance and financial condition, including, in particular, with respect to, without limitation, the benefits, costs and timing of and 
ability to consummate the acquisitions of each of Avendra and AmeriPride and related financings, as well as statements regarding these companies’ 
services and products and statements relating to our business and growth strategy. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not 
relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as "outlook," "aim," "anticipate," "are or remain confident," "have confidence," 
"estimate," "expect," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "see," "look to" and other words and 
terms of similar meaning or the negative versions of such words.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, costs, 
expenditures, cash flows, growth rates, financial results and our estimated benefits, costs and timing of and ability to consummate the acquisitions 
and related financings are forward-looking statements. In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking 
public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. These forward-looking statements are 
subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those that we expected. 
We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon many detailed assumptions. 
While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is 
impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements 
attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Some of the factors that we 
believe could affect our results or the costs, benefits or timing of the proposed acquisitions and related financings include without limitation: 
unfavorable economic conditions; natural disasters, global calamities, sports strikes and other adverse incidents; the failure to retain current clients, 
renew existing client contracts and obtain new client contracts; a determination by clients to reduce their outsourcing or use of preferred vendors; 
competition in our industries; increased operating costs and obstacles to cost recovery due to the pricing and cancellation terms of our food and 
support services contracts; the inability to achieve cost savings through our cost reduction efforts; our expansion strategy; the failure to maintain 
food safety throughout our supply chain, food-borne illness concerns and claims of illness or injury; governmental regulations including those 
relating to food and beverages, the environment, wage and hour and government contracting; liability associated with noncompliance with 
applicable law or other governmental regulations; new interpretations of or changes in the enforcement of the government regulatory framework; 
currency risks and other risks associated with international operations, including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.K. Bribery Act and other anti-
corruption law compliance; continued or further unionization of our workforce; liability resulting from our participation in multiemployer defined 
benefit pension plans; risks associated with suppliers from whom our products are sourced; disruptions to our relationship with, or to the business 
of, our primary distributor; the inability to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel or increases in labor costs; healthcare reform legislation; 
the contract intensive nature of our business, which may lead to client disputes; seasonality; disruptions in the availability of our computer systems 
or privacy breaches; failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls; our leverage; the inability to generate sufficient cash to service all 
of our indebtedness; debt agreements that limit our flexibility in operating our business; the outcome and timing of regulatory reviews of both the 
Avendra and AmeriPride transactions; our ability to complete the transactions in the time expected or at all, our ability to successfully integrate the 
businesses of Avendra and AmeriPride and costs and timing related thereto, the risk of unanticipated restructuring costs or assumption of 
undisclosed liabilities, the risk that we are unable to achieve the anticipated benefits (including tax benefits) and synergies of the acquisition of 
AmeriPride and Avendra including whether the proposed transactions will be accretive and within the expected timeframes, our ability to complete 
the anticipated financing of these transactions on our expected terms, the availability of sufficient cash to repay certain indebtedness and our 
decision to utilize the cash for that purpose, the disruption of the transactions to each of Avendra and AmeriPride and their respective 
managements; the effect of announcement of the transactions on each of Avendra’s and AmeriPride’s ability to retain and hire key personnel and 
maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties, our ability to attract new or maintain existing customer and supplier 
relationships at reasonable cost, our ability to retain key personnel and other factors set forth under the headings Item 1A "Risk Factors," Item 3 
"Legal Proceedings" and Item 7 "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and other sections of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other periodic filings with the SEC, which are 
accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and which may be obtained by contacting Aramark’s investor relations department via its website 
www.aramark.com. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those 
indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary 
statements that are included in this report and in our other filings with the SEC. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned 
not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf 
of, us. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future 
developments, changes in our expectations, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Item 1.  

Business

Overview

PART I

Aramark (the “Company,” “we” or “us”) is a leading global provider of food, facilities and uniform services to education, 
healthcare, business & industry, and sports, leisure & corrections clients. Our core market is North America (composed of the 
United States and Canada), which is supplemented by an additional 17-country footprint. We hold the #2 position in North America 
in food and facilities services as well as uniform services based on total sales in fiscal 2017. Internationally, we hold a top 3 position 
in food and facilities services based on total sales in fiscal 2017 in most countries in which we have significant operations, and are 
one of only 3 food and facilities competitors with our combination of scale, scope, and global reach. Through our established brand, 
broad geographic presence and approximately 260,500 employees, we anchor our business in our partnerships with thousands of 
education, healthcare, business and sports, leisure & corrections clients. Through these partnerships we serve millions of consumers 
including students, patients, employees, sports fans and guests worldwide. 

We operate our business in three reportable segments that share many of the same operating characteristics: Food and Support 
Services North America ("FSS North America"), Food and Support Services International ("FSS International") and Uniform and 
Career Apparel ("Uniform"). The following chart shows a breakdown of our sales and operating income by our reportable segments:

Reportable Segments:

FY 2017 Sales(a):
FY 2017 Operating Income(a):
Services:

Sectors:

FSS North America

FSS International

Uniform

$

$

10,231.5

621.9

$

$

2,808.2

137.0

Food, hospitality and facilities

Food, hospitality and facilities

Business & industry, sports,
leisure & corrections, education
and healthcare

Business & industry, sports,
leisure & corrections,
healthcare and education

$

1,564.7

$

182.3
Rental, sale and maintenance of
uniform apparel and other items

Business, public institutions,
manufacturing, transportation
and service industries

(a)  Dollars in millions. Operating income excludes $133.1 million related to corporate expenses. For certain other financial information relating to our 

segments, see Note 15 to the audited consolidated financial statements.

In fiscal 2017, we generated $14.6 billion of sales, $808.1 million of operating income and $374.2 million of net income.

Our History

Since our founding in 1959, we have broadened our service offerings and expanded our client base through a combination of 
organic growth and successful acquisitions, with the goal of further developing our food, facilities and uniform capabilities, as well 
as growing our international presence. In 1984, we completed a management buyout, after which our management and employees 
increased their Company ownership to approximately 90% of our equity capital leading up to our December 2001 public offering. 
On January 26, 2007, we delisted from the NYSE in conjunction with a going-private transaction executed with investment funds 
affiliated with Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, CCMP Capital Advisors, J.P. Morgan Partners, Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and 
Warburg Pincus LLC as well as approximately 250 senior management personnel.

On December 17, 2013, we completed an initial public offering of 41,687,500 shares of our common stock, including 13,687,500 
shares of common stock sold by our selling stockholders. We did not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares sold by 
the selling stockholders and we used our proceeds from the initial public offering, net of costs, to pay down debt. Our common 
stock began trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “ARMK” on December 12, 2013. During fiscal 2015, the private equity 
fund sponsors of our going-private transaction sold their remaining Aramark shares. 

Recent Developments

On October 13, 2017, we entered into definitive agreements to acquire, in separate transactions, Avendra, LLC, a Delaware limited 
liability company (“Avendra”), and AmeriPride Services Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AmeriPride”).

Avendra

Avendra is the leading hospitality procurement services provider in North America, managing purchasing spend for over 650 
companies at more than 8,500 locations.  Avendra was founded in 2001 by five hospitality organizations: Marriott, Hyatt, Fairmont 
Hotels, ClubCorp and IHG.  While we currently provide procurement services in our FSS segments on a limited basis, the 
acquisition of Avendra would significantly expand our capabilities and client reach in this area.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        1

The purchase price for Avendra is $1,350.0 million, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger 
among Aramark Services, Inc., Avendra and certain other parties (the “Avendra Merger Agreement”).  The completion of the 
Avendra acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including without limitation, the expiration or 
termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR").  The Avendra Merger 
Agreement contains termination rights for both Aramark and Avendra, including if the acquisition is not consummated on or before 
January 13, 2018, which date may be extended by us or Avendra to a date not beyond April 13, 2018 in certain circumstances, or if 
consummation of the acquisition is permanently enjoined or prohibited.

We expect to finance the acquisition of Avendra primarily through new debt.  We have obtained a commitment from a group of 
banks to provide term loan financings in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1,350.0 million to fund the consideration for the 
Avendra acquisition.

AmeriPride

AmeriPride is a highly respected uniform and linen rental and supply company headquartered in Minneapolis with 6,000 employees 
and serving 150,000 customers in the U.S. and Canada. The acquisition of AmeriPride will add scale and capabilities to our 
uniforms business in the U.S. while immediately establishing Aramark as a leading uniform services provider in Canada, where our 
existing operations are very limited.

The purchase price for AmeriPride is $1,000.0 million, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger 
among the Company, AmeriPride and certain other parties (the “AmeriPride Merger Agreement”).  The completion of the 
AmeriPride acquisition is subject to a number of conditions, including (i) the expiration or termination of the HSR waiting period 
and (ii) the receipt of Canadian antitrust approvals.  We are not required to consummate the AmeriPride acquisition if, in connection 
with obtaining the required regulatory approvals, the parties are required to divest facilities, products or services of AmeriPride and/
or the Company above a specified revenue threshold. The AmeriPride Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for 
both us and AmeriPride, including if the AmeriPride acquisition is not consummated on or before April 30, 2018 or if 
consummation of the AmeriPride acquisition is permanently enjoined or prohibited.

We expect to finance the acquisition of AmeriPride primarily through new debt.  We have obtained a commitment from a group of 
banks to provide term loan financings in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1,000.0 million to fund the consideration for the 
AmeriPride acquisition.

Food and Support Services

Our Food and Support Services segments manage a number of interrelated services-including food, hospitality and facility services-
for school districts, colleges & universities, healthcare facilities, businesses, sports, entertainment & recreational venues, conference 
& convention centers, national & state parks and correctional institutions. 

We are the exclusive provider of food and beverage services at most of the locations we serve and are responsible for hiring, training 
and supervising the majority of the food service personnel in addition to ordering, receiving, preparing and serving food and 
beverage items sold at those facilities. Our facilities services capabilities are broad, and include plant operations and maintenance, 
custodial/housekeeping, energy management, clinical equipment maintenance, grounds keeping, and capital project management. In 
governmental, business, educational and healthcare facilities (for example, offices and industrial plants, schools and universities and 
hospitals), our clients provide us with a captive client base through their on-site employees, students and patients. At sports, 
entertainment and recreational facilities, our clients attract patrons to their site, usually for specific events such as sporting events 
and conventions.

We manage our FSS business in two geographic reportable segments split between our North America and International operations. 
In fiscal 2017, our FSS North America segment generated $10,231.5 million in sales, or 70% of our total sales, and our FSS 
International segment generated $2,808.2 million in sales, or 19% of our total sales. No individual client represents more than 2% of 
our total sales, other than, collectively, a number of U.S. government agencies. See Note 15 to the audited consolidated financial 
statements for information on sales, operating income and identifiable assets for the FSS North America segment and the FSS 
International segment.

Clients and Services

Our Food and Support Services segments serve a number of sectors across 19 countries around the world. Our Food and Support 
Services operations focus on serving clients in five principal sectors: Education, Healthcare, Business & Industry, Sports, Leisure & 
Corrections and Facilities & Other.

Education. Within the Education sector we serve Higher Education and K-12 clients. We deliver a wide range of food and food-
related services at more than 1,400 colleges, universities, school systems & districts and private schools. We offer our education 
clients a single source provider for food-related managed service solutions, including dining, catering, food service management and 
convenience-oriented retail operations.

Healthcare. We provide a wide range of non-clinical food and food-related support services, as well as clinical equipment services, 
to approximately 600 healthcare clients and more than 1,000 facilities across our global footprint. Our food and food-related 
services include patient food and nutrition, retail food and procurement services.

2        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Business & Industry. We provide a comprehensive range of business dining services, including on-site restaurants, catering, 
convenience stores and executive dining.

We also provide beverage and vending services to business & industry clients at thousands of locations. Our service and product 
offerings include a full range of coffee offerings, “grab and go” food operations, convenience stores, micromarkets and a proprietary 
drinking water filtration system.

Sports, Leisure & Corrections. We administer concessions, banquet and catering services, retail services and merchandise sales, 
recreational and lodging services and facility management services at sports, entertainment and recreational facilities. We serve 142 
professional (including minor league affiliates) and college sports teams, including 36 teams in Major League Baseball, the National 
Basketball Association, the National Football League and the National Hockey League. We also serve 25 convention and civic 
centers, 19 national and state parks and other resort operations, plus other popular tourist attractions in the United States and 
Canada. Additionally, we provide correctional food services, operate commissaries, laundry facilities and property rooms and 
provide food and facilities management services for parks.

Facilities & Other.  We provide a variety of support services to approximately 700 facilities clients and more than 1,400 facilities. 
These services include the management of housekeeping, plant operations and maintenance, energy management, custodial, 
groundskeeping, landscaping, transportation, capital program management and commissioning services and other facility consulting 
services relating to building operations. For clients who are looking for a single source provider for all of their managed services, 
our Facilities & Other sector works closely with the above food-related sectors. 

Our FSS International segment provides a similar range of services as those provided to our FSS North America segment clients and 
operates in all of our sectors. We have operations in 17 countries outside the United States and Canada. Our largest international 
operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom, and in each of these countries we are one of the leading 
food and/or facilities service providers. We also have a strong presence in Japan through our 50% ownership of AIM Services Co., 
Ltd., which is a leader in providing outsourced food services in Japan. In addition to the core Business & Industry sector, our FSS 
International segment serves many soccer stadiums across Europe, and numerous educational institutions, correctional institutions 
and convention centers globally. There are particular risks attendant with our international operations. Please see Item 1A. “Risk 
Factors.”

Purchasing

We negotiate the pricing and other terms for the majority of our purchases of food and related products in the United States and 
Canada directly with national manufacturers. We purchase these products and other items through Sysco Corporation and other 
distributors. We have a master distribution agreement with Sysco that covers a significant amount of our purchases of these products 
and items in the United States and another distribution agreement with Sysco that covers our purchases of these products in Canada. 
Our distributors are responsible for tracking our orders and delivering products to our specific locations. Due to our ability to 
negotiate favorable terms with our suppliers, we earn vendor consideration, including discounts, rebates and other applicable credits. 
See “Types of Contracts” below. Our location managers also purchase a number of items, including bread, dairy products and 
alcoholic beverages from local suppliers, and we purchase certain items directly from manufacturers.

Our relationship with Sysco is important to our operations—we have had distribution agreements in place for more than 20 years. In 
fiscal 2017, Sysco distributed approximately 51% of our food and non-food products in the United States and Canada, and we 
believe that we are one of their largest clients. However, we believe that the products acquired through Sysco can, in significant 
cases, be purchased through other sources and that termination of our relationship with them or any disruption of their business 
would cause only short-term disruptions to our operations.

Our agreements with our distributors are generally for an indefinite term, subject to termination by either party after a notice period, 
which is generally 60 to 120 days. The pricing and other financial terms of these agreements are renegotiated periodically. Our 
current agreement with Sysco is terminable by either party with 180 days notice.

In our international segment, our approach to purchasing is substantially similar. On a country-by-country basis, we negotiate 
pricing and other terms for a majority of our purchases of food and related products with manufacturers operating in the applicable 
country, and we purchase these products and other items through distributors in that country. Due to our ability to negotiate 
favorable terms with our suppliers, we receive vendor consideration, including rebates, allowances and volume discounts. See 
“Types of Contracts” below. As in North America, our location managers also purchase a number of items, including bread, dairy 
products and alcoholic beverages from local suppliers, and we purchase certain items directly from manufacturers. Our agreements 
with our distributors are subject to termination by either party after a notice period, which is generally 60 days. The pricing and 
other financial terms of these agreements are renegotiated periodically.

Our relationship with distributors in the countries outside the United States and Canada is important to our operations, but from an 
overall volume standpoint, no distributor outside the United States and Canada distributes a significant volume of products. We 
believe that products we acquire from our distributors in countries outside the United States and Canada can, in significant cases, be 
purchased from other sources, and that the termination of our relationships with our distributors outside the United States and 
Canada, or the disruption of their business operations, would cause only short-term disruption to our operations.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        3

Sales and Marketing

We maintain selling and marketing excellence by focusing on the execution of a common selling process as well as optimal resource 
allocation and deployment. Our common selling process ensures that we sell our services to our clients in the same way, regardless 
of the sector in which such client is located. We have developed consistent tools and training that are used across all of our 
businesses to train our employees on this selling process. Our business development functions are aligned directly with the sectors 
and services in which we have leadership positions, and we combine our targeted business development strategies with our strong 
client relationships to deliver differentiated and innovative solutions. We target our business development by aligning our sales 
efforts directly with the sectors and services in which we operate. We identify individuals at various levels in our organization to 
match up with individuals in a variety of roles at both existing and potential clients. We believe that these connections throughout 
various levels within the client organization allow us to develop strong relationships with the client and gain a better understanding 
of the clients' requirements. Based on the knowledge of the clients' requirements and the sector, our goal is to develop solutions for 
the client that are unique and that help to differentiate us from our competitors.

Types of Contracts

We use contracts with our customers that allow us to manage our potential upside and downside risk in connection with our various 
business interactions. Our contracts may require that consent be obtained in order to raise prices on the food, beverages and 
merchandise we sell within a particular facility. The contracts that we enter into vary in length. Contracts generally are for fixed 
terms, many of which are in excess of one year. Contracts for education and sports and leisure services typically require larger 
capital investments, but have correspondingly longer and fixed terms, usually from five to fifteen years.

When we enter into new contracts, or extend or renew existing contracts, particularly those for stadiums, arenas, convention centers, 
colleges and universities and business dining accounts, we are sometimes contractually required to make some form of up-front or 
future capital investment to help finance improvement or renovation, typically to the food and beverage facilities of the venue from 
which we operate. Contractually required capital expenditures typically take the form of investment in leasehold improvements, 
food service equipment and/or grants to clients. At the end of the contract term or upon its earlier termination, assets such as 
equipment and leasehold improvements typically become the property of the client, but generally the client must reimburse us for 
any undepreciated or unamortized capital investments.

Food and Support Services contracts are generally obtained and renewed either through a competitive process or on a negotiated 
basis, although contracts in the public sector are frequently awarded on a competitive bid basis, as required by applicable law. 
Contracts for Food and Support Services with school districts and correctional clients are typically awarded through a formal bid 
process. Contracts in the private sector may be entered into without a formal bid process, but we and other companies will often 
compete in the process leading up to the award or the completion of contract negotiations. Typically, after the award, final contract 
terms are negotiated and agreed upon.

We use two general contract types in our Food and Support Services segments: profit and loss contracts and client interest contracts. 
These contracts differ in their provision for the amount of financial risk that we bear and, accordingly, the potential compensation, 
profits or fees we may receive. Commission rates and management fees, if any, may vary significantly among contracts based upon 
various factors, including the type of facility involved, the term of the contract, the services we provide and the amount of capital 
we invest.

Profit and Loss Contracts. Under profit and loss contracts, we receive all of the revenue from, and bear all of the expenses of, the 
provision of our services at a client location. Expenses under profit and loss contracts sometimes include commissions paid to the 
client, typically calculated as a fixed or variable percentage of various categories of sales, and, in some cases, require minimum 
guaranteed commissions. We benefit from greater upside potential with a profit and loss contract, although we do consequently bear 
greater downside risk than with a client interest contract. For fiscal 2017, approximately 70% of our Food and Support Services 
sales were derived from profit and loss contracts.

Client Interest Contracts. Client interest contracts include management fee contracts, under which our clients reimburse our 
operating costs and pay us a management fee, which may be calculated as a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of sales or 
operating costs. Some management fee contracts entitle us to receive incentive fees based upon our performance under the contract, 
as measured by factors such as sales, operating costs and client satisfaction surveys. Client interest contracts also include limited 
profit and loss contracts, under which we receive a percentage of any profits earned from the provision of our services at the facility 
and we generally receive no payments if there are losses. As discussed above under “Purchasing,” we earn vendor consideration, 
including discounts, rebates and other applicable credits that we typically retain except in those cases where the contract and/or 
applicable law requires us to credit these to our clients. For our client interest contracts, both our upside potential and downside risk 
are reduced compared to our profit and loss contracts. For fiscal 2017, approximately 30% of our Food and Support Services sales 
were derived from client interest contracts.

Competition

There is significant competition in the Food and Support Services business from local, regional, national and international 
companies, as well as from the businesses, healthcare institutions, colleges and universities, correctional facilities, school districts 
and public assembly facilities that decide to provide these services themselves. Institutions may decide to operate their own services 
or outsource to one of our competitors following the expiration or termination of contracts with us. Clients do not necessarily 

4        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

choose the lowest cost provider, and tend to place a premium on the total value proposition offered. In our FSS North America 
segment, our external competitors include other multi-regional food and support service providers, such as Centerplate, Inc., 
Compass Group plc, Delaware North Companies Inc. and Sodexo SA. Internationally, our external food service and support service 
competitors include Compass Group plc, Elior SA, International Service System A/S and Sodexo SA. We also face competition 
from many regional and local service providers.

We believe that the following competitive factors are the principal drivers of our success:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Seasonality

quality and breadth of services and management talent;

innovation;

reputation within the industry;

pricing; and

financial strength and stability.

Our sales and operating results have varied, and we expect them to continue to vary, from quarter to quarter as a result of different 
factors. Within our FSS North America segment, historically there has been a lower level of activity during our first and second 
fiscal quarters in operations that provide services to sports and leisure clients. This lower level of activity historically has been 
partially offset during our first and second fiscal quarters by the increased activity in our educational operations. Conversely, 
historically there has been a significant increase in the provision of services to sports and leisure clients during our third and fourth 
fiscal quarters, which is partially offset by the effect of summer recess at colleges, universities and schools.

Uniform

Our Uniform segment provides uniforms and other garments and work clothes and ancillary items such as mats and shop towels in 
the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and through a joint venture in Japan. We hold the #2 position in the North America uniform 
services market. We operate over 2,700 routes, giving us a broad reach to service our clients' needs.

Clients use our uniforms to meet a variety of needs, including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

establishing corporate identity and brand awareness;

projecting a professional image:

protecting workers—work clothes can help protect workers from difficult environments such as heavy soils, heat, 
flame or chemicals; and

protecting products—uniforms can help protect products against contamination in the food, pharmaceutical, 
electronics, health care and automotive industries.

We provide a full service employee uniform solution, including design, sourcing and manufacturing, delivery, cleaning and 
maintenance. We rent uniforms, work clothing, outerwear, particulate-free garments and non-garment items and related services, 
including industrial towels, floor mats, mops, linen products, and paper products to businesses in a wide range of industries, 
including manufacturing, food services, automotive, healthcare, construction, utilities, repair and maintenance services, restaurant 
and hospitality. In fiscal 2017, our Uniform segment generated $1,564.7 million in sales, or 11% of our total sales. See Note 15 to 
the audited consolidated financial statements for information on sales, operating income and total assets for the Uniform segment.

Clients and Services

We serve businesses of all sizes in many different industries. We have a diverse client base from over 200 service locations and 
distribution centers across the United States and a service center in Ontario, Canada. None of our clients individually represents a 
material portion of our sales. We typically visit our clients' sites weekly, delivering clean, finished uniforms and, at the same time, 
removing the soiled uniforms or other items for cleaning, repair or replacement. We also offer products for direct sale.

Our cleanroom service offers advanced static dissipative garments, barrier apparel, sterile garments and cleanroom application 
accessories for clients with contamination-free operations in the technology, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

We conduct our direct marketing business through three primary brands - WearGuard, Crest and Aramark. We design, source or 
manufacture and distribute distinctive image apparel to workers in a wide variety of industries through the internet at 
www.shoparamark.com, dedicated sales representatives and telemarketing sales channels. We customize and embroider personalized 
uniforms and logos for clients through an extensive computer assisted design center and distribute work clothing, outerwear, 
business casual apparel and footwear throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Operations

We operate our uniform rental business as a network of 84 laundry plants and 153 satellite plants and depots supporting over 2,700 
pick-up and delivery routes. We operate a fleet of service vehicles that pick up and deliver uniforms for cleaning and maintenance. 
We conduct our direct marketing activities principally from our facilities in Salem, Virginia; Norwell and Rockland, Massachusetts; 
and Reno, Nevada. We market our own brands of apparel and offer a variety of customized personalization options such as 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        5

embroidery and logos. We also source uniforms and other products to our specifications from a number of domestic and 
international suppliers and also manufacture a significant portion of our uniform requirements. We purchase uniform and textile 
products as well as equipment and supplies from domestic and international suppliers. The loss of any one supplier would not have a 
significant impact on us. We also operate two cutting and sewing plants in Mexico, which satisfy a substantial amount of our 
standard uniform inventory needs.

Sales and Marketing

Our sales representatives and route sales drivers are responsible for selling our services to current and potential clients and 
developing new accounts through the use of an extensive, proprietary database of pre-screened and qualified business prospects. We 
build our brand identity through local advertising, promotional initiatives and through our distinctive service vehicles. Our clients 
frequently come to us through client referrals, either from our uniform rental business or from our other service sectors. Our 
customer service representatives generally interact on a weekly basis with their clients, while our support personnel are charged 
with expeditiously handling client requirements regarding the outfitting of new client employees and other customer service needs.

Types of Contracts

We typically serve our rental clients under written service contracts for an initial term of three to five years. While clients are not 
required to make an up-front investment for their uniforms, in the case of nonstandard uniforms and certain specialty programs, 
clients typically agree to reimburse us for our costs if they terminate their agreement early. With the exception of certain 
governmental bid business, most of our direct marketing business is conducted under invoice arrangement with repeat clients.

Competition

Although the United States rental industry has experienced some consolidation, there is significant competition in all the areas that 
we serve, and such competition varies across geographies. Although many competitors are smaller local and regional firms, we also 
face competition from other large national firms such as Cintas Corporation and UniFirst Corporation. We believe that the primary 
competitive factors that affect our operations are quality, service, design, consistency of product, and distribution capability, 
particularly for large multi-location clients, and price. We believe that our ability to compete effectively is enhanced by the quality 
and breadth of our product line as well as our nationwide reach.

Employees of Aramark

As of September 29, 2017, we had a total of approximately 260,500 employees, including seasonal employees, consisting of 
approximately 169,500 full-time and approximately 91,000 part-time employees in our three business segments. The number of 
part-time employees varies significantly from time to time during the year due to seasonal and other operating requirements. We 
generally experience our highest level of employment during the fourth fiscal quarter. The approximate number of employees by 
segment is as follows: FSS North America: 156,000; FSS International: 90,500; Uniform: 13,500. In addition, the Aramark 
corporate staff is approximately 500 employees. Approximately 40,000 employees in the United States are covered by collective 
bargaining agreements. We have not experienced any material interruptions of operations due to disputes with our employees and 
consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory.

Governmental Regulation

Our business is subject to various federal, state, local and international laws and regulations, in areas such as environmental, labor, 
employment, immigration, health and safety laws and liquor licensing and dram shop matters. In addition, our facilities and products 
are subject to periodic inspection by federal, state, local and international authorities. We have established, and periodically update, 
various internal controls and procedures designed to maintain compliance with these laws and regulations. Our compliance 
programs are subject to legislative changes, or changes in regulatory interpretation, implementation or enforcement. From time to 
time both federal and state government agencies have conducted audits of certain of our practices as part of routine investigations of 
providers of services under government contracts, or otherwise. Like others in our business, we receive requests for information 
from governmental agencies in connection with these audits. If we fail to comply with applicable laws, we may be subject to 
investigations, criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, penalties, damages, reimbursement, injunctions, seizures, 
disgorgements, debarments from government contracts or loss of liquor licenses.

Our operations are subject to various laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, those governing:

• 

• 

alcohol licensing and service;

collection of sales and other taxes;

•  minimum wage, overtime, classification, wage payment and employment discrimination;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

immigration;

governmentally funded entitlement programs and cost and accounting principles;

false claims, whistleblowers and consumer protection;

environmental protection;

food safety, sanitation, labeling and human health and safety;

6        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

• 

• 

• 

customs and import and export controls;

the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and other anti-corruption laws;

antitrust, competition, procurement and lobbying;

•  minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprise statutes;

•  motor carrier safety; and

• 

privacy and data security.

The laws and regulations relating to each of our food and support services segments are numerous and complex. There are a variety 
of laws and regulations at various governmental levels relating to the handling, preparation, transportation and serving of food, 
including in some cases requirements relating to the temperature of food, the cleanliness of food production facilities, and the 
hygiene of food-handling personnel, which are enforced primarily at the local public health department level. While we attempt to 
comply with applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we are in full compliance at all times with all of the 
applicable laws and regulations or that we will be able to comply with any future laws and regulations. Furthermore, legislation and 
regulatory attention to food safety is very high. Additional or amended regulations in this area may significantly increase the cost of 
compliance or expose us to liability.

In addition, various government agencies impose nutritional guidelines and other requirements on us at certain of the healthcare, 
education and corrections facilities we serve. We may also be subject to laws and regulations that limit or restrict the use of trans 
fats in the food we serve or other requirements relating to ingredient or nutrient labeling. There can be no assurance that legislation, 
or changes in regulatory implementation or interpretation of government regulations, would not limit our activities in the future or 
significantly increase the cost of regulatory compliance.

Because we serve alcoholic beverages at many sports, entertainment and recreational facilities, including convention centers and 
national and state parks, we also hold liquor licenses incidental to our food service operations and are subject to the liquor license 
requirements of the jurisdictions in which we hold a liquor license. As of September 29, 2017, our subsidiaries held liquor licenses 
in 44 states and the District of Columbia, four Canadian provinces and certain other countries. Typically, liquor licenses must be 
renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations relate to 
numerous aspects of our operations, including minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, advertising, wholesale 
purchasing, inventory control and handling, and storage, dispensing and service of alcoholic beverages. We have not encountered 
any material problems relating to liquor licenses to date. The failure to receive or retain a liquor license in a particular location could 
adversely affect our ability to obtain such a license elsewhere. Some of our contracts require us to pay liquidated damages during 
any period in which the liquor license for the facility is suspended as a result of our actions, and most contracts are subject to 
termination if the liquor license for the facility is lost as a result of our actions. Our service of alcoholic beverages is also subject to 
alcoholic beverage service laws, commonly called dram shop statutes. Dram shop statutes generally prohibit serving alcoholic 
beverages to certain persons such as minors or visibly intoxicated persons. If we violate dram shop laws, we may be liable to the 
patron and/or to third parties for the acts of the visibly intoxicated patron. We sponsor regular training programs designed to 
minimize the likelihood of such a situation and to take advantage of certain safe harbors and affirmative defenses enacted for the 
benefit of alcoholic beverage service providers. However, we cannot guarantee that intoxicated or minor patrons will not be served 
or that liability for their acts will not be imposed on us.

Our uniform rental business and our food and support service business are subject to various environmental protection laws and 
regulations, including the U.S. Federal Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and similar local, state, federal and international laws and regulations 
governing the use, management, shipping and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials. In particular, industrial laundries use 
certain detergents and cleaning chemicals to launder garments and other merchandise. The residues from such detergents and 
chemicals and residues from soiled garments and other merchandise laundered at our facilities may result in potential discharges to 
air and to water (through sanitary sewer systems and publicly owned treatment works) and may be contained in waste generated by 
our wastewater treatment systems. Our industrial laundries are subject to certain volume and chemical air and water pollution 
discharge limits, monitoring, permitting and recordkeeping requirements. We own or operate aboveground and underground storage 
tank systems at some locations to store petroleum products for use in our or our clients' operations. Certain of these storage tank 
systems also are subject to performance standards, periodic monitoring and recordkeeping requirements. We also may use and 
manage chemicals and hazardous materials in our operations from time to time. We are mindful of the environmental concerns 
surrounding the use, management, shipping and disposal of these chemicals and hazardous materials, and have taken and continue 
to take measures to comply with environmental protection laws and regulations. Given the regulated nature of some of our 
operations, we could face penalties and fines for non-compliance. In the past, we have settled, or contributed to the settlement of, 
actions or claims relating to the management of underground storage tanks and the handling and disposal of chemicals or hazardous 
materials, either on or off-site. We may, in the future, be required to expend material amounts to rectify the consequences of any 
such events. Under environmental laws, we may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous materials 
located on or in or migrating from our owned or leased property or our clients' properties, as well as related costs of investigation 
and property damage. Such laws may impose liability without regard to our fault, knowledge or responsibility for the presence of 
such hazardous substances. We may not know whether our clients' properties or our acquired or leased properties have been 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        7

operated in compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that our future uses or conditions will not result in the 
imposition of liability upon us under such laws or expose us to third-party actions such as tort suits.

As of September 29, 2017, we do not anticipate any capital expenditures for environmental remediation that would have a material 
effect on our financial condition.

Intellectual Property

We have the patents, trademarks, trade names and licenses that are necessary for the operation of our business. Other than the 
Aramark brand, which includes our corporate starperson logo design (both old and new) and the Aramark word mark (our name), 
we do not consider our patents, trademarks, trade names and licenses to be material to the operation of our business in any material 
respect.

Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). 
These filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy 
any document we file at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.

Our principal Internet address is www.aramark.com. We make available free of charge on www.aramark.com our annual, quarterly 
and current reports, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material 
with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

Our Business Conduct Policy includes a code of ethics for our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer and our 
principal accounting officer and applies to all of our employees and non-employee directors. Our Business Conduct Policy is 
available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.aramark.com and is available in print to any person who requests 
it by writing or telephoning us at the address or telephone number set forth below.

You may request a copy of our SEC filings (excluding exhibits) and our Business Conduct Policy at no cost by writing or 
telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

Aramark

1101 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Attention: Corporate Secretary

Telephone: (215) 238-3000

The references to our web site and the SEC's web site are intended to be inactive textual references only and the contents of those 
websites are not incorporated by reference herein.

8        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Risks related to our business

Unfavorable economic conditions have, and in the future could, adversely affect our results of operations and financial 
condition. 

In the past, national and international economic downturns have reduced demand for our services and any such downturns in the 
future could reduce demand for our services in each of our reportable segments, resulting in the loss of business or increased 
pressure to contract for business on less favorable terms than our generally preferred terms. Economic hardship among our client 
base can also impact our business. For example, during the most recent period of economic distress, certain of our businesses were 
negatively affected by reduced employment levels at our clients’ locations and declining levels of business and consumer spending. 
In addition, insolvency experienced by clients, especially larger clients, has in the past made it difficult, and in the future could, 
make it difficult, for us to collect amounts we are owed and could result in the voiding of existing contracts. Similarly, financial 
distress or insolvency, if experienced by our key vendors and service providers such as insurance carriers, could significantly 
increase our costs.

