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Sysco

syy · NYSE Consumer Defensive
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Ticker syy
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Sector Consumer Defensive
Industry Food Distribution
Employees 10,000+
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FY2016 Annual Report · Sysco
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2016 Annual Report

Dear Sysco Shareholders,

We are pleased to report that Sysco delivered excellent financial results 
during fiscal 2016. This strong performance reflects the soundness of 
our strategy, a continued commitment to supporting the success of our 
customers and the consistently improving execution of our three-year 
plan. The increasing momentum in our business is a result of strong local 
case growth, gross profit dollar growth with gross margin expansion and 
solid expense management. For the 53-week fiscal year ending July 2, 
2016, we achieved, on a GAAP basis, sales of $50.4 billion, operating 
income of $1.9 billion and earnings per share of $1.64. On a 52-week 
adjusted basis*, we grew sales 1.5 percent, operating income 9.6 percent 
and earnings per share 12.0 percent to $2.06.

We are particularly encouraged by our progress toward achieving our 
long-term objectives, which focus on improving the customer experience, 
enhancing associate engagement and consistently achieving our financial 
objectives. This progress is supported by a foundation built over the past 
several years through a series of investments and impactful commercial, 
supply chain and administrative initiatives. We further strengthened that 
foundation this fiscal year with a number of key accomplishments, all 
of which will contribute to our success in FY17, including:

 • Leveraged customer insights to create new and enhanced sales and 

marketing programs,

 • Advanced our work in Category Management and Revenue Management,
 • Enhanced our technology strategy to a more customer-centric 

focus, and

 • Restructured our business to drive greater efficiency.

We accomplished all of this by effectively executing our strategy, which 
is centered on five fundamental points:

 • Partnership – Profoundly enrich the experience of doing business 

with Sysco 

 • Productivity – Continuously improve productivity in all areas of our 

business 

 • Products – Enhance offerings through a customer-centric innovation 

program

 • People – Leverage talent, structure, and culture to drive performance 

 • Portfolio – Continuously assess new market opportunities and 

current business 

Regarding the latter point, we recently closed the acquisition of the 
Brakes Group, a leading European foodservice distributor with significant 
presence in the United Kingdom, France and Sweden. Brakes is a highly 
regarded company whose management team and strategy are well-aligned 
with the vision we have for Sysco – to be our customers’ most valued 
and trusted business partner. In addition, this acquisition will serve as 
a platform for future expansion in Europe. We are fortunate to welcome 
Brakes into the Sysco family and look forward to working together to 
execute our business strategies.

As we move into the second quarter of our new fiscal year, we remain 
acutely focused on helping our customers succeed and creating value 
for our shareholders through disciplined volume growth, quality earnings 
growth and effectively implementing our key strategic initiatives. All of 
which are enabled by a strong customer-centric technology strategy, our 
diverse and highly engaged workforce and the importance we continue 
to place on corporate social responsibility.

Our past and future success is driven by the ongoing dedication and 
commitment of our associates, and we thank them for their strong 
participation in the delivery of a very successful fiscal year.

Jackie Ward
Chairman

Bill DeLaney
Chief Executive Officer

*Each of the measures below are non-GAAP financial measures. See page 26 in the 
attached Form 10-K for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the corresponding 
GAAP results. Adjusted measures include further adjustments described at page 25 
in the attached Form 10-K

“

This strong performance reflects the soundness of 
our strategy, a continued commitment to supporting 
the success of our customers and the consistently 
improving execution of our three-year plan.

”

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 July 2, 2016
OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 1-6544

SYSCO CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1390 Enclave Parkway 
Houston, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)

74-1648137
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

77077-2099
(Zip Code)

(281) 584-1390
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
1.25% Notes due June 2023

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
NONE

Indicate by check mark 

YES

NO

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

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

 • 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 during the preceding 
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 • 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.

 • whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of 

“large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer 

Accelerated Filer 

Non-accelerated Filer 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller Reporting Company 

 • whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by stockholders who were not affiliates (as defined by regulations of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission) of the registrant was approximately $21,547,520,392 as of December 26, 2015 (based on the closing 
sales  price  on  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  Composite  Tape  on  December  24,  2015,  as  reported  by  The  Wall  Street  Journal  (Southwest 
Edition)). As of August 12, 2016, the registrant had issued and outstanding an aggregate of 555,133,162 shares of its common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the company’s 2016 Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end 
of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 
Table of Contents

PART I 

1

ITEM 1 
Business ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1
Risk Factors ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6
ITEM 1A 
ITEM 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
Properties �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
ITEM 2 
Legal Proceedings �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14
ITEM 3 
Mine Safety Disclosures ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14
ITEM 4 

PART II 

15

ITEM 5 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Repurchases of Equity Securities ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15
Selected Financial Data �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17
ITEM 6 
ITEM 7 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ������������17
ITEM 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������41
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43
ITEM 8 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ���������88
ITEM 9 
ITEM 9A  Controls and Procedures ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������88
ITEM 9B  Other Information �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������88

PART III 

ITEM 10 
ITEM 11 
ITEM 12 

ITEM 13 
ITEM 14 

PART IV 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������89
Executive Compensation���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������89
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������89
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ���������������������������������������������������������89
Principal Accounting Fees and Services �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������89

89

90

ITEM 15 
Exhibits ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������90
SIGNATURES ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������91

PART I

ITEM 1  Business

Unless this Form 10-K indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Sysco,” or “the company” as used in this Form 10-K 

refer to Sysco Corporation together with its consolidated subsidiaries and divisions.

Overview

Sysco Corporation, acting through its subsidiaries and divisions, is the largest North American distributor of food and related products primarily to the 

foodservice or food-away-from-home industry. Historically, prior to the Brakes Acquisition, we provided products and related services to approximately 
425,000 customers, including restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers.

Founded in 1969, Sysco commenced operations as a public company in March 1970 when the stockholders of nine companies exchanged their stock for 

Sysco common stock. Since our formation, we have grown from $115 million to $50.4 billion in annual sales, both through internal expansion of existing 

operations and through acquisitions.

Sysco’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th. This resulted in a 53-week year ending July 2, 2016 for fiscal 2016, and a 52 week year 

ending June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. We will have a 52-week year ending July 1, 2017 for fiscal 2017.

Sysco Corporation is organized under the laws of Delaware. The address and telephone number of our executive offices are 1390 Enclave Parkway, Houston, 

Texas 77077-2099, (281) 584-1390. This annual report on Form 10-K, as well as all other reports filed or furnished by Sysco pursuant to Section 13(a) or 

15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are available free of charge on Sysco’s website at www.sysco.com as soon as reasonably practicable after 

they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Acquisition of Brakes Group

In February 2016, Sysco entered into a share sale and purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) to acquire Cucina Lux Investments Limited, the 

parent holding company of the Brakes Group (the Brakes Acquisition). On July 5, 2016, following the end of fiscal year 2016, Sysco closed the Brakes 

Acquisition. The consideration paid by Sysco in connection with the Brakes Acquisition was approximately £2.3 billion (approximately $3.1 billion based 

on exchange rates on July 5, 2016), and included the repayment of approximately $2.3 billion of the Brakes Group’s then outstanding debt. The purchase 

price was paid primarily in cash using the proceeds from recent debt issuances and other cash on hand, and is subject to certain adjustments as provided 

in the Purchase Agreement. The Brakes Group is now wholly owned by Sysco.

The Brakes Group is a leading European foodservice business by revenue, supplying fresh, refrigerated and frozen food products, as well as non-food 

products and supplies, to more than 50,000 foodservice customers ranging from large customers, including leisure, pub, restaurant, hotel and contract 

catering groups, to smaller customers, including independent restaurants, hotels, fast food outlets, schools and hospitals. The Brakes Group has leading 

market positions in the U.K., France, and Sweden, in addition to a presence in Ireland, Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg. The Brakes Acquisition significantly 

strengthens Sysco’s position as the world’s leading foodservice distributor and offers attractive opportunities for organic growth and future expansion in 

European markets.

The Brakes Group supplies more than 50,000 products, including a portfolio of more than 4,000 own-brand products. Brakes’ products are generally 

delivered through its distribution networks, consisting of central distribution hubs, satellite depots and a fleet of over 2,000 delivery vehicles. The Brakes 
Group also has separate divisions specializing in catering supplies and equipment. Brakes Group companies include: Brakes, Brakes Catering Equipment, 

Brake France, Country Choice, Davigel, Fresh Direct, Freshfayre, M&J Seafood, Menigo Foodservice, Pauley’s, Wild Harvest and Woodward Foodservice.

In light of the recent closing of the Brakes Acquisition, we are in the early stages of the onboarding process with respect to the Brakes Group. Accordingly, 

for purposes of Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K, the remaining discussion of our business refers to the legacy Sysco business, excluding the impact of the 

Brakes Acquisition, except as otherwise noted.

1

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1 Business

Operating Segments

Sysco provides food and related products to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry. Under the accounting provisions related to disclosures 

about segments of an enterprise, we have aggregated our operating companies into a number of segments, of which only Broadline and SYGMA are 

reportable segments as defined by accounting standards. Broadline operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-

food products to their customers. SYGMA operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to chain 

restaurant customer locations. Our other segments include our specialty produce companies, custom-cut meat companies, lodging industry products 

companies, a company that distributes specialty imported products, a company that distributes to international customers and the company’s Sysco 

Ventures platform, a suite of technology solutions that help support the business needs of Sysco’s customers. Specialty produce companies distribute 

fresh produce and, on a limited basis, other foodservice products. Our specialty meat companies distribute custom-cut fresh steaks, other meat, seafood 

and poultry. Our lodging industry products companies distribute personal care guest amenities, equipment, housekeeping supplies, room accessories and 

textiles to the lodging industry. Selected financial data for each of our reportable segments, as well as financial information concerning geographic areas, 

can be found in Note 21, “Business Segment Information,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.

In fiscal 2017, our segment reporting will change due to the inclusion of the Brakes Group; however, at this time, we have not determined how the segments 

will change. 

Customers and Products

Sysco’s customers in the foodservice industry include restaurants, hospitals and nursing homes, schools and colleges, hotels and motels, industrial caterers 

and other similar venues where foodservice products are served. Services to our customers are supported by similar physical facilities, vehicles, material 

handling equipment and techniques, and administrative and operating staffs.

The products we distribute include:

 • a full line of frozen foods, such as meats, seafood, fully prepared entrees, fruits, vegetables and desserts;

 • a full line of canned and dry foods;

 • fresh meats and seafood;

 • dairy products;

 • beverage products;

 • imported specialties; and

 • fresh produce.

We also supply a wide variety of non-food items, including:

 • paper products such as disposable napkins, plates and cups;

 • tableware such as china and silverware;

 • cookware such as pots, pans and utensils;

 • restaurant and kitchen equipment and supplies; and

 • cleaning supplies.

A comparison of the sales mix in the principal product categories during the last three years is presented below:

Principal product categories
Fresh and frozen meats
Canned and dry products
Frozen fruits, vegetables, bakery and other
Dairy products
Poultry
Fresh produce
Paper and disposables
Seafood
Beverage products
Janitorial products
Equipment and smallwares
Medical supplies
TOTALS

2

2016

2015

2014

20%
17
13
11
11
8
7
5
4
2
1
1
100%

21%
16
13
11
11
8
7
5
4
2
1
1
100%

19%
18
13
11
10
8
7
5
4
2
2
1
100%

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1 Business

Our distribution centers, which we refer to as operating companies, distribute nationally-branded merchandise, as well as products packaged under our 

private brands. Products packaged under our private brands have been manufactured for Sysco according to specifications that have been developed by 

our quality assurance team. In addition, our quality assurance team certifies the manufacturing and processing plants where these products are packaged, 

enforces our quality control standards and identifies supply sources that satisfy our requirements.

We believe that prompt and accurate delivery of orders, competitive pricing, close contact with customers and the ability to provide a full array of products 

and services to assist customers in their foodservice operations are of primary importance in the marketing and distribution of foodservice products to our 

customers. Our operating companies offer daily delivery to certain customer locations and have the capability of delivering special orders on short notice. 

Through our approximately 12,800 sales and marketing representatives and support staff of Sysco and our operating companies, we stay informed of the 

needs of our customers and acquaint them with new products and services. Our operating companies also provide ancillary services relating to foodservice 

distribution, such as providing customers with product usage reports and other data, menu-planning advice, food safety training and assistance in inventory 

control, as well as access to various third party services designed to add value to our customers’ businesses.

No single customer accounted for 10% or more of Sysco’s total sales for the fiscal year ended July 2, 2016.

We estimate that our sales by type of customer during the past three fiscal years were as follows:

Type of Customer
Restaurants

Healthcare

Education, government

Travel, leisure, retail
Other(1)
TOTALS

2016

2015

2014

63%

9

8

8
12
100%

64%

9

8

8
11
100%

62%

9

9

8
12
100%

(1)  Other includes cafeterias that are not stand alone restaurants, bakeries, caterers, churches, civic and fraternal organizations, vending distributors, other distributors and international exports. None 

of these types of customers, as a group, exceeded 5% of total sales in any of the years for which information is presented.

Sources of Supply

We purchase from thousands of suppliers, both domestic and international, none of which individually accounts for more than 10% of our purchases. These 

suppliers consist generally of large corporations selling brand name and private label merchandise, as well as independent regional brand and private label 

processors and packers. Purchasing is generally carried out through both centrally developed purchasing programs, both domestically and internationally, 

and direct purchasing programs established by our various operating companies.

We administer a consolidated product procurement program designed to develop, obtain and ensure consistent quality food and non-food products. The 

program covers the purchasing and marketing of Sysco Brand merchandise, as well as products from a number of national brand suppliers, encompassing 

substantially all product lines. Some of our products are purchased internationally within global procurement centers in order to build strategic relationships 

with international suppliers and to optimize our supply chain network. Sysco’s operating companies purchase product from the suppliers participating 

in these consolidated programs and from other suppliers, although Sysco Brand products are only available to the operating companies through these 

consolidated programs. We also focus on increasing profitability by lowering operating costs and by lowering aggregate inventory levels, which reduces 

future facility expansion needs at our Broadline operating companies, while providing greater value to our suppliers and customers. This includes the 

operation of regional distribution centers (RDCs), which aggregate inventory demand to optimize the supply chain activities for certain products for all Sysco 

Broadline operating companies in the region. Currently, we have two RDCs in operation, one in Virginia and one in Florida.

Working Capital Practices

Our growth is funded through a combination of cash flow from operations, commercial paper issuances and long-term borrowings. See the discussion in 

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7 regarding our liquidity, 

financial position and sources and uses of funds.

Credit terms we extend to our customers can vary from cash on delivery to 30 days or more based on our assessment of each customer’s credit worthiness. 

We monitor each customer’s account and will suspend shipments if necessary.

A majority of our sales orders are filled within 24 hours of when customer orders are placed. We generally maintain inventory on hand to be able to meet 

customer demand. The level of inventory on hand will vary by product depending on shelf-life, supplier order fulfillment lead times and customer demand. 

We also make purchases of additional volumes of certain products based on supply or pricing opportunities.

We take advantage of suppliers’ cash discounts where appropriate and otherwise generally receive payment terms from our suppliers ranging from weekly 
to 45 days or more.

3

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1 Business

Corporate Headquarters and Shared Services Center

Our corporate staff makes available a number of services to our operating companies and our shared services center performs support services for 

employees, suppliers and customers. Members of these groups possess experience and expertise in, among other areas, customer and vendor contract 

administration, vendor payments, procurement and maintenance support, invoicing, cash application, accounting and finance, treasury, credit services, 

legal, cash management, information technology, employee benefits, engineering, real estate and construction, risk management and insurance, sales 

and marketing, payroll, human resources, training and development, strategy, and tax compliance services, including sales and use tax administration. 

The corporate office also makes available warehousing and distribution services, which provide assistance in operational best practices including space 

utilization, energy conservation, fleet management and work flow.

Capital Improvements

During fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, approximately $527.3 million, $542.8 million and $523.2 million, respectively, were invested in delivery fleet, facilities, 

technology and other capital asset enhancements. From time to time, we dispose of assets in the normal course of business; we consider proceeds 

from these asset sales to be an offset to capital expenditures. During fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of 

assets, were $503.8 million, $518.4 million and $497.4 million, respectively. We estimate our capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets, in 

fiscal 2017 should be approximately 1% of sales. This estimate includes the impact of the Brakes Acquisition. During the three years ended July 2, 2016, 

capital expenditures were financed primarily by internally generated funds, our commercial paper program and bank and other borrowings. We expect to 

finance our fiscal 2017 capital expenditures from the same sources.

Employees

As of July 2, 2016, we had approximately 51,900 employees, approximately 18% of whom were represented by unions, primarily the International Brotherhood 

of Teamsters. Contract negotiations are handled by each individual operating company. Approximately 20% of our union employees who are covered by 

collective bargaining agreements have or will have expired contracts during fiscal 2017 and are subject to renegotiation. Since July 2, 2016, there have been 

no contract renegotiations. We consider our labor relations to be satisfactory. The Brakes Group employs approximately 14,500 employees, approximately 

41% of whom were represented by unions, primarily in France and Sweden.

Competition

We believe there are a large number of companies engaged in the distribution of food and non-food products to the foodservice industry in the U.S. Our customers 

may also choose to purchase products directly from wholesale or retail outlets, including club, cash and carry and grocery stores, or negotiate prices directly 

with our suppliers. Online retailers and e-commerce companies are also participants in the foodservice industry. While we compete primarily in the U.S. with 

local and regional distributors, some organizations compete with us on a multi-region basis. In addition, these local, regional and multi-regional distributors can 

create purchasing cooperatives and marketing groups to enhance their competitive abilities by expanding their product mix, improving purchasing power and 

extending their geographic capabilities. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the foodservice industry are effective customer contacts, the ability 

to deliver a wide range of quality products and related services on a timely and dependable basis and competitive prices. Our customers are accustomed to 

purchasing from multiple suppliers and channels concurrently. Product needs, service requirements and price are just a few of the factors they evaluate when 

deciding where to purchase. Customers can choose from many Broadline foodservice distributors, specialty distributors that focus on specific categories such 

as produce, meat or seafood, other wholesale channels, club stores, cash and carry stores, grocery stores and numerous online retailers. Since switching 

costs are very low, customers can make supplier and channel changes very quickly. There are few barriers to market entry. Existing foodservice competitors 

can extend their shipping distances and add truck routes and warehouses relatively quickly to serve new markets or customers.

We consider our primary market to be the foodservice market in the U.S., Canada and Ireland and estimate that we serve about 16.4% of this approximately 

$295 billion annual market based on a measurement as of the end of calendar 2015. We believe, based upon industry trade data, that our sales to the U.S. 

and Canada food-away-from-home industry were the highest of any foodservice distributor during fiscal 2016. While adequate industry statistics are not 

available, we believe that, in most instances, our operations in the U.S. and Canada are among the leading distributors of food and related non-food products 

to foodservice customers in those trading areas. We believe our competitive advantages include our more than 7,600 marketing associates, our diversified 

product base, which includes a differentiated group of high quality Sysco brand products, the diversity in the types of customers we serve, our economies 

of scale and our multi-region portfolio in the U.S. and Canada, which mitigates some of the impact of regional economic declines that may occur over time. 

We believe our liquidity and access to capital provides us the ability to continuously invest in business improvements. There is small number of companies 

competing in the food-away-from-home industry in the U.S. with publicly traded equity. While our public company status provides us with some advantages 

over many of our competitors, including access to capital, we believe it also provides us with some disadvantages that most of them do not have in terms of 

additional costs related to complying with regulatory requirements.

4

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1 Business

Following completion of our acquisition of Brakes Group, we are also a leading distributor of food and non-food products to the foodservice sector in Europe. 

Our largest businesses in Europe are in the UK, France, Sweden and Ireland. Foodservice distribution is highly competitive in the different European countries. 

Across Europe, we face competition from other national broadline distributors, as well as a large number of regional, local and specialty distributors. We also 

compete against cash and carry stores, grocery stores, online retailers and logistics companies that offer foodservice distribution to our customers.

Government regulation

Our company is required to comply, and it is our policy to comply, with all applicable laws in the numerous countries throughout the world in which we 

do business. In many jurisdictions, compliance with competition laws is of special importance to us, and our operations may come under special scrutiny 

by competition law authorities due to our competitive position in those jurisdictions. In general, competition laws are designed to protect businesses and 

consumers from anti-competitive behavior.

In the U.S., as a marketer and distributor of food products, we are subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated 

thereunder by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA regulates food safety and quality through various statutory and regulatory mandates, 

including manufacturing and holding requirements for foods through good manufacturing practice regulations, hazard analysis and critical control point 

(HACCP) requirements for certain foods, and the food and color additive approval process. The agency also specifies the standards of identity for certain 

foods, prescribes the format and content of information required to appear on food product labels, regulates food contact packaging and materials, and 

maintains a Reportable Food Registry for the industry to report when there is a reasonable probability that an article of food will cause serious adverse 

health consequences. For certain product lines, we are also subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Perishable 

Agricultural Commodities Act, the Packers and Stockyard Act and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to interpret and 

implement these statutory provisions. The USDA imposes standards for product safety, quality and sanitation through the federal meat and poultry inspection 

program. The USDA reviews and approves the labeling of these products and also establishes standards for the grading and commercial acceptance of 

produce shipments from our suppliers. We are also subject to the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, which 

imposes certain registration and record keeping requirements on facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption.

The recently published and pending rules under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will significantly expand our food safety requirements. 

Among other things, we will be required to establish and maintain comprehensive, prevention-based controls across the food supply chain that are both 

verified and validated. The FSMA further regulates food products imported into the United States and provides the FDA with mandatory recall authority. In 

particular, the final rule on the sanitary transportation of food, which will become effective for Sysco in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, will require us to 

enhance certain of our systems to ensure that we meet the rule’s new standards for maintaining the safety of food during transportation.

We and our products are also subject to state and local regulation through such measures as the licensing of our facilities; enforcement by state and local 

health agencies of state and local standards for our products; and regulation of our trade practices in connection with the sale of our products. Our facilities 

are subject to regulations issued pursuant to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act by the U.S. Department of Labor. These regulations require 

us to comply with certain manufacturing, health and safety standards to protect our employees from accidents and to establish hazard communication 

programs to transmit information on the hazards of certain chemicals present in products we distribute.

Our processing and distribution facilities must be registered with the FDA biennially and are subject to periodic government agency inspections. Our facilities 

are generally inspected at least annually by federal and/or state authorities. We also must establish communication programs to transmit information about 

the hazards of certain chemicals present in some of the products we distribute.

Our customers include several departments of the federal government, including the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, 

as well as certain state and local entities. These customer relationships subject us to additional regulations applicable to government contractors.

We are also subject to regulation by numerous federal, state and local regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Labor, which 

sets employment practice standards for workers, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, which regulates transportation of perishable and hazardous 

materials and waste, and similar state, provincial and local agencies. In addition, we are also subject to the U.S. False Claims Act, and similar state statutes, 

which prohibit the submission of claims for payment to the government that are false and the knowing retention of overpayments.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits bribery of public officials to obtain or retain business in foreign jurisdictions. The FCPA also requires 

us to keep accurate books and records and to maintain internal accounting controls to detect and prevent bribery and to ensure that transactions are 

properly authorized. We have implemented and continue to develop a robust anti-corruption compliance program applicable to our global operations to 

detect and prevent bribery and to comply with these and other anti-corruption laws in countries where we operate.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and its agencies, the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier 

Safety Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulate our trucking operations through the regulation of operations, safety, 

insurance and hazardous materials. We must comply with the safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 
including those relating to drug and alcohol testing and hours-of service. Such matters as weight and dimension of equipment also fall under federal and 
state regulations.

5

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1 Business

Outside the U.S., our business is subject to numerous similar statutes and regulations, as well as other legal and regulatory requirements. For example, 

as a result of our acquisition of the Brakes Group on July 5, 2016, we became subject to legal and regulatory requirements of the principal regions where 

Brakes conducts its business (including in the United Kingdom, France and Sweden (the Brakes Principal Regions)), as well as of the European Union, 

which requirements relate to, among other things, competition, product composition, packaging, labelling, advertisement and the safety of food products, 

as well as the health, safety and working conditions of employees. In addition, following the acquisition of the Brakes Group, our business became subject 

to the U.K. Modern Slavery Act 2015, which requires certain companies that operate in the U.K. to prepare a report describing steps taken to ensure that 

slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in its supply chain or business, as well as the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, an anti-corruption law that restricts 

the offer or payment of anything of value to both government officials as well as to other non-governmental persons with the intent of gaining favorable 

government action, business or an advantage.

All of our company’s facilities and other operations in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world are subject to various environmental protection statutes 

and regulations, including those in the U.S., the European Union and the Brakes Principal Regions, relating to: (1) the use of water resources and the 

discharge of wastewater; (2) the discharge of pollutants into the air, including vehicle emissions; (3) proper handling, treatment and disposing of solid 

and hazardous wastes; and (4) protecting against and appropriately investigating and remediating spills and releases. Further, most of our distribution 

facilities have ammonia-based refrigeration systems and tanks for the storage of diesel fuel and other petroleum products which are subject to laws 

regulating such systems and storage tanks (including the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination associated with the use 

of underground storage tanks). Certain of these laws and regulations in the European Union and the Brakes Principal Regions may impose liability for 

costs (which could be material) of investigation or remediation of contamination regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal, and even if such 

contamination was present prior to the commencement of Brakes’ operations at the site and was not caused by its activities. In addition, many of our 

facilities have propane and battery powered forklifts. Proposed or recently enacted legal requirements, such as those requiring the phase-out of certain 

ozone-depleting substances, and proposals for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, may require us to upgrade or replace equipment, or may 

increase our transportation or other operating costs. Our policy is to comply with all such legal requirements. We are subject to other federal, state, 

provincial and local provisions relating to the protection of the environment or the discharge of materials; however, these provisions do not materially 

impact the use or operation of our facilities.

General

We have numerous trademarks that are of significant importance, including the SYSCO® trademark and our privately-branded product trademarks that 

include the SYSCO® trademark. These trademarks and the private brands on which they are used are widely recognized within the foodservice industry. 

Approximately half of our privately-branded sales are from products labeled with our SYSCO® trademark without any other trademark. We believe the loss 

of the SYSCO® trademark would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our U.S. trademarks are effective for a ten-year period and 

the company generally renews its trademarks before their expiration dates unless a particular trademark is no longer in use. The company does not have 

any material patents or licenses.

We are not engaged in material research and development activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement of existing products.

Our sales do not generally fluctuate significantly on a seasonal basis; therefore, the business of the company is not deemed to be seasonal.

As of July 2, 2016, we operated 199 distribution facilities throughout the U.S., Bahamas, Canada, and Ireland. We have 50% interests in operations in 

Costa Rica and Mexico.

ITEM 1A  risk Factors

The following discussion of “risk factors” identifies the most significant factors that may adversely affect our business, operations, financial position or future 

financial performance. This information should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 

Operations and the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this report. The following discussion of risks is not all inclusive, but 

is designed to highlight what we believe are the most significant factors to consider when evaluating our business. These factors could cause our future 

results to differ from our expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements identified within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations,” and from historical trends.

6

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Industry and General Economic risks

Periods of significant or prolonged inflation or deflation affect our product costs and may negatively impact our profitability

Volatile food costs have a direct impact on our industry. Periods of product cost inflation may have a negative impact on our results of operations to the 

extent that we are unable to pass on all or a portion of such product cost increases to our customers. In addition, periods of rapidly increasing inflation may 

negatively impact our business due to the timing needed to pass on such increases, the impact of such inflation on discretionary spending by consumers 

and our limited ability to increase prices in the current, highly competitive environment. Conversely, our business may be adversely impacted by periods 

of product cost deflation, because we make a significant portion of our sales at prices that are based on the cost of products we sell plus a percentage 

margin. As a result, our results of operations may be negatively impacted during periods of product cost deflation, even though our gross profit percentage 

may remain relatively constant.

Unfavorable macroeconomic conditions in the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well as unfavorable conditions in particular 
local markets, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition

The foodservice distribution industry, which is characterized by relatively low profit margins with limited demand growth expected in the near-term, is 

especially susceptible to negative trends and economic uncertainty. North America and Europe have each experienced an uneven economic environment 

over the past several years. In addition, our results of operations are substantially affected by regional operating and economic conditions, which can vary 

substantially by market. Economic conditions can affect us in the following ways:

 • Unfavorable conditions can depress sales and/or gross margins in a given market.

 • Food cost and fuel cost inflation experienced by the consumer can lead to reductions in the frequency of dining out and the amount spent by consumers 

for food-away-from-home purchases, which could negatively impact our business by reducing demand for our products.

 • Heightened uncertainty in the financial markets negatively affects consumer confidence and discretionary spending, which can cause disruptions with 

our customers and suppliers.

 • Liquidity issues and the inability of our customers, vendors and suppliers to consistently access credit markets to obtain cash to support operations can 
cause temporary interruptions in our ability to conduct day-to-day transactions involving the collection of funds from our customers, vendors and suppliers.

The uncertainty in the economic environment has adversely affected the rate of improvement in both business and consumer confidence and spending, 

and uncertainty about the long-term investment environment could further depress capital investment and economic activity.

Economic and political instability and potential unfavorable changes in laws and regulations resulting from the UK’s exit 
from the European Union could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition

The results of the referendum on June 23, 2016 in the United Kingdom (the UK) to exit the European Union (the EU) and to potentially otherwise significantly 

change its relationship with the EU and its laws and regulations impacting business conducted between the UK and EU countries could disrupt the overall 

stability of the EU given the diverse economic and political circumstances of individual EU countries and otherwise negatively impact our European operations, 

including the Brakes Group. If changes occur in laws and regulations impacting the flow of goods, services and workers between the UK and the EU, our 

European operations could also be negatively impacted. If a country within the EU were to default on its debt or withdraw from the euro currency, or if the 

euro currency were to be dissolved entirely, the impact on markets around the world could be material. The completion of the UK’s exit from the EU could 

have less severe, but still significant, implications. Such exit could adversely affect the value of our euro- and pound-denominated assets and obligations. 

In addition, such exit could cause financial and capital markets within and outside the EU to constrict, thereby negatively impacting our ability to finance our 

business, and also could cause a substantial dip in consumer confidence and spending that could negatively impact the foodservice distribution industry. 

Any one of these impacts could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Competition in our industry may adversely impact our margins and our ability to retain customers, and makes it 
difficult for us to maintain our market share, growth rate and profitability

The foodservice distribution industry is fragmented and highly competitive, with local, regional, multi-regional distributors and specialty competitors. Local 

and regional companies often align themselves with other smaller distributors through purchasing cooperatives and marketing groups, with the goal of 

enhancing their geographic reach, private label offerings, overall purchasing power, cost efficiencies, and ability to meet customer distribution requirements. 

These suppliers may also rely on local presence as a source of competitive advantage, and they may have lower costs and other competitive advantages 

due to geographic proximity. Furthermore, barriers to entry by new competitors, or geographic or product line expansion by existing competitors, are 

low. Additionally, increased competition from non-traditional sources (such as club stores and commercial wholesale outlets with lower cost structures), 
cash and carry operations and group purchasing organizations have served to further increase pressure on the industry’s profit margins, and continued 

margin pressure within the industry may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We also experience competition from online direct 

food wholesalers. Finally, demand for food-away-from-home products is volatile and price sensitive, imposing limits on our customers’ ability to absorb 

cost increases. New and increasing competitive sources may result in increased focus on pricing and on limiting price increases, or may require increased 

discounting. Such competition or other industry pressures may result in margin erosion and/or make it difficult for us to attract and retain customers.

7

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

If we are unable to effectively differentiate ourselves from our competitors, our results of operations could be adversely impacted. In addition, even if we are 

able to effectively differentiate ourselves, we may only be able to do so through increased expenditures or decreased prices, which could also adversely 

impact our results of operations.

We may not be able to fully compensate for increases in fuel costs, and forward purchase commitments intended to 
contain fuel costs could result in above market fuel costs

Volatile fuel prices have a direct impact on our industry. We require significant quantities of fuel for our delivery vehicles and are exposed to the risk 

associated with fluctuations in the market price for fuel. The price and supply of fuel can fluctuate significantly based on international, political and economic 

circumstances, as well as other factors outside our control, such as actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and 

other oil and gas producers, regional production patterns, weather conditions and environmental concerns. The cost of fuel affects the price paid by us 

for products, as well as the costs we incur to deliver products to our customers. Although we have been able to pass along a portion of increased fuel 

costs to our customers in the past, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so in the future. If fuel costs increase in the future, we may experience 

difficulties in passing all or a portion of these costs along to our customers, which may have a negative impact on our results of operations.

We routinely enter into forward purchase commitments for a portion of our projected monthly diesel fuel requirements at prices equal to the then-current 

forward price for diesel. In the future, we may also enter into other fuel hedging arrangements, including fuel derivatives, to hedge our exposure to volatile 

fuel prices. There can be no assurance that our fuel hedging transactions will be effective to protect us from changes in fuel prices, and if fuel prices 

decrease significantly, these hedging arrangements would result in our paying higher than market costs for a portion of our diesel fuel. In addition, our 

future use of fuel derivatives would expose us to the risk that one of our counterparties fails to perform its obligations, whether due to its insolvency or 

otherwise, which could result in financial losses.

Business and Operational risks

Conditions beyond our control can interrupt our supplies and increase our product costs

We obtain substantially all of our foodservice and related products from third-party suppliers. Although our purchasing volume can provide benefits when 

dealing with suppliers, suppliers may not provide the foodservice products and supplies needed by us in the quantities and at the prices requested. 

We are also subject to delays caused by interruptions in production and increases in product costs based on conditions outside of our control. These 

conditions include work slowdowns, work interruptions, strikes or other job actions by employees of suppliers, short-term weather conditions or more 

prolonged climate change, crop and other agricultural conditions, water shortages, animal disease outbreaks, transportation interruptions, unavailability 

of fuel or increases in fuel costs, product recalls, competitive demands and natural disasters or other catastrophic events (including, but not limited to 

food-borne illnesses). Further, increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions could also impair production capabilities, disrupt our supply 

chain or impact demand for our products. Input costs could increase at any point in time for a large portion of the products that we sell for a prolonged 

period. Our inability to obtain adequate supplies of foodservice and related products as a result of any of the foregoing factors or otherwise could mean 

that we could not fulfill our obligations to customers, and customers may turn to other distributors.

Adverse publicity about us or lack of confidence in our products could negatively impact our reputation and reduce 
earnings

Maintaining a good reputation and public confidence in the safety of the products we distribute is critical to our business. Sysco’s brand names, trademarks 

and logos and our reputation are powerful sales and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Anything that 

damages our reputation or public confidence in our products, whether or not justified, including adverse publicity about the quality, safety, sustainability or 

integrity of our products or relating to activities by our operations, employees, suppliers or agents could tarnish our reputation and diminish the value of 

our brand, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Reports, whether true or not, of food-borne illnesses (such as e-coli, avian flu, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, hepatitis A, trichinosis, salmonella, 

listeria or swine flu) or injuries caused by food tampering could also severely injure our reputation or negatively impact public confidence in our products. 

If patrons of our restaurant customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, our customers could be forced to temporarily close restaurant locations and 

our sales and profitability would be correspondingly decreased. In addition, instances of food-borne illnesses or food tampering or other health concerns 

(even those unrelated to the use of Sysco products) or public concern regarding the safety of our products, can result in negative publicity about the food 

service distribution industry and cause our results of operations to decrease dramatically.

Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity could reduce demand for our products and services. This reduction in demand, together with the 

dedication of time and expense necessary to defend our reputation, would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, as 

well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand. Our business prospects, financial condition and results 

of operations could be adversely affected if our public image or reputation were to be tarnished by negative publicity, including dissemination via print, 

broadcast or social media, or other forms of Internet-based communications. Adverse publicity about regulatory or legal action against us could damage 

our reputation and image, undermine our customers’ confidence and reduce short-term or long-term demand for our products and services, even if 

8

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

the regulatory or legal action is unfounded or not material to our operations. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our results of 

operations and financial condition.

Unfavorable changes to the mix of locally-managed customers versus corporate-managed customers could have a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition

Gross margin from our corporate-managed customers is generally lower than that of our locally-managed customers because we typically sell higher 

volumes of products to these customers and provide a relatively lower level of value-added services than we do to locally-managed customers. If sales to our 

locally-managed customers do not grow at the same or a greater rate as sales to our corporate-managed customers, our operating margins may decline.

Moreover, if sales to our corporate-managed customers increase at a faster pace of growth than sales to our locally-managed customers, we will become 

more dependent on corporate-managed customers as they begin to represent a greater proportion of our total sales. Additionally, the loss of sales to the 

larger of these corporate-managed customers could have a material negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, as 

a result of our greater dependence on these customers, we could be pressured by them to lower our prices and/or offer expanded or additional services 

at the same prices. In that event, if we were unable to achieve additional cost savings to offset these price reductions and/or cost increases, our results 

of operations could be materially adversely affected. We may be unable to change our cost structure and pricing practices rapidly enough to successfully 

compete in such an environment.

