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Sysco

syy · NYSE Consumer Defensive
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Ticker syy
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Defensive
Industry Food Distribution
Employees 10,000+
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FY2020 Annual Report · Sysco
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2 0 2 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Photographs shown on the cover of Sysco’s FY20 Annual Report were taken pre-COVID-19.

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

This past fiscal year has been a historic one at Sysco. It was the company’s 50th 
anniversary, I joined the company as the eighth CEO, and we were confronted 
by the biggest crisis our industry has ever faced. Amidst the change and 
turmoil, it is the company’s proud and successful history that has kept us 
grounded. Our associates are passionate about our dedication to serve our 
customers and that passion enables us to rise up to face substantial adversity 
head-on. Sysco is doing more during this crisis than any foodservice distributor 
to help our restaurants succeed, and we are transforming our company to 
better serve all our customers in the future.

I am honored to have joined the company in February. I have long admired 
Sysco for being the clear industry leader in the foodservice distribution 
business. In fact, working with Sysco helped define my early career. During 
college, while studying Economics at Penn State, I worked at a large hotel 
and managed their food and beverage replenishment. I chose Sysco as my 
foodservice distributor due to their broad assortment, fair prices and excellent 
delivery service. I ordered everything from Sysco that I needed to keep the 
hotel’s large foodservice operations running smoothly. It was this experience, 
working directly with Sysco as a customer, that led to my fascination with 
inventory replenishment, supply chains and operations efficiency. How can 
I keep the Chef in-stock with the least amount of inventory on hand? That 
curiosity led me to pursue a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, 
providing the foundation for my business career. It is hard to imagine that 
28 years later, I would be offered the role of CEO at the very company that 
inspired my journey.

Sysco’s founders created an industry and built a company that has defined 
the standard of excellence for foodservice distribution. With respect to the 
company’s tremendous success over the past 50 years, we are just getting 
started when it comes to defining what best-in-class looks like.

Financial Performance1
As I reflect on the past six months, I am humbled by the impact of the global 
pandemic on our industry. COVID-19 has had a significantly negative impact 
on our customers, suppliers and business, and challenged us more than any 
event in our company’s history. With that said, I am extraordinarily proud of 
the way our team has managed the complexities of the crisis. We took swift 
action to strengthen our liquidity and balance sheet. We quickly acted to 
remove costs from our business, both variable and structural. We pivoted to 
secure new sources of revenue in the retail grocery channel as food-away-
from-home was restricted by social distancing orders. I am also proud of the 
work Sysco has done to help our customers succeed during the crisis. We 
have helped our restaurant customers pivot to a new selling model, which 
includes opening more than 16,000 grocery pop-up shops. These customers 
secured an additional source of revenue in this environment and helped 
serve communities in need of food and cleaning supplies. Most importantly, 
we accelerated the execution of strategic initiatives that will position Sysco 
to deliver sustainable and profitable growth. We are using the crisis as an 
opportunity to accelerate our strategic transformation to improve how we 
serve our customers and differentiate ourselves from the competition. The 
changes we are making to improve how we serve our customers will enable 
accelerated sales growth and market share gains over time.

The COVID-19 crisis has had a substantial impact on Sysco’s FY20 financial 
results.

Sysco sales were $52.9 billion in Fiscal 2020, a decrease of $7.2 billion versus 
the prior year. Gross profit decreased 13% to $9.9 billion, adjusted operating 
expense decreased 6%, and adjusted operating income decreased 37% to 
$1.7 billion. Despite these declines, Sysco remains a profitable company. 
We delivered adjusted earnings per share of $2.01 and returned more than 
$1.7 billion in value to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

As we exit Fiscal 2020, we are financially strong from a balance sheet perspective 
and well-positioned to successfully weather this storm. Our balance sheet 
affords us the stability and flexibility to navigate this challenging environment, 
and our business transformation will ensure we are a successful company 
long into the future. Our success comes from the success of our customers. 
Our transformation initiatives will improve how we serve those customers, 
both big and small.

Delivering a Better Tomorrow
As the global leader in foodservice distribution, we recognize our position 
comes with responsibility, perhaps even more so during a period of global 
uncertainty. Since the start of the pandemic, Sysco has donated more than 
30 million meals, across eight countries, as part of our community response 
strategy. We partnered with outstanding organizations like Feeding America, 
Second Harvest and many other charitable organizations to ensure much-
needed food is getting to those in greatest need. It is tragic and incredibly 
disheartening to see the significant increase in citizens unable to provide 
enough food to feed and sustain their families. Sysco will continue to dedicate 
incremental resources in support of the global communities we serve.

In addition to meal donations, we deployed global strategies to keep our 
associates safe and healthy during this pandemic. These efforts included the 
development and implementation of a mental health and well-being campaign 
focused on providing our associates with important tools and resources to 
help them navigate the challenges of this environment. Our associates are 
the lifeblood of our company, and their safety is our top priority. We have 
invested in additional well-being services this year to ensure that they are 
cared for and supported during such unprecedented times.

Further compounding the pandemic crisis, we are troubled by the civil unrest 
in our home country and dedicated to being better as a company. In the 
U.S., we launched a “Real Talk” initiative to facilitate open, safe and ongoing 
dialogue about racism and other forms of discrimination and social injustice. I 
also recently signed the CEO Pledge to Advance Diversity & Inclusion, and we 
are leveraging this to further promote our diversity and inclusion initiatives 
at Sysco to drive further improvements.

Throughout the fiscal year, we have made substantial progress on Sysco’s 
2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals and remain excited about the 
opportunities in the years ahead. These goals are the important blueprint for 
elevating our CSR performance and becoming a more sustainable enterprise.

1 This paragraph contains non-GAAP financial measures, which are denoted as “adjusted.” See pages 31 through 36 in the attached Form 10-K for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures 

to the corresponding GAAP results and an explanation of the adjustments that we have made in order to calculate these adjusted measures.

Sysco’s Transformation for Long-Term, Profitable Growth
At Sysco, we are not just managing the COVID-19 crisis, we are using it to fuel 
our transformation so we can better serve our customers and differentiate 
from our competition. We are uniquely positioned as the only company in 
our industry that is both addressing the COVID challenges head on while 
transforming for the better. Our objective is to provide the broadest assortment 
through the most flexible supply chain and the best-trained Sales Consultants 
in the industry. We are driving transformative change in the following key areas:

These priorities will keep our team focused on delivering the capabilities 
needed to accelerate our progress and succeed in the marketplace. I am 
excited to say we have additional strategies to grow our business. We have 
supply chain initiatives that will improve how we serve our customers. We 
have merchandising and marketing initiatives that will help us acquire new 
customers. We will discuss these topics further as we progress into 2021 and 
our current transformation agenda begins delivering value. For now, these 
four areas of focus will help take Sysco to the next level of performance.

1.  Customer Digital Platforms – We are accelerating work across our 
customer-facing tools and technology. We are improving our digital 
order entry platform, Sysco Shop, our CRM tool, and implementing a 
centralized pricing tool. Each of these technologies will help us improve 
how we serve our customers.

2.  Sales Transformation – We are elevating our selling effectiveness 
with an improved, more customer-centric structure. We are increasing 
the number of selling specialists to better support our customers and 
further penetrate sales of premium products in the produce and protein 
categories. We will utilize data and analytics to help identify customer sales 
prospects and have a new sales leadership structure that will allocate our 
talented resources most effectively against those opportunities.

3.  Regionalization – We are regionalizing our U.S. Broadline business, which 
is the key enabler of our other U.S. transformation initiatives. Regionalization 
will enable us to move more quickly as a company by being better aligned 
strategically, more agile and managed by our strongest leaders.

4.  Structural Cost Out – We removed $350 million of annualized, permanent 
costs from the business and will further remove structural costs in the 
coming fiscal year. These savings will be used to improve our profitability, 
but just as importantly, will be leveraged to fund new sources of business 
growth. This re-investment will enable Sysco to better serve our customers 
and deliver accelerated sales growth by creating new capabilities for the 
company and our customers.

The business and environmental conditions around us remain volatile. The 
road to recovery for our industry will be choppy and more protracted than 
any of us would want. Now, more than ever, we fully recognize that we must 
go further in how we transform the industry and differentiate Sysco from 
our competition. We are making big changes in how we are structured and 
how we serve our customers. These changes are critical steps we must take 
to ensure our long-term, profitable growth.

In closing, I want to say how proud and humbled I am to lead this great 
company. I am honored to serve our customers and the thousands of dedicated 
Sysco associates that help those customers succeed. I want to thank all our 
associates for their commitment to our customers during this crisis and the 
outstanding work they are doing to enable our business transformation.

Together, we will go further and do great things in FY21!

Kevin Hourican 
President & CEO

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 June 27, 2020
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:

Title of each class
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
1.25% Notes due June 2023

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
Trading symbols
SYY
SYY 23

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant 
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was 
required to submit such files).

•  whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging 
growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” 
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large Accelerated Filer 

Accelerated Filer 

Non-accelerated Filer

Smaller Reporting Company 

Emerging Growth Company 

• If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended 
transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to 
Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act 
• whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness 
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 
7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

• 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 $41,443,388,035 as of December 28, 2019 (based on the closing sales 
price on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on December 27, 2019, as reported by The Wall Street Journal (Southwest Edition)). As 
of August 7, 2020, the registrant had issued and outstanding an aggregate of 508,535,623 shares of its common stock.

Portions of the company’s 2020 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.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

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Table of Contents

PART I  

1

Business ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1
ITEM 1 
ITEM 1A 
Risk Factors ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7
ITEM 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16
Properties �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17
ITEM 2 
Legal Proceedings �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17
ITEM 3 
Mine Safety Disclosures ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17
ITEM 4 

PART II 

18

ITEM 5 

ITEM 6 
ITEM 7 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18
Selected Financial Data �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
ITEM 7A  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������51
ITEM 8 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and  
ITEM 9 
Financial Disclosure ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������99
ITEM 9A  Controls and Procedures ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������99
ITEM 9B  Other Information �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������99

PART III 

ITEM 10 
ITEM 11 
ITEM 12 

ITEM 13 
ITEM 14 

PART IV 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 100
Executive Compensation���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 100
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 100
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ���������������������������������������������� 100
Principal Accounting Fees and Services ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 100

100

101

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 101
ITEM 15 
ITEM 16 
Form 10-K Summary ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 104
SIGNATURES ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 105

This page intentionally left blank

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 global distributor of food and related products primarily to the foodservice 

or food-away-from-home industry. We provided products and related services to over 625,000 customer locations, including restaurants, healthcare and 

educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers during fiscal 2020.

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 $52.9 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 52-week year ending June 27, 2020 for fiscal 2020, June 29, 2019 for 
fiscal 2019 and June 30, 2018 for fiscal 2018. We will have a 53-week year ending June 26, 2021 for fiscal 2021.

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, as amended (Exchange Act), 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 (SEC).

Reporting Segments

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

primary operations are located in North America and Europe. Under the accounting provisions related to disclosures about segments of an enterprise, we 

have aggregated certain operating segments into three reportable segments. “Other” financial information is attributable to our other operating segments 

that do not meet the quantitative disclosure thresholds.

 • U.S. Foodservice Operations – primarily includes U.S. Broadline operations, which distribute a full line of food products, including custom-cut meat, 

seafood, specialty produce, specialty imports and a wide variety of non-food products; 

 • International Foodservice Operations – includes operations in the Americas and Europe, which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of 
non-food products. The Americas primarily consists of operations in Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, as well as our operations that 

distribute to international customers. Our European operations primarily consist of operations in the United Kingdom (U.K.), France, Ireland and Sweden;

 • SYGMA – our U.S. customized distribution subsidiary; and

 • Other – primarily our hotel supply operations.

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. Selected financial data for each of our 

reportable segments, as well as financial information concerning geographic areas, can be found in Note 22, “Business Segment Information,” in the Notes 

to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.

1

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

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 entrées, 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
Poultry
Dairy products
Fresh produce
Paper and disposables
Seafood
Beverage products
Other(1)
TOTALS

2020

2019

2018

19 %
16 
15 
10 
10 
9 
7 
5 
4 
5 
100 %

19 %
17 
15 
10 
10 
8 
7 
6 
4 
4 
100 %

20 %
17 
15 
10 
10 
8 
7 
6 
3 
4 
100 %

(1)  Other sales relate to non-food products, including textiles and amenities for our hotel supply business, equipment and subscription sales for our Sysco Labs business, and other janitorial products, 

medical supplies and smallwares.

Our distribution centers, which we refer to as operating companies, distribute 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, customer service 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 

the 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 June 27, 2020.

2

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K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 and leisure
Other(1)
TOTALS

PaRT I
ITEM 1 Business

2020

2019

2018

62 %

9 

8 

7 
14 
100 %

62 %

8 

9 

9 
12 
100 %

62 %

9 

8 

8 
13 
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, as 

well as retail food sales and logistics services. None of these types of customers, as a group, exceeded 5% of total sales in any of the years for which information is presented.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2020, our industry and business have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the 

COVID-19 pandemic, governmental authorities in many countries in which we operate, and in which our customers are present and suppliers operate, have 

imposed mandatory closures, sought voluntary closures and imposed restrictions on, or advisories with respect to, travel, business operations and public 

gatherings or interactions. Among other matters, these actions have required or strongly urged various venues where foodservice products are served, 

including restaurants, schools, hotels and cruise liners, to reduce or discontinue operations, which have negatively affected demand in the foodservice 

industry, including demand for our products and services. Our industry is considered an essential service, so we have continued to operate. Immediately 

after the onset of the crisis, Sysco took action to ensure liquidity, reduce variable and structural costs and pivot our business to maximize sales during a 

period of disruption. 

During the last couple of weeks of the third quarter of fiscal 2020, our business declined significantly from the time that shelter in place orders were issued in 

response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We experienced declines in sales to the majority of our customers, with the exception of certain customers in the healthcare 

segment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, however, we experienced sequential weekly improvements with the reopening of in-restaurant dining. The 

“exit rate” of our sales as of the end of fiscal 2020 was a decline of approximately 30% compared to the end of fiscal 2019. In July 2020, as COVID-19 cases 

began increasing in certain locations, the business recovery flattened; however, we have experienced weekly improvements in sales again in August 2020. 

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. We also provide specialty and seasonal products from small to mid-sized producers to meet a growing demand for locally 

sourced products. Our locally sourced products, including produce, meats, cheese and other products, help differentiate our customers’ offerings, satisfy 

demands for new products, and support local communities. Purchasing is generally carried out through both centrally developed purchasing programs, 

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 branded 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.

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 

Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” regarding our liquidity, 
financial position and sources and uses of funds. We continue to be in a strong financial position based on our balance sheet and our operating cash flows; 

however, our liquidity and capital resources have been significantly and negatively impacted by the reduction in sales volume resulting from the COVID-19 

pandemic. Our working capital needs have been reduced and continue to decline due to decreased demand, and we are actively working with customers 

to receive payments on receivables, optimizing our inventory levels and maximizing our payment terms with vendors. We believe these actions will help to 
partially offset the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our cash flows from operations. 

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

We extend credit terms to our customers that 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 

up to 65 days.

Corporate Headquarters

Our corporate staff makes available a number of services to our operating companies and performs support activities for employees, suppliers and 

customers. Members of this group possess experience and expertise in, among other areas, customer and vendor contract administration, accounting 

and finance, treasury, legal, information technology, payroll and employee benefits, risk management and insurance, sales and marketing, merchandising, 

inbound logistics, human resources, strategy and tax compliance services. The corporate office also makes available supply chain expertise, such as 

in 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 2020, 2019 and 2018, $720.4 million, $692.4 million and $687.8 million, respectively, were invested in facilities, delivery fleet, 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 2020, 2019 and 2018, capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets, were $691.7 

million, $671.5 million and $665.6 million, respectively. Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of assets, as a percentage of sales during fiscal 

2020, 2019 and 2018 were 1.3%, 1.1% and 1.1%, respectively. In order to preserve our liquidity in response to the COVID-19 crisis, we have reduced our 

expected capital expenditures by eliminating capital projects that are not urgently needed for our business and were not significantly underway. During the 

three years ended June 27, 2020, capital expenditures were financed primarily by internally generated funds, our commercial paper program and bank 

and other borrowings. We expect to finance our fiscal 2021 capital expenditures from the same sources.

Employees

As of June 27, 2020, we had approximately 57,000 employees, approximately 24% of whom were represented by unions, primarily the International 

Brotherhood of Teamsters and unions in France and Sweden. Contract negotiations are handled by each individual operating company. Approximately 

24% of our union employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements that have expired (or will expire during fiscal 2021) and are subject to 

renegotiation. Since June 27, 2020, there have been 7 contract renegotiations. We consider our labor relations to be satisfactory.

Competition

A large number of companies are engaged in the distribution of food and non-food products to the foodservice industry. Our customers may also choose 

to purchase products directly from wholesale or retail outlets, including club, cash and carry and grocery stores, online retailers, or negotiate prices directly 

with our suppliers. While we compete primarily 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 estimate that we serve about 16% of an approximately $310 billion annual foodservice market in the United States (U.S.) based on a measurement 

as of the end of calendar 2019, based on industry data obtained from Technomic, Inc. We also serve certain international geographies that vary in size 

4

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

and amount of market share. 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 2020. While comprehensive 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 sales consultants; 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 North America 

and Europe, which mitigates some of the impact of regional economic declines that may occur over time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant reduction in consumption within the foodservice market and may create a long-term change in customer 

demand, as purchases have shifted more to the retail grocery channel. The food-away-from-home market fell to a low of 32% of total dollars spent on 

food purchases as a result of the pandemic, but has since recovered to approximately 43% as of June 2020. We expect real sales growth in the U.S. 

foodservice market to be negative for calendar year 2020.

We believe our liquidity and access to capital provides us the ability to continuously invest in business improvements. There are a 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 puts us at a disadvantage, in that most of our competitors do not face the 

obligations and additional costs related to complying with regulatory requirements applicable to public companies.

Government Regulation

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

in which we do business.

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, 

as well as Food Defense, which is a responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has significantly expanded our food safety requirements. We have established and continue to maintain 

comprehensive, prevention-based controls across the food supply chain that are both verified and validated, as required by FDA regulations implementing 

FSMA. The FSMA further imposes requirements for food products imported into the U.S. and provides the FDA with mandatory recall authority. 

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. We are also subject to the National Labor Relations Act, which 

governs the process for collective bargaining between employers and employees and protects the rights of both employers and employees in the workplace.

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

and USDA. 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, as well as its agencies, the Surface Transportation 

Board, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which 

collectively regulate our trucking operations through the regulation of operations, safety, insurance and hazardous materials. We must comply with the 

5

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

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. We are subject to regulations of the 

Federal Aviation Administration covering items transported by air. In addition, we are 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 and recorded. 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.

Our business is subject to competition laws in the various jurisdictions where we operate, including the Sherman Antitrust Act and related federal and state 

antitrust laws in the U.S. These laws and regulations generally prohibit competitors from fixing prices, boycotting competitors, or engaging in other conduct 

that unreasonably restrains competition. In many jurisdictions, compliance with these 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.

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

are subject to legal and regulatory requirements of the European Union (the EU), as well as those of EU countries where we conduct business (including the 

U.K., Ireland, France and Sweden), which requirements relate to, among other things, competition, product composition, packaging, labeling, advertisement 

(including nutrition and health claims) and the safety of food products, as well as the health, safety and working conditions of employees. We are subject 

to privacy laws in the EU, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires companies to meet certain requirements regarding the 

handling of personal data. In addition, our business is 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 that they have taken to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in their supply chain or business. 

Our business is also subject to the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, an anti-corruption law that criminalizes the failure by a company to prevent persons associated 

with that company from offering or paying bribes to government officials or non-government persons in order to obtain or retain business or a business 

advantage for the company, as well as restricting the offer, payment or receipt of bribes to or from governmental officials and non-governmental persons.

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. and the EU, 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). See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - 

Business and Operational Risks - 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.”

General

We have numerous trademarks that are of significant importance, including the SYSCO® and Brakes® trademarks, in addition to our privately branded 
product trademarks that include these trademarks. These trademarks and the private brands on which they are used are widely recognized within the 

foodservice industry. Both our U.S. and European trademarks are effective for a ten-year period, and we generally renew our trademarks before their 
expiration dates unless a particular trademark is no longer in use. We believe the loss of the SYSCO® trademark would have a material adverse effect on 
our results of operations. We do 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, our business is not deemed to be seasonal.

As of June 27, 2020, we operated 326 distribution facilities throughout North America and Europe.

6

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

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.

Industry and General Economic Risks

Global health developments and economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have adversely affected, 
and are expected to continue to adversely affect, our business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as the recent outbreak of COVID-19, have impacted our operations directly and are expected to 

continue to impact us directly, or may continue to disrupt the operations of our business partners, suppliers and customers in ways that could have an 

adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Fear of such events may further alter consumer confidence, behavior and 

spending patterns, and could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries (or globally), resulting in an economic downturn that 

could affect customers’ demand for our products. 