The portion of our food and support services business that provides services in public facilities such as convention centers and 
tourist and recreational attractions is particularly sensitive to an economic downturn, as expenditures to take vacations or hold or 
attend conventions are funded to a partial or total extent by discretionary income. A decrease in such discretionary income on the 
part of potential attendees at our clients' facilities has in the past resulted, and in the future could result, in a reduction in our sales. 
Further, because our exposure to the ultimate consumer of what we provide is limited by our dependence on our clients to attract 
those consumers to their facilities and events, our ability to respond to such a reduction in attendance, and therefore our sales, is 
limited. There are many factors that could reduce the numbers of events in a facility or attendance at an event, including labor 
disruptions involving sports leagues, poor performance by the teams playing in a facility, number of playoff games, inclement 
weather and adverse economic conditions which would adversely affect sales and profits.

Natural disasters, global calamities, sports strikes and other adverse incidents could adversely affect our sales and operating 
results. 

Natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes, or global calamities, such as an Ebola outbreak or a flu pandemic, have, and 
in the future could, affect our sales and operating results. In the past, we experienced lost and closed client locations, business 
disruptions and delays, the loss of inventory and other assets, asset impairments and the effect of the temporary conversion of a 
number of our client locations to provide food and shelter to those left homeless by storms. For example, in 2017, our financial 
results were particularly impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma in the southern 
United States.  In addition, any terrorist attacks, particularly against venues that we serve, and the national and global military, 
diplomatic and financial response to such attacks or other threats, also may adversely affect our sales and operating results. Sports 
strikes, particularly those that are for an extended time period, can reduce our sales and have an adverse impact on our results of 
operations. For example, in 2012, the collective bargaining agreement for the players in the National Hockey League expired. As a 
result, the 2012/2013 season was significantly shortened and our sales and profits were negatively impacted. Any decrease in the 
number of games played would mean a loss of sales and reduced profits at the venues we service. 

Our failure to retain our current clients, renew our existing client contracts on comparable terms and obtain new client 
contracts could adversely affect our business.

Our success depends on our ability to retain our current clients, renew our existing client contracts and obtain new business. Our 
ability to do so generally depends on a variety of factors, including the quality, price and responsiveness of our services, as well as 
our ability to market these services effectively and differentiate ourselves from our competitors. There can be no assurance that we 
will be able to obtain new business, renew existing client contracts at the same or higher levels of pricing or that our current clients 
will not turn to competitors, cease operations, elect to self-operate or terminate contracts with us. In addition, consolidation by our 
clients in the industries we serve could result in our losing business if the combined entity chooses a different provider. The failure 
to renew a significant number of our existing contracts would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of 
operations and the failure to obtain new business could have an adverse impact on our growth and financial results. 

We may be adversely affected if clients reduce their outsourcing or use of preferred vendors.

Our business and growth strategies depend in large part on the continuation of a current trend toward outsourcing services. Clients 
will outsource if they perceive that outsourcing may provide quality services at a lower overall cost and permit them to focus on 
their core business activities. We cannot be certain that this trend will continue or not be reversed or that clients that have outsourced 
functions will not decide to perform these functions themselves. 

In addition, labor unions representing employees of some of our current and prospective clients have occasionally opposed the 
outsourcing trend to the extent that they believed that current union jobs for their memberships might be lost. In these cases, unions 
typically seek to prevent public sector entities from outsourcing and if that fails, ensure that jobs that are outsourced continue to be 
unionized, which can reduce our pricing and operational flexibility with respect to such businesses. 

We have also identified a trend among some of our clients toward the retention of a limited number of preferred vendors to provide 
all or a large part of their required services. We cannot be certain that this trend will continue or not be reversed or, if it does 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        9

continue, that we will be selected and retained as a preferred vendor to provide these services. Unfavorable developments with 
respect to either outsourcing or the use of preferred vendors could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of 
operations. 

Competition in our industries could adversely affect our results of operations. 

There is significant competition in the food and support services business from local, regional, national and international companies, 
of varying sizes, many of which have substantial financial resources. Our ability to successfully compete depends on our ability to 
provide quality services at a reasonable price and to provide value to our clients and consumers. Certain of our competitors have 
been and may in the future be willing to underbid us or accept a lower profit margin or expend more capital in order to obtain or 
retain business. Also, certain regional and local service providers may be better established than we are within a specific geographic 
region. In addition, existing or potential clients may elect to self-operate their food and support services, eliminating the opportunity 
for us to serve them or compete for the account. While we have a significant international presence, certain of our competitors have 
more extensive portfolios of services and a broader geographic footprint than we do. Therefore, we may be placed at a competitive 
disadvantage for clients who require multiservice or multinational bids. 

We have a number of major national competitors in the uniform rental industry with significant financial resources. In addition, 
there are regional and local uniform suppliers whom we believe have strong client loyalty. While most clients focus primarily on 
quality of service, uniform rental also is a price-sensitive service and if existing or future competitors seek to gain clients or 
accounts by reducing prices, we may be required to lower prices, which would reduce our sales and profits. The uniform rental 
business requires investment capital for growth. Failure to maintain capital investment in this business would put us at a competitive 
disadvantage. In addition, due to competition in our uniform rental business, it has become increasingly important for us to source 
garments and other products overseas, particularly from Asia. To the extent we are not able to effectively source such products from 
Asia and gain the related cost savings, we may be at a further disadvantage in relation to some of our competitors. 

Increased operating costs and obstacles to cost recovery due to the pricing and cancellation terms of our food and support 
services contracts may constrain our ability to make a profit. 

Our profitability can be adversely affected to the extent we are faced with cost increases for food, wages, other labor related 
expenses (including workers' compensation, state unemployment insurance and federal or state mandated health benefits and other 
healthcare costs), insurance, fuel, utilities, piece goods, clothing and equipment, especially to the extent we are unable to recover 
such increased costs through increases in the prices for our products and services, due to one or more of general economic 
conditions, competitive conditions or contractual provisions in our client contracts. For example, when federal, state, foreign or 
local minimum wage rates increase, we may have to increase the wages of both minimum wage employees and employees whose 
wages are above the minimum wage. We may also face increased operating costs if federal, state or local laws and regulations 
regarding the classification of employees and/or their eligibility for overtime changes. Oil and natural gas prices have fluctuated 
significantly in the last several years. Substantial increases in the cost of fuel and utilities have historically resulted in substantial 
cost increases in our uniform rental business, and to a lesser extent in our food and support services segments. From time to time we 
have experienced increases in our food costs. While we believe a portion of these increases were attributable to fuel prices, we 
believe the increases also resulted from rising global food demand and the increased production of biofuels such as ethanol. In 
addition, food prices can fluctuate as a result of temporary changes in supply, including as a result of incidences of severe weather 
such as droughts, heavy rains and late freezes or natural disasters. We have two main types of contract in our food and facilities 
business: profit and loss contracts in which we bear all of the expenses of the contract but gain the benefit of the sales, and client 
interest contracts in which our clients share some or all of the expenses and gain some or all of the sales. Approximately 70% of our 
food and support services sales in fiscal 2017 are from profit and loss contracts under which we have limited ability to pass on cost 
increases to our clients. Therefore, in many cases, we will have to absorb any cost increases, which may adversely impact our 
operating results. 

The amount of risk that we bear and our profit potential vary depending on the type of contract under which we provide food and 
support services. We may be unable to fully recover costs on contracts that limit our ability to increase prices. In addition, we 
provide many of our services under contracts of indefinite term, which are subject to termination on short notice by either party 
without cause. Some of our profit and loss and client interest contracts contain minimum guaranteed remittances to our client 
regardless of our sales or profit at the facility. If sales do not exceed costs under a contract that contains minimum guaranteed 
commissions, we will bear any losses which are incurred, as well as the guaranteed commission. Generally, our contracts also limit 
our ability to raise prices on the food, beverages and merchandise we sell within a particular facility without the client's consent. In 
addition, some of our contracts exclude certain events or products from the scope of the contract, or give the client the right to 
modify the terms under which we may operate at certain events. The payment of guaranteed commissions or other guaranteed 
amounts to a client under a profit and loss contract that is not profitable, the refusal by individual clients to permit the sale of some 
products at their venues, the imposition by clients of limits on prices which are not economically feasible for us, or decisions by 
clients to curtail their use of the services we provide could adversely affect our sales and results of operations. For example, during 
the most recent economic downturn, certain of our business & industry clients curtailed their employees' use of catering, which had 
a negative effect on our sales and profits. 

10        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Our inability to achieve cost savings through our cost reduction efforts could impact our results of operations. 

The achievement of the goals we set in our plans and our future financial performance is dependent, in part, on our efforts to reduce 
our cost structure through various cost reduction initiatives. Successful execution of our cost reduction initiatives is not assured and 
there are several obstacles to success, including our ability to enable the information technology and business processes required for 
these efforts. In addition, there can be no assurance that our efforts, if properly executed, will result in our desired outcome of 
improved financial performance. 

Our expansion strategy involves risks. 

We may seek to acquire companies or interests in companies or enter into joint ventures that complement our business.  Our 
inability to complete acquisitions, integrate acquired companies successfully or enter into joint ventures may render us less 
competitive. At any given time, we may be evaluating one or more acquisitions or engaging in acquisition negotiations. We cannot 
be sure that we will be able to continue to identify acquisition candidates or joint venture partners on commercially reasonable terms 
or at all. If we make acquisitions, we also cannot be sure that any benefits anticipated from the acquisitions will actually be realized.  
Likewise, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary financing for acquisitions. Such financing could be restricted 
by the terms of our debt agreements or it could be more expensive than our current debt. The amount of such debt financing for 
acquisitions could be significant and the terms of such debt instruments could be more restrictive than our current covenants. In 
addition, our ability to control the planning and operations of our joint ventures and other less than majority-owned affiliates may be 
subject to numerous restrictions imposed by the joint venture agreements and majority stockholders. Our joint venture partners may 
also have interests which differ from ours.

The process of integrating acquired operations into our existing operations may result in operating, contract and supply chain 
difficulties, such as the failure to retain existing clients or attract new clients, maintain relationships with suppliers and other 
contractual parties, or retain and integrate acquired personnel.  Also, in connection with any acquisition, we could fail to discover 
liabilities of the acquired company for which we may be responsible as a successor owner or operator in spite of any investigation 
we make prior to the acquisition, resulting in additional unanticipated costs. In addition, labor laws in certain countries may require 
us to retain more employees than would otherwise be optimal from entities we acquire. Such integration difficulties may divert 
significant financial, operational and managerial resources from our existing operations and make it more difficult to achieve our 
operating and strategic objectives, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of 
operations. Similarly, our business depends on effective information technology and financial reporting systems. Delays in or poor 
execution of the integration of these systems could disrupt our operations and increase costs, and could also potentially adversely 
impact the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting. 

Possible future acquisitions also could result in the incurrence of additional contingent liabilities and amortization expenses related 
to intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In 
addition, goodwill and other intangible assets resulting from business combinations represent a significant portion of our assets. If 
the goodwill or other intangible assets were deemed to be impaired, we would need to take a charge to earnings to write down these 
assets to its fair value.

On October 13, 2017, we entered into agreements to acquire, in separate transactions, Avendra and AmeriPride.  The completion of 
these acquisitions are subject to a number of conditions, including the expiration or termination of HSR waiting periods and, with 
respect to AmeriPride, the receipt of Canadian regulatory approval. The failure to satisfy the required conditions on a timely basis 
could delay the completion of these acquisitions for a period of time or prevent either or both of them from occurring at all.  Any 
delay in completing these acquisitions, as well as any inability in obtaining the related debt financing on favorable terms, could 
cause us not to realize some or all of the benefits that we expect on a timely basis or at all.  

The success of these acquisitions will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully integrate these businesses with our current 
operations and to realize the anticipated benefits, including synergies, from the acquisitions on a timely basis. It may take longer 
than expected to realize these anticipated benefits and they may ultimately be smaller than we expect.  There are a number of 
challenges and risks involved in our ability to successfully integrate Avendra and AmeriPride with our current businesses and to 
realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions, including all of the risks identified in the paragraphs above.  Any of these 
factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  For example, there are a 
number of factors beyond our control that could affect the amount and timing of the transaction and integration expenses that we 
expect to incur in connection with these acquisitions. In addition, in the short term these transaction and integration expenses are 
anticipated to exceed the cost savings that we expect to achieve from the elimination of duplicative expenses, realization of 
economies of scale and integration of the acquired businesses.  During such period, these charges could negatively impact our 
results of operations. 

A failure to maintain food safety throughout our supply chain and food-borne illness concerns may result in reputational harm 
and claims of illness or injury that could adversely affect us. 

Food safety is a top priority for us and we dedicate substantial resources to ensuring that our consumers enjoy safe, quality food 
products. Claims of illness or injury relating to food quality or food handling are common in the food service industry, and a number 
of these claims may exist at any given time. Because food safety issues could be experienced at the source or by food suppliers or 
distributors, food safety could, in part, be out of our control. Regardless of the source or cause, any report of food-borne illness or 
other food safety issues such as food tampering or contamination at one of our locations could adversely impact our reputation, 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        11

hindering our ability to renew contracts on favorable terms or to obtain new business, and have a negative impact on our sales. Even 
instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or contamination at a location served by one of our competitors could result in 
negative publicity regarding the food service industry generally and could negatively impact our sales. Future food safety issues 
may also from time to time disrupt our business. In addition, product recalls or health concerns associated with food contamination 
may also increase our raw materials costs. 

Laws and governmental regulations relating to food and beverages may subject us to significant liability. 

The laws and regulations relating to each of our food and support services segments are numerous and complex. A variety of laws 
and regulations at various governmental levels relating to the handling, preparation, transportation and serving of food (including, in 
some cases, requirements relating to the temperature of food), and the cleanliness of food production facilities and the hygiene of 
food-handling personnel are enforced primarily at the local public health department level. There can be no assurance that we are in 
full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations at all times or that we will be able to comply with any future laws and 
regulations. Furthermore, legislation and regulatory attention to food safety is very high. Additional or amended laws or regulations 
in this area may significantly increase the cost of compliance or expose us to liabilities. 

We serve alcoholic beverages at many facilities, and must comply with applicable licensing laws, as well as state and local service 
laws, commonly called dram shop statutes. Dram shop statutes generally prohibit serving alcoholic beverages to certain persons, 
such as an individual who is visibly intoxicated or a minor. If we violate dram shop laws, we may be liable to the patron and/or third 
parties for the acts of the patron. Although we sponsor regular training programs designed to minimize the likelihood of such a 
situation and to take advantage of certain safe harbors and affirmative defenses established for the benefit of alcoholic beverages 
service providers, we cannot guarantee that visibly intoxicated or minor patrons will not be served or that liability for their acts will 
not be imposed on us. There can be no assurance that additional laws or regulations in this area would not limit our activities in the 
future or significantly increase the cost of regulatory compliance. We must also obtain and comply with the terms of licenses in 
order to sell alcoholic beverages in the states in which we serve alcoholic beverages. Some of our contracts require us to pay 
liquidated damages during any period in which the liquor license for the facility is suspended as a result of our actions, and most 
contracts are subject to termination if the liquor license for the facility is lost as a result of our actions. 

If we fail to comply with requirements imposed by applicable law or other governmental regulations, we could become subject to 
lawsuits, investigations and other liabilities and restrictions on our operations that could significantly and adversely affect our 
business. 

We are subject to governmental regulation at the federal, state, international, national, provincial and local levels in many areas of 
our business, such as employment laws, wage and hour laws, discrimination laws, immigration laws, human health and safety laws, 
import and export controls and customs laws, environmental laws, false claims or whistleblower statutes, minority, women and 
disadvantaged business enterprise statutes, tax codes, antitrust and competition laws, consumer protection statutes, procurement 
regulations, intellectual property laws, food safety, labeling and sanitation laws, governmentally funded entitlement programs and 
cost and accounting principles, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, other anti-corruption laws, lobbying laws, 
motor carrier safety laws, data privacy and security laws and alcohol licensing and service laws. 

From time to time, governmental agencies have conducted reviews and audits of certain of our practices as part of routine 
investigations of providers of services under government contracts, or otherwise. Like others in our business, we also receive 
requests for information from government agencies in connection with these reviews and audits. While we attempt to comply with 
all applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we are in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations 
or interpretations of these laws and regulations at all times or that we will be able to comply with any future laws, regulations or 
interpretations of these laws and regulations. 

If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those referred to above, we may be subject to investigations, 
criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, penalties, damages, reimbursement, injunctions, seizures, disgorgements or 
debarments from government contracts or the loss of liquor licenses or the ability to operate our motor vehicles. The cost of 
compliance or the consequences of non-compliance, including debarments, could have a material adverse effect on our business and 
results of operations. In addition, government agencies may make changes in the regulatory frameworks within which we operate 
that may require either the corporation as a whole or individual businesses to incur substantial increases in costs in order to comply 
with such laws and regulations. 

Changes in, new interpretations of or changes in the enforcement of the governmental regulatory framework may affect our 
contracts and contract terms and may reduce our sales or profits. 

A portion of our sales, estimated to be approximately 14% in fiscal 2017, is derived from business with U.S. federal, state and local 
governments and agencies. Changes or new interpretations in, or changes in the enforcement of, the statutory or regulatory 
framework applicable to services provided under government contracts or bidding procedures, including an adverse change in 
government spending policies or appropriations, budget priorities or revenue levels, particularly by our food and support services 
businesses, could result in fewer new contracts or contract renewals, modifications to the methods we apply to price government 
contracts, or in contract terms of shorter duration than we have historically experienced. Any of these changes could result in lower 
sales or profits than we have historically achieved, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. 

12        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Environmental regulations may subject us to significant liability and limit our ability to grow. 

We are subject to various environmental protection laws and regulations, including the U.S. Federal Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and similar 
federal, state and local statutes and regulations governing the use, management, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials. 
In particular, industrial laundries in our uniform rental business use certain detergents and cleaning chemicals to launder garments 
and other merchandise. The residues from such detergents and chemicals and residues from soiled garments and other merchandise 
laundered at our facilities may result in potential discharges to air and to water (through sanitary sewer systems and publicly owned 
treatment works) and may be contained in waste generated by our wastewater treatment systems. 

Our industrial laundries are subject to certain volume and chemical air and water pollution discharge limits, monitoring, permitting 
and recordkeeping requirements. 

We own or operate aboveground and underground storage tank systems at some locations to store petroleum products for use in our 
or our clients' operations. Certain of these storage tank systems also are subject to performance standards, periodic monitoring, and 
recordkeeping requirements. We also may use and manage chemicals and hazardous materials in our operations from time to time. 
In the course of our business, we may be subject to penalties and fines for non-compliance with environmental protection laws and 
regulations and we may settle, or contribute to the settlement of, actions or claims relating to the management of underground 
storage tanks and the handling and disposal of chemicals or hazardous materials. We may, in the future, be required to expend 
material amounts to rectify the consequences of any such events. 

In addition, changes to environmental laws may subject us to additional costs or cause us to change aspects of our business. Under 
U.S. federal and state environmental protection laws, as an owner or operator of real estate we may be liable for the costs of removal 
or remediation of certain hazardous materials located on or in or migrating from our owned or leased property or our client's 
properties, as well as related costs of investigation and property damage, without regard to our fault, knowledge, or responsibility 
for the presence of such hazardous materials. There can be no assurance that locations that we own, lease or otherwise operate, 
either for ourselves or for our clients, or that we may acquire in the future, have been operated in compliance with environmental 
laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not result in the imposition of liability upon us under such laws or expose 
us to third-party actions such as tort suits. In addition, such regulations may limit our ability to identify suitable sites for new or 
expanded facilities. In connection with our present or past operations and the present or past operations of our predecessors or 
companies that we have acquired, hazardous substances may migrate from properties on which we operate or which were operated 
by our predecessors or companies we acquired to other properties. We may be subject to significant liabilities to the extent that 
human health is adversely affected or the value of such properties is diminished by such migration. 

Our international business faces risks different from those we face in the United States that could have an effect on our results 
of operations and financial condition. 

A significant portion of our sales is derived from international business. During fiscal 2017, approximately 19% of our sales were 
generated outside of North America. We currently have a presence in 17 countries outside of the United States and Canada with 
approximately 90,500 personnel. Our international operations are subject to risks that are different from those we face in the United 
States, including the requirement to comply with changing, conflicting and unclear national and local regulatory requirements; 
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.K. Bribery Act and other anti-corruption law compliance matters; potential difficulties in staffing 
and labor disputes; differing local labor laws; managing and obtaining support and distribution for local operations; credit risk or 
financial condition of local clients; potential imposition of restrictions on investments; potentially adverse tax consequences, 
including imposition or increase of withholding, VAT and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries; foreign 
exchange controls; and local political and social conditions. In addition, the operating results of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are 
translated into U.S. dollars and those results are affected by movements in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. 

We intend to continue to develop our business in emerging countries over the long term. Emerging international operations present 
several additional risks, including greater fluctuation in currencies relative to the U.S. dollar; economic and governmental 
instability; civil disturbances; volatility in gross domestic production; and nationalization and expropriation of private assets. 

There can be no assurance that the foregoing factors will not have a material adverse effect on our international operations or on our 
consolidated financial condition and results of operations. 

Continued or further unionization of our workforce may increase our costs and work stoppages could damage our business. 

Approximately 40,000 employees in our North America operations are represented by unions and covered by collective bargaining 
agreements. The continued or further unionization of a significantly greater portion of our workforce could increase our overall 
costs at the affected locations and adversely affect our flexibility to run our business in the most efficient manner to remain 
competitive or acquire new business. In addition, any significant increase in the number of work stoppages at our various operations 
could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

We may incur significant liability as a result of our participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans. 

A number of our locations operate under collective bargaining agreements. Under some of these agreements, we are obligated to 
contribute to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans. As a contributing employer to such plans, should we trigger either a 
“complete” or a “partial withdrawal,” we would be subject to withdrawal liability (or partial withdrawal liability) for our 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        13

proportionate share of any unfunded vested benefits. In addition, if a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan fails to satisfy the 
minimum funding standards, we could be liable to increase our contributions to meet minimum funding standards. Also, if a 
participating employer withdraws from the plan or experiences financial difficulty, including bankruptcy, our obligation could 
increase. The financial status of certain of the plans to which we contribute has deteriorated in the recent past and continues to 
deteriorate. In addition, any increased funding obligations for underfunded multiemployer defined benefit pension plans could have 
an adverse financial impact on us. 

Risks associated with the suppliers from whom our products are sourced could adversely affect our results of operations. 

The raw materials we use in our business and the finished products we sell are sourced from a wide variety of domestic and 
international suppliers. We seek to require our suppliers to comply with applicable laws and otherwise be certified as meeting our 
supplier standards of conduct. Our ability to find qualified suppliers who meet our standards, and to access raw materials and 
finished products in a timely and efficient manner is a challenge, especially with respect to suppliers located and goods sourced 
outside the United States. Insolvency experienced by suppliers could make it difficult for us to source the items we need to run our 
business. Political and economic stability in the countries in which foreign suppliers are located, the financial stability of suppliers, 
suppliers' failure to meet our supplier standards, labor problems experienced by our suppliers, the availability of raw materials to 
suppliers, currency exchange rates, transport availability and cost, inflation and other factors relating to the suppliers and the 
countries in which they are located are beyond our control. United States foreign trade policies, tariffs and other impositions on 
imported goods, trade sanctions imposed on certain countries, the limitation on the importation of certain types of goods or of goods 
containing certain materials from other countries and other factors relating to foreign trade are beyond our control. If one of our 
suppliers were to violate the law, our reputation may be harmed simply due to our association with that supplier. These and other 
factors affecting our suppliers and our access to raw materials and finished products could adversely affect our results of operations. 

In fiscal 2017, one distributor distributed approximately 51% of our food and non-food products in the United States and 
Canada, and if our relationship or their business were to be disrupted, we could experience disruptions to our operations and 
cost structure. 

Although we negotiate the pricing and other terms for the majority of our purchases of food and related products in the U.S. and 
Canada directly with national manufacturers, we purchase these products and other items through Sysco Corporation and other 
distributors. Sysco, the main U.S. and Canadian distributor of our food and non-food products, and other distributors are responsible 
for tracking our orders and delivering products to our specific locations. If our relationship with, or the business of, Sysco were to 
be disrupted, we would have to arrange alternative distributors and our operations and cost structure could be adversely affected in 
the short term. Similarly, a sudden termination of the relationship with a significant provider in other geographic areas could in the 
short term adversely affect our ability to provide services and disrupt our client relationships in such areas. 

Our business may suffer if we are unable to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel or if labor costs increase. 

From time to time, we have had difficulty in hiring and retaining qualified management personnel, particularly at the entry 
management level. We will continue to have significant requirements to hire such personnel. At times when the United States or 
other geographic regions experience reduced levels of unemployment, there may be a shortage of qualified workers at all levels. 
Given that our workforce requires large numbers of entry level and skilled workers and managers, low levels of unemployment 
when such conditions exist or mismatches between the labor markets and our skill requirements can compromise our ability in 
certain areas of our businesses to continue to provide quality service or compete for new business. We also regularly hire a large 
number of part-time and seasonal workers, particularly in our food and support services segments. Any difficulty we may encounter 
in hiring such workers could result in significant increases in labor costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition and results of operations. Competition for labor has at times resulted in wage increases in the past and 
future competition could substantially increase our labor costs. Due to the labor intensive nature of our businesses and the fact that 
70% of our food and support services segments' sales are from profit and loss contracts under which we have limited ability to pass 
along cost increases, a shortage of labor or increases in wage levels in excess of normal levels could have a material adverse effect 
on our results of operations. 

Healthcare reform legislation could have an impact on our business. 

During 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 were 
signed into law in the United States. Certain of the provisions that have increased our healthcare costs include the removal of annual 
plan limits, the mandate that health plans provide 100% coverage on expanded preventative care and new eligibility rules, which 
cover more variable hour employees than we have done in the past. A number of the provisions of the legislation have been delayed 
and/or phased in over time, such as the excise tax on high cost coverage.  Further regulatory action in this area is expected. Such 
action could result in changes to healthcare eligibility, design and cost structure that could have an adverse impact on our business 
and operating costs.

Our business is contract intensive and may lead to client disputes. 

Our business is contract intensive and we are parties to many contracts with clients all over the world. Our client interest contracts 
provide that client billings, and for some contracts the sharing of profits and losses, are based on our determinations of costs of 
service. Contract terms under which we base these determinations and, for certain government contracts, regulations governing our 
cost determinations, may be subject to differing interpretations which could result in disputes with our clients from time to time. 

14        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Clients generally have the right to audit our contracts, and we periodically review our compliance with contract terms and 
provisions. If clients were to dispute our contract determinations, the resolution of such disputes in a manner adverse to our interests 
could negatively affect sales and operating results. While we do not believe any reviews, audits or other such matters should result 
in material adjustments, if a large number of our client arrangements were modified in response to any such matter, the effect could 
be materially adverse to our business or results of operations. 

Our operations are seasonal and quarter to quarter comparisons may not be a good indicator of our performance. 

In our first and second fiscal quarters, within the FSS North America segment, there historically has been a lower level of sales to 
sports and leisure clients, which is partly offset by increased activity in educational operations. In our third and fourth fiscal 
quarters, there historically has been a significant increase in sales to sports and leisure clients, which is partially offset by the effect 
of summer recess in educational operations. For these reasons, a quarter to quarter comparison is not a good indication of our 
performance or how we will perform in the future. 

Our operations and reputation may be adversely affected by disruptions to or breaches of our information security systems or if 
our data is otherwise compromised.

We are increasingly utilizing information technology systems to enhance the efficiency of our business. We maintain confidential, 
proprietary and personal information about, or on behalf of, our potential, current and former clients, customers, employees and 
other third parties in these systems or engage third parties in connection with storage and processing of this information. Our 
systems and the systems of our vendors are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer or telecommunication 
failures, computer viruses, catastrophic events and implementation delays or difficulties. These systems are also vulnerable to an 
increasing threat of rapidly evolving cyber-based attacks, including malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data 
and other electronic security breaches. The development, integration and maintenance of these systems is costly and requires 
ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated. 
Despite our efforts and the efforts of our vendors, the possibility of risks described above, particularly cyber-based attacks, cannot 
be eliminated entirely, and each of these risks remain. In addition, we provide confidential, proprietary and personal information to 
third parties when it is necessary to pursue business objectives. While we obtain assurances that these third parties will protect this 
information, there is a risk the confidentiality of data held by third parties may be compromised. In addition, data and security 
breaches can also occur as the result of non-technical issues, including intentional or inadvertent breach by our employees or others 
with whom we have a relationship. Any damage to, or compromise or breach of our systems or the systems of our vendors could 
impair our ability to conduct our business, and result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and 
financial exposure, including litigation and other potential liability, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could 
have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our reputation as a brand, business partner or an employer.

We are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the U.S. and internationally designed to protect the information of clients, 
customers, employees, and other third parties that we collect and maintain, such as the European Union General Data Protection 
Regulation (the “GDPR”), which will take effect in May 2018. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, 
change frequently and increasingly conflict among the various countries in which we operate, which has resulted in greater 
compliance risk and cost for us.  If we fail to comply with these laws or regulations, we could be subject to significant litigation, 
monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions or fines in one or more jurisdictions.  For example, a failure to comply with the 
GDPR could result in fines up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of annual global revenues.

Failure to maintain effective internal controls could adversely affect our business and stock price.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. Internal control 
over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting in accordance 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial 
reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that we would prevent or detect a misstatement of our financial statements or 
fraud. Any failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting could limit our ability to report our 
financial results accurately and timely or to detect and prevent fraud. A significant financial reporting failure or material weakness in 
internal control over financial reporting could cause a loss of investor confidence and decline in the market price of our common 
stock.

Our business may be materially affected by changes to fiscal and tax policies. 

The U.S. Congress has recently introduced tax reform legislation that would make significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue 
Code. Such changes include a reduction in the corporate tax rate, moving from a worldwide to a territorial system of taxing multi-
national companies and limitations on interest expense and other corporate deductions, among other changes. Although we cannot 
predict what changes, if any, will actually be enacted, any such changes could have a material effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        15

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness 

Our leverage could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to 
changes in the economy or our industries, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us 
from meeting our obligations. 

We are highly leveraged. As of September 29, 2017, our outstanding indebtedness was $5,268.5 million. We also had additional 
availability of $998.5 million under our revolving credit facilities as of that date.  In addition, we expect to incur new indebtedness 
to finance all of the $2,350.0 million consideration to be paid in the Avendra and AmeriPride acquisitions.

This degree of leverage could have important consequences, including: 

• 

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our senior 
secured credit facilities and our receivables facility, are at variable rates of interest; 

•  making it more difficult for us to make payments on our indebtedness; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

increasing our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions; 

requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on 
our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and 
future business opportunities; 

restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures; 

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, 
acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and 

limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to 
our competitors who are less highly leveraged. 

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in 
our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our senior notes. If new indebtedness is added to our current debt 
levels, the related risks that we now face could increase. 

If our financial performance were to deteriorate, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness 
and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful. 

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating 
performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors 
beyond our control. While we believe that we currently have adequate cash flows to service our indebtedness, if our financial 
performance were to deteriorate significantly, we might be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities 
sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. 

If, due to such a deterioration in our financial performance, our cash flows and capital resources were to be insufficient to fund our 
debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional 
capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to 
meet our scheduled debt service obligations. In addition, if we were required to raise additional capital in the current financial 
markets, the terms of such financing, if available, could result in higher costs and greater restrictions on our business. In addition, 
although none of our long-term borrowings mature prior to 2019, if we were to need to refinance our existing indebtedness, the 
conditions in the financial markets at that time could make it difficult to refinance our existing indebtedness on acceptable terms or 
at all. If such alternative measures proved unsuccessful, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to 
dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. Our senior secured credit agreement and the 
indentures governing our senior notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from any disposition of assets and 
to refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize 
from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. 

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business. 

Our senior secured credit agreement and the indentures governing our senior notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to 
engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our and our restricted subsidiaries' ability to, among other things: 

• 

• 

incur additional indebtedness, refinance or restructure indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares; 

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock, make unscheduled payments on our 
notes, repurchase or redeem our senior notes or make other restricted payments; 

•  make certain investments; 

• 

• 

• 

sell certain assets; 

create liens; 

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and 

16        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

• 

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates. 

In addition, our senior secured revolving credit facility requires us to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other 
financial condition tests. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and in the 
event of a significant deterioration of our financial performance, there can be no assurance that we will satisfy those ratios and tests. 
A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the senior secured credit agreement. Upon our failure to maintain 
compliance with these covenants that is not waived by the lenders under the revolving credit facility, the lenders under the senior 
secured credit facilities could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities to be immediately 
due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit under such facilities. If we were unable to repay those 
amounts, the lenders under the senior secured credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that 
indebtedness. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under the senior secured credit agreement. If the 
lenders under the senior secured credit facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, there can be no assurance that we will have 
sufficient assets to repay those borrowings, as well as our unsecured indebtedness. If our senior secured indebtedness was 
accelerated by the lenders as a result of a default, our senior notes may become due and payable as well. Any such acceleration may 
also constitute an amortization event under our receivables facility, which could result in the amount outstanding under that facility 
becoming due and payable. 

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock 

Our share price may change significantly, and you may not be able to resell shares of our common stock at or above the price 
you paid or at all, and you could lose all or part of your investment as a result. 

The trading price of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, could fluctuate due to a number of factors such as those listed in 
“—Risks Related to Our Business” and include, but are not limited to, the following, some of which are beyond our control: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

quarterly variations in our results of operations; 

results of operations that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors; 

results of operations that vary from those of our competitors; 

changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and 
investors; 

announcements by us, our competitors or our vendors of significant contracts, acquisitions, joint marketing 
relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments; 

announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us; 

future sales of our common stock; 

general domestic and international economic conditions; and 

unexpected and sudden changes in senior management. 

Furthermore, the stock market has experienced extreme volatility that, in some cases, has been unrelated or disproportionate to the 
operating performance of particular companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price 
of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. 

In the past, following periods of market volatility, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation. If we were involved 
in securities litigation, it could have a substantial cost and divert resources and the attention of executive management from our 
business regardless of the outcome of such litigation. 

 There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock, and our indebtedness could limit our 
ability to pay dividends on our common stock. 