We may not be able to achieve our three-year financial targets by the end of fiscal year 2018

In fiscal 2016, we set new three-year financial targets to grow operating income, accelerate earnings per share growth faster than operating income growth 

and improve return on invested capital. Our ability to meet these financial targets depends largely on our successful execution of our business plan including 

various related initiatives. There are various risks related to these efforts, including the risk that these efforts may not provide the expected benefits in our 

anticipated time frame, if at all, and may prove costlier than expected; and the risk of adverse effects to our business, results of operations and liquidity if 

past and future undertakings, and the associated changes to our business, do not prove to be cost effective or do not result in the cost savings and other 

benefits at the levels that we anticipate. Our intentions and expectations with regard to the execution of our business plan, and the timing of any related 

initiatives, are subject to change at any time based on management’s subjective evaluation of our overall business needs. If we are unable to successfully 

execute our business plan, whether due to our failure to realize the anticipated benefits from our various business initiatives in the anticipated time frame 

or otherwise, we may be unable to achieve our three-year financial targets.

Expanding into international markets and complementary lines of business presents unique challenges, and our 
expansion efforts with respect to international operations and complementary lines of business may not be successful

An element of our strategy includes the possibility of further expansion of operations into international markets and the establishment of international 

procurement organizations. Our ability to successfully operate in international markets may be adversely affected by political, economic and social conditions 

beyond our control, local laws and customs, and legal and regulatory constraints, including compliance with applicable anti-corruption and currency 

laws and regulations, of the countries or regions in which we currently operate or intend to operate in the future. Risks inherent in our existing and future 

international operations also include, among others, the costs and difficulties of managing international operations, difficulties in identifying and gaining access 

to local suppliers, suffering possible adverse tax consequences, maintaining product quality and greater difficulty in enforcing intellectual property rights. 

Additionally, foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations thereof may have an adverse effect on the financial results of our international operations.

Another element of our strategy includes the possibility of expansion into businesses that are closely related or complementary to, but not currently part 

of, our core foodservice distribution business. Our ability to successfully operate in these complementary business markets may be adversely affected by 

legal and regulatory constraints, including compliance with regulatory programs to which we become subject. Risks inherent in branching out into such 

complementary markets also include the costs and difficulties of managing operations outside of our core business, which may require additional skills 

and competencies, as well as difficulties in identifying and gaining access to suppliers or customers in new markets.

If the products distributed by us are alleged to have caused injury or illness, or to have failed to comply with 
governmental regulations, we may need to recall our products and may experience product liability claims

We, like any other foodservice distributor, may be subject to product recalls, including voluntary recalls or withdrawals, if the products we distribute are alleged 

to have caused injury or illness, to have been mislabeled, misbranded, or adulterated or to otherwise have violated applicable governmental regulations. 

We may also choose to voluntarily recall or withdraw products that we determine do not satisfy our quality standards, whether for taste, appearance, or 

otherwise, in order to protect our brand and reputation. Any future product recall or withdrawal that results in substantial and unexpected expenditures, 

destruction of product inventory, damage to our reputation, and/or lost sales due to the unavailability of the product for a period of time, could materially 

adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We also face the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of products sold by Sysco are alleged to have caused injury or illness. 

We cannot be sure that consumption of our products will not cause a health-related illness in the future or that we will not be subject to claims or lawsuits 

relating to such matters. Further, even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that 

our products caused illness or injury could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and our corporate and brand image. With 

9

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

respect to product liability claims, we believe we have sufficient primary or excess umbrella liability insurance. However, this insurance may not continue to be 

available at a reasonable cost or, if available, may not be adequate to cover all of our liabilities. We generally seek contractual indemnification and insurance 

coverage from parties supplying our products, but this indemnification or insurance coverage is limited, as a practical matter, to the creditworthiness of the 

indemnifying party and the insured limits of any insurance provided by suppliers. If Sysco does not have adequate insurance or contractual indemnification 

available, product liability relating to defective products could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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 

food safety and sanitation, transportation, minimum wage, overtime, wage payment, wage and hour and employment discrimination, immigration, human 

health and safety, and due to the services we provide in connection with governmentally funded entitlement programs. For a detailed discussion of the laws 

and regulations to which our business is subject, please refer to “Business - Government Regulation” in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

From time to time, both federal and state governmental agencies have conducted audits of our billing practices as part of investigations of providers of 

services under governmental contracts, or otherwise. We also receive requests for information from governmental agencies in connection with these 

audits. While we attempt to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, we cannot represent 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 or encounter disagreements with respect to our contracts subject to governmental regulations, 

including those referred to above, we may be subject to investigations, criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, prohibitions on 

exporting, or seizures or debarments from contracting with the government. The cost of compliance or the consequences of non-compliance, including 

debarments, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, governmental units may make changes in the regulatory frameworks 

within which we operate that may require us to incur substantial increases in costs in order to comply with such laws and regulations.

We may incur significant costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations, and we may be subject to 
substantial fines, penalties or third-party claims for non-compliance

Our operations are subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing:

 • the discharge of pollutants into the air, soil, and water; 

 • the management and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes; 

 • employee exposure to hazards in the workplace; and 

 • the investigation and remediation of contamination resulting from releases of petroleum products and other regulated materials. 

In the course of our operations, we operate, maintain, and fuel fleet vehicles; store fuel in on-site above and underground storage tanks; operate refrigeration 

systems, and use and dispose of hazardous substances and food wastes. We could incur substantial costs, including fines or penalties and third-party 

claims for property damage or personal injury, as a result of any violations of environmental or workplace safety laws and regulations or releases of regulated 

materials into the environment. In addition, we could incur investigation, remediation or other costs related to environmental conditions at our currently or 

formerly owned or operated properties.

We must finance and integrate acquired businesses effectively

Historically, a portion of our growth has come through acquisitions. If we are unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully or realize anticipated 

economic, operational and other benefits and synergies in a timely manner, our earnings per share may be materially adversely affected. Integration of an 

acquired business may be more difficult when we acquire a business in a market in which we have limited expertise, or with a culture different from Sysco’s. 

A significant expansion of our business and operations, in terms of geography or magnitude, could strain our administrative and operational resources. 

Significant acquisitions may also require the issuance of material additional amounts of debt or equity, which could materially alter our debt-to-equity ratio, 

increase our interest expense and decrease earnings per share, and make it difficult for us to obtain favorable financing for other acquisitions or capital 

investments.

We need access to borrowed funds to grow, and any default by us under our indebtedness could have a material 
adverse effect on our cash flow and liquidity

A substantial part of our growth historically has been the result of acquisitions and capital expansion. We anticipate additional acquisitions and capital 

expansion in the future. As a result, our inability to finance acquisitions and capital expenditures through borrowed funds could restrict our ability to expand. 

Moreover, any default under the documents governing our indebtedness could have a significant adverse effect on our cash flows, as well as the market 

value of our common stock.

10

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

Our level of indebtedness and the terms of our indebtedness could adversely affect our business and liquidity 
position

As described in Note 11, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” as of July 2, 2016, we had approximately $7.4 billion of total indebtedness which 

included a commercial paper program allowing us to issue short-term unsecured notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.5 billion; a revolving 

credit facility supporting our United States and Canadian commercial paper programs in the amount of $1.5 billion scheduled to expire on December 29, 

2018, and various other smaller bank facilities. 

Our substantial amount of debt could have important consequences for us, including:

 • limiting our ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or other 

purposes; 

 • increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic, industry or competitive developments; 

 • limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; and 

 • placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

Our indebtedness may further increase from time to time for various reasons, including fluctuations in operating results, working capital needs, capital 

expenditures, potential acquisitions or joint ventures, and we expect to incur additional indebtedness to fund the repurchase of up to $1.5 billion in Sysco 

common stock under the $3 billion share repurchase program announced in June 2015. Our increased level of indebtedness and the ultimate cost of 

such indebtedness could have a negative impact on our liquidity, cost of future debt financing and financial results, and our credit ratings may be adversely 

affected as a result of the incurrence of additional indebtedness. In the future, our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of 

interest on and principal of our debt, and any alternative financing measures available may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled 

debt service obligations. 

We rely on technology in our business and any technology disruption or delay in implementing new technology could 
have a material negative impact on our business

Our ability to decrease costs and increase profits, as well as our ability to serve customers most effectively, depends on the reliability of our technology 

network. We use software and other technology systems, among other things, to generate and select orders, to load and route trucks, to make purchases, 

to manage our warehouses and to monitor and manage our business on a day-to-day basis. These systems are vulnerable to disruption from circumstances 

beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, power outages, systems failures, security breaches, cyber attacks, and viruses. Any such disruption 

to these software and other technology systems, or the failure of these systems to otherwise perform as anticipated, could adversely affect our customer 

service, decrease the volume of our business and result in increased costs and lower profits. While Sysco has invested and continues to invest in technology 

security initiatives and disaster recovery plans, these measures cannot fully insulate us from technology disruption that could result in adverse effects on 

our results of operations. Additionally, information technology systems continue to evolve and, in order to remain competitive, we must implement new 

technologies in a timely and efficient manner. If our competitors implement new technologies more quickly or successfully than we do, such competitors 

may be able to provide lower cost or enhanced services of superior quality compared to those we provide, which could have an adverse effect on our 

results of operations.

A cybersecurity incident and other technology disruptions could negatively affect our business and our relationships 
with customers

We use technology in substantially all aspects of our business operations. We also use mobile devices, social networking and other online activities to connect 

with our employees, suppliers, business partners and our customers. Such uses give rise to cybersecurity risks, including security breach, espionage, 

system disruption, theft and inadvertent release of information. Our business involves the storage and transmission of numerous classes of sensitive and/

or confidential information and intellectual property, including customers’ and suppliers’ personal information, private information about employees, and 

financial and strategic information about the company and its business partners. Further, as the company pursues its strategy to grow through acquisitions 

and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, the company is also expanding and improving its information technologies, 

resulting in a larger technological presence and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. If we fail to assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated 

with acquisitions and new initiatives, we may become increasingly vulnerable to such risks. Additionally, while we have implemented measures to prevent 

security breaches and cyber incidents, our preventative measures and incident response efforts may not be entirely effective. The theft, destruction, loss, 

misappropriation, or release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property, or interference with our information technology systems or 

the technology systems of third parties on which we rely, could result in business disruption, negative publicity, brand damage, violation of privacy laws, 

loss of customers, potential liability and competitive disadvantage.

We may be required to pay material amounts under multiemployer defined benefit pension plans

We contribute to several multiemployer defined benefit pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-

represented employees. Approximately 9% of our current employees are participants in such multiemployer plans. In fiscal 2016, our total contributions 

to these plans were approximately $41.0 million and there were no payments for withdrawal liabilities. The costs of providing benefits through such plans 

11

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

have increased in recent years. The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multiemployer plans will depend upon 

many factors, including the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, government regulations, the actual return 

on assets held in the plans and the potential payment of a withdrawal liability if we choose to exit. Based upon the information available to us from plan 

administrators, we believe that several of these multiemployer plans are underfunded. The unfunded liabilities of these plans may result in increased future 

payments by us and the other participating employers. Underfunded multiemployer pension plans may impose a surcharge requiring additional pension 

contributions. Our risk of such increased payments may be greater if any of the participating employers in these underfunded plans withdraws from the 

plan due to insolvency and is not able to contribute an amount sufficient to fund the unfunded liabilities associated with its participants in the plan. Based 

on the latest information available from plan administrators, we estimate our share of the aggregate withdrawal liability on the multiemployer plans in which 

we participate could have been as much as $225 million as of July 2, 2016. A significant increase to funding requirements could adversely affect the 

company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our funding requirements for our company-sponsored qualified pension plan may increase should financial markets 
experience future declines

At the end of fiscal 2012, we decided to freeze future benefit accruals under the company-sponsored qualified pension plan (Retirement Plan) as of 

December 31, 2012 for all U.S. based salaried and non-union hourly employees. Effective January 1, 2013, these employees were eligible for additional 

contributions under an enhanced, defined contribution plan. While these actions will serve to limit future growth in our pension liabilities, we had a sizable 

pension obligation of $3.8 billion as of July 2, 2016; therefore, financial market factors could impact our funding requirements. Although recent pension 

funding relief legislation has served to defer some required funding, additional contributions may be required if our plan is not fully funded when the provisions 

that provided the relief are phased out. See Note 14, “Company-Sponsored Employee Benefit Plans” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 

for a discussion of the funded status of the Retirement Plan. 

The amount of our annual contribution to the Retirement Plan is dependent upon, among other things, the returns on the Retirement Plan’s assets and 

discount rates used to calculate the plan’s liability. Our Retirement Plan holds investments in both equity and fixed income securities. Fluctuations in asset 

values can cause the amount of our anticipated future contributions to the plan to increase. The projected liability of the Retirement Plan will be impacted 

by the fluctuations of interest rates on high quality bonds in the public markets as these are inputs in determining our minimum funding requirements. 

Specifically, decreases in these interest rates may have an adverse effect on our funding obligations. To the extent financial markets experience future declines 

similar to those experienced in fiscal 2008 through the beginning of fiscal 2010, and/or interest rates on high quality bonds in the public markets decline, 

our required contributions may increase for future years as our funded status decreases, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

Failure to successfully renegotiate union contracts could result in work stoppages

As of July 2, 2016, approximately 8,953 employees at 50 operating companies were members of 52 different local unions associated with the International 

Brotherhood of Teamsters and other labor organizations. In fiscal 2017, 13 agreements covering approximately 1,800 employees have expired or will 

expire. Failure of our operating companies to effectively renegotiate these contracts could result in work stoppages. Although our operating subsidiaries 

have not experienced any significant labor disputes or work stoppages to date, and we believe they have satisfactory relationships with their unions, a work 

stoppage due to failure of multiple operating subsidiaries to renegotiate union contracts could have a material adverse effect on us.

A shortage of qualified labor could negatively affect our business and materially reduce earnings

The future success of our operations, including the achievement of our strategic objectives, depends on our ability to identify, recruit, develop and retain 

qualified and talented individuals, and any shortage of qualified labor could significantly affect our business. Our employee recruitment, development and 

retention efforts may not be successful, resulting in a shortage of qualified individuals in future periods. Any such shortage would decrease Sysco’s ability 

to effectively serve our customers and achieve our strategic objectives. Such a shortage would also likely lead to higher wages for employees and a 

corresponding reduction in our results of operations.

Our authorized preferred stock provides anti-takeover benefits that may not be viewed as beneficial to stockholders

Under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Sysco’s Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 1,500,000 shares of preferred stock without 

stockholder approval. Issuance of these shares could make it more difficult for anyone to acquire Sysco without approval of the Board of Directors, depending 

on the rights and preferences of the stock issued. In addition, if anyone attempts to acquire Sysco without approval of the Board of Directors of Sysco, 

the existence of this undesignated preferred stock could allow the Board of Directors to adopt a shareholder rights plan without obtaining stockholder 

approval, which could result in substantial dilution to a potential acquirer. As a result, hostile takeover attempts that might result in an acquisition of Sysco, 

which could otherwise have been financially beneficial to our stockholders, could be deterred.

12

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

PArT I
ITEM 2 Properties

ITEM 2  Properties

The table below shows the number of distribution facilities occupied by Sysco in each state, province or country and the aggregate square footage devoted 

to cold and dry storage as of July 2, 2016. 

Location
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia

Number of 
Facilities

Cold Storage 
(Square Feet 
in thousands)

Dry Storage 
(Square Feet 
in thousands)

2
2
1
2
17
4
3
1
18
5
2
6
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
3
3
1
2
1
1
3
5
1
4
6
1
7
3
3
5
1
1
5
17
1
3

185
57
228
130
1,436
275
156
46
1,246
267
85
410
100
93
177
91
134
58
318
218
320
238
95
106
121
144
199
143
121
417
337
46
409
189
176
515
2
191
406
1,131
161
628

131
28
140
88
1,260
216
110
35
1,017
435
88
411
360
95
171
106
113
50
255
188
368
196
69
95
121
129
154
515
108
361
316
59
492
152
156
422
-
98
426
1,296
107
396

Segment 
Served*
BL
BL
BL
BL, O
BL, S, O
BL, S, O
BL, O
O
BL, S, O
BL, S, O
BL
BL, S, O
BL, O
BL
BL
BL
BL
BL
BL
BL
BL, S
BL
BL
BL, S
BL
BL
BL, O
BL, O
BL
BL, O
BL, S, O
BL
BL, S, O
BL, S, O
BL, S, O
BL, S
O
BL
BL, O
BL, S, O
BL
BL

13

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT I
ITEM 3 Legal Proceedings

Location
Washington
Wisconsin
Bahamas
Alberta, Canada
British Columbia, Canada
Manitoba, Canada
New Brunswick, Canada
Newfoundland, Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada
Ontario, Canada
Quebec, Canada
Saskatchewan, Canada
Ireland
Northern Ireland
Puerto Rico
TOTALS
* 

Segments served include Broadline (BL), SYGMA (S), and Other (O).

Number of 
Facilities

Cold Storage 
(Square Feet 
in thousands)

Dry Storage 
(Square Feet 
in thousands)

1
3
1
3
8
1
2
1
1
12
7
1
6
1
1
199

134
287
90
207
309
79
57
33
39
602
129
40
230
2
8
14,051

92
299
23
199
279
74
46
41
47
525
245
54
149
8
-
13,414

Segment 
Served*
BL
BL, O
O
BL, O
BL, O
BL
BL
BL
BL
BL, O
BL, O
BL
O
O
O

We own approximately 22,298,000 square feet of our distribution facilities (or 81.2% of the total square feet), and the remainder is occupied under leases 

expiring at various dates from fiscal 2017 to fiscal 2031, exclusive of renewal options. 

We own our approximately 625,000 square foot headquarters office complex in Houston, Texas. In addition, we own our approximately 669,000 square 

foot shared services complex in Cypress, Texas.

We are currently constructing a replacement facility in Texas whose fiscal 2016 sales were approximately 0.3% of fiscal 2016 sales.

As of July 2, 2016, our fleet of approximately 10,200 delivery vehicles consisted of tractor and trailer combinations, vans and panel trucks, most of which 

are either wholly or partially refrigerated for the transportation of frozen or perishable foods. We own approximately 95% of these vehicles and lease the 

remainder.

ITEM 3  Legal Proceedings

None.

ITEM 4  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

14

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 5  Market for registrant’s Common Equity, 
related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
repurchases of Equity Securities

The principal market for Sysco’s common stock (SYY) is the New York Stock Exchange. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices per 

share for our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape and the cash dividends declared for the periods indicated.

Fiscal 2015:

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Fiscal 2016:

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Common Stock Prices

High

Low

Dividends 
Declared 
Per Share

$

$

38.85 $
41.16
41.45
38.99

41.87 $
42.03
46.69
50.94

35.50 $
35.82  
37.81  
35.84  

35.45 $
38.34  
38.84  
45.19  

0.29
0.30
0.30
0.30

0.30
0.31
0.31
0.31

The number of record owners of Sysco’s common stock as of August 12, 2016 was 10,329.

We made the following share repurchases during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016:

ISSUEr PUrCHASES OF EQUITY SECUrITIES

Period
Month #1
March 27 – April 23
Month #2
April 24 – May 21
Month #3
May 22 – July 2
TOTAL

(a) Total 
Number 
of Shares 
Purchased(1)

(b) Average 
Price Paid per 
Share

(c) Total Number of 
Shares Purchased 
as Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans or 
Programs

(d) Maximum Number 
of Shares that May Yet 
Be Purchased Under the 
Plans or Programs

2,375,313 $

46.69

2,375,313

13,152,682

1,943,726  

1,112,225  
5,431,264 $

48.30

48.68
47.67

1,925,554

11,227,128

1,111,628
5,412,495

10,115,500
10,115,500

(1)  The  total  number  of  shares  purchased  includes  zero,  18,172,  and  597  shares  tendered  by  individuals  in  connection  with  stock  option  exercised  in  month  #1,  month  #2,  and  month  #3, 

respectively. All other shares were purchased pursuant to the publicly announced program described below.

In June 2015, our Board of Directors approved a repurchase program to repurchase from time to time in the open market, through an accelerated share 

repurchase program or through privately negotiated transactions, shares of the company’s common stock in an amount not to exceed $3.0 billion during 

the two year period ending July 1, 2017, including $1.5 billion through an accelerated share repurchase that commenced in the second quarter of fiscal 

2016, in addition to amounts normally repurchased to offset benefit plan and stock option dilution. Our accelerated share repurchase program was 

approved using a dollar value limit and, therefore, is not included in the table above for “Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under 
the Plans or Programs.” We repurchased 34,716,180 shares under this plan in fiscal 2016. In addition to this share repurchase program approved in June, 

in August 2015, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 20,000,000 shares for an aggregate purchase price not to exceed $800 million. 

The authorization expires on August 21, 2017. Pursuant to the repurchase program, shares may be acquired in the open market or in privately negotiated 

transactions at the company’s discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. We purchased 10,000,000 shares under this authorization in 

fiscal 2016 and purchased an additional 5,607,003 shares through August 12, 2016. 

15

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

The Board of Directors has authorized us to enter into agreements from time to time to extend our ongoing repurchase program to include repurchases 

during company announced “blackout periods” of such securities in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934 (Exchange Act).

Stock Performance Graph

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange 

Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, each as 

amended, except to the extent that Sysco specifically incorporates such information by reference into such filing.

The following stock performance graph compares the performance of Sysco’s Common Stock to the S&P 500 Index and to the S&P 500 Food/Staple 

Retail Index for Sysco’s last five fiscal years.

The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the S&P 500 Food/Staple Retail Index was $100 on 

the last trading day of fiscal 2011, and that all dividends were reinvested. Performance data for Sysco, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Food/Staple 

Retail Index is provided as of the last trading day of each of our last five fiscal years.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
ASSUMES INITIAL INVESTMENT OF $100

In $

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

l

e
u
a
V
x
e
d
n

I

7/2/11

6/30/12

6/29/13

6/28/14

6/27/15

7/2/16

Period Ending

Sysco Corporation

S&P 500

S&P 500 Food/Staple Retail Index

Sysco Corporation
S&P 500
S&P 500 Food/Staple Retail Index

$

100 $
100
100

98 $

104
115

116 $
125
140

133 $
156
168

139 $
171
200

190
175
203

7/2/2011

6/30/2012

6/29/2013

6/28/2014

6/27/2015

7/2/2016

16

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

ITEM 6  Selected Financial Data

(In thousands except for per share data)
Sales
Operating income
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
NET EArNINGS
Net earnings:

BASIC EArNINGS PEr SHArE
DILUTED EArNINGS PEr SHArE

Dividends declared per share
Total assets
Capital expenditures
Current maturities of long-term debt(3)
Long-term debt
Total long-term debt
Shareholders’ equity
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
Ratio of long-term debt to capitalization(3)

$

$

$
$

$

2016(1), (2)

$

50,366,919   $

2015(1)
48,680,752   $

2014(1)
46,516,712   $

2013
44,411,233   $

Fiscal Year

1,850,500  
1,433,007  
483,385  
949,622

$

1,229,362  
1,008,147  
321,374  
686,773

$

1,587,122  
1,475,624  
544,091  
931,533

$

1,658,478  
1,547,455  
555,028  
992,427

2012
42,380,939  
1,890,632  
1,784,002  
662,417  

$

1,121,585

$

1.66
1.64
1.23   $
16,721,804   $
527,346  

8,909   $

7,336,930  
7,345,839  
3,479,608  

$

1.16
1.15
1.19   $
17,989,281   $
542,830  
4,979,301   $
2,271,825  
7,251,126  
5,260,224  

$

10,825,447

$

12,511,350

$

$

1.59
1.58
1.15   $
13,141,113   $
523,206  
304,777   $

2,357,330  
2,662,107  
5,266,695  
7,928,802

$

$

1.68
1.67
1.11   $
12,678,208   $
511,862  
207,301   $

2,627,544  
2,834,845  
5,191,810  
8,026,655

$

1.91
1.90
1.07  
12,137,207  
784,501  
254,650  
2,749,304  
3,003,954  
4,685,040  
7,688,994

67.9%  

58.0%  

33.6%  

35.3%  

39.1%

(1)  Our results of operations are impacted by Certain Items that have resulted in reduced earnings on a GAAP basis. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations,” within Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for our results on an adjusted basis that exclude Certain Items.

(2)  Sysco’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th. This resulted in a 53-week year ending July 2, 2016 for fiscal 2016.
(3)  Specific to fiscal 2015, as discussed in Note 11, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” our current maturities of long-term debt include senior notes issued for the proposed merger with US 

Foods that were required to be redeemed due to the termination of the merger agreement. We redeemed these notes in July 2015.

Our financial results are impacted by accounting changes and the adoption of various accounting standards. See Note 2, “Changes in Accounting” to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for further discussion.

ITEM 7  Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

of Financial Condition and results of Operations

Our discussion below of our results includes certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide important perspective with respect to underlying 

business trends. Other than free cash flow, any non-GAAP financial measures will be denoted as adjusted measures and exclude the impact from restructuring 

charges, consisting of (1) severance charges, (2) facility closing costs, (3) professional fees incurred related to our three-year strategic plan and (4) expenses 

associated with the revised business technology strategy announced in fiscal 2016. It will also exclude acquisition-related expense resulting from (1) merger 

and integration planning, litigation costs and termination costs in connection with the merger that had been proposed with US Foods, Inc. (US Foods) 

and (2) transaction costs in connection with the acquisition of the parent holding company for the Brakes Group (the Brakes Acquisition), as well as the 

financing costs related to these acquisitions. Any costs related to the proposed merger with US Foods were applicable to us in our first quarter of fiscal 

2016 and prior periods. These fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 items are collectively referred to as “Certain Items.” Our US Foods financing costs related to 

senior notes that were issued in fiscal 2015 to fund the proposed merger. These senior notes were redeemed in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and triggered 

a redemption loss of $86.5 million, and we incurred interest on the notes through the redemption date. With respect to adjusted return on invested capital 

targets, our invested capital is adjusted for the accumulation of any excess cash against our average debt amounts. 

Sysco’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th. This resulted in a 53-week year ending July 2, 2016 for fiscal 2016, and a 52 week year 

ending June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. Because fiscal 2016 contained an additional week as compared to 

fiscal 2015, our Consolidated Results of Operations for fiscal 2016 are not directly comparable to the prior year. Management believes that adjusting the 
fiscal 2016 Consolidated Results of Operations for the estimated impact of the additional week provides more comparable financial results on a year-over-

year basis. Sysco’s results of operations and related metrics within this section will be disclosed on both a 53-week and 52-week basis for fiscal 2016 as 

compared to fiscal 2015. This is calculated by taking one-fourteenth of the total metric for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. 

Any metric within this section referred to as “adjusted” will reflect the applicable impact of both Certain Items and the extra week in fiscal 2016. More 
information on the rationale for the use of these measures and reconciliations to GAAP numbers can be found under “Non-GAAP Reconciliations.”

17

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Sysco distributes food and related products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers. 

Our primary operations are located throughout the United States (U.S.), Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland and Mexico and include Broadline companies, 

SYGMA (our chain restaurant distribution subsidiary), specialty produce companies, custom-cut meat companies, hotel supply operations, a company 

that distributes specialty imported products, a company that distributes to international customers and our Sysco Ventures platform, which includes our 

suite of technology solutions that help support the business needs of our customers.

We consider our primary market to be the foodservice market in the U.S., Canada and Ireland and estimate that we serve about 16.4% of this approximately 

$295 billion annual market based on a measurement as of the end of calendar 2015. We use industry data obtained from various sources including 

Technomic, Inc., the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association and the Irish Food Board to calculate this measurement. From time to time, these 

industry sources can revise the methodology used to calculate the size of the foodservice market and as result, our percentage can change not only from 

our sales results, but also from revisions. According to industry sources, the foodservice, or food-away-from-home, market represents approximately 49% 

of the total dollars spent on food purchases made at the consumer level in the U.S. as of the end of calendar 2015.

Industry sources estimate the total foodservice market in the U.S. experienced a real sales increase of approximately 2.3% in calendar year 2015 and 0.7% 

in calendar year 2014. Real sales changes do not include the impact of inflation or deflation.

Acquisition of Brakes Group

In February 2016, Sysco entered into a share sale and purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) to acquire Cucina Lux Investments Limited, the 

parent holding company of the Brakes Group (the “Brakes Acquisition”). On July 5, 2016, following the end of fiscal year 2016, Sysco closed the Brakes 

Acquisition. The consideration paid by Sysco in connection with the Brakes Acquisition was approximately £2.3 billion (approximately $3.1 billion based 

on exchange rates on July 5, 2016), and included the repayment of approximately $2.3 billion of the Brakes Group’s then outstanding debt. The purchase 

price was paid primarily in cash using the proceeds from recent debt issuances and other cash on hand, and is subject to certain adjustments as provided 

in the Purchase Agreement. The Brakes Group is now wholly owned by Sysco.

The Brakes Group is a leading European foodservice business by revenue, supplying fresh, refrigerated and frozen food products, as well as non-food 

products and supplies, to more than 50,000 foodservice customers. The Brakes Group has leading market positions in the U.K., France, and Sweden, in 

addition to a presence in Ireland, Belgium, Spain, and Luxembourg. The Brakes Acquisition significantly strengthens Sysco’s position as the world’s leading 

foodservice distributor and offers attractive opportunities for organic growth and future expansion in European markets.

In the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the Brakes Group’s sales were nearly $5 billion (£3.3 billion based on the weighted average exchange 

rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015), a 6.5% increase (in pounds sterling) from its previous fiscal year. The combined companies are 

expected to generate annualized sales of approximately $55 billion. We believe this acquisition will provide a solid platform for further acquisitions in Europe. 

The Brakes Acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Sysco’s earnings per share in fiscal 2017 contributing low to mid-single-digit percentage 

growth. In light of the recent closing of the Brakes Acquisition, we are in the early stages of the onboarding process with respect to the Brakes Group. 

Accordingly, for purposes of Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K, the remaining discussion refers to the legacy Sysco business, excluding the impact of the 

Brakes Acquisition, except as otherwise noted.

Highlights 

The general foodservice market environment since the beginning of fiscal 2016 has been uneven, with a combination of both favorable and unfavorable 

trends reflected in the relevant data. As compared to a few years ago, consumer confidence and unemployment data points were favorable through fiscal 

2016 and the beginning of fiscal 2017, while consumer spending on meals away from home has trended slightly downward towards the end of the fiscal 

year following gains throughout most of fiscal 2016. Spending at restaurants was generally improved, but customer traffic levels were generally unchanged 

during fiscal 2016 and are beginning to decline, together with an overall moderation in spend. Amid these conditions, throughout fiscal 2016 we provided 

our customers with excellent service, growing our business with locally managed customers, improving our gross margins and managing expenses. These 

are all important steps towards achieving our three-year plan financial objectives. 

Comparison of results from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015:

 • Sales increased 3.5%, or $1.7 billion, to $50.4 billion; on a comparable 52-week basis, adjusted sales improved 1.5%;

 • Operating income increased 50.5%, or $621.1 million, to $1.9 billion;

 • Adjusted operating income increased 12.1%, or $217 million, to $2 billion; on a comparable 52-week basis, adjusted operating income increased 9.6%;

 • Net earnings increased 38.3%, or $262.8 million, to $949.6 million; 

18

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 • Adjusted net earnings increased 10.4%, or $114 million, to $1.2 billion; on a comparable 52-week basis, adjusted net earnings increased 8.0%;

 • Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2016 were $1.66 and $1.64, respectively, a 43.1% and 42.6% increase from the 

comparable prior year amount of $1.16 and $1.15 per share; and

 • Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.10 in fiscal 2016, a 14.1% increase from the comparable prior year amount of $1.84 per share; on a 

comparable 52-week basis, adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.06 in fiscal 2016, a 12.0% increase.

See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for an explanation of these non-GAAP financial measures.

Trends

General economic conditions can affect consumer confidence and the frequency of purchases and amounts spent by consumers for food-away-from-home 

and, in turn, can impact our customers and our sales. Lower fuel prices likely contributed to incremental consumer spending benefits and reduced our 

delivery costs; however, we experienced some demand softness in certain markets disproportionately impacted by the downturn in the energy industry in 

parts of Texas, Montana, North Dakota and Alberta, Canada. Restaurant industry data reflects mixed trends with uneven sales during fiscal 2016. Current 

sentiment for consumer spending on meals away from home has trended slightly downward recently. Spending at restaurants was generally improved, 

but customer traffic levels were generally unchanged and are beginning to decline along with an overall moderation in spend. Due to softening conditions 

for the restaurant environment, we expect modest case volume growth during the first half of fiscal 2017.

Our sales and gross profit performance can be influenced by multiple factors including price, volume and product mix. The modest level of growth in the 

foodservice market has created additional competitive pricing pressures, which is, in turn, negatively impacting sales and gross profits. Case growth with 

our locally managed Broadline business is needed to drive gross profit dollar growth. Our locally managed customers, including independent restaurant 

customers, comprise a significant portion of our overall volumes and an even greater percentage of profitability due to the high level of value added 

services we typically provide to this customer group. Through continued focus, our locally managed case volume growth has accelerated. Our sales to 

corporate-managed customers, including chain restaurants and multi-locational restaurants, also comprise a significant portion of our overall volumes. 

Gross margin on sales to our corporate-managed customers is generally lower than on sales to other types of customers due to the higher volumes we 

sell to these customers. Case growth for our corporate-managed customers remained solid, but competitive pricing pressure has constrained our gross 

margins. We offer an assortment of Sysco-branded products that we can differentiate from nationally-branded products, which enables us to achieve 

higher gross profits. As a result, we focus on growing these products especially with locally-managed customers. Inflation is a factor that contributes to 

the level of sales and gross profit growth and can be a factor that contributes to gross margin pressure. We experienced deflation at a rate of 0.7% for 

fiscal 2016. Deflation in fiscal 2016 has occurred primarily in the meat, seafood, dairy and poultry categories for both periods, partially offset by modest 

inflation in other categories. This is a significant decline from inflation of 3.7% experienced in fiscal 2015. We expect deflation to persist at least through 

the end of calendar 2016. Rapid decreases in prices can make it challenging to leverage our fixed costs; however, the rate of deflation in fiscal 2016 was 

moderate. Our focus on sales of Sysco branded items and our category management efforts have helped us to manage our gross margin performance 

in response to several of these factors. 

The strong U.S. dollar has unfavorably impacted our foreign sales, operating income, and net earnings, as we convert them to U.S. dollars, primarily from 

our Canadian operations. This trend has been present each quarter over the last year; therefore, the negative impact that we have been experiencing on a 

comparative basis is lessening as we begin to compare against prior year periods where the relative value of our foreign currencies becomes increasingly 

similar to current exchange rates.

We have experienced higher operating expenses in fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, that are attributable to higher case volumes and increased 

management incentive accruals. Some of these incentives are based on Sysco’s total shareholder return as compared to the S&P 500. Sysco’s stock 

performance improved relative to the S&P 500 in fiscal 2016, resulting in higher accruals for these awards. While these costs are increasing, certain of 

our expenses are declining, including indirect spend and fuel costs. Indirect spend includes costs such as fleet maintenance and supplies. An additional 

favorable impact resulted from the strong U.S. dollar, which is reducing our operating expenses as we convert foreign operating expenses to U.S. dollars. 

We are also incurring Certain Items in fiscal 2016 for restructuring costs, currently consisting of severance charges, professional fees incurred related 

to our three-year strategic plan and the impact of changes to our business technology strategy. These Certain Items are contributing to our operating 

expenses in fiscal 2016 and are likely to continue to contribute to our expenses in the near-term, as we review all aspects of our business for additional 

cost savings opportunities. 

Interest expense for fiscal 2016 increased $51.3 million as compared to fiscal 2015. The increase was primarily due to the redemption of the senior notes 

issued in fiscal 2015 to fund the merger that had been proposed with US Foods, partially offset by lower average debt levels in fiscal 2016 as compared to 

fiscal 2015. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, Sysco issued $2.0 billion in senior notes and proceeds of $1.5 billion were used to fund our accelerated 

share repurchase that reduced our share count in fiscal 2016. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we issued $2.5 billion in senior notes and €500 million 

in senior notes to fund the Brakes Acquisition. Sysco treated such interest expense incurred under these notes as a Certain Item because the use of the 

proceeds was for the Brakes Acquisition, which did not close until fiscal 2017. Unless our borrowing needs change materially, we do not anticipate a similar 

level of increase in our interest expense in fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016. On an adjusted basis, interest expense will increase because the debt 

incurred in connection with the Brakes Acquisition will no longer be treated as a Certain Item in fiscal 2017.

19

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The number of our outstanding shares has decreased as a result of our $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase program. This represented half of our 

previously announced $3.0 billion share repurchase program. This generated an approximate $0.05 per share benefit for fiscal 2016. We intend to execute 

the remaining $1.5 billion in share repurchases in fiscal 2017 through open market purchases, an accelerated share repurchase or otherwise and believe 

this will provide an earnings per share benefit of approximately $0.03 to $0.04 per share in fiscal 2017, driven by a reduction in average shares outstanding. 