In response to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic, governmental authorities in many countries in which we operate, 

and in which our customers are present and suppliers operate, have imposed mandatory closures, sought voluntary closures and imposed restrictions 

on, or advisories with respect to, travel, business operations and public gatherings or interactions. Among other matters, these actions have required or 

strongly urged various venues where foodservice products are served, including restaurants, schools, hotels and cruise liners, to reduce or discontinue 

operations, which have adversely affected and will continue to adversely affect demand in the foodservice industry, including demand for our products and 

services. In addition, some consumers are choosing to stay home due to the perceived risk of infection and health risk associated with COVID-19, which 

is adversely affecting demand in the foodservice industry, including demand for our products and services. 

These events have had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on numerous aspects of our business, financial condition and results of operations 

including, but not limited to, our growth, product costs, supply chain disruptions and the potential for inventory spoilage, labor shortages, logistics constraints, 

customer demand for our products and industry demand generally, difficulties in collecting our accounts receivables and corresponding increases in our 

bad debt exposure, consumer spending, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital 

markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally. A prolonged or deeper economic downturn that adversely affects our business, financial 

condition or results of operations could affect our ability to access the credit markets for additional liquidity. A significant downgrade in our credit ratings or 

adverse conditions in the capital markets may increase the cost of borrowing for us or limit our access to capital. As a result, we may be unable to continue 

to comply with the debt covenants that are specific to our revolving credit facility, which could result in an event of default. We may see an increase in 

bankruptcies of customers, which could contribute to an increase in bad debt expense recorded in fiscal 2021. We experienced an increase in past due 

receivables and recognized additional bad debt charges of $323.4 million specific to the COVID-19 pandemic during fiscal 2020. Total bad debt expense 

for fiscal 2020 was $404.2 million. Additionally, these events caused us to incur $70.3 million in severance expenses during the second half of fiscal 2020 
related to actions to reduce our workforce through the implementation of hiring freezes, furloughs and other headcount reductions, as well as goodwill 

impairment charges of $203.2 million.

We have implemented employee safety measures, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization, 

across all our supply chain facilities, including proper hygiene, social distancing, mask use, and temperature screenings. These measures may not be 

sufficient to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our employees. Illness, travel restrictions, absenteeism, or other workforce disruptions could negatively 

affect our supply chain, distribution, or other business processes. We may face additional production disruptions in the future, which may place constraints 

on our ability to distribute products in a timely manner or may increase our costs.

The ultimate extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend largely on future developments, 

including the duration and spread of the outbreak within the U.S. and Europe and the related impact on consumer confidence and spending, all of which are 

highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with certainty at this time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we could experience a longer-term impact 

on our business, such as costs associated with enhanced health, safety and hygiene requirements in one or more regions in attempts to counteract future 

outbreaks or the possibility that venues where foodservice products are served are slow to reopen and/or experience reduced customer traffic after reopening.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may change our mix of earnings by jurisdiction and has increased the risk that operating losses may occur within 
certain of our jurisdictions that could lead to the recognition of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the future, if these losses are 
prolonged beyond our current expectations. This would negatively impact our income tax expense, net earnings, and balance sheet.

7

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

Sustained adverse impacts to our company, certain suppliers, and customers may also affect our future valuation of certain assets, and therefore, may 

increase the likelihood of an impairment charge, write-off, or reserve associated with such assets, including goodwill, long-lived intangible assets, property 

and equipment, inventories, accounts receivable, tax assets and other assets.

To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic continues to adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, it may also have the effect 

of heightening many of the other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, such as those relating to our level of indebtedness, and may have 

an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

Our industry is characterized by low margins, and periods of significant or prolonged inflation or deflation affect our 
product costs and may negatively impact our profitability.

The foodservice distribution industry is characterized by relatively high inventory turnover with relatively low profit margins. Volatile food costs have a direct 

impact on our industry. Periods of significant product cost inflation may adversely affect our results of operations if we are unable to pass on all or a portion 

of such product cost increases to our customers in a timely manner. In addition, periods of rapidly increasing inflation may adversely affect our business 

due to 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 affected 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 adversely affected during 

periods of product cost deflation, even though our gross profit percentage may remain relatively constant.

Unfavorable macroeconomic conditions in North America and Europe, as well as unfavorable conditions in particular 
local markets, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The foodservice industry is characterized by relatively low profit margins, consequently, our results of operations are susceptible to regional, national and 

international economic trends and uncertainties. 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 to consistently access credit markets to obtain cash to support their operations can cause temporary 

interruptions in our ability to conduct day-to-day transactions involving the collection of funds from such customers.

 • Liquidity issues and the inability of our suppliers to consistently access credit markets to obtain cash to support their operations can cause temporary 

interruptions in our ability to obtain the foodservice products and supplies that we need in the quantities and at the prices that we request.

Historically, North America and Europe have experienced, from time to time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, deteriorating economic conditions 

and heightened uncertainty in their financial markets, which have adversely impacted business and consumer confidence and spending and depressed 

capital investment and economic activity in the affected regions. If similar unfavorable economic conditions were to arise in the future, or recent volatility in 

the financial markets and the global economy were to continue, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Economic and political instability and potential unfavorable changes in laws and regulations in international markets 
could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our international operations subject us to certain risks, including economic and political instability and potential unfavorable changes in laws and regulations 

in international markets in which we operate. For example, the U.K.’s exit from the EU, which occurred on January 31, 2020 (commonly referred to as 

“Brexit”), and the resulting significant change to the U.K.’s relationship with the EU and with countries outside the EU (and the laws, regulations and trade 

deals impacting business conducted between them) could disrupt the overall economic growth or stability of the U.K. and the EU and otherwise negatively 

impact our European operations.

The Withdrawal Agreement between the U.K. and the EU that establishes the terms governing the U.K.’s departure provides that, among other things, 

there is an ongoing transition period under which the U.K. remains a part of the EU customs and regulatory area until December 31, 2020. During this 

time, the U.K. and the EU are negotiating their future trading relationship, which under current U.K. Government policy is anticipated to take the form of a 

free trade agreement. As a result, significant uncertainty remains as to the terms under which the U.K. will continue to trade with the EU after the end of 

the transition period. It is possible that Brexit will result in our U.K. and EU operations becoming subject to materially different, and potentially conflicting, 

laws, regulations or tariffs, which could require costly new compliance initiatives or changes to legal entity structures or operating practices. Furthermore, if 

the transition period were to expire without an agreement (a “no-deal Brexit”), there may be additional adverse impacts on immigration and trade between 

the U.K. and the EU or countries outside the EU. Such impacts may directly increase our costs or could decrease demand for our goods and services by 

adversely impacting the business of restaurants or other customers in the foodservice distribution industry.

8

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

The completion of Brexit could also adversely affect the value of our euro- and pound-denominated assets and obligations. Exchange rates related to 

the British pound sterling have been more volatile since the U.K. announced it would exit the EU and such volatility may continue in the future. Future 

fluctuations in the exchange rate between the British pound sterling and the local currencies of our suppliers may have the effect of increasing our cost 

of goods sold in the U.K., which increases we may not be able to pass on to our customers. Uncertainty surrounding Brexit has contributed to recent 

fluctuations in the U.K. economy and could experience future disruptions. In addition, Brexit could cause financial and capital markets within and outside 

the U.K. or the EU to constrict, thereby negatively impacting our ability to finance our business, and 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 results of 

operations and financial condition.

As an example of political instability, in fiscal 2020, the “yellow vest” protests in France against a fuel tax increase, pension reform and the French government 

negatively impacted our sales in France. Similarly, future labor disruptions or disputes could disrupt the integration of Brake France and Davigel into Sysco 

France and our operations in France and the EU generally. In addition, if changes occur in laws and regulations impacting the flow of goods, services and 

workers in either the U.K or France or in other parts of the EU, with respect to Brexit or otherwise, our European operations could also be negatively impacted.

Competition and the impact of GPOs may reduce our margins and make it difficult for us to maintain our market share, 
growth rate and profitability.

The foodservice distribution industry is fragmented and highly competitive, with local, regional and 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), online 

direct food wholesalers and cash and carry operations 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.

Moreover, some of our customers purchase their products from us through group purchasing organizations, or “GPOs,” in an effort to lower the prices paid 

by these customers on their foodservice orders. GPOs have a relatively larger presence in the healthcare, lodging and foodservice management customer 

segments. If these GPOs are able to add a significant number of our customers as members, it may negatively affect our business, financial condition, or 

results of operations.

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 or other 

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

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 fuel hedging arrangements 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 through, among other things, our fuel surcharge program, 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 adversely 

affect our results of operations.

We routinely enter into fuel hedging arrangements, including fuel derivatives, to hedge our exposure to volatile fuel prices. Nevertheless, our fuel hedging 

transactions may not be effective in protecting us from changes in fuel prices, and if fuel prices were to 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 any of our counterparties fails to perform its obligations, whether due to its insolvency or otherwise, which could result in financial losses.

9

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

Business and Operational Risks

Conditions beyond our control can interrupt our supplies, increase our product costs and impair our ability to deliver 
products and services to our customers.

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 be able to provide the foodservice products and supplies that we need in the quantities and at the prices that we 

request. 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 shortages of qualified labor for our suppliers, 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, transportation interruptions, 

unavailability of fuel or increases in fuel costs, product recalls, competitive demands, civil insurrection or social unrest (such as the recent protests and social 

movements across several North American cities), terrorist attacks or international hostilities and natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics (such as the 

COVID-19 pandemic) or other human or animal disease outbreaks or other catastrophic events (including, but not limited to, foodborne illnesses). Many of 

these conditions outside of our control could also impair our ability to provide our products and services to our customers or increase the cost of doing so. 

Further, increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions could also impair production capabilities, disrupt our supply chain or adversely 

affect demand for our products. At any time, input costs could increase for a prolonged period for a large portion of the products that we sell. Additionally, 

we procure products from suppliers outside of the U.S., and we are subject to the risks associated with political or financial instability, trade restrictions, 

tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and costs and other factors relating to foreign trade, including health and safety restrictions related to 

epidemics and pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, any or all of which could delay our receipt of products or increase our input costs. 

Our inability to obtain adequate supplies of foodservice and related products and/or to timely provide our products and services and fulfill our other obligations 

to our customers, whether as a result of any of the foregoing factors or otherwise could mean that we could not fulfill our obligations to customers, could 

have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, as our customers may turn to other distributors.

In addition, as a foodservice distributor, it is necessary for us to maintain an inventory of products. Declines in product pricing levels between the time we 

purchase a product from our suppliers and the time we sell the product to our customers could reduce our margin on that inventory, adversely affecting 

our results of operations.

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 negative publicity about the quality, safety, sustainability 

or integrity of our products or relating to illegal or unethical activities by our 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 foodborne 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 reduce public confidence in our products. If patrons of our 

restaurant customers were to become ill from foodborne illnesses, our customers could be forced to temporarily close restaurant locations, which would 

have an adverse effect on our sales and profitability. In addition, instances of foodborne 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 materially adversely affect our results of operations.

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 in us and reduce short-term or long-term demand for our products and services, even 

if 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.

Our relationships with long-term customers may be materially diminished or terminated.

We have long-standing relationships with a number of our customers, many of whom could unilaterally terminate their relationship with us or materially 

reduce the amount of business they conduct with us at any time. Market competition, customer requirements, customer financial condition and customer 

consolidation through mergers or acquisitions also could adversely affect our ability to continue or expand these relationships. We may not be able to retain 

or renew existing agreements, maintain relationships with any of our customers on acceptable terms, or at all, or collect amounts that insolvent customers 

10

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

might owe us. Our customer agreements are generally terminable upon written notice by either us or the customer, which provides our customers with the 

opportunity to renegotiate their contracts with us on less favorable terms or to award more business to our competitors. The loss of one or more of our 

major customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our anticipated change to the mix of locally managed customers versus multi-unit customers could reduce our gross 
and operating margins.

Gross margin from our multi-unit 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 multi-unit customers, our operating margins will likely decline. Meanwhile, 

the COVID-19 pandemic generally has negatively affected multi-unit customers less than locally managed customers. This creates an opportunity for Sysco 

to grow sales to multi-unit customers, which represents a strategy that Sysco is actively pursuing to grow both sales and gross profit dollars in fiscal 2021.

Moreover, as our sales to multi-unit customers increase at a faster pace of growth than sales to our locally managed customers, we will become more 

dependent on multi-unit customers, as they begin to represent a greater proportion of our total sales, and therefore, a future loss of sales to the larger of 

these multi-unit 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, they could pressure us 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.

Changes in consumer eating habits could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of 
operations.

Changes in consumer eating habits (such as a decline in consuming food away from home, a decline in portion sizes, or a shift in preferences toward 

restaurants that are not our customers) could reduce demand for our products. Consumer eating habits could be affected by a number of factors, including 

changes in attitudes regarding diet and health or new information regarding the health effects of consuming certain foods. There is a growing consumer 

preference for sustainable, organic and locally grown products, and a shift towards plant-based proteins and/or animal proteins derived from animals that 

were humanely treated and antibiotic free.

Changing consumer eating habits also occur due to generational shifts. Millennials, the largest demographic group in terms of spend, seek new and different, 

as well as more ethnic, menu options and menu innovation. If consumer eating habits change significantly, we may be required to modify or discontinue 

sales of certain items in our product portfolio, and we may experience higher costs and/or supply shortages associated with our efforts to accommodate 

those changes as our suppliers adapt to the new eating preferences. Changing consumer eating habits may reduce the frequency with which consumers 

purchase meals outside of the home. Additionally, changes in consumer eating habits may result in the enactment or amendment of laws and regulations 

that impact the ingredients and nutritional content of our food products, or laws and regulations requiring us to disclose the nutritional content of our food 

products. Compliance with these laws and regulations, as well as others regarding the ingredients and nutritional content of our food products, may be 

costly and time-consuming. We may not be able to effectively respond to changes in consumer health perceptions or resulting new laws or regulations or 

to adapt our menu offerings to trends in eating habits.

In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic downturn, many consumers have preferred to eat at home rather than 

consume food away from home. If these preferences continue and consumers continue to avoid gathering in public places in large groups, the demand 

for our products and services could be adversely affected. Moreover, once all governmental restrictions are lifted, it is unclear how quickly customers will 

return to their prior eating habits, which may be a function of continued concerns over safety or depressed consumer sentiment due to adverse economic 

conditions, including job losses.

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 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, public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 from changes in tax 

laws or the unfavorable resolution of tax assessments or audits, 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.

11

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

Changes in applicable tax laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could negatively affect our financial 
results.

As a multinational corporation, we are subject to income taxes, as well as non-income-based taxes, in both the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. 

Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities. Changes in tax laws or tax rulings may have 

a significant adverse impact on our effective tax rate. For example, the U.S. and many countries in the EU where we do business are actively considering 

or have recently enacted changes in relevant tax, accounting and other laws, regulations and interpretations, including changes to tax laws applicable to 

corporate multinationals.

Further, in the ordinary course of a global business, there are many intercompany transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination could 

change if tax laws or tax rulings were to be modified. We are also subject to non-income-based taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, net worth, 

property and goods and services taxes, in both the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. Although we believe that our income and non-income-based tax 

estimates are appropriate, there is no assurance that the final determination of tax audits or tax disputes will not be different from what is reflected in our 

historical income tax provisions and accruals.

Given the unpredictability of possible further changes to the U.S. or foreign tax laws and regulations and their potential interdependency, it is very difficult 

to predict the cumulative effect of such tax laws and regulations on our results of operations and cash flow, but such laws and regulations (and changes 

thereto) could adversely impact our financial results.

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 if the use of products sold by Sysco is 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. Umbrella liability 

insurance that we maintain for product liability claims 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 we do 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 regulation by various federal, state, provincial, regional and local governments in the countries in which we operate with respect to many 

aspects of our business, such as food safety and sanitation, ethical business practices, 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 may not be in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations or 

interpretations of these laws and regulations at all times; moreover, we may not be able to comply with all 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 such government. The cost of compliance or the consequences of non-compliance, including 

debarments, could have an 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.

12

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K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, provincial, regional and local laws, rules and regulations in the various countries in which we operate 

PaRT I
ITEM 1A Risk Factors

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.

For example, 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 EU may impose liability for costs of investigation or 

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

present prior to the commencement of our operations at the site and was not caused by our 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.

If we are unable to finance and integrate acquired businesses effectively, our earnings per share could be materially 
adversely affected.

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. For example, 

we encountered operational challenges in fiscal 2019 in connection with our efforts to integrate two businesses in France acquired in connection with the 

Brakes Group acquisition, which integration efforts have adversely affected our ability to drive growth in sales. 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. In addition, our failure to implement effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures with respect to a 

significant acquired business could result in material weaknesses and/or a failure to file our periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission 

on a timely basis.

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.

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

As described in Note 13, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, as of June 27, 2020, we 

had approximately $14.4 billion of total indebtedness. This amount included senior notes and borrowings under our revolving credit facility, which supports 

our U.S. commercial paper program allowing us to issue short-term notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2.0 billion scheduled to expire on 

June 28, 2024, and issuances under a new unrelated commercial paper program in the U.K. allowing the company to issue short-term unsecured notes 

in an aggregate amount not to exceed £600 million. We also have available a 364-day credit facility, in the amount of $750.0 million, scheduled to expire 

on May 19, 2021, and various other smaller bank facilities.

Certain covenants under our credit facilities place restrictions on some of the actions we may take with respect to our common stock. In May 2020 we 

entered into an amendment to our revolving credit agreement that, among other things, added a new covenant that restricts (1) increases to Sysco’s 

13

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

regular quarterly dividend and (2) repurchases of equity interests of Sysco, in each case, until the earlier of September 2022 or the date on which Sysco 

has achieved a certain ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to consolidated interest expense.

Our level of indebtedness 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, joint ventures and/or share repurchase programs. 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.

Changes in the method of determining London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the replacement of LIBOR with an 
alternative reference rate, may adversely affect interest expense related to outstanding debt.

Amounts drawn under our revolving credit facility may bear interest rates in relation to LIBOR, depending on our selection of repayment options. In addition, 

certain of our outstanding interest rate swap agreements have a floating interest rate in relation to three-month LIBOR. On July 27, 2017, the Financial 
Conduct Authority in the U.K. announced that it would phase out LIBOR as a benchmark by the end of 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of 

calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. The U.S. Federal Reserve is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with 

a newly created index called the Broad Treasury Financing Rate, calculated with a broad set of short-term repurchase agreements backed by treasury 

securities. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate the credit facility and any interest rate swap agreements expiring after 2021 and may not 

be able to do so with terms that are favorable to us. The overall financing market may be disrupted as a result of the phase-out or replacement of LIBOR. 

Disruption in the financial market or the inability to renegotiate the credit facility or our interest rate swap agreements with favorable terms could have a 

material adverse effect on our business, financial position, and operating results.

We rely on technology in our business, and any cybersecurity incident, other technology disruption or delay in 
implementing new technology could negatively affect our business and our relationships with customers.

We use technology in substantially all aspects of our business operations, and our ability to serve customers most effectively depends on the reliability of 

our technology systems. 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. We also use mobile devices, social 

networking and other online platforms to connect with our employees, suppliers, business partners and customers. Further, 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 our business partners.

These technology systems and our uses thereof are vulnerable to disruption from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, 

power outages, systems failures, security breaches, espionage, cyber-attacks, viruses, theft and inadvertent release of information. In particular, we have 

experienced and continue to experience cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in our systems and those of our third party providers, including viruses 

and attacks targeting our information technology systems and networks. 

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is introducing additional cybersecurity risk as a result of our employees, contractors and other corporate partners working 

remotely. Due to the increased remote workforce, we must increasingly rely on information technology systems that are outside our direct control. These 

systems are potentially vulnerable to cyber-based attacks and security breaches. In addition, cyber criminals are increasing their attacks on individual 

employees, utilizing interest in pandemic-related information to increase business email compromise scams designed to trick victims into transferring 

sensitive data or funds, or steal credentials that compromise information systems. 

To date, these cybersecurity threats have not had a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, the potential consequences 

of a future material cybersecurity attack include business disruption; disruption to systems; theft, destruction, loss, corruption, misappropriation or unauthorized 

release of sensitive and/or confidential information or intellectual property (including personal information in violation of one or more privacy laws); reputational 

and brand damage; and potential liability, including litigation or other legal actions against us or the imposition by governmental authorities of penalties, fines, 

fees or liabilities, which, in turn, could cause us to incur significantly increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs and the loss of customers.

The actions and controls we have implemented and are implementing to date, or which we seek to cause or have caused third party service providers 

to implement, may be insufficient to protect our systems, information or other intellectual property. Further, we anticipate devoting significant additional 

resources to upgrade our security measures generally, including those we employ to protect personal information against these cybersecurity threats. 

14

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

Due to the evolving nature of these cybersecurity threats, the potential impact of any future incident cannot be predicted with certainty, but such an incident 

could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, especially if the amount of insurance coverage we maintain is not 

sufficient to cover claims or liabilities relating to the incident. 

Further, as we pursue our strategy to grow through acquisitions and to pursue new initiatives that improve our operations and cost structure, we are also 

expanding and improving our information technologies, resulting in a larger technological presence and corresponding exposure to cybersecurity risk. 