Payment of cash dividends on our common stock is subject to our compliance with applicable law and depends on, among other 
things, our results of operations, financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, business 
prospects and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures 
governing our senior notes contain, and the terms of any future indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur may contain, limitations 
on our ability to pay dividends. For more information, see Item 5. "Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder 
Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - Dividends." Although we have paid cash dividends in the past, there can be no 
assurance that we will continue to pay any dividend in the future. 

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could delay or prevent a change of control. 

Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have an anti-
takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt or other change of control 
transaction that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the 
market price for the shares held by our stockholders. 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        17

These provisions provide for, among other things: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock; 

advance notice for nominations of directors by stockholders and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at 
our annual meetings; 

certain limitations on convening special stockholder meetings; 

the removal of directors only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% in voting power of all the then-
outstanding common stock of the company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class; and 

that certain provisions may be amended only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% in voting power of 
all the then-outstanding common stock of the company entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class. 

These anti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us, even if the third-party's offer may be 
considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. As a result, our stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium 
for their shares. 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and 
exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our 
stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees. 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, with certain limited exceptions, unless we consent in writing to 
the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any 
stockholder (including any beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action 
asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of the Company owed to us or our stockholders, 
creditors or other constituents, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer of the Company arising pursuant 
to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended 
and restated bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any director or officer of the Company governed by 
the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is 
deemed to have received notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions. This choice of forum provision may limit a 
stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other 
employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees. Alternatively, if a court were 
to find this choice of forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or 
proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely 
affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments

Not Applicable.

Item 2. 

Properties

Our principal executive offices are currently leased at Aramark Tower, 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107.  We 
expect to move our principal executive offices to 2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 during fiscal 2019 and have entered 
into a lease agreement for this new location. Our principal real estate is primarily comprised of Uniform facilities. As of 
September 29, 2017, we operated 270 service facilities in our Uniform segment, consisting of industrial laundries, cleanroom 
laundries, warehouses, distribution centers, satellites, depots, stand alone garages, shared service centers and administrative offices 
that are located in 40 states, Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico. Of these, approximately 51% are leased and approximately 49% are 
owned. We own seven buildings that we use in our FSS North America segment, including several office/warehouse spaces, and we 
lease 121 premises, consisting of offices, office/warehouses and distribution centers. In addition, we own a distribution center, one 
office and four other properties and lease 114 facilities throughout the world that we use in our FSS International segment. We also 
maintain other real estate and leasehold improvements, which we use in the Uniform and FSS segments. No individual parcel of real 
estate owned or leased is of material significance to our total assets.

18        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings

Our business is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, the generation, 
handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of water wastes and other substances. We engage in informal settlement 
discussions with federal, state, local and foreign authorities regarding allegations of violations of environmental laws in connection 
with our operations or businesses conducted by our predecessors or companies that we have acquired, the aggregate amount of 
which and related remediation costs we do not believe should have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of 
operations as of September 29, 2017. 

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are party to various legal actions, proceedings and investigations involving 
claims incidental to the conduct of their business, including those brought by clients, consumers, employees, government entities 
and third parties under, among others, federal, state, international, national, provincial and local employment laws, wage and hour 
laws, discrimination laws, immigration laws, human health and safety laws, import and export controls and customs laws, 
environmental laws, false claims or whistleblower statutes, minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprise statutes, tax 
codes, antitrust and competition laws, consumer protection statutes, procurement regulations, intellectual property laws, food safety 
and sanitation laws, cost and accounting principles, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, other anti-corruption 
laws, lobbying laws, motor carrier safety laws, data privacy and security laws and alcohol licensing and service laws, or alleging 
negligence and/or breaches of contractual and other obligations. Based on information currently available, advice of counsel, 
available insurance coverage, established reserves and other resources, the Company does not believe that any such actions, 
proceedings or investigations are likely to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to its business, financial condition, results of 
operations or cash flows. However, in the event of unexpected further developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of 
these matters, or other similar matters, if unfavorable, may be materially adverse to the Company's business, financial condition, 
results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

______________________________________

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        19

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers as of November 22, 2017 are as follows:

Name
Eric J. Foss

Age
59

Position
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr.

Harrald F. Kroeker

Lynn B. McKee

Brian P. Pressler

Stephen R. Reynolds

47

60

62

42

59

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President, Integration

Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

James J. Tarangelo

44 Vice President and Treasurer

With
Aramark
Since
2012

2015

2013

1980

2002

2012

2003

Eric J. Foss has been our Chairman of the Board since February 2015 and our President and Chief Executive Officer since May 
2012. Before joining us, Mr. Foss served as Chief Executive Officer of Pepsi Beverages Company from February 2010 until 
December 2011. Prior to that Mr. Foss served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Pepsi Bottling Group from 2008 
until 2010; President and Chief Executive Officer from 2006 until 2007; and Chief Operating Officer from 2005 until 2006. Mr. 
Foss serves on the board of CIGNA Corporation and previously served on the board of UDR, Inc.

Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr. was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in April 2015. Prior to joining us, 
Mr. Bramlage served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Owens-Illinois, Inc. from June 2012 to March 2015. 
Prior to that, he served as President of Owens-Illinois Asia Pacific from August 2011 to June 2012; General Manager of Owens-
Illinois New Zealand from August 2010 to July 2011; Vice President of Finance of Owens-Illinois, Inc. from March 2008 to July 
2010; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Owens-Illinois Europe in 2008; and Vice President and Treasurer of Owens-
Illinois, Inc. from 2006 to 2008.

Harrald F. Kroeker has been the Senior Vice President, Integration since October 2017.  Prior to that he was our Senior Vice 
President, Transformation from November 2014 to October 2017 and our Chief Operating Officer - Europe from November 2013 to 
November 2014.  Before joining us, Mr. Kroeker was an executive with Dean Foods Company serving as its Senior Vice President 
and Chief Operating Officer, Dairy Group from November 2006 to January 2007 and as President, Fresh Daily Direct, from January 
2007 to October 2011.

Lynn B. McKee was appointed Executive Vice President, Human Resources in May 2004. From August 2012 to August 2013, Ms. 
McKee served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Communications. From January 2004 to May 2004, Ms. McKee 
served as our Senior Vice President of Human Resources and from September 2001 to December 2003, she served as Senior Vice 
President of Human Resources for our Food and Support Services Group. From August 1998 to August 2001, she served as our 
Staff Vice President, Executive Development and Compensation. Ms. McKee serves on the board of directors of Bryn Mawr Bank 
Co.

Brian P. Pressler was appointed Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in June 2016.  From January 2014 
to May 2016, he served as our Vice President, Finance, Education and from January 2013 to January 2014 as our Vice President, 
Finance, International.  Mr. Pressler served as our Vice President, Finance, Educational Services, K-12 from February 2011 to 
January 2013 and as Associate Vice President, Finance, Educational Services, K-12 from September 2008 to February 2011.

Stephen R. Reynolds was appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in September 2012. Before joining 
us, Mr. Reynolds was an executive with Alcatel-Lucent for seven years, having most recently served as Senior Vice President and 
General Counsel from January 2006 to August 2012.

James J. Tarangelo was appointed Vice President and Treasurer in November 2016. He has been with Aramark since 2003 and has 
held positions of progressive responsibility in operations finance, financial planning and international finance. Mr. Tarangelo served 
as our Vice President, Finance, International from January 2014 to November 2016.  He served as Associate Vice President, 
Planning & Operations Finance from 2013 to 2014 and Associate Vice President, Finance, International from 2008 to 2013.

20        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

PART II

Item 5. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Market Information

Shares of our common stock began trading on December 12, 2013 and are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) 
under the ticker symbol “ARMK.” Prior to that date, there was no public market for our common stock. As of October 27, 2017, 
there were approximately 578 holders of record of our outstanding common stock. This does not include persons who hold our 
common stock in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers or banks. The following table sets forth the high and low 
closing sales prices per share of our common stock during the periods indicated and the amount of cash dividends declared per 
share:

Fiscal Period
Quarter ended January 1, 2016

Quarter ended April 1, 2016

Quarter ended July 1, 2016

Quarter ended September 30, 2016

Quarter ended December 30, 2016

Quarter ended March 31, 2017

Quarter ended June 30, 2017

Quarter ended September 29, 2017

High
$ 33.74

Low
$ 29.24

$ 33.28

$ 29.57

$ 34.16

$ 31.56

$ 38.21

$ 33.12

$ 37.96

$ 33.15

$ 37.51

$ 33.08

$ 41.48

$ 36.11

$ 41.08

$ 38.91

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Cash
Dividend
Declared
Per Share

0.095

0.095

0.095

0.095

0.103

0.103

0.103

0.103

Dividends

The Company declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.103 per share to all common stockholders of record at the close of business 
on November 28, 2016, February 15, 2017, May 17, 2017 and August 16, 2017, which were paid on December 8, 2016, March 1, 
2017, June 6, 2017 and September 5, 2017, respectively. The Company declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.095 per share to all 
common stockholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2015, February 16, 2016, May 18, 2016 and August 16, 
2016, which were paid on December 9, 2015, March 7, 2016, June 7, 2016 and September 6, 2016, respectively. On November 13, 
2017, a $0.105 dividend per share of common stock was declared, payable on December 7, 2017, to shareholders of record on the 
close of business on November 27, 2017.

We intend to continue to pay cash dividends on our common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending 
on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, level of indebtedness, capital requirements, contractual 
restrictions, restrictions in our debt agreements, business prospects and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. 
However, the payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and our Board of Directors may, at 
any time, determine not to continue to declare quarterly dividends.

Our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our main operating subsidiary, Aramark Services, Inc. 
which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of covenants under any existing and future outstanding 
indebtedness of Aramark Services, Inc. In particular, the ability of Aramark Services, Inc. to distribute cash to the Company to pay 
dividends is limited by covenants in Aramark Services, Inc.’s Credit Agreement dated as of March 28, 2017 as amended from time 
to time and the indentures governing the senior notes. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations” for a description of the restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and Note 5 to the audited consolidated 
financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Stock Price Performance

This performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or 
incorporated by reference into any filing of Aramark under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set 
forth by specific reference in such filing.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        21

The following graph shows a comparison from December 12, 2013 (the date our common stock commenced trading on the New 
York Stock Exchange) through September 29, 2017 of the cumulative total return for our common stock, The Standard & Poor’s 
(“S&P”) 500 Stock Index and The Dow Jones Consumer Non-Cyclical Index. The graph assumes that $100 was invested in the 
Company’s common stock and in each index at the market close on December 12, 2013 and assumes that all dividends were 
reinvested. The stock price performance of the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

Aramark

S&P 500

Dow Jones Consumer Non-Cyclical Index

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

December 12,
2013

$100.0

$100.0

$100.0

October 3,
2014
$133.3

October 2,
2015
$152.2

$112.7

$107.8

$114.0

$122.9

September 30,
2016

September 29,
2017

$194.9

$121.3

$125.8

$203.1

$141.9

$140.6

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the fiscal year ended September 29, 2017 which have not been 
previously disclosed in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or a current report on Form 8-K.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

There were no repurchases of equity securities by the Company in the fourth fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2017.

22        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Item 6. 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited 
consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations, and Risk Factors sections, each included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(dollars in millions, except per share
amounts)

Fiscal Year Ended on or near
September 30

(1)

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Income Statement Data:
Sales
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income
Interest and other financing costs, net
Income from continuing operations
Net income
Net income attributable to Aramark stockholders
Basic earnings per share attributable to Aramark
stockholders
Diluted earnings per share attributable to
Aramark stockholders
Cash dividends declared per common share(2)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(3)
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Total assets
Long-term borrowings(4)(5)
Stockholders' Equity(2)(5)

$ 14,604.4
508.2
808.1
287.4
374.2
374.2
373.9

$ 14,415.8
495.8
746.3
315.4
288.2
288.2
287.8

$ 14,329.1
504.0
627.9
285.9
237.0
237.0
235.9

$ 14,832.9
521.6
564.6
334.9
149.5
149.5
149.0

$ 13,945.7
542.1
514.4
423.8
71.4
70.4
69.4

$1.53

$1.49
$0.41
2.4x

$1.19

$1.16
$0.39
2.1x

$0.99

$0.96
$0.35
1.9x

$0.66

$0.63
$0.23
1.5x

$0.34

$0.33
$—
1.2x

$ 11,006.2
5,190.3
2,459.1

$ 10,582.1
5,223.5
2,161.0

$ 10,196.4
5,184.6
1,883.4

$ 10,455.7
5,355.8
1,718.0

$ 10,267.1
5,758.2
903.7

(1)  Our fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest to September 30th. Fiscal years 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 refer to the fiscal 

years ended September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016, October 2, 2015, October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, 
respectively. Fiscal 2014 was a fifty-three week year. All other periods presented were fifty-two week years.

(2)  During fiscal 2017, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $100.8 million ($0.103 per share per quarter). During fiscal 
2016, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $92.1 million ($0.095 per share per quarter). During fiscal 2015, the 
Company paid cash dividends totaling $81.9 million ($0.08625 per share per quarter).  During fiscal 2014, the Company paid 
cash dividends totaling $52.2 million ($0.075 per share during the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014).

(3) 

For the purpose of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings include pre-tax income from continuing 
operations plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest). Fixed charges consist of interest on all indebtedness (including 
capitalized interest) plus that portion of operating lease rentals representative of the interest factor (deemed to be one-third of 
operating lease rentals).

(4)  During fiscal 2013, the Company completed a refinancing, repurchasing Aramark Services, Inc.’s ("ASI") outstanding 8.50% 
Senior Notes due 2015 and Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2015 and the Company's 8.625% / 9.375% Senior Notes due 
2016. The Company refinanced that debt with new term loan borrowings under its senior secured credit facilities and the 
issuance by ASI of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "2020 Notes"). During fiscal 2016, ASI issued $900 million of 5.125% 
Senior Notes due 2024 and $500 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2026 to repay approximately $194.1 million of senior 
secured term loan facility, due September 2019 (the"2019 Term Loans") and redeem approximately $771.2 million aggregate 
principal amount of the 2020 Notes. The Company also made optional prepayments in fiscal 2016 of approximately $160.0 
million of outstanding U.S. dollar term loans and repaid a U.S. dollar denominated term loan of a Canadian subsidiary, due 
July 2016, that had been borrowed under the Company's senior secured credit agreement in the amount of $74.1 million. 
During fiscal 2017, ASI issued $600.0 million of 5.000% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025 (the "5.000% 2025 Notes") and 
Aramark International Finance S.à r.l., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued €325.0 million of 3.125% 
Senior Notes due April 1, 2025 (the "3.125% 2025 Notes" and, together with the 5.000% 2025 Notes, the "2025 Notes"). 
Additionally, ASI and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement on March 28, 2017 (supplemented or 
otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), which replaced the existing Amended and Restated Credit 
Agreement, originally dated January 26, 2007, and last amended on March 28, 2014 (the "Previous Credit Agreement").  On 
September 20, 2017, ASI and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amendment (the "Incremental Amendment No. 1") to 
the Credit Agreement.  Among other things, the Credit Agreement provides for a U.S. dollar denominated term loan to ASI in 
the amount of $633.8 million, due 2022, and $1.4 billion, due 2024; a Canadian dollar denominated term loan to Aramark 
Canada Ltd. in the amount of CAD250.1 million, due 2022 (approximately $200.5 million); a yen denominated term loan to 
ASI in the amount of ¥11,051.5 million, due 2022 (approximately $98.2 million); and a euro denominated term loan to 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        23

 
Aramark Investments Limited, a U.K. borrower, in an amount of €170.0 million, due 2022 (approximately $200.9 million). 
The net proceeds from the 2025 Notes and borrowings from the term loans under the Credit Agreement were used to repay 
outstanding term loans, to redeem ASI's 2020 Notes and to pay certain fees and related expenses. 

(5)  On December 17, 2013, the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of 28,000,000 shares of its common stock 

at a price of $20.00 per share, raising approximately $524.1 million, net of costs directly related to the IPO. The Company 
used the net proceeds to repay borrowings of approximately $154.1 million on the senior secured revolving credit facility and 
$370.0 million of outstanding loans under our senior secured term loan facility.

24        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Item 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of Aramark's (the "Company, "we," "our" and "us") financial condition and results of 
operations for the fiscal years ended September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015 should be read in conjunction 
with Selected Consolidated Financial Data and our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements. 

Our discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as 
our plans, objectives, opinions, expectations, anticipations, intentions and beliefs. Actual results and the timing of events could 
differ materially from those anticipated in those forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set 
forth under "Risk Factors," "Special Note About Forward-looking Statements" and "Business" sections and elsewhere in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K ("Annual Report"). In the following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, 
certain financial measures may be considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under Securities and Exchange Commission 
(“SEC”) rules. These rules require supplemental explanation and reconciliation, which is provided elsewhere in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K. 

Overview

We are a leading global provider of food, facilities and uniform services to education, healthcare, business & industry and sports, 
leisure & corrections clients. Our core market is North America, which is supplemented by an additional 17-country footprint. 
Through our established brand, broad geographic presence and employees, we anchor our business in our partnerships with 
thousands of education, healthcare, business, sports, leisure and corrections clients. Through these partnerships we serve millions of 
consumers including students, patients, employees, sports fans and guests worldwide. 

We operate our business in three reportable segments:

• 

• 

Food and Support Services North America ("FSS North America") - Food, refreshment, specialized dietary and 
support services, including facility maintenance and housekeeping, provided to business, educational and healthcare 
institutions and in sports, leisure and other facilities serving the general public in the United States and Canada.

Food and Support Services International ("FSS International") - Food, refreshment, specialized dietary and support 
services, including facility maintenance and housekeeping, provided to business, educational and healthcare 
institutions and in sports, leisure and other facilities serving the general public. We have operations in 17 countries 
outside FSS North America. Our largest international operations are in the Chile, China, Germany, Ireland and the 
United Kingdom, and in each of these countries we are one of the leading food and/or facility services providers. We 
also have operations in Japan through our 50% ownership of AIM Services Co., Ltd., which is a leader in providing 
outsourced food services in Japan.

•  Uniform and Career Apparel ("Uniform") - Rental, sale, cleaning, maintenance and delivery of personalized uniforms 
and other textile items on a contract basis and direct marketing of personalized uniforms and accessories to clients in a 
wide range of industries in the United States, Puerto Rico, Japan and Canada, including the manufacturing, 
transportation, construction, restaurants and hotels, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. We supply garments, 
other textile and paper products and other accessories through rental and direct purchase programs to businesses, 
public institutions and individuals. 

Our Food and Support Services operations focus on serving clients in five principal sectors: Business & Industry, Education, 
Healthcare, Sports, Leisure & Corrections and Facilities & Other. Our FSS International reportable segment provides a similar range 
of services as those provided to our FSS North America clients and operates in the same sectors although it is more heavily 
weighted towards Business & Industry. Administrative expenses not allocated to our three reportable segments are presented 
separately as corporate expenses. 

Our operating results are affected by the economic conditions being experienced in the countries in which we operate. Across all of 
our businesses, we continue to plan and execute both growth and productivity initiatives and continue to focus on streamlining and 
improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our general and administrative functions through increased standards, process 
improvements, and consolidation. 

As discussed in "Business - Recent Developments", during the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we entered into definitive agreements to 
acquire Avendra and AmeriPride in separate transactions. The Avendra acquisition consideration is $1,350.0 million, subject to 
certain adjustments and provisions, and the AmeriPride acquisition consideration is $1,000.0 million, subject to certain adjustments 
and provisions.  We expect to incur new debt to finance these acquisitions and have received commitments from a group of lenders 
to provide us with term loans of up to $2,350.0 million for this purpose. We expect our earnings for some period following the 
closings to be impacted as a result of the acquisitions, due to, among other factors, transaction and integration costs as well as 
depreciation and amortization resulting from purchasing accounting.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        25

Seasonality

Our sales and operating results have varied from quarter to quarter as a result of different factors. Historically, within our FSS North 
America segment, there has been a lower level of activity during our first and second fiscal quarters in operations that provide 
services to sports and leisure clients. This lower level of activity, historically, has been partially offset during our first and second 
fiscal quarters by the increased activity levels in our educational operations. Conversely, historically, there has been a significant 
increase in the provision of services to sports and leisure clients during our third and fourth fiscal quarters, which is partially offset 
by the effect of summer recess at colleges, universities and schools in our educational operations. 

Sources of Sales

Our clients engage us, generally through written contracts, to provide our services at their locations. Depending on the type of client 
and service, we are paid either by our client or directly by the consumer to whom we have been provided access by our client. We 
typically use either profit and loss contracts or client interest contracts in our FSS North America and FSS International segments. 
These contracts differ in their provision for the amount of financial risk we bear and, accordingly, the potential compensation, 
profits or fees we may receive. Under profit and loss contracts, we receive all of the revenue from, and bear all of the expenses of, 
the provision of our services at a client location. For fiscal 2017, approximately 70% of our FSS North America and FSS 
International sales were derived from profit and loss contracts. Client interest contracts include management fee contracts, under 
which our clients reimburse our operating costs and pay us a management fee, which may be calculated as a fixed dollar amount or 
a percentage of sales or operating costs. Some management fee contracts entitle us to receive incentive fees based upon our 
performance under the contract, as measured by factors such as sales, operating costs and customer satisfaction surveys. For fiscal 
2017, approximately 30% of our FSS North America and FSS International sales were derived from client interest contracts. 

For our Uniform segment, we typically serve our rental clients under written service contracts for an initial term of three to five 
years. As the majority of our clients purchase on a recurring basis, our backlog of orders at any given time consists principally of 
orders in the process of being filled. With the exception of certain governmental bid business, most of our direct marketing business 
is conducted under invoice arrangement with repeat clients. To a large degree, our direct marketing business is relationship-driven. 
While we have long-term relationships with our larger clients, we generally do not have contracts with these clients.

Costs and Expenses

Our costs and expenses are comprised of cost of services provided, depreciation and amortization and selling and general corporate 
expenses. Cost of services provided consists of direct expenses associated with our operations, which includes food costs, wages, 
other labor-related expenses (including workers' compensation, state unemployment insurance and federal or state mandated health 
benefits and other healthcare costs), insurance, fuel, utilities, piece goods and clothing and equipment. Depreciation and 
amortization expenses mainly relate to assets used in generating sales. Selling and general corporate expenses include sales 
commissions, marketing, share-based compensation and other unallocated costs related to administrative functions including 
finance, legal, human resources and information technology.

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

Interest and other financing costs, net, relates primarily to interest expense on long-term borrowings. Interest and other financing 
costs, net also includes third-party costs associated with long-term borrowings that were capitalized and are being amortized over 
the term of the borrowing.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state and local income taxes. Our effective tax rate differs from the 
statutory U.S. income tax rate due to the effect of state and local income taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions, tax credits and 
certain nondeductible expenses. Our effective tax rate will change from quarter to quarter based on recurring and nonrecurring 
factors including, but not limited to, the geographical mix of earnings, state and local income taxes, tax audit settlements, share-
based award exercise activity and enacted tax legislation, including certain business tax credits. Changes in judgment due to the 
evaluation of new information resulting in the recognition, derecognition or remeasurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual 
period are recognized separately in the quarter of the change. 

Foreign Currency Fluctuations

The impact from foreign currency translation assumes constant foreign currency exchange rates based on the rates in effect for the 
current year period being used in translation for the comparable prior year period. We believe that providing the impact of 
fluctuations in foreign currency rates on certain financial results can facilitate analysis of period-to-period comparisons of business 
performance.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year is the fifty-two or fifty-three week period which ends on the Friday nearest to September 30th. The fiscal years 
ended September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015 were each fifty-two week periods.

26        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Results of Operations

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016 

The following tables present an overview of our results on a consolidated and segment basis with the amount of and percentage 
change between periods for the fiscal years 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions).

Sales
Costs and Expenses:

Cost of services provided
Other operating expenses

Operating income

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net
Income Before Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes

Net income

$

Sales by Segment(1)
FSS North America
FSS International

Uniform

Operating Income by Segment
FSS North America
FSS International

Uniform

Corporate

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
14,604.4
$

September 30, 2016
14,415.8
$

$

$

188.6

%

12,989.0
807.3
13,796.3
808.1
287.4
520.7
146.5
374.2

$

12,890.4
779.1
13,669.5
746.3
315.4
430.9
142.7
288.2

$

$

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
10,231.5
$

September 30, 2016
10,122.3
$

2,808.2

1,564.7

2,729.8

1,563.7

$

14,604.4

$

14,415.8

$

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
621.9
$

September 30, 2016
546.4
$

137.0

182.3
(133.1)
808.1

$

129.1

195.3
(124.5)
746.3

$

$

$

1 %

1 %
4 %
1 %
8 %
(9)%
21 %
3 %
30 %

1%

3%

—%

1%

14%

6%

(7%)

7%

8%

98.6
28.2
126.8
61.8
(28.0)
89.8
3.8
86.0

109.2

78.4

1.0

188.6

75.5

7.9
(13.0)
(8.6)
61.8

$

$

%

%

(1) As a percentage of total sales, FSS North America represented 70%, FSS International represented 19% and Uniform represented 11% for both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 
2016, respectively.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        27

Consolidated Overview

Sales increased approximately 1% during fiscal 2017. Sales were primarily impacted by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

growth in the Sports, Leisure & Corrections sector partially offset by a decrease in the Healthcare sector in the FSS North 
America segment;

growth in Ireland and Germany partially offset by a decrease in the U.K. in the FSS International segment; 

the adverse impact of natural disasters (estimated to be $25 million); and

the negative impact of foreign currency translation of approximately $72 million (approximately -1%).

Cost of services provided was $13.0 billion for fiscal 2017 and $12.9 billion for fiscal 2016. Cost of services provided as a 
percentage of sales was 89% in both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. Cost of services provided was impacted by most of the items 
discussed below for operating income. The following table presents the percentages attributable to the components in cost of 
services provided for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. 

Cost of services provided components
Food and support service costs
Personnel costs
Other direct costs

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

26%
47%
27%

100%

27%
47%
26%

100%

Operating income increased approximately 8% during fiscal 2017. The increase in operating income was impacted by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

profit growth in the FSS North America and FSS International segments;

a decrease in acquisition-related amortization expense ($20.6 million);

the prior year charges related to the sale of one of our buildings (approximately $6.8 million) and asset write-offs, mainly 
in the Uniform segment (approximately $7.0 million); and

a gain from a retrospective refund under our casualty insurance program related to favorable loss experience in a prior year 
(approximately $6.5 million); which more than offset

the adverse impact of natural disasters (estimated to be $17 million, which includes approximately $6.1 million in asset 
write-downs);

a profit decline in the Uniform segment; 

an increase in the loss related to the change in fair value of certain gasoline and diesel agreements (approximately $8.7 
million); and

an increase in share-based compensation (approximately $8.2 million).

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net, decreased 9% during fiscal 2017. The decrease during fiscal 2017 was primarily due to 
lower weighted average interest rates from refinancing activity during fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 include charges 
related to refinancing activities of approximately $31.5 million and $30.2 million, respectively. Beginning in fiscal 2018, we 
anticipate additional Interest and Other Financing Costs, net arising from the new borrowings we expect to incur to acquire Avendra 
and AmeriPride.

The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2017 was 28.1% compared to 33.1% in the prior year. The decrease in the effective tax rate 
is primarily due to the $23.3 million tax benefit recognized for fiscal 2017 as a result of the adoption of the accounting standards 
update related to share-based payment transactions (see Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements) and from the impact 
of certain permanently reinvested foreign earnings.

Segment Results

FSS North America Segment

The FSS North America reportable segment consists of five operating segments which have similar economic characteristics and are 
aggregated into a single operating segment. The five operating segments or sectors of the FSS North America reportable segment 
are Business & Industry, Education, Healthcare, Sports, Leisure & Corrections and Facilities & Other. 

28        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Sales for each of these sectors are summarized as follows (in millions):

Business & Industry

Education

Healthcare

Sports, Leisure & Corrections

Facilities & Other

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
1,536.2
$

September 30, 2016 *
$

1,522.0

3,063.5

1,274.1

2,354.6

2,003.1

3,026.4

1,350.1

2,191.1

2,032.7

10,122.3
*Prior year amounts have been restated to reflect current period classification due to an internal reorganization related to Facilities & 
Other beginning in fiscal 2017.

10,231.5

$

$

The Healthcare and Education sectors generally have high-single digit operating income margins and the Business & Industry, 
Sports, Leisure & Corrections and Facilities & Other sectors generally have mid-single digit operating income margins. 

FSS North America segment sales increased 1% during fiscal 2017. Business & Industry sector sales increased approximately 1% 
during fiscal 2017 due to net new business and base business growth. Education sector sales increased approximately 1% during 
fiscal 2017 due to base business growth. Healthcare sector sales declined approximately 6% during fiscal 2017 due to net lost 
business. Sports, Leisure & Corrections sector sales increased approximately 7% during fiscal 2017 due to net new business and 
base business growth across the sector. Facilities & Other sector sales declined approximately 1% during fiscal 2017 due to net lost 
business.

Cost of services provided was $9.1 billion for both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. Cost of services provided as a percentage of sales 
was 89% in fiscal 2017 compared to 90% in fiscal 2016. Cost of services provided was impacted by most of the items discussed 
below for operating income.

Operating income increased approximately 14% during fiscal 2017. The increase in operating income was impacted by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

strategic focus around procurement and labor management initiatives in base business;

a decrease in acquisition-related amortization expense (approximately $21.0 million);

the prior year charges related to the sale of one of our buildings (approximately $6.8 million); 

a decrease in severance-related charges (approximately $6.5 million);

prior year multiemployer pension plan charges (approximately $2.3 million); and

a gain from a retrospective refund under our casualty insurance program related to favorable loss experience in a prior year 
(approximately $4.0 million); which more than offset

the adverse impact of natural disasters (estimated to be $8 million); and

profit decline in our Healthcare and Facilities & Other sectors.

FSS International Segment

Sales in the FSS International segment increased 3% during fiscal 2017. The increase was impacted by:

• 

• 

• 

sales growth in Ireland, Germany, Spain, China and Korea and acquisitions (approximately 1%); which was partially offset 
by

a sales decline in the U.K. and South America; and 

the negative impact of foreign currency translation (approximately $77 million or -3%).

Cost of services provided was $2.6 billion for fiscal 2017 compared to $2.5 billion in the prior year. Cost of services provided as a 
percentage of sales was 93% in both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. Cost of services provided was impacted by the items discussed 
below for operating income.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        29

Operating income increased approximately 6% during fiscal 2017. The increase in operating income was impacted by:

• 

• 

• 

profit growth in Germany, China and South America; which was partially offset by 

a profit decline in the U.K.; and 

the negative impact of foreign currency translation (approximately $1.8 million or -1%).

Fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 include severance related charges of approximately $10.7 million and $9.9 million, respectively.

Uniform Segment

Uniform segment sales for fiscal 2017 were comparable to fiscal 2016.

Cost of services provided was $1.2 billion for both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. Cost of services provided as a percentage of sales 
was 79% in both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. Cost of services provided was impacted by the items discussed below for operating 
income.

Fiscal 2017 operating income decreased approximately 7% compared to fiscal 2016. The decrease in operating income was 
impacted by:

• 

• 

• 

the adverse impact of natural disasters, primarily on our operations in Puerto Rico (estimated to be $8 million, including 
$6.1 million of asset write-downs); and

installation costs related to the onboarding of new business; which was partially offset by

the prior year charge to write-off impaired assets (approximately $6.0 million).

Operating income in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 includes severance related charges of approximately $1.1 million and $2.5 million, 
respectively. 

Corporate

Corporate expenses, those administrative expenses not allocated to the business segments, increased approximately 7% during fiscal 
2017. The increase is primarily due to the impact of:

• 

• 

• 

an increase in the loss related to the change in fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel agreements (approximately 
$8.7 million); and

an increase in share-based compensation expense mainly related to performance stock awards (approximately $8.2 
million); which more than offset

a decrease in consulting costs (approximately $9.1 million).

Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015 

The following tables present an overview of our results on a consolidated and segment basis with the amount of and percentage 
change between periods for the fiscal years 2016 and 2015 (dollars in millions).

Sales

Cost and Expenses:

Cost of service provided

Other operating expenses

Operating income

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

Income Before Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

Net income

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016
14,415.8
$

October 2, 2015
14,329.1

$

$

$

86.7

%

12,890.4

779.1

13,669.5

746.3

315.4

430.9

142.7

12,880.4

820.8

13,701.2

627.9

285.9

342.0

105.0

$

288.2

$

237.0

$

10.0
(41.7)
(31.7)
118.4

29.5

88.9

37.7

51.2

1 %

— %

(5)%

— %

19 %

10 %

26 %

36 %

22 %

30        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Sales by Segment
FSS North America
FSS International
Uniform

Operating Income by Segment
FSS North America
FSS International
Uniform
Corporate

Consolidated Overview

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016
10,122.3
$
2,729.8
1,563.7
14,415.8

$

October 2, 2015
9,950.3
$
2,858.2
1,520.6
14,329.1

$

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016
546.4
$
129.1
195.3
(124.5)
746.3

$

October 2, 2015
494.5
$
95.3
191.8
(153.7)
627.9

$

$

$

$

$

$

%

172.0
(128.4)
43.1
86.7

$

%

51.9
33.8
3.5
29.2
118.4

2 %
(4)%
3 %
1 %

10 %
35 %
2 %
(19)%
19 %

Sales of $14.4 billion for fiscal 2016 represented an increase of approximately 1% over the prior year. This increase is primarily 
attributable to growth in the Sports, Leisure & Corrections and Education sectors, growth in Ireland, Spain, China and Mexico, and 
growth in our Uniform segment. This increase was partially offset by the decision to exit certain operations within the FSS 
International segment, a sales decline in the Business & Industry and Healthcare sectors, and the U.K. and the negative impact of 
foreign currency translation of approximately $259 million (approximately -2%).

Cost of services provided was $12.9 billion for fiscal 2016, and was consistent compared with prior year. Cost of services provided 
as a percentage of sales was 89% in fiscal 2016 compared to 90% in fiscal 2015. Food and support service costs comprised 
approximately 27% of Cost of services provided, personnel costs comprised approximately 47% of Cost of services provided, and 
other direct costs comprised the remaining approximately 26% of Cost of services provided for both fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. 
Cost of services provided was impacted by the items discussed below for operating income.