Strategy

We are focused on optimizing our core foodservice business with a customer centric approach, while continuing to explore appropriate opportunities to 

profitably grow our market share in established markets, expand our core business to new geographical regions and markets and create shareholder value 

by expanding beyond our core business. We are executing on our strategy by expanding our operational reach in Europe through the Brakes Acquisition. 

Day-to-day, our business decisions are driven by our mission to market and deliver quality products to our customers with exceptional service, with the 

aspirational vision of becoming our customers’ most valued and trusted business partner. We have identified five components of our strategy to help us 

achieve our mission and vision as follows:

 • Partnership - Profoundly enrich the experience of doing business with Sysco: Our primary focus is to help our customers succeed. We believe that by 
building on our current competitive advantages, we will be able to further differentiate our offering to customers. Our competitive advantages include 

our sales force of over 7,600 marketing associates; our diversified product base, which includes quality-assured Sysco brand products; the suite of 

services we provide to our customers such as business reviews and menu analysis; and our multi-regional presence in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, 

we have a portfolio of businesses spanning Broadline, chain restaurant distribution, specialty produce, specialty meat, hotel amenities, specialty import 

and export which serves our customers’ needs across a wide array of business segments. Through our Sysco Ventures platform, we are developing a 

suite of technology solutions that help support the administrative needs of our customers. We believe this strategy of enriching the experience of doing 

business with Sysco will increase customer retention and profitably accelerate sales growth with both existing and new customers.

 • Productivity - Continuously improve productivity in all areas of our business: We continually strive to improve productivity and reduce costs. From 
modernizing software systems to leveraging the power of our end-to-end supply chain, we continue to look for ways to improve our service to our 

customers and lower costs. 

 • Products - Enhance our portfolio of products and services by initiating a customer-centric innovation program: We continually explore opportunities to 

provide new and improved products, technologies and services to our customers. 

 • People - Leverage talent, structure, and culture to drive performance: Our ability to drive results and grow our business is directly linked to having the 
best talent in the industry. We are committed to the continued enhancement of our talent management programs in terms of how we recruit, select, 

train and develop our associates throughout Sysco, as well as succession planning. Our ultimate objective is to provide our associates with outstanding 

opportunities for professional growth and career development. 

 • Portfolio - Explore, assess and pursue new businesses and markets: This strategy is focused on identifying opportunities to expand the core business 
through growth in new international markets and in adjacent areas that complement our core foodservice distribution business. As a part of our ongoing 

strategic analysis, we regularly evaluate business opportunities, including potential acquisitions, joint ventures and sales of assets and businesses.

In fiscal 2016, we set three-year financial targets to be achieved by the end of fiscal 2018:

 • Improve operating income by at least $500 million;

 • Grow earnings per share faster than operating income; and

 • Achieve 15% in return on invested capital improvement for existing businesses.

The key levers to achieve these goals include an emphasis on accelerating locally managed customer case growth, improve margins, leverage supply 

chain costs and reduce administrative costs. We do not expect our improvements to occur evenly on a quarterly basis. We exceeded our 20% to 30% of 

our adjusted operating income improvement goal in fiscal 2016 and in fiscal 2017, our goal is to achieve 50% to 60% of our cumulative adjusted operating 

income target. Return on invested capital improvements include goals to improve our working capital by four days through improved management of 

working capital, specifically from the combined impact of accounts receivables, inventory and accounts payable. Our underlying assumptions in achieving 

these financial targets include reinvesting in our business, moderate growth in our dividend, reducing diluted shares outstanding through our previously 

announced $3.0 billion share buyback program, half of which has been completed and the other half is expected to occur in fiscal 2017, and repurchasing 

shares to offset any new share issuances from employee equity compensation and pursuing investments through acquisitions.

During fiscal 2016, we delivered the following results against these objectives as compared to fiscal 2015:

 • Total cases grew 5.0% in our Broadline business, and local cases grew 4.7%; 3.0% and 2.7% on a comparable 52-week basis, respectively;

 • We grew gross profit by $489.0 million, expanded gross margin by 38 basis points, and gross profit grew faster than total operating expenses;

 • Operating income grew by 50.5% and adjusted operating income grew by 9.6%; and 

 • Diluted earnings per share grew 42.6% and adjusted diluted earnings per share grew 12.0%. 

See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for an explanation of these non-GAAP financial measures.

20

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

revised Technology Strategy

In fiscal 2016, Sysco announced its revised business technology strategy focused on improving the customer experience. In refocusing its technology 

approach, Sysco is modernizing and adding new capability and functionality to its existing SUS Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. In connection 

with this strategy, Sysco plans to remove the SAP ERP platform currently used by 12 of its operating companies by the end of fiscal 2017. We believe this 

new approach to our business technology strategy enables us to achieve our original business transformation objectives sooner, at a lower cost, with less 

risk, and provides a better user experience for our customers and operating companies. Our technology efforts going forward are expected to be increasingly 

directed toward developing customer-facing tools and systems, such as a digital ordering platform, that add value to our customers’ overall experience 

with Sysco. Additionally, we will continue to develop integrated systems that enable the use of shared services across the enterprise. Sysco expects to 

realize significant technology cost savings once the conversion to the SUS ERP is completed in fiscal 2017. A portion of these savings will be reinvested 

in optimizing the company’s technology platform to better serve customers. In addition, the company incurred expenses of approximately $78.5 million in 

fiscal 2016 related to write-offs, accelerated depreciation and conversion costs resulting from the changes in technology strategy. Incremental depreciation 

expenses, recognized in fiscal 2016 were $73.5 million, consisted of $31.6 million of unfinished projects previously capitalized on the consolidated balance 

sheet within construction in progress and $41.9 million in accelerated depreciation. We expect to incur expenses of approximately $130 million in fiscal 

2017 primarily from accelerated depreciation and conversion costs.

General and Administrative Productivity Plan

In fiscal 2016, Sysco began a productivity plan that includes a reduction in its workforce by approximately 2%, or 1,200 positions, by the end of fiscal 2017. 

The primary focus of this reduction is on administrative, non-customer-facing roles. Sysco expects to record charges for severance and related benefit 

costs of $25 million to $30 million through the end of fiscal 2017. Charges recognized in fiscal 2016 were $17.0 million. We also designed a new market 

structure for our U.S. Broadline operations that reduced the number of markets from eight to six effective at the beginning of fiscal 2017. This change 

builds on our functional expertise and further improves the effectiveness of each team, while reducing administrative costs, improving efficiency through 

standardization of processes and improving execution of our three-year financial plan.

results of Operations

The following table sets forth the components of our consolidated results of operations expressed as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:

Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
NET EARNINGS

2016

2015

2014

100.0%
82.1
17.9
14.3
3.7
0.6
0.2
2.8
1.0
1.9%

100.0%
82.4
17.6
15.0
2.5
0.5
(0.1)
2.1
0.7
1.4%

100.0%
82.4
17.6
14.2
3.4
0.3
-
3.2
1.2
2.0%

The following table sets forth the change in the components of our consolidated results of operations expressed as a percentage increase or decrease 

over the comparable period in the prior year:

2016

2015

Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net(1)
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
NET EARNINGS
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Average shares outstanding
Diluted shares outstanding
(1)  Other expense (income), net was expense of $111.3 million in fiscal 2016 and income of $33.6 million in fiscal 2015.

3.5%
3.0
5.7
(1.8)
50.5
20.1
(431.5)(1)
42.1
50.4
38.3%
43.1%
42.6
(3.2)
(3.3)

4.7%
4.7
4.5
11.0
(22.5)
105.9
174.4(2)
(31.7)
(40.9)
(26.3)%
(27.0)%
(27.2)
1.0
1.1

21

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Sales

The following table sets forth the percentage and dollar value increase or decrease in sales over the comparable prior year period in order to demonstrate 

the cause and magnitude of change.

(in millions)
Cause of change
Case volume
Acquisitions
Foreign currency
Other (including extra week applicable for 2016)
TOTAL SALES INCREASE

Increase (Decrease)
2016

Increase (Decrease)
2015

Percentage

Dollars

Percentage

Dollars

4.0% $
0.7
(1.3)
0.1
3.5% $

1,926.0
348.1
(628.4)
40.5
1,686.2

2.4% $
0.6
(1.0)
2.7
4.7% $

1,093.4
272.5
(486.6)
1,284.7
2,164.0

Sales for fiscal 2016 were 3.5% higher than fiscal 2015, respectively. The largest drivers of the increases were the extra week that was applicable in fiscal 

2016, case volume growth and sales from acquisitions that occurred within the last 12 months. We estimate that the extra week contributed 2.0% of the 
3.5% sales growth. Case volumes for the company’s U.S. Broadline operations improved 5.3% in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 and included a 

4.7% improvement in locally managed customer case growth. We estimate that the extra week contributed 2.0% to both the U.S. Broadline operations 

and locally managed customer case growth. Partially offsetting this growth were unfavorable changes in exchange rates used to translate our foreign sales 

into U.S. dollars. Other items impacting the change in sales, but to a lesser extent, were pricing management of product cost deflation and product mix.

Sales for fiscal 2015 were 4.7% higher than fiscal 2014. The largest drivers of the increases were case volume growth and inflation, which is included in 

“Other” in the table above. Changes in product costs, an internal measure of inflation or deflation, were estimated as inflation of 3.7% during fiscal 2015, 

driven mainly by inflation in the meat, seafood and dairy categories. Case volumes including acquisitions within the last 12 months improved 2.6% in fiscal 

2015. Case volumes excluding acquisitions within the last 12 months improved 2.4% in fiscal 2015. Our case volumes represent our results from our 

Broadline and SYGMA segments combined. The changes in the exchange rates used to translate our foreign sales into U.S. dollars negatively impacted 

sales by 1.0% in fiscal 2015. 

Operating Income

Cost of sales primarily includes our product costs, net of vendor consideration, and includes in-bound freight. Operating expenses include the costs of 

facilities, product handling, delivery, selling and general and administrative activities. Fuel surcharges are reflected within sales and gross profit; fuel costs 

are reflected within operating expenses.

Fiscal 2016 vs. Fiscal 2015

The following table sets forth the change in the components of operating income and adjusted operating income expressed as a percentage increase or 

decrease over the comparable period in the prior year:

(In thousands)
Gross profit
Operating expenses
OPERATING INCOME
Adjusted Gross profit (Non-GAAP)
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP)
ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (NON-GAAP)

2016
9,040,472 $
7,189,972  
1,850,500 $
8,861,698 $
6,897,325  
1,964,373 $

$

$
$

$

2015
8,551,516 $
7,322,154
1,229,362 $
8,551,516 $
6,759,686
1,791,830 $

Change in Dollars

488,956
(132,182)
621,138
310,182
137,639
172,543

% Change

5.7%
(1.8)%
50.5%
3.6%
2.0%
9.6%

The increase in operating income and adjusted operating income for fiscal 2016 was impacted by gross profit growth exceeding operating expense growth. 

The increase in operating income during fiscal 2016 also reflected a lower amount of Certain Items as compared to fiscal 2015. An additional unfavorable 

impact resulted from the strengthening U.S. dollar, which reduced our foreign operating income as we converted those amounts to U.S. dollars. More 

information on the rationale for the use of these adjusted measures and reconciliations can be found under “Non-GAAP Reconciliations.”

Gross profit dollars increased in fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, primarily due to the extra week in fiscal 2016, higher sales volumes, including 

a more beneficial mix of local customer case growth, higher sales of Sysco branded products to local customers, benefits of category management and 

revenue management and effective management of deflation. We estimate that the extra week contributed 2.1% of the 5.7% gross profit growth. Our focus 

on center of plate categories, such as beef, pork and poultry, and our emphasis on fresh produce helped drive gross profit growth. Gross margin, which 

is gross profit as a percentage of sales, was 17.95% in fiscal 2016, an improvement of 38 basis points from the gross margin of 17.57% in fiscal 2015. 

Our case growth for Sysco brand sales to local customers increased 82 basis points for fiscal 2016. The change in product costs, an internal measure of 

inflation or deflation, was estimated as deflation of 0.7% for fiscal 2016. Of those amounts, our U.S. Broadline operations experienced deflation of 0.9%. 

Deflation in these fiscal 2016 periods has occurred primarily in the meat, seafood, dairy and poultry categories for both periods, partially offset by modest 

inflation in other categories.

22

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Operating expenses for fiscal 2016 decreased 1.8%, or $132.2 million, over fiscal 2015. Adjusted operating expenses for fiscal 2016 increased 2.0%, 

or $137.6 million, over fiscal 2015. Both operating expenses and adjusted operating expenses were increased by the additional week in fiscal 2016. We 

estimate that the extra week contributed 2.0% to these operating expense metrics. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to a lower 

level of Certain Items primarily from lower acquisition-related costs. The increase in adjusted operating expenses for fiscal 2016 resulted primarily from 

expenses attributable to higher case volumes and increased management incentive accruals. These increases were partially offset by reduced expenses 

in indirect spend and fuel costs and administrative expense. Indirect spend includes costs such as fleet maintenance and supplies. An additional favorable 

impact resulted from the strengthening U.S. dollar, which is reducing our operating expenses as we convert foreign operating expenses to U.S. dollars.

Operating Expenses Impacting Adjusted Operating Income

Pay-related expenses represent a significant portion of our operating costs, and can increase due to volume growth, increased incentive expenses, 

acquisitions and pay increases, among other factors. These expenses increased by $199.5 million in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 due primarily 

to case volume increases and companies acquired within the last 12 months. Our pay-related expenses increased $131.7 million primarily due to improved 

case volumes for fiscal 2016. Long-term incentive accruals increased $38.5 million. Some of these incentives are based on Sysco’s total shareholder return 

as compared to the S&P 500 and Sysco’s stock performance improved relative to the S&P 500 in fiscal 2016, which increased the expense associated 

with these awards. Our expense related to management incentive accruals will vary based on how the company’s performance compares to incentive 

targets. Acquired companies added $29.4 million to the pay-related expense totals for fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

Several factors contributed to reductions in operating expenses, including reduced indirect spending, reduced fuel costs and foreign exchange translation. 

Total fuel costs decreased by $68.0 million in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower prices for diesel. We do 

not expect this level of decrease in fiscal 2017 due to pricing we have locked with fixed forward contracts. Due to a stronger U.S. dollar, foreign exchange 

translation aided in the year over year comparison of operating expenses by $86.9 million. 

Cost per case is an important metric management uses to measure our expense performance. This metric is calculated by dividing the total operating 

expense of our U.S. Broadline companies by the number of cases sold. Adjusted cost per case is calculated similarly; however, the operating expense 

component excludes restructuring costs consisting of severance charges, which are the Certain Items applicable to these companies, divided by the number 

of cases sold. Our corporate expenses are not included in the cost per case metrics because the metric is a measure of efficiency in our operations. Our 

U.S. Broadline operations represented approximately 70% of Sysco’s sales and nearly 65% of our operating expenses prior to corporate expenses in both 

fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. We seek to grow our sales and reduce our costs on a per case basis. Our cost per case and adjusted cost per case decreased 

$0.04 per case fiscal 2016 as compared to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015. The decrease reflects progress in productivity improvements and cost 

reductions in our supply chain including reduced fuel costs and indirect spend. The decrease attributable to lower fuel prices was $0.04 benefit per case. 

Adjustments to operating expenses were not large enough to produce a different result on an adjusted cost per case basis for fiscal 2016. Additionally, 

the extra week in fiscal 2016 was not large enough to produce a different result on a 52-week basis. 

Certain Items within Operating Expenses

Sysco’s operating expenses are impacted by Certain Items, which are expenses that can be difficult to predict, can be unanticipated or do not represent 

core operating expenses. More information on the rationale for the use of adjusted measures and reconciliations to GAAP numbers can be found under 

“Non-GAAP Reconciliations.” Certain Item costs totaled $158.7 million in fiscal 2016. Certain Items for fiscal 2016 consisted of restructuring costs related 

to our revised business technology strategy, severance charges, professional fees incurred related to our three-year strategic plan, and acquisition-related 

costs and loss on foreign currency remeasurement and hedging. Costs associated with our revised business technology strategy were $73.5 million, 

consisting of $31.6 million of unfinished projects previously capitalized on the consolidated balance sheet and $41.9 million in accelerated depreciation. 

Professional fees and severance largely related to our three-year strategic plan totaled $43.3 million in fiscal 2016. Loss on foreign currency remeasurement 

and hedging related to the Brakes Acquisition totaled $147.0 million. Certain of these types of expenses, such as restructuring costs, are likely to continue 

in the near-term as we review all aspects of our business for additional cost savings opportunities. Additionally, we will incur additional costs to onboard 

the Brakes Group into our operations. 

Certain Items for fiscal 2015 related primarily to integration planning and transaction costs incurred in connection with the merger that had been proposed 

with US Foods, including merger termination costs. Certain Item costs totaled $562.5 million for fiscal 2015. 

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $51.3 million for fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, primarily due to the redemption of the senior notes issued in fiscal 

2015 to fund the merger that had been proposed with US Foods. These senior notes were redeemed in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and triggered a 
redemption loss of $86.5 million. This increase was partially offset by lower average debt levels in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. We incurred 

interest costs from financing the Brakes Acquisition in the last half of fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2015, we incurred interest costs related to the proposed merger 

with US Foods. Interest costs related to these proposed acquisitions as well and the redemption costs noted above are considered Certain Items. Our 

interest expense, excluding Certain Items, increased $61.8 million as compared to fiscal 2015, due to higher borrowing levels from senior notes that were 

issued in fiscal 2016 primarily for our accelerated share repurchase program. 

23

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Other Income and Expense, Net

Other income and expense, net increased $144.9 million for fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, primarily from the remeasurement of foreign 

denominated cash and losses of foreign currency option contracts. Both of these related to our purchase price for the acquisition of the Brakes Group, 

which closed shortly after our fiscal year end.

Fiscal 2015 vs. Fiscal 2014

The following table sets forth the change in the components of operating income and adjusted operating income expressed as a percentage increase or 

decrease over the prior year:

(Dollars in thousands)
Gross profit
Operating expenses
OPERATING INCOME
Gross profit
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP)
ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (NON-GAAP)

2015
8,551,516 $
7,322,154
1,229,362
8,551,516
6,759,686  
1,791,830 $

2014
8,181,035 $
6,593,913
1,587,122
8,181,035
6,447,405  
1,733,630 $

Change in Dollars
370,481
728,241
(357,760)
370,481
312,282
58,199

$

$

% Change

4.5%

11.0
(22.5)
4.5
-
3.4%

The decrease in operating income was impacted by an increase of $416.0 million in operating expenses attributable to Certain Items. Adjusted operating 
income increased due to gross profit dollar growth partially offset by increased expenses from greater case volumes, higher incentive accruals, higher pay 

for our sales organization as a result of higher gross profit, investment in administrative support capabilities and acquired operations.

Gross profit dollars increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 primarily due to increased sales volumes, stronger relative mix of sales to our 

locally-managed customers and benefits from category management. Gross margin, which is gross profit as a percentage of sales, was 17.57% in fiscal 

2015, a decline of 2 basis points from the gross margin of 17.59% in fiscal 2014. Increased competition resulting from a slow-growth market and volatile 

inflation has pressured our gross margins; however, sales and mix, as well as our category management initiative helped us stabilize our gross margin 

performance. Inflation in fiscal 2015 was 3.7%, an increase from 2.1% experienced in fiscal 2014. Our inflation rates were higher in the first half of fiscal 

2015, reaching 6.0% at the mid-point of the fiscal year and dropping to 0.1% by the end of the fiscal year. Fiscal 2015 inflation was seen primarily in the 

meat, dairy and poultry categories. 

Operating expenses for fiscal 2015 increased 11.0%, or $728.2 million, over fiscal 2014. Adjusted operating expenses for fiscal 2015 increased 4.9%, or 

$315.6 million, over fiscal 2014. These increases in adjusted operating expenses were primarily due to increased expenses from greater case volumes, 

higher incentive accruals, higher pay for our sales organization as a result of higher gross profit, investment in administrative support capabilities and 

acquired operations. Partially offsetting this increase, was a reduction in fuel costs and provisions for losses on receivables. Sysco’s operating expenses 

were impacted by Certain Items, which resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $416 million in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. More 

information on the rationale of the use of adjusted operating expense and adjusted operating income and reconciliations to GAAP numbers can be found 

under “Non-GAAP Reconciliations.” 

Operating Expenses Impacting Adjusted Operating Income

Our operating expenses increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 partially due to greater case volumes, higher incentive accruals, higher pay for 

our sales organization as a result of higher gross profit, investment in administrative support capabilities and acquired operations. Pay-related expenses, which 

represent a significant portion of our operating costs, increased by $349.3 million in fiscal 2015 over fiscal 2014. Factors contributing to the increase in 2015 

include increase in expense related to management incentive accruals of $103.5 million, higher pay in our sales organization largely as a result of higher gross 

profits, higher costs due to investment in new administrative support capabilities and companies acquired in the last 12 months. The amounts for companies 

acquired within the last 12 months include our new, consolidated joint ventures, such as our 50% interest in a foodservice company in Costa Rica. Sales and 

gross profit growth partially contributed to an increase in sales pay-related expenses due to increases in sales commissions and bonuses. In addition, we had 

increased our marketing associate headcount in certain markets in order to invest in future sales growth. Our fiscal 2015 financial performance trended more 

favorably relative to the applicable management incentive targets as compared to fiscal 2014. Consequently, expense is higher period over period. 

Our U.S. Broadline cost per case and adjusted cost per case increased $0.08 per case in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The increase occurred 

primarily from increased pay-related expenses. Adjustments to operating expenses were not large enough to produce a different result on an adjusted cost 

per case basis for fiscal 2015. 

Certain Items within Operating Expenses

Sysco’s operating expenses are impacted by Certain Items, which are expenses that can be difficult to predict, can be unanticipated or do not represent 

core operating expenses. More information on the rationale for the use of these measures and reconciliations to GAAP numbers can be found under 

“Non-GAAP Reconciliations.” Our significant Certain Items applicable for fiscal 2015 included costs related to integration planning, litigation costs and 

termination costs in connection with the merger that had been proposed with US Foods. Our significant Certain Items applicable for fiscal 2014 related 

to costs in connection with the then proposed merger with US Foods, a change in estimate of our self-insurance reserve and a liability for a settlement. 

24

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

We incurred costs in connection with the proposed merger with US Foods announced in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 primarily from integration 

planning, litigation costs and termination costs. These costs totaled $554.7 million in fiscal 2015 and $90.6 million in fiscal 2014. 

Our self-insurance program covers portions of workers’ compensation, general and vehicle liability and property insurance costs. The amounts in excess 

of the self-insured levels are fully insured by third party insurers. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated in part by considering historical claims 

experience, medical cost trends, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, based on the 

historical trends of increased costs primarily attributable to our workers’ compensation claims, we increased our estimates of our self-insurance reserve 

to a higher point in an estimated range of liability as opposed to our past position at the lower end of the range. This resulted in a charge of $23.8 million 

in fiscal 2014. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, Sysco was made aware of certain alleged violations of California law relating to its use of remote storage units in the 

delivery of products. These are commonly referred to as drop sites. As of June 28, 2014, we recorded a liability for a settlement of $20 million. In July 2014, 

Sysco agreed to a $19.4 million settlement, which includes a payment of $15.0 million in penalties, $3.3 million to fund four California Department of Public 

Health investigator positions for five years, a $1.0 million donation to food banks across California, and $0.1 million in legal fees. In the first quarter of 

fiscal 2014, we eliminated the use of drop sites across Sysco. During fiscal 2014, we introduced mandatory, annual food safety training for all employees 

across Sysco. 

Net Earnings

Net earnings increased 38.3% in fiscal 2016 from fiscal 2015 due primarily to the items noted above and the beneficial impact from the favorable resolution 

of tax contingencies. Items impacting our income taxes from effective tax rates are discussed in Note 20, “Income Taxes”. Adjusted net earnings increased 

8.0% in fiscal 2016 primarily from gross profit growth, strong expense management and the favorable resolutions of tax contingencies. Our tax rate can 

be positively or negatively influenced by events such as the occurrence or resolution of tax contingencies; however, we expect a normalized tax rate of 

35% to 36% for the remainder of fiscal 2017, which represents a decrease due to the recent Brakes Acquisition. An additional unfavorable impact on our 

net earnings and adjusted net earnings resulted from the strengthening U.S. dollar, which reduced both amounts by $11.5 million for fiscal 2016 as we 

converted foreign earnings to U.S. dollars. 

Net earnings decreased 26.3% in fiscal 2015 from fiscal 2014 due primarily to the changes in operating income discussed above, including the impact 

of Certain Items, which included increased interest expense of $131.6 million in fiscal 2015 that related to the financing of our proposed merger with US 

Foods. These amounts include the write off of unamortized debt issuance costs when our bridge acquisition facility was terminated upon the issuance 

of our senior notes in October 2014 and interest expense on those senior notes. Excluding this interest expense, adjusted interest expense decreased 

by $0.6 million. Adjusted net earnings increased $66.3 million, or 6.4%, during fiscal 2015. Items impacting our income taxes from effective tax rates are 

discussed in Note 20, “Income Taxes”. 

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share in fiscal 2016 were $1.66, a 43.1% increase from the fiscal 2015 amount of $1.16 per share. Diluted earnings per share in fiscal 

2016 were $1.64, a 42.6% increase from the fiscal 2015 amount of $1.15. Adjusted diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2016 were $2.06, a 12.0% increase 

from the fiscal 2015 amount of $1.84. These results were primarily due to the factors discussed above related to net earnings and a decrease in outstanding 

shares that resulted from our accelerated share repurchase program, which generated and an approximate five cent per share benefit for fiscal 2016.

Basic earnings per share in fiscal 2015 were $1.16, a 27.0% decrease from the fiscal 2014 amount of $1.59 per share. Diluted earnings per share in fiscal 

2015 were $1.15, a 27.2% decrease from the fiscal 2014 amount of $1.58 per share. This decrease was primarily the result of the factors discussed above 

and due to greater shares outstanding during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. As discussed below in “liquidity and capital resources - financing 

activities,” we chose not to repurchase any shares in fiscal 2015 due to the proposed US Foods merger. Our shares outstanding had increased primarily as 

a result of stock option exercises and restricted stock unit grants to employees. This resulted in lowering our earnings per share amounts by $0.02 per share 

in fiscal 2015. Adjusted diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2015 were $1.84, an increase of 5.1% from the comparable prior year period amount of $1.75.

As noted in our Trends discussion above, our accelerated share repurchases that occurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 favorably impacted our 

fiscal 2016 earnings per share. We intend to execute the remaining $1.5 billion in share repurchases in fiscal 2017 through open market purchases, an 

accelerated share repurchase or otherwise and believe this will provide an earnings per share benefit of approximately $0.03 to $0.04 per share in fiscal 

2017, driven by a reduction in average shares outstanding. 

Non-GAAP reconciliations

Sysco’s consolidated results of operations are impacted by certain items which include restructuring charges, consisting of (1) severance charges, (2) facility 

closing costs, (3) professional fees incurred related to our three-year strategic plan and (4) expenses associated with the revised business technology 

strategy announced in fiscal 2016. It will also exclude acquisition-related expense resulting from (1) merger and integration planning, litigation costs and 

25

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

termination costs in connection with the merger that had been proposed with US Foods, Inc. (US Foods) and (2) transaction costs in connection with the 

acquisition of the parent holding company for the Brakes Group (the Brakes Acquisition), as well as the financing costs related to these acquisitions. Any 

costs related to the proposed merger with US Foods were applicable to us in our first quarter of fiscal 2016 and prior periods. These fiscal 2016 and fiscal 

2015 items are collectively referred to as “Certain Items.” Management believes that adjusting its operating expenses, operating income, interest expense, 

net earnings and diluted earnings per share to remove these Certain Items provides an important perspective with respect to our underlying business 

trends and results and provides meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors that (1) is indicative of the performance of the 

company’s underlying operations and facilitates comparisons on a year-over-year basis and (2) removes those items that are difficult to predict and are 

often unanticipated, and which as a result, are difficult to include in analysts’ financial models and our investors’ expectations with any degree of specificity. 

Sysco’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th. This resulted in a 53-week year ending July 2, 2016 for fiscal 2016 and 52-week year ending 

June 27, 2015 for fiscal 2015. Because the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 contained an additional week as compared to fiscal 2015, our consolidated results 

of operations for fiscal 2016 are not directly comparable to the prior year. Management believes that adjusting the fiscal 2016 consolidated results of 

operations for the estimated impact of the additional week provides more comparable financial results on a year-over-year basis. As a result, the metrics from 

the consolidated results of operations for fiscal 2016 presented in the table below are adjusted by one-fourteenth of the total metric for the fourth quarter. 

Failure to make these adjustments causes the year-over-year changes in certain metrics such as sales, operating expenses, operating income, net earnings 

and diluted earnings per share to be overstated, whereas in certain cases, a metric may actually have declined on a more comparable year-over-year basis. 

The company uses these non-GAAP measures when evaluating its financial results, as well as for internal planning and forecasting purposes. These 

financial measures should not be used as a substitute for GAAP measures in assessing the company’s results of operations for periods presented. An 

analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. As a result, in the table below, 

each period presented is adjusted for the impact described above. In the table below, individual components of diluted earnings per share may not add to 

the total presented due to rounding. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by diluted shares outstanding.

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Sales
Less 1 week fourth quarter sales
Comparable sales using a 52 week basis
Gross profit
Less 1 week fourth quarter gross profit
Comparable gross profit using a 52 week basis
Gross margin using a 52 week basis
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring costs(1)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
Subtotal - Operating expenses adjusted for certain items (Non-GAAP)
Less 1 week fourth quarter operating expenses
Operating expenses adjusted for certain items and extra week 
(Non-GAAP)
Operating income (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring costs(1)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
Subtotal - Operating income adjusted for certain items 
(Non-GAAP)
Less 1 week fourth quarter operating income
Operating income adjusted for certain items and extra week 
(Non-GAAP)
Operating margin (GAAP)
Operating margin (non-GAAP)
Operating margin adjusted for 52 weeks (Non-GAAP)
Interest expense (GAAP)
Impact of acquisition financing costs(3)
Subtotal - Adjusted interest expense (Non-GAAP)
Less 1 week fourth quarter other (income) expense
Interest expenses adjusted for certain items and extra week 
(Non-GAAP)
Other (income) expense
Impact of foreign currency re-measurement and hedging
Subtotal - Other (income) expense (Non-GAAP)
Less 1 week fourth quarter other (income) expense

2016
$ 50,366,919
(974,849)
49,392,070
9,040,472
(178,774)
8,861,698

$

2015
$ 48,680,752
-
48,680,752
8,551,516
-
8,551,516

$

Change in Dollars
1,686,167
$
(974,849)
711,318
488,956
(178,774)
310,182

$

17.9%

17.6%

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

7,189,972
(123,134)
(35,614)
7,031,224
(133,899)

6,897,325
1,850,500
123,134
35,614

2,009,248
(44,876)

7,322,154
(7,801)
(554,667)
6,759,686
-

6,759,686
1,229,362
7,801
554,667

1,791,830
-

(132,182)
(115,333)
519,053
271,537
(133,899)

137,639
621,138
115,333
(519,053)

217,419
(44,876)

$

1,964,372

$

1,791,830

$

172,543

$

$

3.67%
3.99%
3.98%

306,146
(123,990)
182,156
(3,975)

178,181
111,347
(146,950)
(35,603)
403

$

$

2.53%
3.68%
3.68%

254,807
(138,422)
116,385
-

116,385
(33,592)
-
(33,592)
-

$

$

1.15%
0.31%
0.30%

51,339
14,432
65,771
(3,975)

61,797
144,939
(146,950)
(2,011)
403

% Change

3.5%
NM
1.5
5.7
NM
3.6%
0.38%
(1.8)%
NM
(93.6)
4.0
NM

2.0%
50.5%
NM
(93.6)

12.1
NM

9.6%
45.5%
8.4%
8.1%
20.1%
(10.4)
56.5
NM

53.1%
NM
NM
6.0
NM

26

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Other (income) expense adjusted for certain items and extra 
week (Non-GAAP)
Net earnings (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring costs(1)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
Impact of acquisition financing costs(3)
Impact of foreign currency re-measurement and hedging
Tax impact of restructuring costs(4)
Tax impact of acquisition-related costs(4)
Tax impact of acquisition financing costs(4)
Tax impact of foreign currency re-measurement and hedging
Sub-total - Earnings excluding certain items
Less 1 week fourth quarter net earnings
Net earnings adjusted for certain items and extra week
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)(1)
Impact of restructuring costs(1)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
Impact of acquisition financing costs(3)
Impact of foreign currency re-measurement and hedging
Tax impact of restructuring costs(4)
Tax impact of acquisition-related costs(4)
Tax impact of acquisition financing costs(4)
Tax impact of foreign currency re-measurement and hedging(4)
Diluted EPS excluding certain items
Less 1 week impact of fourth quarter diluted earnings per share
Diluted EPS adjusted for certain items and extra week 
(Non-GAAP)(5)
Diluted shares outstanding
(1) 
(2) 

2016

2015

Change in Dollars

% Change

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

(35,200)
949,622
123,134
35,614
123,990
146,950
(47,333)
(13,690)
(47,662)
(56,488)
1,214,137
(26,119)
1,188,018
1.64
0.21
0.06
0.21
0.25
(0.08)
(0.02)
(0.08)
(0.10)
2.10
(0.05)

(33,592)
686,773
7,801
554,667
138,422
-
(3,200)
(227,518)
(56,779)
-
1,100,166
-
1,100,166
1.15
-
0.93
0.24
-
-
(0.38)
(0.10)
-
1.84
-

(1,608)
262,849
115,333
(519,053)
(14,432)
146,950
(44,133)
213,828
9,117
(56,488)
113,971
(26,119)
87,852
0.49
0.21
(0.87)
(0.03)
0.25
(0.08)
0.36
0.02
(0.10)
0.26
(0.05)

4.8%
38.3%
NM
(93.6)
(10.4)
NM
NM
(94.0)
(16.1)
(100.0)
10.4
NM
8.0%
42.6%
NM
(93.5)
(12.5)
NM
NM
(94.7)
(20.0)
NM
14.1
NM

$

2.06
577,391,406

$

1.84
596,849,034

$

0.22

12.0%

Includes severance charges, professional fees on 3 year financial objectives, facility closure costs and costs associated with our revised business technology strategy.
Includes US Foods merger and integration planning and transaction costs (first quarter 2016 and fiscal 2015 only) and Brakes Acquisition transaction costs (third and fourth quarter fiscal 2016 
only).
Includes US Foods financing costs (first quarter 2016 and fiscal 2015 only) and Brakes Acquisition financing costs (third and fourth quarter fiscal 2016 only).

(3) 
(4)  The tax impact of adjustments for Certain Items are calculated based on jurisdiction by multiplying the pretax impact of each Certain Item by the statutory rates in effect for each jurisdiction. 

(5) 

As a result, the effective rate for each Certain Item may differ based on the jurisdiction where the Certain Item was incurred.
Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not add to the total presented due to rounding. Total diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by 
diluted shares outstanding.

NM represent that the percentage change was not meaningful.

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of MEPP charge
Impact of severance charges
Impact of US foods merger costs
Impact of change in estimate of self-insurance
Impact of contingency accrual
Impact of facility closure charges
Impact of Certain Items on operating expenses
Operating expenses adjusted for certain items (Non-GAAP)
Operating income (GAAP)
Impact of Certain Items on operating expenses
Operating income adjusted for certain items (Non-GAAP)
Interest expense (GAAP)
Impact of US Foods financing costs
Adjusted interest expense (Non-GAAP)

$

$
$

$
$

$

2015

2014

7,322,154
-
(5,598)
(554,667)
-
-
(2,203)
(562,468)
6,759,686
1,229,362
562,468
1,791,830
254,807
(138,422)
116,385

$

$
$

$
$

$

6,593,913
(1,451)
(7,202)
(90,571)
(23,841)
(20,000)
(3,443)
(146,508)
6,447,405
1,587,122
146,508
1,733,630
123,741
(6,790)
116,951

Change in Dollars
728,241
$
1,451
1,604
(464,096)
23,841
20,000
1,240
(415,960)
312,281
(357,760)
415,960
58,200
131,066
(131,632)
(566)

$
$

$
$

$

% Change

11.0%
NM
(22.3)
512.4
NM
NM
(36.0)
NM
4.8%
(22.5)%
NM
3.4%
105.9%
NM
(0.5)%

27

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

$

$

2015

2014

% Change

Change in Dollars
$

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Net earnings (GAAP)(1)
Impact of MEPP charge
Impact of severance charge
Impact of US Foods merger costs
Impact of change in estimate of self-insurance
Impact of contingency accrual
Impact of facility closure charges
Impact of acquisition financing costs
Tax impact of MEPP charge
Tax impact of severance charge
Tax impact of US Foods merger
Tax impact of change in estimate of self-insurance
Tax impact of contingency accrual
Tax impact of facility closure charges
Tax impact of acquisition financing costs
Net earnings adjusted for certain items (Non-GAAP)(1)
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)(1)
Impact of severance charge
Impact of US Foods merger
Impact of change in estimate of self-insurance
Impact of contingency accrual
Impact of US Foods Financing Costs
Diluted EPS adjusted for certain items (Non-GAAP)(1)(2)
Diluted shares outstanding
(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4)  The tax impact of adjustments for Certain Items are calculated based on jurisdiction by multiplying the pretax impact of each Certain Item by the statutory rates in effect for each jurisdiction. 