Failure to adequately assess and identify cybersecurity risks associated with acquisitions and new initiatives would increase our vulnerability to such risks. 

Sysco’s efforts to prevent security breaches and cybersecurity incidents, and to implement effective disaster recovery plans, may not be entirely effective 

to 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.

In addition, data privacy is subject to frequently changing rules and regulations, which sometimes conflict among the various jurisdictions and countries 

where we do business. For example, the EU adopted the GDPR, a new regulation that became effective in May 2018, which requires companies to meet 

certain requirements regarding the handling of personal data. We are working to comply with GDPR and other laws and regulations in this area that apply to 

us, such as California’s Consumer Privacy Act that became effective January 1, 2020, and we anticipate needing to devote significant additional resources 

to complying with these laws and regulations. Our failure to successfully implement or comply with appropriate processes to adhere to the requirements 

of GDPR and other laws and regulations in this area could result in substantial fines or penalties and legal liability and could tarnish our reputation.

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 11% of our current U.S. employees are participants in such multiemployer plans. In fiscal 2020, our total 

contributions to these plans were approximately $47.4 million. The costs of providing benefits through such plans 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. We could also be treated as partially withdrawing 

from participation in one of these plans if the number of our employees participating in a given plan is reduced to a certain percentage over a certain period 

of time. Such reductions in the number of employees participating in these plans could occur as a result of changes in our business operations, such as 

facility closures or consolidations. 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 $160.8 million as of June 27, 2020. 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 (U.S. 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 $5.0 billion as of June 27, 2020; therefore, financial market factors could impact our funding requirements. See Note 15, “Company-Sponsored 

Employee Benefit Plans” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for a discussion of the funded status of the U.S. Retirement Plan.

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

and discount rates used to calculate the plan’s liability. In fiscal 2018, we made voluntary contributions of $380 million to the U.S. Retirement Plan, allowing 

us to set an investment strategy that more closely aligns the duration of the U.S. Retirement Plan’s assets with the duration of its liabilities. As a result, our 

U.S. Retirement Plan holds a greater amount of investments in fixed income securities, but also holds equity securities. Fluctuations in asset values can 

cause the amount of our anticipated future contributions to the plan to increase. The projected liability of the U.S. 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 have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our funding obligations. To the extent financial markets experience 

significant future declines, 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.

15

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

Failure to successfully renegotiate union contracts could result in work stoppages.

As of June 27, 2020, we had approximately 57,000 employees, approximately 24% of whom were represented by unions, primarily the International 

Brotherhood of Teamsters and unions in France and Sweden. Contract negotiations are handled by each individual operating company. Approximately 24% 

of our union employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements that have expired (or will expire during fiscal 2021) and are subject to renegotiation. 

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, and the ability of third parties on which 

we rely to supply and to deliver our products, to identify, recruit, develop and retain qualified and talented individuals, and any shortage of qualified labor 

could significantly adversely affect our business. Employee recruitment, development and retention efforts undertaken by us and/or such third-parties may 

not be successful, resulting in a shortage of qualified individuals in future periods. Any such shortage could decrease our ability to effectively serve our 

customers and achieve our strategic objectives. Such a shortage would also likely lead to higher wages for employees (or higher costs to purchase the 

services of such third parties) 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.

ITEM 1B  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

16

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KITEM 2  Properties

The table below shows the number of distribution facilities occupied by Sysco in each country and the aggregate square footage devoted to cold and dry 

storage as of June 27, 2020.

PaRT I
ITEM 4 Mine Safety Disclosures

Location
Bahamas
Belgium
Canada
Costa Rica(2)
France
Ireland and Northern Ireland
Mexico
Panama
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States and its territories(3)
TOTALS
(1)  Segments served include U.S. Foodservice (U), International Foodservice (I), SYGMA (S), and Other (O).
(2)  Costa Rica facility count does not include 4 warehouse and storage facilities and 16 cash and carry facilities. 
(3)  California, Florida, and Texas account for 19, 17, and 14, respectively, of the facilities located in the U.S.

Number of 
Facilities

Square Feet 
(in thousands)

2 
1 
32 
1 
25 
9 
7 
1 
1 
10 
65 
172 
326 

276 
200 
4,256 
495 
2,420 
851 
299 
44 
5 
1,026 
3,044 
40,254 
53,170 

Segment  
Served(1)
I
I
I, O
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
U, I, S, O

We own approximately 40,619,000 square feet of our distribution facilities (or 76.4% of the total square feet), and the remainder is occupied under leases 

expiring at various dates from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2063, exclusive of renewal options.

We own our approximately 639,000 square foot headquarters office complex in Houston, Texas. In addition, we own our approximately 654,000 square 

foot complex in Cypress, Texas that has housed shared business services and other corporate services. In fiscal 2021, we plan to perform all corporate 

and shared service operations from our headquarters in Houston, Texas and plan to sell the complex in Cypress, Texas.

We are currently constructing expansions or build-outs for various distribution facilities in the United States. The various operating companies, in the 

aggregate, accounted for 3% of fiscal 2020 sales.

As of June 27, 2020, our fleet of approximately 14,000 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 87% of these vehicles and lease 

the remainder.

ITEM 3  Legal Proceedings

 From time to time, we may be party to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe there are any pending legal 

proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

17

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

ITEM 5  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, 
Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities

The principal market for Sysco’s common stock (SYY) is the New York Stock Exchange. The number of record owners of Sysco’s common stock as of 

August 7, 2020 was 8,356.

We currently expect that comparable quarterly cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future; however, future declarations of dividends and the 

establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to the final determination of our Board of Directors.

We purchased 11.1 million shares during fiscal 2020, resulting in a remaining authorization under our program of approximately $2.1 billion as of June 27, 

2020. There were 14,963,189 shares repurchased under our then outstanding plans in fiscal 2019. During March 2020, we discontinued share repurchases 

under the program, and, due to certain restrictions imposed by the amendment to our credit agreement providing for Sysco’s $2 billion long-term revolving 

credit facility, we will not make any further repurchases during fiscal 2021. See the discussion in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Debt Activity and Borrowing Availability” for additional information regarding the 

credit agreement amendment.

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, as amended, or the Exchange 

Act, 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 2015, 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.

18

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

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

In $

225

200

175

150

125

100

75

l

e
u
a
V
x
e
d
n

I

6/27/15

7/2/16

7/1/17

6/30/18

6/29/19

6/27/20

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

137 $
102
101

139 $
120
99

193 $
138
107

204 $
152
126

155
159
134 

6/27/2015

7/2/2016

7/1/2017

6/30/2018

6/29/2019

6/27/2020

19

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
PaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 6 Selected Financial Data

ITEM 6  Selected Financial Data

(In thousands except for per share data)
Sales
Operating income(3)
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
Long-term debt
Total long-term debt
Shareholders’ equity
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
Ratio of long-term debt to capitalization

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

2020(1)
52,893,310
749,505
293,384 
77,909 
215,475

0.42
0.42
1.74
22,628,266
720,423
1,542,128
12,902,485 
14,444,613 
1,158,613 
15,603,226

2019(1)
60,113,922
2,330,150
2,005,836 
331,565 
1,674,271

3.24
3.20
1.53
17,966,522
692,391
37,322
8,122,058 
8,159,380 
2,502,603 
10,661,983

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

Fiscal Year

2018(1)
58,727,324
2,314,056
1,956,224 
525,458 
1,430,766

2.74
2.70
1.41
18,070,404
687,815
782,329
7,540,765 
8,323,094 
2,506,957 
10,830,051

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

2017(1)
55,371,139
2,054,616
1,766,230 
623,727 
1,142,503

2.10
2.08
1.30
17,756,655
686,378
530,075
7,660,877 
8,190,952 
2,381,516 
10,572,468

2016(1)(2)

50,366,919
1,841,875
1,433,007 
483,385 
949,622

1.66
1.64
1.23
16,721,804
527,346
8,909
7,336,930 
7,345,839 
3,479,608 
10,825,447

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

92.6%  

76.5%  

76.9%  

77.5%  

67.9%

(1)  Our results of operations are impacted by Certain Items that have resulted in reduced earnings on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis. See “Non-GAAP Reconciliations,” 
within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for a description of these items and 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 ended July 2, 2016 for fiscal 2016.

(3) 

In  fiscal  2019,  Sysco  adopted Accounting  Standards  Update  2017-07,  which  requires  that  an  employer  report  all  of  the  components,  except  the  service  cost  component,  of  pension  and 
postretirement benefits outside of operating income. This was applied retroactively, and as a result, the company has restated prior year amounts to include net periodic income (expense) in other 
income (expense) that were previously included in operating expense. 

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 are impacted by restructuring and 
transformational project costs consisting of: (1) expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives; (2) severance and facility closure charges; 
and (3) restructuring charges. All acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 that have been designated as Certain Items relate to 
the fiscal 2017 acquisition of Cucina Lux Investments Limited (the Brakes Acquisition). These include acquisition-related intangible amortization expense. 
Fiscal 2020 results of operations were also negatively impacted by costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the most significant including (1) excess 
bad debt expense, (2) goodwill and intangibles impairment charges and (3) fixed asset impairment charges. These are the only items that have been 
adjusted as Certain Items. Our adjusted results have not been normalized in a manner that would exclude the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our 
business. As such, Sysco has not adjusted its results for lost sales, inventory write-offs or other costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of 
Sysco’s customers, including those in the restaurant, hospitality and education segments, are closed or operating at a substantially reduced volume due to 
governmental requirements for closures or other social-distancing measures. Some of these customers have ceased paying their outstanding receivables, 
creating uncertainty as to their collectability. We have experienced an increase in past due receivables and have recognized additional bad debt charges. 
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our allowance was primarily based on historical loss experience. Since the crisis began, our write-off percentages have 
been based, not only on historical loss experience, but also on our experience with losses incurred during times of local and regional disasters. Additionally, 
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we included the company’s current collection experience, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We 
anticipate continuing this approach in fiscal 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic is more widespread and longer in duration than historical disasters impacting 
our business, and it is possible that actual uncollectible amounts will differ and additional charges may be required in fiscal 2021. While Sysco traditionally 
incurs bad debt expense, the magnitude of such expenses that we have experienced since March 2020 is not indicative of our normal operations. 

Fiscal 2019 results of operations were impacted by a gain on the sale of Iowa Premium, LLC (Iowa Premium) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. In addition, 
fiscal 2019 results of operations were affected by acquisition-related integration costs specific to the Brakes Acquisition and the impact of recognizing a 
foreign tax credit. Fiscal 2018 results of operations were additionally impacted by multiemployer pension plan (MEPP) withdrawal charges. These fiscal 
2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 items are collectively referred to as “Certain Items.” The results of our foreign operations can be impacted by changes in 
exchange rates applicable to converting from local currencies to U.S. dollars. We measure our International Foodservice Operations results on a constant 

20

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

currency basis. 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 Certain Items, and certain metrics are stated on a constant currency basis.

Management believes that adjusting its operating expenses, operating income, other (income) expense, net, 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, (2) facilitates 
comparisons on a year-over-year basis, and (3) removes those items that are difficult to predict and are often unanticipated and that, as a result, are difficult 
to include in analysts’ financial models and our investors’ expectations with any degree of specificity.

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.

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

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, Sysco revised the way performance is assessed for the U.S. Foodservice Operations segment. As a result of this 
change, charges incurred by the company’s corporate office to provide direct support functions to the U.S. Foodservice Operations reportable segment 
have been reclassified from Corporate expenses into the U.S. Foodservice reportable segment. The segment information disclosed for fiscal 2020 reflects 
this change in reporting structure and prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. The following discussion 
includes a comparison of our Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019. A discussion of changes in our 
results of operations from fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2019 have been included for our U.S. Foodservice Operations and Corporate expenses. Disclosures around 
this change in segment reporting are described under “Overview” below and in Note 22, “Business Segment Information,” in the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements in Item 8. All other discussion of changes in our results of operations from fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2019 has been omitted from this Form 
10-K, but may be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended June 29, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 26, 2019.

Overview

Sysco distributes food and related products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers. 
Our primary operations are located in North America and Europe. The company has aggregated certain operating segments into three reportable segments. 
“Other” financial information is attributable to our other operating segments that do not meet the quantitative disclosure thresholds.

 • U.S. Foodservice Operations – primarily includes U.S. Broadline operations, which distribute a full line of food products, including custom-cut meat, 

seafood, specialty produce, specialty imports and a wide variety of non-food products;

 • International Foodservice Operations – includes operations in the Americas and Europe, which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety 
of non-food products. The Americas primarily consists of operations in Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, as well as our operations 
that distribute to international customers. Our European operations primarily consist of operations in the U.K., France, Ireland and Sweden;

 • SYGMA – our U.S. customized distribution subsidiary; and

 • Other – primarily our hotel supply operations.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, Sysco revised the way performance is assessed for the U.S. Foodservice Operations segment. As a result of the 
change, the company’s corporate expenses that were incurred to provide direct support functions to the U.S. Foodservice Operations reportable segment 
have been reclassified from Corporate expenses into the reportable segment. The segment information disclosed for fiscal 2020 reflects this change in 
reporting structure, and the fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 results reflect $201.0 million and $197.0 million of corporate expense reclassifications, respectively, 
to conform with the current year presentation. 

We estimate that we serve about 16% of an approximately $310 billion annual foodservice market in the U.S. based on industry data obtained from 
Technomic, Inc. From time to time, Technomic may revise the methodology used to calculate the size of the foodservice market and, as a result, our 
percentage can change not only from our sales results, but also from such revisions. We also serve certain international geographies that vary in size and 
amount of market share.

According to industry sources, the foodservice, or food-away-from-home, market represents approximately 53% of the total dollars spent on food 
purchases made at the consumer level in the U.S. as of the end of calendar year 2019. Industry sources estimate the total foodservice market in the U.S. 
experienced a real sales increase of approximately 0.9% in calendar year 2019 and 1.2% in calendar year 2018. Real sales changes do not include the 
impact of inflation or deflation. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant reduction in consumption within the foodservice market and may create 

21

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

a long-term change in customer demand, as purchases have shifted more to the retail grocery channel. The food-away-from-home market fell to a low 
of 32% of total dollars spent on food purchases as a result of the pandemic, but has since recovered to approximately 43% as of June 2020. We expect 
real sales growth in the U.S. foodservice market to be negative for calendar year 2020.

Key Performance Indicators

Sysco seeks to meet its strategic goals by continually measuring its success in its key performance metrics that drive stakeholder value through sales 

growth and capital allocation and deployment. We believe the following are our most significant performance metrics: 

 • Adjusted operating income growth and adjusted operating income leverage (non-GAAP); 

 • Adjusted diluted earnings per share growth (non-GAAP); 

 • Case volume growth by customer type for U.S. Broadline operations;

 • Sysco brand penetration for U.S. Broadline operations;

 • Free cash flow (non-GAAP); and

 • Adjusted return on invested capital (non-GAAP).

We use these financial metrics and related computations, as well as sales and gross profit growth, to evaluate our business and to plan for near-and 

long-term operating and strategic decisions. We believe it is useful to provide investors with the same financial information that we use internally to make 

comparisons of our historical operating results, identify trends in our underlying operating results and evaluate our business.

Key Financial Definitions 

 • Sales – Sales is equal to gross sales, minus (1) sales returns and (2) sales incentives that we offer to certain customers, such as upfront monies and 
discounts. Our sales are driven by changes in case volumes, product inflation that is reflected in the pricing of our products and mix of products sold.

 • Gross profit – Gross profit is equal to our net sales minus our cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold primarily includes inventory costs (net of supplier 
consideration) and inbound freight. Cost of goods sold generally changes as we incur higher or lower costs from our suppliers and as our customer 

and product mix changes.

adjusted Operating Income, adjusted Operating Income Leverage and adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share Growth

Adjusted operating income represents our consolidated operating income, adjusted for the impact of Certain Items that we do not consider representative of 

our underlying performance. Adjusted operating income leverage represents the variance between our gross profit growth financial measure, on a percentage 

basis, and our adjusted operating expense growth, on a percentage basis, where management expects gross profit growth to exceed adjusted operating 

expense growth. Adjusted diluted earnings per share represents our consolidated diluted earnings per share, adjusted for the impact of Certain Items 

that we do not consider representative of our underlying performance. Sysco’s management considers growth in these metrics to be useful measures of 

operating efficiency and profitability, as they facilitate comparison of performance on a consistent basis from period to period by providing a measurement 

of recurring factors and trends affecting our business.

Case Volume Growth by Customer Type for U.S. Broadline Operations

Case volume represents the volume of product sold to customers during a period of time, and improvements in this metric are a primary driver of Sysco’s 

top line performance. We define a case, specifically for our U.S. Broadline operations, as the lowest level of packaged products that are sold from our 

warehouses, with one case potentially containing several pieces of a product packaged in bulk. Case size does not generally vary by location or from period 

to period, due to the design of our warehouses. Case volume growth is calculated by dividing the change in the volume of cases sold year-over-year by 

the volume of cases sold in the prior year. Sysco management considers case volume growth within its U.S. Broadline operations to be a measure that 

provides useful information to management and investors in evaluating sales performance and as an indicator of gross margin performance. Management 

monitors case volume growth by customer type, with bifurcation between local customers and national customers, as this provides a measure of gross 

profit performance due to the pricing strategies attached to each customer type. Local customers are primarily street customers, such as independent 

restaurants that do not have long-term contracts, or locally managed customers, such as local chain restaurants, while national customers are the multi-unit 

customers requiring national coverage from a customer-centric view and are managed centrally from the Corporate office. Sysco management seeks to 
drive higher case volume growth to local customers, which allows more favorable pricing terms for our U.S. Broadline operations and generates higher 

gross margins as a result. National customers benefit from purchasing power, as they are able to negotiate pricing agreements across multiple businesses, 

reducing our gross profit potential, but reducing our overall cost per case, as national customers have bigger drop sizes. While overall case volume growth 

reflects a key component of sales growth, local customer case growth provides additional context around gross profit performance. 

22

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Sysco Brand Penetration for U.S. Broadline Operations

Sysco management considers Sysco brand penetration to be a measure that provides useful information to management and investors in evaluating the 

gross profit performance of the company’s U.S. Broadline operations. Sysco offers an assortment of Sysco-branded products that can be differentiated 

from privately branded products, which enables us to achieve higher gross margin by administering and leveraging a consolidated product procurement 

program for quality food and non-food products. Due to cost efficiencies, Sysco-branded products generate a higher gross margin than sales from other 

privately branded products. We define Sysco brand penetration as the percentage of Sysco-branded case volume sold to U.S. Broadline customers over 

all cases sold to U.S. Broadline customers. This performance indicator, also measured at the customer type level, including local and national customers, 

is driven by growth in the distribution of branded products to more customers and more geographies, as well as increasing branded offerings through 

innovation and the launch of new products.

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 management considers free cash flow to be a non-GAAP liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors 

about the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases and sales of buildings, fleet, equipment and technology, which may potentially 

be used to pay for, among other things, strategic uses of cash, including dividend payments, share repurchases and acquisitions. However, free cash flow 

may not be available for discretionary expenditures, as it may be necessary that we use it to make mandatory debt service or other payments. Free cash 

flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, consolidated net income as a measure of our performance and net cash provided 

by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for discussions of GAAP metrics, including net cash provided 
by operating activities and our reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure. 

adjusted Return on Invested Capital

Although adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) is considered a non-GAAP financial measure, Sysco management considers adjusted ROIC to be a 

measure that provides useful information to management and investors in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s long-term capital 

investments and has been a component of long-term incentive compensation. We calculate adjusted ROIC as adjusted net earnings divided by (1) 

stockholders’ equity, computed as the average of adjusted stockholders’ equity at the beginning of the year and at the end of each fiscal quarter during 

the year; and (2) long-term debt, computed as the average of the long-term debt at the beginning of the year and at the end of each fiscal quarter during 

the year. Trends in ROIC can fluctuate over time as management balances long-term strategic initiatives with possible short-term impacts. 

Business Update on the Covid-19 Pandemic

During the last couple of weeks of the third quarter of fiscal 2020, our business declined significantly from the time that shelter in place orders were issued 

in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We experienced declines in sales to the majority of our customers, with the exception of certain customers in the 

healthcare segment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, however, we experienced sequential weekly improvements with the reopening of in-restaurant 

dining. The “exit rate” of our sales as of the end of fiscal 2020 was a decline of approximately 30% compared to the end of fiscal 2019. In July 2020, as 

COVID-19 cases began increasing in certain locations, the business recovery flattened; however, we have experienced weekly improvements in sales 

again in August 2020. 

We have closely monitored developments in the COVID-19 pandemic as the situation has evolved, and we are continuously revising our approach to 

create new processes and guidelines to keep associates and customers safe, with careful consideration to remaining aligned with guidance from relevant 

health authorities.

 • Supporting employees – We have defined and implemented procedures to protect the health and safety of our employees, while also ensuring business 
continuity and our ability to service our customers. We have allowed employees to work remotely, whenever possible, and have installed protocols 

for daily temperature checks and health screenings for our employees not working remotely. We have also provided guidelines for performing deep 

cleaning and proper social distancing in our offices and warehouses and have implemented requirements for employees to wear face coverings when 

not working remotely.