Operating income of $746.3 million for fiscal 2016 represented an increase of approximately 19% from the prior year. The increase 
is primarily attributable to profit growth in our Education and Sports, Leisure & Corrections sectors in the FSS North America 
segment, profit growth in South America, China and our 50% ownership of AIM Services Co., Ltd. in Japan, cost reductions from 
streamlining our general and administrative functions, a decrease in acquisition-related amortization expense (approximately $31.9 
million), the prior year charges associated with asset write-downs in the FSS North America and FSS International segments 
(approximately $16.2 million), an increase from the gain related to the change in the fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel 
agreement (approximately $10.9 million), and a decrease in share-based compensation expense mainly from the prior year vesting 
of outstanding performance-based options from a return-based event (approximately $9.5 million), which more than offset assets 
write-offs, mainly in the Uniform segment (approximately $7.0 million), a profit decline in the Healthcare sector, and the negative 
impact of foreign currency translation of approximately $12 million (approximately -2%).

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net, for fiscal 2016 increased approximately $29.5 million from the prior year primarily due to 
the partial paydown of the senior secured term loans, due September 2019 (the "2019 Term Loans") and the 5.75% Senior Notes due 
March 2020 (the "2020 Notes"), which resulted in charges of approximately $30.2 million, consisting of $22.2 million for the call 
premium on the 2020 Notes and $8.0 million of non-cash charges for the write-off of debt issuance costs and debt discount on the 
2020 Notes and 2019 Term Loans.

The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2016 was 33.1% compared to 30.7% in the prior year. The increase in the effective tax rate is 
primarily due to the prior year benefits of $6 million in connection with the sale of the India subsidiary due to the tax basis 
exceeding the book basis of the subsidiary and $2.6 million from cash distributions received from the company’s 50% ownership 
interest in AIM Services Co., Ltd. from the recovery of Japanese taxes paid in excess of the U.S. tax rate.

Net income for fiscal 2016 was $288.2 million compared to $237.0 million in the prior year. Net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2016 was $0.4 million compared to $1.0 million in the prior year. 

Segment Results

FSS North America Segment

The FSS North America reportable segment consists of five operating segments which have similar economic characteristics and are 
aggregated into a single operating segment. The four operating segments or sectors of the FSS North America reportable segment 
are Business & Industry; Education; Healthcare; Sports, Leisure & Corrections; and Facilities & Other.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        31

Sales for each of these sectors are summarized as follows (in millions):

Business & Industry

Education

Healthcare

Sports, Leisure & Corrections

Facilities & Other

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016*
1,522.0
$

$

3,026.4

1,350.1

2,191.1

2,032.7

$

10,122.3

$

October 2, 2015*

1,558.4

2,895.2

1,375.7

2,001.1

2,119.9

9,950.3

*Amounts have been restated to reflect current period classification due to an internal reorganization related to Facilities & Other beginning in fiscal
2017.

The Healthcare and Education sectors generally have high-single digit operating income margins and the Business & Industry, 
Sports, Leisure & Corrections and Facilities & Other sectors generally have mid-single digit operating income margins. 

FSS North America segment sales for fiscal 2016 increased 2% over the prior period, primarily due to growth in our Education and 
Sports, Leisure & Corrections sectors, partially offset by a sales decline in our Facilities & Other, Healthcare and Business & 
Industry sectors, and the negative impact of foreign currency translation of approximately $55 million (approximately -1%).

The Business & Industry sector had a sales decrease of approximately 2% over the prior period, primarily due to a decline in base 
business. 

The Education sector had a sales increase of approximately 5% over the prior period, primarily due to growth in base business 
within our higher education business and net new business within our higher education and K-12 businesses.

The Healthcare sector had a sales decrease of approximately 2% over the prior period, primarily due to growth in base business 
within our technologies business, which was more than offset by the impact of lost business.

The Sports, Leisure & Corrections sector had a sales increase of approximately 9% over the prior period, primarily due to new 
business within our leisure business and base business growth in the stadiums and arenas we serve, which more than offset an 
account we exited in the corrections business and net lost business in the stadiums and arenas we serve.

The Facilities & Other sector had a sales decrease of approximately 4% over the prior year period primarily due to our remote 
services business in Canada due to camp shut downs and reduced employee headcount at our clients resulting from the economic 
downturn in the oil and gas industry.

Cost of services provided was $9.1 billion for fiscal 2016 compared to $9.0 billion for the prior year. Cost of services provided as a 
percentage of sales was 90% in both fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. Cost of services provided was impacted by the items discussed 
below for operating income. 

Operating income for fiscal 2016 was $546.4 million compared to $494.5 million in the prior year. This increase is primarily 
attributable to profit growth in our Education and Sports, Leisure & Corrections sectors, cost reductions from streamlining our 
general and administrative functions, a decrease in acquisition-related amortization expense (approximately $30.7 million), a 
decrease in consulting costs (approximately $2.7 million), and the prior year charge to write-off idle service equipment ($6.0 
million). This increase was partially offset by profit decline in our Healthcare sector, an increase in severance related costs 
(approximately $8.9 million), expenses associated with acquisition costs (approximately $3.5 million), multiemployer pension plan 
withdrawal charges (approximately $2.3 million), the prior year gain on a sale of a property (approximately $3.1 million), the 
negative impact of foreign currency translation of approximately $6 million (approximately -1%), and prior year income from 
favorable insurance adjustments related to claims experience (approximately $7.1 million).

During fiscal 2016, we sold one of our buildings for cash proceeds of approximately $9.5 million. A loss was recorded of 
approximately $6.8 million during fiscal 2016 related to the sale and other asset write-offs. During fiscal 2015, we recorded an 
impairment charge of approximately $8.7 million to write down the book value of the building to its estimated fair value at the time.

FSS International Segment

Sales in the FSS International segment for fiscal 2016 decreased 4% compared to the prior year, as the negative impact of foreign 
currency translation (approximately $204 million or -7%) and the sales decline in the U.K., primarily from the economic downturn 
in the oil and gas industry, more than offset growth in China, Ireland, Spain, Mexico and the positive impact of the Avoca 
Handweavers Limited ("Avoca") acquisition (approximately 2%).

Cost of services provided was $2.5 billion for fiscal 2016 compared to $2.7 billion in the prior year. Cost of services provided as a 
percentage of sales was 93% in fiscal 2016 compared to 94% in fiscal 2015. Cost of services provided was impacted by the items 
discussed below for operating income.

32        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Operating income for fiscal 2016 was $129.1 million compared to $95.3 million in the prior year. This increase is primarily 
attributable to profit growth in South America, Germany, the U.K., China and our 50% ownership of AIM Services Co., Ltd. in 
Japan, the decrease in severance and related costs (other than the prior year severance charges incurred related to exiting certain 
operations) (approximately $6.9 million), the prior year impact of charges associated with severance, asset write-downs and certain 
other exit costs related to exiting certain operations (approximately $14.6 million), and the prior year impact of the loss associated 
with the divestiture of India (approximately $4.3 million), which more than offset the negative impact of foreign currency 
translation of approximately $7 million (approximately -7%).

Uniform Segment

Uniform segment sales increased 3% for fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year, resulting primarily from growth in our uniform 
rental base business.

Cost of services provided was $1.2 billion in both fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. Cost of services provided as a percentage of sales was 
79% in fiscal 2016 compared to 78% in fiscal 2015. Cost of services provided was impacted by the items discussed below for 
operating income. 

Operating income for fiscal 2016 was $195.3 million compared to 191.8 million in the prior year. This increase is primarily 
attributable to growth in the uniform rental business and merchandise and plant productivity initiatives, capacity expansion and 
increased automation, which was partially offset by a charge to write-off impaired assets (approximately $6.0 million). Operating 
income in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 includes $2.5 million and $2.3 million of severance and related costs, respectively. Operating 
income for fiscal 2015 includes a favorable insurance adjustment related to claims experience of approximately $2.7 million.

Corporate

Corporate expenses, those administrative expenses not allocated to the business segments, were $124.5 million in fiscal 2016, 
compared to $153.7 million for the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in our stock based compensation expense 
mainly from the prior year vesting of outstanding performance-based options from a return-based event (approximately $9.5 
million), an increase from the gain related to the change in the fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel agreement 
(approximately $10.9 million), a decrease in consulting costs (approximately $3.2 million), and cost reductions from streamlining 
our general and administrative functions (approximately $3.8 million).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash generated from operating activities, funds from borrowings and existing cash on hand. As 
of September 29, 2017, we had $238.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $998.5 million of availability under 
our senior secured revolving credit facility. As of September 29, 2017, there was approximately $881.8 million of outstanding 
foreign currency borrowings.

We believe that our cash flow from operations, cash and cash equivalents and the unused portion of our committed credit 
availability under the senior secured revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet anticipated cash requirements to fund working 
capital, capital spending, debt service obligations, refinancings, dividends and other cash needs.  Undistributed earnings of certain 
foreign subsidiaries for which no deferred tax liability was recorded amounted to approximately $40 million at September 29, 2017. 
Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no deferred income taxes have been provided thereon. 
As part of our ongoing liquidity assessments, we routinely monitor our cash flow (including the mix of domestic and international 
inflows and outflows) and the condition of the capital markets in order to be prepared to respond to changing conditions.  As 
discussed above, we have received bank term loan commitments to finance the Avendra and AmeriPride acquisitions.

The table below summarizes our cash activity (in millions):

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
1,053.4
$
(678.5)
(288.7)

September 30, 2016
867.3
$
(679.7)
(157.4)

$

October 2, 2015

802.2
(504.3)
(287.1)

Reference to the audited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows will facilitate understanding of the discussion that follows. In the 
first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company early adopted the accounting standard update related to share-based payment transactions. 
Upon adoption, the Company applied the guidance related to the presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on a 
retrospective basis. The excess tax benefits of $23.3 million, $32.0 million and $66.3 million for share-based awards are included in 
operating activities, previously classified in financing activities, and approximately $24.7 million, $28.7 million and $52.8 million 
of cash paid for employee taxes for withheld shares are included in financing activities, previously classified in operating activities, 
for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively (see Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements).

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        33

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

During fiscal 2017, there was an increase in the total of net income and non cash charges compared to fiscal 2016 as discussed 
above. The change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $118.8 million compared to fiscal 2016, is primarily due to 
the following:

• 

Prepayments being a source of cash compared to a use of cash in the prior year due to the timing of prepayments made at 
the end of fiscal 2016 related to interest, insurance premiums and income and non-income related tax payments; and

•  Accounts payable being a greater source of cash compared to the prior year due to the timing of disbursements, extension 

of certain payment terms and new business; partially offset by

•  Accounts receivable were a greater use of cash compared to the prior year due to timing of collections and new business; 

and 

•  Accrued expenses were less of a source of cash compared to the prior year due to a decrease in payroll related accruals 

offset by timing of client advances and interest payments.

During fiscal 2017, the Company received proceeds of approximately $9.7 million related to our casualty insurance program from 
our loss experience being favorable related to a prior year. The "Other operating activities" caption in the Consolidated Statements 
of Cash Flows was a greater source of cash compared to fiscal 2016 due to the timing of payments related to our casualty insurance 
program. The "Other operating activities" caption for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 also reflects the adjustments to net income in both 
periods related to certain financing charges in connection with our refinancing activities (see Note 5 to the audited consolidated 
financial statements).

During fiscal 2016, the total of net income and non cash charges increased compared to fiscal 2015, resulting from the higher 
operating results. The change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $3.9 million compared to the prior year period 
relates primarily to Accrued Expenses being a source of cash compared to a use of cash in the prior year primarily due to a decrease 
in commission payments mainly from a prior year lost client in the Sports, Leisure & Corrections sector, timing of deferred income 
payments, timing of interest payments and timing of other accrued expenses; and Accounts Payable being less of a use of cash 
compared to the prior year due to the timing of disbursements and less employee taxes paid from exercises of share-based awards 
compared to the prior year; partially offset by Accounts Receivable were a use of cash due to timing of collections, mainly from the 
fiscal 2015 cash receipts related to a one-time facility project in the Business & Industry sector; and Prepayments were a use of cash 
primarily due to prepayments of income and non-income related taxes, interest on the U.S. dollar denominated term loan and 
insurance premiums.

During fiscal 2016, we made voluntary contributions to our defined benefit pension plans of approximately $19.8 million.

During fiscal 2015, the total of net income and non cash charges was consistent compared to fiscal 2014. The increase in cash 
provided by operating activities compared to fiscal 2014 relates primarily to accounts receivable being a source of cash due to 
timing of collections (approximately $308.0 million), mainly from a one-time facility project in the Business & Industry sector, 
accrued expenses being a source of cash due to the impact of prior year medical insurance payments by switching from being self-
insured to fully-insured (approximately $42.8 million), the timing of interest payments primarily from the 53rd week in fiscal 2014 
(approximately $45.9 million); partially offset by lower accruals for commissions, mainly from a lost client in the Sports, Leisure 
and Corrections sector ($25.9 million) and prepayments being a source of cash primarily due to changes in the timing of income 
taxes (approximately $64.4 million), partially offset by accounts payable being a use of cash due to the timing of disbursements 
(approximately $108.9 million).

During fiscal 2015, we received proceeds of approximately $9.2 million from a retrospective refund under our casualty insurance 
program related to prior year favorable loss experience and cash distributions of approximately $22.2 million from AIM Services 
Co., Ltd. In addition, during fiscal 2015, we made voluntary contributions to our defined benefit pension plans of approximately 
$45.0 million.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Fiscal 2017 use of cash in investing activities was comparable with fiscal 2016 primarily due to higher levels of capital expenditures 
offset by a decrease in the level of spending for acquisitions. 

Fiscal 2016 use of cash in investing activities increased approximately 35% compared with fiscal 2015 primarily due to the 
acquisitions of Avoca in the FSS International segment for approximately $65.8 million and HPSI, a group purchasing organization, 
in the FSS North America segment for $140.0 million, partially offset by lower net capital expenditures, which includes the 
proceeds from the sale of a building in our FSS North America segment of approximately $9.5 million.

Fiscal 2015 use of cash in investing activities was relatively stable compared with fiscal 2014 as the decline in fiscal 2015 of 
purchases of property and equipment, client contract investments and other and business acquisitions was offset by lower proceeds 
in fiscal 2015 from the disposal of property and equipment and divestitures.  

34        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Cash Flows Used In Financing Activities

During fiscal 2017, cash used in financing activities was impacted by the following (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial 
statements):

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

issuance of $600 million of 5.000% Senior Notes due April 2025;

issuance of €325.0 of 3.125% Senior Notes due April 2025;

issuance of $2.0 billion of new U.S. term loans, CAD250.1 million ($200.5 million) of term loan denominated in Canadian 
dollars, ¥11,051.5 million ($98.2 million) of term loans denominated in yen and €170.0 million ($200.9 million of euro 
denominated term loan;

repayment of all existing term loan facilities under the Company's existing senior secured credit facilities; 

repayment of the 5.750% Senior Notes, due March 2020; 

payment of fees and expenses related to the refinancing activities (approximately $44.4 million); and

proceeds from the sale of buildings in our FSS International segment (approximately $30.1 million).

During fiscal 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program providing for purchases of up to $250 
million of Aramark common stock during fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018. The Company repurchased approximately 2.8 million shares 
of its common stock for $100.0 million in fiscal 2017. We may utilize various methods to effect repurchases of our common stock 
under the repurchase program, which could include open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions, block transactions, 
accelerated share repurchase or open market solicitations for shares, some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 
plans.  Repurchases will be made at our discretion, based on ongoing assessments of the capital needs of the business, the market 
price of our common stock and general market conditions. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Currently, 
we do not expect further share repurchase activity under this program due to the pending acquisitions of Avendra and AmeriPride.

During fiscal 2016, cash used in financing activities was impacted by the issuance of $900 million of 5.125% Senior Notes due 
January 2024 and $500 million of 4.750% Senior Notes due June 2026, repayment of approximately $771.2 million aggregate 
principal amount of the 2020 Notes; optional prepayments of outstanding 2019 Term Loans of approximately $354.1 million; 
payment of of financing fees from the debt issuances during fiscal 2016 of approximately $20.2 million; call premium payment of 
$22.2 million from repayment of the 2020 Notes and the repayment of a U.S. dollar denominated term loan of a Canadian subsidiary 
in the amount of $74.1 million.

During fiscal 2015, cash used in financing activities was impacted by the repayment of approximately $209.6 million on the senior 
secured term loan facility and payment of approximately $48.5 million for a repurchase of 1.5 million shares of our common stock.

Covenant Compliance

The Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability 
and the ability of our subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock or provide guarantees; create liens on 
assets; engage in mergers or consolidations; sell assets; pay dividends, make distributions or repurchase our capital stock; make 
investments, loans or advances; repay or repurchase any subordinated debt, except as scheduled or at maturity; create restrictions on 
the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our restricted subsidiaries; make certain acquisitions; engage in certain 
transactions with affiliates; amend material agreements governing our subordinated debt (or any indebtedness that refinances the 
subordinated debt); and fundamentally change our business. The indentures governing our senior notes contain similar provisions. 
As of September 29, 2017, we were in compliance with these covenants.

As stated above, the Credit Agreement and the indentures governing our senior notes contain provisions that restrict our ability to 
pay dividends and repurchase stock (collectively, "Restricted Payments").  In addition to customary exceptions, the Credit 
Agreement and indentures permit Restricted Payments in the aggregate up to an amount that increases quarterly by 50% of our 
Consolidated Net Income, as such term is defined in these debt agreements, subject to being in compliance with the interest 
coverage ratio described below.

Under the Credit Agreement, we are required to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other financial condition tests and 
covenants. The indentures governing our senior notes also require us to comply with certain financial ratios in order to take certain 
actions. Our continued ability to meet those financial ratios, tests and covenants can be affected by events beyond our control, and 
there can be no assurance that we will meet those ratios, tests and covenants.

These financial ratios, tests and covenants involve the calculation of certain measures that we refer to in this discussion as 
"Covenant Adjusted EBITDA." Covenant Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under U.S. GAAP. 
Covenant Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) of Aramark Services, Inc. and its restricted subsidiaries plus interest and 
other financing costs, net, provision (benefit) for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to give effect to 
adjustments required in calculating covenant ratios and compliance under our Credit Agreement and the indentures governing our 
senior notes.

Our presentation of these measures has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute 
for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. You should not consider these measures as alternatives to net income or 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        35

operating income determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, as presented by us, may not be 
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies because not all companies use identical calculations.

The following is a reconciliation of net income attributable to Aramark Services, Inc. stockholder, which is a U.S. GAAP measure 
of Aramark Services, Inc.’s operating results, to Covenant Adjusted EBITDA as defined in our debt agreements. The terms and 
related calculations are defined in the Credit Agreement and the indentures governing our senior notes. Covenant Adjusted EBITDA 
is a measure of Aramark Services, Inc. and its restricted subsidiaries only and does not include the results of Aramark.

(in millions)
Net income attributable to Aramark Services, Inc. stockholder

Interest and other financing costs, net

Provision for income taxes

Depreciation and amortization

Share-based compensation expense(1) 
Unusual or non-recurring (gains)/losses(2)  
Pro forma EBITDA for equity method investees(3) 
Pro forma EBITDA for certain transactions(4)

Other(5)
Covenant Adjusted EBITDA

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

$

373.9

$

287.8

$

287.4

146.5

508.2
65.2

—

14.2

—
36.8

315.4

142.7

495.8
56.9

—

14.3

4.1
35.4

235.9

285.9

105.0

504.0
66.4
(3.9)
14.8

—
58.9

$

1,432.2

$

1,352.4

$

1,267.0

(1)  Represents share-based compensation expense resulting from the application of accounting for stock options, restricted stock 

units, performance stock, performance stock units and deferred stock unit awards (see Note 10 to the audited consolidated 
financial statements). 

(2) 

Fiscal 2015 includes other income of approximately $2.0 million related to our investment (possessory interest) at one of our 
National Parks Service ("NPS") client sites in our Sports, Leisure & Corrections sector and a net of tax gain of approximately 
$1.9 million related to the sale of a building in our Healthcare sector. 

(3)  Represents our estimated share of EBITDA, primarily from our AIM Services Co., Ltd. equity method investment, not 

already reflected in our Covenant Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA for this equity method investee is calculated in a manner 
consistent with consolidated Covenant Adjusted EBITDA but does not represent cash distributions received from this 
investee. 

(4)  Represents the annualizing of net EBITDA from acquisitions made during the period. 

(5)  Other includes organizational streamlining initiatives ($19.4 million for fiscal 2017, $24.9 million for fiscal 2016 and $27.5 
million for fiscal 2015), the impact of the change in fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel agreements ($0.4 million 
loss for fiscal 2017, $8.3 million gain for fiscal 2016 and $2.6 million loss for fiscal 2015), expenses related to acquisition 
costs ($2.6 million for fiscal 2017, $3.9 million for fiscal 2016 and $0.4 million for fiscal 2015), estimated impact from 
natural disasters ($17.0 million, of which $6.1 million relates to asset write-downs, for fiscal 2017), property and other asset 
write-downs associated with the sale of a building ($6.8 million for fiscal 2016 and $8.7 million for fiscal 2015), other asset 
write-offs ($5.0 million for fiscal 2016 and $16.2 million for fiscal 2015), expenses related to secondary offerings of common 
stock by certain of our stockholders ($2.2 million for fiscal 2015) and other miscellaneous expenses.

Our covenant requirements and actual ratios for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2017 are as follows: 

Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio(1)
Interest Coverage Ratio (Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio)(2)

Covenant
Requirements

Actual
Ratios

5.125x

2.00x

1.87x

5.82x

(1) 

The Credit Agreement requires ASI to maintain a maximum Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio, defined as consolidated total 
indebtedness secured by a lien to Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, of 5.125x. Consolidated total indebtedness secured by a lien 
is defined in the Credit Agreement as total indebtedness consisting of debt for borrowed money, capital leases, debt in respect 
of sale-leaseback transactions, disqualified and preferred stock and advances under the Receivables Facility secured by a lien 
reduced by the amount of cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet that is free and clear of any lien. Non-
compliance with the maximum Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio could result in the requirement to immediately repay all 
amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement, which, if ASI's lenders under the Credit Agreement (other than the lenders 
in respect of ASI’s U.S. Term Loan B, which lenders do not benefit from the maximum Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio 
covenant) failed to waive any such default, would also constitute a default under the indentures governing our senior notes. 

(2)  Our Credit Agreement establishes an incurrence-based minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, defined as Covenant Adjusted 

EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, the achievement of which is a condition for us to incur additional indebtedness and 

36        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

to make certain restricted payments. If we do not maintain this minimum Interest Coverage Ratio calculated on a pro forma 
basis for any such additional indebtedness or restricted payments, we could be prohibited from being able to incur additional 
indebtedness, other than the incremental capacity provided for under the Credit Agreement and pursuant to specified 
exceptions, and make certain restricted payments, other than pursuant to certain exceptions. The minimum Interest Coverage 
Ratio is 2.00x for the term of the Credit Agreement. Consolidated interest expense is defined in the Credit Agreement as 
consolidated interest expense excluding interest income, adjusted for acquisitions and dispositions, further adjusted for 
certain non-cash or nonrecurring interest expense and our estimated share of interest expense from one equity method 
investee. The indentures governing our senior notes includes a similar requirement which is referred to as a Fixed Charge 
Coverage Ratio. 

The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates may from time to time, in their sole discretion, purchase, repay, redeem or retire any 
of our outstanding debt securities (including any publicly issued debt securities), in privately negotiated or open market transactions, 
by tender offer or otherwise, or extend or refinance any of our outstanding indebtedness. 

The following table summarizes our future obligations for debt repayments, capital leases, estimated interest payments, future 
minimum rental and similar commitments under noncancelable operating leases as well as contingent obligations related to 
outstanding letters of credit and guarantees as of September 29, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

Contractual Obligations as of September 29, 2017
Long-term borrowings(1)
Capital lease obligations
Estimated interest payments(2)
Operating leases and other noncancelable commitments
Purchase obligations(3)
Other liabilities(4)

Other Commercial Commitments as of September 29, 2017
Letters of credit
Guarantees

Payments Due by Period

Total
$5,186,427
114,400
1,219,500
623,481
962,902
241,600
$8,348,310

Less than
1 year
$ 55,864
22,293
196,100
213,414
417,211
47,800
$ 952,682

1-3 years
$ 415,027
38,650
376,400
129,096
377,457
19,300
$1,355,930

3-5 years
$ 920,956
24,230
342,400
78,467
71,405
11,300
$1,448,758

More than
5 years
$3,794,580
29,227
304,600
202,504
96,829
163,200
$4,590,940

Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period

Total
Amounts
Committed
33,107
$
—
33,107

$

Less than
1 year
$ 33,107
—
$ 33,107

$

$

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than
5 years

— $
—
— $

— $
—
— $

—
—
—

(1) 

(2) 

Excludes the $47.2 million reduction to long-term borrowings from debt discounts and deferred financing fees and the 
increase of $14.9 million from the unamortized premium on the 2024 Notes.

These amounts represent future interest payments related to our existing debt obligations based on fixed and variable interest 
rates specified in the associated debt agreements. Payments related to variable debt are based on applicable rates at 
September 29, 2017 plus the specified margin in the associated debt agreements for each period presented. The amounts 
provided relate only to existing debt obligations and do not assume the refinancing or replacement of such debt. The average 
debt balance for each fiscal year from 2018 through 2023 is $4,885.9 million, $4,814.8 million, $4,719.9 million, $4,594.4 
million, $4,466.4 million and $3,686.1 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate of our existing debt 
obligations for each fiscal year from 2018 through 2023 is 4.01%, 3.94%, 3.96%, 3.87%, 3.68% and 4.18%, respectively (See 
Note 5 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the terms and maturities of existing debt obligations).

(3)  Represents commitments for capital projects and client contract investments to help finance improvements or renovations at 

the facilities in which we operate as well as for purchases of certain vendors' products.

(4) 

Includes certain unfunded employee retirement and severance related obligations.

We have excluded from the table above uncertain tax liabilities due to the uncertainty of the amount and period of payment. As of 
September 29, 2017, we have gross uncertain tax liabilities of $30.8 million (see Note 8 to the audited consolidated financial 
statements). During fiscal 2017, we made contributions totaling $4.3 million into our defined benefit pension plans and benefit 
payments and settlements of $14.3 million out of these plans. Estimated contributions to our defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 
2018 are $7.5 million and estimated benefit payments out of these plans in fiscal 2018 are $21.0 million (see Note 7 to the audited 
consolidated financial statements).

We have an agreement (the "Receivables Facility") with three financial institutions where we sell on a continuous basis an 
undivided interest in all eligible accounts receivable, as defined in the Receivables Facility. Pursuant to the Receivables Facility, we 
formed ARAMARK Receivables, LLC, a wholly-owned, consolidated, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. ARAMARK Receivables, 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        37

LLC was formed for the sole purpose of transferring receivables generated by certain of our subsidiaries. Under the Receivables 
Facility, we and certain of our subsidiaries transfer without recourse all of their accounts receivable to ARAMARK Receivables, 
LLC. As collections reduce previously transferred interests, interests in new, eligible receivables are transferred to ARAMARK 
Receivables, LLC, subject to meeting certain conditions. The maximum amount available under the Receivables Facility is $350.0 
million, which expires in May 2019. In addition, the Receivables Facility includes a seasonal tranche which will increase the 
capacity by $50.0 million at certain times of the year. As of September 29, 2017, $254.2 million was outstanding under the 
Receivables Facility and is included in “Long-Term Borrowings” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts borrowed under the 
Receivables Facility fluctuate monthly based on our funding requirements and the level of qualified receivables available to 
collateralize the Receivables Facility. 

Our business activities do not include the use of unconsolidated special purpose entities, and there are no significant business 
transactions that have not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements. We are self-insured for a limited portion of the 
risk retained under our general liability and workers’ compensation arrangements. Self-insurance reserves are recorded based on 
actuarial analyses. 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan, we repurchased approximately 0.6 million shares of our 
common stock for $24.4 million under the share repurchase program previously announced by the Board of Directors authorized 
providing for purchases of up to $250.0 million of Aramark common stock during fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018. Currently, we do not 
expect further share repurchase activity under this program due to the pending acquisitions of Avendra and AmeriPride.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this 
Annual Report. As described in such notes, we recognize sales in the period in which services are provided pursuant to the terms of 
our contractual relationships with our clients. Sales from direct marketing activities are recognized upon shipment.

Effective in fiscal 2017, the unremitted earnings of the Company's non-Uniform foreign subsidiaries are intended to be permanently 
invested in operations outside the U.S. and, therefore, U.S. taxes have not been recorded on those earnings.

In preparing our financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that, among other things, affect 
the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are most significant where they 
involve levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or matters susceptible to change, and 
where they can have a material impact on our financial condition and operating performance. If actual results were to differ 
materially from the estimates made, the reported results could be materially affected.

Asset Impairment Determinations 

Goodwill, the Aramark trade name and other trade names are indefinite lived intangible assets that are not amortizable and are 
subject to an impairment test that we conduct annually or more frequently if a change in circumstances or the occurrence of events 
indicates that potential impairment exists. The impairment test may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more 
likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Examples of qualitative factors include, 
macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, entity-specific events, 
events affecting reporting units and sustained changes in our stock price. If results of the qualitative assessment indicate a more 
likely than not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed, a quantitative test is performed by comparing the 
estimated fair value using discounted cash flow calculations of each reporting unit with its estimated net book value. The discounted 
cash flow calculations are dependent on several subjective factors including the timing of future cash flows, future growth rates and 
the discount rate. If our assumptions or estimates in our fair value calculations change or if future cash flows or future growth rates 
vary from what was planned, this may impact our impairment analysis.

We perform the assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Within our FSS International segment, each country is evaluated 
separately since they are relatively autonomous and separate goodwill balances have been recorded for each entity. During the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we performed an impairment test for goodwill for each of our reporting units using a quantitative 
testing approach. Based on our evaluation performed, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of 
the reporting units exceeded its respective carrying amount, and therefore, we determined that goodwill was not impaired. A country 
in our FSS International segment had a fair value that did not substantially exceed its carrying value based on the result of the fair 
value calculations (fair value excess of approximately 9%). This country has a goodwill balance of approximately $150 million.

With respect to our other long-lived assets, we are required to test for asset impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate 
that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, we compare the sum of the future 
expected cash flows from the asset, undiscounted and without interest charges, to the asset’s carrying value. If the sum of the future 
expected cash flows from the asset is less than the carrying value, an impairment would be recognized for the difference between 
the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the asset. 

In making future cash flow analyses of various assets, we make assumptions relating to the following: 

38        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

•  The intended use of assets and the expected future cash flows resulting directly from such use; 

•  Comparable market valuations of businesses similar to Aramark's business segments; 

• 

Industry specific economic conditions; 

•  Competitor activities and regulatory initiatives; and 

•  Client and customer preferences and behavior patterns. 

We believe that an accounting estimate relating to asset impairment is a critical accounting estimate because the assumptions 
underlying future cash flow estimates are subject to change from time to time and the recognition of an impairment could have a 
significant impact on our consolidated statement of income. 

Litigation and Claims 

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are party to various legal actions, proceedings and investigations involving 
claims incidental to the conduct of our businesses, including those brought by clients, consumers, employees, government entities 
and third parties under, among others, federal, state, international, national, provincial and local employment laws, wage and hour 
laws, discrimination laws, immigration laws, human health and safety laws, import and export controls and customs laws, 
environmental laws, false claims or whistleblower statutes, procurement regulations, intellectual property laws, food safety and 
sanitation laws, cost and accounting principles, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, other anti-corruption laws, 
lobbying laws, motor carrier safety laws, data privacy and security laws and alcohol licensing and service laws, or alleging 
negligence and/or breach of contractual and other obligations. We consider the measurement of litigation reserves as a critical 
accounting estimate because of the significant uncertainty in some cases relating to the outcome of potential claims or litigation and 
the difficulty of predicting the likelihood and range of potential liability involved, coupled with the material impact on our results of 
operations that could result from litigation or other claims. In determining legal reserves, we consider, among other issues:

• 

• 

• 

• 

interpretation of contractual rights and obligations; 

the status of government regulatory initiatives, interpretations and investigations; 

the status of settlement negotiations; 

prior experience with similar types of claims; 

•  whether there is available insurance; and 

• 

advice of counsel. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

We encounter risks associated with sales and the collection of the associated accounts receivable. We record a provision for accounts 
receivable that are considered to be uncollectible. In order to calculate the appropriate provision, we analyze the creditworthiness of 
specific customers, aging of customer balances, general and specific industry economic conditions, industry concentrations, such as 
exposure to small and medium-sized businesses, the non-profit healthcare sector and the automotive, airline and financial services 
industries, and contractual rights and obligations. The accounting estimate related to the allowance for doubtful accounts is a critical 
accounting estimate because the underlying assumptions used for the allowance can change from time to time and uncollectible 
accounts could potentially have a material impact on our results of operations. 

Inventory Obsolescence 

We record an inventory obsolescence reserve for obsolete, excess and slow-moving inventory, principally in the Uniform segment. 
In calculating our inventory obsolescence reserve, we analyze historical and projected data regarding customer demand within 
specific product categories and make assumptions regarding economic conditions within customer specific industries, as well as 
style and product changes. Our accounting estimate related to inventory obsolescence is a critical accounting estimate because 
customer demand in certain of our businesses can be variable and changes in our reserve for inventory obsolescence could 
materially affect our results of operations. 

Income Taxes 

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the 
amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences 
of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. We make assumptions, judgments and 
estimates to determine the current income tax provision, deferred tax asset and liabilities and valuation allowance recorded against a 
deferred tax asset. The assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the current income tax provision take into account current 
tax laws, their interpretation and possible results of foreign and domestic tax audits. Changes in tax law, their interpretation and 
resolution of tax audits could significantly impact the income taxes provided in our consolidated financial statements. Assumptions, 
judgments and estimates relative to the amount of deferred income taxes take into account future taxable income. Any of the 
assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above could cause the actual income tax obligations to differ from our estimates. 

***** 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        39

Critical accounting estimates and the related assumptions are evaluated periodically as conditions warrant, and changes to such 
estimates are recorded as new information or changed conditions require. 