Includes severance charges, professional fees on 3 year strategic plan, facility closure costs and costs associated with changes to our business technology strategy.
Includes US Foods merger and integration planning and transaction costs.
Includes US Foods-related financing costs.

686,773
-
5,598
554,667
-
-
2,203
138,422
-
(2,296)
(227,518)
-
-
(904)
(56,779)
1,100,166
1.15
0.01
0.55
-
-
0.14
1.84
596,849,034

931,533
1,451
7,202
90,571
23,841
20,000
3,443
6,790
(535)
(2,656)
(33,395)
(8,791)
(1,844)
(1,270)
(2,504)
1,033,836
1.58
0.01
0.10
0.03
0.03
0.01
1.75
590,216,220

(26.3)%
NM
(22.3)
NM
NM
NM
(36.0)
NM
NM
(13.6)
NM
NM
NM
(28.8)
NM
6.4%
(27.2)%
-
NM
NM
NM
1,300.0

(244,760)
(1,451)
(1,604)
464,096
(23,841)
(20,000)
(1,240)
131,632
535
360
(194,123)
8,791
1,844
366
(54,275)
66,330
(0.43)
-
0.45
(0.03)
(0.03)
0.13
0.09

5.1%

$
$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

(5) 

As a result, the effective rate for each Certain Item may differ based on the jurisdiction where the Certain Item was incurred.
Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not add to the total presented due to rounding. Total diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by 
diluted shares outstanding.

NM represent that the percentage change was not meaningful.

Case Growth

Case growth is impacted by the extra week in fiscal 2016. This amount is adjusted out of the measures presented above to remove the extra week for 

comparability purposes for the same underlying reasons the extra week is excluded from the measures presented above. The table that follows provides 

a reconciliation of case growth to remove the impact of the extra week.

Total Broadline
Total local Broadline

Segment results

July 2, 2016 (53 weeks) 
(GAAP)

Impact of 14th week

July 2, 2016 (52 weeks) 
(Non-GAAP)

5.0 %
4.7

2.0 %
2.0

3.0 %
2.7

We have aggregated certain of our operating companies into two reporting segments, Broadline and SYGMA, as defined in the accounting literature related 

to disclosures about segments of an enterprise. The Broadline reportable segment is an aggregation of the company’s Broadline segments located in the 

Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Mexico and the United States. Broadline operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide 

variety of non-food products to both traditional and chain restaurant customers, hospitals, schools, hotels, industrial caterers and other venues where 

foodservice products are served. SYGMA operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to certain 

chain restaurant customer locations. “Other” financial information is attributable to the company’s other operating segments, including the company’s 

specialty produce, custom-cut meat operations, lodging industry segments, a company that distributes specialty imported products, a company that 

distributes to international customers and the company’s Sysco Ventures platform, which includes a suite of technology solutions that help support the 

business needs of Sysco’s customers. Intersegment sales primarily represent products the Broadline and SYGMA operating companies procured from 

28

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

the specialty produce, custom-cut meat operations, an imported specialty products company and a company that distributes to international customers. 

In fiscal 2017, our segment reporting will change due to the inclusion of the Brakes Group; however, at this time, we have not determined how the 

segments will change. 

Management evaluates the performance of each of our operating segments based on its respective operating income results. Corporate expenses generally 

include all expenses of the corporate office and Sysco’s shared services center. These also include all share-based compensation costs. While a segment’s 

operating income may be impacted in the short-term by increases or decreases in gross profits, expenses, or a combination thereof, over the long-term 

each business segment is expected to increase its operating income at a greater rate than sales growth. This is consistent with our long-term goal of 

increasing earnings growth at a greater rate than sales growth.

The following table sets forth the operating income of each of our reportable segments and the other segment expressed as a percentage of each segment’s 

sales for each period reported and should be read in conjunction with Note 22, “Business Segment Information”:

Broadline
SYGMA
Other

Operating Income as a Percentage of Sales

2016

2015

2014

7.1%  
0.5
2.7

6.6%  
0.3
2.6

6.6%
0.6
3.0

The following table sets forth the change in the selected financial data of each of our reportable segments and the other segment expressed as a percentage 

increase or decrease over the comparable period in the prior year and should be read in conjunction with Note 22, “Business Segment Information” to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements in item 8:

2016

Operating 
Income

Sales

2015

Operating 
Income

Sales

Broadline
SYGMA
Other
(1)  SYGMA had operating income of $27.7 million in fiscal 2016, $20.5 million in fiscal 2015 and $38.0 million in fiscal 2014. 

3.2%
0.4
12.3

10.3%
34.8
15.9

5.0%
(1.6)
12.6

5.8%
(46.1)(1)
(4.6)

The following table sets forth sales and operating income of each of our reportable segments, the other segment, and intersegment sales, expressed as a 

percentage of aggregate segment sales, including intersegment sales, and operating income, respectively. For purposes of this statistical table, operating 

income of our segments excludes corporate expenses of $1.2 billion in fiscal 2016, $1.5 billion in fiscal 2015 and $1.0 billion in fiscal 2014 that are not 

charged to our segments. This information should be read in conjunction with Note 22, “Business Segment Information” to the Consolidated Financial 

Statements in item 8:

2016

Segment 
Operating 
Income

Sales

79.2%
12.1
11.8
(3.1)
100.0%

93.9%
0.9
5.2
-

100.0%

Components of Segment Results
2015

Sales

79.4%
12.5
10.8
(2.7)
100.0%

Segment 
Operating 
Income

94.3%
0.7
5.0
-

100.0%

2014

Segment 
Operating 
Income

Sales

79.1%
13.3
10.1
(2.5)
100.0%

93.1%
1.5
5.4
-

100.0%

Broadline
SYGMA
Other
Intersegment sales
TOTAL

Broadline Segment

The Broadline reportable segment is an aggregation of the company’s Broadline operations located in the Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, 

Mexico and the United States. Broadline operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to both 

traditional and chain restaurant customers, hospitals, schools, hotels, industrial caterers and other venues where foodservice products are served. 

Broadline operations have significantly higher operating margins than the rest of Sysco’s operations. In fiscal 2016, the Broadline operating results 

represented approximately 79.2% of Sysco’s overall sales and 93.9% of the aggregated operating income of Sysco’s segments, which excludes 
corporate expenses and adjustments. 

There are several factors that contribute to these higher operating results as compared to the SYGMA and Other operating segments. We have invested 

substantial amounts in assets, operating methods, technology and management expertise in this segment. The breadth of its sales force, geographic reach 

of its distribution area and its purchasing power allow us to benefit from this segment’s earnings.

29

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Sales

The following table sets forth the percentage and dollar value increase or decrease in sales over the comparable prior year period in order to demonstrate 

the cause and magnitude of the change.

(in millions)
Cause of change
Case volume
Acquisitions
Foreign currency
Other (including extra week applicable for 2016)
TOTAL SALES INCREASE

Increase (Decrease)
2016

Increase (Decrease)
2015

Percentage

Dollars

Percentage

Dollars

4.6% $
0.6
(1.5)
(0.5)
3.2% $

1,784.5
246.0
(591.6)
(170.4)
1,268.5

2.8% $
0.5
(1.2)
2.9
5.0% $

1,020.9
173.1
(459.4)
1,186.7
1,921.3

Sales were 3.2% higher in fiscal 2016 than in the comparable period of the prior year. The largest drivers of the increases were the extra week that was 

applicable in fiscal 2016, case volume growth and sales from acquisitions that occurred within the last 12 months. We estimate that the extra week contributed 

2.0% of the 3.2% sales growth. Case volumes for the company’s U.S. Broadline operations including acquisitions within the last 12 months improved 5.3% 

in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 and included a 4.7% improvement in locally managed customers’ case growth. We estimate that the extra week 

contributed 2.0% of the 5.3% case growth. Partially offsetting this growth were unfavorable changes in exchange rates used to translate our foreign sales 

into U.S. dollars. Other items impacting the change in sales, but to a lesser extent, were pricing management of product cost deflation and product mix. 

Sales for fiscal 2015 were 5.0% higher than fiscal 2014. The largest drivers of the increases were case volume growth and inflation, which are included in 

“Other” in the table above. Changes in product costs, an internal measure of inflation or deflation, were estimated as inflation of 3.7% during fiscal 2015, 
driven mainly by inflation in the meat, seafood and dairy categories. The exchange rates used to translate our foreign sales into U.S. dollars negatively 

impacted sales by 1.0% in fiscal 2015. 

Operating Income

Fiscal 2016 vs. Fiscal 2015

Operating income increased by 10.3% in fiscal 2016 over fiscal 2015, primarily due to the extra week applicable to fiscal 2016, higher gross profits, partially 

offset by higher operating expenses attributable to higher case volumes. We estimate that the extra week contributed 2.3% of the 10.3% operating income 

growth. Our gross profits grew at a faster pace than operating expenses, reflecting favorable expense management.

Gross profit dollars increased in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to the extra week in fiscal 2016, sales volumes, including a more 

beneficial mix of local customer case growth, higher sales of Sysco branded products to local customers, benefits of category management and revenue 

management and effective management of deflation. Our focus on center of plate categories, such as beef, pork and poultry, and our emphasis on fresh 

produce helped drive gross profit growth. Our case growth for Sysco brand sales to local customers increased 82 basis points for fiscal 2016. The change 

in product costs, an internal measure of inflation or deflation, was estimated as deflation of 0.8% during fiscal 2016 for our operating companies in this 

segment. Deflation in fiscal 2016 occurred primarily in the meat, seafood, dairy and poultry categories for both periods, partially offset by modest inflation 

in other categories. 

Operating expenses increased in 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, primarily due to the extra week in fiscal 2016 and expenses attributable to higher case 

volumes. These increases were partially offset by reduced indirect spend and fuel costs and administrative expense. Indirect spend includes costs such as 

fleet maintenance and supplies. An additional favorable impact resulted from the strengthening U.S. dollar, which is reducing our operating expenses as 

we convert foreign operating expenses to U.S. dollars. Our cost per case and adjusted cost per case decreased $0.04 per case fiscal 2016 as compared 

to the corresponding periods of fiscal 2015. The decrease reflects progress in productivity improvements and cost reductions in our supply chain including 

reduced fuel costs and indirect spend. The decrease attributable to lower fuel prices was $0.04 benefit per case. Adjustments to operating expenses were 

not large enough to produce a different result on an adjusted cost per case basis for fiscal 2016. Additionally, the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2016 

was not large enough to produce a different result on a 52-week basis. 

Fiscal 2015 vs. Fiscal 2014

Operating income increased by 5.8% in fiscal 2015 over fiscal 2014. We experienced growth in our gross profits due to increased sales volumes, stronger 

relative mix of sales for our locally-managed customers and benefits from our category management initiative. Operating expenses increased from greater 

case volumes, higher incentive accruals, higher pay for our sales organization as a result of higher gross profit, investment in administrative support 

capabilities and acquired operations.

Gross profits increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 and gross margins were steady. Increased competition resulting from a slow-growth 

market and volatile inflation pressured our gross margins; however, sales and mix, as well as our category management initiative, helped us stabilize our 

gross margin performance. Our inflation rates were higher in the first half of fiscal 2015, reaching levels of 6% at the mid-point of the fiscal year and dropping 
to minimal amounts by the end of the fiscal year. Fiscal 2015 inflation was seen primarily in the meat, dairy and poultry categories. 

30

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Operating expenses for the Broadline segment increased in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The increase in expenses for fiscal 2015 as compared 

to fiscal 2014 was driven largely by higher sales costs, increased expense related to management incentive accruals and costs from companies acquired 

within the last 12 months. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in fuel costs. Sales and gross profit growth partially contributed to an increase 

in sales pay-related expenses due to increases in sales commissions and bonuses. In addition, we had increased our marketing associate headcount in 

certain markets in order to invest in future sales growth. Our U.S. Broadline cost per case and adjusted cost per case increased $0.08 per case in fiscal 

2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The increase occurred primarily from increased pay-related expenses. Adjustments to operating expenses were not 

large enough to produce a different result on an adjusted cost per case basis for fiscal 2015. 

SYGMA Segment

SYGMA operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to certain chain restaurant customer locations.

Sales

Sales were 0.4% higher in fiscal 2016 than in fiscal 2015. The increase for fiscal 2016 was primarily due to the extra week within fiscal 2016, organic 

customer growth and the addition of new customers. Partially offsetting these increases were lost and strategically resigned business, product cost deflation 

and lower fuel surcharges. SYGMA intends to add business with new and existing customers to profitably grow this segment’s results.

Sales were 1.6% lower in fiscal 2015 than in fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lost and strategically resigned business and lower fuel 

surcharges. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases from product cost inflation (and the resulting increase in selling prices) and case volume 

increases from existing customers. 

Operating Income

Operating income increased by 34.8% in fiscal 2016 from fiscal 2015, primarily driven by improved operating performance in addition to the impact of the 

extra week in fiscal 2016. Gross profit dollars increased 6.7%, while operating expenses increased 2.1% in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. Gross 

profit dollar growth was higher due to improved product margins excluding fuel surcharges and the extra week within fiscal 2016. Operating expenses 

decreased in fiscal 2016 largely due to reduced transportation costs reflecting improved retention of drivers and lower fuel costs. Both transportation and 

warehouse costs, including pay-related expenses, improved from improved expense management and improved productivity. 

Operating income decreased by 46.1% in fiscal 2015 from fiscal 2014. Gross profit dollars decreased 3.3% while operating expenses increased 7.3% in 

fiscal 2015 over fiscal 2014. Gross profit dollar growth was lower primarily due to reduced fuel surcharges, the impact of strategically resigned business and 

lower margins, as a result of the competitive market environment. Operating expenses increased in fiscal 2015 due to increased warehouse and delivery 

costs, including pay-related expenses, partially resulting from efforts to increase driver retention, manage warehouse employee shortages and stabilize 

operations after the business losses and resignations. 

Other Segment

“Other” financial information is attributable to our other operating segments, including our specialty produce, our custom-cut meat operations, our lodging 

industry products segments, a company that distributes specialty imported products, a company that distributes to international customers and our Sysco 

Ventures platform, our suite of technology solutions that help support the business needs of our customers. These operating segments are discussed on 

an aggregate basis as they do not represent reportable segments under segment accounting literature.

On an aggregate basis, our “Other” segment has had a lower operating income as a percentage of sales than Sysco’s Broadline segment. Sysco has 

acquired some of the operating companies within this segment in recent years. These operations generally operate in a niche within the foodservice industry, 

except for our lodging industry supply company. Each individual operation is also generally smaller in sales and scope than an average Broadline operation 

and each of these operating segments is considerably smaller in sales and overall scope than the Broadline segment. In fiscal 2016, in the aggregate, 

the “Other” segment represented approximately 11.8% of Sysco’s overall sales and 5.2% of the aggregate operating income of Sysco’s segments, which 

excludes corporate expenses and adjustments. 

Operating income increased 15.9%, or $21.6 million in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to the extra week 

applicable to fiscal 2016 and favorable results from our specialty produce and lodging industry products segments and improvements in results from other 

businesses in the early stage of operations in this segment. 

Operating income decreased 4.6%, or $6.5 million, in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The decrease in operating income was largely due to startup 

costs from businesses in the early stage of operations in this segment, partially offset by increased earnings from our specialty produce and custom-cut 

meat segments. 

31

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Liquidity and Capital resources

Highlights

Comparisons of the cash flows from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2015: 

 • Cash flows from operations were $1.9 billion in 2016 compared to $1.6 billion in 2015;.

 • Net capital expenditures totaled $503.8 million in 2016 compared to $518.4 million in 2015; 

 • Free cash flow was $1.4 billion in 2016 compared to $1.0 billion in 2015 (see “Non-GAAP reconciliation” below under the heading “Free Cash Flow”);

 • Cash used for acquisition of businesses was $219.2 million in 2016 compared to $115.9 million in 2015;

 • There were no net bank repayments in 2016 compared to net bank repayments of $130.0 million in 2015;

 • Dividends paid were $698.9 million in 2016 compared to $695.3 million in 2015; and

 • We repurchased $1.5 billion in shares under the accelerated share repurchase program and $449.4 million in shares through open market purchases 

in fiscal 2016, which offset dilution from stock issuances.

In addition, for our senior notes:

 • We redeemed senior notes in the amount of $5.05 billion, using cash on hand and proceeds from borrowings under our commercial paper program;

 • We issued an aggregate of $5.1 billion in new senior notes.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Sysco’s strategic objectives include continuous investment in our business; these investments are funded by a combination of cash from operations and 

access to capital from financial markets. Our operations historically have produced significant cash flow. Cash generated from operations is generally 

allocated to:

 • working capital requirements;

 • investments in facilities, systems, fleet, other equipment and technology;

 • return of capital to shareholders, including cash dividends and share repurchases;

 • acquisitions compatible with our overall growth strategy;

 • contributions to our various retirement plans; and

 • debt repayments.

Any remaining cash generated from operations may be invested in high-quality, short-term instruments. As a part of our ongoing strategic analysis, 

we regularly evaluate business opportunities, including potential acquisitions and sales of assets and businesses, and our overall capital structure. Any 

transactions resulting from these evaluations may materially impact our liquidity, borrowing capacity, leverage ratios and capital availability.

We continue to generate substantial cash flows from operations and remain in a strong financial position; however, our liquidity and capital resources can 

be influenced by economic trends and conditions that impact our results of operations. We believe our mechanisms to manage working capital, such 

as credit monitoring, optimizing inventory levels and maximizing payment terms with vendors, and our mechanisms to manage the items impacting our 

gross profits have been sufficient to limit a significant unfavorable impact on our cash flows from operations. We believe these mechanisms will continue 

to prevent a significant unfavorable impact on our cash flows from operations. Seasonal trends also impact our cash flows from operations and free 

cash flow, as we use more cash earlier in the fiscal year and then see larger, sequential quarterly increases throughout the remainder of the year. As of 

July 2, 2016, we had $3.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents, approximately 12.0% of which was held by our international subsidiaries generated from 

our earnings of international operations. This percentage is lower because the proceeds from our offerings of senior notes, which we issued to fund the 

Brakes Acquisition, were held in cash at July 2, 2016 as the acquisition did not close until fiscal 2017. With this cash expended in fiscal 2017, we would 

expect this percentage to return to historical levels, such as 32%, which was the percentage as of June 28, 2014. If these earnings were transferred 

among countries or repatriated to the U.S., such amounts may be subject to additional tax obligations; however, we do not currently anticipate the need 

to repatriate this cash.

We believe the following sources will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for the next twelve months, while maintaining sufficient liquidity 

for normal operating purposes:

 • our cash flows from operations;

 • the availability of additional capital under our existing commercial paper programs, supported by our revolving credit facility and bank line of credit; and

32

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 • our ability to access capital from financial markets, including issuances of debt securities, either privately or under our shelf registration statement filed 

with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Due to our strong financial position, we believe that we will continue to be able to effectively access the commercial paper market and long-term capital 

markets, if necessary.

Cash Flows

Operating Activities

Fiscal 2016 vs. Fiscal 2015

We generated $1.9 billion in cash flows from operations in fiscal 2016 compared to cash flow generation of $1.6 billion in fiscal 2015. This increase of 

$377.7 million year-over-year was largely attributable to tax payments deferred to future periods and improved working capital management, partially 

offset by an unfavorable comparison on accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities. The cash impact of our Certain Items increased $48.9 million 

year-over-year. The cash impact of Certain Items will differ from the earnings impact of Certain Items, as the payments for these items may occur in a 

different period from the period in which the Certain Item charges were recognized in the Statement of Consolidated Results of Operations. The extra week 

in fiscal 2016 also contributed to the increase in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.

Our tax payments in fiscal 2016 were lower than in fiscal 2015 due to changes in tax elections allowing us to accelerate tax deductions from method changes 

which, in turn, significantly reduced our estimated payments in fiscal 2016 by delaying the timing of these payments to future periods. Additionally, Sysco’s 

fourth quarter U.S. estimated federal tax payment was deferred to the second quarter of fiscal 2017 due to a disaster area designation for companies 

located in the Houston area, the location of our corporate headquarters. We estimate our cash tax payments to range from $700 to $850 million in fiscal 

2017, including an approximate $120 million for the deferred tax payment from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. 

The negative comparison on accrued expenses was primarily due to $312.5 million in US Foods merger termination payments and a $47.1 million decrease 

from incentive payments. Our annual incentive payments, for performance in the prior fiscal year, are paid in the first quarter of each succeeding fiscal year. 

Incentive payments paid in fiscal 2015 were lower than amounts paid in fiscal 2016 due to lower payouts achieved from fiscal 2014 performance. Also 

contributing to the negative comparison was lower payroll accruals due to timing and reduced accrued interest due to differing debt levels and interest 

payment dates. 

Included in the change in other long-term liabilities was a negative comparison primarily from pension contributions of $153.4 million. Pension contributions 

were $157.4 million in fiscal 2016, including a $130 million contribution to our Retirement Plan in fiscal 2016, which resulted in a decrease to other 

long-term liabilities. Of this $130 million amount, $100 million represented funding that the company would have made in fiscal 2017, but chose to fund 

in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Pension Contributions were $75.1 million in fiscal 2015, including a $50 million contribution to our Retirement Plan 

in fiscal 2015, which resulted in a decrease to other long-term liabilities. The level and timing of the contribution to our Retirement Plan in fiscal 2017 is 

still being determined.

Changes in working capital, specifically accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable, had a positive impact of $127.9 million on the period over 

period comparison of cash flow from operations primarily from improvements in inventory management. Sales growth impacted all components of working 

capital; however, deflation contributed to lower levels of increase in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. Additionally, favorable turnover drove positive 

comparisons on inventories.

Fiscal 2015 vs. Fiscal 2014

We generated $1.6 billion in cash flow from operations in fiscal 2015, as compared to $1.5 billion in fiscal 2014. This increase of $62.7 million, or 4.2%, 

was largely attributable to favorable comparisons on accrued expenses, partially offset by unfavorable comparisons on the cash impact of our Certain 

Items that increased $148.9 million year-over-year. Other unfavorable comparisons were a decrease in other long-term liabilities and the impact of timing 

for pension contributions, as well as increased working capital needs. 

Included in the change in accrued expenses was a favorable comparison of incentive accruals due to better performance against incentive targets in 

fiscal 2015. Our Certain Items increased primarily from integration planning, litigation and termination costs in connection with the merger that had been 

proposed with US Foods. Our merger termination fees of $312.5 million, payable to US Foods and Performance Food Group, were accrued as of June 27, 

2015 and were paid in July 2015.

Included in the change in other long-term liabilities was a negative comparison on pension expense and contributions, which contributed $90.4 million to 

the unfavorable comparison on cash flow from operations for fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2014. Pension income was $15.3 million and pension contributions were 

$75.1 million, including a $50 contribution to our Retirement Plan in fiscal 2015, which resulted in a decrease to other long-term liabilities. Pension expense 

was $4.8 million and pension contributions were $24.8 million in fiscal 2014, which resulted in a decrease to other long-term liabilities. 

33

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Changes in working capital, specifically accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable, had a net unfavorable comparison of $25 million on the 

comparison of cash flow from operations for fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2014. There was a favorable comparison on inventory and accounts receivable, which 

was partially offset by unfavorable comparisons on accounts payable. Accounts receivable increased in both periods as a result of increases in sales; 

however, the level of increase in fiscal 2015 was less than fiscal 2014 due to improved collection efforts. Inventory increased in both periods as a result 

of increases in sales. However, inventory turnover improved in fiscal 2015, as compared to fiscal 2014. Accounts payable increased in both periods as 

a result of increases in sales. The year-over-year impact of the change in accounts payable is unfavorable to cash flow from operations due to working 

capital improvements that were at a greater magnitude in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2015.

Investing Activities

Fiscal 2016 capital expenditures included:

 • fleet replacements;

 • investments in technology;

 • replacement or significant expansion of facilities in California, Maryland, Texas, and Virginia; and

 • construction of fold-out facilities in Ireland and Texas.

Fiscal 2015 capital expenditures included:

 • fleet replacements;

 • investments in technology;

 • replacement or significant expansion of facilities in Arizona, California, Iowa and Virginia; and

 • construction of fold-out facilities in Ireland.

Fiscal 2014 capital expenditures included:

 • fleet replacements;

 • construction of fold-out facilities in Ontario, Canada and Ireland;

 • replacement or significant expansion of facilities in Arizona, California, Pennsylvania and Virginia; and

 • investments in technology.

The level of capital expenditures in fiscal 2016 was mostly consistent with fiscal 2015, representing a small decrease of $15.5 million. Capital expenditures 

in fiscal 2015 increased by $19.6 million. 

We estimate our capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets, in fiscal 2017 to be approximately 1% of fiscal sales. This estimate includes 

the impact of the Brakes Acquisition. Fiscal 2017 expenditures will include facility, fleet and other equipment replacements and expansions; new facility 

construction, including fold-out facilities; and investments in technology.

During fiscal 2016, the company paid cash of $219.2 million for acquisitions including a leading luxury personal care amenity provider in the hospitality 

industry, a distributor of high-quality fresh and frozen seafood based in Florida and an innovative e-commerce platform providing restaurant supplies and 

equipment exclusively to Sysco customers. 

During fiscal 2016, we eliminated our restricted cash balance of $168.3 million by using letters of credit as security for self-insurance instead of restricted cash. 

During fiscal 2016, we paid $103.5 million and received $57.5 million for options to hedge against the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the 

purchase price of the Brakes Acquisition. 

During fiscal 2015, in the aggregate, the company paid cash of $115.9 million for operations acquired during fiscal 2015 and for contingent consideration 

related to operations acquired in previous fiscal years. During fiscal 2015, we acquired for cash a Broadline company in Ontario, Canada; a joint venture 

interest in a foodservice distribution company in Mexico; a joint venture interest in a foodservice distribution company in Costa Rica and a specialty seafood 

company in New Jersey. 

During fiscal 2014, in the aggregate, the company paid cash of $79.3 million for operations acquired during fiscal 2014 and for contingent consideration 

related to operations acquired in previous fiscal years. During fiscal 2014, we acquired for cash a specialty meat company in Maryland and Broadline 

operations in Missouri, Ohio and Philadelphia. 

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow represents net cash provided from operating activities less purchases of plant and equipment plus proceeds from sales of plant and 

equipment. Sysco considers free cash flow to be a non-GAAP liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about 

34

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases and sales of buildings, fleet, equipment and technology, which may potentially be 

used to pay for, among other things, strategic uses of cash, including dividend payments, share repurchases and acquisitions. However, free cash flow 

may not be available for discretionary expenditures, as it may be necessary that we use it to make mandatory debt service or other payments. As a 

result of increased cash provided by operating activities, decreased capital spending and decreased proceeds from sale of plant and equipment, free 

cash flow for fiscal 2016 increased 37.8%, or $392.2 million, to $1.4 billion, as compared to fiscal 2015. Our cash requirements for our Certain Items 

were $48.9 million greater in fiscal 2016 than in fiscal 2015 and reduced free cash flow as a result; however, our cash flow from operations increased 

despite these Certain Items as discussed above. Fewer additions to plant and equipment also contributed to the increase. As a result of increased cash 

provided by operating activities, partially offset by increased capital spending and decreased proceeds from sales of plant and equipment, free cash flow 

for fiscal 2015 increased 4.2%, or $41.7 million, to $1.0 billion as compared to fiscal 2014.

Free cash flow should not be used as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measure in assessing the company’s liquidity for the periods presented. 

An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. In the table that follows, 

free cash flow for each period presented is reconciled to net cash provided by operating activities.

(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)
Additions to plant and equipment
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment
FREE CASH FLOW (NON-GAAP)

(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)
Additions to plant and equipment
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment
FREE CASH FLOW (NON-GAAP)

Financing Activities

Equity Transactions

$

$

$

$

2016

2015

1,933,142
(527,346)

$

23,511  
$

1,429,307

1,555,484
(542,830)
24,472
1,037,126

Change in Dollars
377,658
$
15,484
(961)
392,181

$

% Change

24.3%
(2.9)
(3.9)
37.8%

2015

2014

1,555,484
(542,830)

$

24,472  
$

1,037,126

1,492,815
(523,206)

25,790  

995,399

Change in Dollars
62,669
$
(19,624)
(1,318)
41,727

$

% Change

4.2%
3.8
(5.1)
4.2%

Proceeds from exercises of share-based compensation awards were $282.5 million in fiscal 2016, $240.2 million in fiscal 2015 and $255.6 million in 

fiscal 2014. The increase in proceeds in fiscal 2016 was due to an increase in the number of options exercised in this period, as compared to fiscal 2015. 

The level of option exercises, and thus proceeds, will vary from period to period and is largely dependent on movements in our stock price and the time 

remaining before option grants expire.

We routinely engage in share repurchase programs. The number of shares acquired and their cost during fiscal 2016 were 44,716,180 shares for 

$1.9 billion, with 10,059,000 shares for $332.4 million repurchased in fiscal 2014. No shares were acquired in fiscal 2015 due to the proposed US 

Foods merger. In June 2015, our Board of Directors approved a program to repurchase, from time to time in the open market, through an accelerated 

share repurchase program or through privately negotiated transactions, shares of the company’s common stock in an amount not to exceed $3.0 billion 

during the two-year period ending July 1, 2017, in addition to amounts normally repurchased to offset benefit plan and stock option dilution. We 

executed $1.5 billion of this authorization through an accelerated share repurchase program that commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. As a 

result, there were 34,716,180 shares repurchased during fiscal 2016, resulting in a remaining authorization by our Board of Directors to repurchase 

up to approximately $1.5 billion in additional shares under the accelerated share repurchase authorization, which we expect to repurchase in fiscal 

2017. Our historical approach to share repurchases was to buy enough shares to keep our average shares outstanding relatively constant over time. 

In addition to the share repurchase program approved in June, in August 2015, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 20,000,000 

shares for an aggregate purchase price not to exceed $800 million. The authorization expires on August 21, 2017. We purchased 10,000,000 shares 

under this authorization through July 2, 2016. We purchased 5,607,003 additional shares under this authorization through August 12, 2016. The number 

of shares we repurchase during the remainder of fiscal 2017 will be dependent on many factors, including the level of future stock option exercises, as 

well as competing uses for available cash.

We have made dividend payments to our shareholders in each fiscal year since our company’s inception over 40 years ago. We target a dividend payout 

of 40% to 50% of net earnings. We paid in excess of that range in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 primarily due to increased expenses from our Certain Items. 

Dividends paid were $698.9 million, or $1.23 per share, in fiscal 2016, $695.3 million, or $1.17 per share, in fiscal 2015, and $667.2 million, or $1.14 per 

share, in fiscal 2014. In May 2016, we declared our regular quarterly dividend for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 of $0.31 per share, which was paid in 

July 2016. 

In November 2000, we filed with the SEC a shelf registration statement covering 30,000,000 shares of common stock to be offered from time to time in 

connection with acquisitions. As of August 12, 2016 29,477,835 shares remained available for issuance under this registration statement.

35

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Debt Activity and Borrowing Availability

Our debt activity, including issuances and repayments, and our borrowing availability is described in Note 11, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” 

Our outstanding borrowings at July 2, 2016, and repayment activity since the close of fiscal 2016 are disclosed within those notes. Updated amounts 

through August 12, 2016, include:

 • $342.8 million outstanding from our commercial paper program

 • No amounts outstanding from the credit facility supporting the company’s U.S. and Canadian commercial paper programs. 

Our aggregate commercial paper issuances and short-term bank borrowings had weighted average interest rates of 0.49% for fiscal 2016, 0.54% for 

fiscal 2015, and 0.16% for fiscal 2014. 

Other Considerations

Multiemployer Plans

Our exposure to multiemployer defined benefit plans is discussed in Note 15 “Multiemployer Employee Benefit Plans” including our estimate of our share 

of withdrawal liability for these plans. An update of this amount through August 12, 2016, based on the latest available information, is unchanged from 

the amount disclosed in Note 15.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth, as of July 2, 2016, certain information concerning our obligations and commitments to make contractual future payments:

Payments Due by Period

More Than
5 Years

Total

< 1 Year

1-3 Years

3-5 Years

$

2,910 $

(In thousands)
recorded Contractual Obligations:
Principal payments of long-term debt
Other debt repayments
Capital leases
Deferred compensation(1)
Pension plan(2)
SERP and other postretirement plans(3)
Unrecognized tax benefits and interest(4)
Unrecorded Contractual Obligations:
2,096,540
Interest payments related to debt(5)
45,891
Operating lease obligations
-
Purchase obligations(6)
7,929,313
TOTAL CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS
(1)  The estimate of the timing of future payments under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and Management Savings Plan involves the use of certain assumptions, including retirement ages 

7,332,464 $
89,117  
33,851  
89,241
782,600  
313,196  
39,549

4,782,189
-
9,922
53,152
782,600
159,019

271,255
49,898
2,826,029
3,283,923 $

-  
10,189  
15,858  
-  
61,250  

-  
7,741  
11,297  
-  
63,146  

219,904  
3,449,932  
15,624,498 $

74,443  
551,075  
2,509,245 $

49,672  
72,828  
1,862,468 $

89,117
5,999
8,934
-
29,781

1,251,005 $

1,296,360 $

3,274,644

406,779

500,070

$

and payout periods.

(2)  The estimated contributions through fiscal 2026 to meet ERISA minimum funding requirements based on actuarial assumptions include the extension of funding relief included in the Highway and 

(3) 

Transportation Funding Act of 2014 and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.
Includes estimated contributions to the unfunded SERP and other postretirement benefit plans made in amounts needed to fund benefit payments for vested participants in these plans through 
fiscal 2026, based on actuarial assumptions.

(4)  Unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions recorded under accounting standards related to uncertain tax positions. As of July 2, 2016, we had a liability of $24.6 million for 
unrecognized tax benefits for all tax jurisdictions and $14.9 million for related interest that could result in cash payment. We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of payments or the 
amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time. Accordingly, the related balances have not been reflected in the “Payments Due by Period” section of the table.
Includes payments on floating rate debt based on rates as of July 2, 2016, assuming amount remains unchanged until maturity, and payments on fixed rate debt based on maturity dates. The 
impact of our outstanding fixed-to-floating interest rate swap on the fixed rate debt interest payments is included as well based on the floating rates in effect as of July 2, 2016.

(5) 

(6)  For purposes of this table, purchase obligations include agreements for purchases of product in the normal course of business, for which all significant terms have been confirmed, including 
minimum quantities resulting from our category management initiative. As we progress with this initiative, our purchase obligations are increasing. Such amounts included in the table above are 
based on estimates. Purchase obligations also includes amounts committed with various third-party service providers to provide information technology services for periods up to fiscal 2020 
(see discussion under Note 21, “Commitments and Contingencies”, to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8) and fixed fuel purchase commitments. Purchase obligations 
exclude full requirements electricity contracts where no stated minimum purchase volume is required.

36

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain acquisitions involve contingent consideration, typically payable only in the event that certain operating results are attained or certain outstanding 

contingencies are resolved. Aggregate contingent consideration amounts outstanding as of July 2, 2016 were $30.9 million. This amount is not included 

in the table above.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 

assets, liabilities, sales and expenses in the accompanying financial statements. Significant accounting policies employed by Sysco are presented in the 

notes to the financial statements.

Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations. These 

policies require our most subjective or complex judgments, often employing the use of estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. 

We have reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors the development and selection of the critical accounting policies and estimates and 

this related disclosure. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates pertain to the company-sponsored pension plans, income taxes, goodwill and 

intangible assets and share-based compensation.

Company-Sponsored Pension Plans

Amounts related to defined benefit plans recognized in the financial statements are determined on an actuarial basis. Two of the more critical assumptions 

in the actuarial calculations are the discount rate for determining the current value of plan benefits and the expected rate of return on plan assets. Our 

Retirement Plan is largely frozen and is only open to a small number of employees. Our SERP is frozen and is not open to any employees. Due to the low 

level of active employees in the Retirement Plan, our assumption for the rate of increase in future compensation is not a critical assumption.

For guidance in determining the discount rates, we calculate the implied rate of return on a hypothetical portfolio of high-quality fixed-income investments 

for which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximates the estimated payouts of the pension plan. The discount rate assumption is reviewed 

annually and revised as deemed appropriate. The discount rate for determining fiscal 2016 net pension costs for the Retirement Plan increased 

10 basis points to 4.84% as of the June 27, 2015 measurement date. The discount rate for determining fiscal 2016 net pension costs for the SERP 

increased 4 basis points to 4.63% as of the June 27, 2015 measurement date. The combined effect of these discount rate changes increased our net 

company-sponsored pension costs for all plans for fiscal 2016 by an estimated $1 million. The discount rate for determining fiscal 2017 net pension 

costs for the Retirement Plan decreased 77 basis points to 4.07% as of the July 2, 2016 measurement date. The discount rate for determining fiscal 

2017 net pension costs for the SERP decreased 72 basis points to 3.91% as of the July 2, 2016 measurement date. The combined effect of these 

discount rate changes will increase our net company-sponsored pension costs for all plans for fiscal 2017 by an estimated $8 million. A 100 basis point 

increase (or decrease) in the discount rates for fiscal 2016 would decrease (or increase) Sysco’s net company-sponsored pension cost by approximately 

$11 million. Sysco’s pension plans are primarily frozen, therefore, the net company-sponsored pension cost is not as sensitive to discount rate changes 

as compared to an active plan. 