 • Serving customers – We have implemented procedures to limit the contact between our drivers and customers’ employees and have developed an 

alternative process to avoid collecting signatures for customer invoices and guidelines for safely accepting customer returns.

 • Assisting our communities – We have donated 30 million meals across eight countries since mid-March as part of our community response strategy 
to the pandemic. These donations were valued at over $100 million and included nearly 16 million pounds of fresh produce and approximately six 

million pounds of fresh dairy products. Additionally, we have supported over 900 community organizations in their efforts to address hunger and food 

insecurity by providing direct delivery to food banks and other hunger relief organizations by loaning refrigerated trucks and facility storage space to 

increase capacity for local food distribution and by providing volunteer and staffing support for mobile distribution efforts.

Immediately after the onset of the crisis, Sysco took action to ensure liquidity, reduce variable and structural costs and pivot our business to maximize 
sales during a period of disruption. 

23

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

First, we increased liquidity by (i) a $1.6 billion borrowing under our revolving credit facility, (ii) a $4 billion unsecured bond offering, (iii) establishment of 

a £600 million Bank of England commercial paper program, and (iv) a new $750.0 million 364-day credit facility. As a result of these measures, as of 

August 7, 2020, the company had more than $8.0 billion in cash and available liquidity. This liquidity provides us with financial flexibility during this difficult 

operating environment and enables us to invest in our business to transform the company during and after the crisis.

Second, we worked rapidly to stabilize the business by removing costs. We have reduced our expenses to correspond to a lower level of sales volume, 

and, as a result, we are taking appropriate steps to manage costs during the downturn. We removed approximately $500 million of expenses from the 

business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, which reflects, in part, the reduction to our staffing levels through temporary workforce furloughs and permanent 

reductions in force. We began to realize the benefits of these changes beginning in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, and the permanent changes are 

expected to deliver an annualized benefit of approximately $350 million. 

Third, we created new sources of revenue, including from our existing restaurant customers. These include helping approximately 16,000 of our customers 

to set up “pop-up shops” in their dining areas. We have also helped customers with reopening plans, such as patio and outdoor dining options and a 

shortened, more focused menu, as well as with the technological capability to start a website. We have helped customers connect to preferred delivery 

partners and setup take-out menus and other support for their “to go” offerings. The quick service restaurant segment continues to thrive in the current 

environment, as the volume of “to go” and drive-through orders has gained steady momentum. 

Lastly, we have provided products for cleaning, sanitation and personal protection, without disruption, so that our customers may continue business 

operations, and have shifted sales to serve the retail grocery channel. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 50% of food consumption within the 

U.S. had been occurring away from home, and the remainder had been taking place inside the home. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the balance 

and shifted more purchases to the retail grocery channel. As a result, we have pivoted our distribution model to include retail, grocer and new supply chain 

partnerships, sectors that we essentially did not serve prior to the COVID-19 crisis. This has created long-term relationships with smaller, regional, retail 

grocers where we can add value through items such as quality proteins and fresh produce where our buying advantage is helpful for them in the long-term. 

Highlights and Trends

Our fiscal 2020 results were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We quickly responded by strengthening our balance sheet, adding new 

and different types of customers, and strategically committing resources to plan for the eventual return of demand. 

Below is a comparison of results from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2019:

 • Sales:

 – decreased 12.0%, or $7.2 billion, to $52.9 billion;

 • Operating income:

 – decreased 67.8%, or $1.6 billion, to $749.5 million;

 – adjusted operating income decreased 37.4%, or $1.0 billion, to $1.7 billion;

 • Net earnings:

 – decreased 87.1%, or $1.5 billion, to $215.5 million;

 – adjusted net earnings decreased 44.4%, or $824.8 million, to $1.0 billion;

 • Basic earnings per share:

 – decreased 87.0%, or $2.82, to $0.42 from the comparable prior year amount of $3.24 per share;

 • Diluted earnings per share:

 – decreased 86.9%, or $2.78, to $0.42 from the comparable prior year amount of $3.20 per share; and

 – adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.01 in fiscal 2020, a 43.4% decrease from the comparable prior year amount of $3.55 per share.

Trends

Economic and Industry Trends 

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly negatively affected economic and industry trends, primarily in the form of increased unemployment and significantly 

lower levels of activity in the food-away-from-home market. However, in May and June 2020, we experienced steady and consistent week-over-week 

sales improvement concurrently with re-openings of the economies of the countries and states in which we operate. In July 2020, as COVID-19 cases 

began increasing in certain locations, the business recovery flattened; however, we have experienced weekly improvements in sales again in August 
2020. We believe consumers are experiencing fatigue with food-at-home and are ready to reengage with restaurants; however, the speed and pace of the 
re-engagement will be dictated by the restrictions that are placed on the industry. As long as there are safe ways to access restaurant-quality meals, we 
believe that consumers are ready to eat away from home. 

24

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Sales and Gross Profit Trends

Our sales and gross profit performance can be influenced by multiple factors, including price, volume, product mix and the impact of the COVID-19 

pandemic. The majority of our sales are to locally managed customers and national customers. Our locally managed customers, including independent 

restaurant customers, represent a greater percentage of our profitability as compared to national customers. Case growth with our locally managed broadline 

business is important to drive gross profit dollar growth. Our sales to national customers, including chain restaurants and multi-locational restaurants, also 

comprise a significant portion of our overall volumes. Gross margin on sales to our national customers is generally lower than on sales to other types of 

customers due to the higher volumes we sell to these customers. In the U.S., prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a greater customer mix with locally 

managed customers; however, during the crisis, our national customers have experienced greater consumer demand, which has changed our sales mix 

and resulted in lower gross margins. We have also experienced customer closures that have impacted our customer mix; however, based on industry 

data, Sysco has experienced a lower rate of customer closings as compared to the foodservice industry as a whole. Sysco has the ability to shift focus 

across all segments throughout the foodservice industry, whether local or national. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have added $1.0 billion of 

new national customer business on an annualized basis. 

An additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the need to use price reductions to move inventory to avoid spoilage. These price reductions 

were more prevalent in the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, and their use declined as the quarter progressed. We expect gross margin to 

continue to reflect our sales mix changes, but otherwise to remain stable in fiscal 2021. 

Additional items have impacted our sales and gross profit performance, including the divestiture of Iowa Premium in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 

and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. A strengthening U.S. dollar negatively affected total Sysco sales growth by 0.3% for fiscal 2020 and 
negatively impacted sales growth for our International Foodservice Operations by 1.7% for fiscal 2020, as we translated our foreign sales due to foreign 

currency exchange rate changes. Partially offsetting these declines, we experienced continued growth in penetration of our Sysco brand portfolio and 

product price inflation. Our Sysco branded product sales to U.S. broadline local customers represented 46.8% of cases sold. We experienced inflation at 

a rate of 1.8% during fiscal 2020, primarily in the beef and dairy products categories. We anticipate sales in fiscal 2021 to be stronger than the exit rate 

of fiscal 2020, even with a choppy recovery. 

Operating Expense Trends

Total operating expenses increased 0.8% during fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019. The largest contributor to the increase was an additional charge 

for our allowance for doubtful accounts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of Sysco’s customers, including those in the restaurant, hospitality and 

education segments, are closed or operating at a substantially reduced volume due to governmental requirements for closures or other social-distancing 

measures. Some of these customers have ceased paying their outstanding receivables, creating uncertainty as to their collectability. We have experienced 

an increase in past due receivables and have recognized additional bad debt charges. In fiscal 2020, we recorded a provision for losses on receivables 

totaling $404.2 million, of which we believe approximately $323.4 million is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers, calculated by 

comparing our June allowance results to average results prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with excess amounts being a reasonable estimate of what the 

reserve for the allowance for doubtful accounts would have been for fiscal 2020, absent the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Goodwill Impairments

During the second half of fiscal 2020, the company experienced significant deterioration in macroeconomic conditions and declines in equity valuations, 

as well as regulatory restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the company determined that 

certain reporting units were more sensitive than others to these declines and the company performed interim quantitative goodwill impairment tests for 

these reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple models. As part of the annual test in the fiscal fourth 

quarter, the company performed further quantitative goodwill impairment tests, updating the estimates and assumptions of long-term impact resulting from 

the pandemic that had been applied in the fiscal third quarter tests, where necessary. As a result, in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 the company recorded 

impairments to goodwill for the Pacific Star and Cake reporting units of $34.9 million and $34.2 million, respectively, which represented the full balance of 

goodwill for those reporting units. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the company recorded partial impairments to goodwill for the France Group and 

Fresh Direct reporting units of $108.7 million and $25.4 million respectively, for total fiscal 2020 impairment charges of $203.2 million.

Cost-out Measures

The COVID-19 crisis has compelled us to take action to reduce costs by reducing variable expenses in response to reduced customer demand, aligning 

inventory to current sales trends, reducing capital expenditures to only urgent projects and tightly managing receivables. These actions produced savings 
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. We have reduced pay-related expenses through temporary and permanent layoffs across the organization, most of 

which occurred late in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. These actions resulted in an increase in severance charges in the second half of fiscal 2020. 

We believe that the cost reductions implemented to date have removed approximately $350 million in structural annualized costs from the business. 

25

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Status of Supply Chain Disruptions and Facility Closures

Although our business continues to face challenges associated with decreased customer demand and increased costs directly related to the COVID-19 

crisis, to date we have not experienced any significant disruptions to our supply chain, significant distribution facility closures or disposals of significant 

assets or lines of business. During fiscal 2020, we assessed the value of assets held for sale, primarily land and buildings, and recognized a write-down 

charge of $55.9 million. The majority of this charge related to our shared-service center, with plans established to sell this property and combine these 

operations into our corporate office. The foodservice distribution industry is considered to be an essential industry and, as such, we expect our supply 

chain and facilities to remain in place and operational in the current environment and in the event of worsening macroeconomic conditions in connection 

with a prolonged downturn.

Income Tax Trends

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. Tax law changes, increases or decreases in book versus tax basis differences, 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. The impact of 

the COVID-19 pandemic may change our mix of earnings by jurisdiction and has increased the risk that operating losses may occur within certain of our 

jurisdictions that could lead to the recognition of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the future, if these losses are prolonged beyond 

our current expectations. These effects would negatively impact our income tax expense, net earnings, and balance sheet.

Our effective tax rate has been influenced by discrete events, such as tax law changes and excess tax benefits attributable to equity compensation 

exercises as discussed in Note 20, “Income Taxes,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. In fiscal 2021, we expect our effective 

tax rate to be approximately 24%.

Mergers and acquisitions

We continue to be focused on mergers and acquisitions as a part of our strategy. We completed the following acquisitions in fiscal 2020 within our U.S. 

Foodservice Operations as follows:

 • In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we acquired J. Kings Food Service Professionals, a New York broadline distributor with approximately $150 million 

in annual revenue. 

 • In the second quarter of fiscal 2020, we acquired Armstrong Produce and Kula Produce, a Hawaii-based broadline fresh produce wholesaler and 

distributor with approximately $155 million in combined annual revenue.

Strategy 

Fiscal 2020 was the third year in our three-year plan that was established in fiscal 2018 and included our strategic and financial objectives through fiscal 

2020. During the second half of fiscal 2020, the company experienced a significant reduction in customer demand resulting from the continued spread of 

COVID-19. Due to the rapidly evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial results and the uncertainty related to its duration, we withdrew 

our guidance for the three-year plan ending fiscal 2020.

In response to the current environment, we have identified four key areas of focus as we manage the business in the near-term and prepare the company for 

recovery once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. First, we have taken actions to strengthen our overall liquidity. Second, we are focused on stabilizing the business 

by removing costs. Third, we are creating new sources of revenue by helping our restaurant customers succeed under pandemic conditions. Fourth, we 

are providing products for cleaning, sanitation, and personal protection, without disruptions, so that our customers may continue their business operations.

While our response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a primary focus, we have also accelerated our transformation initiatives that are intended to 

improve how we serve our customers, differentiate Sysco from our competitors and transform the industry. First, we have accelerated our work to become 

a more digitally enabled company. We are investing to improve our digital order entry platform, Sysco Shop. We are also deploying a digital pricing tool 

that will help us increase sales, expand margins and provide additional transparency to customers. Second, we are transforming our sales model to make 

it easier for customers to do business with Sysco and to increase the effectiveness of our sales teams. We have aligned incentives of the sales force more 

closely with our business objectives and with our goal of increasing the partnership of sales teams across the multiple lines of business. Third, we are 

regionalizing our operations in the U.S. Through regionalization, we expect to be more efficient as a company and more agile with our decision making, 
and we will be able to execute against strategies in a more efficient manner. Regionalization is a new leadership structure for our U.S. broadline business, 

as we will move from six markets comprised of 76 operating companies to four markets that consist of approximately 30 regions, each made up of 2 to 

3 operating sites. We are not closing any physical distribution locations with this change, and we are retaining our local drivers, warehouse associates 

and sales force to support our customers. Fourth, we are removing structural fixed costs from our business and becoming a more efficient company. We 

have identified and implemented actions to remove approximately $350 million of annualized, permanent costs from the business for fiscal 2021. We have 

identified additional cost opportunities that are expected to generate savings in fiscal 2022 and beyond. These combined efforts are collectively referred 

to as our corporate modernization. 

26

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KSee “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” below for an explanation of adjusted operating income and adjusted return on invested capital, which are non-GAAP 

PaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

financial measures.

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

2020

2019

100.0 %
81.3 
18.7 
17.3 
1.4 
0.8 
0.1 
0.5 
0.1 
0.4 %

100.0 %
81.0 
19.0 
15.1 
3.9 
0.6 
(0.1)
3.4 
0.6 
2.8 %

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:

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 $47.9 million in fiscal 2020 and income of $36.1 million in fiscal 2019.

Segment Results

The following represents our results by reportable segments:

(In thousands)
Sales
Sales increase (decrease)
Percentage of total
Operating income (loss)
Operating income (loss) increase 
(decrease)
Percentage of total segments 
Operating income as a percentage 
of sales

52-Week Period Ended Jun. 27, 2020

U.S. 
Foodservice 
Operations
$ 36,774,146

International 
Foodservice 
Operations

$

9,672,190 

$

SYGMA
5,555,926 

Other

$

891,048

(10.9)%  
69.5 %  

(15.8)%
18.3 %

(11.0)%  
10.5 %  

(18.1)%  
1.7 %  

(12.0)%
100.0 %

$

2,003,159

$

(371,407)

$

36,880

$

(21,361)

$

(897,766)

$

749,505

(33.0)%  
121.6 %  

NM
(22.5)%

32.8 %  
2.2 %  

(159.6)%  
(1.3)%  

5.4 %  

(3.8)%

0.7 %  

(2.4)%  

NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.

2020

(12.0)%
(11.7)
(13.2)
0.8 
(67.8)
13.3 
(232.7)
(85.4)
(76.5)
(87.1)%
(87.0)%
(86.9)
(1.3)
(1.8)

Consolidated
Totals

Corporate
$

— $ 52,893,310

(67.8)%
100.0 %

1.4 %

27

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)
Sales
Sales increase (decrease)
Percentage of total
Operating income
Operating income increase (decrease)
Percentage of total segments
Operating income as a percentage 
of sales

52-Week Period Ended Jun. 29, 2019

U.S. 
Foodservice 
Operations
$ 41,288,188

International 
Foodservice 
Operations
$ 11,493,040

SYGMA
6,244,328

$

Other
1,088,366

$

Corporate
$

-

4.2 %  
68.7 %  

(0.2)%
19.1 %

(4.8)%  
10.4 %  

7.8 %  
1.8 %  

Consolidated
Totals
60,113,922

$

2.4 %
100.0 %

$

2,991,794

$

125,443

$

27,780

$

35,848

$

(850,715)

$

2,330,150

4.6 %
94.1 %  

(35.3)%
3.9 %

14.2 %

0.9 %  

(9.2)%
1.1 %  

7.2 %  

1.1 %

0.4 %  

3.3 %  

0.7 %
100.0 %

3.9 %

Based on information in Note 22, “Business Segment Information,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, in fiscal 2020, U.S. 

Foodservice Operations and International Foodservice Operations represented approximately 69.5% and 18.3%, respectively, of Sysco’s overall sales, 

compared to 68.7% and 19.1%, respectively, in fiscal 2019. In fiscal 2020, U.S. Foodservice Operations represented approximately 121.6% of the total 

segment operating income. In fiscal 2019, U.S. Foodservice Operations and International Foodservice Operations represented approximately 94.1% and 

3.9%, respectively, of total segment operating income. This illustrates that these segments represent a substantial majority of our total segment results 

when compared to other reportable segments.

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. Along with sales, operating income is the most relevant measure for evaluating segment performance and allocating 

resources, as operating income includes cost of goods sold, as well as the costs to warehouse and deliver goods, which are significant and relevant costs 

when evaluating a distribution business.

Results of U.S. Foodservice Operations

In fiscal 2020, the U.S. Foodservice Operations operating results represented approximately 69.5% of Sysco’s overall sales and 121.6% of the aggregated 

operating income of Sysco’s reporting segments. Several factors contributed to these higher operating results as compared to the 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 enable this segment to generate its relatively stronger results of operations.

The following tables set forth a summary of the components of operating income and adjusted operating income expressed as a percentage increase or 

decrease over the prior year:

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

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

2020
36,774,146  $
7,254,722   
5,251,563 
2,003,159  $
7,254,722  $
5,010,764   
2,243,958  $

2019
41,288,188 $
8,249,027   
5,257,233 
2,991,794  $
8,249,027  $
5,257,233   
2,991,794  $

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

28

Change in Dollars

2019
41,288,188 $
8,249,027 
5,257,233 
2,991,794  $
8,249,027  $
5,257,233 
2,991,794  $

2018
39,642,263 $
7,900,276 
5,040,464 
2,859,812  $
7,900,276  $
5,038,764 
2,861,512  $

(4,514,042)
(994,305)
(5,670)
(988,635)
(994,305)
(246,469)
(747,836)

1,645,925
348,751 
216,769 
131,982 
348,751 
218,469 
130,282 

% Change

(10.9)%
(12.1)
(0.1)
(33.0)%
(12.1)%
(4.7)
(25.0)%

% Change

4.2%
4.4 
4.3 
4.6 %
4.4 %
4.3 
4.6 %

Change in Dollars

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 prior year in order to demonstrate the cause and 

magnitude of change.

Increase (Decrease)

(In millions)
Cause of change
Case volume
Inflation
Acquisitions
Other(1)(2)
TOTAL CHANGE IN SALES
(1)  Case volume excludes the volume impact from our custom-cut meat and seafood companies that do not measure volume in cases. Any impact in volumes from these operations are included 

1.8 % $
1.6 
0.7 
0.1 
4.2 % $

(4,679.0)
773.3 
256.4 
(864.7)
(4,514.0)

727.2
637.1 
283.5 
(1.9)
1,645.9

1.9 
0.6 
(2.1)

Percentage

Percentage

(10.9)% $

(11.3)% $

Dollars

Dollars

2020

2019

within “Other.”

(2)  Approximately $439 million of this decrease for fiscal 2020 results from Sysco’s sale of its interest in Iowa Premium in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

Sales were 10.9% lower in fiscal 2020 than in fiscal 2019. The largest driver of the decrease was the significant decline in case volume in our U.S. Broadline 

operations, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced some of our customers to close and many others to operate at a substantially reduced volume. Case 

volumes for the company’s U.S. Broadline operations, including acquisitions within the last 12 months, decreased 11.2% in fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 

2019 and included a 9.6% decline in locally managed customer case growth, along with a decrease of 13.0% in national customer case volume, including 

chain restaurants and multi-locational restaurants. Sales from acquisitions within the last 12 months favorably impacted locally managed customer sales 

by 1.0%; therefore, organic local case volume, which excludes acquisitions, decreased 10.6%.

Sales were 4.2% higher in fiscal 2019 than in fiscal 2018. The largest drivers of the increase were case volume growth in our U.S. Broadline operations and 

the impact of product cost inflation. Case volumes for the company’s U.S. Broadline operations, including acquisitions within the last 12 months, increased 

2.7% in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 and included a 3.1% improvement in locally managed customer case growth, along with an increase of 2.3% 

in national customer case volume, including chain restaurants and multi-locational restaurants. Sales from acquisitions within the last 12 months favorably 

impacted locally managed customer sales by 0.9%; therefore, organic local case volume, which excludes acquisitions, grew 2.2%.

Operating Income

Operating income decreased by 33.0% in fiscal 2020 over fiscal 2019, as our decline in gross profits outpaced our reduction of operating expenses. 

Gross profit dollars decreased 12.1% in fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019, driven primarily by the decline in local cases, partially offset by higher 

inflation and growth in Sysco-branded products. The estimated change in product costs, an internal measure of inflation or deflation, for fiscal 2020 for 

our U.S. Broadline operations was inflation of 1.8%. For fiscal 2020, this change in product costs was primarily driven by inflation in the meat and dairy 

products categories. Our Sysco brand sales to local customers decreased by approximately 24 basis points for fiscal 2020. Gross margin, which is gross 

profit as a percentage of sales, was 19.73% in fiscal 2020, representing a decrease of 25 basis points from the gross margin of 19.98% in fiscal 2019, 

primarily attributable to a temporary shift in customer mix as a result of the current operating environment and pricing reductions to help move inventory 

and avoid spoilage.