40        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

New Accounting Standards Updates

See Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting standards updates, including 
the expected dates of adoption.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and manage this exposure through the use of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt 
and by utilizing interest rate swaps. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes and do not use leveraged instruments. The 
information below summarizes our market risks associated with debt obligations and other significant financial instruments as of 
September 29, 2017 (see Notes 5 and 6 to the audited consolidated financial statements). Fair values were computed using market 
quotes, if available, or based on discounted cash flows using market interest rates as of the end of the respective periods. For debt 
obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related interest rates by contractual fiscal year of maturity. Variable interest 
rates disclosed represent the weighted-average rates of the portfolio at September 29, 2017. For interest rate swaps, the table 
presents the notional amounts and related weighted-average interest rates by fiscal year of maturity. The variable rates presented are 
the average forward rates for the term of each contract.

(US$ equivalent in millions)

Expected Fiscal Year of Maturity

As of September 29, 2017
Debt:
Fixed rate
Average interest rate
Variable rate
Average interest rate
Interest Rate Swaps:
Receive variable/pay fixed
Average pay rate
Average receive rate

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

$

$

$

$

$

22
5.0%
56
2.7%

$ 600

1.6%
1.2%

20
5.0%
301
2.4%

575
1.9%
1.2%

$

19
5.0%

(a) $ 114

$

15
5.0%

$ 135

$

$

2.7%

2.7%

9
5.0%
786
2.6%

$ 2,413

$ 2,498

4.7%

4.7%

$ 1,411

$ 2,803

3.2%

2.9%

$ 425

$ — $ — $ — $ 1,600

2.2%
1.2%

—%
—%

—%
—%

$

$

$

2,642

2,808

(11)

(a) 

Balance includes $254.2 million of borrowings under the Receivables Facility.

As of September 29, 2017, the Company had foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding with notional amounts of 
€33.0 million, £12.1 million and CAD 67.0 million to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on short-term 
intercompany loans to certain international subsidiaries. As of September 29, 2017, the fair value of these foreign exchange 
contracts is $0.1 million, which is included in "Prepayments and Other Current Assets" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company entered into a series of pay fixed/receive floating gasoline and diesel fuel agreements based on the Department of 
Energy weekly retail on-highway index in order to limit its exposure to price fluctuations for gasoline and diesel fuel. As of 
September 29, 2017, the Company has contracts for approximately 16.7 million gallons outstanding for fiscal 2018. As of 
September 29, 2017, the fair value of the Company’s gasoline and diesel fuel hedge agreements is $3.6 million, which is included in 
"Prepayments and Other Current Assets" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See Financial Statements and Schedule beginning on page S-1.

Item 9. 

Changes and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        41

 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 
evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 
15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that 
evaluation, management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the 
Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, are functioning effectively to 
provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and 
forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its principal executive and principal 
financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. A controls system, no matter how well designed and 
operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can 
provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as 
such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's 
management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the 
effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based upon criteria established in Internal Control – 
Integrated Framework (2013) by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that 
evaluation, the Company's management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of 
September 29, 2017. The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 2017 has been 
audited by KPMG LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report that is included 
herein on the following page.

(c) Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

42        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Aramark:

We have audited Aramark and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 2017, based 
on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting 
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s 
Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,” appearing in item 9A, Controls and Procedures. Our responsibility is 
to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over 
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over 
financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness 
of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary 
in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that  (1)  pertain  to  the 
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the 
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in 
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention 
or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections 
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in 
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 
2017,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  -  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States),  the 
consolidated balance sheets of Aramark and subsidiaries as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and the related consolidated 
statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the fiscal years ended September 29, 
2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015, and our report dated November 22, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those 
consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2017

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        43

PART III

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information about our directors and persons nominated to become directors required by Item 10 will be included under the caption 
"Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is 
incorporated herein by reference. Information about our executive officers is included under the caption “Executive Officers of the 
Registrant” in Part I of this report and incorporated herein. 

Information on beneficial ownership reporting required by Item 10 will be included under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial 
Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

We have a Business Conduct Policy that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive 
officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, which is available on the Investor Relations section of our 
website at www.aramark.com. A copy of our Business Conduct Policy may be obtained free of charge by writing to Investor 
Relations, Aramark, 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Our Business Conduct Policy contains a "code of ethics," as 
defined in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. Please note that our website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. We 
will make any legally required disclosures regarding amendments to, or waivers of, provisions of our code of ethics on our website.

The remaining information required by Item 10 will be included under the caption "Board Committees and Meetings" in the 
Company's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation

Information required by Item 11 will be included under the caption "Compensation Matters" in the Company's Proxy Statement for 
the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information required by Item 12 will be included under the captions "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
Management" and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information required by Item 13 will be included under the captions "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and "Director 
Independence and Independence Determinations" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders 
and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information required by Item 14 will be included under the caption "Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the 
Company's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

44        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

PART IV

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Financial Statements

See Index to Financial Statements and Schedule at page S-1 and the Exhibit Index.

(b) Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

See the Exhibit Index which is incorporated herein by reference.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules

See Index to Financial Statements and Schedule at page S-1.

Item 16. 

Form 10-K Summary

None.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        45

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly 
caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on November 22, 2017.

SIGNATURES

Aramark

By:
Name:

Title:

/s/ STEPHEN P. BRAMLAGE, JR.
Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on November 22, 2017.

Name

/s/ ERIC J. FOSS
Eric J. Foss

Capacity

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ STEPHEN P. BRAMLAGE, JR.
Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ BRIAN P. PRESSLER
Brian P. Pressler

Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

/s/ PIERRE-OLIVIER BECKERS-VIEUJANT
Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant

/s/ LISA G. BISACCIA
Lisa G. Bisaccia

/s/ RICHARD W. DREILING
Richard W. Dreiling

/s/ IRENE M. ESTEVES
Irene M. Esteves

/s/ DANIEL J. HEINRICH
Daniel J. Heinrich

/s/ SANJEEV K. MEHRA
Sanjeev K. Mehra

/s/ PATRICIA B. MORRISON

Patricia B. Morrison

/s/ JOHN A. QUELCH
John A. Quelch

/s/ STEPHEN I. SADOVE
Stephen I. Sadove

46        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended September 29, 
2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended 
September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 29, 
2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended 
September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the fiscal 
years ended September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015

Page

S-2
S-3

S-4

S-5

S-6

S-7
S-8

S-43

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information required to be set forth therein is 
included in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes thereto.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Aramark:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aramark and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 29, 2017 
and September 30, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders’ 
equity for each of the fiscal years ended September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015. In connection with our audits 
of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule. These consolidated financial statements 
and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of 
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 
Aramark and subsidiaries as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows 
for each of the fiscal years ended September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally 
accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic 
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for share-based 
payments effective October 1, 2016 due to the adoption of FASB ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States),  the 
Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  September 29,  2017,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  - 
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report 
dated November 22, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2017

S-2        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 

(in thousands, except share amounts) 

Current Assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables (less allowances: 2017 - $53,416; 2016 - $48,058)
Inventories
Prepayments and other current assets

Total current assets

Property and Equipment, at cost:

Land, buildings and improvements
Service equipment and fixtures

Less - Accumulated depreciation

Goodwill
Other Intangible Assets
Other Assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current maturities of long-term borrowings
Accounts payable
Accrued payroll and related expenses
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-Term Borrowings
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders' Equity:

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

$

$

$

$

$

$

238,797
1,615,993
610,732
187,617
2,653,139

673,616
2,003,177
2,676,793
(1,634,762)
1,042,031
4,715,511
1,120,824
1,474,724
11,006,229

78,157
955,925
487,573
846,440
2,368,095
5,190,331
978,944
9,798

152,580
1,476,349
587,155
276,487
2,492,571

643,347
1,890,301
2,533,648
(1,510,565)
1,023,083
4,628,881
1,111,883
1,325,654
10,582,072

46,522
847,588
514,619
776,016
2,184,745
5,223,514
1,003,013
9,794

Common stock, par value $.01 (authorized: 600,000,000 shares; issued: 

2017—277,111,042 shares and 2016—272,565,923; and 
outstanding: 2017—245,593,961 shares and 2016—244,713,580)

Capital surplus
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock (shares held in treasury: 2017—31,517,081 shares and

2016—27,852,343)

Total stockholders' equity

2,771
3,014,546
247,050
(123,760)

2,726
2,921,725
(33,778)
(180,783)

(681,546)
2,459,061
11,006,229

$

(548,884)
2,161,006
10,582,072

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-3

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND OCTOBER 2, 2015 

(in thousands, except per share data) 

Sales
Costs and Expenses:

Cost of services provided
Depreciation and amortization
Selling and general corporate expenses

Operating income

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net
Income Before Income Taxes
Provision for Income Taxes

Net income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to Aramark stockholders

Earnings per share attributable to Aramark stockholders:

Basic
Diluted

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:

Basic
Diluted

$

$
$

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
14,604,412

$

September 30, 2016
14,415,829

$

October 2, 2015

$

14,329,135

12,988,973
508,212
299,170
13,796,355
808,057
287,415
520,642
146,455
374,187
264
373,923

1.53
1.49

244,453
251,557

$

$
$

12,890,408
495,765
283,342
13,669,515
746,314
315,383
430,931
142,699
288,232
426
287,806

1.19
1.16

242,286
248,763

$

$
$

12,880,424
504,033
316,740
13,701,197
627,938
285,942
341,996
105,020
236,976
1,030
235,946

0.99
0.96

237,616
246,616

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

S-4        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND OCTOBER 2, 2015 

(in thousands) 

Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Pension plan adjustments
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Cash flow hedges:

Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
Reclassification adjustments

Share of equity investee's comprehensive income (loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Aramark stockholders

$

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
374,187

$

September 30, 2016
288,232

$

$

October 2, 2015

236,976

19,992
5,903

19,449
10,130
1,549
57,023
431,210
264
430,946

$

(24,670)
3,080

(8,426)
21,184
(5,383)
(14,215)
274,017
426
273,591

$

3,522
(43,547)

(34,622)
11,681
2,696
(60,270)
176,706
1,030
175,676

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-5

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND OCTOBER 2, 2015 

(in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

Income taxes deferred

Share-based compensation expense

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Receivables

Inventories

Prepayments

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses

Changes in other noncurrent liabilities

Changes in other assets

Other operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment, client contract investments

and other

Disposals of property and equipment

Acquisition of certain businesses:

Working capital other than cash acquired

Property and equipment

Additions to goodwill, other intangible assets and other

assets, net

Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

Payments of long-term borrowings

Net change in funding under the Receivables Facility

Payments of dividends

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

Repurchase of common stock

Other financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

Fiscal Year Ended

$

374,187

$

288,232

$

236,976

508,212

(37,856)

65,155

(111,423)

(21,147)

95,536

93,965

26,804

31,959

(9,342)

37,337

1,053,387

(552,729)

18,906

8,114

(2,273)

(147,963)

(2,539)

(678,484)

495,765

52,416

56,942

(32,859)

(9,625)

(64,663)

4,486

67,600

(33,711)

(10,189)

52,920

867,314

(512,532)

26,824

10,226

(32,989)

(176,614)

5,340

(679,745)

3,851,417

(3,911,992)

1,399,988

(1,363,534)

(13,800)

(100,813)

28,779

(100,000)

(42,277)

(288,686)

86,217

152,580

(82,000)

(92,074)

35,705

(749)

(54,741)

(157,405)

30,164

122,416

$

238,797

$

152,580

$

504,033

(4,108)

66,416

81,284

(29,587)

9,763

(46,422)

4,474

(52,136)

13,595

17,904

802,192

(524,384)

19,128

(143)

—

(3,234)

4,299

(504,334)

71,926

(209,621)

—

(81,898)

39,946

(50,176)

(57,309)

(287,132)

10,726

111,690

122,416

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

S-6        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND OCTOBER 2, 2015 

(in thousands) 

Total 
Stockholders'
Equity
1,718,036

$

Common
Stock
2,561

$

Capital
Surplus
$2,575,011

Retained
Earnings /
(Accumulated
Deficit)

$

(382,463) $

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive 
Loss
(106,298) $ (370,775)

Treasury
Stock

Balance, October 3, 2014

Net income attributable to Aramark

stockholders

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Capital contributions from issuance

of common stock

Share-based compensation expense

Tax benefits related to stock

incentive plans

Repurchases of Common Stock

Payments of dividends

Balance, October 2, 2015

Net income attributable to Aramark

stockholders

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Capital contributions from issuance

of common stock

Share-based compensation expense

Tax benefits related to stock

incentive plans

Repurchases of Common Stock

Payments of dividends

235,946

(60,270)

77,095

66,416

66,313

(138,053)

(82,124)

105

76,990

66,416

66,313

$

1,883,359

$

2,666

$2,784,730

$

287,806

(14,215)

48,156

56,942

31,957

(40,056)

(92,943)

60

48,096

56,942

31,957

Balance, September 30, 2016

$

2,161,006

$

2,726

$2,921,725

$

235,946

(60,270)

(82,124)
(228,641) $

287,806

(138,053)

(166,568) $ (508,828)

(14,215)

(40,056)

(92,943)
(33,778) $

(180,783) $ (548,884)

Adoption of new accounting
standard (see Note 1)

Net income attributable to Aramark

stockholders

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Capital contributions from issuance

of common stock

Share-based compensation expense

Repurchases of Common Stock

Payments of dividends

1,129

373,923

57,023

35,724

65,155

(132,662)

(102,237)

(8,013)

9,142

373,923

57,023

45

35,679

65,155

(132,662)

(102,237)
247,050

$

(123,760) $ (681,546)

Balance, September 29, 2017

$

2,459,061

$

2,771

$3,014,546

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-7

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES:

Aramark (the "Company") is a leading global provider of food, facilities and uniform services to education, healthcare, business & 
industry, and sports, leisure & corrections clients. The Company's core market is North America (composed of the United States and 
Canada), which is supplemented by an additional 17-country footprint. The Company operates its business in three reportable 
segments that share many of the same operating characteristics: 

• 

• 

Food and Support Services North America ("FSS North America") - Food, refreshment, specialized dietary and 
supports services, including facility maintenance and housekeeping, provided to business, educational and healthcare 
institutions and in sports, leisure and other facilities.

Food and Support Services International ("FSS International") - Food, refreshment, specialized dietary and support 
services, including facility maintenance and housekeeping, provided to business, educational and healthcare 
institutions and in sports, leisure and other facilities. 

•  Uniform and Career Apparel ("Uniform") - Rental, sale, cleaning, maintenance and delivery of personalized uniforms 
and other textile items on a contract basis and direct marketing of personalized uniforms and accessories to clients in a 
wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, construction, restaurants and hotels, healthcare and 
pharmaceutical industries. We supply garments, other textile and paper products and other accessories through rental 
and direct purchase programs to businesses, public institutions and individuals. 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling 
financial interest is maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). All 
significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year

The Company's fiscal year is the fifty-two or fifty-three week period which ends on the Friday nearest September 30th. The fiscal 
years ended September 29, 2017, September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015 were each fifty-two week periods.

New Accounting Standards Updates

In September 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") which 
provides additional implementation guidance with respect to the revenue recognition standard and the leases recognition standard. 
The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is 
currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In August 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic 
results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and simplify the application of hedge accounting. The 
guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently 
evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In May 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to clarify the determination of the customer of the operation services in a service concession 
arrangement. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The 
Company will adopt this standard in conjunction with the revenue recognition standard, as described below. The Company is 
currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In May 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment 
award as a modification. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is 
permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement 
benefit cost. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The 
Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In February 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to clarify the accounting guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The guidance 
is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating 
the impact of the pronouncement.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill as part of the impairment test. The 
guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently 
evaluating the impact of the pronouncement. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU to clarify the definition of a business. The guidance is effective for the Company in the 
first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In October 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to require entities to recognize the income tax consequences of certain intercompany 
assets transfers at the transaction date. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early 
adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.
S-8        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In August 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to address the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the Statement of 
Cash Flows. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The 
Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to require entities to account for expected credit losses on financial instruments including 
trade receivables. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and early adoption is permitted. The 
Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to update several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions. Upon 
adoption, the ASU requires that excess tax benefits for share-based payments be recorded as a reduction to the provision for income 
taxes and reflected within cash flows from operating activities rather than being recorded within stockholders’ equity and reflected 
within cash flows from financing activities. The standard also clarifies that all cash payments made on an employee’s behalf for 
withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on a cash flow statement, and provides an accounting policy election to 
account for forfeitures as they occur. 

The Company elected to early adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2017. The impact to the 
Consolidated Statements of Income was $23.3 million of excess tax benefit recorded as a reduction to the provision for income 
taxes for fiscal 2017. The adoption impact to the Consolidated Balance Sheets was a cumulative-effect adjustment of approximately 
$9.1 million to increase retained earnings for previously unrecognized excess tax benefits. The Company applied the guidance 
related to the presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on a retrospective basis. The excess tax benefits of $23.3 
million, $32.0 million and $66.3 million for share-based awards are included in operating activities, previously classified in 
financing activities, and approximately $24.7 million, $28.7 million and $52.8 million of cash paid for employee taxes for withheld 
shares are included in financing activities, previously classified in operating activities, for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, 
respectively. As a result of the adoption, the excess tax benefits are no longer included in the calculation of diluted shares under the 
treasury stock method, which increased the diluted shares outstanding by approximately 1.4 million shares for fiscal 2017. The 
Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be 
recognized in each period.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as lease liabilities with 
corresponding right-of-use assets and to disclose key information about lease arrangements. The guidance is effective for the 
Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of reviewing its lease 
arrangements in order to determine the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements and 
related disclosures. Based on the assessment to date, the Company expects adoption of this standard to result in a material increase 
in lease-related assets and liabilities in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, but does not expect it to have a significant impact in its 
Consolidated Statements of Income or Cash Flows.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of 
financial instruments. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pronouncement.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an ASU which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to 
the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and early 
adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on the consolidated 
financial statements. 

In June 2014, the FASB issued an ASU on stock compensation which requires that a performance target affecting vesting and that 
could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The Company adopted the guidance in the 
first quarter of fiscal 2017, which did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU on revenue from contracts with customers which outlines a single comprehensive model to 
use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. In 
July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year, but to permit entities to adopt one 
year earlier if they choose (i.e., the original effective date). The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter 
of fiscal 2019. As the new standard will supersede most existing revenue guidance affecting the Company, it could impact revenue 
and cost recognition on contracts across all reportable segments. 

The Company completed its comprehensive contract review project and has developed an understanding of the potential adoption 
impact to the consolidated financial statements on a qualitative basis. Based on this preliminary assessment, the Company does not 
believe this ASU will have a material impact on the timing of revenue recognition. The Company has also made significant progress 
on evaluating the impact the ASU may have related to the timing and presentation of various financial aspects of our contractual 
arrangements, including client contract investments, costs to fulfill and commissions. The Company has not selected the method of 
adoption and continues to assess the disclosure requirements, business processes, controls and systems. 

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been 
rendered, the fee is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. In each of the Company's operating segments, 
sales are recognized in the period in which services are provided pursuant to the terms of the Company's contractual relationships 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-9

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

with its clients. The Company generally records sales on food and support services contracts (both profit and loss contracts and 
client interest contracts) on a gross basis as the Company is the primary obligor and service provider. 

Certain profit and loss contracts include commissions paid to the client, typically calculated as a fixed or variable percentage of 
various categories of sales. In some cases these contracts require minimum guaranteed commissions. Commissions paid to clients 
are recorded in "Cost of services provided."

Sales from client interest contracts are generally comprised of amounts billed to clients for food, labor and other costs that the 
Company incurs, controls and pays for. Sales from client interest contracts also include any associated management fees, client 
subsidies or incentive fees based upon the Company's performance under the contract. Sales from direct marketing activities are 
recognized upon shipment. All sales related taxes are presented on a net basis. 

Vendor Consideration

Consideration received from vendors includes rebates, allowances and volume discounts and are accounted for as an adjustment to 
the cost of the vendors' products or services and are reported as a reduction of "Cost of services provided," "Inventory," or "Property 
and Equipment." Income from rebates, allowances and volume discounts is recognized based on actual purchases in the fiscal period 
relative to total actual or forecasted purchases to be made for the contractual rebate period agreed to with the vendor. Rebates, 
allowances and volume discounts related to Inventory held at the balance sheet date are deducted from the carrying value of these 
inventories. Rebates, allowances and volume discounts related to "Property and Equipment" are deducted from the costs capitalized. 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from 
those estimates.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes to stockholders' equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by and 
distributions to stockholders. Components of comprehensive income include net income (loss), changes in foreign currency 
translation adjustments (net of tax), pension plan adjustments (net of tax), changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (net of tax) 
and changes to the share of any equity investees' comprehensive income (net of tax). 

The summary of the components of comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

Net income

Pre-Tax
Amount

Tax
Effect

After-
Tax
Amount

$ 374,187

Pre-Tax
Amount

Tax
Effect

Pension plan adjustments

22,548

(2,556)

19,992

(37,957)

13,287

After-
Tax
Amount

$ 288,232
(24,670)

Pre-Tax
Amount

Tax
Effect

After-
Tax
Amount

$236,976

2,832

690

3,522

Foreign currency
translation adjustments

Cash flow hedges:

Unrealized gains
(losses) arising during
the period
Reclassification
adjustments

Share of equity investee's
comprehensive income
(loss)

Other comprehensive
income (loss)

Comprehensive income
Less: Net income
attributable to
noncontrolling interest

Comprehensive income
attributable to Aramark
stockholders

5,903

—

5,903

18,547

(15,467)

3,080

(50,458)

6,911

(43,547)

31,884

(12,435)

19,449

(23,437)

15,011

(8,426)

(58,143)

23,521

(34,622)

16,606

(6,476)

10,130

34,861

(13,677)

21,184

20,143

(8,462)

11,681

2,383

(834)

1,549

(8,282)

2,899

(5,383)

4,148

(1,452)

2,696

79,324

(22,301)

57,023

(16,268)

2,053

431,210

264

(81,478)

21,208

(14,215)
274,017

426

(60,270)
176,706

1,030

$ 430,946

$ 273,591

$175,676

S-10        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following (in thousands): 

Pension plan adjustments
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Cash flow hedges
Share of equity investee's accumulated
other comprehensive loss

$

$

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

(45,275) $
(62,558)
(6,794)

(9,133)
(123,760) $

(65,267)
(68,461)
(36,373)

(10,682)
(180,783)

Currency Translation

Gains and losses resulting from the translation of financial statements of non-U.S. subsidiaries are reflected as a component of 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. Transaction gains and losses included in operating results 
for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were not material.

Current Assets

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (principally the first-in, first-out method) or market. Personalized work apparel, linens 
and other rental items in service are recorded at cost and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which primarily range from 
one to four years. The amortization rates used are based on the Company's specific experience.

The components of inventories are as follows:

Food
Career apparel and linens
Parts, supplies and novelties

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

36.9%
60.5%
2.6%
100.0%

35.9%
60.9%
3.2%
100.0%

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Gains and 
losses on dispositions are included in operating results. Maintenance and repairs are charged to current operations, and replacements 
and significant improvements that extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized. The estimated useful lives for the major 
categories of property and equipment are 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for service equipment and 
fixtures. Depreciation expense during fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 was $237.9 million, $234.8 million, and $226.6 
million, respectively. 

During fiscal 2017, the Company received proceeds of approximately $30.1 million related to the sale of a building within the FSS 
International segment. Subsequently, the Company entered into a capital lease for the building. The proceeds are included in "Other 
financing activities" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income was not 
material. 

During fiscal 2016, the Company received proceeds of approximately $9.5 million related to the sale of a building within the FSS 
North America segment, resulting in a loss of approximately $5.1 million, which is included in "Cost of services provided" in the 
Consolidated Statement of Income. During fiscal 2015, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $8.7 million, 
which is included in "Cost of services provided" in the Consolidated Statement of Income, to write down the book value of this 
building to its estimated fair value at the time. Also during fiscal 2015, the Company received proceeds of approximately $9.8 
million related to the sale of another of its buildings within the FSS North America segment, resulting in a gain of approximately 
$3.1 million. Also during fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $6.0 million, which is 
included in "Cost of services provided" in the Consolidated Statements of Income, to write off certain idle service equipment in the 
Uniform segment. 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-11

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other Assets

The following table presents details of "Other Assets" as presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

Client contract investments(1)
Miscellaneous investments(2)
Long-term receivables
Computer software costs, net(3)
Other(4)

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

$

$

981,300
247,601
72,406
111,005
62,412
1,474,724

$

$

865,004
253,798
72,469
91,760
42,623
1,325,654

(1)

Client contract investments generally represent a cash payment provided by the Company to help finance improvement
or renovation at the facility from which the Company operates. These amounts are amortized over the contract period. If
a contract is terminated prior to its maturity date, the Company is reimbursed for the unamortized client contract
investment amount. Amortization expense was  $159.6 million, $142.5 million and $128.8 million during fiscal 2017,
fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.

(2) Miscellaneous investments represent investments in 50% or less owned entities, including the Company's 50% ownership
in AIM Services Co., Ltd., a Japanese food and support services company (approximately $173.8 million and $181.4
million at September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively).

(3)

(4)

Computer software costs represent capitalized costs incurred to purchase or develop software for internal use, and are
amortized over the estimated useful life of the software, generally a period of three to seven years.

Other consists of noncurrent deferred tax assets, pension assets and deferred financing costs on certain revolving credit
facilities.

Other Accrued Expenses and Liabilities

The following table presents details of "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in 
thousands):

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

Deferred income

Accrued commissions

Accrued taxes

Accrued insurance and interest

Other

$

$

294,781

$

84,138

75,156

87,143
305,222
846,440

$

262,976

79,048

62,510

66,165
305,317
776,016

Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

The following table presents details of "Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" as presented in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets (in thousands):

Deferred income tax payable
Deferred compensation
Pension-related liabilities
Interest rate swap agreements
Other noncurrent liabilities

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

$

$

570,893
229,663
14,164
9,313
154,911
978,944

$

$

608,375
228,231
26,854
34,919
104,634
1,003,013

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation cost related to share-based payment transactions in the consolidated financial statements. 
The cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the 
employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award). See Note 10 for additional information on 
share-based compensation.

S-12        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

(dollars in millions)
Interest paid
Income taxes paid

Significant noncash activities follow:

Fiscal Year Ended

$

September 29, 2017
201.7
126.3

$

September 30, 2016
275.4
55.6

$

October 2, 2015

267.9
31.5

•  During fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, the Company executed capital lease transactions. The present value of 
the future rental obligations was approximately $55.4 million, $36.4 million and $17.9 million for the respective 
periods, which is included in property and equipment and long-term borrowings.

•  During fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, cashless settlements of the exercise price and related employee 

minimum tax withholding liabilities of share-based payment awards were approximately $32.7 million, $40.1 million 
and $89.6 million, respectively. 

NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES: 

Acquisitions

During fiscal 2017, the Company paid cash consideration of approximately $142.1 million for various acquisitions. The sales, net 
income, assets and liabilities of the acquisitions did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

HPSI

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company acquired the assets of HPSI, a group purchasing organization, in its FSS 
North America segment for cash consideration of $140.0 million. The sales, net income, assets and liabilities of HPSI did not have a 
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Avoca Handweavers Limited

During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed the purchase of Avoca Handweavers Limited ("Avoca"), an Irish 
retail and cafe business, for cash consideration of approximately $65.8 million (approximately $59.2 million, net of cash acquired). 
The sales, net income, assets and liabilities of Avoca did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial 
statements.

Divestitures

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company announced it had made the decision to exit certain operations within the FSS 
International segment. As a result of this action, the Company incurred charges of approximately $0.6 million and $14.6 million 
during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. For fiscal 2015, these charges consisted of severance charges (approximately $4.4 
million), asset write-downs (approximately $8.0 million) and certain other exit costs (approximately $2.2 million). The Company 
recorded these charges in "Cost of services provided" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Aramark India Private Limited

During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed the sale of Aramark India Private Limited ("India"), resulting in a 
pretax loss of approximately $4.3 million (after tax gain of approximately $1.8 million due to the tax basis exceeding the book basis 
of the subsidiary), which is included in "Cost of services provided" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company did not 
receive any proceeds from the sale of its India subsidiary. The results of operations and cash flows associated with the India 
subsidiary divestiture were not material to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows.

NOTE 3. SEVERANCE AND ASSET WRITE-DOWNS:

During fiscal 2015, the Company initiated a new phase related to streamlining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the 
Company's selling, general and administrative functions, which resulted in net severance charges of approximately $23.1 million 
(exclusive of the severance charges incurred related to the exit of certain operations within the FSS International segment- see Note 
2). In addition, during fiscal 2015, the Company recorded charges of approximately $6.0 million to write-off service equipment 
from the decline in its Canadian remote services business within its FSS North America segment, which is included in "Cost of 
services provided" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

During fiscal 2016, the Company continued and refined its focus on streamlining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of 
its selling, general and administrative functions. As a result, the Company recorded net severance charges of approximately $24.9 
million during fiscal 2016.

During fiscal 2017, the Company updated its previously initiated actions on streamlining and improving the efficiencies and 
effectiveness of its selling, general and administrative functions. The Company recorded net severance charges of approximately 
$18.4 million during fiscal 2017.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-13

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes the unpaid obligations for severance and related costs as of September 29, 2017, which are 
included in "Accrued payroll and related expenses" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These unpaid obligations are expected to be 
paid during fiscal 2018.

(in millions)

September 30, 2016

Severance and Related Costs Accrual

$26.1

Net
Charges
18.4

Payments
and Other

(26.7)

September 29, 2017
$17.8

NOTE 4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: 

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration paid for an acquired entity over the fair value of assets acquired 
and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized and is subject to an impairment test that the Company 
conducts annually, or more frequently if a change in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicates that potential impairment 
exists, using discounted cash flows. The Company performs its assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Within the FSS 
International segment, each country is evaluated separately since such operating units are relatively autonomous and separate 
goodwill balances have been recorded for each entity. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test for fiscal 2017, 
which determined goodwill was not impaired. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of the end of the fiscal month of 
August. 

Goodwill, allocated by segment, is as follows (in thousands):

Segment
FSS North America
FSS International

Uniform

September 30, 2016
3,635,614
$
418,488

$

574,779

$

32,497
25,413

9,640

$

4,628,881

$

67,550

$

(1,070) $
20,630
(480)
19,080

$

September 29, 2017
3,667,041
464,531

583,939

4,715,511

Acquisitions

Translation
and Other

Goodwill related to acquisitions closed during the fiscal 2017 may be revised upon final determination of the purchase price 
allocation.

Other intangible assets consist of (in thousands): 

Customer relationship assets

Trade names

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

Gross
Amount
$ 1,376,812

Accumulated
Amortization
$ (1,063,350) $

Net
Amount

313,462

Gross
Amount
$ 1,793,739

Accumulated
Amortization
$ (1,462,058) $

Net
Amount

331,681

807,362

$ 2,184,174

—

807,362
$ (1,063,350) $ 1,120,824

781,835

$ 2,575,574

(1,633)

780,202
$ (1,463,691) $ 1,111,883

During fiscal 2017, the Company acquired customer relationship assets and trade names with preliminary values of approximately 
$67.0 million and $22.9 million, respectively. During fiscal 2016, the Company acquired customer relationship assets and trade 
names with values of approximately $64.0 million and $35.6 million, respectively. Customer relationship assets are being amortized 
principally on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, 3 to 24 years, with a weighted average life of approximately 
13 years. The Aramark and other trade names are indefinite lived intangible assets and are not amortizable but are evaluated for 
impairment at least annually. The Company completed its annual trade name impairment test for fiscal 2017, which did not result in 
an impairment charge. Amortization of intangible assets for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 was approximately $87.9 
million, $98.5 million and $133.2 million, respectively. 

Based on the recorded balances at September 29, 2017, total estimated amortization of all acquisition-related intangible assets for 
fiscal years 2018 through 2022 follows (in thousands):

$

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022

62,756
53,357
52,815
45,348
24,972

S-14        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5. BORROWINGS: 

Long-term borrowings, net, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

Senior secured revolving credit facility, due March 2022
Senior secured term loan facility, due September 2019
Senior secured term loan facility, due February 2021
Senior secured term loan facility, due March 2022
Senior secured term loan facility, due March 2024
5.75% senior notes, due March 2020
5.125% senior notes, due January 2024
4.750% senior notes, due June 2026
5.000% senior notes, due April 2025
3.125% senior notes, due April 2025
Receivables Facility, due May 2019
Capital leases
Other

Less—current portion

September 29, 2017
$

— $
—
—
1,125,858
1,403,429
—
903,654
493,464
589,733
379,429
254,200
114,400
4,321
5,268,488
(78,157)
5,190,331

$

September 30, 2016
—
840,305
2,450,749
—
—
227,032
905,095
492,886
—
—
268,000
78,615
7,354
5,270,036
(46,522)
5,223,514

$

As of September 29, 2017, there was approximately $881.8 million of outstanding foreign currency borrowings. 

Fiscal 2017 Refinancing Transactions

On March 22, 2017, Aramark Services, Inc. ("ASI"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $600.0 million of 
5.000% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025 (the "5.000% 2025 Notes"). On March 27, 2017, Aramark International Finance S.à r.l. 
("AIFS" and, together with ASI, "the Issuers"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued €325.0 million of 
3.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025 (the "3.125% 2025 Notes" and, together with the 5.000% 2025 Notes, the "2025 Notes"). 

ASI and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement on March 28, 2017 (as supplemented or otherwise modified from 
time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), which replaced the existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, originally dated 
January 26, 2007, and last amended on March 28, 2014 (the "Previous Credit Agreement"). On September 20, 2017, ASI and certain 
of its subsidiaries entered into an amendment (the "Incremental Amendment No. 1") to the Credit Agreement. Among other things, 
the Credit Agreement provides for the following as of September 29, 2017:

•  A U.S. dollar denominated term loan to ASI in the amount of $633.8 million, due 2022, ("U.S. Term Loan A") and $1.4 

billion, due 2024 ("U.S. Term Loan B");

•  A Canadian dollar denominated term loan to Aramark Canada Ltd. in the amount of CAD250.1 million, due 2022 

(approximately $200.5 million) (the "Canadian Term Loan");

•  A yen denominated term loan to ASI in the amount of ¥11,051.5 million, due 2022 (approximately $98.2 million) ("Yen 

Term Loan"); 

•  A euro denominated term loan to Aramark Investments Limited, a U.K. borrower, in an amount of €170.0 million, due 

2022 (approximately $200.9 million) (the "Euro Term Loan"); and

•  A revolving credit facility available for loans in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, euros and pounds sterling to ASI and 

certain foreign borrowers with aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement of $1.0 billion and a final maturity date 
of March 28, 2022.