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of the Retirement Plan was 7.25% and 7.75% for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. The 

expectations of future returns are derived from a mathematical asset model that incorporates assumptions as to the various asset class returns, reflecting 

a combination of historical performance analysis and the forward-looking views of the financial markets regarding the yield on bonds, historical returns of 

the major stock markets and returns on alternative investments. Although not determinative of future returns, the effective annual rate of return on plan 

assets, developed using geometric/compound averaging, was approximately 6.9%, 5.5%, 7%, and 1.7%, over the 20-year, 10-year, 5-year and 1-year 

periods ended December 31, 2015, respectively. In addition, in seven of the last 15 years, the actual return on plan assets has exceeded 10%. The rate 

of return assumption is reviewed annually and revised as deemed appropriate.

The expected return on plan assets impacts the recorded amount of net pension costs. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of the 

Retirement Plan is 7.25% for fiscal 2017. A 100 basis point increase (decrease) in the assumed rate of return for fiscal 2016 would decrease (increase) 

Sysco’s net company-sponsored pension costs for fiscal 2016 by approximately $31 million.

Pension accounting standards require the recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit plans in the statement of financial position, with a 

corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The amount reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss 

related to the recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit plans as of July 2, 2016 was a charge, net of tax, of $1.1 billion. The amount reflected 
in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit plans as of June 27, 2015 was a charge, 

net of tax, of $705.3 million.

37

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

We made cash contributions to our company-sponsored pension plans of $157.5 million and $75.1 million in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our 

contributions in fiscal 2016 include a $130 million contribution to the Retirement Plan that was voluntary, as there was no minimum required contribution for the 

calendar 2016 plan year to meet ERISA minimum funding requirements. There are no required contributions to the Retirement Plan to meet ERISA minimum 

funding requirements in fiscal 2017. The estimated fiscal 2017 contributions to fund benefit payments for the SERP plan are approximately $30 million.

Income Taxes

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex 

tax laws. Our provision for income taxes primarily reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state, as well as foreign 

jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of 

accruals for unrecognized tax benefits or valuation allowances, and our change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall 

effective tax rate.

Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits contains uncertainties because management is required to make assumptions and to apply judgment in estimating 

the exposures associated with our various filing positions. We believe that the judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable; however, actual 

results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. To the extent we prevail in matters for which a liability has been 

established, or pay amounts in excess of recorded liabilities, our effective income tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially affected. 

An unfavorable tax settlement generally would require use of our cash and may result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. 

A favorable tax settlement may be recognized as a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets represent the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of tangible net assets acquired. Certain assumptions and 

estimates are employed in determining the fair value of assets acquired, including goodwill and other intangible assets, as well as determining the allocation 

of goodwill to the appropriate reporting unit.

In addition, annually in our fourth quarter or more frequently as needed, we assess the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles by determining 

whether the fair values of the applicable reporting units exceed the carrying values of these assets. The reporting units used in assessing goodwill 

impairment are our 14 operating segments as described in Note 22, “Business Segment Information” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

The components within each of our 14 operating segments have similar economic characteristics and therefore are aggregated into 14 reporting units. 

We arrive at our estimates of fair value using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings multiple models. The results from each of these models 

are then weighted and combined into a single estimate of fair value for each of our 14 operating segments. We primarily use a 60% weighting for our 

discounted cash flow valuation and 40% for the earnings multiple models giving greater emphasis to our discounted cash flow model because the forecasted 

operating results that serve as a basis for the analysis incorporate management’s outlook and anticipated changes for the businesses consistent with a 

market participant. The primary assumptions used in these various models include estimated earnings multiples of comparable acquisitions in the industry 

including control premiums, earnings multiples on acquisitions completed by Sysco in the past, future cash flow estimates of the reporting units, which 

are dependent on internal forecasts and projected growth rates, and weighted average cost of capital, along with working capital and capital expenditure 

requirements. When possible, we use observable market inputs in our models to arrive at the fair values of our reporting units. We update our projections 

used in our discounted cash flow model based on historical performance and changing business conditions for each of our reporting units. 

Our estimates of fair value contain uncertainties requiring management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry economic factors 

and the profitability of future business strategies. Actual results could differ from these assumptions and projections, resulting in the company revising its 

assumptions and, if required, recognizing an impairment loss. There were no impairments of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles recorded as a result of 

assessment in fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014. Our past estimates of fair value for fiscal 2015 and 2014 would not have been materially different when revised 

to include subsequent years’ actual results. Sysco has not made any material changes in its impairment assessment methodology during the past three 

fiscal years. We do not believe the estimates used in the analysis are reasonably likely to change materially in the future but we will continue to assess the 

estimates in the future based on the expectations of the reporting units. In the fiscal 2016 assessment, our estimates of fair value did not require additional 

analysis. However, we would have performed additional analysis to determine if an impairment existed for our European and Mexican Broadline reporting 

units if our estimates of fair value were decreased by 5% and 7%, respectively, with goodwill of $195.9 million in aggregate as of July 2, 2016. For the 

remaining goodwill of $1.9 billion, we would have performed additional analysis to determine if an impairment existed for a reporting unit if the estimated 

fair value of these reporting units had declined by greater than 23%. 

38

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain reporting units (European Broadline, Caribbean Broadline, Mexican Broadline, specialty produce, custom-cut meat, lodging industry products, 

imported specialty products, international distribution operations and our Sysco Ventures platform) have a greater proportion of goodwill recorded to 

estimated fair value as compared to the U.S. Broadline, Canada Broadline or SYGMA reporting units. This is primarily due to these businesses having 

been more recently acquired, and as a result there has been less history of organic growth than in the U.S. Broadline, Canadian Broadline and SYGMA 

reporting units. In addition, these businesses also have lower levels of cash flow than the U.S. Broadline reporting unit. As such, these reporting units have 

a greater risk of future impairment if their operations were to suffer a significant downturn.

Share-Based Compensation

Sysco provides compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors under several share-based payment arrangements including various 

employee stock option plans, a non-employee director plan and the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan.

As of July 2, 2016, there was $69.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is 

expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on 

historical volatility of Sysco’s stock, implied volatilities from traded options on Sysco’s stock and other factors. We utilize historical data to estimate 

option exercise and employee termination behavior within the valuation model; separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise 

behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. Expected dividend yield is estimated based on the historical pattern of dividends and the 

average stock price for the year preceding the option grant. The risk-free rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield 

curve in effect at the time of grant.

The fair value of each restricted stock unit award granted with a dividend equivalent is based on the company’s stock price as of the date of grant. For 

restricted stock units granted without dividend equivalents, the fair value is reduced by the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period.

The fair value of the stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan is calculated as the difference between the stock price and the employee 

purchase price.

The fair value of restricted stock granted to employees or non-employee directors is based on the stock price on grant date. The application of a discount 

to the fair value of a restricted stock grant is dependent upon whether or not each individual grant contains a post-vesting restriction.

The compensation cost related to these share-based awards is recognized over the requisite service period. The requisite service period is generally the 

period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The compensation cost related to stock issuances resulting 

from employee purchases of stock under the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan is recognized during the quarter in which the employee payroll withholdings 

are made.

Our share-based awards are generally subject to graded vesting over a service period. We will recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over 

the requisite service period for the entire award.

In addition, certain of our share-based awards provide that the awards continue to vest as if the award holder continued to be an employee or director 

if the award holder meets certain age and years of service thresholds upon retirement. In these cases, we will recognize compensation cost for such 

awards over the period from the grant date to the date the employee or director first becomes eligible to retire with the options continuing to vest after 

retirement.

Our option grants include options that qualify as incentive stock options for income tax purposes. In the period the compensation cost related to incentive 

stock options is recorded, a corresponding tax benefit is not recorded as it is assumed that we will not receive a tax deduction related to such incentive 

stock options. We may be eligible for tax deductions in subsequent periods to the extent that there is a disqualifying disposition of the incentive stock 

option. In such cases, we would record a tax benefit related to the tax deduction in an amount not to exceed the corresponding cumulative compensation 

cost recorded in the financial statements on the particular options multiplied by the statutory tax rate.

39

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPArT II – FINANCIAL INFOrMATION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made herein that look forward in time or express management’s expectations or beliefs with respect to the occurrence of future events are 

forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations 

and estimates. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement 

that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “future,” “anticipates,” 

“believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are 

not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors 

that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors,” 

which are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the Risk Factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K, the success of Sysco’s three year strategic financial objectives could be 

affected by conditions in the economy and the industry and internal factors, such as the ability to control expenses, including fuel costs. Our expectations 

for the Brakes Acquisition could be impacted by unfavorable economic conditions in Europe. Our expectations regarding case growth and cost per case 

may be impacted by factors beyond our control, including actions by our competitors and/or customers. Our expectations for deflation could be impacted 

by market events and supplier costs. Company-sponsored pension plan liabilities are impacted by a number of factors including the discount rate for 

determining the current value of plan benefits and the expected rate of return on plan assets. The amount of shares repurchased in a given period is subject 

to a number of factors, including available cash and our general working capital needs at the time. Meeting our dividend target objectives depends on 

our level of earnings, available cash and the success of our various strategic initiatives. Our expectations regarding earnings per share and various items 

impacting earnings is subject to a number of factors, including our ability to manage operating expenses and the impact of Certain Items. Our plans with 

respect to growth in international markets and adjacent areas that complement our core business are subject to our other strategic initiatives, the allocation 

of resources, and plans and economic conditions generally. Legal proceedings and the adequacy of insurance are impacted by events, circumstances and 

individuals beyond the control of Sysco. Expectations of cash tax payments can be impacted by our performance. The need for additional borrowing or other 

capital is impacted by various factors, including capital expenditures or acquisitions in excess of those currently anticipated, levels of stock repurchases, 

or other unexpected cash requirements. Plans regarding the repayment of debt are subject to change at any time based on management’s assessment 

of the overall needs of the company. Capital expenditures may vary from those projected based on changes in business plans and other factors, including 

risks related to the timing and successful completions of acquisitions, construction schedules and the possibility that other cash requirements could result 

in delays or cancellations of capital spending. Our ability to finance capital expenditures as anticipated may be influenced by our results of operations, 

our borrowing capacity, share repurchases, dividend levels and other factors. Expectations regarding tax rates and the transfer of cash held in foreign 

jurisdictions are subject to various factors beyond our control and decisions of management throughout the fiscal year that are subject to change based on 

Sysco’s business needs. The anticipated impact of compliance with laws and regulations also involves the risk that estimates may turn out to be materially 

incorrect, and laws and regulations, as well as methods of enforcement, are subject to change.

40

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about market Risk

ITEM 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures  

about Market Risk 

Our market risks consist of interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, fuel price risk and investment risk.

Interest Rate Risk

We do not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes. Our use of debt directly exposes us to interest rate risk. Floating rate debt, where the interest 

rate fluctuates periodically, exposes us to short-term changes in market interest rates. Fixed rate debt, where the interest rate is fixed over the life of the 

instrument, exposes us to changes in market interest rates reflected in the fair value of the debt and to the risk that we may need to refinance maturing 

debt with new debt at higher rates.

We manage our debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates and may employ interest rate swaps as a tool to achieve that 

position. The major risks from interest rate derivatives include changes in the interest rates affecting the fair value of such instruments, potential increases 

in interest expense due to market increases in floating interest rates and the creditworthiness of the counterparties in such transactions.

At July 2, 2016, there were no commercial paper issuances outstanding. Total debt as of July 2, 2016 was $7.4 billion, of which approximately 68% was 

at fixed rates of interest, including the impact of our interest rate swap agreements.

As of June 27, 2015, we had no commercial paper outstanding. Total debt as of June 27, 2015 was $7.3 billion, of which approximately 74% was at fixed 

rates of interest, including the impact of our interest rate swap agreement. Included in the total debt amount is $5.0 billion in senior notes that were issued 

in October 2014, for the proposed merger with US Foods. The October 2014 senior notes contained mandatory redemption features providing that, on 

the earlier of the merger agreement termination date or October 8, 2015, we were required to redeem all of the senior notes at a redemption price equal 

to 101% of the principal of the senior notes plus accrued interest. In June 2015, we terminated the merger agreement and redeemed the senior notes in 

July 2015 using cash on hand and the proceeds from borrowings under our commercial paper facility. 

Details of our outstanding swap agreements as of July 2, 2016 are below:

Maturity Date of Swap
February 12, 2018
October 1, 2020
July 15, 2021
April 1, 2019

Notional 
Value 
(in millions)
500
$
750
500
500

Fixed Coupon 
Rate on  
Hedged Debt

Floating Interest 
Rate on Swap
5.25% Six-month LIBOR
2.60
2.50
1.90

Location of 
Fair Value on 
Balance Sheet
Other assets
Three-month LIBOR Every three months in advance Other assets
Three-month LIBOR Every three months in advance Other assets
Three-month LIBOR Every three months in advance Other assets

Floating Rate Reset Terms

Every six months in arrears

Fair Value of 
Asset (Liability) 
(in thousands)
$

7,492
16,552
8,980
3,781

We receive or pay amounts on these interest rate swap agreements on a semi-annual basis.

As noted in Note 9, “Derivative Financial Instruments”, the company terminated interest rate swap agreements used to hedge senior notes issued in the 

second quarter of fiscal 2016. Payments of $6.1 million were made in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

The following tables present our interest rate position as of July 2, 2016. All amounts are stated in United States (U.S.) dollar equivalents.

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

Interest Rate Position as of July 2, 2016
Principal Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest Rate

(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. $ Denominated:
Fixed Rate Debt

Average Interest Rate

Floating Rate Debt (1)

$

67
-
$ 1,267

$

50
-
$ 529,382

$ 250,050

5.4%

$ 514,989

$

70
-
$ 750,000

$

70
-
$ 500,000

Average Interest Rate

3.9%

5.2%

2.0%

2.6%

2.5%

Euro Denominated:
Fixed Rate Debt

Average Interest Rate

Floating Rate Debt

$

245
-
$ 89,117

$

$

Average Interest Rate

1.1%

$

$

-
-
-
-

$

$

-
-
-
-

$

$

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

(1) 

Includes fixed rate debt that has been converted to floating rate debt through an interest rate swap agreement.

$ 4,225,210

$ 4,475,517

$ 4,972,343

$

$

$

4.3%
-
-

4.3%

$ 2,295,638

$ 2,295,638

3.0%

556,979

1.3%
-
-

$

$

557,224

1.2%

89,117

1.1%

$

$

560,009

89,117

41

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about market Risk

Interest Rate Position as of July 2, 2016
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest Swap Rate

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

-  
-  

-  
-  

-  
-  

-  
-  
- $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ 750,000
-
-
-
-  
1.12%
-
2.6%
-

-
3.24%
-
5.25%

-
-
0.8%
1.9%

-
-
$ 500,000
-
-
1.13%
2.5%

-  
-  

-   
 -  
 - $ 2,250,000
-
-
3.24%
 -
1.03%
 -
3.01%
 -

$

-
-
36,805
-
-
-
-

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest Rate Swaps
Related To Debt:

Pay Variable/Receive Fixed
Average Variable Rate Paid:

Rate A Plus
Rate B Plus

Fixed Rate Received

Rate A – six-month LIBOR

Rate B – three month LIBOR

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The majority of our foreign subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. To the extent that business transactions are not denominated in 

a foreign subsidiary’s functional currency, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk. We will also incur gains and losses within our shareholders’ 

equity due to the translation of our financial statements from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. Our income statement trends may be impacted by the 

translation of the income statements of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars. The exchange rates used to translate our foreign sales into U.S. dollars 

negatively impacted sales by 1.3% in fiscal 2016 when compared to fiscal 2015. The exchange rate used to translate our foreign sales into U.S. dollars 

negatively impacted sales by 1% in fiscal 2015 when compared to fiscal 2014. The impact to our operating income, net earnings and earnings per share 

was not material in fiscal 2016 or fiscal 2015. A 10% unfavorable change in the fiscal 2016 weighted year-to-date exchange rate and the resulting impact 

on our financial statements would have negatively impacted fiscal 2016 sales by 4% and would not have materially impacted our operating income, net 

earnings and earnings per share. We do not routinely enter into material agreements to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risks.

The Brakes Acquisition required payment in pounds sterling, euro and Swedish kroner. The company developed a strategy to hedge the currency exposure 

related to these cash outlays. A portion of this strategy included foreign currency option contracts to protect Sysco from an increase in the foreign exchange 

rate between the U.S. dollar and the pound sterling. This helped provide downside protection during the time frame the transaction was being reviewed 

for anti-trust approval and thereafter during the volatility around the referendum on June 23, 2016 in the United Kingdom to exit the European Union (the 

U.K. Referendum). Such contracts were considered economic hedges and did not qualify for hedge accounting. In fiscal 2016, the total realized net loss 

on our economic hedge foreign exchange option contracts was $45.7 million. These contracts were terminated at or near the company’s fiscal year end 

and did not have a material fair value as of July 2, 2016. A second part of our strategy was to accumulate the currency needed for the acquisition once 

anti-trust approval was received. This accumulation occurred over a period of time prior to, as well as after, the U.K. Referendum. During this period, the 

currency rates experienced large fluctuations, particularly with regard to the pound sterling. Our approach allowed us to accumulate this cash at an average 

rate that was better than our target exchange rate established at the time the transaction was announced. We were required to remeasure this foreign 

denominated cash into U.S. dollars at the conclusion of the fiscal year and incurred a remeasurement loss of $101.2 million. Both of these related to our 

purchase price for the acquisition of the Brakes Group, which closed shortly after our fiscal year end. With this cash now expended, we no longer have a 

significant amount of foreign cash that would require remeasurement.

Our Brakes Acquisition will create additional foreign currency exposure. Subsequent to fiscal 2016, we designated €500 million of Euro notes issued in 

June 2016 and various intercompany notes as hedges of a portion of our net investment in Euro-denominated and Sterling-denominated foreign operations 

to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the investment in these operations. Changes in the value of these debt items resulting from fluctuations 

in the underlying exchange rates to U.S. Dollar exchange rates will be recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss). Subsequent to fiscal 2016, we entered into various cross currency swaps to mitigate the risk of exchange rate changes 

when an intercompany loan is not in the functional currency of one of our subsidiaries. These have been designated as cash flow hedges with changes 

to be recorded within foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Additional cross currency swaps 

were entered into to create additional net investment hedges.

Fuel Price Risk

Due to the nature of our distribution business, we are exposed to potential volatility in fuel prices. The price and availability of diesel fuel fluctuates due 

to changes in production, seasonality and other market factors generally outside of our control. Increased fuel costs may have a negative impact on our 

results of operations in three areas. First, the high cost of fuel can negatively impact consumer confidence and discretionary spending and thus reduce 

the frequency and amount spent by consumers for food-away-from-home purchases. Second, the high cost of fuel can increase the price we pay for 

product purchases and we may not be able to pass these costs fully to our customers. Third, increased fuel costs impact the costs we incur to deliver 
product to our customers. During fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, fuel costs related to outbound deliveries represented approximately 0.5% and 0.6% of 
sales, respectively.

42

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Our activities to mitigate fuel costs include routing optimization with the goal of reducing miles driven, improving fleet utilization by adjusting idling time 

and maximum speeds and using fuel surcharges. We routinely enter into forward purchase commitments for a portion of our projected monthly diesel 

fuel requirements. As of July 2, 2016, we had forward diesel fuel commitments totaling approximately $84.9 million through May 2017. These contracts 

will lock in the price of approximately 45% of our fuel purchase needs for fiscal 2017. Our remaining fuel purchase needs will occur at market rates 

unless contracted for a fixed price or hedged at a later date. Using current, published quarterly market price projections for diesel and estimates of fuel 

consumption, a 10% unfavorable change in diesel prices from the market price would result in a potential increase of approximately $13.8 million in our 

fuel costs on our non-contracted volumes.

Investment Risk

Our company-sponsored qualified pension plan (Retirement Plan) holds investments in public and private equity, fixed income securities and real estate 

funds. The amount of our annual contribution to the plan is dependent upon, among other things, the return on the plan’s assets and discount rates used to 

calculate the plan’s liability. Fluctuations in asset values can cause the amount of our anticipated future contributions to the plan to increase and can result 

in a reduction to shareholders’ equity on our balance sheet as of fiscal year-end, which is when this plan’s funded status is measured. Also, the projected 

liability of the plan will be impacted by the fluctuations of interest rates on high quality bonds in the public markets. To the extent the financial markets 

experience declines, our anticipated future contributions and funded status will be affected for future years. A 10% unfavorable change in the value of the 

investments held by our company-sponsored Retirement Plan at the plan’s fiscal year end (December 31, 2015) would not have a material impact on our 

anticipated future contributions for fiscal 2016; however, this unfavorable change would increase our pension expense for fiscal 2016 by $32.1 million and 

would reduce our shareholders’ equity on our balance sheet as of July 2, 2016 by $311.5 million.

ITEM 8  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Sysco Corporation and Subsidiaries Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting �������������������������������������������������������������45

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements �������������������������������������������������������������������������������46

Consolidated Balance Sheets ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������47

Consolidated Results of Operations ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48

Changes in Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������49

Consolidated Cash Flows ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������50

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������51

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

43

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Management on Internal Control  
Over Financial Reporting

The management of Sysco Corporation (“Sysco”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the 

company. Sysco’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and 

fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those 

systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Sysco’s management assessed the effectiveness of Sysco’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 2, 2016. In making this assessment, management 

used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013). Based 

on this assessment, management concluded that, as of July 2, 2016, Sysco’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Ernst & Young LLP has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of Sysco’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 2, 2016.

44

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sysco Corporation

We have audited Sysco Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of July 2, 2016, 

based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 

(2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Sysco Corporation and subsidiaries’ 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 Report of Management  

on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. 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, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and 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, Sysco Corporation and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 2, 2016, 

based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance 

sheets of the Company as of July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, and the related consolidated results of operations, and statements of comprehensive income, 

changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended July 2, 2016 of Sysco Corporation and subsidiaries and our 

report dated August 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Houston, Texas
August 29, 2016 

45

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary DataPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sysco Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sysco Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of 

July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, and the related consolidated results of operations, and statements of comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ 

equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 2, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s 

management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of 

July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 2, 

2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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 July 2, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 

Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated August 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Houston, Texas
August 29, 2016

46

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KConsolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except for share data)
ASSETS
Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances of $37,880 and $41,720
Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid income taxes
Total current assets

Plant and equipment at cost, less depreciation
Long-term assets

Goodwill
Intangibles, less amortization
Restricted cash
Deferred income taxes
Other assets
Total other assets

TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Accrued income taxes
Current maturities of long-term debt
Total current liabilities

Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Other long-term liabilities
Total other liabilities

Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests
Shareholders’ equity

Preferred stock, par value $1 per share 
Authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued none
Common stock, par value $1 per share 
Authorized 2,000,000,000 shares, issued 765,174,900 shares
Paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock at cost, 205,577,484 and 170,857,231 shares
Total shareholders' equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,919,300
3,380,971
2,639,174
-
114,454
-
10,053,899
3,880,442

2,121,661
207,461
-
207,320
251,021
2,787,463
16,721,804

89,563
2,935,982
1,289,312
110,690
8,909
4,434,456

7,336,930
26,942
1,368,482
8,732,354

5,130,044  
3,353,381  
2,691,823  
135,254  
93,039  
90,763  
11,494,304  
3,982,143  

1,959,817  
154,809  
168,274

-  
229,934  
2,512,834  

17,989,281

70,751  
2,881,953  
1,467,610

-  
4,979,301  
9,399,615  

2,271,825  
81,591  
934,722  
3,288,138  

75,386

41,304

-

-

765,175
1,281,140
9,006,138
(1,358,118)
(6,214,727)
3,479,608
16,721,804

$

765,175
1,213,999 
8,751,985
(923,197)
(4,547,738)
5,260,224
17,989,281

47

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated Results of Operations

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
NET EARNINGS
Net earnings:

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Average shares outstanding
Diluted shares outstanding

Dividends declared per common share
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Jul. 2, 2016

Jun. 27, 2015

Jun. 28, 2014

Year Ended

$

$

$

$

50,366,919
41,326,447
9,040,472
7,189,972
1,850,500
306,146
111,347
1,433,007
483,385
949,622

1.66
1.64
573,057,406
577,391,406
1.23

$

$

$

$

48,680,752
40,129,236
8,551,516
7,322,154
1,229,362
254,807
(33,592)
1,008,147
321,374
686,773

1.16
1.15
592,072,308
596,849,034
1.19

$

$

$

$

46,516,712  
38,335,677  
8,181,035  
6,593,913  
1,587,122  
123,741  
(12,243)
1,475,624  
544,091  
931,533

1.59
1.58

585,988,084  
590,216,220  
1.15  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)
Net earnings
Other comprehensive (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustment
Items presented net of tax:

Amortization of cash flow hedges
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss, net
Prior service cost arising in current year
Actuarial (loss), net arising in current year

Total other comprehensive (loss)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Year Ended

Jul. 2, 2016

Jun. 27, 2015

Jun. 28, 2014

$

949,622

$

686,773

$

931,533 

(39,080)

(232,185)

(3,106)

7,111
(3,779)
6,992
13,352
-
(419,517)
(434,921)
514,701

$

5,116
(34,111)
6,949
11,972
(563)
(37,712)
(280,534)
406,239

$

385 
(82,215)
6,970 
9,968 
214
(127,942)
(195,726)
735,807

$

48

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
Changes in Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Common Stock

Amount

Paid-in 
Capital

Retained 
Earnings

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive
Loss

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amounts

Totals

765,174,900 $ 765,175 $ 1,059,624

Shares

(In thousands, except for 
share data)
Balance as of  
June 29, 2013
Net earnings
Foreign currency 
translation adjustment
Amortization of cash flow 
hedges, net of tax
Change in fair value of 
cash flow hedges, net 
of tax
Reclassification of pension 
and other postretirement 
benefit plans amounts to 
net earnings, net of tax
Pension funded status 
adjustment, net of tax
Dividends declared
Treasury stock purchases
Share-based 
compensation awards
BALANCE AS OF  
JUNE 28, 2014
Net earnings
Foreign currency 
translation adjustment
Amortization of cash flow 
hedges, net of tax
Change in fair value of cash 
flow hedges, net of tax
Reclassification of pension 
and other postretirement 
benefit plans amounts to 
net earnings, net of tax
Pension funded status 
adjustment, net of tax
Dividends declared
Share-based 
compensation awards
BALANCE AS OF  
JUNE 27, 2015
Net earnings
Foreign currency 
translation adjustment
Amortization of cash flow 
hedges, net of tax
Change in fair value of cash 
flow hedges, net of tax
Reclassification of pension 
and other postretirement 
benefit plans amounts to 
net earnings, net of tax
Pension funded status 
adjustment, net of tax
Dividends declared
Treasury stock purchases
Share-based 
compensation awards
BALANCE AS OF  
JULY 2, 2016
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

79,594

(9,852,244)

257,717

337,311

765,174,900 $ 765,175 $ 1,139,218

74,781

(8,192,955)

218,048

292,829

765,174,900 $ 765,175 $ 1,213,999

$ 8,512,786
931,533

$

(446,937) 179,068,430

$ (4,698,838) $ 5,191,810
931,533

(3,106)

385

(82,215)

16,938

(127,728)

(673,568)

9,834,000

(324,665)

(3,106)

385

(82,215)

16,938

(127,728)
(673,568)
(324,665)

$ 8,770,751
686,773

$

(642,663) 179,050,186

$ (4,765,786) $ 5,266,695
686,773

(232,185)

5,116

(34,111)

18,921

(38,275)

(705,539)

(232,185)

5,116

(34,111)

18,921

(38,275)
(705,539)

$ 8,751,985
949,622

$

(923,197) 170,857,231

$ (4,547,738) $ 5,260,224
949,622

(39,080)

7,111

(3,779)

20,344

(419,517)

(695,469)

44,716,180

(1,949,445)

(39,080)

7,111

(3,779)

20,344

(419,517)
(695,469)
(1,949,445)

67,141

(9,995,927)

282,456

349,597

765,174,900 $ 765,175 $ 1,281,140

$ 9,006,138

$

(1,358,118) 205,577,484

$ (6,214,727) $ 3,479,608

49

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary DataPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated Cash Flows

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:

Net earnings
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:

Share-based compensation expense
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of debt issuance and other debt-related costs
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Loss on foreign exchange remeasurement
Deferred income taxes
Provision for losses on receivables
Other non-cash items

Additional changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:

(Increase) in receivables
Decrease (increase) in inventories
(Increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets
Increase in accounts payable
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(Decrease) in other long-term liabilities
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to plant and equipment
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
Purchase of foreign currency options
Proceeds from the sales of foreign currency options

Net cash used for investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:

Bank and commercial paper borrowings (repayments), net
Other debt borrowings including senior notes
Other debt repayments
Redemption of senior notes
Debt issuance costs
Cash paid for settlement of cash flow hedge
Cash received from termination of interest rate swap agreements
Proceeds from stock option exercises
Treasury stock purchases
Dividends paid
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest
Income taxes

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

50

Year Ended

Jul. 2, 2016

Jun. 27, 2015

Jun. 28, 2014

$

949,622

$

686,773

$

931,533

79,466
662,710
45,137
86,460
101,228
93,871
20,372
23,347

(27,311)
66,937
(8,468)
23,863
(178,275)
231,542
(6,639)
(196,190)
(34,530)
1,933,142

(527,346)
23,511
(219,218)
168,274
(103,501)
57,452
(600,828)

-
5,134,709
(126,797)
(5,050,000)
(39,676)
(6,134)
14,496
282,455
(1,949,445)
(698,869)
34,530
(2,404,731)
(138,327)
(1,210,744)
5,130,044
3,919,300

200,174
180,565

$

$

$

$

73,766
553,021
27,943
-
-
(4,705)
17,996
(24,205)

(11,741)
(125,232)
(10,508)
72,516
464,403
(32,843)
(10,745)
(105,501)
(15,454)
1,555,484

(542,830)
24,472
(115,862)
(20,126)
-
-
(654,346)

(129,999)
5,041,032
(354,007)
-
(30,980)
-
(188,840)
240,176
-
(695,274)
15,454
3,897,562
(81,702)
4,716,998
413,046
5,130,044

192,939
376,508

$

$

74,328
547,776
8,286
-
-
(30,665)
34,429
2,875

(236,320)
(195,845)
(24,787)
392,720
55,838
(18,672)
23,552
(63,753)
(8,480)
1,492,815

(523,206)
25,790
(79,338)
(84)
-
-
(576,838)

34,499
36,830
(229,507)
-
(22,175)
-
-
255,613
(332,381)
(667,217)
8,480
(915,858)
642
761
412,285
413,046

128,861
591,334

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Unless this Form 10-K indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Sysco,” or “the company” as used in this Form 

10-K refer to Sysco Corporation together with its consolidated subsidiaries and divisions.

NOTE 1 

Summary of Accounting Policies

Business and Consolidation

Sysco Corporation, acting through its subsidiaries and divisions (Sysco or the company), is engaged in the marketing and distribution of a wide range of food 

and related products primarily to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry. These services are performed for approximately 425,000 customers 

from 199 distribution facilities located throughout the United States (U.S.), Bahamas, Canada and Ireland.

Sysco’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th. This resulted in a 53-week year ending July 2, 2016 for fiscal 2016, and 52-week years for 
the years ended June 27, 2015 for fiscal 2015 and June 28, 2014 for fiscal 2014.

The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Sysco and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and 

account balances have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates that affect 

the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses. Actual results could differ from the estimates used.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash includes cash equivalents such as time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term investments and all highly liquid instruments with original maturities 

of three months or less, which are recorded at fair value.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist primarily of trade receivables from customers and receivables from suppliers for marketing or incentive programs. Sysco 

determines the past due status of trade receivables based on contractual terms with each customer. Sysco evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable 

and determines the appropriate reserve for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors. The company utilizes specific criteria to determine 

uncollectible receivables to be written off including whether a customer has filed for or been placed in bankruptcy, has had accounts referred to outside 

parties for collection or has had accounts past due over specified periods. In these instances, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to 

reduce the receivable to the net amount reasonably expected to be collected. Allowances are recorded for all other receivables based on an analysis of 

historical trends of write-offs and recoveries.

Inventories

Inventories consisting primarily of finished goods include food and related products and lodging products held for resale and are valued at the lower of 

cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Elements of costs include the purchase price of the product and freight charges to deliver the product to the 

company’s warehouses and are net of certain cash or non-cash consideration received from vendors (see “Vendor Consideration”).

Plant and Equipment

Capital additions, improvements and major replacements are classified as plant and equipment and are carried at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the 

straight-line method, which reduces the book value of each asset in equal amounts over its estimated useful life, and is included within operating expenses in 

the consolidated results of operations. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to earnings when they are incurred. Upon the disposition 

of an asset, its accumulated depreciation is deducted from the original cost, and any gain or loss is reflected in current earnings.

Certain internal and external costs related to the acquisition and development of internal use software are capitalized within plant and equipment during 

the application development stages of the project.

51

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary DataPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Applicable interest charges incurred during the construction of new facilities and development of software for internal use are capitalized as one of the 
elements of cost and are amortized over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Interest capitalized for the past three fiscal years was $2.0 million in fiscal 2016, 
$0.9 million in fiscal 2015 and $1.1 million in fiscal 2014.

Long-Lived Assets

Management reviews long-lived assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not 

be recoverable. Cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over the asset’s useful life based on updated projections on an 

undiscounted basis. For assets held for use, Sysco groups assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable. If the 

evaluation indicates that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable, the potential impairment is measured using fair value. Impairment losses 

for assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.

Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill and intangibles represent the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives are 

not amortized. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of a business combination. The recoverability of 

goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles is assessed annually, or more frequently as needed when events or changes have occurred that would suggest an 

impairment of carrying value, by determining whether the fair values of the applicable reporting units exceed their carrying values. The reporting units used 

to assess goodwill impairment are the company’s 14 operating segments as described in Note 22, “Business Segment Information.” The components 

within each of the 14 operating segments have similar economic characteristics and therefore are aggregated into 14 reporting units. The evaluation of 

fair value requires the use of projections, estimates and assumptions as to the future performance of the operations in performing a discounted cash flow 

analysis, as well as assumptions regarding sales and earnings multiples that would be applied in comparable acquisitions.

Intangibles with definite lives are amortized over their useful lives in a manner consistent with underlying cash flow, which generally ranges from two to ten 

years. Management reviews finite-lived intangibles for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value 

may not be recoverable. Cash flows expected to be generated by the finite-lived intangibles are estimated over the intangible asset’s useful life based on 

updated projections on an undiscounted basis. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable, 

the potential impairment is measured at fair value.

Restricted Cash

Sysco is required by its insurers to collateralize a part of the self-insured portion of its workers’ compensation and liability claims. Sysco has chosen to satisfy 

these collateral requirements by depositing funds in insurance trusts or by issuing letters of credit. Sysco chose to satisfy these collateral requirements by 

issuing letters of credit in fiscal 2016. All amounts in restricted cash at June 27, 2015 represented funds deposited in insurance trusts.

Derivative Financial Instruments

All derivatives are recognized as assets or liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets at fair value at their gross values. Gains or losses on derivative 

financial instruments designated as fair value hedges are recognized immediately in the consolidated results of operations, along with the offsetting gain 

or loss related to the underlying hedged item.

Gains or losses on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity from 

inception of the hedges to their settlement, at which time gains or losses are reclassified to the Consolidated Results of Operations in conjunction with the 

recognition of the underlying hedged item.

In the normal course of business, Sysco enters into forward purchase agreements for the procurement of fuel and electricity. Certain of these agreements 

meet the definition of a derivative. However, the company elected to use the normal purchase and sale exemption available under derivatives accounting 

literature; therefore, these agreements are not recorded at fair value.

Investments in Corporate-Owned Life Insurance

Investments in corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) policies are recorded at their cash surrender values as of each balance sheet date. Changes in the 

cash surrender value during the period are recorded as a gain or loss within operating expenses. Sysco has the ability and intent to hold its COLI policies to 

maturity and the company does not record deferred tax balances related to cash surrender value gains or losses for these policies. Deferred tax balances 

are recorded for those policies that Sysco intends to redeem prior to maturity. The total amounts related to the company’s investments in COLI policies 

included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets were $163.3 million and $162.8 million at July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, respectively.

52

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Treasury Stock

The company records treasury stock purchases at cost. Shares removed from treasury are valued at cost using the average cost method.