Operating expenses for fiscal 2020 decreased 0.1%, or $5.7 million, compared to fiscal 2019. Our decline in operating expenses during fiscal 2020 was 

primarily driven by permanent cost reductions and productivity measures, largely offset by an increase in bad debt expense attributable to the COVID-19 

pandemic’s impact on our customers’ ability to pay their outstanding receivables. These operations also experienced reduced incentive compensation 

expense, as the company’s financial performance with regard to the performance metrics under the fiscal 2020 management incentive plans was below 

target. Operating expenses, on an adjusted basis (which is a non-GAAP financial measure for which a reconciliation is provided above), for fiscal 2020 

decreased 4.7%, or $246.5 million, compared to fiscal 2019. 

Operating income increased by 4.6% in fiscal 2019 over fiscal 2018, as our gross profits grew on pace with operating expenses.

Gross profit dollars increased in fiscal 2019, as compared to fiscal 2018, driven primarily by growth in sales of Sysco-branded products, year-over-year 

favorability of inbound freight and continued category management work. Our case growth for Sysco-branded sales to local customers increased 50 basis 

points in fiscal 2019. Additionally, our customer mix has continued to improve, as we grew local cases at a faster pace than total cases. The change in 

product costs, an internal measure of inflation or deflation, was estimated as inflation of 1.5% during fiscal 2019 for our U.S. Broadline operations. Inflation in 

fiscal 2019 occurred primarily in the frozen category, principally for frozen potatoes, and the canned and dry, paper and disposables and produce categories.

Operating expenses increased in fiscal 2019, as compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to increased costs in both transportation and warehouse resulting 

from the tight labor market combined with seasonal hiring of driver and warehouse staff, which drove increased operational costs on a per unit basis as 

volume softened in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. An increase in our provisions for losses on receivables has also contributed to the increase in operating 

expenses primarily due to stronger performance in collections and recoveries of previously written off receivables in fiscal 2018 as compared to fiscal 2019.

29

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of International Foodservice Operations

In fiscal 2020, the International Foodservice Operations operating results represented approximately 18.3% of Sysco’s overall sales. 

The following tables set forth a summary of the components of operating income and adjusted operating income expressed as a percentage increase or 

decrease over the prior year:

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

Sales

$

$
$

$

2020

9,672,190 $
1,955,190   
2,326,597 

(371,407)  $
1,955,190  $
1,847,152   

2019
11,493,040 $
2,392,179 
2,266,736 

125,443  $
2,392,179  $
2,037,354 

108,038  $

354,825  $

Change in Dollars

(1,820,850)
(436,989)
59,861 
(496,850)
(436,989)
(190,202)
(246,787)

% Change

(15.8)%
(18.3)
2.6 
(396.1)%
(18.3)%
(9.3)
(69.6)%

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
Inflation
Acquisitions
Foreign currency
Other(1)
TOTAL CHANGE IN SALES
(1)  The impact of volumes as a component of sales growth from international operations are included within “Other.” Volume in our foreign operations includes volume metrics that differ from 

1.0 % $
0.3 
(1.7)
(15.4)
(15.8)% $

108.9
32.0 
(198.4)
(1,763.4)
(1,820.9)

Percentage

Dollars

Increase (Decrease)
2020

country to country and cannot be aggregated on a consistent comparable basis.

Sales for fiscal 2020 were 15.8% lower, as compared to fiscal 2019, primarily due to the significant decline in volumes in our Europe and Canada operations, 

as the COVID-19 pandemic forced some of our customers to close and many others to operate at a substantially reduced volume. Our business in Europe 

has decreased significantly, as governments have issued “stay-at-home” orders that have resulted in a decline in restaurant traffic. Restaurant sales in 

Canada have decreased, as consumers are practicing isolation measures to protect health and safety. For our Latin American businesses, the impact of 

COVID-19 has been most prominent in Mexico, where sales decreased more rapidly. In Costa Rica, our cash and carry stores are helping to offset the 

decrease in sales from restaurants.

Operating Income

Operating income decreased by $496.9 million for fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019, due to the decline in business resulting from the reductions 

in our customers’ business attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic and from our ongoing restructuring and integration work in our European operations 

and facility consolidations in our Canadian operations. Our business in France continued to experience operational challenges arising from our integration 

efforts. Restructuring and business transformation charges also negatively affected our U.K. operations as we continue our efforts related to modernizing the 

business and growing our customer base. Operating income, on an adjusted basis, decreased by $246.8 million, or 69.6%, for fiscal 2020, as compared 

to fiscal 2019. Foreign exchange rates negatively affected operating income by 0.7%; therefore, adjusted operating income decreased by 70.3% on a 

constant currency basis. 

Gross profit dollars decreased by 18.3% in fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019, primarily attributable to decreased sales. Changes in foreign exchange 

rates that negatively affected gross profit by 1.8%, resulting in a 16.5% increase in adjusted gross profit on a constant currency basis.

Operating expenses for fiscal 2020 increased 2.6%, or $59.9 million, as compared to fiscal 2019, primarily due to increased restructuring and integration 

charges being incurred in France. We incurred restructuring charges of $191.9 million primarily relating to restructuring and integration in France and 

the U.K. and the largely completed facility consolidation in our Canadian operations during fiscal 2020, as compared to $152.9 million of restructuring 
charges in fiscal 2019. Additionally, we incurred $88.3 million of excess bad debt expense related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating expenses, on 

an adjusted basis, for fiscal 2020, decreased 9.3%, or $190.2 million, compared to fiscal 2019. Changes in foreign exchange rates used to translate our 

foreign operating expenses into U.S. dollars positively affected operating expenses during the period by 2.2%, resulting in a 7.1% decrease in adjusted 

operating expenses on a constant currency basis.

30

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
PaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of SYGMa and Other Segment

For SYGMA, sales were 11.0% lower in fiscal 2020 as compared to fiscal 2019, primarily from a decline in case volume due to the decrease in customer 

demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, although the quick-service and drive-thru restaurants served by SYGMA continue to experience less of a 

downturn compared to other restaurant types. Operating income increased by $9.1 million in fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019, due to our focus on 

expense reductions through business and routing optimization. This performance reflects SYGMA’s ability to gain new customers and operate efficiently 

throughout the crisis.

For the operations that are grouped within Other, operating income decreased $57.2 million in fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019. Guest Supply gross 

profit decreased 20.9% in fiscal 2020, as the business faced challenges resulting from the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hotel industry.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses in fiscal 2020 increased $47.0 million, or 5.5%, as compared to fiscal 2019, primarily due to costs associated with the business 

impact of the COVID-19 crisis, including severance charges related to permanent workforce reductions and goodwill impairment charges. Charges for 

professional fees and other business transformation initiatives, increased liability claims and expenses associated with our recent leadership change also 

contributed to the increase. These increases were partially offset by reduced incentive compensation expense, as the company’s financial performance 

with regard to the performance metrics under the fiscal 2020 management incentive plans was below target. Corporate expenses, on an adjusted basis, 

decreased $2.2 million, or 0.3%, as compared to fiscal 2019. 

Included in corporate expenses are Certain Items that totaled $220.3 million in fiscal 2020, as compared to $171.1 million in fiscal 2019. Certain Items 

impacting fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 were primarily expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives, severance charges arising from the 

COVID-19 pandemic and goodwill impairment charges.

Corporate expenses in fiscal 2019 increased $63.2 million, or 8.1%, as compared to fiscal 2018, due primarily to an increase in expenses related to our 

business technology initiatives, including accelerated depreciation on certain enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and software platforms that we 

are no longer using, along with higher pay-related expenses, partly driven by higher severance and relocation charges. Corporate expenses, on an adjusted 

basis, decreased $16.9 million, or 2.5%, as compared to fiscal 2018. 

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $47.8 million in fiscal 2020, as compared to fiscal 2019, primarily attributable to higher fixed debt volume, partially offset by 

lower floating interest rates.

Net Earnings

Net earnings declined 87.1% in fiscal 2020 as compared to the prior year, due primarily to the items noted above for operating income and interest expense, 

as well as items impacting our income taxes that are discussed in Note 16, “Income Taxes,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

Adjusted net earnings, excluding Certain Items, decreased 44.4% in fiscal 2020, primarily due to a significant decrease in sales volume, partially offset by 

a favorable tax expense comparison to the prior year.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share in fiscal 2020 were $0.42, an 87.0% decrease from the comparable prior year period amount of $3.24 per share. Diluted earnings 

per share in fiscal 2020 were $0.42, an 86.9% decrease from the comparable prior year period amount of $3.20 per share. Adjusted diluted earnings per 

share, excluding Certain Items, in fiscal 2020 were $2.01, a 43.4% decrease from the comparable prior year period amount of $3.55 per share. These 

results were primarily attributable to the factors discussed above related to net earnings in fiscal 2020.

Non-GaaP Reconciliations

Sysco’s results of operations for fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 were impacted by restructuring and transformational project costs consisting of: 

(1) expenses associated with our various transformation initiatives; (2) severance and facility closure charges; and (3) restructuring charges. All acquisition-related 

costs in fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 that have been designated as Certain Items relate to the Brakes Acquisition. These include acquisition-related 

intangible amortization expense. Fiscal 2020 results of operations were also negatively impacted by costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the most 

significant including (1) excess bad debt expense, (2) goodwill and intangibles impairment charges and (3) fixed asset impairment charges. These are the 

only items that have been adjusted as Certain Items. Our adjusted results have not been normalized in a manner that would exclude the full impact of 

the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. As such, Sysco has not adjusted its results for lost sales, inventory write-offs or other costs associated with 

the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of Sysco’s customers, including those in the restaurant, hospitality and education segments, are closed or operating at a 

31

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPaRT II – FINaNCIaL INFORMaTION
ITEM 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

substantially reduced volume due to governmental requirements for closures or other social-distancing measures. Some of these customers have ceased 

paying their outstanding receivables, creating uncertainty as to their collectability. We have experienced an increase in past due receivables and have 

recognized additional bad debt charges. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our allowance was primarily based on historical loss experience. Since the crisis 

began, our write-off percentages have been based, not only on historical loss experience, but also on our experience with losses incurred during times of 

local and regional disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic is more widespread and longer in duration than historical disasters impacting our business, and it is 

possible that actual uncollectible amounts will differ and additional charges may be required in fiscal 2021. We have estimated the amount attributable to 

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers by comparing our June allowance results to average results for periods ended prior to the onset 

of the COVID-19 pandemic, with excess amounts being a reasonable estimate of what the reserve for the allowance for doubtful accounts would have 

been for fiscal 2020, absent the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is more widespread and longer in duration than 

historical disasters impacting our business, it is possible that actual uncollectible amounts will differ and additional charges may be required in fiscal 2021. 

Although Sysco traditionally incurs bad debt expense, the magnitude of such expenses that we have experienced since March 2020 is not indicative of 

our normal operations. Fiscal 2019 results of operations included the gain on the sale of Iowa Premium and the impact of recognizing a foreign tax credit. 

Fiscal 2018 results of operations were additionally impacted by multiemployer pension plan (MEPP) withdrawal charges. These fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 

and fiscal 2018 items are collectively referred to as “Certain Items.” The results of our foreign operations can be impacted by changes in exchange rates 

applicable to converting from local currencies to U.S. dollars. We measure our International Foodservice Operations results on a constant currency basis. 

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 Certain 

Items, and certain metrics are stated on a constant currency basis.

The results of our foreign operations can be impacted due to changes in exchange rates applicable in converting local currencies to U.S. dollars. We 

measure our International Foodservice Operations results on a constant currency basis. Constant currency operating results are calculated by translating 

current-period local currency operating results with the currency exchange rates used to translate the financial statements in the comparable prior-year 

period to determine what the current-period U.S. dollar operating results would have been if the currency exchange rate had not changed from the 

comparable prior-year period.

Management believes that adjusting its operating expenses, operating income, other (income) expense, net, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to 

remove these Certain Items and presenting its International Foodservice Operations results on a constant currency basis, provides an important perspective 

with respect to our underlying business trends and results and provides meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors that (1) is 

indicative of the performance of the company’s underlying operations, facilitating comparisons on a year-over-year basis and (2) removes those items that 

are difficult to predict and are often unanticipated and that, as a result, are difficult to include in analysts’ financial models and our investors’ expectations 

with any degree of specificity.

Although Sysco has a history of growth through acquisitions, the Brakes Group was significantly larger than the companies historically acquired by Sysco, 

with a proportionately greater impact on Sysco’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, Sysco is excluding from its non-GAAP financial measures 

for the relevant period solely those acquisition costs specific to the Brakes Acquisition. We believe this approach significantly enhances the comparability 

of Sysco’s results for fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of sales, operating expenses, operating income, interest expense, net earnings and diluted earnings per share to adjusted 

results for these measures for the periods presented. Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not add up to the total presented due to 

rounding. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by diluted shares outstanding.

32

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

ITEM 7  Management’s Discussion and 

Analysis of Financial Condition and 

Results of Operations

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

$

$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

0.8%

% Change

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
14.1 
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
(16.8)
NM
Impact of excess bad debt expense
NM
Impact of goodwill impairment
(5.6)%
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
(67.8)%
Operating (loss) income (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
14.1 
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
(16.8)
NM
Impact of excess bad debt expense
NM
Impact of goodwill impairment
(37.4)%
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
(232.7)%
Other (income) expense (GAAP)
NM
Impact of impairment on assets held for sale
NM
Impact of gain on sale of Iowa Premium
(96.9)%
Other (income) expense (Non-GAAP)
(87.1)%
Net earnings (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
14.1 
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
(16.8)
NM
Impact of excess bad debt expense
NM
Impact of goodwill impairment
NM
Impact of impairment on assets held for sale
NM
Impact of gain on sale of Iowa Premium
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(3)
11.0 
Tax impact of acquisition-related costs(3)
(30.2)
Tax impact of excess bad debt expense(3)
NM
Tax impact of impairment on assets held for sale(3)
NM
Tax impact of gain on sale of Iowa Premium(3)
NM
NM
Impact of France, U.K., and Sweden tax law changes
NM
Impact of foreign tax credit benefit
NM
Impact of France, U.K., and Sweden tax law changes
NM
Impact of US transition tax
(44.4)%
Net earnings adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
(86.9)%
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
16.1 
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
(13.3)
NM
Impact of excess bad debt expense
NM
Impact of goodwill impairment
NM
Impact of impairment on assets held for sale
Impact of gain on sale of Iowa Premium
NM
Tax impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(3)
12.5 
Tax impact of acquisition-related costs(3)
(25.0)
Tax impact of excess bad debt expense(3)
NM
Tax impact of impairment on assets held for sale(3)
NM
Tax impact of gain on sale of Iowa Premium(3)
NM
NM
Impact of foreign tax credit benefit
NM
Impact of France, U.K. and Sweden tax law changes
NM
Impact of US transition tax
Diluted EPS adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)(4)
(43.4)%
(1)  Fiscal 2020 includes $265 million related to restructuring, severance and facility closure charges, of which $99 million relates to severance charges. Fiscal 2020 also includes $106 million 
related to various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy. Fiscal 2019 includes $174 million related to severance, restructuring and 
facility closure charges in Europe and Canada and at Corporate, of which $61 million relates to our France restructuring (i.e. our integration of Brake France and Davigel into Sysco France), and 
$151 million related to various transformation initiatives costs, of which $18 million relates to accelerated depreciation with regard to software that was replaced. 

Change in Dollars
73,322
$
(45,788)
13,039 
(323,403)
(203,206)
(486,036)
(1,580,645)
45,788 
(13,039)
323,403 
203,206 
(1,021,287)
84,010
(46,968)
(66,309)
(29,267)
(1,458,796)
45,788 
(13,039)
323,403 
203,206 
46,968 
66,309 
(8,961)
5,912 
(76,864)
(12,644)
(18,119)
924 
95,067 
(6,464)
(17,516)
(824,826)
(2.78)
0.10 
(0.02)
0.63 
0.40 
0.09 
0.13 
(0.02)
0.01 
(0.15)
(0.02)
(0.03)
0.18 
(0.01)
(0.03)
(1.54)

2019
9,078,837
(325,300)
(77,832)
- 
- 
8,675,705
2,330,150
325,300 
77,832 
- 
- 
2,733,282
(36,109)
- 
66,309 
30,200
1,674,271
325,300 
77,832 
- 
- 
- 
(66,309)
(81,722)
(19,553)
- 
- 
18,119 
- 
(95,067)
6,464 
17,516 
1,856,851
3.20
0.62 
0.15 
- 
- 
- 
(0.13)
(0.16)
(0.04)
- 
- 
0.03 
(0.18)
0.01 
0.03 
3.55

2020
9,152,159
(371,088)
(64,793)
(323,403)
(203,206)
8,189,669
749,505
371,088 
64,793 
323,403 
203,206 
1,711,995
47,901
(46,968)
- 
933
215,475
371,088 
64,793 
323,403 
203,206 
46,968 
- 
(90,683)
(13,641)
(76,864)
(12,644)
- 
924 
- 
- 
- 
1,032,025
0.42
0.72 
0.13 
0.63 
0.40 
0.09 
- 
(0.18)
(0.03)
(0.15)
(0.02)
- 
- 
- 
- 
2.01

$
$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

(2)  Fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 include $65 million and $77 million, respectively, related to intangible amortization expense from the Brakes Acquisition, which is included in the results of 

International Foodservice and integration costs in fiscal 2019.

(3)  The tax impact of adjustments for Certain Items are calculated by multiplying the pretax impact of each Certain Item by the statutory rates in effect for each jurisdiction where the Certain Item 

(4) 

was incurred.
Individual components of diluted earnings per share may not add up to the total presented due to rounding. Total diluted earnings per share is calculated using adjusted net earnings divided by 
diluted shares outstanding.

NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.

33

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Set forth below is a reconciliation by segment of actual operating expenses and operating income to adjusted results for these measures for the periods 

presented:

(dollars in thousands)
U.S. FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
Impact of excess bad debt expense
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Operating income (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
Impact of excess bad debt expense
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
INTERNATIONAL FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS
Sales (GAAP)
Impact of currency fluctuations(2)
Comparable sales using a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
Gross Profit (GAAP)
Impact of currency fluctuations(2)
Comparable gross profit using a constant currency basis  
(Non-GAAP)
Gross Margin (GAAP)
Impact of currency fluctuations(2)
Comparable gross margin using a constant currency basis  
(Non-GAAP)
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(3)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(4)
Impact of excess bad debt expense
Impact of goodwill impairment
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Impact of currency fluctuations(2)*
Comparable operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items using 
a constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
Operating (loss) income (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(3)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(4)
Impact of excess bad debt expense
Impact of goodwill impairment
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Impact of currency fluctuations(2)*
Comparable operating income adjusted for Certain Items using a 
constant currency basis (Non-GAAP)
SYGMA
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(5)
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Operating income (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(5)
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)

2020

2019

Change in Dollars

% Change

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

5,251,563 
(10,145)
(230,654)
5,010,764 
2,003,159 
10,145 
230,654 
2,243,958 

9,672,190 
198,422 
9,870,612 
1,955,190 
43,076 

$

$
$

$

5,257,233 
- 
- 
5,257,233 
2,991,794 
- 
- 
2,991,794 

$ 11,493,040 
- 
$ 11,493,040 
2,392,179 
$
- 

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

(5,670)
(10,145)
(230,654)
(246,469)
(988,635)
10,145 
230,654 
(747,836)

(1,820,850)
198,422 
(1,622,428)
(436,989)
43,076 

(0.1)%
NM
NM
(4.7)%
(33.0)%
NM
NM
(25.0)%

(15.8)%
(1.7)
(14.1)%
(18.3)%
(1.8)

$

1,998,266 

$

2,392,179 

$

(393,913)

(16.5)%

20.21 %
(0.03)

20.81 %

- 

20.24 %

20.81 %

2,326,597 
(191,900)
(64,793)
(88,271)
(134,481)
1,847,152 
45,630 

1,892,782 
(371,407)
191,900 
64,793 
88,271 
134,481 
108,038 
(2,554)

105,484 

446,614 
(5,793)
440,821 
36,880 
5,793 
42,673 

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

2,266,736 
(152,852)
(76,530)
- 
- 
2,037,354 
- 

2,037,354 
125,443 
152,852 
76,530 
- 
- 
354,825 
- 

354,825 

477,858 
(2,609)
475,249 
27,780 
2,609 
30,389 

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

-60 bps
-3 bps

-57 bps

2.6 %

25.5 
(15.3)
NM
NM
(9.3)
(2.2)

(7.1)%
NM
25.5 
(15.3)
NM
NM
(69.6)
0.7 

59,861 
(39,048)
11,737 
(88,271)
(134,481)
(190,202)
45,630 

(144,572)
(496,850)
39,048 
(11,737)
88,271 
134,481 
(246,787)
(2,554)

(249,341)

(70.3)%

(31,244)
(3,184)
(34,428)
9,100 
3,184 
12,284 

(6.5)%

122.0 

(7.2)%
32.8 %

122.0 

40.4 %

34

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

$

$

$

$

$
$

$
$

$
$

2020

2019

% Change

Change in Dollars

3,396 
(4,478)
(11,660)
(12,742)
(57,209)
4,478 
11,660 
(41,071)

240,245 
(4,478)
(11,660)
224,107 
(21,361)
4,478 
11,660 
(5,223)

236,849 
- 
- 
236,849 
35,848 
- 
- 
35,848 

1.4 %
NM
NM
(5.4)%
(159.6)%
NM
NM
(114.6)%

(dollars in thousands)
OTHER
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of excess bad debt expense
Impact of goodwill impairment
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Operating (loss) income (GAAP)
Impact of excess bad debt expense
Impact of goodwill impairment
Operating (loss) income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
CORPORATE
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(6)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(7)
Impact of goodwill impairment
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Operating loss (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(6)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(7)
Impact of goodwill impairment
Operating loss adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
(1) 
(2)  Represents a constant currency adjustment, which eliminates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on current year results.
(3) 
(4)  Fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 include $65 million and $77 million, respectively, related to intangible amortization expense from the Brakes Acquisition.
(5) 
(6)  Fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 include various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy and severance related to restructuring. Fiscal 
2020 also includes severance charges incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fiscal 2019 includes $18 million of accelerated depreciation on software that was replaced and 
severance charges related to restructuring. 