The net proceeds from the 2025 Notes and borrowings under the senior secured term loan facilities under the Credit Agreement 
were used to repay all existing outstanding borrowings under the term loans under the Previous Credit Agreement, to redeem ASI's  
5.750% senior notes, due March 2020 (the "2020 Notes"), and to pay certain fees and related expenses. The Company recorded 
$28.5 million of charges to "Interest and Other Financing Costs, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal year 
ended September 29, 2017, consisting of $25.2 million of non-cash charges for the write-off of deferred financing costs and original 
issue discount and $3.3 million for the call premium on the 2020 Notes. The Company used the borrowings under the Incremental 
Amendment No. 1 to pay down a portion of the existing U.S. Term Loan B loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement and to pay 
certain related fees and expenses.

For the fiscal year ended September 29, 2017, the Company capitalized third-party costs of approximately $15.1 million directly 
attributable to the 2025 Notes and approximately $17.8 million directly attributable to the new senior secured term loan facilities 
under the Credit Agreement, which are included in "Long-Term Borrowings" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-15

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

also capitalized third-party costs of approximately $8.2 million during fiscal 2017, directly attributable to the senior secured 
revolving credit facility, which are included in "Other Assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Senior Secured Credit Agreement

The applicable margin spread for the U.S. Term Loan B is 1.75% to 2.00% (as of September 29, 2017—2.00%) with respect to 
eurocurrency (LIBOR) borrowings, subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.00%, and 0.75% to 1.00% (as of September 29, 2017—1.00%) 
with respect to base-rate borrowings, subject to a minimum base rate of 0.00%. The applicable margin spread for the U.S. Term 
Loan A, Canadian Term Loan and the senior secured revolving credit facility is 1.50% to 2.25% (as of September 29, 2017—1.75%) 
with respect to eurocurrency (LIBOR) borrowings, bankers’ acceptance ("BA") rate borrowings and letters of credit fees and 0.50% 
to 1.25% (as of September 29, 2017—0.75%) with respect to U.S. and Canadian base rate borrowings. The applicable margin for 
the Yen Term Loan is 1.75%. The applicable margin for the Euro Term Loan is 1.50%. In addition to paying interest on outstanding 
principal under the senior secured credit facilities, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the 
revolving credit facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The commitment fee rate ranges 
from 0.25% to 0.40% per annum (as of September 29, 2017—0.30%). The actual spreads within all ranges referred to above are 
based on a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. 

The Company's revolving credit facility includes a $250.0 million sublimit for letters of credit.

The Credit Agreement provides that the Company has the right at any time to request one or more incremental term loan facilities or 
increases under existing term loan facilities and/or additional revolving credit facilities or increases under the existing revolving 
credit facility in an amount up to $1,400.0 million of incremental commitments in the aggregate plus an unlimited amount so long as 
the pro forma Consolidated Secured Debt to Covenant Adjusted EBITDA ratio (each as calculated in accordance with the Credit 
Agreement (the "Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio")) would not exceed 3.00 to 1.00, plus any amount of loans and commitments 
optionally prepaid and terminated under the senior secured credit facilities. The lenders under these facilities are not under any 
obligation to provide any such incremental facilities or commitments, and any such addition of or increase in facilities or 
commitments will be subject to customary conditions precedent. The revolving credit facility may be drawn by ASI as well as by 
certain foreign subsidiaries of ASI. Each foreign borrower is subject to a sublimit of $150.0 million with respect to borrowings 
under the revolving credit facility.

As of September 29, 2017, there was approximately $998.5 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

Prepayments and Amortization

The Credit Agreement requires us to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with: 

• 

• 

• 

50% of ASI's annual excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) with stepdowns to 25% and 0% upon ASI's 
reaching certain Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio thresholds; provided, further, that such prepayment shall only be 
required to the extent excess cash flow for the applicable year exceeds $10.0 million;

100% of the net cash proceeds of all nonordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of property subject to certain 
exceptions and customary reinvestment rights; provided, further, that such prepayment shall only be required to the extent 
net cash proceeds exceeds $100.0 million; and 

100% of the net cash proceeds of any incurrence of debt, but excluding proceeds from certain debt permitted under the 
Credit Agreement.

The foregoing mandatory prepayments will be applied to the term loan facilities on a pro rata basis and will reduce the obligations 
to make scheduled amortization payments on a dollar for dollar basis as directed by the Company. The Company may voluntarily 
repay outstanding loans under the Credit Agreement any time without premium or penalty, other than (i) customary "breakage" costs 
with respect to LIBOR loans and (ii) with respect to any voluntary prepayments of the U.S. Term Loan B in connection with any 
repricing transaction (as defined in the Credit Agreement) effected prior to September 28, 2017, a 1% prepayment premium. Prepaid 
term loans may not be reborrowed. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company repaid a U.S. dollar denominated term loan of a Canadian subsidiary, due July 
2016, that had been borrowed under the Company's senior secured credit agreement in the amount of $74.1 million. The Company 
made optional prepayments of approximately $330.6 million and $160.0 million of outstanding U.S. dollar term loans, during fiscal 
2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.

If a change of control as defined in the Credit Agreement occurs, this will cause an event of default under the Credit Agreement. 
Upon an event of default, the new senior secured credit facilities may be accelerated, in which case the Company would be required 
to repay all outstanding loans plus accrued and unpaid interest and all other amounts outstanding under the new senior secured 
credit facilities under the Credit Agreement.

The Company is required to make quarterly principal repayments on the U.S. Term Loan B and the Yen Term Loan in quarterly 
amounts of 1.00% per annum of their funded total principal amount. The Company is required to make quarterly principal 
repayments on the U.S. Term Loan A in quarterly amounts of 5.0%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0% and 15.0% per annum of their funded total 
principal amount after the anniversary of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years under the Credit Agreement. The Company is 
required to make quarterly principal repayments on the Canadian Term Loan in quarterly amounts of 4.4%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.1% and 

S-16        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15.1% per annum of their funded total principal amount after the anniversary of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years under 
the Credit Agreement. The Company is required to make quarterly principal repayments on the Euro Term Loan in quarterly 
amounts of 5.0%, 6.3%, 8.8%, 12.5% and 15.0% per annum of their funded total principal amount after the anniversary of the first, 
second, third, fourth and fifth years under the Credit Agreement.

Guarantees

All obligations under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by Aramark Intermediate HoldCo Corporation and, 
subject to certain exceptions, substantially all of ASI's existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries excluding certain 
immaterial subsidiaries, receivables facility subsidiaries, certain other customarily excluded subsidiaries and certain subsidiaries 
designated under the Credit Agreement as "unrestricted subsidiaries", referred to, collectively, as the U.S. Guarantors. All 
obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by (i) a pledge of 100% of the capital 
stock of ASI, (ii) pledges of 100% of the capital stock (or 65% of voting stock and 100% of non-voting stock, in the case of the 
stock of foreign subsidiaries) held by ASI, Aramark Intermediate HoldCo Corporation or any of the U.S. Guarantors and (iii) a 
security interest in, and mortgages on, substantially all tangible assets of Aramark Intermediate HoldCo Corporation, ASI or any of 
the U.S. Guarantors.

Certain Covenants

The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, ASI's ability and 
the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock or provide guarantees; create liens on 
assets; engage in mergers or consolidations; sell assets; pay dividends, make distributions or repurchase its capital stock; make 
investments, loans or advances; repay or repurchase any subordinated debt, except as scheduled or at maturity; create restrictions on 
the payment of dividends or other transfers to ASI from its restricted subsidiaries; make certain acquisitions; engage in certain 
transactions with affiliates; amend material agreements governing ASI's subordinated debt; and fundamentally change ASI's 
business. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires ASI to comply with a maximum Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio maintenance 
covenant. The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative covenants, such as financial and other reporting, and 
certain events of default. At September 29, 2017, ASI was in compliance with all of these covenants.

The Credit Agreement requires ASI to maintain a maximum Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio, defined as consolidated total 
indebtedness secured by a lien to Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, of 5.125x. Consolidated total indebtedness secured by a lien is 
defined in the Credit Agreement as total indebtedness consisting of debt for borrowed money, capital leases, debt in respect of sale-
leaseback transactions, disqualified and preferred stock and advances under the Receivables Facility secured by a lien reduced by 
the amount of cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet that is free and clear of any lien. Non-compliance with 
the maximum Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio could result in the requirement to immediately repay all amounts outstanding under 
the Credit Agreement, which, if ASI's lenders under the Credit Agreement (other than the lenders in respect of ASI’s U.S. Term 
Loan B which lenders shall not benefit from the maximum Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio) failed to waive any such default, 
would also constitute a default under the indentures governing the senior notes. The actual ratio at September 29, 2017 was 1.87x.

The Credit Agreement establishes an incurrence-based minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, defined as Covenant Adjusted EBITDA to 
consolidated interest expense, as a condition for ASI and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and to make 
certain restricted payments. The minimum Interest Coverage Ratio is 2.00x for the term of the Credit Agreement. If ASI does not 
maintain this minimum Interest Coverage Ratio calculated on a pro forma basis for any such additional indebtedness or restricted 
payments, it could be prohibited from being able to incur additional indebtedness, other than the additional funding provided for 
under the Credit Agreement and pursuant to specified exceptions, and make certain restricted payments, other than pursuant to 
certain exceptions. The actual ratio was 5.82x for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2017.

A failure to pay any obligations under the Credit Agreement as they become due or any event causing amounts to become due prior 
to their stated maturity could result in a cross-default and potential acceleration of the Company’s other outstanding debt 
obligations, including the senior notes.

Senior Notes

5.000% Senior Notes due 2025 and 3.125% Senior Notes due 2025

The 5.000% 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 22, 2017 (the "5.000% 2025 Notes Indenture"), 
entered into by and among ASI, the Company and certain other Aramark entities, as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, 
as trustee. The 5.000% 2025 Notes were issued at par. The 3.125% 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of 
March 27, 2017 (the "3.125% 2025 Notes Indenture"), entered into by and among AIFS, the Company and certain other Aramark 
entities, as guarantors, The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee and registrar, and The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, 
as paying agent and transfer agent. The 3.125% 2025 Notes were issued at par.
The 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the respective Issuers. Each series of the 2025 Notes ranks equal in right of 
payment to all of the respective Issuer's existing and future senior indebtedness, including the senior secured credit facilities under 
the Credit Agreement, and, in the case of the 5.000% 2025 Notes with respect to ASI, ASI's 5.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (the 
"2024 Notes") and 4.750% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") and will rank senior in right of payment to the respective 
Issuer's future subordinated indebtedness. The 2025 Notes are guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by the Company and 
substantially all of the domestic subsidiaries of ASI and the 3.125% 2025 Notes are guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by ASI. 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-17

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The guarantees of the 2025 Notes rank equal in right of payment to all of the senior obligations of such guarantor, including 
guarantees of the senior secured credit facilities, the 2024 Notes, the 2026 Notes and the 5.000% 2025 Notes or 3.125% 2025 Notes, 
as applicable, and in the case of the 3.125% 2025 Notes with respect to ASI, ASI’s obligations under the senior secured credit 
facilities, the 2024 Notes, the 2026 Notes and the 5.000% 2025 Notes. Each series of the 2025 Notes and the related guarantees 
thereof are effectively subordinated to all of the respective Issuers' existing and future secured indebtedness, including obligations 
and/or guarantees of the senior secured credit facilities under the Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing 
that indebtedness, and structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of any of ASI's subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2025 
Notes. Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2017. 

In the event of certain types of changes of control, the holders of the 2025 Notes may require the applicable Issuer to purchase for 
cash all or a portion of their 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2025 Notes, plus accrued 
and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the purchase date. Beginning April 1, 2020, ASI has the option to redeem all or a 
portion of the 5.000% 2025 Notes at any time at the redemption prices set forth in the 5.000% 2025 Notes Indenture, plus accrued 
and unpaid interest. Beginning April 1, 2020, AIFS has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 3.125% 2025 Notes at any time at 
the redemption prices set forth in the 3.125% 2025 Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest. 

The 5.000% 2025 Notes Indenture and the 3.125% 2025 Notes Indenture contain covenants limiting ASI's ability and the ability of 
its restricted subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares; pay dividends and make certain 
distributions, investments and other restricted payments; create certain liens; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; limit 
the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to ASI; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge, consolidate, sell or 
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of ASI's and its restricted subsidiaries assets; and designate ASI's subsidiaries as 
unrestricted subsidiaries. The 5.000% 2025 Notes Indenture and the 3.125% 2025 Notes Indenture also provide for events of default 
which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on the applicable series of 2025 Notes to 
become or to be declared due and payable. Further, a failure to pay any obligations under the 5.000% 2025 Notes Indenture or the 
3.125% 2025 Notes Indenture as they become due or any event causing amounts to become due prior to their stated maturity could 
result in a cross-default and potential acceleration of the Company’s other outstanding debt obligations, including the other senior 
notes and obligations under the Credit Agreement.

Fiscal 2016 Refinancing Transactions

On May 31, 2016, ASI issued $1.0 billion principal amount of senior unsecured notes, consisting of $500 million aggregate 
principal amount of 2024 Notes and $500 million of aggregate principal amount of 2026 Notes. The additional 2024 Notes were 
issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of December 17, 2015, as supplemented by the supplemental indenture, dated as of May 31, 
2016, entered into by ASI, certain other Aramark entities, as guarantors of the 2024 Notes and the Bank of New York Mellon, as 
trustee. The 2026 Notes were issued pursuant to the indenture, dated as of May 31, 2016, entered into by ASI, certain other Aramark 
entities, as guarantors of the 2026 Notes and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The additional 2024 Notes were issued at a 
premium of $18.8 million, which created an effective yield of 4.6%. The premium was recorded to "Long-Term Borrowings" in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized to "Interest and Other Financing Costs, net" in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income until maturity in 2024. The 2026 Notes were issued at par.

The net proceeds from the 2024 Notes and the 2026 Notes and premium from the 2024 Notes were used to redeem $194.1 million of 
the senior secured term loan facility due September 2019 (the "2019 Term Loans"), repay $771.2 million principal of the 2020 
Notes, pay a $22.2 million call premium on the 2020 Notes, pay $11.1 million of accrued interest on the 2020 Notes and fees and 
costs associated with the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes. As a result of the issuance of the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, the Company 
recorded charges of approximately $30.2 million, to "Interest and Other Financing Costs, net" in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, consisting of $22.2 million for the call premium on the 2020 Notes and $8.0 
million of non-cash charges for the write-off of debt issuance costs and debt discount on the 2020 Notes and 2019 Term Loans. The 
Company also paid approximately $14.2 million in debt issuance costs spread evenly between the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, 
which were recorded as a reduction to "Long-Term Borrowings" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On December 17, 2015, ASI issued $400 million of 2024 Notes, pursuant to an indenture, dated as of December 17, 2015, entered 
into by ASI, certain other Aramark entities, as guarantors of the 2024 Notes and the Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The 2024 
Notes were issued at par. The Company paid approximately $6.0 million in financing fees related to the 2024 Notes.

The 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of ASI. The 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes rank equal in right of 
payment to all of ASI's existing and future senior debt, including the senior secured credit facilities under the Credit Agreement and 
the 2025 Notes and senior in the right of payment to ASI's future debt and other obligations that are expressly subordinated in right 
of payment to the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes. The 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by the 
Company and substantially all of the domestic subsidiaries of ASI. The Notes and the guarantees thereof are effectively 
subordinated to all existing and future secured debt of ASI and the guarantors including obligations and/or guarantees of the senior 
secured credit facilities under the Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and structurally 
subordinated to all of the liabilities of any of ASI's subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes. Interest on the 
2024 Notes is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year. 

In the event of certain types of changes of control, the holders of the 2024 Notes or 2026 Notes may require ASI to purchase for 
cash all or a portion of their 2024 Notes or 2026 Notes, as applicable, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of 

S-18        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the purchase date. Beginning January 15, 2019, ASI has 
the option to redeem all or a portion of the 2024 Notes at any time at the redemption prices set forth in the 2024 Notes Indenture, 
plus accrued and unpaid interest. Beginning June 1, 2021, ASI has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 2026 Notes at any 
time at the redemption prices set forth in the 2026 Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The 2024 Notes Indenture and 2026 Notes Indenture contain covenants limiting ASI's ability and the ability of its restricted 
subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares; pay dividends and make certain distributions, 
investments and other restricted payments; create certain liens; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; limit the ability of 
restricted subsidiaries to make payments to ASI; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge, consolidate, sell or otherwise 
dispose of all or substantially all of ASI's and it restricted subsidiaries' assets; and designate ASI's subsidiaries as unrestricted 
subsidiaries. They also provide for events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and 
accrued interest on the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes to become or to be declared due and payable. 

Future Maturities and Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

At September 29, 2017, annual maturities on long-term borrowings maturing in the next five fiscal years and thereafter (excluding 
the $47.2 million reduction to long-term borrowings from debt discounts and deferred financing fees and the increase of $14.9 
million from the premium on the 2024 Notes) are as follows (in thousands):

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter

$

78,157
321,416
132,261
149,435
795,751
3,823,807

The components of interest and other financing costs, net, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

Interest expense
Interest income
Other financing costs

Total

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

$

$

285,995
(5,942)
7,362
287,415

$

$

315,166
(5,288)
5,505
315,383

$

$

286,261
(4,932)
4,613
285,942

NOTE 6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: 

The Company enters into contractual derivative arrangements to manage changes in market conditions related to interest on debt 
obligations, foreign currency exposures and exposure to fluctuating gasoline and diesel fuel prices. Derivative instruments utilized 
during the period include interest rate swap agreements, foreign currency forward exchange contracts, and gasoline and diesel fuel 
agreements. All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value at the end of 
each quarter. The counterparties to the Company's contractual derivative agreements are all major international financial institutions. 
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties. The Company continually monitors 
its positions and the credit ratings of its counterparties, and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties. For 
designated hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk management objective and 
strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging 
instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the 
method of measuring ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, 
whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting cash flows of hedged items. 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-19

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cash Flow Hedges 

The Company has approximately $1.6 billion notional amount of outstanding interest rate swap agreements, fixing the rate on a like 
amount of variable rate borrowings, as of September 29, 2017. During fiscal 2017, the Company entered into $200.0 million 
notional amount of forward starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge the cash flow risk of variability in interest payments on 
variable rate borrowings. In addition, interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $1.0 billion matured during fiscal 2017. As a 
result of the Credit Agreement, the Company de-designated the previous interest rate swap agreements as the terms of the interest 
rate swaps did not match the terms of the new term loans. Prior to the Credit Agreement, these agreements met the required criteria 
to be designated as cash flow hedging instruments. The Company then amended the interest rate swap agreements to match the 
terms of the new term loans under the Credit Agreement to meet the criteria to be designated as cash flow hedging instruments. As a 
result of the de-designation, the Company recorded charges to "Interest and Other Financing Costs, net" in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income during fiscal 2017 of approximately $2.9 million for the changes in market value of the interest rate swaps. 
During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company entered into an additional $500.0 million notional amount of forward starting 
interest rate swap agreements.

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as and meets all the required criteria for a cash flow hedge are recorded in 
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. As of 
September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, approximately ($6.8) million and ($36.4) million of unrealized net of tax losses 
related to the interest rate swaps were included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss," respectively. The hedge ineffectiveness 
for these cash flow hedging instruments during fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 was not material. 

During fiscal 2016, the Company repaid a U.S. dollar denominated term loan of a Canadian subsidiary in the amount of $74.1 
million. As a result of this repayment, the Company terminated its $74.1 million of outstanding amortizing cross currency swap 
agreements, which resulted in a pre-tax charge of approximately $1.1 million recorded to "Interest and Other Financing Costs, net" 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income during fiscal 2016. The termination of these agreements resulted in the Company 
receiving $5.7 million of proceeds during fiscal 2016. 

The following table summarizes the effect of our derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments (effective portion) on 
Other comprehensive loss (in thousands): 

Fiscal Year Ended

Interest rate swap agreements
Cross currency swap agreements

September 29, 2017
31,884
$
—
31,884

$

September 30, 2016
$

(21,321) $
(2,116)
(23,437) $

October 2, 2015

(70,455)
12,312
(58,143)

$

Derivatives not Designated in Hedging Relationships

The Company entered into a series of pay fixed/receive floating gasoline and diesel fuel agreements based on the Department of 
Energy weekly retail on-highway index in order to limit its exposure to price fluctuations for gasoline and diesel fuel. As of 
September 29, 2017, the Company has contracts for approximately 16.7 million gallons outstanding for fiscal 2018. The Company 
does not record its gasoline and diesel fuel agreements as hedges for accounting purposes. The impact on earnings related to the 
change in fair value was not material for fiscal 2017. The impact on earnings related to the change in fair value of these unsettled 
contracts was a gain of approximately $8.1 million and a loss of approximately ($2.6) million for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, 
respectively. The change in fair value for unsettled contracts is included in "Selling and general corporate expenses" in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. When the contracts settle, the gain or loss is recorded to "Costs of services provided" in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income.

As of September 29, 2017, the Company had foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding with notional amounts of 
€33.0 million, £12.1 million and CAD67.0 million to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on short-term 
intercompany loans to certain international subsidiaries. Gains and losses on these foreign currency exchange contracts are 
recognized in income as the contracts were not designated as hedging instruments, substantially offsetting currency transaction 
gains and losses on the short-term intercompany loans. 

S-20        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes the location and fair value, using Level 2 inputs (see Note 16 for a description of the fair value 
levels), of the Company's derivatives designated and not designated as hedging instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in 
thousands): 

Balance Sheet Location

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

ASSETS
Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Gasoline and diesel fuel agreements

Prepayments and other
current assets

Prepayments and other
current assets

LIABILITIES
Designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap agreements

Interest rate swap agreements

Accrued expenses and other
current liabilities
Other Noncurrent Liabilities

Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Accounts Payable

$

$

$

$

$
$

80

$

3,626
3,706

1,196
9,313
10,509

$

$

$

— $
$

10,509

—

3,878
3,878

5,929
34,919
40,848

447
41,295

The following table summarizes the location of (gain) loss reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into earnings 
for derivatives designated as hedging instruments and the location of (gain) loss for our derivatives not designated as hedging 
instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands): 

Income Statement Location

September 29, 2017

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30,
2016

October 2, 2015

Designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap agreements

Cross currency swap agreements

Interest Expense

Interest Expense

Not designated as hedging instruments:
Gasoline and diesel fuel agreements

Costs of services
provided / Selling and
general corporate
expenses

Foreign currency forward exchange

contracts

Interest Expense

$

$

$

$

$

16,606

—

16,606

$

$

32,800

2,061

34,861

$

$

31,367
(11,224)
20,143

(1,277) $

(685) $

8,512

(886)
(2,163) $
$
14,443

(8,847)
(9,532) $
$
25,329

(4,821)
3,691

23,834

The Company has a Japanese yen denominated term loan in the amount of ¥11,051.5 million. The term loan was designated as a 
hedge of the Company's net Japanese currency exposure represented by the equity investment in our Japanese affiliate, AIM 
Services Co., Ltd. Additionally, the Company has a Euro denominated term loan in the amount of €170.0 million. The term loan was 
designated as a hedge of the Company's net Euro currency exposure represented by certain holdings in our European affiliates.

At September 29, 2017, the net of tax loss expected to be reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into earnings 
over the next twelve months based on current market rates is approximately $2.3 million. 

NOTE 7. EMPLOYEE PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS:

In the United States, the Company maintains qualified contributory and non-contributory defined contribution retirement plans for 
eligible employees, with Company contributions to the plans based on earnings performance or salary level. The Company also has 
a non-qualified retirement savings plan for certain employees. The total expense of the above plans for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and 
fiscal 2015 was $27.5 million, $32.4 million and $29.0 million, respectively. The Company also maintains similar contributory and 
non-contributory defined contribution retirement plans at several of its international operations, primarily in Canada and the United 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-21

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Kingdom. The total expense of these international plans for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 was $6.9 million, $9.4 million 
and $8.5 million, respectively. 

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension cost for the Company's single-employer defined benefit 
pension plans for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 (in thousands):

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Settlements
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognized net loss
Net periodic pension cost

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

Fiscal Year Ended

$

$

8,834
8,398
(18,350)
—
122
3,400
2,404

$

$

7,850
11,041
(17,679)
159
107
1,504
2,982

$

$

9,478
12,367
(16,970)
52
165
1,658
6,750

The following table set forth changes in the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for these plans (in 
thousands):

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation, beginning
Foreign currency translation
Service cost
Interest cost
Employee contributions
Actuarial loss (gain)
Benefits paid
Settlements and curtailments
Benefit obligation, ending

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning
Foreign currency translation
Employer contributions
Employee contributions
Actual return on plan assets
Benefits paid
Settlements
Fair value of plan assets, end
Funded Status at end of year

September 29, 2017
339,313
$
13,883
8,834
8,398
2,261
(24,923)
(14,316)
222
333,672

$

September 30, 2016
302,087
$
(18,867)
7,850
11,041
2,233
51,620
(16,106)
(545)
339,313

$

$

$
$

319,985
14,564
4,285
2,261
14,759
(14,316)
—
341,538
7,866

$

$
$

304,376
(17,841)
25,404
2,233
22,464
(16,106)
(545)
319,985
(19,328)

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following (in thousands):

Noncurrent benefit asset (included in Other Assets)

$

Noncurrent benefit liability (included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities)

Net actuarial loss (included in Accumulated other comprehensive
(income) loss before taxes)

$

23,056
(15,190)

77,717

6,452
(25,780)

100,265

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine pension expense of the respective fiscal years:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase
Long-term rate of return on assets

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

2.8%

2.4%
6.1%

3.8%

3.2%
6.2%

S-22        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the funded status of the respective fiscal years:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

2.9%

2.4%

3.3%

3.3%

Assumptions, including discount rate, expected return on assets, compensation increases and health care trends, are adjusted 
annually, as necessary, based on prevailing market conditions and actual experience. The Company has elected to use a spot-rate 
approach for the discount rate used in the calculation of pension interest and service cost for fiscal 2017 and beyond. The spot-rate 
approach applies separate discount rates for each projected benefit payment in the calculation. Historically, the Company used a 
weighted-average approach to determine the appropriate discount rate. The impact of the change is not material to the consolidated 
financial statements. 

The accumulated benefit obligation as of September 29, 2017 was $316.0 million. During fiscal 2017, actuarial losses of 
approximately $24.8 million were recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes) and $3.6 million of amortization of 
actuarial losses was recognized as net periodic pension cost during such period. The estimated portion of net actuarial loss included 
in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 29, 2017 expected to be recognized in net periodic pension cost 
during fiscal 2018 is approximately $3.4 million (before taxes).

The accumulated benefit obligation as of September 30, 2016 was $316.5 million. During fiscal 2016, actuarial losses of 
approximately $39.6 million were recognized in other comprehensive loss (before taxes) and $1.6 million of amortization of 
actuarial losses was recognized as net periodic pension cost during such period.

The following table sets forth information for the Company's single-employer pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation 
in excess of plan assets as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

$

$

141,401
140,547
126,210

139,088
136,605
113,710

Assets of the plans are invested with the goal of principal preservation and enhancement over the long-term. The primary goal is 
total return, consistent with prudent investment management. The Company's investment policies also require an appropriate level 
of diversification across the asset categories. The current overall capital structure and targeted ranges for asset classes are 50-70% 
invested in equity securities, 25-50% invested in debt securities and 0-5% in real estate investments. Performance of the plans is 
monitored on a regular basis and adjustments of the asset allocations are made when deemed necessary.

The weighted-average long-term rate of return on assets has been determined based on an estimated weighted-average of long-term 
returns of major asset classes, taking into account historical performance of plan assets, the current interest rate environment, plan 
demographics, acceptable risk levels and the estimated value of active asset management.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-23

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The fair value of plan assets for the Company's defined benefit pension plans as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 is 
as follows (see Note 16 for a description of the fair value levels) (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents and other
Investment funds:
Equity funds
Fixed income funds

Real estate
Total

Cash and cash equivalents and other
Investment funds:
Equity funds
Fixed income funds

Real estate
Total

September 29, 2017
741
$

$

Quoted prices in
active markets
Level 1

Significant other
observable inputs
Level 2

Significant
unobservable inputs
Level 3

741

$

— $

—

202,253
128,155
10,389
341,538

$

September 30, 2016
21,009
$

173,704
116,168
9,104
319,985

$

$

$

$

—
—
—
741

$

202,253
128,155
—
330,408

$

—
—
10,389
10,389

Quoted prices in
active markets
Level 1

Significant other
observable inputs
Level 2

Significant
unobservable inputs
Level 3

21,009

$

— $

—
—
—
21,009

$

173,704
116,168
—
289,872

$

—

—
—
9,104
9,104

The fair value of the investment funds is based on the value of the underlying assets, as reported to the Plan by the trustees. They are 
comprised of a portfolio of underlying securities that can be valued based on trading information on active markets. Fair value is 
calculated by applying the Plan's percentage ownership in the fund to the total market value of the account's underlying securities, 
and is therefore categorized as Level 2 as the Plan does not directly own shares in these underlying investments. Investments in 
equity securities include publicly-traded domestic companies (approximately 33%) and international companies (approximately 
67%) that are diversified across industry, country and stock market capitalization. Investments in fixed income securities include 
domestic (approximately 4%) and international (approximately 96%) corporate bonds and government securities. Substantially all 
of the real estate investments are in international markets. Cash and cash equivalents include direct cash holdings, which are valued 
based on cost, and short-term deposits and investments in money market funds for which fair value measurements are all based on 
quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active.

It is the Company's policy to fund at least the minimum required contributions as outlined in the required statutory actuarial 
valuation for each plan. The Company made voluntary pension contributions above the minimum required of approximately $19.8 
million during fiscal 2016. The following table sets forth the benefits expected to be paid in the next five fiscal years and in 
aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter by the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):

$

Fiscal 2018
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2022
Fiscal 2023 – 2027

21,015
12,973
13,298
13,983
14,443
77,991

The estimated benefit payments above are based on assumptions about future events. Actual benefit payments may vary 
significantly from these estimates.

The expected contributions to be paid to the Company's defined benefit pension plans during fiscal 2018 are approximately $7.5 
million.

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining 
agreements ("CBA") that cover its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are 
different from single-employer plans in the following respects:

a.  Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other 

participating employers.

b. 

If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the 
remaining participating employers.

S-24        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

c. 

If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay 
those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The Company's participation in these plans for fiscal 2017 is outlined in the table below. The "EIN/Pension Plan Number" column 
provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number, if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, the most 
recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone status available in 2017 and 2016 is for the plans' two most recent fiscal year-ends. The 
zone status is based on information that the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan's actuary. Among other 
factors, plans in the critical and declining zone are generally less than 65% funded and projected to become insolvent in the next 15 
or 20 years depending on the ratio of active to inactive participants, plans in the critical zone are generally less than 65% funded, 
plans in the endangered zone are less than 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The "FIP/RP Status 
Pending/Implemented" column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either 
pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the CBA(s) to which the plans are subject. There 
have been no significant changes that affect the comparability of fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 contributions. 

Pension
Fund

National Retirement Fund

EIN/
Pension
Plan 
Number
13-6130178
/ 001

Pension Protection
Act Zone Status

2017

Critical

2016

FIP/RP Status
Pending/
Implemented

Contributions by the Company
(in thousands)

2017

2016

2015

Critical

Implemented

$

7,541 $

6,675 $

6,580

Service Employees Pension 
Fund of Upstate New York (1)
Local 1102 Retirement Trust (2) 13-1847329

16-0908576
/ 001

/ 001

Critical

Critical

Implemented

Critical

Critical

Implemented

534

397

448

339

527

300

Central States SE and SW
Areas Pension Plan

36-6044243
/ 001

Critical and
Declining

Critical and
Declining

Implemented

3,836

3,723

3,659

Surcharge
Imposed
No

No

No

No

No

Range of
Expiration
Dates of
CBAs
1/15/2015 -
9/30/2021

6/30/2018 -
9/30/2019

10/31/2017
- 6/30/2019

1/31/2007 -
2/15/2020

1/31/2018 -
6/30/2018

Pension Plan for Hospital &
Health Care Employees
Philadelphia & Vicinity

Local 731 IBT Textile
Maintenance and Laundry
Craft Pension Fund

SEIU National Industry 
Pension Fund (3)

Local 171 Pension Plan

PACE Industry Union-
Management Pension Fund

Other funds

Total contributions

23-2627428
/ 001

51-6056180
/ 001

52-6148540
/ 001

37-6155648
/ 001
11-6166763
/ 001

Critical

Critical

Implemented

Critical

Critical

Implemented

Critical

Critical

Implemented

Critical and
Declining
Critical and
Declining

Critical and
Declining
Critical and
Declining

Implemented

Implemented

336

898

429

82

26

216

198

813

768

No

4/29/2019

404

298

83

25

79

30

No

No

No

4/14/2019 -
12/31/2019

7/7/2017

3/30/2018

15,170

14,415

13,964

$

29,249 $

27,141 $

26,403

(1)

(2)

(3)

Over 60% of the Company's participants in this fund are covered by a single CBA that expires on 6/30/2018.

Over 90% of the Company's participants in this fund are covered by a single CBA that expires on 6/30/2019.

Over 75% of the Company's participants in this fund are covered by a single CBA that expires on 12/31/2019.

The Company provided more than 5 percent of the total contributions for the following plans and plan years: 

Pension
Fund

Local 1102 Retirement Trust

Contributions to the plan
exceeded more than 5%
of total contributions (as
of the plan's year-end)
12/31/2016 and 12/31/2015

Service Employees Pension Fund of Upstate New York

12/31/2016 and 12/31/2015

Local 731 IBT Textile Maintenance and Laundry Craft Pension Fund

12/31/2016 and 12/31/2015

Local 171 Pension Plan

12/31/2016 and 12/31/2015

At the date the Company's financial statements were issued, Forms 5500 were not available for the plan years ending in 2017.

NOTE 8. INCOME TAXES:

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, the provision for income taxes 
represents income taxes payable or refundable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes 
result from differences between the financial and tax bases in assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and 
enacted tax legislation. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax 
benefit will not be realized.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-25

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The components of income before income taxes by source of income are as follows (in thousands):

United States
Non-U.S.

The provision for income taxes consists of (in thousands):

Current:

Federal
State and local
Non-U.S.