Foreign Currency Translation

The assets and liabilities of all foreign subsidiaries are translated at current exchange rates. Related translation adjustments are recorded as a component 

of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Revenue Recognition

The company recognizes revenue from the sale of a product when it is considered to be realized or realizable and earned. The company determines these 

requirements to be met at the point at which the product is delivered to the customer. The company grants certain customers sales incentives such as 

rebates or discounts and treats these as a reduction of sales at the time the sale is recognized. Sales tax collected from customers is not included in 

revenue but rather recorded as a liability due to the respective taxing authorities. Purchases and sales of inventory with the same counterparty that are 

entered into in contemplation of one another are considered to be a single nonmonetary transaction. As such, the company records the net effect of such 

transactions in the consolidated results of operations within sales.

Vendor Consideration

Sysco recognizes consideration received from vendors when the services performed in connection with the monies received are completed and when 

the related product has been sold by Sysco as a reduction to cost of sales. There are several types of cash consideration received from vendors. In 

many instances, the vendor consideration is in the form of a specified amount per case or per pound. In these instances, Sysco will recognize the vendor 

consideration as a reduction of cost of sales when the product is sold. In the situations in which the vendor consideration is not related directly to specific 

product purchases, Sysco will recognize these as a reduction of cost of sales when the earnings process is complete, the related service is performed 

and the amounts are realized.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs include costs associated with the selection of products and delivery to customers. Included in operating expenses are shipping 

and handling costs of approximately $2.6 billion in fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014.

Insurance Program

Sysco maintains a self-insurance program covering portions of workers’ compensation, general and vehicle liability and property insurance costs. The 

amounts in excess of the self-insured levels are fully insured by third party insurers. The company also maintains a fully self-insured group medical program. 

Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, medical cost trends, demographic factors, severity 

factors and other actuarial assumptions.

Share-Based Compensation

Sysco recognizes expense for its share-based compensation based on the fair value of the awards that are granted. The fair value of stock options is 

estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Option pricing methods require the input of highly subjective assumptions, 

including the expected stock price volatility. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are based on the company’s stock price on 

the date of grant. Measured compensation cost is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the related share-based compensation award. Cash flows 

resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows 

on the consolidated cash flows statements.

Income Taxes

Sysco recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial 

statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured pursuant to tax 

laws using rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The impact 

on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances 

are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized.

53

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary DataPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Sysco recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including 

resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest 

amount of tax benefit that has greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. To the extent interest and penalties may be assessed by 

taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, estimated amounts required by the accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions have 

been accrued and are classified as a component of income taxes in the consolidated results of operations.

The determination of the company’s provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application 

of complex tax laws. The company’s provision for income taxes primarily reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal 

and state, as well as various foreign jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax 

items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for tax contingencies or valuation allowances, and the company’s change in the mix of earnings from these 

taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, and the financial statements include the results of the acquired 

operations from the respective dates of acquisition.

The purchase price of the acquired entities is allocated to the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair value at the dates of 

acquisition, with any excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired, including intangibles, recognized as goodwill. The balances included in the 

consolidated balance sheets related to recent acquisitions are based upon preliminary information and are subject to change when final asset and liability 

valuations are obtained. Subsequent changes to the preliminary balances are reflected retrospectively, if material. Material changes to the preliminary 

allocations are not anticipated by management.

Basis of Presentation

The financial statements include consolidated balance sheets, consolidated results of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income 

and consolidated cash flows. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise 

disclosed, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for all periods presented 

have been made.

Deferred taxes within the consolidated balance sheet for July 2, 2016, have been classified as long-term due to the adoption of an accounting pronouncement 

related to simplification in the presentation of deferred taxes. See Note 2, “Changes in Accounting” for additional information on these changes.

In fiscal 2015, Sysco acquired a 50% interest in a foodservice company in Mexico and accounted for this interest using the equity-method of accounting. 

In fiscal 2016, Sysco obtained control of the board of this company and began consolidating these operations; therefore, the financial position, results 

of operations and cash flows for this company have been included in Sysco’s consolidated financial statements. The value of the 50% noncontrolling 

interest is considered redeemable due to certain features of the investment agreement and has been presented as mezzanine equity, which is outside of 

permanent equity, in the consolidated balance sheets. The income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is located within Other expense (income), net, 

in the consolidated results of operations, as this amount is not material. The non-cash add back for the change in the value of the noncontrolling interest 

is located within Other non-cash items on the consolidated cash flows. 

In fiscal 2015, Sysco acquired a 50% interest in a foodservice company in Costa Rica. It was determined that consolidation of the entity was appropriate 

and, therefore, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for this company have been included in Sysco’s consolidated financial statements. 

The value of the 50% noncontrolling interest is considered redeemable due to certain features of the investment agreement and has been presented as 

mezzanine equity, which is outside of permanent equity, in the consolidated balance sheets. The income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is located 

within Other expense (income), net in the consolidated results of operations, as this amount is not material. The non-cash add back for the change in the 

value of the noncontrolling interest is located within Other non-cash items on the consolidated cash flows. 

NOTE 2 

Changes in Accounting

Simplification of Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification 

of Deferred Taxes, as part of its simplification initiative, which is the FASB’s effort to reduce the cost and complexity of certain aspects of U.S. GAAP. This 

guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. 

The guidance does not change the existing requirement that only permits offsetting of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities within a jurisdiction. 

The company early adopted this standard in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 on a prospective basis, as permitted by the ASU. 

54

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

NOTE 3 

New Accounting Standards

Stock Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment 

Accounting, as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The areas for simplification involve several aspects of the accounting for 

employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification 

on the statement of cash flows. In addition, the amendments eliminate the guidance in Topic 718 that was indefinitely deferred shortly after the issuance 

of FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 

2016, which is fiscal 2018 for Sysco, with early adoption permitted. The company is currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), specifying the accounting for leases, which supersedes the leases requirements in 

Topic 840, Leases. The objective of Topic 842 is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial 

statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to 

not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. Lessors’ accounting is largely unchanged from the previous accounting 

standard. In addition, Topic 842 expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition 
approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning 

after December 15, 2018, which is fiscal 2020 for Sysco, with early adoption permitted. The company is currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard.

Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), which requires the following: (1) all equity investments 

to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of 

accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee); (2) an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total 

change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair 

value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; and (3) eliminates the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments 

measured at amortized cost for entities that are not public business entities and the requirement to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions 

used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet for public business 

entities. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which is fiscal 2019 for Sysco. The company is 

currently reviewing the provisions of the new standard.

Business Combinations

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805), which requires that an acquirer retrospectively adjust provisional 

amounts recognized in a business combination during the measurement period. To simplify the accounting for adjustments made to provisional amounts, 

the amendments require that the acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting 

period in which the adjustment amount is determined. The acquirer is required to also record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on 

earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if 

the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. In addition, an entity is required to present separately on the face of the income statement or 

disclose in the notes to the financial statements the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded 

in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. This guidance is effective for fiscal 

years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, which is fiscal 2017 for Sysco. The amendment will be applied 

prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with earlier adoption permitted.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This new standard will replace all current GAAP 

guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new revenue recognition standard provides a unified model to determine when 

and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services 

to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In March 

2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue 

Gross versus Net), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The collective guidance is effective for interim 

and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which is fiscal 2019 for Sysco, and could be early adopted in fiscal 2018. The standard may be 

applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The company has not selected a 

transition method and is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoption of this ASU on its ongoing financial reporting.

55

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary DataPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 4 

Acquisitions

During fiscal 2016, the company paid cash of $219.2 million for acquisitions. The acquisitions did not have a material effect on operating results, cash flows 

or financial position. Certain current year and prior year acquisitions involve contingent consideration that include earnout agreements that are payable 

over periods of up to three years in the event that certain operating results are achieved. Remaining amounts relate to payments that are deferred for a 

certain period time to ensure pre-acquisition claims do not arise. As of July 2, 2016, aggregate contingent consideration outstanding was $30.9 million, 

of which $16.4 million was recorded as earnout liabilities included in accrued expenses or other long-term liabilities, depending on when such earnout 

payments become due.

In February 2016, Sysco entered into a share sale and purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) to acquire Cucina Lux Investments Limited, the 

parent holding company of the Brakes Group (the Brakes Acquisition). On July 5, 2016, following the end of fiscal year 2016, Sysco closed the Brakes 

Acquisition. The aggregate enterprise value paid by Sysco in connection with the Brakes Acquisition was approximately £2.3 billion (approximately $3.1 

billion based on exchange rates on July 5, 2016), and included the repayment of approximately $2.3 billion of the Brakes Group’s then outstanding debt. 

The purchase price was paid primarily in cash using the proceeds from recent debt issuances and other cash on hand, and is subject to certain adjustments 

as provided in the Purchase Agreement. The Brakes Group is now wholly owned by Sysco. The Brakes Group is a leading European foodservice business 

with operations in the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg. 

NOTE 5 

Fair Value Measurements

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 (i.e., an exit price). The accounting guidance includes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used 

to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 • Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; 

 • Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially 

the full term of the asset or liability; and 

 • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which include management’s own assumption about the assumptions market participants would 

use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. 

Sysco’s policy is to invest in only high-quality investments. Cash equivalents primarily include time deposits, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, 

high-quality money market funds and all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash consists of investments 

in high-quality money market funds.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 • Time deposits and commercial paper included in cash equivalents are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. These are included 

within cash equivalents as a Level 2 measurement in the tables below. 

 • Money market funds are valued at the closing price reported by the fund sponsor from an actively traded exchange. These are included within cash 

equivalents and restricted cash as Level 1 measurements in the tables below. 

 • The interest rate swap agreements, discussed further in Note 9, “Derivative Financial Instruments” are valued using a swap valuation model that utilizes 
an income approach using observable market inputs including interest rates, LIBOR swap rates and credit default swap rates. These are included within 

other assets and other long-term liabilities as Level 2 measurements in the tables below.

 • Contingent consideration in the form of earnout agreements relating to acquisitions is determined utilizing a discounted cash flow approach using various 
probability-weighted scenarios. The significant unobservable inputs used in calculating the fair value of the contingent consideration includes financial 

performance scenarios, the probability of achieving those scenarios and the discount rate. These are included in contingent consideration liabilities as 

Level 3 measurements in the table below. For additional information, see Note 4, “Acquisitions”. 

56

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KThe following tables present the company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015: 

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Other assets

Interest rate swaps

TOTAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE
Liabilities:

Contingent consideration

TOTAL LIABILITIES AT FAIR VALUE

(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash equivalents

Restricted cash
Other assets

Interest rate swaps

TOTAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE
Liabilities:

Contingent consideration

TOTAL LIABILITIES AT FAIR VALUE

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of July 2, 2016
Level 1

Level 3

Level 2

Total

634,230 $

43,270 $

-

634,230 $

36,805
80,075 $

- $

-
- $

- $
- $

- $
- $

16,439 $
16,439 $

677,500

36,805
714,305

16,439
16,439

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of June 27, 2015
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

4,677,735 $
168,274

-

4,846,009 $

63,689 $

-

12,597
76,286 $

- $
-

-
- $

4,741,424
168,274

12,597
4,922,295

- $
- $

- $
- $

28,644 $
28,644 $

28,644
28,644

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of our Level 3 contingent consideration liabilities related to earnout agreements 

were as follows:

Unobservable Inputs
Probability of achieving payout targets
Discount Rate

July 2, 2016

2016
(Weighted Average)

2015

93.0%
10.8%

80.6%
10.6 %

A decrease in probabilities of achieving the targets or an increase in the discount rates would result in a lower fair value measurement. The fair value of 

contingent consideration for earnout agreements is reassessed quarterly, including an analysis of the significant inputs used the valuation, as well as the 

accretion of the present value discount. Changes are reflected within Operating expense in the consolidated results of operations.

The following table provides the changes in fair value of the contingent consideration for earnout liabilities for the periods presented (in thousands):

Balance as of June 28, 2014
Contingent consideration liabilities recorded for business acquisitions
Payments
Currency translation
BALANCE AS OF JUNE 27, 2015
Contingent consideration liabilities recorded for business acquisitions
Payments
Currency translation
BALANCE AS OF JULY 2, 2016

$

$

$

54,896
8,530
(32,878)
(1,904)
28,644
2,974
(14,679)
(500)
16,439

The carrying values of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their respective fair values due to their short-term maturities. The fair value 

of Sysco’s total debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issue or on the current rates offered to the company for debt of 

the same remaining maturities and is considered a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of total debt was approximately $7.9 billion and $7.6 billion as of July 

2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, respectively. The carrying value of total debt was $7.4 billion and $7.3 billion as of July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, respectively.

57

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary DataPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 6 

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

A summary of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts appears below:

(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
Charged to costs and expenses
Customer accounts written off, net of recoveries
Other adjustments
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD

NOTE 7 

Plant and Equipment

2016

2015

2014

$

$

41,720
20,372
(23,551)
(661)
37,880

$

$

49,902
17,996
(25,719)
(459)
41,720

$

$

47,345
34,429
(31,721)
(151)
49,902

A summary of plant and equipment, including the related accumulated depreciation, appears below:

(In thousands)
Plant and equipment at cost:

Land
Buildings and improvements
Fleet and equipment
Computer hardware and software

Total plant and equipment at cost
Accumulated depreciation
TOTAL PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Jul. 2, 2016

Jun. 27, 2015

Estimated 
Useful Lives

$

$

448,981
3,962,454
2,990,267
1,183,548
8,585,250
(4,704,808)
3,880,442

$

$

441,939
3,877,817
2,836,554
1,234,138
8,390,448
(4,408,305)
3,982,143

10-30 years
3-10 years
3-7 years

Depreciation expense, including amortization of capital leases, was $608.7 million in 2016, $495.8 million in 2015 and $493.8 million in 2014.

In fiscal 2016, Sysco announced its revised business technology strategy focused on improving the customer experience. In refocusing its technology 

approach, Sysco created plans to modernize and add new capability and functionality to its existing SUS Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. In 

connection with this strategy, Sysco created plans to remove the SAP ERP platform currently used by 12 of its operating companies by the end of fiscal 

2017. At the time of the decision, the company had $31.6 million recorded as construction in progress for incomplete projects for the SAP ERP platform 

and $251.1 million in net book value for internal use software for the SAP ERP platform, with a remaining life of three years. These are included within 

“computer hardware and software” in the table above. Sysco concluded that the projects under development would not be completed and expensed the 

$31.6 million in construction in progress in fiscal 2016 within operating expense in the consolidated results of operations. The company tested the internal 

use software currently amortizing for the SAP ERP platform on an undiscounted cash flow basis and concluded that those cash flows would be sufficient 

to recover the full asset value for the remaining period the asset is planned to be in use. Sysco shortened the remaining life of the internal use assets to be 

fully amortized by the end of fiscal 2017, concurrent with the expected time frame to be fully migrated into Sysco’s 12 operating companies to the SUS 

ERP system. In fiscal 2016, Sysco recognized an additional $41.9 million in amortization expense as a result of shortening the useful lives of these assets.

NOTE 8 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and the amount allocated by reportable segment for the years presented are as follows:

(In thousands)

Broadline

SYGMA

Other

Total

Carrying amount as of June 28, 2014

$

1,175,493   $

32,609

$

742,570   $

1,950,672  

Goodwill acquired during year

Currency translation/other

Carrying amount as of June 27, 2015

Goodwill acquired during year

Currency translation/other

79,802    

(78,524)

-

-

1,176,771    

32,609  

44,250    

(14,176)

-

(2)

8,408    

(541)

750,437    

131,967    

(195)

88,210  

(79,065)

1,959,817  

176,217  

(14,373)

CARRYING AMOUNT AS OF JULY 2, 2016

$

1,206,845

$

32,607

$

882,209

$

2,121,661

Amortizable intangible assets acquired during fiscal 2016 were $63.5 million, with a weighted-average amortization period of 9.6 years. Amortizable 

intangible assets acquired during fiscal 2016 by category were customer relationships, non-compete and other of $59.6 million, $3.4 million and  

$0.6 million, respectively, with a weighted-average amortization period of 10.0 years, 5.0 years and 3.3 years, respectively.

58

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fully amortized intangible assets have been removed in the period fully amortized in the table below, which presents the company’s amortizable intangible 

assets in total by category as follows:

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands)
Customer relationships
Non-compete agreements
Trademarks
Other
TOTAL AMORTIZABLE 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS

$

$

Gross Carrying 
Amount

Jul. 2, 2016
Accumulated 
Amortization

Net

Gross Carrying 
Amount

Jun. 27, 2015
Accumulated 
Amortization

265,441 $
36,405  
10,753  
13,622  

(126,194) $

139,247

$

(21,312)
(5,363)
(7,786)

15,093  
5,390  
5,836  

236,916 $
33,436  
10,768  
13,437  

(130,506) $

(14,525)
(4,117)
(4,871)

Net

106,410
18,911
6,651
8,566

326,221 $

(160,655) $

165,566

$

294,557 $

(154,019) $

140,538

The table below presents the company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets by category as follows:

(In thousands)
Trademarks
Licenses
TOTAL INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Jul. 2, 2016

Jun. 27, 2015

$

$

40,929 $
966  
41,895 $

13,304
966
14,271

Amortization expense for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $37.3 million, $40.0 million and $42.2 million, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense 

for the next five fiscal years on intangible assets outstanding as of July 2, 2016 is shown below:

(In thousands)
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

$

Amount

39,993
33,566
23,431
18,997
16,005

NOTE 9 

Derivative Financial Instruments 

Sysco manages its debt portfolio with interest rate swaps from time to time to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates. The proposed 

Brakes Acquisition requires payment for the purchase price in pound sterling. Sysco chose to economically hedge this foreign currency exposure. The 

company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Hedging of debt portfolio

In April 2016, Sysco issued senior notes totaling $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount. Sysco used the net proceeds from the offering to fund the 

Brakes Acquisition. Concurrent with the offering of senior notes described above, the company entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively 

converted $1.0 billion of senior notes maturing in fiscal 2019 and 2021 to floating rate debt. These transactions were designated as fair value hedges 

against the changes in fair value of fixed rate debt resulting from changes in interest rates. 

In October 2015, Sysco issued senior notes totaling $2.0 billion to fund $1.5 billion in repurchases of outstanding shares of its common stock pursuant 

to its $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase program, to repay approximately $500 million of its outstanding commercial paper and for general 

corporate purposes. Concurrent with the offering of these senior notes, the company entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted  

$750 million of senior notes maturing in fiscal 2020 to floating rate debt. These transactions were designated as fair value hedges against the changes in 

fair value of fixed rate debt resulting from changes in interest rates. 

In August 2015, the company entered into forward starting swap agreements with a notional amount totaling $500 million. The company designated these 

derivatives as cash flow hedges to reduce interest rate exposure on the forecasted 10-year debt due to changes in the benchmark interest rates on debt the 

company issued in October 2015. Concurrent with this debt offering, Sysco terminated the swaps and paid $6.1 million. The loss was recorded in accumulated 

other comprehensive income (loss) and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the originally hedged fixed-rate interest rate payments. 

In October 2014, Sysco obtained long-term financing for its proposed merger with US Foods, Inc. (US Foods) by completing a six-part senior notes 

offering totaling $5.0 billion. At the same time of this offering of notes, the company entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted  

$500 million of senior notes maturing in fiscal 2018 and $750 million of senior notes maturing in fiscal 2020 to floating rate debt. These are collectively 

referred to as the 2015 swaps. These transactions were designated as fair value hedges against the changes in fair value of fixed rate debt resulting from 

changes in interest rates. In fiscal 2016, the company terminated the 2015 swaps for proceeds of $14.5 million in connection with the redemption of these 

senior notes. 

59

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

In January 2014, the company entered into two forward starting swap agreements with notional amounts totaling $2 billion in contemplation of securing 

long-term financing for the proposed US Foods merger or for other long-term financing purposes in the event the merger did not occur. The company 

designated these derivatives as cash flow hedges to reduce interest rate exposure on forecasted 10-year and 30-year debt due to changes in the benchmark 

interest rates until the expected issuance of the debt. In September 2014, in conjunction with the pricing of the $1.25 billion senior notes maturing in fiscal 

2025 and the $1 billion senior notes maturing in fiscal 2045, the company terminated these swaps, locking in the effective yields on the related debt. Cash 

of $58.9 million was paid to settle the 10-year swap in September 2014, and cash of $129.9 million was paid to settle the 30-year swap in October 2014. 

The cash payments are located within the line Cash paid for settlement of cash flow hedge within financing activities in the statement of consolidated cash 

flows. The cumulative losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income related to these swaps will continue to be amortized through 

interest expense over the term of the originally hedged fixed-rate interest rate payments, as those payments are anticipated to remain within Sysco’s capital 

structure. The interest payments included in Sysco’s originally hedged amount were 60 semiannual interest cash flows on $1.0 billion in aggregate principal 

amount of fixed rate debt and 20 semiannual interest cash flows on $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate debt. Amortization commenced 

in October 2014 when those interest payments began affecting earnings.

In August 2013, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively converted $500 million of fixed rate debt maturing in fiscal 

2018 to floating rate debt.

Hedging of foreign currency exposure

The Brakes Acquisition required payment in pounds sterling, euro and Swedish kroner. The company developed a strategy to hedge the currency exposure 

related to these cash outlays. A portion of this strategy included foreign currency option contracts with maturities of less than three months to protect Sysco 

from an increase in the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the pound sterling. This helped provide downside protection during the time 

frame the transaction was being reviewed for anti-trust approval and thereafter during the volatility around the referendum on June 23, 2016 in the United 

Kingdom to exit the European Union (the U.K. Referendum). Such contracts were considered economic hedges and did not qualify for hedge accounting. 

Sysco recognized net losses on these contracts within Other expense (income), net on its consolidated results of operations. In fiscal 2016, the total realized 

net loss on our economic hedge foreign exchange option contracts was $45.7 million. As these amounts did not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in 

the fair value were recorded directly to earnings. These contracts were terminated at or near the company’s fiscal year end and did not have a material fair 

value as of July 2, 2016. A second part of Sysco’s strategy was to accumulate the cash needed for the acquisition once anti-trust approval was received. 

The company did not use derivative instruments for this part of the strategy outside of the option contracts discussed above. This accumulation occurred 

over a period of time prior to, as well as after, the U.K. Referendum. During this period, the currency rates experienced large fluctuations, particularly with 

regard to the pound sterling. The company’s approach allowed it to accumulate this cash at an average rate that was better than the target exchange rate 

established at the time the transaction was announced. 

The location and the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedges in the consolidated balance sheet as of July 2, 2016, June 27, 2015 and 

June 28, 2014 are as follows:

(In thousands)
Interest rate swap agreements:
Jul. 2, 2016
Jun. 27, 2015

Asset Derivatives

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Other assets $
Other assets  

36,805
12,597

The location and effect of derivative instruments and related hedged items on the consolidated results of operations for the fiscal periods ended July 2, 

2016, June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 presented on a pretax basis are as follows:

Location of (Gain)  
or Loss Recognized

(In thousands)
Fair Value Hedge Relationships:
Interest rate swap agreements
Cash Flow Hedge Relationships:
Forward starting interest rate swap 
agreements
Forward starting interest rate swap 
agreements(1)
(1)  Represents amortization of losses on forward starting interest rate swap agreements that were previously settled.

Other comprehensive income  

Interest expense $

Interest expense

2016

Amount of (Gain)
or Loss Recognized
2015

2014

(12,033) $

(21,960) $

(10,879)

(6,134)   

(55,374)

(133,466)

11,543

8,305

625

Hedge ineffectiveness represents the difference between the changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments and the changes in fair value of the 

fixed rate debt attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rates. Hedge ineffectiveness is recorded directly in earnings within interest expense and 

was immaterial for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014. The interest rate swaps do not contain credit-risk-related contingent features.

60

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

NOTE 10  Self-Insured Liabilities 

Sysco maintains a self-insurance program covering portions of workers’ compensation, general and vehicle liability and property insurance costs. The 

amounts in excess of the self-insured levels are fully insured by third party insurers. The company also maintains a fully self-insured group medical program. 

A summary of the activity in self-insured liabilities appears below:

(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
Charged to costs and expenses
Payments
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD

2016

2015

2014

$

$

193,312   $
418,917    
(413,170)
199,059

$

194,476   $
367,025    
(368,189)
193,312

$

147,598  
375,267  
(328,389)
194,476

NOTE 11  Debt And Other Financing Arrangements

Sysco’s debt consists of the following:

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

$

(In thousands)
Senior notes, interest at 5.25%, maturing in fiscal 2018(1)
Senior notes, interest at 5.375%, maturing in fiscal 2019(1)
Senior notes, interest at 2.60%, maturing in fiscal 2022(1)
Debentures, interest at 7.16%, maturing in fiscal 2027(2)
Debentures, interest at 6.50%, maturing in fiscal 2029(1)
Senior notes, interest at 5.375%, maturing in fiscal 2036(1)
Senior notes, interest at 6.625%, maturing in fiscal 2039(1)
Senior notes, interest at 2.60%, maturing in fiscal 2021(1)
Senior notes, interest at 3.75%, maturing in fiscal 2026(1)
Senior notes, interest at 4.85%, maturing in fiscal 2046(1)
Senior notes, interest at 1.90%, maturing in fiscal 2019(1)
Senior notes, interest at 2.50%, maturing in fiscal 2022(1)
Senior notes, interest at 3.30%, maturing in fiscal 2027(1)
Senior notes, interest at 4.50%, maturing in fiscal 2046(1)
Senior notes, interest at 1.25%, maturing in fiscal 2023(1)
Senior notes, interest at 1.45%, maturing in fiscal 2018(1),(3)
Senior notes, interest at 2.35%, maturing in fiscal 2020(1),(3)
Senior notes, interest at 3.00%, maturing in fiscal 2022(1),(3)
Senior notes, interest at 3.50%, maturing in fiscal 2025(1),(3)
Senior notes, interest at 4.35%, maturing in fiscal 2035(1),(3)
Senior notes, interest at 4.50%, maturing in fiscal 2045(1),(3)
Notes payable, capital leases, and other debt, interest averaging 3.12% and maturing at various dates to 
fiscal 2025 as of July 2, 2016 and 2.81% and maturing at various dates to fiscal 2026 as of June 27, 2015
Total debt
Less current maturities of long-term debt
Less notes payable
NET LONG-TERM DEBT
(1)  Represents senior notes that are unsecured, are not subject to any sinking fund requirement and include a redemption provision that allows Sysco to retire the debentures and notes at any time 

506,456   $
249,141    
445,026    
50,000    
223,716    
496,932    
244,655    
762,227    
746,023    
495,395    
502,151    
506,484
990,603
493,897
552,391
-
-
-
-
-
-

502,608  
248,824  
444,212  
50,000  
223,610  
496,775  
244,415  
-  
-  
-  
-  
-
-
-
-
500,801
752,070
745,136
1,239,116
742,664
981,813

170,305    
7,435,402    
(8,909)
(89,563)
7,336,930

149,833  
7,321,877  
(4,979,301)
(70,751)
2,271,825

$

$

prior to maturity at the greater of par plus accrued interest or an amount designed to ensure that the debenture and note holders are not penalized by the early redemption.

(2)  This debenture is not subject to any sinking fund requirement and is no longer redeemable prior to maturity.
(3)  Represents senior notes that were redeemed in July 2015 under a mandatory redemption feature.

As of July 2, 2016, the principal payments required to be made during the next five fiscal years on long-term debt, excluding notes payable and commercial 

paper, are shown below:

(In thousands)
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

$

Amount

8,909
536,145
770,404
754,785
503,961

61

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Sysco has a commercial paper program allowing the company to issue short-term unsecured notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.5 billion. As 

of July 2, 2016, there were no commercial paper issuances outstanding. Any outstanding amounts are classified within long-term debt, as the program is 

supported by a long-term revolving credit facility. During the first 53 weeks of 2016, aggregate outstanding commercial paper issuances and short-term 

bank borrowings ranged from zero to approximately $1.0 billion.

Senior notes redemption related to US Foods Merger

On June 26, 2015, Sysco terminated the US Foods merger agreement triggering the redemption of the senior notes that had been issued in contemplation 

of the proposed merger at a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal of the senior notes. Sysco redeemed the senior notes in July 2015 using cash 

on hand and proceeds from our commercial paper program in the amount of $5.1 billion. The repayment of these senior notes triggered a redemption loss 

of $86.5 million included in interest expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Additionally, as discussed in Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” the 

company terminated fair value hedges associated with these senior notes. 

Interest expense for fiscal 2016 includes the following amounts from these transactions:

(In thousands)
Redemption premium payment
Debt issuance cost write-off
Bond discount write-off
Gain on swap termination
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Interest expense on senior notes
TOTAL

53-Week Period Ended 
July 2, 2016

$

$

50,000
28,642
17,869
(10,051)
86,460
8,375
94,835

Senior notes offering related to accelerated share repurchase

On September 28, 2015, Sysco issued senior notes totaling $2.0 billion. Details of the senior notes are as follows:

Maturity Date
October 1, 2020
October 1, 2025
October 1, 2045

Par Value
(in thousands)
$

750,000  
750,000    
500,000

Coupon Rate

Pricing
(percentage of par)

2.60%
3.75 
4.85

99.809%

100.000 
99.921

Sysco used the net proceeds from the offering to fund repurchases of outstanding shares of its common stock pursuant to Sysco’s $1.5 billion accelerated 

share repurchase program, to repay approximately $500 million of its outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes. The notes are fully 

and unconditionally guaranteed by Sysco’s direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries that guarantee Sysco’s other senior notes. Interest on the senior 

notes is paid semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, beginning April 1, 2016. At Sysco’s option, any or all of the senior notes may be redeemed, 

in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity. If Sysco elects to redeem (i) the senior notes maturing in 2020 before the date that is one month prior to 

the maturity date, (ii) the senior notes maturing in 2025 before the date that is three months prior to the maturity date or (iii) the senior notes maturing in 

2045 before the date that is six months prior to the maturity date, Sysco will pay an amount equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the 

senior notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the senior notes to be 

redeemed that would be due if such senior notes matured on the applicable date described above. If Sysco elects to redeem a series of senior notes on 

or after the applicable date described in the preceding sentence, Sysco will pay an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes to 

be redeemed. Sysco will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the redemption date.

Bridge Term Loan Agreement

On March 14, 2016, Sysco entered into a £1,725 million bridge term loan agreement (the Bridge Term Loan Agreement) (approximately $2,440 million based 

on the applicable exchange rate as of July 2, 2016) to fund the proposed Brakes Group Acquisition. Subject to certain terms and conditions, Sysco would 

have been allowed to borrow up to £1,725 million as a term loan upon, or substantially contemporaneously with, the closing of the Brakes Acquisition to 

fund the Brakes Acquisition, refinance certain indebtedness of the Brakes Group and pay related fees and expenses.

The Bridge Term Loan Agreement was terminated by Sysco effective April 6, 2016 following the closing of the offering of $2.5 billion in aggregate principal 

amount of new senior notes. 

62

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Senior notes offering related to Brakes Group Acquisition

On April 1, 2016, Sysco issued senior notes totaling $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount. Details of the senior notes are as follows:

Maturity Date
April 1, 2019
July 15, 2021
July 15, 2026
April 1, 2046

Par Value
(in thousands)
$

500,000  
500,000    

1,000,000
500,000

Coupon Rate

Pricing
(percentage of par)

1.90%
2.50 
3.30
4.50

99.945%
99.948 
99.623
99.657

Sysco used the net proceeds from the offering to fund the Brakes Acquisition. The notes initially are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Sysco’s direct 

and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries that guarantee Sysco’s other senior notes. Interest on the senior notes maturing in 2019 and 2046 will be paid semi-

annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 2016. Interest on the senior notes maturing in 2021 and 2026 is paid semi-annually in 

arrears on January 15 and July 15, beginning July 1, 2016. At Sysco’s option, any or all of the senior notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any 

time prior to maturity. If Sysco elects to redeem (i) the senior notes maturing in 2019 before the maturity date, (ii) the senior notes maturing in 2021 before 

the date that is one month prior to the maturity date, (iii) the senior notes maturing in 2026 before the date that is three months prior to the maturity date or 

(iv) the senior notes maturing in 2046 before the date that is six months prior to the maturity date, Sysco will pay an amount equal to the greater of 100% 

of the principal amount of the senior notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest 
on the senior notes to be redeemed that would be due if such senior notes matured on the applicable date described above. If Sysco elects to redeem a 

series of senior notes on or after the applicable date described in the preceding sentence, Sysco will pay an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount 

of the senior notes to be redeemed. Sysco will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the notes redeemed to the redemption date.

On June 23, 2016, Sysco issued €500 million aggregate principal amount of its 1.250% Senior Notes due 2023 (the Euro Notes). The Euro Notes were 

sold in an underwritten public offering pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, dated June 14, 2016, among Sysco, the Guarantors and representatives 

of the several underwriters. Sysco used the net proceeds from the Euro Note offering to pay a portion of the Brakes Acquisition purchase price. At Sysco’s 

option, any or all of the Euro Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity. If Sysco elects to redeem the Euro Notes before 

the date that is two months prior to the maturity date, Sysco will pay an amount equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the Euro Notes to 

be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Euro Notes to be redeemed. If Sysco 

elects to redeem the Euro Notes on or after the date described in the preceding sentence, Sysco will pay an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount 

of the Euro Notes to be redeemed. Sysco will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the Euro Notes redeemed to the redemption date.

NOTE 12  Leases 

Sysco has obligations under capital and operating leases for certain distribution facilities, vehicles and computers. Total rental expense under operating 

leases was $100.0 million, $104.3 million, and $92.3 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Contingent rentals, subleases and assets and 

obligations under capital leases are not significant.

Aggregate minimum lease payments by fiscal year under existing long-term operating leases are as follows:

(In thousands)
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

NOTE 13  Other Long-Term Liabilities 

The following table presents details of the company’s other long-term liabilities:

(In thousands)
Retirement Plan
Supplemental executive retirement plan
Other
TOTAL

$

Amount

49,898
41,598
32,846
26,662
23,010
45,891

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

$

$

689,310 $
450,945  
228,227  
1,368,482 $

227,352
420,704
286,666
934,722

63

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 14  Company-Sponsored Employee Benefit Plans 

Sysco has company-sponsored defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans for its employees. Also, the company provides certain health 

care benefits to eligible retirees and their dependents.

Defined Contribution Plans

The company operates a defined contribution 401(k) Plan as a Safe Harbor Plan, which is a plan that treats all employees’ benefits equally within the 

plan, under Sections 401(k) and 401(m) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to non-union employees and those union employees whose unions 

adopted the Safe Harbor Plan provisions. The company will make a non-elective contribution each pay period equal to 3% of a participant’s compensation. 

Additionally, the company will make matching contributions of 50% of a participant’s pre-tax contribution on the first 5% of the participant’s compensation 

contributed by the participant. Certain employees are also eligible for a transition contribution, and the company may also make discretionary contributions. 

For union employees who are members of unions that did not adopt the Safe Harbor Plan provisions, the plan provides that under certain circumstances 

the company may make matching contributions of up to 50% of the first 6% of a participant’s compensation. 

The company also has a nonqualified, unfunded Management Savings Plan (MSP) available to key management personnel who are participants in the 

Management Incentive Plan. Participants may defer up to 50% of their annual salary and up to 100% of their annual bonus. The company will make a 

non-elective contribution each pay period equal to 3% of a participant’s compensation. Additionally, the company will make matching contributions of 

50% of a participant’s pre-tax contribution on the first 5% of the participant’s eligible compensation that is deferred. Certain employees are also eligible for 
a transition contribution, and the company may also make discretionary contributions. All company contributions to the MSP are limited by the amounts 

contributed by the company to the participant’s 401(k) account. 

Sysco’s expense related to its defined contribution plans was $135.5 million in fiscal 2016, $125.4 million in fiscal 2015, and $118.6 million in fiscal 2014.

Defined Benefit Plans

Sysco maintains a qualified pension plan (Retirement Plan) that pays benefits to participating employees at retirement, using formulas based on a participant’s 

years of service and compensation. This plan is frozen for all U.S.-based salaried and non-union hourly employees, as these employees are eligible for 

benefits under the company’s defined contribution 401(k) plan.

In addition to receiving benefits upon retirement under the company’s Retirement Plan, certain key management personnel who were participants in the 

Management Incentive Plan (MIP) are entitled to receive benefits under a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). This plan is a nonqualified, 

unfunded supplementary retirement plan. This plan is frozen to all participants, and current MIP participants are eligible to participate in the MSP.

The company also provides certain health care benefits to eligible retirees and their dependents.

Funded Status

Accumulated pension assets measured against the obligation for pension benefits represents the funded status of a given plan. The funded status of 

Sysco’s company-sponsored defined benefit plans is presented in the table below. The caption “Pension Benefits” in the tables below includes both the 

Retirement Plan and the SERP.

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Plans

June 27, 2015

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

3,679,127

$

$

July 2, 2016

(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Amendments
Actuarial (gain) loss, net
Total disbursements(1)
Benefit obligation at end of year
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contribution(1)
Total disbursements(1)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
FUNDED STATUS AT END OF YEAR
(1)  Other Postretirement Plan amounts are the net of participant paid premiums and company paid claims.