887,140 
(163,249)
- 
(57,066)
666,825 
(897,766)
163,249 
- 
57,066 
(677,451)

840,161 
(169,838)
(1,302)
- 
669,021 
(850,715)
169,838 
1,302 
- 
(679,575)

46,979 
6,589 
1,302 
(57,066)
(2,196)
(47,051)
(6,589)
(1,302)
57,066 
2,124 

5.5 %
(3.9)
NM
NM
(0.3)%
5.5 %
(3.9)
NM
NM
(0.3)%

Includes restructuring, severance and facility closure costs in Europe and Canada.

Includes charges related to restructuring and business transformation projects.

Includes charges related to facility closures and other restructuring charges.

$
$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(7)  Fiscal 2019 includes integration costs from the Brakes Acquisition.
* 

The “Impact of currency fluctuations” reported in the table above for fiscal 2020 reflects an immaterial change from the corresponding amount reported in Sysco’s fourth fiscal quarter 2020 
earnings release furnished pursuant to a Form 8-K dated August 11, 2020. For a corrected copy of the earnings release reflecting this immaterial change, see Sysco’s Investor Relations website. 
Unless expressly incorporated by reference, information contained on or made available through our website is not a part of this report.

NM represents that the percentage change is not meaningful.

35

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

$

$

$

$
$

2019

2018

% Change

Change in Dollars

5,257,233 
- 
5,257,233 
2,991,794 
- 
2,991,794 

(dollars in thousands)
U.S. FOODSERVICE OPERATIONS
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of MEPP charge
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Operating income (GAAP)
Impact of MEPP charge
Operating income adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
CORPORATE
Operating expenses (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
Operating expenses adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
Operating loss (GAAP)
Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs(1)
Impact of acquisition-related costs(2)
(4.6)%
Operating loss adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)
(1)  Fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 include various transformation initiative costs, primarily consisting of changes to our business technology strategy. Fiscal 2019 includes $18 million of accelerated 

776,929 
(72,857)
(18,132)
685,940 
(803,423)
72,857 
18,132 
(712,434)

840,161 
(169,838)
(1,302)
669,021 
(850,715)
169,838 
1,302 
(679,575)

63,232 
(96,981)
16,830 
(16,919)
(47,292)
96,981 
(16,830)
32,859 

5,040,464 
(1,700)
5,038,764 
2,859,812 
1,700 
2,861,512 

216,769 
1,700 
218,469 
131,982 
(1,700)
130,282 

4.3 %
NM
4.3 %
4.6 %
NM
4.6 %

(2.5)%
5.9 %
NM
(92.8)

8.1 %
NM
(92.8)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

depreciation on software that is being replaced, and severance charges related to restructuring.

(2)  Fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 include $1 million and $18 million, respectively, related to integration costs from the Brakes Acquisition.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Highlights

Below are comparisons of the cash flows from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2019:

 • Cash flows from operations were $1.6 billion in fiscal 2020, compared to $2.4 billion in fiscal 2019;

 • Net capital expenditures totaled $691.7 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $671.5 million in fiscal 2019;

 • Free cash flow was $927.0 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $1.7 billion in fiscal 2019 (see “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” below under the heading “Free 

Cash Flow” for an explanation of this non-GAAP financial measure);

 • Cash used for acquisition of businesses was $142.8 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $106.6 million in fiscal 2019;

 • Cash proceeds from the sale of a business were $149.9 million in fiscal 2019;

 • There were $616.7 million of commercial paper issuances and net bank borrowings in fiscal 2020, compared to $132.1 million of commercial 

paper issuances and net bank borrowings in fiscal 2019;

 • Dividends paid were $856.3 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $775.4 million in fiscal 2019; and

 • Cash paid for treasury stock repurchases was $844.7 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $1.0 billion in fiscal 2019.

In addition, we issued an aggregate of $5.0 billion in new senior notes in fiscal 2020.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our working capital, as well as the uncertainty regarding our ability to generate cash 

flow in the near term, we borrowed a total of $1.8 billion under our long-term revolving credit facility in the second half of fiscal 2020. As of June 27, 2020, 

there were $700.0 million in borrowings outstanding under this facility. In fiscal 2020, Sysco entered into a new unrelated commercial paper program in 

the U.K. allowing the company to issue short-term unsecured notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed £600.0 million. As of June 27, 2020, there 

were £600.0 million in borrowings outstanding under this commercial paper program. Sysco also established a 364-day credit facility in the amount of 

$750.0 million scheduled to expire on May 19, 2021. As of June 27, 2020, there were no borrowings under this credit facility. During fiscal 2020, aggregate 

outstanding commercial paper issuances, borrowings under our long-term revolving credit facility and short-term bank borrowings ranged from approximately 

$18.4 million to approximately $1.9 billion. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, Sysco suspended its treasury stock repurchases and reduced capital spending. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we entered into an amendment to our long-term revolving credit facility, as described below under “Debt Activity and 
Borrowing Availability,” which provides for new debt covenants and requires us to suspend share repurchases and dividend increases until the earlier of 

September 2022 or the date on which Sysco has achieved a certain ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense. As of August 7, 2020, 

the company has approximately $8.0 billion in cash and available liquidity.

36

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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;

 • cash dividends;

 • acquisitions compatible with our overall growth strategy;

 • debt repayments; and 

 • share repurchases, which are currently suspended pursuant to the amendment of our long-term revolving credit facility.

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 be in a strong financial position based on our balance sheet and our operating cash flows; however, our liquidity and capital resources have 

been significantly and negatively impacted by the reduction in sales volume resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our working capital needs have been 
reduced and continue to decline due to decreased demand, and we are actively working with customers to receive payments on receivables, optimizing 

our inventory levels and maximizing our payment terms with vendors. We believe these actions will help to partially offset the unfavorable impact of the 

COVID-19 pandemic on our cash flows from operations. 

We extend credit terms to our customers that can vary from cash on delivery to 30 days or more based on our assessment of each customer’s credit 

worthiness. In the ordinary course of business, customers periodically negotiate extended payment terms on trade accounts receivable. The company 

may utilize purchase arrangements with third-party financial institutions to transfer portions of our trade accounts receivable balance on a non-recourse 

basis in order to extend terms for the customer without negatively impacting our cash flow. The arrangements meet the requirements for the receivables 

transferred to be accounted for as sales. See Note 1, “Summary of Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 for 

additional information.

As of June 27, 2020, we had $6.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents, approximately 14% of which was held by our international subsidiaries generated 

from our earnings of international operations. If these earnings were transferred among countries or repatriated to the U.S., such amounts may be subject to 

withholding and additional foreign tax obligations. Additionally, Sysco Corporation has provided intercompany loans to certain of its international subsidiaries, 

and when interest and principal payments are made, some of this cash will move to the U.S.

Our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary (the Captive) must maintain a sufficient level of liquidity to fund future reserve payments. As of June 27, 2020, 

the Captive held $116.3 million of fixed income marketable securities and $36.1 million of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in a restricted 

investment portfolio in order to meet solvency requirements. We purchased $11.4 million in marketable securities in fiscal 2020 and received $20.5 million 

in proceeds from the sale of marketable securities in that period.

We believe the following sources will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for at least 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

 • our ability to access capital from financial markets, including issuances of debt securities, either privately or under our shelf registration statement filed 

with the 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

We generated $1.6 billion and $2.4 billion in cash flows from operations in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. Fiscal 2020 reflects lower operating 

results, as well as year-over-year unfavorable comparisons accrued on expenses and accrued income taxes, partially offset by favorable comparisons on 

working capital.

37

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The negative comparison on accrued expenses was primarily due to an unfavorable comparison of customer rebate payments resulting from the decline 

in volume purchase incentives earned by our customers, an unfavorable comparison of incentive payments resulting from prior year incentive payments 

exceeding current year accruals, and an increase in payments associated with business technology projects.

The negative comparison year-over-year with regard to our accrued income taxes is principally due to a decline in our tax liabilities resulting from our lower 

earnings in the second half of fiscal 2020 attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Changes in working capital had a positive impact of $267.9 million on cash flows from operations period-over-period. There was a favorable comparison 

on accounts receivable and inventories, which was partially offset by an unfavorable comparison on accounts payable. Accounts receivable, accounts 

payable and inventories have all decreased, primarily due to significantly lower sales in fiscal 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are actively 

adjusting our replenishment of inventory to adapt to lower volumes, while still maintaining appropriate levels of products that are critically needed in the 

current pandemic environment. Many of Sysco’s customers, including those in the restaurant, hospitality and education segments, are closed or operating 

at a substantially reduced volume due to governmental requirements for closures or other social-distancing measures. Some of these customers have 

ceased paying their outstanding receivables, creating uncertainty as to their collectability. In fiscal 2020, we recorded a provision for losses on receivables 

totaling $404.2 million, of which we believe approximately $323.4 million is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers, calculated 

by comparing our June allowance results to average results for periods ended prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with excess amounts being 

a reasonable estimate of what the reserve for the allowance for doubtful accounts would have been for fiscal 2020, absent the impact of the COVID-19 

pandemic. We are working with our customers to collect past due balances, including through the use of payment plans. We have also discontinued 

charging interest on past due balances. We believe that we will continue to experience risk in fiscal 2021 relating to uncollectible accounts; however, we 

expect to collect the unreserved balance of accounts receivable held prior to the onset of the COVID-19 crisis by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

We began to recognize the benefits provided in the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in the fourth quarter 

of fiscal 2020, as we have deferred U.S. social security tax to future fiscal years, which has favorably impacted our cash flows from operations. We are 

also implementing certain types of pay, primarily with regard to our warehouse and delivery associates that, under the provisions of the CARES Act, will 

generate additional payroll tax credits over time. 

We do not intend to seek, and have not since the onset of the pandemic sought, assistance from the U.S government; however, we are encouraging our 

customers to seek assistance where appropriate.

Investing Activities

Fiscal 2020 capital expenditures included:

 • buildings and building improvements; 

 • fleet replacements;

 • investments in technology; and

 • warehouse equipment.

Fiscal 2019 capital expenditures included:

 • buildings and building improvements; 

 • investments in technology;

 • fleet replacements; and

 • warehouse equipment.

The level of gross capital expenditures in fiscal 2020 increased $28.0 million as compared to fiscal 2019.

In order to preserve our liquidity in response to the COVID-19 crisis, we have reduced our expected capital expenditures by eliminating capital projects 

that are not urgently needed for our business and were not significantly underway. 

During fiscal 2020, the company paid cash of $142.8 million for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, including the acquisitions of J. Kings Food Service 

Professionals, Armstrong Produce, and Kula Produce. 

During fiscal 2019, the company paid cash of $106.6 million for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, including Waugh Foods, Inc., J & M Wholesale Meats 

and Imperio Foods, Inc. within U.S. Foodservice operations, Classic Drinks and the remaining interest in Iowa Premium, making the previously consolidated 

entity a wholly owned subsidiary, which was subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. 

During fiscal 2019, the company received $149.9 million in proceeds from the sale of a business. These dispositions resulted in a recognized gain of 
$66.3 million, which is included within Other income in the consolidated results of operations. 

38

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Free Cash Flow

Our free cash flow for fiscal 2020 decreased by $812.8 million, to $927.0 million, as compared to fiscal 2019, principally as a result of a decrease in cash 

flows from operations and year-over-year increased capital expenditures. 

Non-GAAP Reconciliation

Free cash flow should not be used as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measure in assessing the company’s liquidity for the periods presented. 

An analysis of any non-GAAP financial measure should be used in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP. See “Key Performance 

Indicators” for further discussion regarding this non-GAAP financial measure. 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)

2020

2019

Change in Dollars

% Change

$

$

1,618,680  $
(720,423)
28,717 
926,974  $

2,411,207  $

(692,391)
20,941 
1,739,757  $

(792,527)
(28,032)
7,776 
(812,783)

(32.9)%
4.0 
37.1 
(46.7)%

Financing Activities

Equity Transactions

Proceeds from exercises of share-based compensation awards were $227.6 million and $253.1 million in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. 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 have routinely engaged in share repurchase programs to allow Sysco to continue offsetting dilution resulting from shares issued under the company’s benefit 

plans and to make opportunistic repurchases. In November 2017, our Board of Directors approved a repurchase program to authorize the repurchase of the 

company’s common stock not to exceed $1.5 billion through the end of fiscal 2020. In August 2019, our Board of Directors approved a separate repurchase 

program to authorize the repurchase of the company’s common stock not to exceed $2.5 billion through the end of fiscal 2021. We repurchased 11.1 million 

shares for $844.7 million in fiscal 2020, compared to 15.0 million shares repurchased in fiscal 2019 for $1.0 billion. During March 2020, we discontinued 

share repurchases under the program, and pursuant to the amendment to our long-term revolving credit facility as described below under “Debt Activity and 

Borrowing Availability,” we do not anticipate making any further repurchases through fiscal 2021. As of June 27, 2020, we had a remaining authorization of 

approximately $2.1 billion.

We have made dividend payments to our shareholders in each fiscal year since our company’s inception. Dividends paid were $856.3 million, or $1.68 per 

share, in fiscal 2020 and $775.4 million, or $1.50 per share, in fiscal 2019. In May 2020, we declared our regular quarterly dividend for the fourth quarter 

of fiscal 2020 of $0.45 per share, which was paid in July 2020. Although we expect to continue making quarterly dividend payments, we do not expect to 

continue to grow our dividend in fiscal 2021.

In August 2018, we filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC under which we, as a well-known seasoned issuer, had the ability to issue and 

sell an indeterminate amount of various types of debt and equity securities. The specific terms of any securities we issue under this registration statement will 

be provided in the applicable prospectus supplements.

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 7, 2020, 29,477,835 shares remained available for issuance under this registration statement.

Debt Activity and Borrowing Availability

Our debt activity, including issuances and repayments, and our borrowing availability is described in Note 13, “Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” 

in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Our outstanding borrowings at June 27, 2020, and repayment activity since the end of fiscal 

2020 are disclosed within those notes. Updated amounts at August 7, 2020, include:

 • $700.0 million outstanding from the credit facility supporting our U.S. commercial paper program;

 • No outstanding borrowings under our U.S. commercial paper program; and

 • £600.0 million outstanding from our U.S. and U.K. commercial paper programs.

Our aggregate commercial paper issuances and short-term bank borrowings had weighted average interest rates of 1.99% for fiscal 2020 and 2.47% for 

fiscal 2019.

39

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In the next 12 months, $750 million of long-term debt will mature. We expect to repay these senior notes in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and to fund these 

repayments with a combination of cash flows from operations and the proceeds from issuances of commercial paper and long-term debt.

The availability of financing in the form of debt is influenced by many factors, including our profitability, free cash flows, debt levels, credit ratings, debt 

covenants and economic and market conditions. For example, a significant downgrade in our credit ratings or adverse conditions in the capital markets 

may increase the cost of borrowing for us or limit our access to capital. To date, we have not experienced difficulty accessing the credit markets. As of 

August 7, 2020, the company had approximately $8.0 billion in cash and available liquidity; and we believe this amount would be sufficient to sustain our 

operations for an extended period, including through an impact much worse than we are currently experiencing or expecting. 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, Sysco entered into an amendment to its $2 billion long-term revolving credit facility that expires on June 28, 2024. 

The amendment revises the existing credit agreement to (1) adjust the covenant requiring Sysco to maintain a certain ratio of EBITDA to consolidated interest 

expense; (2) include a covenant requiring Sysco to maintain a certain level of liquidity until the earlier of September 2022 or the date on which Sysco has 

achieved a certain ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense; (3) include additional pricing levels and a 0.75% interest rate floor; and 

(4) include a new covenant that restricts (a) increases to Sysco’s regular quarterly dividend and (b) repurchases of equity interests of Sysco, in each case, 

until the earlier of September 2022 or the date on which Sysco has achieved a certain ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense. As 

of June 27, 2020, Sysco was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

Guarantor Summarized Financial Information

On January 19, 2011, the wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries of Sysco Corporation, which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of 

non-food products, at that time entered into full and unconditional guarantees of all outstanding senior notes and debentures of Sysco Corporation. A list 

of the current guarantors is included in Exhibit 22 to this Form 10-K. All subsequent issuances of senior notes and debentures in the U.S. and borrowings 

under the company’s $2.0 billion long-term revolving credit facility have also been guaranteed by these subsidiaries, as discussed in Note 13, “Debt and 

Other Financing Arrangements,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. As of June 27, 2020, Sysco had a total of $13.2 billion in 

senior notes, debentures and borrowings under the long-term revolving credit facility that were guaranteed by these subsidiary guarantors. Our remaining 

consolidated subsidiaries (non-guarantor subsidiaries) are not obligated under the senior notes indenture, debentures indenture or our long-term revolving 

credit facility.

All subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by the parent company, all guarantees are full and unconditional, and all guarantees are joint and several. The 

guarantees rank equally and ratably in right of payment with all other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the respective 

guarantors.

The assets of Sysco Corporation consist principally of the stock of its subsidiaries. Therefore, the rights of Sysco Corporation and the rights of its creditors 

to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon liquidation, recapitalization or otherwise will be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, 

except to the extent that claims of Sysco Corporation itself and/or the claims of those creditors themselves may be recognized as creditor claims of the 

subsidiary. Furthermore, the ability of Sysco Corporation to service its indebtedness and other obligations is dependent upon the earnings and cash flow 

of its subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment to it of such earnings or cash flow. If any of Sysco Corporation’s subsidiaries becomes insolvent, 

the direct creditors of that subsidiary will have a prior claim on its assets. Sysco Corporation’s rights and the rights of its creditors, including the rights of a 

holder of senior notes as an owner of debt securities, will be subject to that prior claim, unless Sysco Corporation or such noteholder, if such noteholder’s 

debt securities are guaranteed by such subsidiary, also is a direct creditor of that subsidiary.

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.

Basis of Preparation of the Summarized Financial Information 

The following tables include summarized financial information of Sysco Corporation (issuer), and certain wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries (guarantors) 

(together, the obligor group). The summarized financial information of the obligor group is presented on a combined basis with intercompany balances and 

transactions between entities in the obligor group eliminated. Investments in and equity in the earnings of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, which are not 

members of the obligor group, have been excluded from the summarized financial information.

The obligor group’s amounts due to, amounts due from and transactions with non-guarantor subsidiaries have been presented in separate line items, if 

they are material to the obligor financials.

40

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KCombined Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries Summarized Balance Sheet

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(In thousands)
ASSETS
Receivables due from non-obligor subsidiaries
Current assets

Total current assets

Notes receivable from non-obligor subsidiaries 
Other noncurrent assets

Total noncurrent assets

LIABILITIES
Payables due to non-obligor subsidiaries 
Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities

Notes payable to non-obligor subsidiaries
Long-term debt
Other noncurrent liabilities

Total noncurrent liabilities

Combined Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries Summarized Results of Operations

(In thousands)
Sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Interest expense from non-obligor subsidiaries
Net earnings

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements. 