Deferred:

Federal
State and local
Non-U.S.

September 29, 2017

362,783
157,859
520,642

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016
284,216
146,715
430,931

$

$

$

$

October 2, 2015

250,069
91,927
341,996

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

Fiscal Year Ended

111,175
15,455
57,681
184,311

(21,956)
3,165
(19,065)
(37,856)
146,455

$

$

39,510
15,750
35,023
90,283

47,323
(740)
5,833
52,416
142,699

$

$

64,221
15,223
29,684
109,128

(585)
(208)
(3,315)
(4,108)
105,020

$

$

$

$

Current taxes receivable of $9.6 million and $48.5 million at September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively, are 
included in "Prepayments and other current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Current income taxes payable of $30.7 
million and $10.3 million at September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively, are included in "Accrued expenses and other 
current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The provision for income taxes varies from the amount determined by applying the United States Federal statutory rate to pretax 
income as a result of the following (all percentages are as a percentage of income before income taxes):

United States statutory income tax rate
Increase (decrease) in taxes, resulting from:

State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit
Foreign taxes
Permanent book/tax differences(1)
Uncertain tax positions
Tax credits & other

Effective income tax rate

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

Fiscal Year Ended

35.0%

2.3
(4.3)
(3.8)
1.4
(2.5)
28.1%

35.0%

2.3
(1.4)
0.3
0.1
(3.2)
33.1%

35.0%

2.9
(3.7)
0.3
(0.5)
(3.3)
30.7%

(1) Includes the reduction of approximately 4% related to the adoption of the ASU related to share-based payment
transactions in fiscal 2017 (see Note 1).

The effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to the Company in 
the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Judgment is required in determining the effective tax rate and in evaluating the tax 
return positions. Reserves are established when positions are "more likely than not" to be challenged and not sustained. Reserves are 
adjusted at each financial statement date to reflect the impact of audit settlements, expiration of statutes of limitation, developments 
in tax law and ongoing discussions with tax authorities. Accrued interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions are 
recognized as part of the income tax provision.

As of September 29, 2017, certain subsidiaries have recorded deferred tax assets of $21.3 million associated with accumulated 
federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the benefit from 
certain state net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards will not be realized. As a result, the Company has recorded a valuation 
allowance of approximately $11.5 million on the deferred tax asset related to these state NOL carryforwards. 

S-26        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of September 29, 2017, the Company has approximately $24.8 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards, which expire in 2027. 
The Company believes there is sufficient taxable income in the carryforward period to utilize these credits; and a valuation 
allowance was not provided. 

As of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the components of deferred taxes are as follows (in thousands):

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property and equipment
Investments
Other intangible assets, including goodwill
Inventory
Other

Gross deferred tax liability

Deferred tax assets:
Derivatives
Insurance
Employee compensation and benefits
Accruals and allowances
Net operating loss/credit carryforwards and other
Gross deferred tax asset, before valuation allowances
Valuation allowances

Net deferred tax liability

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

$

$

92,268
20,317
629,153
97,622
25,992
865,352

—
33,811
209,951
31,026
48,793
323,581
(11,513)
553,284

$

$

87,191
46,125
655,319
97,796
15,897
902,328

1,618
19,276
249,509
21,716
26,707
318,826
(7,352)
590,854

Deferred tax liabilities of approximately $570.9 million and $608.4 million as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, 
respectively, are included in "Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Deferred tax assets of approximately $17.6 million and $17.4 million as of September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, 
respectively, are included in "Other Assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Prior to fiscal 2017, the Company provided deferred taxes on all unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. Effective for the 
first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company asserted that the prospective unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries would be 
permanently invested. As a result of a foreign restructuring plan completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company further 
asserted all unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries held as of September 29, 2017, are permanently invested outside the 
U.S. Accordingly, the Company recorded a net benefit related to this assertion of approximately $1.9 million to the Consolidated 
Statements of Income.

Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which no deferred tax liability has been recorded are approximately $40.0 million 
at September 29, 2017. Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no deferred income taxes have 
been provided. If the unremitted earnings are no longer permanently invested in a subsequent period, the Company will record a 
provision for deferred income taxes on these unremitted earnings. The estimated tax cost associated with remitting these earnings is 
not expected to have a significant adverse effect on the results of operations.

The Company has approximately $30.8 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 29, 2017, all of which, if 
recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax 
benefits follows (in thousands):

Balance, beginning of year
Additions based on tax positions taken in the current year
Additions for tax positions taken in prior years
Reductions for remeasurements, settlements and payments
Reductions due to statute expiration
Balance, end of year

September 29, 2017
22,752
$
9,323
4,028
(3,972)
(1,319)
30,812

$

September 30, 2016
21,412
$
481
2,141
(185)
(1,097)
22,752

$

The Company has approximately $5.0 million and $6.0 million accrued for interest and penalties as of September 29, 2017 and 
September 30, 2016, respectively, and recorded approximately ($1.0) million and $0.4 million in interest and penalties during fiscal 
2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in "Provision for income 
taxes" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Unrecognized tax benefits are not expected to significantly change within the next 12 months.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-27

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Generally, a number of years may elapse before a tax reporting year is audited and finally resolved. With few exceptions, the 
Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations by tax authorities before 2013. While it is often difficult to 
predict the final outcome or the timing of or resolution of a particular tax matter, the Company does not anticipate any adjustments 
resulting from U.S. federal, state or foreign tax audits that would result in a material change to the financial condition or results of 
operations. Adequate amounts are established for any adjustments that may result from examinations for tax years after 2013. 
However, an unfavorable settlement of a particular issue would require use of the Company's cash.

NOTE 9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

During fiscal 2015, the Company completed a repurchase of 1.5 million shares of its common stock for approximately $48.5 
million. 

During fiscal 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program providing for purchases of up to $250.0 
million of Aramark common stock during fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018. The Company completed a repurchase of approximately 2.8 
million shares of its common stock for $100.0 million in fiscal 2017. 

The following table presents the Company's dividend payments to its stockholders (in millions):

Dividend payments

$

100.8

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016
92.1

$

$

October 2, 2015

81.9

On November 13, 2017, a $0.105 dividend per share of common stock was declared, payable on December 7, 2017, to shareholders 
of record on the close of business on November 27, 2017.

NOTE 10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION:

On November 12, 2013, the Board of Directors (the "Board") approved, and the stockholders of Aramark adopted by written 
consent, the Aramark 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Old 2013 Stock Plan"), which became effective on December 1, 2013 and the 
amended and restated Old 2013 Stock Plan was approved by the Board on November 9, 2016 and approved by the stockholders of 
Aramark on February 1, 2017 (as amended, the "2013 Stock Plan"). The 2013 Stock Plan provides that the total number of shares of 
common stock that may be issued under the 2013 Stock Plan is 25,500,000. 

The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense and related information for Time-Based Options ("TBOs"), 
Performance-Based Options ("PBOs"), Time-Based Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs"), Performance Stock Units and Performance 
Restricted Stock ("PSUs"), and Deferred Stock and Other Units classified as "Selling and general corporate expenses" in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income (in millions). 

TBOs
PBOs
RSUs
PSUs
Deferred Stock and Other Units

Taxes related to share-based compensation

Cash Received from Option Exercises
Tax Benefit on Option Exercises (1)

September 29, 2017

$

$

$

$

$

$

20.4
—
20.8
21.6
2.4
65.2

24.2
28.8
23.3

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016
18.8
—
21.4
13.9
2.8
56.9

22.3
35.7
32.0

$

$

$

October 2, 2015

16.4
10.8
19.5
17.4
2.3
66.4

26.0
39.9
66.3

(1) The tax benefit on option exercises and restricted stock unit deliveries is included in "Accrued expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash 

Flows.

S-28        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

No compensation expense was capitalized. Based on historical activity, the Company has applied a forfeiture assumption of 8.7% 
per annum in the calculation of such expenses.

The below table summarizes the unrecognized compensation expense as of September 29, 2017 related to nonvested awards and the 
weighted-average period they are expected to be recognized:

TBOs
RSUs
PSUs
Total

Stock Options 

Time-Based Options

Unrecognized
Compensation Expense
(in millions)

$

$

27.0
34.8
19.6
81.4

Weighted-Average
Period (Years)
2.46
2.76
1.72

TBOs vest solely based upon continued employment over a four year time period. All TBOs remain exercisable for ten years from 
the date of grant. The fair value of the TBOs granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected 
volatility is based on a blended average of the historical volatility of the Company's and competitors' stocks over the expected term 
of the stock options. The expected life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding and is 
calculated using the simplified method as permitted under Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and regulations due 
to the lack of history of our equity incentive plan. The simplified method uses the midpoint between an option's vesting date and 
contractual term. The risk-free rate is based on the United States Treasury security with terms equal to the expected life of the option 
as of the grant date. Compensation expense for TBOs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which 
employees perform related services.

The table below presents the weighted average assumptions and related valuations for TBOs.

Expected volatility
Expected dividend yield
Expected life (in years)
Risk-free interest rate
Weighted-average grant-date fair value

A summary of TBO activity is presented below:

September 29, 2017
25%
1.11% - 1.21%
6.25
2.14% - 2.20%
$8.47

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016
30%
1.15% - 1.25%
6.25
1.50% - 2.04%
$9.21

October 2, 2015
30%
1.05% - 1.20%
6.25
1.60% - 2.07%
$8.34

Options
Outstanding at September 30, 2016
Granted

Exercised

Forfeited and expired

Outstanding at September 29, 2017

Exercisable at September 29, 2017

Expected to vest at September 29, 2017

Shares
(000s)

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000s)

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Term (Years)

12,354

2,584

$

$

(1,561) $

(303) $

13,074

7,474

5,113

$

$

$

21.48

34.11

8.21

27.94

24.39

18.71

31.96

$

$

$

206,623

160,536

42,077

6.7

5.5

8.2

Total intrinsic value exercised (in millions)
Total fair value that vested (in millions)

Fiscal Year Ended

$

September 29, 2017
32.2
17.7

September 30, 2016
49.9
$
17.5

$

October 2, 2015

107.8
13.7

Performance-Based Options

During fiscal 2015, all unvested performance-based options granted under the 2007 Management Stock Incentive Plan vested due to 
the sponsors of the Company's 2007 going-private transaction achieving the required rate of return on their sales of the Company's 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-29

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

stock to constitute a return-based event under the original terms of such options related to approximately 0.7 million shares. The 
Company no longer grants PBOs under the 2013 Stock Plan. All PBOs remain exercisable for ten years from the date of grant.

A summary of PBO activity is presented below: 

Options
Outstanding at September 30, 2016
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited and expired
Outstanding at September 29, 2017
Exercisable at September 29, 2017

Shares
(000s)

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000s)

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Term (Years)

3,174

$
— $
(992) $
— $
$
$

2,182
2,182

11.54
—
9.92
—
12.28
12.28

$
$

60,908
60,908

3.8
3.8

The total intrinsic value of PBOs exercised during fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 was $26.6 million, $39.2 million and 
$102.9 million, respectively.

Time-Based Restricted Stock Units 

The RSU agreement provides for grants of RSUs, 25% of which will vest and be settled in shares on each of the first four 
anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to the participant's continued employment with the Company through each such 
anniversary. The grant-date fair value of RSUs is based on the fair value of the Company's common stock. Participants holding 
RSUs will receive the benefit of any dividends paid on shares in the form of additional RSUs. The unvested units are subject to 
forfeiture if employment is terminated other than due to death, disability or retirement, and the units are nontransferable while 
subject to forfeiture.

Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding at September 30, 2016

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding at September 29, 2017

Units
(000s)

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

1,620

1,376

(911)

(150)

1,935

$

$

$

$

$

25.87

34.09

22.32

31.09

31.44

Performance Stock Units

Under the 2013 Stock Plan, the Company is authorized to grant PSUs to its employees. A participant is eligible to become vested in 
a number of PSUs equal to a percentage, higher or lower, of the target number of PSUs granted based on the level of the Company's 
achievement of the performance condition. Prior to fiscal 2016, the Company granted three year PSUs with the first 33% of the 
award vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date, if and to the extent the Company achieves these performance conditions, 
while the remaining 67% will generally vest ratably over the next two anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to the achievement 
of an adjusted earnings per share-based performance condition in the first year of grant and the participant's continued employment 
with the Company through each such anniversary. During fiscal 2016, the Company granted PSUs with cliff vesting subject to the 
achievement of adjusted earnings per share in the third fiscal year of grant and the participant's continued employment with the 
Company. The grant-date fair value of the PSUs is based on the fair value of the Company's common stock. During fiscal 2017, the 
Company granted PSUs subject to the level of achievement of adjusted earnings per share for the cumulative three year performance 
period and the participant's continued employment with the Company.

Performance Stock Units
Outstanding at September 30, 2016

Granted

Vested
Forfeited

Outstanding at September 29, 2017

Units
(000s)

1,298

455

(422)
(61)

1,270

$

$

$
$

$

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
30.02

34.12

26.67
31.52

31.82

Deferred Stock Units 

Deferred Stock Units are issued only to non-employee members of the Board of Directors of the Company and represent the right to 
receive shares of the Company's common stock in the future. Each deferred stock unit will be converted to one share of the 

S-30        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Company's common stock on the first day of the seventh month after which such director ceases to serve as a member of the Board 
of Directors. The grant-date fair value of deferred stock units is based on the fair value of the Company's common stock. The 
deferred stock units vest on the day prior to the next annual meeting of stockholders (which is generally one year after grant). The 
Company granted 58,376 deferred stock units during fiscal 2017. In addition, directors may elect to defer their cash retainer into 
Deferred Stock Units which are fully vested upon issuance.

NOTE 11. EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods 
presented. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted to 
include the potentially dilutive effect of stock awards.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the Company's stockholders (in 
thousands, except per share data):

Earnings:

Net income attributable to Aramark stockholders

$

373,923

$

287,806

$

235,946

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017

September 30, 2016

October 2, 2015

Shares:

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

Effect of dilutive securities

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

Basic Earnings Per Share:

244,453

7,104

251,557

242,286

6,477

248,763

Net income attributable to Aramark stockholders

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

Net income attributable to Aramark stockholders

$

$

1.53

1.49

$

$

1.19

1.16

$

$

237,616

9,000

246,616

0.99

0.96

Share-based awards to purchase 3.9 million, 2.1 million and 2.5 million shares were outstanding at September 29, 2017, 
September 30, 2016 and October 2, 2015, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common 
share, as their effect would have been antidilutive. In addition, PSUs of approximately 1.2 million and 0.6 million were outstanding 
at September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per 
common share, as the performance targets were not yet met.

NOTE 12. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION:

The Company has an agreement (the "Receivables Facility") with three financial institutions where we sell on a continuous basis an 
undivided interest in all eligible trade accounts receivable, as defined in the Receivables Facility. The maximum amount available 
under the Receivables Facility is $350.0 million, which expires in May 2019. In addition, the Receivables Facility includes a 
seasonal tranche which increases the capacity of the Receivables Facility and increases the maximum amount available by $50.0 
million. Pursuant to the Receivables Facility, the Company formed ARAMARK Receivables, LLC, a wholly-owned, consolidated, 
bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. ARAMARK Receivables, LLC was formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling receivables 
generated by certain subsidiaries of the Company. Under the Receivables Facility, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries 
transfer without recourse all of their accounts receivable to ARAMARK Receivables, LLC. As collections reduce previously 
transferred interests, interests in new, eligible receivables are transferred to ARAMARK Receivables, LLC, subject to meeting 
certain conditions. 

At September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the amount of outstanding borrowings under the Receivables Facility was $254.2 
million and $268.0 million, respectively, and is included in "Long-Term Borrowings" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

The Company has capital and other purchase commitments of approximately $962.9 million at September 29, 2017, primarily in 
connection with commitments for capital projects and client contract investments. At September 29, 2017, the Company also has 
letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $33.1 million.

Certain of the Company's lease arrangements, primarily vehicle leases, with terms of one to eight years, contain provisions related 
to residual value guarantees. The maximum potential liability to the Company under such arrangements was approximately $112.7 
million at September 29, 2017 if the terminal fair value of vehicles coming off lease was zero. Consistent with past experience, 
management does not expect any significant payments will be required pursuant to these arrangements. No amounts have been 
accrued for guarantee arrangements at September 29, 2017. 

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-31

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Rental expense for all operating leases was $170.0 million, $180.7 million and $181.8 million for fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and fiscal 
2015, respectively. Following is a schedule of the future minimum rental and similar commitments under all noncancelable 
operating leases and certain residual value guarantees as of September 29, 2017 (in thousands):

$

2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023-Thereafter

Total minimum rental obligations

$

213,414
65,418
63,678
45,956
32,511
202,504
623,481

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are a party to various legal actions, proceedings and investigations involving 
claims incidental to the conduct of their business, including actions by clients, consumers, employees, government entities and third 
parties, including under federal, state, international, national, provincial and local employment laws, wage and hour laws, 
discrimination laws, immigration laws, human health and safety laws, import and export controls and customs laws, environmental 
laws, false claims or whistleblower statutes, minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprise statutes, tax codes, antitrust 
and competition laws, consumer protection statutes, procurement regulations, intellectual property laws, food safety and sanitation 
laws, cost and accounting principles, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, other anti-corruption laws, lobbying 
laws, motor carrier safety laws, data privacy and security laws and alcohol licensing and service laws, or alleging negligence and/or 
breaches of contractual and other obligations. Based on information currently available, advice of counsel, available insurance 
coverage, established reserves and other resources, the Company does not believe that any such actions are likely to be, individually 
or in the aggregate, material to its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the event of 
unexpected further developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, or other similar matters, if unfavorable, 
may be materially adverse to the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 14. QUARTERLY RESULTS (Unaudited):

The following tables summarize the Company's unaudited quarterly results for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 (in thousands):

Sales

Cost of services provided

Net income

Net income attributable to Aramark
stockholders

Earnings per share:

  Basic

  Diluted

Dividends declared per common share

Quarter Ended

December 30, 2016
3,735,383
$

March 31, 2017
3,621,628
$

June 30, 2017

$

3,593,277

September 29, 2017
3,654,124
$

3,299,329

125,435

125,339

3,226,196

3,232,366

70,231

70,151

65,364

65,295

$

$

0.51

0.50

0.103

$

0.29

0.28

0.103

$

0.27

0.26

0.103

3,231,082

113,157

113,138

0.46

0.45

0.103

Sales

January 1, 2016

April 1, 2016

July 1, 2016

$

3,710,275

$

3,574,822

$

3,586,908

September 30, 2016
3,543,824
$

Quarter Ended

Cost of services provided

3,294,523

3,209,710

3,233,884

Net income

Net income attributable to Aramark
stockholders

Earnings per share:

  Basic
  Diluted

Dividends declared per common share

93,436

93,343

66,497

66,354

44,858

44,765

$

$

0.39
0.38

0.095

$

0.27
0.27

0.095

$

0.18
0.18

0.095

3,152,291

83,441

83,344

0.34
0.33

0.095

S-32        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 15. BUSINESS SEGMENTS:

The Company reports its operating results in three reportable segments: FSS North America, FSS International and Uniform. 
Corporate includes general expenses and assets not specifically allocated to an individual segment and share-based compensation 
expense (see Note 10). In the Company's food and support services segments, approximately 80% of the global sales is related to 
food services and 20% is related to facilities services. Financial information by segment follows (in millions):

FSS North America

FSS International

Uniform

FSS North America
FSS International
Uniform

Corporate
Operating Income
Interest and Other Financing Costs, net
Income Before Income Taxes

FSS North America

FSS International

Uniform

Corporate

FSS North America

FSS International

Uniform

Corporate

* Includes amounts acquired in business combinations

FSS North America

FSS International
Uniform

Corporate

Sales 

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
10,231.5

$

September 30, 2016
10,122.3
$

$

2,808.2

1,564.7

2,729.8

1,563.7

October 2, 2015

9,950.3

2,858.2

1,520.6

$

14,604.4

$

14,415.8

$

14,329.1

September 29, 2017
621.9
137.0
182.3
941.2
(133.1)
808.1
(287.4)
520.7

$

$

Operating Income

Fiscal Year Ended

September 30, 2016
546.4
$
129.1
195.3
870.8
(124.5)
746.3
(315.4)
430.9

$

$

$

October 2, 2015

494.5
95.3
191.8
781.6
(153.7)
627.9
(285.9)
342.0

Depreciation and Amortization

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
380.6

$

September 30, 2016
373.2
$

$

47.4

77.2

3.0

46.3

73.9

2.4

$

508.2

$

495.8

$

October 2, 2015

385.2

47.1

70.2

1.5

504.0

Capital Expenditures and
Client Contract Investments and Other*

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
428.0

$

September 30, 2016
378.9
$

$

58.5

67.5

1.0

92.6

70.7

3.3

$

555.0

$

545.5

$

October 2, 2015

395.3

49.1

72.6

7.4

524.4

Identifiable Assets

$

September 29, 2017
7,268.2
1,707.7

September 30, 2016
7,067.5
$
1,521.3

1,828.7
201.6
11,006.2

$

1,786.4
206.9
10,582.1

$

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-33

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following geographic data include sales generated by subsidiaries within that geographic area and net property & equipment 
based on physical location (in millions):

United States

Foreign

United States
Foreign

Sales 

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29, 2017
11,098.0

September 30, 2016
11,011.5
$

3,506.4

14,604.4

$

3,404.3

14,415.8

$

$

October 2, 2015

$

$

10,727.8

3,601.3

14,329.1

Property and Equipment, net

September 29, 2017
838.2
203.8
1,042.0

$

$

September 30, 2016
844.3
178.8
1,023.1

$

$

NOTE 16. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are classified based upon the level 
of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity of the 
valuation inputs are defined as follows: 

•  Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active 

markets 

•  Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, 
and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the 
financial instrument 

•  Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement 

Recurring Fair Value Measurements 

The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, 
borrowings and derivatives. Management believes that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and 
accounts payable are representative of their respective fair values. In conjunction with the fair value measurement of the derivative 
instruments, the Company made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative instruments that are subject 
to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio, the gross values would not be materially different. The fair 
value of the Company's debt at September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $5,450.1 million and $5,365.6 million, 
respectively. The carrying value of the Company's debt at September 29, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $5,268.5 million and 
$5,270.0 million, respectively. The fair values were computed using market quotes, if available, or based on discounted cash flows 
using market interest rates as of the end of the respective periods. The inputs utilized in estimating the fair value of the Company's 
debt has been classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy levels. 

NOTE 17. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES: 

The following condensed consolidating financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to Rule 3-10 of 
Regulation S-X.

The condensed consolidating financial statements are presented for: (i) Aramark (the "Parent"); (ii) Aramark Services, Inc. and 
Aramark International Finance S.à.r.l. (the "Issuers"); (iii) the guarantors; (iv) the non guarantors; (v) elimination entries necessary 
to consolidate the Parent with the Issuers, the guarantors and non guarantors; and (vi) the Company on a consolidated basis. Each of 
the guarantors is wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company. All other subsidiaries of the Company, either direct or 
indirect, are non guarantors and do not guarantee the 2024 Notes, 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes. The guarantors also guarantee certain 
other debt. See Note 5 for additional descriptions of these senior notes. These condensed consolidating financial statements have 
been prepared from the Company's financial information on the same basis of accounting as the consolidated financial statements. 
Interest expense and certain other costs are partially allocated to all of the subsidiaries of the Company. Goodwill and other 
intangible assets have been allocated to the subsidiaries based on management's estimates.

S-34        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

September 29, 2017

(in thousands)

Aramark
(Parent)

Issuers

Guarantors

Non
Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

$ 111,512

$

37,513

$

89,767

$

— $

238,797

303,664

514,267

1,308,608

80,728

3,721

15,737

14,123

145,093

29,869

83,404

938,848

775,362

173,104

4,047,932

90,090

1,569,193

236,800

494,475

567,277

177,141

311,112

2,459,056

5,248,858

—

—

29,683

53,538

90,049

914,000

1,112,076

$ 2,459,061

$ 5,680,145

$ 7,878,267

$ 3,355,998

(8,365,240)
—
(2,002)

1,474,724
$ (8,367,242) $11,006,229

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

88

88

—

1,615,993

610,732

187,617

2,653,139

1,042,031

4,715,511

—

1,120,824

955,925

1,334,013

2,368,095

5,190,331

978,944

—

9,798

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

Receivables

Inventories

Prepayments and other current

assets

Total current assets

Property and Equipment, net

Goodwill

Investment in and Advances to

Subsidiaries

Other Intangible Assets

Other Assets

LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current maturities of long-term

borrowings

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses and other

liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term Borrowings

Deferred Income Taxes and Other

Noncurrent Liabilities

Intercompany Payable

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

5

—

—

—

5

—

—

—

—

—

$

— $

33,487

$

20,330

$

24,340

$

— $

78,157

167,926

461,192

326,807

200,130

401,543

814,542

1,296,064

— 4,460,730

63,604

—

—

—

425,297

513,797

— 5,224,196

—

9,798

319,253

670,400

665,997

39,850

747,347

—

—
(5,971,543)
—
(2,395,787)

Total Stockholders' Equity

2,459,061

392,575

770,808

1,232,404

$ 2,459,061

$ 5,680,145

$ 7,878,267

$ 3,355,998

2,459,061
$ (8,367,242) $11,006,229

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-35

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

September 30, 2016 

(in thousands) 

Aramark
(Parent)

Aramark
Services,
Inc.

Guarantors 

Non
Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

Receivables

Inventories

Prepayments and other current

assets

Total current assets

Property and Equipment, net

Goodwill

Investment in and Advances to

Subsidiaries

Other Intangible Assets

Other Assets

5

—

—

—

5

—

—

$

47,850

$

31,344

$

73,381

$

— $

152,580

265,124

492,855

1,211,058

79,016

167

15,284

69,033

132,334

30,201

98,779

888,102

782,347

173,104

3,982,737

108,675

1,472,130

210,535

473,040

230,488

187,880

241,919

2,161,101

5,450,692

—

—

29,729

56,850

598,759

894,274

1,028,887

$ 2,161,106

$ 5,872,910

$ 8,175,106

$ 2,815,992

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,476,349

587,155

276,487

2,492,571

1,023,083

4,628,881

—

1,111,883

(8,441,040)
—
(2,002)

1,325,654
$ (8,443,042) $10,582,072

LIABILITIES AND 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current maturities of long-term

borrowings

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses and other

liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term Borrowings

Deferred Income Taxes and Other

Noncurrent Liabilities

Intercompany Payable

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

$

— $

21,998

$

15,598

$

8,926

$

— $

46,522

—

156,471

415,481

275,636

—

847,588

100

100

145,314

323,783

827,213

1,258,292

— 4,570,931

62,892

319,447

604,009

589,691

(1,439)
(1,439)
—

—

—

—

440,839

510,254

51,920

— 4,619,489

1,400,741

—

9,794

—

1,290,635

2,184,745

5,223,514

1,003,013

—

9,794

—
(6,020,230)
—
(2,421,373)

2,161,006
$ (8,443,042) $10,582,072

Total Stockholders' Equity

2,161,006

537,357

1,714,385

169,631

$ 2,161,106

$ 5,872,910

$ 8,175,106

$ 2,815,992

S-36        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended September 29, 2017 

(in thousands) 

Sales

Costs and Expenses:

Cost of services provided

Depreciation and amortization

Selling and general corporate

expenses

Interest and other financing costs, net

Expense allocations

Income before Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries

Net income

Less: Net income attributable to

noncontrolling interest

Net income attributable to Aramark

stockholders

Other comprehensive income, net of

tax

Comprehensive income attributable

to Aramark stockholders

Aramark
(Parent)

Issuers

$

— $1,041,490

Guarantors 
$ 9,708,157

Non
Guarantors
$3,854,765

Eliminations
$

Consolidated
— $ 14,604,412

941,031

8,507,680

3,540,262

— 12,988,973

17,502

416,979

73,731

—

—

—

140,305

273,405
—
— (348,042)
— 1,024,201
17,289
—

138,304
(3,171)
318,199
9,377,991
330,166

20,561

17,181

29,843
3,681,578
173,187

—

—

—

508,212

299,170

287,415

—
—
— 14,083,770
520,642
—

—

373,923

373,923

5,139

—

98,144

43,172

—

—

12,150

232,022

130,015

—
(373,923)
(373,923)

146,455

—

374,187

—

—

264

—

—

264

373,923

12,150

231,758

130,015

(373,923)

373,923

57,023

35,667

431

80,204

(116,302)

57,023

$ 430,946

$

47,817

$ 232,189

$ 210,219

$ (490,225) $

430,946

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-37

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended September 30, 2016 

(in thousands)

Aramark
(Parent)

Aramark
Services,
Inc.

$

— $1,025,664

Guarantors 
$ 9,670,207

Non
Guarantors
$3,719,958

Eliminations
$

Consolidated
— $14,415,829

—

—

—

134,705

—

293,072
(358,897)
— 1,024,475

—

—
—

287,806

287,806

—

1,189
427

—

762

—

939,925

8,536,196

3,414,287

— 12,890,408

15,670

406,154

73,941

130,153
(2,513)
308,928

18,484

24,824

49,969

—

—

—

—

495,765

283,342

315,383

—

9,378,918

3,581,505

— 13,984,898

291,289
104,377

—

138,453
37,895

—

186,912

100,558

—
—
(287,806)
(287,806)

430,931
142,699

—

288,232

426

—

—

426

287,806

762

186,486

100,558

(287,806)

287,806

(14,215)

(16,093)

(7,284)

1,176

22,201

(14,215)

$273,591

$ (15,331) $

179,202

$ 101,734

$ (265,605) $

273,591

Sales

Costs and Expenses:

Cost of services provided

Depreciation and amortization

Selling and general corporate

expenses

Interest and other financing costs, net

Expense allocations

Income Before Income Taxes

Provision for Income Taxes

Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries

Net income

Less: Net income attributable to

noncontrolling interest

Net income attributable to Aramark

stockholders

Other comprehensive income (loss),

net of tax

Comprehensive income (loss)
attributable to Aramark
stockholders

S-38        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended October 2, 2015 

(in thousands) 

Sales

Costs and Expenses:

Cost of services provided

Depreciation and amortization

Selling and general corporate

expenses

Interest and other financing costs, net

Expense allocations

Income Before Income Taxes

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries

Net income

Less: Net income attributable to

noncontrolling interest

Net income attributable to Aramark

stockholders

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
attributable to Aramark
stockholders

Aramark
(Parent)

Aramark
Services,
Inc.

$

— $1,014,783

Guarantors 
$ 9,517,309

Non
Guarantors
$3,797,043

Eliminations
$

Consolidated
— $14,329,135

2,177

162,423

—

—

—

(2,177)
—
—

—

235,946

235,946

900,073

8,438,851

3,541,500

— 12,880,424

11,350

415,985

76,698

255,761
(334,778)
994,829
19,954

6,007

—

135,398
(2,404)
306,915
9,294,745
222,564

16,742

32,585

30,040
3,697,565
99,478

70,050

28,963

—

—

13,947

152,514

70,515

—

—

—

504,033

316,740

285,942

—
—
— 13,987,139
341,996
—

—
(235,946)
(235,946)

105,020

—

236,976

—

—

1,030

—

—

1,030

235,946

13,947

151,484

70,515

(235,946)

235,946

(60,270)

(12,872)

(2,958)

(78,946)

94,776

(60,270)

$175,676

$

1,075

$

148,526

$

(8,431) $ (141,170) $

175,676

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-39

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the year ended September 29, 2017 

(in thousands) 

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

— $ 261,282

$

Aramark
(Parent)

Issuers

Guarantors 
779,801

Non
Guarantors
$ 200,579

Eliminations
Consolidated
$ (188,275) $ 1,053,387

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and

equipment, client contract
investments and other

Disposals of property and equipment

Acquisitions of businesses, net of

cash acquired

Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

Payments of long-term borrowings

Net change in funding under the

Receivables Facility

Payments of dividends

Proceeds from issuance of common

stock

Repurchase of common stock

Other financing activities

Change in intercompany, net

Net cash used in financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of

period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

—

—

—

—

—

(20,939)
494

(443,262)
14,780

(88,528)
3,632

—
(69,401)
(89,846)

(37,130)
36,946
(428,666)

(104,992)
29,916
(159,972)

—

—

—

—

—

(552,729)
18,906

(142,122)
(2,539)
(678,484)

— 3,451,164
— (3,572,268)

—
(19,851)

400,253
(319,873)

— 3,851,417
— (3,911,992)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

5

5

—
(100,813)

28,779
(100,000)
(69,172)
254,536

—

—

—
(2,973)
(322,142)

(13,800)
—

—

—

29,868
(120,669)

(107,774)
63,662

(344,966)
6,169

(24,221)
16,386

—

—

—

—

—

188,275

188,275
—

(13,800)
(100,813)

28,779
(100,000)
(42,277)
—

(288,686)
86,217

47,850

31,344

73,381

—

152,580

$ 111,512

$

37,513

$

89,767

$

— $

238,797

S-40        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the year ended September 30, 2016 

(in thousands) 

Aramark
Services,
Inc.

Aramark
(Parent)
$

— $ 160,790

Guarantors  
587,572
$

Non
Guarantors
$ 124,191

Eliminations
$

(5,239) $

Consolidated
867,314

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and

equipment, client contract
investments and other

Disposals of property and equipment

Acquisitions of businesses, net of

cash acquired

Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

Payments of long-term borrowings

Net change in funding under the

Receivables Facility

Payments of dividends

Proceeds from issuance of common

stock

Repurchase of common stock

Other financing activities

Change in intercompany, net

Net cash provided by (used in) financing

activities

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash

equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of

period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

—

—

—

—

—

(22,326)
1,832

(419,009)
20,353

(71,197)
4,639

—

1,576
(18,918)

(231)
5,202
(393,685)

(199,146)
(1,438)
(267,142)

—

—

—

—

—

(512,532)
26,824

(199,377)
5,340
(679,745)

— 1,397,714
— (1,217,292)

—
(15,418)

2,274
(130,824)

— 1,399,988
— (1,363,534)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5

5

—
(92,074)

35,705
(749)
(51,495)
(197,623)

—

—

—

—
(2,513)
(187,423)

(82,000)
—

—

—
(733)
379,807

—

—

—

—

—

5,239

(82,000)
(92,074)

35,705
(749)
(54,741)
—

(125,814)

(205,354)

168,524

5,239

(157,405)

16,058

(11,467)

25,573

31,792

42,811

47,808

—

—

30,164

122,416

$

47,850

$

31,344

$

73,381

$

— $

152,580

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-41

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the year ended October 2, 2015 

(in thousands) 

Aramark
(Parent)

Aramark
Services,
Inc.