$

11,815    
174,602    

-

517,070  
(97,838)
4,284,776  

3,003,128    
52,268    
157,482    
(97,838)
3,115,040    
(1,169,736) $

64

3,671,708   $
11,263  
171,120  

914
(86,129)
(89,749)
3,679,127  

2,937,519  
80,225  
75,133  
(89,749)
3,003,128  
(675,999)

13,016   $
547    
622    
-    
(1,348)   
608  
13,445    

-    
-    
(608)   
608  
-

12,611  
536  
590  
-  
(1,050) 
329
13,016  

-  
-  
(329) 
329
-
(13,016)

$

(13,445) $

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In order to meet a portion of its obligations under the SERP, Sysco has contributed to a rabbi trust, COLI policies on the lives of participants and interests 

in corporate-owned real estate assets. These assets are not included as plan assets or in the funded status amounts in the tables above and below. The 

life insurance policies on the lives of the participants had carrying values of $97.0 million as of July 2, 2016 and $97.2 million as of June 27, 2015. Sysco 

is the sole owner and beneficiary of such policies. 

The amounts recognized on Sysco’s consolidated balance sheets related to its company-sponsored defined benefit plans are as follows:

(In thousands)
Current accrued benefit liability (Accrued expenses)
Non-current accrued benefit liability (Other long-term liabilities)
NET AMOUNT RECOGNIZED

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

$

$

(29,480) $

(1,140,256)
(1,169,736) $

(27,942)
(648,057)
(675,999)

$

$

(300) $

(13,145)
(13,445) $

(327)
(12,689)
(13,016)

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Plans

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) as of July 2, 2016 consists of the following amounts that had not, as of that date, been recognized in 

net benefit cost:

(In thousands)
Prior service cost
Actuarial losses (gains)
TOTAL

Other 
Postretirement 
Plans

Pension Benefits
$

38,907 $

1,760,556  
1,799,463 $

$

562   $

(7,769)
(7,207) $

Total

39,469
1,752,787
1,792,256

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) as of June 27, 2015 consists of the following amounts that had not, as of that date, been recognized in 

net benefit cost:

(In thousands)
Prior service cost
Actuarial losses (gains)
TOTAL

Other 
Postretirement 
Plans

Pension Benefits
$

50,109 $

1,101,051  
1,151,160 $

$

730   $

(6,903)
(6,173) $

Total

50,839
1,094,148
1,144,987

The accumulated benefit obligation, which does not consider any salary increases for the remaining active union employees in the Retirement Plan, for the 

company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans was $4.3 billion and $3.7 billion as of July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, respectively.

Information for plans with accumulated benefit obligation/aggregate benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets is as follows:

(In thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation/aggregate benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
(1) 

Information under Pension Benefits as of July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015 includes both the Retirement Plan and the SERP.

Pension Benefits(1)

Other Postretirement Plans

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

$

4,272,547 $
3,115,040  

3,667,031
3,003,128  

$

13,445 $

-  

13,016
-

Components of Net Benefit Costs and Other Comprehensive Income

The components of net company-sponsored pension costs for each fiscal year are as follows:

(In thousands)
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss
NET PENSION (BENEFITS) COSTS

The components of other postretirement benefit costs for each fiscal year are as follows:

(In thousands)
Service cost
Interest cost
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial gain
NET OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT COSTS

$

$

$

$

Pension Benefits

2016

2015

2014

11,815   $

11,263   $

174,602    
(216,888)

11,201    
22,186    
2,916

$

171,120    
(228,624)

11,111    
19,871    
(15,259) $

9,657  
160,436  
(192,795)
11,145  
16,327  
4,770

Other Postretirement Plans

2016

2015

2014

547   $
622    
168  
(481)
856

$

536   $
590    
168  
(434)
860

$

546 
748 
168
(143) 

1,319

65

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) related to company-sponsored pension plans for 

each fiscal year are as follows:

(In thousands)
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss
Prior service cost arising in current year
Actuarial (loss) gain arising in current year
NET PENSION COSTS

Pension Benefits

2016

2015

2014

$

$

11,202   $
22,186    

-
(681,691)
(648,303) $

11,111  $
19,871 
(914)
(62,270)
(32,202) $

11,145 
16,327 
347
(210,978)
(183,159)

Other changes in benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income related to other postretirement plans for each fiscal year are as follows:

(In thousands)
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial gain
Actuarial (loss) gain arising in current year
NET PENSION COSTS

2016

Other Postretirement Plans
2015

2014

$

$

168   $
(481)
1,348  
1,035

$

168   $
(434)
1,050  
784

$

168  
(143)
3,280
3,305

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) as of July 2, 2016 that are expected to be recognized as components of net 

company-sponsored benefit cost during fiscal 2016 are:

(In thousands)
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)
TOTAL

Employer Contributions

Other  
Postretirement 
Plans

Pension Benefits
$

11,202 $
41,511  
52,713 $

$

168   $
(559)
(391) $

Total

11,370
40,952
52,322

The company made cash contributions to its company-sponsored pension plans of $157.5 million and $75.1 million in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

The $130 million contribution to the Retirement Plan in fiscal 2016 was voluntary, as there were no required contributions to meet ERISA minimum funding 

requirements in fiscal 2016. There are no required contributions to the Retirement Plan to meet ERISA minimum funding requirements in fiscal 2017. 

The company’s contributions to the SERP and other post-retirement plans are made in the amounts needed to fund current year benefit payments. The 

estimated fiscal 2017 contributions to fund benefit payments for the SERP and other postretirement plans are $29.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated future benefit payments for vested participants, based on actuarial assumptions, are as follows:

(In thousands)
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Subsequent five years

Assumptions

Pension Benefits
$

116,129 $
125,709  
135,790  
146,513  
157,163  
942,907  

Other 
Postretirement 
Plans

300
578
887
1,105
1,240
6,437

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of year-end were:

Discount rate — Retirement Plan
Discount rate — SERP
Discount rate — Other Postretirement Plans
Rate of compensation increase — Retirement Plan

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

4.07%
3.91  
4.07  
2.62  

4.84%
4.63  
4.84  
3.89  

As benefit accruals under the SERP are frozen, future pay is not projected in the determination of the benefit obligation as of July 2, 2016 or June 27, 2015. 

66

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net company-sponsored pension costs and other postretirement benefit costs for each fiscal year were:

Discount rate — Retirement Plan
Discount rate — SERP
Discount rate — Other Postretirement Plans
Expected rate of return — Retirement Plan
Rate of compensation increase — Retirement Plan

2016

2015

2014

4.84%
4.63%
4.84%
7.25%
3.89%

4.74%
4.59%
4.74%
7.75%
3.89%

5.32%
4.94% 
5.32%
7.75%
3.89%

A healthcare cost trend rate is not used in the calculations of postretirement benefit obligations because Sysco subsidizes the cost of postretirement 

medical coverage by a fixed dollar amount, with the retiree responsible for the cost of coverage in excess of the subsidy, including all future cost increases.

For guidance in determining the discount rate, Sysco calculates the implied rate of return on a hypothetical portfolio of high-quality fixed-income investments for 

which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximates the estimated payouts of the company-sponsored pension plans. The discount rate assumption 

is updated annually and revised as deemed appropriate. The discount rate to be used for the calculation of fiscal 2017 net company-sponsored benefit 

costs for the Retirement Plan is 4.07%. The discount rate to be used for the calculation of fiscal 2017 net company-sponsored benefit costs for the SERP 

is 3.91%. The discount rate to be used for the calculation of fiscal 2017 net company-sponsored benefit costs for the Other Postretirement Plans is 4.07%.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption is net return on assets assumption, representing gross return on assets less plan expenses. 

The expected return is derived from a mathematical asset model that incorporates assumptions as to the various asset class returns, reflecting a combination 

of rigorous historical performance analysis and the forward-looking views of the financial markets regarding the yield on bonds, the historical returns of 

the major stock markets and returns on alternative investments. The rate of return assumption is reviewed annually and revised as deemed appropriate. 

The expected long-term rate of return to be used in the calculation of fiscal 2017 net company-sponsored benefit costs for the Retirement Plan is 7.25%.

Plan Assets

Investment Strategy

The company’s overall strategic investment objectives for the Retirement Plan are to preserve capital for future benefit payments and to balance risk and 

return commensurate with ongoing changes in the valuation of plan liabilities. Over time, the company intends to decrease the risk of the Retirement Plan’s 

investments in order to preserve the Retirement Plan’s funded status. In order to accomplish these objectives, the company oversees the Retirement Plan’s 

investment objectives and policy design, decides proper plan asset class strategies and structures, monitors the performance of plan investment managers 

and investment funds and determines the proper investment allocation of pension plan contributions. The company has created an investment structure 

for the Retirement Plan that takes into account the nature of the Retirement Plan’s liabilities. This structure ensures the Retirement Plan’s investments are 

diversified within each asset class, in addition to being diversified across asset classes with the intent to build asset class portfolios that are structured 

without strategic bias for or against any subcategories within each asset class. The company has also created a set of investment guidelines for the 

Retirement Plan’s investment managers to specify prohibited transactions, including borrowing of money except for real estate, private equity or hedge 

fund portfolios where leverage is a key component of the investment strategy and permitted in the investments’ governing documents, the purchase of 

securities on margin unless fully collateralized by cash or cash equivalents or short sales, pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating of any securities, except 

for loans of securities that are fully collateralized, market timing transactions and the direct purchase of the securities of Sysco or the investment manager. 

The purchase or sale of derivatives for speculation or leverage is also prohibited; however, investment managers are allowed to use derivative securities 

so long as they do not increase the risk profile or leverage of the manager’s portfolio.

The company’s target and actual investment allocation as of July 2, 2016 is as follows:

U.S. equity
International equity
Long duration fixed income
High yield & emerging markets
Alternative investments

Target Asset 
Allocation

Actual Asset 
Allocation

24%
24  
27  
7  
18  

25%
23  
27  
7  
18  
100%

Sysco’s investment strategy is implemented through a combination of balanced and specialized investment managers, passive investment funds and actively-

managed investment funds. U.S. equity consists of both large-cap and small-to-mid-cap securities. Long duration fixed income investments include U.S. 

government and agency securities, corporate bonds from diversified industries, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, other debt securities 

and derivative securities. High yield fixed income consists of below investment grade corporate debt securities and may include derivative securities. Alternative 

investments may include private equity, private real estate, hedge funds, timberland, and commodities investments. Investment funds are selected based on 

each fund’s stated investment strategy to align with Sysco’s overall target mix of investments. Actual asset allocation is regularly reviewed and periodically 

rebalanced to the target allocation when considered appropriate.

67

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary DataPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

As discussed above, the Retirement Plan’s investments in equities, debt instruments and alternative investments provide a range of returns and also expose 

the plan to investment risk. However, the investment policies put in place by the company require diversification of plan assets across issuers, industries and 

countries. As such, the Retirement Plan does not have significant concentrations of risk in plan assets.

Fair Value of Plan Assets

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 (i.e. an exit price). See Note 5, “Fair Value Measurements,” for a description of the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to 

valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities held by Sysco’s 

Retirement Plan measured at fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents: Valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these investments. Cash and cash 

equivalents is included as a Level 1 measurement in the table below.

Equity securities: Valued at the closing price reported on the exchange market. If a stock is not listed on a public exchange, such as an American Depository 

Receipt or some preferred stocks, the stock is valued using an evaluated bid price based on a compilation of observable market information. Inputs used 

include yields, the underlying security “best price”, adjustments for corporate actions and exchange prices of underlying and common stock of the same 

issuer. Equity securities valued at the closing price reported on the exchange market are classified as a Level 1 measurement in the table below.

Fixed income securities: Valued using evaluated bid prices based on a compilation of observable market information or a broker quote in a non-active market. 
Inputs used vary by type of security, but include spreads, yields, rate benchmarks, rate of prepayment, cash flows, rating changes and collateral performance 

and type. All fixed income securities are included as a Level 2 measurement in the table below.

Investment funds: Represents collective trust and funds holding debt, equity, hedge funds, private equity funds, and exchange-traded real estate securities 

which are valued at the net asset value (NAV) provided by the manager of each fund. The NAV is calculated as the underlying net assets owned by the 

fund, divided by the number of shares outstanding. The NAV is based on the fair value of the underlying securities within the fund. Non-exchange traded 

real estate funds are valued based on the proportionate interest held by the Retirement Plan, which is based on the valuations of the underlying real estate 

investments held by each fund. Each real estate investment is valued on the basis of a discounted cash flow approach. Inputs used include future rental 

receipts, expenses and residual values from a market participant view of the highest and best use of the real estate as rental property. The private equity funds 

are valued based on the proportionate interest held by the Retirement Plan, which is based on the valuations of the underlying private equity investments 

held by each fund. The hedge funds are valued based on the hedge funds’ proportionate share of the net assets of the underlying private investment fund as 

determined by the underlying private investment fund’s general partner. Indirectly-held investments are valued utilizing the latest financial reports supplied by 

the fund’s portfolio investments. Directly-held investments are valued initially based on transaction price and are adjusted utilizing available market data and 

investment-specific factors, such as estimates of liquidation value, prices of recent transactions in the same or similar issuer, current operating performance 

and future expectations of the particular investment, changes in market outlook and the financing environment.

Derivatives: Valuation method varies by type of derivative security.

 • Credit default and interest rate swaps: Valued using evaluated bid prices based on a compilation of observable market information. Inputs used for credit 
default swaps include spread curves and trade data about the credit quality of the counterparty. Inputs used for interest rate swaps include benchmark 

yields, swap curves, cash flow analysis, and interdealer broker rates. Credit default and interest rate swaps are included as a Level 2 measurement in 

the table below.

 • Foreign currency contracts: Valued using a standardized interpolation model that utilizes the quoted prices for standard-length forward foreign currency 
contracts and adjusts to the remaining term outstanding on the contract being valued. Foreign currency contracts are included as a Level 2 measurement 

in the table below.

 • Futures and option contracts: Valued at the closing price reported on the exchange market for exchange-traded futures and options. Over-the-counter 
options are valued using pricing models that are based on observable market information. Exchange-traded futures and options are included as a Level 

1 measurement in the table below; over-the-counter options are included as a Level 2 measurement.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net 

Asset Value Per Share (or its Equivalent), ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy investments for which fair 

values are estimated using the NAV practical expedient provided by Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurement. Disclosures about 

investments in certain entities that calculate NAV per share are limited under ASU 2015-07 to those investments for which the entity has elected to estimate 
the fair value using the NAV practical expedient. ASU 2015-07 is effective for entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, which is fiscal 

2017 for Sysco, with retrospective application to all periods presented. Early application is permitted. Sysco has elected to adopt ASU 2015-07 early.

68

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following table presents the fair value of the Retirement Plan’s assets by major asset category as of July 2, 2016:

(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. equity(1)
International equity(1)
Long duration fixed income:

Corporate bonds
U.S. government and agency securities
Other(2)

High yield and emerging markets fixed income(3)
Alternative investment funds

Assets Measured at Fair Value as of July 2, 2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

103,974   $
451,826    
174,936    

-   $
-    
-    

-
-
-
-

631,927    
179,974    
4,246    
-    

Measured at NAV(4)
$

- $
270,501  
547,719

-
-
-

214,735  

-
-
-

-
-
-
-

Total

103,974  
722,327  
722,655  

631,927  
179,974  
4,246  
214,735  

Hedge fund of funds(5)
Real estate funds(6)
Private equity funds(7)

309,208  
162,901  
63,093  
3,115,040  
Include direct investments in equity securities and within investment funds for which fair value is measured at NAV. There are no unfunded commitments as of July 2, 2016, and there were no 
redemption restrictions as of July 2, 2016. Investments in the funds may be redeemed once per day. 
Include credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and futures. The fair value of asset positions totaled $0.3 million; the fair value of liability positions totaled $0.3 million.

(2) 
(3)  There was no unfunded commitments as of July 2, 2016, and there were no redemption restrictions as of July 2, 2016. The investment may be redeemed once per day. The daily maximum 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE
(1) 

309,208  
162,108  
63,093  
1,567,364 $

-    
-    
-    
816,147   $

-
793  
-

731,529 $

-
-
-
-

$

$

(4) 

withdrawal limitation is greater of $2.0 million or 5% of the asset value.
Include certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table 
are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

(5)  There was no unfunded commitments as of July 2, 2016, and there were no redemption restrictions as of July 2, 2016. The investment may be redeemed once per quarter. 
(6)  For investments in the funds listed in this category, total unfunded commitment as of July 2, 2016 was $10.0 million. Approximately 20% of the investments cannot be redeemed but the fund 
will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation period for these funds varies from 2020 to 2021. The remaining investments may be redeemed once per day or once 
per quarter.

(7)  Total unfunded commitment as of July 2, 2016 was $39.0 million. The investments cannot be redeemed but the fund will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation 

period varies for each fund from 2016 to 2030.

The following table presents the fair value of the Retirement Plan’s assets by major asset category as of June 27, 2015:

(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. equity(1)
International equity(1)
Long duration fixed income:

Corporate bonds
U.S. government and agency securities
Other
Derivatives, net(2)

High yield and emerging markets fixed income(3)
Alternative investments:
Hedge fund of funds(5)
Real estate funds(6)
Private equity funds(7)

Assets Measured at Fair Value as of June 27, 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

24,322   $
391,322    
315,148    

-   $
333,710    
-    

-
-
-
-
-

572,100    
183,893    
4,343    
1,078    
-

Measured at NAV(4)
$

- $
-
421,214

-
-
-
-
204,175

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

Total

24,322  
725,032  
736,362  

572,100  
183,893  
4,343  
1,078  

204,175

335,265
163,668
52,890
3,003,128  
Include direct investments in equity securities and within investment funds for which fair value is measured at NAV. There were no redemption restrictions as of June 27, 2015. Investments in 
the funds may be redeemed once per day. 
Include credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and futures. The fair value of asset positions totaled $1.4 million; the fair value of liability positions totaled $0.3 million.

(2) 
(3)  There were no redemption restrictions as of June 27, 2015. The investment may be redeemed once per day. The daily maximum withdrawal limitation is greater of $2.0 million or 5% of the 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE
(1) 

335,265
163,668
52,890
1,177,212 $

1,095,124   $

730,792 $

-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-
-
-

$

$

(4) 

asset value.
Include certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table 
are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

(5)  There were no redemption restrictions as of June 27, 2015. The investment may be redeemed once per quarter. 
(6)  Approximately 23% of the investments cannot be redeemed but the fund will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation period for these funds varies from 2020 to 

2021. The remaining investments may be redeemed once per day or once per quarter. 

(7)  The investments cannot be redeemed but the fund will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation period varies for each fund from 2016 to 2030.

69

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 15  Multiemployer Employee Benefit Plans 

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Sysco contributes to several multiemployer defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and Canada based on obligations arising under collective bargaining 

agreements covering union-represented employees. Expense is recognized at the time the contribution is made. Sysco does not directly manage these 

multiemployer plans, which are generally managed by boards of trustees, half of whom are appointed by the unions and the other half appointed by 

Sysco and the other employers contributing to the plan. Approximately 9% of Sysco’s current employees are participants in such multiemployer plans as 

of July 2, 2016.

The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

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

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

 • If Sysco chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer plans, Sysco may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded 

status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

 Based upon the information available from plan administrators, management believes that several of these multiemployer plans are underfunded. In addition, 

pension-related legislation in the U.S. requires underfunded pension plans to improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of 

their underfunding. As a result, Sysco expects its contributions to these plans to increase in the future. In addition, if a U.S. multiemployer defined benefit 

plan fails to satisfy certain minimum funding requirements, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may impose a nondeductible excise tax of 5% on the amount 

of the accumulated funding deficiency for those employers contributing to the fund.

Potential Withdrawal Liability

 Under current law regarding multiemployer defined benefit plans, a plan’s termination, Sysco’s voluntary withdrawal, or the mass withdrawal of all contributing 

employers from any underfunded multiemployer defined benefit plan would require Sysco to make payments to the plan for Sysco’s proportionate share 

of the multiemployer plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. Generally, Sysco does not have the greatest share of liability among the participants in any of the 

plans in which it participates. Sysco believes that one of the above-mentioned events is reasonably possible for certain plans in which it participates and 

estimates its share of withdrawal liability for these plans could have been as much as $86.0 million as of July 2, 2016. This estimate excludes plans for 

which Sysco has recorded withdrawal liabilities or where the likelihood of the above-mentioned events is deemed remote. This estimate is based on the 

information available from plan administrators, which had a valuation date of December 31, 2013 and January 1, 2015 for a majority of the plans. As the 

valuation date for all of these plans was December 31, 2013 and January 1, 2015, the company’s estimate reflects the condition of the financial markets 

as of that date. Due to the lack of current information, management believes Sysco’s current share of the withdrawal liability could materially differ from 

this estimate.

Plan Contributions

 Sysco’s contributions to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans were as follows for each fiscal year:

(In thousands)
Individually significant plans
All other plans
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS

2016

2015

2014

$

$

33,787 $
7,260  
41,047 $

32,097 $
6,047  
38,144 $

30,402
45,627
76,029

There were no payments for voluntary withdrawals included in contributions in fiscal 2016. Payments in fiscal 2015 and 2014 were $1.4 million and  

$40.8 million, respectively. 

Individually Significant Plans

 The information in the following tables relate to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans which Sysco has determined to be individually significant 

to the company. To determine individually significant plans, the company evaluated several factors, including Sysco’s significance to the plan in terms of 

employees and contributions, the funded status of the plan and the size of company’s potential withdrawal liability if it were to voluntarily withdraw from 

the plan.

70

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following table provides information about the funded status of individually significant plans:

 • The “EIN-PN” column provides the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number (PN). 

 • The “Pension Protection Act Zone Status” columns provide the two most recent Pension Protection Act zone statuses available from each plan. The 
zone status is based on information that the company received from the plan’s administrators and is certified by each plan’s actuary. Among other 

factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the orange zone are both less than 80% funded and have an accumulated 

funding deficiency or are expected to have a deficiency in any of the next six plan years, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans 

in the green zone are at least 80% funded. 

 • The “FIP/RP Status” column indicates whether a financial improvement plan (FIP) for yellow/orange zone plans or a rehabilitation plan (RP) for red zone 
plans is pending or implemented in the current year or was put in place in a prior year. A status of “Pending” indicates a FIP/RP has been approved 

but actual period covered by the FIP/RP has not begun. A status of “Implemented” means the period covered by the FIP/RP began in the current year 

or is ongoing. 

 • The “Surcharge Imposed” column indicates whether a surcharge was paid during the most recent annual period presented for the company’s contributions 
to each plan in the red zone. If the company’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with a plan satisfies the requirements of a pending but 

not yet implemented RP, then the payment of surcharges is not required and “No” will be reflected in this column. If the company’s current CBA with 

a plan does not yet satisfy the requirements of a pending but not yet implemented RP, then the payment of surcharges is required and “Yes” will be 

reflected in this column.

Pension Protection Act
Zone Status

Expiration
Date(s) 
of CBA(s)

Surcharge
Imposed
N/A

As of 12/31/16
Green

As of 12/31/15
Green

EIN-PN
91-6145047-001

Pension Fund
Western Conference of Teamsters  
Pension Plan
Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of  
Philadelphia and Vicinity
New York State Teamsters Conference 
Pension and Retirement Fund
Truck Drivers and Helpers Local  
Union No. 355 Retirement Pension Fund
Minneapolis Food Distributing Industry 
Pension Plan
(1)  Sysco is party to 23 CBAs that require contributions to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. Each agreement covers anywhere from less than 1% to 10% of the total 

FIP/RP Status
N/A

4/26/14 to 
11/7/20(1)
7/31/16 to 
7/20/20(2)

16-6063585-074

23-1511735-001

41-6047047-001

52-6043608-001

Implemented

Implemented

Implemented

Implemented

4/30/2017

8/8/2017

3/1/2019

Yellow

Yellow

Yellow

Yellow

Green

Green

Red(3)

Red

N/A

N/A

N/A

No

contributions Sysco is required to pay the fund.

(2)  Sysco is party to three CBAs that require contributions to the Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity. One agreement expires July 31, 2016 and covers approximately 5% 
of the total Contribution Sysco is required to pay the fund. The remaining two agreements expire July 20, 2020 and cover the remaining 95% of the total contributions Sysco is required to 
pay the fund.

(3)  This fund has failed a Critical and Declining Notice, which is a new status under the MPRA.

The following table provides information about the company’s contributions to individually significant plans:

 • The “Sysco Contributions” columns provide contribution amounts based on Sysco’s fiscal years, which may not coincide with the plans’ fiscal years. 

 • The “Sysco 5% of Total Plan Contributions” columns indicate whether Sysco was listed in the plan’s most recently filed Form 5500s as providing more 

than five percent of the total contributions to the plan, and the plan year-end is noted. 

Pension Fund
(In thousands)
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan
Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity  
N.Y. State Teamsters Conference Pension and  
Retirement Fund
Truck Drivers and Helpers Local Union No. 355 
Retirement Pension Fund
Minneapolis Food Distributing
Industry Pension Plan

$

Sysco Contributions

2016

2015

2014

24,684 $
2,375  
1,496  

23,268 $
2,233  
1,455  

2,237  

2,068  

2,996  

3,073  

21,893
1,977
1,444

1,874

3,214

For all of the plans noted in the table above, minimum contributions outside of the agreed upon contractual rate are not required.

Sysco 5% of Total Plan 
Contributions

Year Ending
12/31/15

Year Ending
12/31/14

No
No
No

No

Yes

No
No
No

Yes

Yes

71

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

 In addition to the contributions to the defined benefit pension plans described above, Sysco also contributes to several multiemployer plans that provide 

other postretirement benefits based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. These plans may 

provide medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health and other benefits to active employees and retirees as determined by the trustees of each plan. 

Sysco contributed to these plans $25.9 million in fiscal 2016, $28.5 million in fiscal 2015 and $29.7 million in fiscal 2014. There have been no significant 

changes that affect the comparability of fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 contributions.

NOTE 16  Shareholders’ Equity

Accelerated Share Repurchase Program

On September 23, 2015, the company entered into a Master Confirmation and Supplemental Confirmation (collectively, the ASR Agreement) with Goldman, 

Sachs & Co. (Goldman) relating to an accelerated share repurchase program (the ASR Program). Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Agreement, Sysco 

agreed to repurchase $1.5 billion of its common stock from Goldman.

 In connection with the ASR Program, the company paid $1.5 billion to Goldman on September 28, 2015, in exchange for 32,319,392 shares of the company’s 

outstanding common stock; however, the number of shares ultimately delivered to the company by Goldman was subject to adjustment based on the 

volume-weighted average share price of the company’s common stock during the term of the ASR Agreement, less an agreed discount. All purchases 

under the ASR Program were completed on May 23, 2016, resulting in Sysco receiving an additional 2,396,788 shares from Goldman at settlement.

 The receipt of 34,716,180 shares is included in Treasury stock and reduced the company’s weighted average common shares outstanding for fiscal 2016. 

The adjustment feature, which was based on the volume-weighted average share price, was considered a forward contract indexed to Sysco’s own 

common stock and met all of the applicable criteria for equity classification and, therefore, was not accounted for as a derivative instrument. 

NOTE 17  Earnings Per Share 

 The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Numerator:
Net earnings
Denominator:

Weighted-average basic shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of share-based awards
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

2016

2015

2014

$

949,622 $

686,773 $

931,533

573,057,406  
4,334,000  
577,391,406  

592,072,308  
4,776,726  
596,849,034  

$
$

1.66 $
1.64 $

1.16 $
1.15 $

585,988,084
4,228,136
590,216,220
1.59
1.58

 The number of options that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was approximately 

3,586,927, 2,400,000 and 2,100,000 for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 Dividends declared were $695.5 million, $705.5 million and $673.6 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in dividends declared for 

each year were dividends declared but not yet paid at year-end of approximately $174.1 million, $178.3 million and $171.6 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 

2014, respectively.

72

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

NOTE 18  Other Comprehensive Income 

 Comprehensive income is net earnings plus certain other items that are recorded directly to shareholders’ equity, such as foreign currency translation 

adjustment, amounts related to cash flow hedging arrangements and certain amounts related to pension and other postretirement plans. Comprehensive 

income was $514.7 million, $406.2 million and $735.8 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

 A summary of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects for each of the periods presented is as follows: 

(In thousands)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), net

TOTAL RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments

Net actuarial (loss) gain, net arising in current year

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BEFORE 
RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS
Foreign currency translation:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Interest rate swaps:
Reclassification adjustments:

Location of Expense
(Income) Recognized
in Net Earnings

Before Tax
Amount

2016

Tax

Net of Tax
Amount

Operating expenses
Operating expenses

$

$

11,351
21,677
33,028

4,359   $
8,325
12,684

6,992  
13,352
20,344

(681,034)

(261,517)

(419,517)

(681,034)

(261,517)

(419,517)

N/A

(39,080)

-

(39,080)

Amortization of cash flow hedges

Interest expense

11,543    

4,432  

7,111  

Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments:

Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(6,134)
(681,677) $

(2,355)
(246,756) $

(3,779)
(434,921)

$

(In thousands)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), net

TOTAL RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustment

Prior service cost arising in the current year
Net actuarial (loss) gain, net arising in the current year
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BEFORE 
RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS
Foreign currency translation:
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments:

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Interest rate swaps:
Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of cash flow hedges

N/A
N/A

N/A

Location of Expense
(Income) Recognized
in Net Earnings

Before Tax
Amount

2015

Tax

Net of Tax
Amount

Operating expenses
Operating expenses

$

11,279   $
19,437
30,716

4,331   $
7,464
11,795

6,948  
11,973
18,921

(563)
(37,712)

(914)
(61,221)

(351)
(23,509)

(62,135)

(23,860)

(38,275)

(232,185)

-

(232,185)

Interest expense

8,305

3,189

5,116

Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

N/A

(55,374)   
(310,673) $

$

(21,263)   
(30,139) $

(34,111)
(280,534)

73

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), net

TOTAL RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
Prior service cost arising in the current year
Net actuarial loss (gain) arising in the current year
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BEFORE 
RECLASSIFICATION ADJUSTMENTS
Foreign currency translation:
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments:

Location of Expense
(Income) Recognized
in Net Earnings

Before Tax 
Amount

2014

Tax

Net of Tax 
Amount

Operating expenses
Operating expenses

$

11,313   $
16,184  
27,497

4,343   $
6,216  

10,559

6,970  
9,968  

16,938

347
(207,698)

133
(79,756)

214
(127,942)

(207,351)

(79,623)

(127,728)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

N/A

(3,106)

-

(3,106)

Interest rate swaps:
Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of cash flow hedges

Interest expense

625  

240  

385

Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

N/A

(133,466)
(315,801) $

(51,251)
(120,075) $

(82,215)
(195,726)

$

 The following tables provide a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the periods presented:

(In thousands)
Balance as of June 29, 2013
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  
Balance as of June 28, 2014
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  
Balance as of June 27, 2015
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  
BALANCE AS OF JULY 2, 2016

$

$

Pension 
and Other 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans,
net of tax

Foreign 
Currency 
Translation

Interest Rate 
Swap, net of tax

Total

(575,167) $
(127,728)

16,938    

(685,957)

(38,275)   
18,921    
(705,311)   
(419,517)

20,344  

137,558   $
(3,106)   
-    
134,452    
(232,185)

-    

(97,733)
(39,080)   

- 

(1,104,484) $

(136,813) $

(9,328) $

(82,215)
385 
(91,158)
(34,111)

5,116    
(120,153)   
(3,779)   
7,111    
(116,821) $

(446,937)
(213,049)
17,323  
(642,663)
(304,571)
24,037  
(923,197)
(462,376)
27,455
(1,358,118)

74

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 19  Share-Based Compensation 

 Sysco provides compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors under several share-based payment arrangements including various 

employee stock long-term incentive plans, a non-employee director plan and the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Stock Incentive Plans

 In November 2013, Sysco’s Long-term Incentive Plan (2013 Plan) was adopted and reserved up to 55,600,000 shares of Sysco common stock for share-

based awards to employees, non-employee directors and key advisors. Of the 55,600,000 authorized shares, the full 55,600,000 shares may be issued as 

options or stock appreciation rights and up to 17,500,000 shares may be issued as restricted stock, restricted stock units or other types of stock-based 

awards. To date, Sysco has issued options and restricted stock units under the 2013 Plan. Vesting requirements for awards under the 2013 Plan vary by 

individual grant and may include either time-based vesting or time-based vesting subject to acceleration based on performance criteria for fiscal periods 

of at least one year. The contractual life of all options granted under the 2013 Plan are and will be no greater than ten years. As of July 2, 2016, there were 

38,535,843 remaining shares authorized and available for grant in total under the 2013 Plan, of which the full 38,535,843 shares may be issued as options 

or stock appreciation rights, or as a combination of up to 13,964,784 shares that may be issued as restricted stock, restricted stock units or other types 

of stock-based awards, with the remainder available for issuance as options or stock appreciation rights. 

 Sysco has also granted employee options under several previous employee stock option plans for which previously granted options remain outstanding 

as of July 2, 2016. No new options will be issued under any of the prior plans, as future grants to employees will be made through the 2013 Plan or 

subsequently adopted plans. Awards under these plans are subject to time-based vesting with vesting periods that vary by individual grant. The contractual 

life of all options granted under these plans is seven years.

 In November 2009, Sysco’s 2009 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan (2009 NED Plan) was adopted and provides for the issuance of up to  

750,000 shares of Sysco common stock as share-based awards to non-employee directors. The authorized shares may be granted as restricted stock, 

restricted stock units, elected shares or additional shares. Vesting requirements for awards under the 2009 NED Plan varies by individual grant and include 

either time-based vesting or vesting based on performance criteria. As of July 2, 2016, there were a total of 270,074 remaining shares authorized and 

available for grant under the 2009 NED Plan.

Stock Options

 Sysco’s option awards are subject to graded vesting over a requisite service period with compensation cost recognized on a straight-line basis over the 

requisite service period over the duration of the award.

 In addition, certain of Sysco’s options provide that the options continue to vest as if the optionee continued as an employee or director if the optionee meets 

certain age and years of service thresholds upon retirement. In these cases, Sysco will recognize compensation cost for such awards over the period from 

the grant date to the date the employee or director first becomes eligible to retire with the options continuing to vest after retirement.

 The fair value of each option award is estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected dividend yield is estimated 

based on the historical pattern of dividends and the average stock price for the year preceding the option grant. Expected volatility is based on historical 

volatility of Sysco’s stock, implied volatilities from traded options on Sysco’s stock and other factors. The risk-free rate for the expected term of the option 

is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Sysco utilizes historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination 

behavior within the valuation model; separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately in determining 

the expected life of awards for valuation purposes.

 The weighted average assumptions discussed above are noted in the table below for relevant periods as follows:

Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life

2016

2015

2014

3.1%
20.4%
2.0%

3.2%
20.7%
2.0%

3.5%
20.4%
2.1%

7.2 years

7.3 years

7.2 years

75

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following summary presents information regarding outstanding options as of July 2, 2016 and changes during the fiscal year then ended with regard 

to options under all stock incentive plans:

Outstanding as of June 27, 2015

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired

OUTSTANDING AS OF JULY 2, 2016
VESTED OR EXPECTED TO VEST AS OF JULY 2, 2016
EXERCISABLE AS OF JULY 2, 2016

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 
Per Share

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term (in years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
(in thousands)

31.28
40.63
28.62
34.20
25.79
34.13
35.94
30.60

6.03 $
7.19 $
3.78 $

352,493
203,100
147,080

Shares Under 
Option
25,792,378   $
4,367,764    
(8,154,705)
(756,775)
(20,334)
21,228,328
13,735,565
7,305,776

$
$
$

 The total number of employee options granted was 4,367,764, 4,497,954 and 5,575,645 in fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

 During fiscal 2016, 1,495,351 and 2,872,413 options were granted to 8 executive officers and approximately 169 other key employees, respectively. 

During fiscal 2015, 1,286,533 and 3,211,421 options were granted to 6 executive officers and approximately 173 other key employees, respectively. 

During fiscal 2014, 2,159,698 and 3,415,947 options were granted to 11 executive officers and 167 other key employees, respectively. 

 The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $5.99, $5.78 and $4.64, respectively. The total intrinsic 

value of options exercised during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $36.1 million, $21.6 million and $19.1 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

 During fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, restricted stock units of 1,257,889, 1,198,588 and 1,322,709 were granted to employees, respectively, the majority 

of which will vest ratably over a three-year period. Some of these restricted stock units were granted with dividend equivalents. The fair value of each 

restricted stock unit award granted with a dividend equivalent is based on the company’s stock price as of the date of grant. For restricted stock unit 

awards granted without dividend equivalents, the fair value was reduced by the present value of expected dividends as of the date of grant date during 

the vesting period. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $42.78, 

$37.59 and $33.39, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $43.4 million, $52.5 million 

and $39.4 million, respectively.

Non-Employee Director Awards

 During fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, restricted awards of 43,362, 37,035 and 43,119 were granted to non-employee directors (NED’s), respectively, that will 

vest over a one-year period. NED’s may elect to receive these awards in restricted stock shares that will vest at the end of the award stated vesting period or 

as deferred units that convert into shares of Sysco common stock on a date subsequent to the award stated vesting date selected by the NED. The fair value 

of the restricted awards is based on the company’s stock price as of the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value of the shares granted during 

fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $40.59, $38.89 and $33.40, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock shares vested and deferred units distributed 

during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Restricted stock shares are valued on their vesting date. Vested 

deferred units are valued on their subsequent conversion and distribution date.