Jun. 27, 2020

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

$

133,195  
8,644,084  
8,777,279  
671,500  
4,036,312  
4,707,812  

48,923  
2,200,422  
2,249,345  
233,158  
12,478,453  
1,356,781  
14,068,392  

2020
33,619,427  
6,355,756  
1,317,614  
21,240  
838,505  

41

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth, as of June 27, 2020, certain information concerning our obligations and commitments to make contractual future payments:

Payments Due by Period

More Than
5 Years

Total

< 1 Year

3-5 Years

1-3 Years

$

(In thousands)
Recorded Contractual Obligations:
Principal payments of long-term debt
Operating leases
Capital leases
Deferred compensation(1)
International pension plans
SERP and other postretirement plans(2)
Unrecognized tax benefits and interest(3)
Unrecorded Contractual Obligations:
Interest payments related to debt(4)
5,516,563 
Purchase obligations(5)
2,861 
15,224,640 
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 

14,360,420  $
730,697   
111,740   
113,007 
138,364   
309,835 
7,191 

2,314,538  $
99,226   
20,614   
8,477   
27,549   
63,262 
— 

1,490,284  $
120,815 
37,219 
7,747 
11,831 
31,601 
7,191 

1,511,098  $
167,600   
46,805   
12,112   
24,610   
63,459 
— 

9,044,500 
343,056 
7,102 
84,671 
74,374 
151,513 
— 

8,176,017 
6,524,740   
30,472,011  $

1,076,389 
2,112,683   
5,014,756  $

564,782 
4,106,214 
6,377,684  $

302,982   
3,854,931  $

1,018,283 

$

(2) 

ages and payout periods.
Includes estimated contributions to the unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and other postretirement benefit plans made in amounts needed to fund benefit payments for 
vested participants in these plans through fiscal 2030, based on actuarial assumptions.

(3)  Unrecognized tax benefits relate to uncertain tax positions recorded under accounting standards related to uncertain tax positions. As of June 27, 2020, we had a liability of $23.1 million for 
unrecognized tax benefits for all tax jurisdictions and $4.1 million for related interest that could result in cash payment, of which $7.2 million could settle in cash. 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 June 27, 2020, 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 June 27, 2020.

(4) 

(5)  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  process.  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 2026 (see discussion under Note 21, “Commitments and Contingencies,” 
in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8). Purchase obligations exclude full requirements electricity contracts where no stated minimum purchase volume is required.

Certain acquisitions involve contingent consideration, typically payable only if certain operating results are attained or certain outstanding contingencies 

are resolved. Aggregate contingent consideration amounts outstanding as of June 27, 2020 were $26.0 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 goodwill and intangible assets, allowance for doubtful accounts, 

income taxes, share-based compensation and company-sponsored pension plans.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that, once control of a business is obtained, 100% of 

the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. We use multiple valuation methods to 

determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. For intangible assets, we generally use the income method, which uses a forecast of 
the expected future net cash flows associated with each asset. These cash flows are then adjusted to present value by applying an appropriate discount 

rate that reflects the risk factors associated with the cash flow streams. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the income 

method or other methods include the amount and timing of projected future cash flows and the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in 

the future cash flows. Determining the useful life of an intangible asset also requires judgment, as different types of intangible assets will have different 

useful lives. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. More information on our 

acquisitions can be found in Note 5, “Acquisitions,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.

42

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Annually in our fiscal fourth quarter, we assess the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles by determining whether the fair values exceed 

the carrying values of these assets. Impairment reviews, outside our annual review time frame, are performed if events or circumstances occur that include 

changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, other relevant entity-specific events, 

specific events affecting the reporting unit or sustained decrease in share price. Our testing may be performed utilizing either a qualitative or quantitative 

assessment; however, if a qualitative assessment is performed and we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood 

of more than 50 percent) to be less than its carrying amount, a quantitative test is performed.

When using a quantitative test, we arrive at our estimates of fair value using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple 

models. The results from each of these models are then weighted and combined into a single estimate of fair value for each reporting unit. We use a 

higher weighting for our discounted cash flow valuation compared to the earnings multiple models 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 or revenue 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.

Certain reporting units 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. As such, these reporting units have a greater risk of future impairment 

if their operations were to suffer a significant downturn.

During the second half of fiscal 2020, the company experienced significant deterioration in macroeconomic conditions and declining equity valuations, 

as well as regulatory restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the company determined that 

certain reporting units were more sensitive than others to these declines and the company performed interim quantitative goodwill impairment tests for 

these reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple models. As part of the annual test in the fiscal fourth 

quarter, the company performed further quantitative goodwill impairment tests, updating the estimates and assumptions of long-term impact resulting from 

the pandemic that had been applied in the fiscal third quarter tests, where necessary. As a result, in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 the company recorded 

impairments to goodwill for the Pacific Star and Cake reporting units of $34.9 million and $34.2 million, respectively, which represented the full balance of 

goodwill for those reporting units. During the fourth quarter, the company recorded partial impairments to goodwill for the France Group and Fresh Direct 

reporting units of $108.7 million and $25.4 million, respectively, for total fiscal 2020 impairment charges of $203.2 million.

In the annual fiscal 2020 assessment, impairment charges would have been applicable for two reporting units if our estimates of fair value were decreased 

by ranges of 17% to 29%, with goodwill of $369.5 million in the aggregate as of June 27, 2020, recorded for these reporting units.

The company estimated the fair value of these reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple models. For 

the purposes of the discounted cash flow models, fair value was determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an 

appropriate risk adjusted rate. The fair value conclusions as of June 27, 2020 for the reporting units are highly sensitive to changes in the assumptions 

used in the income approach, which include forecasted revenues, perpetual growth rates, and long-term discount rates, among others, all of which require 

significant judgments by management. Fair value of the reporting unit is therefore determined using significant unobservable inputs, or level 3 in the fair 

value hierarchy. The company has used recent historical performance, current forecasted financial information, and broad-based industry and economic 

statistics as a basis to estimate the key assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model. These key assumptions are inherently uncertain and require 

a high degree of estimation and judgment and are subject to change based on future changes, industry and global economic and geo-political conditions, 

and the timing and success of the implementation of current strategic initiatives. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on estimated future cash flows is 

uncertain and will largely depend on the outcome of future events, which could result in further goodwill impairments going forward.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable and determine the appropriate reserve for doubtful accounts based on a combination of factors. We 

utilize specific criteria to determine uncollectible receivables to be written off, including whether a customer has filed for or has 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. 

Towards the end of March 2020, our business declined significantly from the time that the shelter in place orders were issued. This resulted in many 

of our customers closing or operating at a substantially reduced volume. For customers that have closed, in many cases, it is not clear which closures 

are temporary or permanent; however, we have experienced an increase in past due receivables and have recognized additional bad debt charges of 

$323.4 million specific to the COVID-19 pandemic during fiscal 2020. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our allowance was primarily based on historical 

loss experience. Since the crisis began, our write-off percentages have been based, not only on historical loss experience, but also on our experience with 

43

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

losses incurred during times of local and regional disasters. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we included the company’s current collection 

experience, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We anticipate continuing this approach in fiscal 2021. While the COVID-19 pandemic 

is more widespread and longer in duration than historical disasters impacting our business, it is possible that actual uncollectible amounts will differ and 

additional charges may be required in fiscal 2021. Our balance for the allowance of doubtful accounts as of June 27, 2020 is $334.8 million. Our judgment 

is required as to the impact of certain of these items and other factors as to ultimate realization of our accounts receivable.

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. Tax law changes, increases or decreases in book versus tax basis differences, 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. The impact 

of the COVID-19 pandemic may change our mix of earnings by jurisdiction and has increased the risk that operating losses may occur within certain of 

our jurisdictions that could lead to the recognition of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the future, if these losses are prolonged 

beyond our current expectations. This would negatively impact our income tax expense, net earnings, and balance sheet.

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.

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 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

As of June 27, 2020, there was $79.3 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 1.9 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 and performance share 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 and performance share units granted without dividend equivalents, the fair value is reduced by the 
present value of expected dividends during the vesting period. Expense recognized on performance share unit awards is subsequently adjusted based on 

forecasted performance compared to planned targets until the performance period concludes and the actual number of shares of Sysco common stock 

to be received upon the vesting of the performance share units is known.

The fair value of the stock issued under the ESPP 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 ESPP 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.

44

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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.

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 U.S. 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. None of these plans have a significant 

sensitivity to changes in discount rates specific to our results of operations, but such changes could impact our balance sheet due to a change in our funded 

status. Due to the low level of active employees in our retirement plans, our assumption for the rate of increase in future compensation is not a critical assumption.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of the U.S. Retirement Plan is 5.00% for fiscal 2020, consistent with fiscal 2019. 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. 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 U.S. Retirement 

Plan decreased by 25 basis points to 4.75% for fiscal 2021, due to expected lower long-term rate of return. A 50 basis point increase (decrease) in the assumed 

rate of return in the Plan for fiscal 2021 would decrease (increase) Sysco’s net company-sponsored pension costs for fiscal 2021 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 June 27, 2020 was a charge, net of tax, of $1.3 billion, driven by declines in both discount rates and expected 

return on assets. The amount reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit plans as 

of June 29, 2019 was a charge, net of tax, of $1.2 billion.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made herein that look forward in time or express management’s expectations or beliefs with respect to the occurrence of future events are 

forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events 

based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be 

identified by words such as “future,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “can,” “may,” “projected,” 

“continues,” “continuously,” variations of such terms, and similar terms and phrases denoting anticipated or expected occurrences or results. Examples of forward-

looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 • the effect, impact, potential duration or other implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and any expectations we may have with respect thereto, including 

our ability to withstand the crisis;

 • expectations regarding the impact of cost-saving measures undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;

 • expectations regarding our business and the economic recovery generally as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, including beliefs regarding future 

customer activity;

 • our expectations regarding the ability of our supply chain and facilities to remain in place and operational;

 • our plans regarding our transformation initiatives, including the deployment of digital technologies and the regionalization of our operations in the U.S., 

and the expected effects from such initiatives;

 • our belief that we will continue to experience risk in fiscal 2021 relating to uncollectible accounts, our expectations regarding the level of uncollectible 
accounts, and our expectations regarding the timing of our collection of the unreserved balance of accounts receivable held prior to the onset of the 

COVID-19 crisis;

 • our belief that our actions undertaken to receive payments on receivables will help to partially affect the unfavorable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;

 • the sufficiency of our available liquidity to sustain our operations for multiple years;

 • expectations regarding the benefits to us of the CARES Act;

 • our intention not to seek assistance from the U.S. government outside of the CARES Act;

45

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 • estimates regarding the outcome of legal proceedings;

 • the impact of seasonal trends on our free cash flow; 

 • our expectations regarding the use of remaining cash generated from operations;

 • estimates regarding our capital expenditures and the sources of financing for our capital expenditures;

 • our expectations regarding the impact of potential acquisitions and sales of assets on our liquidity, borrowing capacity, leverage ratios and capital availability;

 • our expectations regarding real sales growth in the U.S. foodservice market;

 • our expectations regarding trends in produce markets;

 • our expectations regarding the calculation of adjusted return on invested capital, adjusted operating income, adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted 

earnings per share;

 • our expectations regarding the impact of future Certain Items on our projected future non-GAAP and GAAP results;

 • our expectations regarding our effective tax rate in fiscal 2021;

 • the sufficiency of our mechanisms for managing working capital and competitive pressures, and our beliefs regarding the impact of these mechanisms;

 • our ability to meet future cash requirements, including the ability to access financial markets effectively, including issuances of debt securities, and 

maintain sufficient liquidity;

 • our expectations regarding the payment of dividends, and the growth of our dividend, in the future;

 • our expectations regarding future activity under our share repurchase program;

 • future compliance with the covenants under our revolving credit facility;

 • our ability to effectively access the commercial paper market and long-term capital markets;

 • the expected redemption of $750 million of long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months; 

 • our intention to repay our long-term debt with cash on hand, cash flow from operations, issuances of commercial paper, issuances of senior notes, or 

a combination thereof.

These statements are based on management’s current expectations and estimates; actual results may differ materially due in part to the risk factors set forth below 

and those within Part I, Item 1A of this document:

 • the impact and effects of public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as the recent outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impact thereof 
on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, but not limited to, our growth, product costs, supply chain, labor availability, 

logistical capabilities, customer demand for our products and industry demand generally, consumer spending, our liquidity, the price of our securities 

and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally;

 • the risk that if sales from our locally managed customers do not grow at the same rate as sales from multi-unit customers, our gross margins may decline; 

 • the risk that we are unlikely to be able to predict inflation over the long term, and lower inflation is likely to produce lower gross profit;

 • periods of significant or prolonged inflation or deflation and their impact on our product costs and profitability generally;

 • the risk that our efforts to modify truck routing, including our small truck initiative, in order to reduce outbound transportation costs may be unsuccessful;

 • the risk that we may not be able to accelerate and/or identify additional administrative cost savings in order to compensate for any gross profit or supply 

chain cost leverage challenges; 

 • risks related to unfavorable conditions in North America and Europe and the impact on our results of operations and financial condition;

 • the risks related to our efforts to implement our transformation initiatives and meet our other long-term strategic objectives, including the risk that these 
efforts may not provide the expected benefits in our anticipated time frame, if at all, and may prove costlier than expected; the risk that the actual costs 

of any initiatives may be greater or less than currently expected; and the risk of adverse effects to us 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 level of cost savings and other benefits that we anticipated;

 • the impact of unexpected future changes to our business initiatives based on management’s subjective evaluation of our overall business needs;

 • the risk that the actual costs of any business initiatives may be greater or less than currently expected;

 • the risk that competition in our industry and the impact of GPOs may adversely impact our margins and our ability to retain customers and make it 

difficult for us to maintain our market share, growth rate and profitability;

 • the risk that our relationships with long-term customers may be materially diminished or terminated; 

 • the risk that changes in consumer eating habits could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations;

 • the risk that changes in applicable tax laws or regulations and the resolution of tax disputes could negatively affect our financial results; 

46

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K • the risk that we may not be able to fully compensate for increases in fuel costs, and forward purchase commitments intended to contain fuel costs 

could result in above market fuel costs;

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 7 management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 • the risk of interruption of supplies and increase in product costs as a result of conditions beyond our control;

 • the potential impact on our reputation and earnings of adverse publicity or lack of confidence in our products;

 • risks related to unfavorable changes to the mix of locally managed customers versus corporate-managed customers;

 • the risk that we may not realize anticipated benefits from our operating cost reduction efforts;

 • difficulties in successfully expanding into international markets and complimentary lines of business;

 • the potential impact of product liability claims;

 • the risk that we fail to comply with requirements imposed by applicable law or government regulations;

 • risks related to our ability to effectively finance and integrate acquired businesses;

 • risks related to our access to borrowed funds in order to grow and any default by us under our indebtedness that could have a material adverse impact 

on cash flow and liquidity;

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

 • the risk that the implementation of various initiatives, the timing and successful completion of acquisitions, construction schedules and the possibility 

that other cash requirements could result in delays or cancellations of capital spending;

 • the risk that divestiture of one or more of our businesses may not provide the anticipated effects on our operations;

 • the risk that the U.K.’s exit from the EU on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as Brexit, may adversely impact our operations in the U.K., including 

those of the Brakes Group;

 • the risk that future labor disruptions or disputes could disrupt the integration of Brake France and Davigel into Sysco France and our operations in 

France and the EU generally;

 • the risk that factors beyond management’s control, including fluctuations in the stock market, as well as management’s future subjective evaluation of 

the company’s needs, would impact the timing of share repurchases;

 • due to our reliance on technology, any technology disruption or delay in implementing new technology could have a material negative impact on our 

business;

 • the risk that a cybersecurity incident and other technology disruptions could negatively impact our business and our relationships with customers;

 • the potential requirement to pay material amounts under our multiemployer defined benefit pension plans;

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

 • labor issues, including the renegotiation of union contracts and shortage of qualified labor;

 • capital expenditures may vary based on changes in business plans and other factors, including risks related to the implementation of various initiatives, 
the timing and successful completion of acquisitions, construction schedules and the possibility that other cash requirements could result in delays or 

cancellations of capital spending; and

 • the risk that the anti-takeover benefits provided by our preferred stock may not be viewed as beneficial to stockholders.

47

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

ITEM 7  Management’s Discussion and 

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Analysis of Financial Condition and 

Results of Operations

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 June 27, 2020, there were no commercial paper issuances outstanding under our U.S. commercial paper program and we had £600.0 million outstanding 

under our U.K. commercial paper program. Total debt as of June 27, 2020 was $14.4 billion, of which approximately 79% was at fixed rates of interest, 

including the impact of our interest rate swap agreements.

At June 29, 2019, there was $132.1 million in commercial paper issuances outstanding. Total debt as of June 29, 2019 was $7.8 billion, of which 

approximately 70% was at fixed rates of interest, including the impact of our interest rate swap agreements.

Details of our outstanding swap agreements as of June 27, 2020 are below:

Maturity Date of Swap

Notional 
Value

Fixed Coupon 
Rate on 
Hedged Debt

Floating Interest 
Rate on Swap

Floating Rate Reset Terms

October 1, 2020

$ 750,000,000 

2.60%  Three-month LIBOR Every three months in advance

July 15, 2021

$ 500,000,000 

2.50 

Three-month LIBOR Every three months in advance

June 23, 2023

€ 500,000,000 

1.25 

Three-month EURIBOR Every three months in advance

March 15, 2025

$ 500,000,000 

3.55 

Three-month LIBOR Every three months in advance

We receive or pay amounts on these interest rate swap agreements on a semi-annual basis.

Location of 
Fair Value on 
Balance Sheet
Other current 
assets
Other long-term 
assets
Other long-term 
assets
Other long-term 
assets

Fair Value
of Asset 
(Liability) 
(in thousands)

$

$

$

$

1,388 

4,962 

9,294 

55,526 

48

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KThe following tables present our interest rate position as of June 27, 2020. All amounts are stated in U.S. dollar equivalents.

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

Interest Rate Position as of June 27, 2020
Principal Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest Rate

$ 750,000

$ 9,044,500

$ 10,244,500

$ 10,153,608

(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Dollar Denominated:
Fixed Rate Debt

Average Interest Rate

$

- 
- %

$ 450,000

2.60%

Floating Rate Debt(1)

$ 750,000 

$ 500,000

Average Interest Rate

2.60%

2.50%

Pound Sterling 
Denominated:

Fixed Rate Debt
Average Interest Rate

$ 740,284

$

0.45%

Euro Denominated:
Floating Rate Debt(1)

Average Interest Rate

Canadian Dollar 
Denominated:
Fixed Rate Debt

Average Interest Rate

$

$

$

$

-
-%

-
-%

$

$

$

-
-%
-
-%

-
-%

$ 561,098

1.25%

-
-%

-
-%

$

-
-%

-
-%

$

-
-%

5.65%

$ 700,000

$ 500,000

$

2.13%

3.55%

$

$

$

-
-%

-
-%

-
-%

$

$

$

$

-
-%

-
-%

$ 364,538

$

3.65%

(1) 

Includes fixed rate debt that has been converted to floating rate debt through an interest rate swap agreement.

Interest Rate Position as of June 27, 2020
Notional Amount by Expected Maturity
Average Interest Swap Rate
2025

2024

2023

2021

2022

4.83%
-
-%

4.80%

$ 2,450,000

$ 2,502,371

2.64%

-
-%

-
-%

-
-%

$

740,284

$

740,226

0.45%

$

561,098

$

568,011

1.25%

$

364,538

$

362,785

3.65%

Thereafter

Total

Fair Value

$ 750,000 $ 500,000 $ 561,098 $

-

$ 500,000

$

- $ 2,311,098

$

71,170

1.12%
2.60%

1.13%
2.50%

1.10%
1.25%

-%
-%

0.75%
3.55%

-%
-%

1.04%
2.46%

-%
-%

(Dollars in thousands)
Interest Rate Swaps
Related To Debt:

Pay Variable/Receive Fixed
Average Variable Rate Paid:

Rate A Plus

Fixed Rate Received

Rate A – 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 largest currency exposures are with Canadian dollars, 

British pound sterling and Euro currencies. 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 affected sales by 0.3% in fiscal 2020 when 

compared to fiscal 2019. The exchange rate used to translate our foreign sales into U.S. dollars negatively affected sales by 0.8% in fiscal 2019 when 

compared to fiscal 2018. The impact to our operating income, net earnings and earnings per share was not material in fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2019. A 10% 

unfavorable change in the fiscal 2020 weighted year-to-date exchange rate and the resulting impact on our financial statements would have negatively 

affected fiscal 2020 sales by 1.4% and would not have materially affected our operating income, net earnings and earnings per share. We do not routinely 

enter into material agreements to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risks.

Our investments and loans to our foreign operations created additional foreign currency exposure. In fiscal 2017, we designated €500 million of Euro notes 

issued in June 2016 as a hedge of a portion of our net investment in Euro-denominated foreign operations to reduce foreign currency risk associated 

with the investment in these operations. Changes in the value of these items resulting from fluctuations in the underlying exchange rates to U.S. Dollar 

exchange rates are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). We have also entered 

into various cross currency swaps to mitigate the risk of exchange rate changes for intercompany loans that are not in the functional currency of our 

subsidiaries. These have been designated as cash flow hedges with changes recorded within foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated 

other comprehensive income (loss).

49

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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. Fuel costs related to outbound deliveries represented approximately 0.5% of sales during fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018.

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 that primarily track with the change in market prices of fuel. We use diesel fuel swap contracts to fix the price 

of a portion of our projected monthly diesel fuel requirements. As of June 27, 2020, we had diesel fuel swaps with a total notional amount of approximately 

54 million gallons through December 2021. These swaps are expected to lock in the price of approximately 60% of our projected fuel purchase needs 

for fiscal 2021. 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 $3.4 million in our fuel costs on our non-contracted volumes.