Guarantors 

Non
Guarantors

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

(654) $

170,166

$ 318,988

$ 318,647

$

(4,955) $

802,192

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

654

654

—

5

5

(13,871)
454

(444,962)
8,927

(65,551)
9,747

—
(975)
(14,392)

(3,377)
(825)
(440,237)

70,000
(178,919)
(81,898)

39,946
(50,176)
(52,843)
103,624

—
(14,670)
—

—

—
(3,877)
140,968

—

6,099
(49,705)

1,926
(16,032)
—

—

—
(589)
(250,201)

(150,266)
5,508

122,421

1,172

(264,896)
4,046

26,284

41,639

43,762

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,955

4,955

—

—

(524,384)
19,128

(3,377)
4,299
(504,334)

71,926
(209,621)
(81,898)

39,946
(50,176)
(57,309)
—

(287,132)
10,726

111,690

$

31,792

$

42,811

$

47,808

$

— $

122,416

Net cash provided by (used in) operating

activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and

equipment, client contract
investments and other

Disposals of property and equipment

Acquisitions of businesses, net of

cash acquired

Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

Payments of long-term borrowings

Payments of dividends

Proceeds from issuance of common

stock

Repurchase of common stock

Other financing activities

Change in intercompany, net

Net cash provided by (used in) financing

activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of

period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

S-42        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

 
SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 2017, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND OCTOBER 2, 2015 

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES

Balance,
Beginning of
Period

Additions

Charged to
Income

Reductions
Deductions
from
Reserves

(1)

Balance,
End of
Period

Description
Fiscal Year 2017
Reserve for doubtful accounts, advances & current notes receivable $
Fiscal Year 2016
Reserve for doubtful accounts, advances & current notes receivable $
Fiscal Year 2015
Reserve for doubtful accounts, advances & current notes receivable $

48,058 $

18,141 $

12,783 $

53,416

39,023 $

21,913 $

12,878 $

48,058

37,381 $

16,220 $

14,578 $

39,023

(1)  Amounts determined not to be collectible and charged against the reserve and translation.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-43

 
 
Copies of any of the following exhibits are available to Stockholders for the cost of reproduction upon written request to the Secretary, 
Aramark, 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

Description 

2.1# Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 13, 2017, by and among Avendra LLC, Aramark, Capital Merger 
Sub, LLC, and Marriott International, Inc., as Holder Representative (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to 
Aramark's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 16, 2017, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-36223)).

2.2# Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 13, 2017, by and among AmeriPride Services Inc., Aramark, 
Timberwolf Acquisition Corporation, and Bruce M. Steiner, as Stockholder Representative (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Aramark's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 16, 2017, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Aramark (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to 

Aramark’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 16, 2013, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-36223)).

3.2 Certificate of Ownership and Merger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Aramark’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 15, 2014, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

3.3 Amended and Restated By-laws of Aramark (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Aramark’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2017, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 
001-36223)).

4.1

Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2015, among Aramark Services, Inc., as issuer, Aramark, as parent guarantor, 
the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 4.1 of Aramark’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 17, 2015, pursuant to 
the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

4.2 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 31, 2016, among Aramark Services, Inc., as issuer, Aramark, as parent 

4.3

4.4

4.5

guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Aramark’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 6, 2016, pursuant 
to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).
Indenture, dated as of May 31, 2016, among Aramark Services, Inc., as issuer, Aramark, as parent guarantor, the 
subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.3 of Aramark’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 6, 2016, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

Indenture dated as of March 22, 2017, among Aramark Services, Inc., as issuer, Aramark, as parent guarantor, the 
subsidiary guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.1 of Aramark's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2017, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

Indenture dated as of March 27, 2017, among Aramark International Finance S.a. r.l., as issuer, Aramark, as parent 
guarantor, Aramark Services, Inc., the other guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as 
trustee and registrar, and The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch, as paying agent and transfer agent 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Aramark's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 
28, 2017, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2017, among Aramark Services, Inc., Aramark Intermediate HoldCo 
Corporation, ARAMARK Canada Ltd., ARAMARK Investments Limited, ARAMARK Ireland Holdings 
Limited, ARAMARK Regional Treasury Europe, Designated Activity Company, ARAMARK Holdings GmbH & 
Co. KG, Aramark International Finance S.à r.l., each subsidiary of the U.S. Borrower that from time to time 
becomes a party thereto, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto, the issuing banks named 
therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders and collateral agent for the secured 
parties thereunder (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Aramark’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed 
with the SEC on March 29, 2017, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223))

10.2

Incremental Amendment No. 1, dated as of September  20, 2017, among Aramark Services, Inc. (the “Company”) 
Aramark Intermediate HoldCo Corporation, ARAMARK Canada Ltd. (“Aramark Canada”), ARAMARK 
Investments Limited (“Aramark UK”), and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, the financial 
institutions party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent for the Lenders (as defined 
below) and collateral agent for the secured parties thereunder to the credit agreement, dated March 28, 2017, 
among the Company, Aramark Intermediate HoldCo Corporation, Aramark Canada, Aramark UK, ARAMARK 
Ireland Holdings Limited, ARAMARK Regional Treasury Europe, Designated Activity Company, ARAMARK 
Holdings GmbH & Co. KG, Aramark International Finance S.à r.l. and certain wholly-owned domestic 
subsidiaries of the Company, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto (including the financial 
institutions party to the Incremental Amendment, the “Lenders”), the issuing banks named therein and JPMorgan 
Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders and collateral agent for the secured parties thereunder 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on 
September 26, 2017, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-362223)).

10.3 U.S. Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2017 by and among Aramark Intermediate HoldCo 

Corporation, Aramark Services, Inc., the Subsidiary Parties from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase 
Bank, N.A. as collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aramark's Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q filed with the SEC on May 9, 2017, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-362223)).

S-44        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

10.4 Amended and Restated Registration Rights and Coordination Committee Agreement, dated as of December 10, 

2013, among Aramark and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aramark’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 16, 2013, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-36223)).

10.5† Letter Agreement dated May 7, 2012 between Aramark Services, Inc. and Eric Foss (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.4 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 9, 2012, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.6† Agreement Relating to Employment and Post-Employment Competition dated May 7, 2012 between Aramark 

Services, Inc. and Eric Foss (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 9, 2012, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 
001-04762)).

10.7† Amendment, effective as of June 25, 2013, to the Letter Agreement dated May 7, 2012 between Aramark 

Services, Inc. and Eric Foss (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2013, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.8† Form of Agreement Relating to Employment and Post-Employment Competition and Schedule 1 listing each 

Executive Officer who is a party to such Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark 
Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2007, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-04762)).

10.9† Form of Amendment to Agreement Relating to Employment and Post-Employment Competition (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on 
December 15, 2008, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.10† Offer Letter dated July 20, 2012 between Aramark Services, Inc. and Stephen R. Reynolds (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on 
December 20, 2012, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.11† Agreement Relating to Employment and Post-Employment Competition dated December 6, 2012 between 

Aramark Services, Inc. and Stephen R. Reynolds (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Aramark 
Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2012, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.12† Offer Letter dated March 12, 2015, between Aramark and Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr. (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 13, 2015, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.13† Agreement Relating to Employment and Post-Employment Competition dated March 12, 2015 between Aramark 

and Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q filed with the SEC on May 13, 2015, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.14† Offer Letter dated October 13, 2014, between Aramark and Harrald Kroeker (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.16 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.15† Agreement Relating to Employment and Post-Employment Competition dated November 26, 2013 between 
Aramark Corporation and Harrald Kroeker (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Aramark’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 
001-36223)).

10.16† Form of Indemnification Agreement and attached schedule (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Aramark 

Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 10, 2005, pursuant to the Exchange 
Act (file number 001-16807)).

10.17*† Form of Indemnification Agreement (Directors)
10.18†

Indemnification Agreement dated May 7, 2012 between Eric Foss and Aramark Services, Inc. (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on 
May 9, 2012, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.19†

10.20†

10.21†

10.22†

Indemnification Agreement dated December 12, 2012 between Stephen R. Reynolds and Aramark Services, Inc. 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with 
the SEC on December 20, 2012, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

Indemnification Agreement dated February 4, 2014 between Daniel J. Heinrich and Aramark (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2014, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

Indemnification Agreement dated February 4, 2014 between Stephen Sadove and Aramark (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2014, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

Indemnification Agreement dated April 6, 2015, between Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr. and Aramark (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 13, 2015, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.23† Aramark 2001 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark Services, 

Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on May 24, 2002 (file number 333-89120)).
10.24† Amended and Restated Aramark 2001 Stock Unit Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to 
Aramark Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2003, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-16807)).

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-45

10.25† Second Amended and Restated Aramark Savings Incentive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.45 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013, (file number 333-191057)).

10.26† Amended Survivor Income Protection Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2007, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 
001-04762)).

10.27† Second Amended and Restated Aramark 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.48 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.28† Third Amended and Restated 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to 

Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 10, 2016, pursuant to the Exchange 
Act (file number 001-36233)).

10.29† Amended and Restated Aramark Senior Executive Performance Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.2 to Aramark's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 7, 2017, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36233)).

10.30† Amended and Restated Executive Leadership Council Management Incentive Bonus Plan (2014) (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.50 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 
333-191057)).

10.31† Amended and Restated Aramark Executive Leadership Council Management Incentive Bonus Plan (2016) 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on 
February 10, 2016, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36233)).

10.32† Amended and Restated Aramark Executive Leadership Council Management Incentive Bonus Plan (incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 
2016, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.33† Aramark 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to 
Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.34† Fifth Amended and Restated Aramark 2007 Management Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.22 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.35† Aramark's Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 

Aramark's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 7, 2017, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-36233)).

10.36† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Aramark Services, 

Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 1, 2007, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-16807)).

10.37† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark Services, 

Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 8, 2007, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-04762)).

10.38† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Aramark Services, 
Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 16, 2007, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-04762)).

10.39† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Aramark Services, 

Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2010, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-04762)).

10.40† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Aramark Services, 

Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 22, 2011, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-04762)).

10.41† Amendment to Outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements dated March 1, 2010 (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 
2010, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.42† Form of Amendment to Outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.4 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 22, 2011, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.43† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aramark Services, 

Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 9, 2012, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-04762)).

10.44† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Aramark 

Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2013, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-04762)).

10.45† Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with Aramark (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.3 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2013, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.46† Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Aramark (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Aramark 
Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2013, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-04762)).

S-46        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

10.47† Form of Replacement Stock Option Award Agreement with Aramark (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to 
Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2013, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.48† Schedule 1s to Outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 
to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 15, 2009, pursuant to 
the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.49† Schedules 1 to Outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to 

Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2010, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.50† New Schedule 1 to Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to 
Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 18, 2011, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.51† Revised Schedule 1s to outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.3 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 18, 2011, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.52† New Schedule 1 to Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 
Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2012, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.53† Revised Schedule 1s to outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.2 to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2012, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)).

10.54† Revised Schedule 1s to Outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.68 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.55† Form of Amendment to Outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.69 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.56† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award under the Aramark 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.71 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 
333-191057)).

10.57† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Aramark 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.72 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.58† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Aramark’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2014, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file 
number 001-36223)).

10.59† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Revised) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to 

Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-36223)).

10.60† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Revised) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to 

Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 12, 2015, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-36223)).

10.61† Form of Performance Restricted Stock Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to Aramark’s Annual 

Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2015, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 
001-36223)).

10.62† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement (Relative TSR Vesting) (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.62 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2015, pursuant to 
the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.63† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Relative TSR Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.63 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2015, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.64† Form of Performance Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Relative TSR Vesting) (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.64 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2015, pursuant to 
the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.65† Form of Schedule I to Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to 

Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016, pursuant to the Exchange Act 
(file number 001-36223)).

10.66† Form of Schedule I to Performance Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.68 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.67† Form of Schedule I to Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement (Relative TSR Vesting) (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.69 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.68† Form of Schedule I to Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Relative TSR Vesting) (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.70 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016, pursuant 
to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-47

10.69† Form of Schedule I to Performance Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Relative TSR Vesting) (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.71 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 23, 2016, 
pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.70*† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award (Time Vesting) (Retirement Notice/Full Vest)

10.71*† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award (Retirement Notice/Full Vest)

10.72*† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award (Retirement Notice/Full Vest)

10.73*† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award (Time Vesting) (Retirement Notice/2Y Vest)

10.74*† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award (Retirement Notice/2Y Vest)

10.75*† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award (Retirement Notice/2Y Vest)

10.76*† Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award (Relative TSR Vesting)

10.77*† Form of Performance Stock Unit Award (Relative TSR Vesting)

10.78*† Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award (Relative TSR Vesting)

10.79*† Form of Schedule I to Performance Stock Unit Award 

10.80*† Form of Schedule I to Restricted Stock Unit Award (Relative TSR Vesting)

10.81*† Form of Schedule I to Performance Stock Unit Award (Relative TSR Vesting)

10.82*† Form of Schedule I to Non-Qualified Stock Option Award (Relative TSR Vesting)
10.83† Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Fifth Amended and Restated Aramark 2007 

Management Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed 
with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.84† Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award under the Aramark 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.73 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on November 19, 2013 (file number 333-191057)).

10.85† Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Aramark 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (Revised) 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.77 to Aramark’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on 
December 3, 2014, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.86† Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement under the Aramark 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.4 to Aramark’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 13, 2015, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.87† Form of Aircraft Timesharing Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to Aramark’s Annual Report 

on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2015, pursuant to the Exchange Act (file number 001-36223)).

10.88 Amended and Restated Master Distribution Agreement effective as of March 5, 2011 between SYSCO 

Corporation and ARAMARK Food and Support Services Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
to Aramark Services, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 12, 2011, pursuant to the 
Exchange Act (file number 001-04762)) (portions omitted pursuant to a grant of confidential treatment).

10.89 Amendment Agreement, dated February 26, 2014, to the Master Distribution Agreement dated as of November 

25, 2006, between SYSCO Corporation and ARAMARK Food and Support Services Group, Inc., as amended and 
restated effective as of March 5, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to Aramark’s Form S-1/A filed 
with the SEC on February 26, 2014 (file number 333-194077)) (portions omitted pursuant to a grant of 
confidential treatment).

12.1* Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

21.1* List of subsidiaries of Aramark.

23.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-KPMG LLP.

31.1* Certification of Eric Foss, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2* Certification of Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr., Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 

Act of 2002.

32.1* Certification of Eric Foss, Chief Executive Officer, and Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr., Chief Financial Officer, 

pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS* XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* 

† 
#  

Filed herewith. 

Identifies exhibits that consist of management contract or compensatory arrangement. 

These merger agreements are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K to provide investors and security holders 
with information regarding their terms. They are not intended to provide any other factual or financial information about the 
Company, Avendra, AmeriPride or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. The representations, warranties and covenants 

S-48        Aramark 2017 Form 10-K

contained in each of the merger agreements were made only for purposes of that agreement and as of the date of such merger 
agreement or such other date as is specified in such merger agreement; were solely for the benefit of the parties to such merger 
agreement; have been qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the 
parties to such merger agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts; and are subject to materiality qualifications 
contained in such merger agreement that may differ from what may be viewed as material by investors. Investors should not 
rely on the representations, warranties and covenants or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts 
or condition of the Company, Avendra, AmeriPride or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information 
concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the merger 
agreements, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by the Company. The merger 
agreements should not be read alone but should instead be read in conjunction with the other information that is or will be 
included in reports and other filings that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure 
other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and should not be relied upon for that purpose. 
In particular, any representations and warranties made by the Company in these agreements or other documents were made solely 
within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they 
were made or at any other time.

Aramark 2017 Form 10-K        S-49

Selected Operational and Financial Metrics

Adjusted Sales (Organic)

Adjusted Sales (Organic) represents sales growth, adjusted to eliminate the effects of material acquisitions and 
divestitures and the impact of currency translation.

Adjusted Operating Income

Adjusted Operating Income represents operating income adjusted to eliminate the change in amortization of 
acquisition-related customer relationship intangible assets and depreciation of property and equipment resulting 
from the going-private transaction in 2007 (the "2007 LBO"); the impact of the change in fair value related to 
certain gasoline and diesel agreements; severance and other charges; share-based compensation; the effects of 
material acquisitions and divestitures and other items impacting comparability.  

Adjusted Operating Income (Constant Currency)

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

Covenant Adjusted EBITDA

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

Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted Net Income represents net income attributable to Aramark stockholders adjusted to eliminate the change 
in amortization of acquisition-related customer relationship intangible assets and depreciation of property and 
equipment resulting from the 2007 LBO; the impact of changes in the fair value related to certain gasoline and 
diesel agreements; severance and other charges; share-based compensation; the effects of material acquisitions 
and divestitures and other items impacting comparability, less the tax impact of these adjustments. The tax effect 
for adjusted net income for our U.S. earnings is calculated using a blended U.S. federal and state tax rate. The tax 
effect for adjusted net income in jurisdictions outside the U.S. is calculated at the local country tax rate. 

Adjusted Net Income (Constant Currency)

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

Adjusted EPS

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

Free Cash Flow

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

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

Explanatory Notes to the Non-GAAP Schedules

Amortization  of  acquisition-related  customer  relationship  intangible  assets  and  depreciation  of  property  and 
equipment  resulting  from  the  2007  Leveraged  Buy-out  -  adjustments  to  eliminate  the  change  in  amortization  and 
depreciation resulting from the purchase accounting applied to the January 26, 2007 going-private transaction executed 
with investment funds affiliated with GS Capital Partners, CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC and J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, 
Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and Warburg Pincus LLC as well as approximately 250 senior management personnel.

Share-based compensation - adjustments to eliminate compensation expense related to the Company's issuances of 
share-based awards and the related employer payroll tax expense incurred by the Company when employees exercise in 
the money stock options or vest in restricted stock awards. 

Severance and other charges - adjustments to eliminate severance expenses and other costs incurred in the applicable 
period such as organizational streamlining initiatives ($18.4 million net expense for fiscal 2017 and $24.9 million net expense 
for fiscal 2016), other consulting costs related to transformation initiatives ($9.9 million for fiscal 2017 and $16.2 million for 
fiscal 2016) and asset write-offs, mainly from the exit of certain operations in the FSS International segment ($0.6 million
for fiscal 2016).

Effects of acquisitions and divestitures - adjustments to eliminate the impact that material acquisitions and divestitures 
had on the comparative periods. 

Gains, losses and settlements impacting comparability - adjustments to eliminate certain transactions that are not 
indicative of our ongoing operational performance, primarily for income from prior years' loss experience that were favorable 
under  our  casualty  insurance  program  ($6.5  million  gain  for  fiscal  2017),  expenses  related  to  acquisition  costs  ($2.1 
million(cid:3)for fiscal 2017 and $3.9 million for fiscal 2016), expenses related to long-term disability payments ( $2.3 million for 
fiscal  2016),  property  and  other  asset  write-downs  associated  with  the  sale  of  a  building  ($6.8  million  for  fiscal  2016), 
asset  write-offs  ($7.0  million  for  fiscal  2016),  multiemployer  pension  plan  withdrawal  charges  ($2.6  million  for  fiscal 
2016), certain consulting costs ($3.7 million for fiscal 2017) and the impact of the change in fair value related to certain 
gasoline and diesel agreements ($0.4 million loss for fiscal 2017 and $8.3 million gain for fiscal 2016).

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

Effect of refinancing on interest and other financing costs, net - adjustments to eliminate expenses associated with 
refinancing activities undertaken by the Company in the applicable period such as third party costs and non-cash charges 
for the write-offs of deferring financing costs and debt discounts.

Tax Impact of Adjustments to Adjusted Net Income - adjustments to eliminate the net tax impact of the adjustments to 
adjusted net income calculated based on a blended U.S. federal and state tax rate for U.S. adjustments and the local 
country tax rate for adjustments in jurisdictions outside the U.S.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report  includes  "forward-looking  statements"  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities  Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current views as to future events and financial performance with respect to, without 
limitation, conditions in our industry, our operations, our economic performance and financial condition, and including 
with respect to, without limitation, the benefits, costs and timing of and ability to consummate the acquisitions of each 
of Avendra and AmeriPride and related financings, as well as statements regarding these companies’ services and 
products and relating to our business and growth strategy. These statements can be identified by the fact that they 
do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as "outlook," "aim," "anticipate," "are or remain 
confident," "have confidence," "estimate," "expect," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "project," "intend," 
"plan," "believe," "see," "look to" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative versions of such 
words.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All statements we make relating to our estimated and 
projected earnings, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates, financial results, our estimated benefits, costs and 
timing of and ability to consummate the acquisitions and related financings are forward-looking statements. In addition, 
we,  through  our  senior  management,  from  time  to  time  make  forward-looking  public  statements  concerning  our 
expected future operations and performance and other developments. These forward-looking statements are subject 
to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from 
those that we expected. We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, 
which are based upon many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution 
that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and, of course, it is impossible for us to anticipate all 
factors that could affect our actual results.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable 
to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Some 
of the factors that we believe could affect our results or the costs, benefits or timing of the proposed acquisitions and 
related financings include without limitation: unfavorable economic conditions; natural disasters, global calamities, 
sports strikes and other adverse incidents; the failure to retain current clients, renew existing client contracts and 
obtain  new  client  contracts;  a  determination  by  clients  to  reduce  their  outsourcing  or  use  of  preferred  vendors; 
competition  in  our  industries;  increased  operating  costs  and  obstacles  to  cost  recovery  due  to  the  pricing  and 
cancellation terms of our food and support services contracts; the inability to achieve cost savings through our cost 
reduction efforts; our expansion strategy; the failure to maintain food safety throughout our supply chain, food-borne 
illness  concerns  and  claims  of  illness  or  injury;  governmental  regulations  including  those  relating  to  food  and 
beverages, the environment, wage and hour and government contracting; liability associated with noncompliance 
with applicable law or other governmental regulations; new interpretations of or changes in the enforcement of the 
government regulatory framework; currency risks and other risks associated with international operations, including 
Foreign  Corrupt  Practices Act,  U.K.  Bribery Act  and  other  anti-corruption  law  compliance;  continued  or  further 
unionization of our workforce; liability resulting from our participation in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans; 
risks associated with suppliers from whom our products are sourced; disruptions to our relationship with, or to the 
business of, our primary distributor; the inability to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel or increases in labor 
costs; healthcare reform legislation; the contract intensive nature of our business, which may lead to client disputes; 
seasonality; disruptions in the availability of our computer systems or privacy breaches; failure to achieve and maintain 
effective internal controls; our leverage; the inability to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness; 
debt agreements that limit our flexibility in operating our business; the outcome and timing of regulatory reviews of 
both the Avendra and AmeriPride transactions; our ability to complete the transactions in the time expected or at all, 
our ability to successfully integrate the businesses of Avendra and AmeriPride and costs and timing related thereto, 
the risk of unanticipated restructuring costs or assumption of undisclosed liabilities, the risk that we are unable to 
achieve the anticipated benefits (including tax benefits) and synergies of the acquisition of AmeriPride and Avendra 
including  whether  the  proposed  transactions  will  be  accretive  and  within  the  expected  timeframes,  our  ability  to 
complete the anticipated financing of these transactions on our expected terms, the availability of sufficient cash to 
repay certain indebtedness and our decision to utilize the cash for that purpose, the disruption of the transactions to 
each of Avendra and AmeriPride and their respective managements; the effect of announcement of the transactions 
on  each  of Avendra’s  and AmeriPride’s  ability  to  retain  and  hire  key  personnel  and  maintain  relationships  with 
customers, suppliers and other third parties, our ability to attract new or maintain existing customer and supplier 
relationships at reasonable cost, our ability to retain key personnel and other factors set forth under the headings 
Item 1A "Risk Factors," Item 3 "Legal Proceedings" and Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations" and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K included herewith as 
such factors may be updated from time to time in our other periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the 
SEC's website at www.sec.gov and which may be obtained by contacting Aramark's investor relations department 
via its website www.aramark.com. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes 
or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as 
exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this Annual 
Report and in our other filings with the SEC. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not 
to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time 
to time by, or on behalf of, us. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, 
whether as a result of new information, future developments, changes in our expectations, or otherwise, except as 
required by law.

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

ADJUSTED CONSOLIDATED OPERATING INCOME MARGIN

(Unaudited) (In thousands)

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

14,415,829

746,314

5.18%

14,415,829

259,424

(48,155)

14,627,098

746,314

78,174

59,358

41,736

275

13,447

939,304

12,407

951,711

6.51%

Fiscal 2014

14,832,913

564,563

3.81%

14,832,913

(470,565)

(3,774)

14,358,574

(257,963)

14,100,611

564,563

129,505

47,522

(27,955)

53,554

(71)

26,910

56,133

1,911

852,072

5.93%

Sales (as reported)

Operating Income (as reported)

Operating Income Margin (as reported)

Sales (as reported)

Effect of Currency Translation

Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures

Adjusted Sales (Organic)

Operating Income (as reported)

Amortization of Acquisition-Related Customer Relationship Intangible Assets and Depreciation of
Property and Equipment Resulting from the 2007 LBO

Share-Based Compensation

Severance and Other Charges

Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures

Gains, Losses and Settlements impacting comparability

Adjusted Operating Income

Effect of Currency Translation

Adjusted Operating Income (Constant Currency)

Adjusted Operating Income Margin (Constant Currency)

Sales (as reported)

Operating Income (as reported)

Operating Income Margin (as reported)

Sales (as reported)

Effect of Currency Translation

Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures

Adjusted Sales

Estimated Impact of 53rd Week

Adjusted Sales (Organic)

Operating Income (as reported)

Amortization of Acquisition-Related Customer Relationship Intangible Assets and Depreciation of
Property and Equipment Resulting from the 2007 LBO

Share-Based Compensation

Effect of Currency Translation

Severance and Other Charges

Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures

Branding

Initial Public Offering-Related Expenses, including share-based compensation

Gains, Losses and Settlements impacting comparability

Adjusted Operating Income (Constant Currency)

Adjusted Operating Income Margin (Constant Currency)

Sales (as reported)

Operating Income (as reported)

Operating Income Margin (as reported)

Sales (as reported)

Effect of Currency Translation

Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures

Adjusted Sales

Estimated Impact of 53rd Week

Adjusted Sales (Organic)

Operating Income (as reported)

Amortization of Acquisition-Related Customer Relationship Intangible Assets and Depreciation of
Property and Equipment Resulting from the 2007 LBO

Share-Based Compensation

Effect of Currency Translation

Severance and Other Charges

Effect of Acquisitions and Divestitures

Branding

Initial Public Offering-Related Expenses, including share-based compensation

Gains, Losses and Settlements impacting comparability

Adjusted Operating Income (Constant Currency)

Adjusted Operating Income Margin (Constant Currency)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

14,604,412

808,057

5.53%

14,604,412

71,780

(18,563)

14,657,629

808,057

57,585

67,089

28,328

(1,127)

912

960,844

1,307

962,151

6.56%

Fiscal 2015

14,329,135

627,938

4.38%

14,329,135

—

(9,377)

14,319,758

—

14,319,758

627,938

110,080

72,800

—

66,545

(421)

—

—

3,793

880,735

6.15%

Fiscal 2013

13,945,657

514,474

3.69%

13,945,657

(106,188)

(25,477)

13,813,992

—

13,813,992

514,474

155,443

19,417

(6,063)

113,464

(5,992)

968

—

(10,251)

781,460

5.66%

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
ADJUSTED NET INCOME & ADJUSTED EPS

(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net Income Attributable to Aramark Stockholders (as reported)
Adjustment:

Amortization of Acquisition-Related Customer Relationship Intangible Assets and

Depreciation of Property and Equipment Resulting from the 2007 LBO

Share-Based Compensation
Severance and Other Charges
Effects of Acquisitions and Divestitures
Gains, Losses and Settlements impacting comparability

Effects of Refinancing on Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

Tax Impact of Adjustments to Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted Net Income

Effect of Currency Translation, net of Tax
Adjusted Net Income (Constant Currency)

Earnings Per Share (as reported)

Net Income Attributable to Aramark Stockholders (as reported)

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Earnings Per Share Growth (as reported)

Adjusted Earnings Per Share

Adjusted Net Income

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Constant Currency as reported in each respective year)

Adjusted Net Income (Constant Currency)

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Constant Currency)

Adjusted Earnings Per Share Growth (Constant Currency)

Fiscal Year Ended

September 29,
2017

September 30,
2016

$

373,923

$

287,806

57,585
67,089
28,328
(1,127)
912

31,491
(69,039)
489,162

989

490,151

373,923

251,557

1.49
28.45%

489,162

251,557

1.94

490,151

251,557

1.95

1.95

14.04%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

78,174
59,358
41,736
275
13,447

31,267

(87,025)

425,038

7,802

432,840

287,806

248,763

1.16

425,038

248,763

1.71

432,840

248,763

1.74

1.71

 
ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
ADJUSTED NET INCOME & ADJUSTED EPS

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, except per share amounts)

Net Income Attributable to Aramark Stockholders (as reported)
Adjustment:

Fiscal Year Ended

 October 2,
2015

 October 3,
2014

September 27,
2013

$ 235,946

$ 148,956

$

69,356

Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax

—

—

1,030

Amortization of Acquisition-Related Customer Relationship Intangible Assets and
Depreciation of Property and Equipment Resulting from the 2007 LBO
Share-Based Compensation
Severance and Other Charges
Effects of Acquisitions and Divestitures
Branding

Initial Public Offering-Related Expenses, including share-based compensation
Gains, Losses and Settlements impacting comparability
Effects of refinancings on Interest and Other Financing Costs, net
Tax Impact of Adjustments to Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted Net Income

Effect of Currency Translation, net of tax
Adjusted Net Income (Constant Currency)

Earnings Per Share (as reported)

Net Income Attributable to Aramark Stockholders 
(as reported)

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Adjusted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted Net Income
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Constant Currency as reported in each respective year)

Adjusted Net Income (Constant Currency)
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

110,080
72,800
66,545
(421)
—

129,505
47,522
53,554
(71)
26,910

—
3,793
—
(102,485)
$ 386,258
—
$ 386,258

56,133
1,911
25,705
(128,442)
$ 361,683
(18,171)
$ 343,512

$ 235,946

$ 148,956

246,616

237,451

$

0.96

$

0.63

$ 386,258
246,616
1.57

$

$ 361,683
237,451
1.52

$

386,258
246,616
1.57

$

343,512
237,451
1.45

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

155,443
19,417
113,464
(5,992)
968

—
(10,251)
39,830
(118,694)
264,571
(3,941)
260,630

69,356

209,370

0.33

264,571
209,370
1.26

260,630
209,370
1.24

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
NET DEBT TO COVENANT ADJUSTED EBITDA

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

September
29, 2017

September
30, 2016

Fiscal Year Ended
October 
2, 2015

October 
3, 2014

September
27, 2013

Net Income Attributable to Aramark
Stockholders (as reported)

$

373,923

$

287,806

$

235,946

$

148,956

$

69,356

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net
Provision for Income Taxes
Depreciation and Amortization
Share-based compensation expense
Unusual or non-recurring (gains) and losses
Pro forma EBITDA for equity method investees
Pro forma EBITDA for certain transactions

287,415
146,455
508,212
65,155
—
14,198
18

315,383
142,699
495,765
56,942
—
14,277
4,098

285,942
105,020
504,033
66,416
(3,900)
14,804
—

334,886
80,218
521,581
96,332
2,866
18,819
—

423,845
19,233
542,135
19,417
8,634
20,984
—

Other

Covenant Adjusted EBITDA

36,833
$ 1,432,209

35,436
$ 1,352,406

58,858
$ 1,267,119

28,373
$ 1,232,031

74,485
$ 1,178,089

Net Debt to Covenant Adjusted EBITDA

Total Debt(1)
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
Net Debt
Covenant Adjusted EBITDA
Net Debt/Covenant Adjusted EBITDA

$ 5,268,488
$
238,797
$ 5,029,691
$ 1,432,209
3.5

$ 5,270,036
$
152,580
$ 5,117,456
$ 1,352,406
3.8

$ 5,266,024
$
122,416
$ 5,143,608
$ 1,267,119
4.1

$ 5,445,594
$
111,690
$ 5,333,904
$ 1,232,031
4.3

$ 5,824,070
$
110,998
$ 5,713,072
$ 1,178,089
4.8

(1) 2015-2017 Total Debt reflects an adjustment attributable to an accounting rule change related to debt issuance costs
(Accounting Standards Update 2015-03); 2013-2014 Total Debt does not.

ARAMARK AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
FREE CASH FLOW

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Net Cash provided by operating activities

Fiscal Year Ended
September 29, 2017 September 30, 2016
$

1,053,387

867,314

$

Net purchases of property and equipment, client contract investments and other

(533,823)

(485,708)

Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow Increase

$

519,564

$

381,606

36.15%

25

CORPORATE INFORMATION

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TRANSFER AGENT

Eric J. Foss
Chairman, President, and 
Chief Executive Officer

Eric J. Foss
Chairman, President, and 
Chief Executive Officer, Aramark

Computershare
480 Washington Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ 07310

Stephen P. Bramlage, Jr. 
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

Harrald Kroeker
Senior Vice President, Integration

Lynn B. McKee
Executive Vice President,
Human Resources

Stephen R. Reynolds
Executive Vice President, 
General Counsel and Secretary

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

1101 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-238-3000

WEBSITE

www.aramark.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

215-409-7287
investorrelations@aramark.com

AUDITOR

KPMG LLP
Philadelphia

Sanjeev K. Mehra
Former Advisory Director and 
Vice Chairman, Global Private 
Equity, Merchant Banking Division, 
Goldman, Sachs & Co.,
Lead Director

Pierre-Olivier 
Beckers-Vieujant
Honorary President and Chief 
Executive Officer, Delhaize Group

Lisa G. Bisaccia
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Human Resources Officer, 
CVS Health Corporation

Richard W. Dreiling
Former Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer, Dollar General Corporation

Irene M. Esteves
Former Chief Financial Officer, 
Time Warner Cable Inc.

Daniel J. Heinrich
Former Chief Financial Officer, 
The Clorox Company

Patricia B. Morrison
Executive Vice President, Customer 
Support Services and Chief Information 
Officer, Cardinal Health, Inc.

John A. Quelch
Dean and Vice Provost, University 
of Miami School of Business 
Administration

Stephen I. Sadove
Former Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer, Saks Incorporated

www.aramark.com