 NED’s may elect to receive up to 100% of their annual directors’ fees in Sysco common stock on either an annual or deferred basis. Sysco provides a matching 

grant of 50% of the number of shares received for the stock election subject to certain limitations. As a result of such elections, a total of 25,185, 23,949 and 

24,565 shares with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $39.31, $38.26 and $34.59 per share were issued in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, 

in the form of fully vested common stock or deferred units. The total fair value of common stock issued as a result of election shares and deferred units 

distributed during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $1.0 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Common stock shares are valued on their vesting 

date. Vested deferred units are valued on their subsequent conversion and distribution date.

 As of July 2, 2016, there were 103,137 fully vested deferred units outstanding that will convert into shares of Sysco common stock upon dates selected by 

the respective NED.

76

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Non-vested Awards

 The following summary presents information regarding outstanding non-vested awards as of July 2, 2016 and changes during the fiscal year then ended 

with regard to these awards under the stock incentive plans. Award types represented include restricted stock units granted to employees and restricted 

awards granted to non-employee directors.

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Non-vested as of June 27, 2015

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

NON-VESTED AS OF JULY 2, 2016

Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan

Weighted 
Average Grant 
Date Fair Value 
Per Share

Shares

2,697,654   $
1,301,278    
(1,335,552)
(130,659)
2,532,721

$

34.37
42.71
33.69
35.98
38.93

 Sysco has an ESPP that permits employees to invest in Sysco common stock by means of periodic payroll deductions at a discount of 15% from the 

closing price on the last business day of each calendar quarter. The total number of shares which may be sold pursuant to the ESPP may not exceed 

79,000,000 shares, of which 9,935,892 remained available as of July 2, 2016.

 During fiscal 2016, 1,275,765 shares of Sysco common stock were purchased by the participants, as compared to 1,243,275 shares purchased in fiscal 

2015 and 1,315,535 shares purchased in fiscal 2014. The weighted average fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the ESPP 

was $6.04, $5.73 and $5.17 per share during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of the stock purchase rights was calculated as the 

difference between the stock price at date of issuance and the employee purchase price.

All Share-Based Payment Arrangements

 The total share-based compensation cost included in operating expenses in the consolidated results of operations was $79.5 million, $73.8 million and 

$74.3 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The total income tax benefit for share-based compensation arrangements was $30.7 million, 

$27.4 million and $28.1 million for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 As of July 2, 2016, there was $69.6 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-

average period of 2.42 years. 

 Cash received from option exercises and purchases of shares under the ESPP was $282.4 million, $240.2 million and $255.6 million during fiscal 2016, 

2015 and 2014, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $42.5 million, $20.7 million and $16.6 

million during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

NOTE 20 

Income Taxes

Income Tax Provisions

For financial reporting purposes, earnings before income taxes consists of the following:

(In thousands)
U.S.
Foreign
TOTAL

2016
1,225,142 $
207,865  
1,433,007 $

2015

818,244 $
189,903  
1,008,147 $

2014
1,287,371
188,253
1,475,624

$

$

77

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The income tax provision / (benefit) for each fiscal year consists of the following:

(In thousands)
U.S. federal income taxes
State and local income taxes
Foreign income taxes
TOTAL

The current and deferred components of the income tax provisions for each fiscal year are as follows:

(In thousands)
Current
Deferred
TOTAL

2016
429,658
34,032
19,695
483,385

$

$

$

$

2015
285,807
(2,737)
38,304
321,374

$

$

2014
433,795
55,736
54,560
544,091

2016

$ 385,183   $
98,202
$ 483,385

$

2015
327,639   $
(6,265)
321,374

$

2014
574,760  
(30,669)
544,091

 The deferred tax provisions result from the effects of net changes during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from temporary differences 

between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

 Significant components of Sysco’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:

Net operating loss state tax carryforwards
Benefit on unrecognized tax benefits
Pension
Share-based compensation
Deferred compensation
Self-insured liabilities
Receivables
Inventory
Cash flow hedge
Foreign currency remeasurement losses and currency hedge
Other
Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Excess tax depreciation and basis differences of assets
Goodwill and intangible assets
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities

TOTAL NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

July 2, 2016

June 27, 2015

$

$

66,471
12,842
453,394
43,698
38,840
67,050
41,574
24,138
7,421
47,632
29,550
832,610

346,900
254,202
51,130
652,232
180,378

$

$

47,958  
16,270  
264,780  
42,569  
35,573  
65,617  
38,410  
68,186  
74,900  
-  
29,667  
683,930  

381,875
224,943  
23,449  
630,267  
53,663

The company’s net operating tax loss carryforwards as of July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015 consisted primarily of state net operating tax loss carryforwards. 

The state net operating tax loss carryforwards outstanding as of July 2, 2016 expire in fiscal years 2017 through 2035. There were no valuation allowances 

recorded for the state tax loss carryforwards as of July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015 because management believes it is more likely than not that these 

benefits will be realized based on utilization forecasts. 

Effective Tax Rates

Reconciliations of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rates for each fiscal year are as follows:

U.S. statutory federal income tax rate
State and local income taxes, net of any applicable federal income tax benefit
Foreign tax rate differential
Uncertain Tax Position(1)
Other

(1)  Uncertain tax positions are included within “Other” for fiscal 2015 and 2014. 

2016

2015

2014

35.00%
1.79  
(2.40)
(1.96)
1.30
33.73%

35.00%
0.91  
(2.84)
-
(1.19)
31.88%

35.00%
2.82  
(1.66)
-
0.71
36.87%

78

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The effective tax rate of 33.7% for fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by the favorable resolution of tax contingencies resulting in tax benefits of  

$29.6 million ($10.6 million in tax and $19.0 million in interest). Costs associated with the redemption of the senior notes that had been issued in contemplation 

of the proposed merger with US Foods and charges incurred from the revision to the Company’s business technology strategy resulted in lower state 

taxes. Indefinitely reinvested earnings taxed at foreign statutory rates less than our domestic tax rate also had the impact of reducing the effective tax rate.

 The effective tax rate of 31.9% for fiscal 2015 was favorably impacted by lower earnings in the U.S. primarily from the termination of the US Foods merger 

agreement, litigation costs, merger integration planning costs and interest expense attributable to the proposed merger of $693 million for the fiscal year. 

These costs were attributed to the company’s U.S. earnings, which has the highest tax rate of all of the jurisdictions where it remits taxes. These losses 

created low levels of earnings in the U.S. and generated net operating losses in certain states, making the company’s indefinitely reinvested earnings in its 

foreign operations a more predominant factor in its effective tax rate because those operations have lower tax rates. Additionally, Sysco made the decision 

to amend a prior U.S. tax return in order to maximize a foreign tax credit as opposed to a foreign tax deduction which also created benefit in our effective 

tax rate.

 The effective tax rate of 36.9% for fiscal 2014 was negatively impacted primarily by two items. First, the company recorded tax expense of $6.2 million 

related to a non-deductible penalty that the company incurred. Second, the company recorded net tax expense of $5.2 million for tax and interest related 

to various federal, foreign and state uncertain tax positions. This negative impact was partially offset by the recording of $5.7 million of tax benefit related to 

disqualifying dispositions of Sysco stock pursuant to share-based compensation arrangements. Indefinitely reinvested earnings taxed at foreign statutory 

rates less than our domestic tax rate also had the impact of reducing the effective tax rate.

Uncertain Tax Positions

 A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:

(In thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
Additions for tax positions related to prior years
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities
UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS AT END OF YEAR

2016

2015

$

$

37,546   $
142  
(12,932)
(142)
24,614

$

49,180  
797  
(8,001)
(4,430)
37,546

 As of July 2, 2016, the gross amount of liability for accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $14.9 million. As of June 27, 

2015, the gross amount of liability for accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $33.4 million. The expense recorded for 

interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in fiscal 2016 fiscal 2015 was not material. 

 If Sysco were to recognize all unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of July 2, 2016, approximately $16.9 million of the $24.6 million reserve would 

reduce the effective tax rate. If Sysco were to recognize all unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of June 27, 2015, approximately $27.7 million of the  

$37.5 million reserve would reduce the effective tax rate. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits with respect to certain 

of the company’s unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease in the next twelve months either because Sysco’s positions are sustained on audit 

or because the company agrees to their disallowance. Items that may cause changes to unrecognized tax benefits primarily include the consideration of 

various filing requirements in various states and the allocation of income and expense between tax jurisdictions. In addition, the amount of unrecognized tax 

benefits recognized within the next twelve months may decrease due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain years in various jurisdictions; 

however, it is possible that a jurisdiction may open an audit on one of these years prior to the statute of limitations expiring. At this time, an estimate of the 

range of the reasonably possible change cannot be made. 

 Sysco’s federal tax returns for 2006 and subsequent tax years have been audited and/or have statutes of limitations that remain open for audit. As of 

July 2, 2016, Sysco’s tax returns in the majority of the state and local jurisdictions and Canada are no longer subject to audit for the years before 2009. 

However, in Canada, the company remains open to transfer pricing adjustments back to 2003 for some entities. Certain tax jurisdictions require partial 

to full payment on audit assessments or the posting of letters of credit in order to proceed to the appeals process. Although the outcome of tax audits 

is generally uncertain, the company believes that adequate amounts of tax, including interest and penalties, have been accrued for any adjustments that 

may result from those open years. 

Other

 Undistributed income of certain consolidated foreign subsidiaries at July 2, 2016 amounted to $1.2 billion, for which no deferred U.S. income tax provision 

has been recorded because Sysco intends to indefinitely reinvest such income in those foreign operations. An estimate of any U.S. income or foreign 

withholding taxes that may be applicable upon actual or deemed repatriation is not practical due to the complexities associated with the hypothetical 

calculation.

79

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 21  Commitments And Contingencies 

Legal Proceedings

 Sysco is engaged in various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss for these legal proceedings, 

based on definitions within contingency accounting literature, ranges from remote to reasonably possible to probable. When probable and reasonably 

estimable, the losses have been accrued. Based on estimates of the range of potential losses associated with these matters, management does not 

believe the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial 

position or results of operations of the company. However, the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and if the company 

failed to prevail in one or more of these legal matters, and the associated realized losses were to exceed the company’s current estimates of the range of 

potential losses, the company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations could be materially adversely affected in future periods.

Fuel Commitments

 Sysco routinely enters into forward purchase commitments for a portion of its projected diesel fuel requirements. As of July 2, 2016, we had forward diesel 

fuel commitments totaling approximately $84.9 million through May 2017. 

Other Commitments

 Sysco has committed to aggregate product purchases for resale in order to benefit from a centralized approach to purchasing. A majority of these 

agreements expire within one year; however, certain agreements have terms through fiscal 2021. These agreements commit the company to a minimum 

volume at various pricing terms, including fixed pricing, variable pricing or a combination thereof. Minimum amounts committed to as of July 2, 2016 totaled 

approximately $1.8 billion. Minimum amounts committed to by year are as follows:

(In thousands)
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

$

Amount

1,508,018
318,231
2,863
2,863
1,443

 Sysco has contracts with various third party service providers to receive information technology services. The services have been committed for periods  

up to fiscal 2019 and may be extended. As of July 2, 2016, the total remaining cost of the services over that period is expected to be approximately  

$418.3 million. A portion of this committed amount may be reduced by Sysco utilizing less than estimated resources and can be increased by Sysco 

utilizing more than estimated resources. Certain agreements allow adjustments for inflation. Sysco may also cancel a portion or all of the services provided 

subject to termination fees that decrease over time. If Sysco were to terminate all of the services in fiscal 2017, the estimated termination fees incurred in 

fiscal 2017 would be approximately $21.8 million.

NOTE 22  Business Segment Information 

 The company has aggregated certain of its operating companies into two reporting segments, Broadline and SYGMA in accordance with the accounting 

literature related to disclosures about segments of an enterprise. The Broadline reportable segment is an aggregation of the company’s Broadline segments 

located in the Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Mexico and the United States. Broadline operating companies distribute a full line of food products 

and a wide variety of non-food products to both traditional and chain restaurant customers, hospitals, schools, hotels, industrial caterers and other venues 

where foodservice products are served. SYGMA operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to 

certain chain restaurant customer locations. “Other” financial information is attributable to the company’s other operating segments, including the company’s 

specialty produce, custom-cut meat operations, lodging industry segments, a company that distributes specialty imported products, a company that 

distributes to international customers and the company’s Sysco Ventures platform, which includes a suite of technology solutions that help support the 

business needs of Sysco’s customers. In fiscal 2015, our leadership structure was realigned and now our custom-cut meat operations no longer report 

through our Broadline leadership. As a result, these operations are no longer included in our Broadline segment and are now reported in “Other.” Prior year 

amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those disclosed by Sysco for its consolidated financial statements. Intersegment sales primarily 

represent products the Broadline and SYGMA operating companies procured from the specialty produce, custom-cut meat operations, imported specialty 

products and a company that distributes to international customers. Management evaluates the performance of each of the operating segments based 

on its respective operating income results. Corporate expenses generally include all expenses of the corporate office and Sysco’s shared service center. 

These also include all share-based compensation costs.

80

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
The following tables set forth certain financial information for Sysco’s business segments:

(In thousands)
Sales:
Broadline
SYGMA
Other
Intersegment sales
TOTAL
Operating income:
Broadline
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate expenses
Total operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Depreciation and amortization
Broadline
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate
TOTAL
Capital Expenditures
Broadline
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate
TOTAL
Assets:
Broadline
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate
TOTAL

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2016

Fiscal Year

2015

2014

39,892,893  $
6,102,328 
5,919,611 
(1,547,913)
50,366,919

$

38,652,211  $
6,076,215 
5,270,518 
(1,318,192)
48,680,752

$

2,831,742  $
27,656 
157,511 
3,016,909 
(1,166,409)
1,850,500 
306,146 
111,347  

1,433,007

$

2,567,954  $
20,521 
135,885 
2,724,360 
(1,494,998)
1,229,362 
254,807 
(33,592)
1,008,147

$

265,849  $
31,792 
56,602 
354,243 
308,467 
662,710

$

142,607  $
31,811 
85,131 
259,549 
267,797 
527,346

$

278,553  $
29,753 
54,086 
362,392 
190,629 
553,021

$

199,831  $
36,948 
69,193 
305,972 
236,858 
542,830

$

36,808,051 
6,177,804 
4,678,954 
(1,148,097)
46,516,712

2,426,908 
38,048 
142,419 
2,607,375 
(1,020,253)
1,587,122 
123,741 
(12,243)
1,475,624

296,267 
28,164 
41,704 
366,135 
189,927 
556,062

276,314 
34,671 
101,128 
412,113 
111,093 
523,206

7,778,300  $
541,796 
1,577,023 
9,897,119 
6,824,685 
16,721,804

$

7,730,239  $
512,044 
1,415,038 
9,657,321 
8,331,960 
17,989,281

$

8,611,776 
513,587 
1,379,910 
10,505,273 
2,635,840 
13,141,113

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

81

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The sales mix for the principal product categories for each fiscal year is as follows:

(In thousands)
Fresh and frozen meats
Canned and dry products
Frozen fruits, vegetables, bakery and other
Poultry
Dairy products
Fresh produce
Paper and disposables
Seafood
Beverage products
Janitorial products
Equipment and smallwares
Medical supplies
TOTAL

Information concerning geographic areas is as follows:

(In thousands)
Sales:
U.S.
Canada
Other
TOTAL
Long-lived assets:

U.S.
Canada
Other
TOTAL

2016
10,273,247 $
8,402,230
6,719,648
5,392,933
5,276,991
4,156,978
3,557,514
2,541,239
1,849,780
1,251,821
593,595
350,943
50,366,919 $

Fiscal Year

2015
10,080,290 $
7,999,250  
6,339,537  
5,189,496  
5,199,036  
3,828,298  
3,507,007  
2,490,523  
1,754,944  
1,102,855  
661,254  
528,262  
48,680,752 $

2014
8,809,148
8,383,007
6,196,362
4,814,949
4,956,895
3,725,108
3,438,074
2,401,021
1,671,000
1,050,187
678,454
392,507
46,516,712

2016

Fiscal Year
2015

2014

44,922,937 $
4,486,282  
957,700  
50,366,919 $

43,146,591 $
4,727,742  
806,419  
48,680,752 $

40,612,963
4,923,672
980,077
46,516,712

3,461,505 $
309,027  
109,910  
3,880,442 $

3,519,610 $
317,231  
145,302  
3,982,143 $

3,520,449
347,440
117,729
3,985,618

$

$

$

$

$

$

NOTE 23  Supplemental Guarantor Information - Subsidiary Guarantees

 On January 19, 2011, the wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries of Sysco Corporation entered into full and unconditional guarantees of all outstanding 

senior notes and debentures of Sysco Corporation. Borrowings under the company’s revolving credit facility supporting the company’s U.S. and Canadian 

commercial paper programs are also covered under these guarantees. As of July 2, 2016, Sysco had a total of $7.4 billion in senior notes, debentures 

and commercial paper outstanding that was covered by these guarantees. 

 All subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by the parent company, all guarantees are full and unconditional and all guarantees are joint and several, 

except that the guarantee of any subsidiary guarantor with respect to a series of senior notes or debentures may be released under certain customary 

circumstances. If we exercise our defeasance option with respect to the senior notes or debentures of any series, then any subsidiary guarantor effectively 

will be released with respect to that series. Further, each subsidiary guarantee will remain in full force and effect until the earliest to occur of the date, if 

any, on which (1) the applicable subsidiary guarantor shall consolidate with or merge into Sysco Corporation or any successor of Sysco Corporation or 

(2) Sysco Corporation or any successor of Sysco Corporation consolidates with or merges into the applicable subsidiary guarantor. 

 The following condensed consolidating financial statements present separately the financial position, comprehensive income and cash flows of the parent 

issuer (Sysco Corporation), the guarantors (the majority of the company’s U.S. Broadline subsidiaries), and all other non-guarantor subsidiaries of Sysco 

(Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries) on a combined basis with eliminating entries.

82

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$

(In thousands)
Current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Plant and equipment, net
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables (receivables)
Long-term debt
Other liabilities
Noncontrolling interest
Shareholders’ equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $

$
$

Sysco

$

3,440,206
6,484,258  
429,890  
213,186  

$
$

10,567,540
621,925
(1,348,425)
7,145,955  
878,834
-

3,269,251  

10,567,540

$

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
Jul. 2, 2016
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Certain U.S.
 Broadline
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

3,813,524 $
224,138  
1,587,702  
642,525  
6,267,889 $
111,728 $

2,097,508  
62,387  

248,493

-  
3,747,773  
6,267,889 $

2,800,169 $
(306,219) 
1,862,850  
1,931,752  
6,288,552 $
3,700,803 $
(749,083) 
128,588  
268,097

75,386  
2,864,761  
6,288,552 $

$

Consolidated
Totals
10,053,899
-
3,880,442
2,787,463
16,721,804
4,434,456
-
7,336,930
1,395,424
75,386
3,479,608
16,721,804

-
(6,402,177)
-
-

(6,402,177) $
$

-
-
-
-
-
(6,402,177)
(6,402,177) $

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 27, 2015
Other
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Certain U.S.
 Broadline
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

$

2,586,993 $

-   $

$

(In thousands)
Current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Plant and equipment, net
Other assets
TOTAL ASSETS
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables (receivables)
Long-term debt
Other liabilities
Noncontrolling interest
Shareholders’ equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $

$
$

Sysco
4,894,387 $
9,088,455  
510,285  
371,802  
14,864,929 $
5,851,364 $
973,497
2,154,923  
624,795  
-  
5,260,350  
14,864,929 $

4,012,924
-

1,694,659  
522,566  

6,230,149
1,658,558
(1,996,915)

$
$

10,121  
278,458  

-

6,279,927  
6,230,149

$

-  
1,777,199  
1,618,466  
5,982,658 $
1,889,693 $
1,023,418

106,781  
113,060  
41,304  
2,808,402  
5,982,658 $

(9,088,455)
-
-

(9,088,455) $
$

-
-
-
-
-
(9,088,455)
(9,088,455) $

Consolidated
Totals
11,494,304
-
3,982,143
2,512,834
17,989,281
9,399,615
-
2,271,825
1,016,313
41,304
5,260,224
17,989,281

83

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense (income)
Other expense (income), net
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
Income tax (benefit) provision
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income (loss)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense (income)
Other expense (income), net
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
Income tax (benefit) provision
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income (loss)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense (income)
Other expense (income), net
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
Income tax (benefit) provision
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income (loss)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

84

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Jul. 2, 2016
Other Non-
Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Certain U.S. 
Broadline 
Subsidiaries
$

Sysco

-
-
-
944,457
(944,457)
381,122
128,777
(1,454,356)
(490,579)
1,913,399
949,622
(434,921)
514,701

$

33,932,334
27,485,111
6,447,223
3,857,415
2,589,808
(145,852)
(1,876)
2,737,536
923,416
-
1,814,120
-
1,814,120

Eliminations
$ (1,678,388) $
(1,678,388)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,913,399)
(1,913,399)
149,875

18,112,973
15,519,724
2,593,249
2,388,100
205,149
70,876
(15,554)
149,827
50,548
-
99,279
(149,875)
(50,596) $ (1,763,524) $

Consolidated 
Totals
50,366,919
41,326,447
9,040,472
7,189,972
1,850,500
306,146
111,347
1,433,007
483,385
-
949,622
(434,921)
514,701

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
June 27, 2015
Other Non-
Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Certain U.S. 
Broadline 
Subsidiaries
$

Sysco

-
-
-

1,232,956  
(1,232,956)

323,918  
(9,496)
(1,547,378)
(493,263)
1,740,888  
686,773  
(280,534)
406,239

$

32,626,221
26,572,257  
6,053,964  
3,709,320  
2,344,644  
(108,233)
(3,609)
2,456,486  
783,066  

-

1,673,420  
-    

1,673,420

$

17,477,986   $ (1,423,455) $
14,980,434    
2,497,552    
2,379,878    
117,674    
39,122  
(20,487)
99,039    
31,571    

(1,423,455)
-
-
-    
-    
-    
-    
-    

-

67,468    

(1,740,888)
(1,740,888)

(232,185)
(164,717) $ (1,508,703) $

232,185    

Consolidated 
Totals
48,680,752  
40,129,236  
8,551,516  
7,322,154  
1,229,362  
254,807  
(33,592)
1,008,147  
321,374  
-  
686,773  
(280,534)
406,239

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
June 28, 2014
Other Non-
Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Certain U.S. 
Broadline 
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Sysco

-   $
-    
-    
804,177    
(804,177)
232,140    
(7,434)
(1,028,883)
(379,369)
1,581,047    
931,533    
(195,726)
735,807

$

30,741,979   $
24,990,377    
5,751,602    
3,520,577    
2,231,025    
(102,086)

217  
2,332,894    
860,184    
-    
1,472,710    
-    
$

1,472,710

16,979,494  $
14,550,061 
2,429,433 
2,269,159 
160,274 
(6,313)
(5,026)
171,613 
63,276 
- 
108,337 
(3,106)
105,231 $

Consolidated 
Totals
46,516,712  
38,335,677  
8,181,035  
6,593,913  
1,587,122  
123,741  
(12,243)
1,475,624  
544,091  
-  
931,533  
(195,726)
735,807

(1,204,761) $
(1,204,761)
-
-
-    
-    
-    
-    
-    

(1,581,047)
(1,581,047)

3,106    
(1,577,941) $

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows
Jul. 2, 2016

Certain U.S. 
Broadline 
Subsidiaries

Other Non-
Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Consolidated 
Totals

Sysco

$

(873,690) $

20,094
(2,485,444)
-
1,864,385
(1,474,655)
4,851,075
3,376,420

$

681,979
(212,270)
45,121
-
(507,139)
7,691
26,378
34,069

$

$

2,124,853
(408,652)
35,592
(138,327)
(1,357,246)
256,220
252,591
508,811

$

$

1,933,142
(600,828)
(2,404,731)
(138,327)
-
(1,210,744)
5,130,044
3,919,300

Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows
June 27, 2015

Certain U.S. 
Broadline 
Subsidiaries

Other Non-
Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Consolidated 
Totals

Sysco

(359,239) $
(160,234)
3,832,479  
-    
1,379,112    
4,692,118  
158,957    

4,851,075

$

2,363,836   $
(108,099)
(6,022)

-    

(2,251,109)
(1,394)
27,772    
26,378

$

(449,113) $
(386,013)

71,105  
(81,702)
871,997  
26,274  
226,317    
252,591

$

1,555,484  
(654,346)
3,897,562
(81,702)
-  

4,716,998

413,046  

5,130,044

(In thousands)
Cash flows provided by (used for):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash
Intercompany activity
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF PERIOD

(In thousands)
Cash flows provided by (used for):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash
Intercompany activity
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF PERIOD

$

$

$

(In thousands)
Cash flows provided by (used for):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash
Intercompany activity
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF PERIOD

Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows
June 28, 2014

Certain U.S. 
Broadline 
Subsidiaries

Other Non-
Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Consolidated 
Totals

Sysco

$

(504,119) $

(51,290)
(919,627)

-    
1,426,402    
(48,634)
207,591    
158,957

$

$

1,541,062   $
(171,979)

3,872  
-    

(1,369,478)

3,477  
24,295    
27,772

$

455,872   $
(353,569)
(103)
642  

(56,924)
45,918  
180,399    
226,317

$

1,492,815  
(576,838)
(915,858)
642
-
761
412,285
413,046

85

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 24  Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Financial information for each quarter in the years ended July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015 is set forth below:

(In thousands except for per share data)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
NET EARNINGS
Per share:

BASIC NET EARNINGS
DILUTED NET EARNINGS
Dividends declared
Market price — high/low

(In thousands except for per share data)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
NET EARNINGS
Per share:

BASIC NET EARNINGS
DILUTED NET EARNINGS
Dividends declared
Market price — high/low

$

$

$

$

$

$

September 26(1)
12,562,611
10,324,616
2,237,995
1,744,521
493,474
126,907
(15,240)
381,807
137,387
244,420

0.41
0.41
0.30
42-35

Fiscal 2016 Quarter Ended

December 26

March 26

July 2(2), (3)

Fiscal Year(3)

$

$

$

$

$

$

12,153,626
9,996,812
2,156,814
1,724,231
432,583
47,235
(7,764)
393,112
120,713
272,399

0.48
0.48
0.31
42-38

$

$

$

12,002,791
9,859,966
2,142,825
1,765,207
377,618
57,699
(6,952)
326,871
109,735
217,136

0.38
0.38
0.31
47-39

$

$

$

13,647,891
11,145,053
2,502,838
1,956,013
546,825
74,305
141,303
331,217
115,550
215,667

0.38
0.38
0.31
51-45

50,366,919
41,326,447
9,040,472
7,189,972
1,850,500
306,146
111,347
1,433,007
483,385
949,622

1.66
1.64
1.23
51-35

September 27

December 27

March 28

June 27(4)

Fiscal Year

Fiscal 2015 Quarter Ended

12,445,081   $
10,256,364    
2,188,717    
1,723,104    
465,613    
30,934    
(2,188)
436,867    
158,054    
278,813

$

12,087,074   $
10,001,937    
2,085,137    
1,769,691    
315,446    
77,042    
2,207  
236,197    
78,218    

11,746,659   $
9,689,161    
2,057,498    
1,730,190    
327,308    
69,550    
(8,577)
266,335    
89,380    

157,979

$

176,955

$

12,401,938   $
10,181,774    
2,220,164    
2,099,169    
120,995    
77,281    
(25,034)
68,748    
(4,278)   
73,026

$

$

0.47
0.47
0.29  
39-36    

$

0.27
0.27
0.30  
41-36    

$

0.30
0.30
0.30  
41-38    

$

0.12
0.12
0.30  
39-36    

48,680,752  
40,129,236  
8,551,516  
7,322,154  
1,229,362  
254,807  
(33,592)
1,008,147  
321,374  
686,773

1.16
1.15
1.19
41-36  

PERCENTAGE CHANGE — 2016 VS. 2015:

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Fiscal Year

Sales
51
Operating income
38
Net earnings
43
Basic net earnings per share
43
Diluted net earnings per share
(1)  Sysco’s first quarter of fiscal 2016 included a charge for $94.8 million in interest expense related to the redemption of senior notes. See Note 11 “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”.
(2)  Sysco’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 includes a remeasurement loss of $101.2 million in other expense (income), net due to the remeasurement of foreign cash held by Sysco for the Brakes 

1%
6
(12)
(13)
(13)

352
195
217
217

15
23
27
27

37
72
78
78

10%

2%

1%

3%

Acquisition. 

(3)  Sysco’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th, which resulted in a 14-week quarter and 53-week year ending July 2, 2016 for fiscal 2016. 
(4)  Sysco fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 included a charge for termination payments totaling $312.5 million in operating expenses related to the merger that had been proposed with US Foods 

that did not occur. 

86

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 25  Subsequent Events

Brakes Acquisition and Hedging Transactions

 On July 5, 2016, following the end of fiscal year 2016, Sysco closed the Brakes Acquisition. The aggregate enterprise value paid by Sysco in connection with 

the Brakes Acquisition was approximately £2.3 billion (approximately $3.1 billion based on exchange rates on July 5, 2016), and included the repayment of 

approximately $2.3 billion of the Brakes Group’s then outstanding financial debt. The purchase price was paid primarily in cash from recent debt issuances 

and other cash on hand, and was subject to certain adjustments as provided in the Purchase Agreement. The Brakes Group is now wholly owned  

by Sysco. 

 In conjunction with the closing of the Brakes Acquisition, Sysco entered into various net investment hedge transactions and cross currency swap transactions 

in order to mitigate foreign exchange risk. Sysco designated Euro Notes issued in June 2016 and various intercompany notes as hedges of a portion 

of its net investment in Euro-denominated and Sterling-denominated foreign operations to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the investment 

in these operations. Changes in the value of this debt items resulting from fluctuations in the underlying exchange rates to U.S. Dollar exchange rates 

will be recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The company entered into various 

cross currency swaps to mitigate the risk of exchange rate changes when an intercompany loan is not in the functional currency of one of its subsidiaries. 

These have been designated as cash flow hedges with changes to be recorded within foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss). Additional cross currency swaps were entered into to create additional net investment hedges.

87

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

ITEM 9  Changes in and Disagreements with 

Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A  Controls and Procedures

 Sysco’s management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls 

and procedures as of July 2, 2016. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, 

means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports 

that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and 

Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure 

that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated 

to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding the 

required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable 

assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls 

and procedures. Sysco’s disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based 

on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of July 2, 2016, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of 

such date, Sysco’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is included in the financial statement pages at page 44.

 No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal 

quarter ended July 2, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B  Other Information

None.

88

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART III

ITEM 10  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate 

Governance

 The information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following captions, and 

is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Corporate Governance,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” 

“Report of the Audit Committee” and “Board of Directors Matters.”

ITEM 11  Executive Compensation

 The information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following captions, and 

is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Report of the Compensation Committee,” “Director Compensation” 

and “Executive Compensation.

ITEM 12  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 

Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters

 The information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following captions, 

and is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Stock Ownership” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

ITEM 13  Certain Relationships and Related 

Transactions, and Director Independence

 The information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following caption,  

and is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Corporate Governance – Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Corporate 

Governance – Director Independence.”

ITEM 14  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 The information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following caption, and 

is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

89

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART IV

ITEM 15  Exhibits

(a)   The following documents are filed, or incorporated by reference, as part of this Form 10-K:

1.  All financial statements. See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 43 of this Form 10-K.

2. 

 All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements 

or notes thereto within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

3.  Exhibits.

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, are filed or furnished as 

part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

90

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART IV
Item 15 Signatures

Signatures

 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sysco Corporation has duly caused this Form 10-K to be 

signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 29th day of August 2016.

SYSCO CORPORATION
By

/s/ WILLIAM J. DELANEY
William J. DeLaney
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Sysco 

Corporation in the capacities indicated and on the date indicated above.

Principal Executive, Financial & Accounting Officers:

Directors:

/s/ WILLIAM J. DELANEY
William J. DeLaney
/s/ JOEL T. GRADE
Joel T. Grade

/s/ JOHN M. CASSADAY
John M. Cassaday
/s/ JUDITH B. CRAVEN
Judith B. Craven
/s/ WILLIAM J. DELANEY
William J. DeLaney
/s/ JOSHUA D. FRANK
Joshua D. Frank
/s/ LARRY C. GLASSCOCK
Larry C. Glasscock
/s/ JONATHAN GOLDEN
Jonathan Golden

Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

/s/ JOSEPH A. HAFNER, JR.
Joseph A. Hafner, Jr.
/s/ HANS-JOACHIM KOERBER
Hans-Joachim Koerber
/s/ NANCY S. NEWCOMB
Nancy S. Newcomb
/s/ NELSON PELTZ
Nelson Peltz
/s/ RICHARD G. TILGHMAN
Richard G. Tilghman
/s/ JACKIE M. WARD
Jackie M. Ward

91

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
This page intentionally left blank

Stockholder Information

Corporate Offices

Sysco Corporation
1390 Enclave Parkway
Houston, TX 77077-2099
281.584.1390
www.sysco.com

Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

The Houstonian Hotel
111 North Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024
November 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.

Independent Accountants

Ernst & Young LLP

Houston, TX

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements made herein that look forward in time or express management’s expectations or beliefs with respect 
to the occurrence of future events are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements 
provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not 
directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as 
“future,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” 
and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the Company’s actual 
results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause 
such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Company’s 
subsequent filings with the SEC. Sysco does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements, except as required 
by applicable law.

Form 10-K and Financial Information

A copy of the fiscal 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and financial statement 
schedules, as well as copies of other financial reports and company literature, may be obtained without charge upon 
written request to the Investor Relations Department, Sysco Corporation, at the corporate offices listed above, or by 
calling 281.584.2615. This information, which is included in this Annual Report, also may be found on our website at 
www.sysco.com in the Investors section.

Transfer Agent & Registrar

Officers & Directors

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
1.888.CALLSYY (1.888.225.5799)
www.amstock.com

Investor Contact

Neil Russell
Vice President, Investor Relations and 
Communications

281.584.2615

Common Stock and

Dividend Information

Sysco’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock 
Exchange under the symbol “SYY.” The company has paid 
quarterly cash dividends on its common stock since its 
founding as a public company in 1970 and has increased the 
dividend 47 times in that period. The current quarterly cash 
dividend is $0.31 per share.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan with

Optional Cash Purchase Feature

Sysco’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan provides a convenient 
way for shareholders of record to reinvest quarterly cash 
dividends in Sysco shares automatically, with no service 
charge or brokerage commissions.

The Plan also permits registered shareholders to invest 
additional money to purchase shares. In addition, 
certificates may be deposited directly into a Plan account 
for safekeeping and may be sold directly through the Plan 
for a modest fee.

Shareholders desiring information about the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan with Optional Cash Purchase Feature 
may obtain a brochure and enrollment form by contacting 
the Transfer Agent & Registrar, American Stock Transfer & 
Trust Company at 1.888.225.5799.

Directors

Daniel J. Brutto
Former President,
UPS International
and Senior Vice President,
United Parcel Service, Inc.

John M. Cassaday
Former President, CEO and Director,
Corus Entertainment, Inc.

Judith B. Craven, M.D., M.P.H.
Former President,
United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

William J. DeLaney
Chief Executive Officer,
Sysco Corporation

Joshua D. Frank
Partner, 
Trian Fund Management, L.P.

Larry C. Glasscock
Former President, CEO and Chairman of the Board,
WellPoint, Inc.

Jonathan Golden
Partner,
Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP

Joseph A. Hafner, Jr.
Former Chairman, CEO and President,
Riviana Foods, Inc.

Senior Officers

Bradley M. Halverson
Group President, Financial Products and Corporate 
Services and Chief Financial Officer,
Caterpillar Inc.

Hans-Joachim Koerber
Former Chairman and CEO,
METRO Group

Nancy S. Newcomb
Former Senior Corporate Officer,
Risk Management, Citigroup

Nelson Peltz
Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner,
Trian Fund Management, L.P.

Edward D. Shirley
Former President and Chief Executive Officer,
Bacardi Limited

Richard G. Tilghman
Former Vice Chairman and Director,
SunTrust Banks

Jackie M. Ward
Chairman of the Board,
Sysco Corporation
Former Chairman, President and CEO,
Computer Generation Inc.

Thomas  L. Bené
President and Chief Operating Officer

Joel T. Grade
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Greg D. Bertrand
Senior Vice President, U.S. Foodservice Operations

Robert S. Charlton
Executive Vice President, Supply Chain

William B. Day
Executive Vice President, Merchandising and SBS

William J. DeLaney
Chief Executive Officer 

Russell T. Libby
Executive Vice President, Administration and 
Corporate Secretary

Paul T. Moskowitz
Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Wayne R. Shurts
Executive Vice President and Chief Technology 
Officer

1390 Enclave Parkway
Houston, TX 77077-2099

281.584.1390
www.sysco.com

For more information please visit:
www.investors.sysco.com