Investment Risk

Our U.S. Retirement Plan holds various investments, including 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 plans at the plans’ fiscal year end (December 31, 2019) would not have a material impact on our anticipated future 

contributions for fiscal 2021; however, such an unfavorable change would increase our pension expense for fiscal 2021 by $36.3 million and would reduce 

our shareholders’ equity on our balance sheet as of June 27, 2020 by $440.9 million. 

50

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

ITEM 7  Management’s Discussion and 

Analysis of Financial Condition and 

Results of Operations

ITEM 8  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Sysco Corporation and Subsidiaries Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������52

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������53

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������54

Consolidated Balance Sheets ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������56

Consolidated Results of Operations ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������57

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������57

Changes in Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������58

Consolidated Cash Flows ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������60

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������61

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

51

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 June 27, 2020. 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 June 27, 2020, Sysco’s internal control over financial reporting was 

effective based on those criteria.

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the company’s consolidated financial statements included in this report, 

has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of Sysco’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2020.

52

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Sysco Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2020, 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). In our opinion, Sysco Corporation and Consolidated Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal 

control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2020, based on the COSO criteria. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2020 consolidated 

financial statements of the Company and our report dated August 25, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of 

internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying 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 are a public accounting firm registered with the 

PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 

regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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. 

Houston, Texas
August 25, 2020

53

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Sysco Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 27, 

2020 and June 29, 2019, the related consolidated results of operations, statements of comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash 

flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 27, 2020 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at June 27, 2020 and 

June 29, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 27, 2020, 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) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal 

control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2020, 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 25, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial 

statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company 

in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 

assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures 

to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those 

risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also 

included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 

financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or 

required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) 

involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters do not alter in any way our opinion on 

the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions 

on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

54

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KDescription of 
the Matter

How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our Audit

Description of 
the Matter

How We 
Addressed the 
Matter in Our Audit

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Valuation of Goodwill
At  June  27,  2020,  the  Company’s  goodwill  was  $3.7  billion.  As  discussed  in  Note  1  of  the  financial  statements, 
goodwill is tested by the Company’s management for impairment at least annually, in the fourth quarter, unless there are 
indications of impairment at other points throughout the fiscal year. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting 
unit level. During the fiscal year ended June 27, 2020, the Company recorded $203 million of impairment charges to 
goodwill.
Auditing management’s impairment tests for goodwill is complex and highly judgmental and required the involvement 
of a valuation specialist due to the significant estimation required to determine the fair value of the reporting units. In 
particular, the fair value estimates of reporting units with fair values that do not significantly exceed their carrying values 
are sensitive to assumptions such as changes in projected cash flows, weighted average cost of capital, and terminal 
growth rates. All of these assumptions are sensitive to and affected by expected future market or economic conditions 
and company-specific qualitative factors.
We  obtained  an  understanding,  evaluated  the  design  and  tested  the  operating  effectiveness  of  controls  over  the 
Company’s  goodwill  impairment  review  process,  including  controls  over  management’s  review  of  the  significant 
assumptions described above. We also tested controls over management’s review of the data used in their valuation 
models.
To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units, we performed audit procedures that included, among 
others,  assessing  methodologies  and  testing  the  significant  assumptions  discussed  above  and  the  underlying  data 
used  by  the  Company  in  its  analysis.  We  compared  projected  cash  flows  to  the  Company’s  historical  cash  flows 
and  other  available  industry  information.  We  involved  our  valuation  specialists  to  assist  in  reviewing  the  valuation 
methodology and testing the weighted average cost of capital and terminal growth rates. We assessed the historical 
accuracy  of  management’s  estimates  and  performed  sensitivity  analyses  of  significant  assumptions  to  evaluate  the 
changes in the fair value of the reporting units that would result from changes in the assumptions. In addition, we also 
tested management’s reconciliation of the fair value of the reporting units to the market capitalization of the Company.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s accounts receivable totaled $2.9 billion, net of allowance of doubtful accounts for $335 million, as of 
June 27, 2020. As discussed in Note 1 of the financial statements, the Company evaluates the collectability of accounts 
receivable  and  determines  the  appropriate  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  based  on  a  combination  of  factors, 
including,  among  others,  historical  write-off  experience,  customer  bankruptcies  and  accounts  referred  to  outside 
collection agencies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to those factors, the allowance also incorporates the 
Company’s historical write-off percentages experienced during local and regional disasters and the Company’s current 
collection trends experienced during the pandemic.
Auditing management’s estimates of allowance for doubtful accounts involved subjectivity because the estimates rely 
on industry and economic factors. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and adverse impact on 
the credit worthiness of Sysco’s customers in the foodservice industry, and there is a high degree of subjectivity around 
estimating the write-off percentages utilized in the allowance for doubtful accounts calculation.
We  obtained  an  understanding,  evaluated  the  design  and  tested  the  operating  effectiveness  of  controls  over  the 
Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts review process, including controls over management’s review of historical 
write-off percentages experienced during local and regional disasters and current collection trends experienced during 
the pandemic. We also tested controls over management’s review of the data used in their calculation.
To test the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, 
testing the Company’s write-off percentages and the data used by the Company in its calculation. We compared the 
write-off percentages utilized in the calculation to the Company’s historical write-off percentages experienced during 
local and regional disasters. We performed analyses on the Company’s current collection trends experienced during 
the  pandemic  and  obtained  evidence  for  select  accounts  referred  to  outside  collection  agencies  or  customers  that 
have filed for bankruptcy. Additionally, we evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date in assessing the 
reasonableness of management’s estimates.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

Houston, Texas
August 25, 2020

55

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except for share data)
ASSETS
Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $334,810 and $28,176

Inventories

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Income tax receivable

Total current assets

Plant and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation
Other long-term assets

Goodwill

Intangibles, less amortization

Deferred income taxes

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

Other assets
Total other long-term assets

TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities

Notes payable

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses

Accrued income taxes

Current operating lease liabilities

Current maturities of long-term debt

Total current liabilities

Long-term liabilities

Long-term debt

Deferred income taxes

Long-term operating lease liabilities

Other long-term liabilities

Total long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies

Noncontrolling interest
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, 256,915,825 and 252,297,926 shares
Total shareholders’ equity

June 27, 2020

June 29, 2019

$

6,059,427 

$

513,460 

2,893,551 

3,095,085 

192,163 

108,006 

12,348,232 

4,458,567 

4,181,696 

3,216,034 

210,582 

19,733 

8,141,505 

4,501,705 

3,732,469 

3,896,226 

780,172 

194,115 

603,616 

857,301 

80,760 

- 

511,095 
5,821,467 
22,628,266 

$

489,025 
5,323,312 
17,966,522 

2,266 

$

3,957 

$

$

3,447,065 

1,616,289 

2,938 

107,167 

1,542,128 

6,717,853 

12,902,485 

86,601 

523,496 

1,204,953 

14,717,535 

4,314,620 

1,729,941 

17,343 

- 

37,322 

6,103,183 

8,122,058 

172,232 

- 

1,031,020 

9,325,310 

34,265 

35,426 

- 

765,175 

1,506,901 

10,563,008 
(1,710,881)
(9,965,590)
1,158,613 

- 

765,175 

1,457,419 

11,229,679 
(1,599,729)
(9,349,941)
2,502,603 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

22,628,266 

$

17,966,522 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

56

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries

Consolidated Results of Operations

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(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

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

$

$

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

Jun. 30, 2018

Year Ended

52,893,310  $
42,991,646 
9,901,664 
9,152,159 
749,505 
408,220 
47,901 
293,384 
77,909 
215,475  $

60,113,922  $
48,704,935 
11,408,987 
9,078,837 
2,330,150 
360,423 
(36,109)
2,005,836 
331,565 
1,674,271  $

58,727,324  
47,641,933  
11,085,391  
8,771,335  
2,314,056  
395,483  
(37,651)
1,956,224  
525,458  
1,430,766 

0.42  $
0.42 
510,121,071 
514,025,974 

3.24  $
3.20 
516,890,581 
523,381,124 

2.74 
2.70 
522,926,914  
529,089,854  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)
Net earnings
Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Foreign currency translation adjustment
Items presented net of tax:

Amortization of cash flow hedges
Change in net investment hedges
Change in cash flow hedges
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss
Actuarial loss
Change in marketable securities
Total other comprehensive (loss) income 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Jun. 27, 2020

Year Ended
Jun. 29, 2019

Jun. 30, 2018

$

215,475  $

1,674,271  $

1,430,766 

(112,215)

(119,126)

(22,987)

8,620 
43,529 
(7,257)
5,712 
38,934 
(92,743)
4,268 
(111,152)
104,323  $

8,620 
43,839 
(4,062)
6,400 
26,116 
(155,074)
2,827 
(190,460)
1,483,811  $

8,240 
5,791 
14,343 
6,905 
25,110 
52,511 
— 
89,913 
1,520,679 

$

57

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries

Changes in Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

765,174,900  $ 765,175 

Paid-in 
Capital

Retained 
Earnings

Accumulated 
Other  
Comprehensive 
Loss

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amounts

Totals

$ 1,327,366  $ 9,447,755 
1,430,766 

$ (1,262,737) 235,135,699  $ (7,896,043) $2,381,516 
1,430,766 

236,445 

(236,445)

(22,987)

8,240 

14,343 

5,791 

32,015 

52,511 

(735,266)

(31,072)

- 

(22,987)

8,240 

14,343 

5,791 

32,015 

52,511 

(735,266)

17,473,973 

(956,502)

(956,502)

(31,072)

56,253 

(8,076,424)

271,349 

327,602 

765,174,900  $ 765,175 

$ 1,383,619  $10,348,628 
1,674,271 

$ (1,409,269) 244,533,248  $ (8,581,196) $2,506,957 
1,674,271 

(119,126)

8,620 

(4,062)

43,839 

32,516 

(155,074)

2,827 

(793,220)

14,960,390 

(1,021,881)

(119,126)

8,620 

(4,062)

43,839 

32,516 

(155,074)

2,827 

(793,220)
(1,021,881)

(54,877)

(7,195,712)

253,136 

381,813 

(54,877)

128,677 

765,174,900  $ 765,175 

$ 1,457,419  $11,229,679 

$ (1,599,729) 252,297,926  $ (9,349,941) $2,502,603 

(In thousands except for 
share data)
Balance as of  
July 1, 2017
Net earnings
Reclass of accumulated 
other comprehensive 
loss to retained 
earnings(1)
Foreign currency 
translation adjustment
Amortization of cash 
flow hedges, net of tax
Change in cash flow 
hedges, net of tax
Change in net investment 
hedge, 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 
($1.41 per common 
share)
Treasury stock 
purchases
Increase in ownership 
interest in subsidiaries
Share-based 
compensation awards
BALANCE AS OF 
JUNE 30, 2018
Net earnings
Foreign currency 
translation adjustment
Amortization of cash 
flow hedges, net of tax
Change in cash flow 
hedges, net of tax
Change in net investment 
hedge, 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
Change in marketable 
securities, net of tax
Dividends declared  
($1.53 per common 
share)
Treasury stock purchases
Increase in ownership 
interest in subsidiaries
Share-based 
compensation awards
BALANCE AS OF 
JUNE 29, 2019

58

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Accumulated 
Other  
Comprehensive 
Loss

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

8,620 

8,620 

(7,257)

Paid-in 
Capital

Retained 
Earnings

Shares

Shares

Amount

215,475 

Amounts

(112,215)

(112,215)

Totals
215,475 

(In thousands except for 
share data)
Net earnings
Foreign currency 
translation adjustment
Amortization of cash 
flow hedges, net of tax
Change in cash flow 
hedges, net of tax
Change in net 
investment 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
Change in marketable 
securities, net of tax
Adoption of ASU 
2016-02, Leases  
(Topic 842), net of tax
Dividends declared  
($1.74 per common share)
Treasury stock purchases
Share-based 
compensation awards
BALANCE AS OF JUNE 
27, 2020
(1)  Deferred taxes stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act) were reclassified to retained earnings as a 

$ (1,710,881) 256,915,825  $ (9,965,590) $1,158,613 

$ 1,506,901  $10,563,008 

765,174,900  $ 765,175 

(884,124)
(843,251)

11,030,287 

(6,412,388)

(843,251)

(884,124)

277,084 

227,602 

(92,743)

(92,743)

44,646 

43,529 

44,646 

49,482 

43,529 

(7,257)

4,268 

1,978 

1,978 

4,268 

result of early adopting Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-02.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

59

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Sysco Corporation and its Consolidated Subsidiaries

Consolidated Cash Flows

(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net earnings

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:

Jun. 27, 2020

Year Ended
Jun. 29, 2019

Jun. 30, 2018

$

215,475  $

1,674,271  $

1,430,766 

Share-based compensation expense
Depreciation and amortization
Operating lease asset amortization
Amortization of debt issuance and other debt-related costs
Goodwill impairment
Impairment of assets held for sale
Gain on sale of business
Loss on extinguishment of debt
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:

Decrease (increase) in receivables
Decrease (Increase) in inventories
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses
(Decrease) in operating lease liabilities
(Decrease) increase in accrued income taxes
Decrease (increase) in other assets
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities 

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
Proceeds from sale of business
Purchase of marketable securities
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities
Other investing activities

Net cash used for investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Bank and commercial paper borrowings, net
Other debt borrowings
Other debt repayments
Tender and redemption premiums for senior notes
Proceeds from stock option exercises
Treasury stock purchases
Dividends paid
Other financing activities

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH 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.

60

42,234 
805,765 
108,376 
22,663 
203,206 
55,942 
- 
- 
(191,317)
404,158 
(525)

915,717 
114,563 
9,835 
(834,118)
(139,891)
(124,040)
(102,678)
20,666 
92,649 
1,618,680 

(720,423)
28,717 
(142,780)
- 
(11,424)
20,532 
69,071 
(756,307)

104,904 
763,935 
- 
21,382 
- 
- 
(66,309)
- 
(126,719)
62,946 
(3,172)

(203,458)
(114,667)
(18,535)
246,420 
137,517 
- 
4,929 
(21,346)
(50,891)
2,411,207 

(692,391)
20,941 
(106,616)
149,879 
(116,440)
- 
1,772 
(742,855)

616,657 
6,783,562 
(1,119,232)
- 
227,602 
(844,699)
(856,312)
(87,778)
4,719,800 
(18,848)
5,563,325 
532,245 
6,095,570  $

132,100 
388,180 
(790,250)
- 
253,135 
(1,022,033)
(775,430)
(22,976)
(1,837,274)
(14,677)
(183,599)
715,844 
532,245  $

93,841 
765,498 
- 
28,474 
- 
- 
- 
53,104 
187,908 
21,448 
3,986 

(37,457)
(89,737)
(19,643)
76,897 
47,105 
- 
(10,652)
(81,104)
(315,054)
2,155,380 

(687,815)
22,255 
(248,105)
- 
- 
- 
3,252 
(910,413)

(119,700)
1,000,599 
(552,036)
(281,762)
268,751 
(978,901)
(722,158)
(25,262)
(1,410,469)
11,844 
(153,658)
869,502 
715,844 

325,308  $
376,609 

346,670  $
531,103 

301,672 
268,384 

$

$

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

ITEM 8  Financial Statements and 

Supplementary Data

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 over 625,000 customers from 
326 distribution facilities located throughout North America and Europe.

Sysco’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to June 30th. This resulted in a 52-week year ended June 27, 2020 for fiscal 2020, June 29, 2019 for 
fiscal 2019 and June 30, 2018 for fiscal 2018. 

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 cash deposits, 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, which are recorded at fair value.

Accounts Receivable, Less Allowances

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.

The company utilizes arrangements to sell portions of its trade accounts receivable to third-party financial institutions on a non-recourse basis. The arrangements 
meet the requirements for the receivables transferred to be accounted for as sales. Proceeds from the sales are reported net of negotiated discount and 
are recorded as a reduction to accounts receivable outstanding in the company’s consolidated balance sheets and as cash flows from operating activities 
in the company’s consolidated statements of cash flows. The discounts and fees associated with these arrangements were not material for the fiscal year 
ended June 27, 2020. For the fiscal year ended June 27, 2020, Sysco sold, without recourse, $3.6 billion of accounts receivable under these arrangements. 

In certain instances, Sysco has continuing involvement subsequent to the transfer, limited to providing certain servicing and collection actions on behalf 
of the purchasers of the designated trade receivables. As of June 27, 2020, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of receivables that has been 
derecognized was $205.8 million. Sysco continues to service the receivables post-transfer on a non-recourse basis with no participating interest. Transfers 
under these arrangements are treated as a sale and are accounted for as a reduction in trade receivables because the agreements transfer effective control 
of the receivables to the buyer.

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) and net realizable value. 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 received from vendors (see “Vendor Consideration”).

61

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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.

Long-Lived Assets

Management reviews long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible 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 Indefinite-Lived Intangibles

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of 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. This annual testing may be performed utilizing 
either a qualitative or quantitative assessment; however, if a qualitative assessment is performed and it is determined that the fair value of a reporting unit 
is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50 percent) to be less than its carrying amount, a quantitative test is performed.

For fiscal 2020, the company utilized a qualitative assessment for certain reporting units. For the remaining reporting units, Sysco performed a quantitative 
test using a combination of the income and market approaches. 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. The company does not believe the estimates used in the analysis are reasonably likely to change materially 
in the future; however, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on estimated future cash flows is uncertain and will largely depend on the outcome of future 
events, which could result in further goodwill impairments going forward.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the company recorded impairments to goodwill for the Pacific Star and Cake reporting units of $34.9 million and 
$34.2 million, respectively, which represented the full balance of goodwill for those reporting units. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the company 
recorded partial impairments to goodwill for the France Group and Fresh Direct reporting units of $108.7 million and $25.4 million respectively, for total 
fiscal 2020 impairment charges of $203.2 million, which are included within operating expenses in the consolidated results of operations.

In the fourth quarter fiscal 2020 annual assessment, impairment charges would have been applicable for two reporting units if our estimates of fair value 
were decreased by ranges of 17% to 29%, with goodwill of $369.5 million in the aggregate as of June 27, 2020, recorded for these reporting units.

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 and are reclassified to the consolidated results of operations in conjunction with the recognition of the underlying hedged item.

For net investment hedges, the remeasurement gain or loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be subsequently reclassified 
to net earnings when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated.

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 certain of its 
COLI policies to maturity; therefore, the company does not record deferred tax balances related to cash surrender value gains or losses for these policies. 
The company invests in COLI policies relating to its executive deferred compensation plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). The 
total amounts related to the company’s investments in COLI policies included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets were $162.9 million and 
$168.4 million at June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.

62

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 AOCI (loss).

Revenue Recognition

On July 1, 2018, Sysco adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606 with no significant impact to its financial position or results of operations, 
using the modified retrospective method. There were no contracts which were not completed as of July 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning 
after July 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts have not been restated and continue to be reported in accordance with 
our historic accounting under ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. Sysco had no adjustment to opening retained earnings as of July 1, 2018 as a result 
of adopting ASC Topic 606. There was no material impact on revenues for fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2019 as a result of applying ASC Topic 606. The accounting 
policies and other disclosures are below, as well as the disclosure of disaggregated revenues in Note 4, “Revenue.” 

The company recognizes revenues when the performance obligation is satisfied, which is the point at which control of the promised goods or services are 
transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration Sysco expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. 
For the majority of Sysco’s customer arrangements, control transfers to customers at a point-in-time when goods have been delivered, as that is generally 
when legal title, physical possession and risks and rewards of goods/services transfers to the customer. The timing of satisfaction of the performance 
obligation is not subject to significant judgment. While certain additional services may be identified within a contract, we have concluded that those services 
are individually immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer, and, therefore, not assessed as performance obligations.

Sales tax collected from customers is not included in revenue, but rather recorded as a liability due to the respective taxing authorities. Shipping and handling 
costs include costs associated with the selection of products and delivery to customers and are included within operating expenses.

Product Sales Revenues

Sysco generates revenue primarily from the distribution and sale of food and related products to its customers. Substantially all revenue is recognized at 
the point in time in which the product is delivered to the customer. The company grants certain customers sales incentives, such as rebates or discounts, 
which are accounted for as variable consideration. The variable consideration is based on amounts known at the time the performance obligation is satisfied 
and, therefore, requires minimal judgment.

Contract Balances

After completion of Sysco’s performance obligations, the company has an unconditional right to consideration as outlined in its contracts with customers. 
Sysco’s customer receivables will generally be collected in less than 30 days in accordance with the underlying payment terms. Customer receivables, 
which are included in accounts receivable, less allowances in the consolidated balance sheet, were $2.7 billion and $3.9 billion as of June 27, 2020 and 
June 29, 2019, respectively.

Sysco has certain customer contracts in which upfront monies are paid to its customers. These payments have become industry practice and are not 
related to financing of the customer’s business. They are not associated with any distinct good or service to be received from the customer and, therefore, 
are treated as a reduction of transaction prices. All upfront payments are capitalized in other assets and amortized over the life of the contract or the 
expected life of the relationship with the customer on a straight-line basis. As of June 27, 2020, Sysco’s contract assets were not significant. Sysco has 
no significant commissions paid that are directly attributable to obtaining a particular contract.

Vendor Consideration

Sysco recognizes consideration received from vendors as a reduction to cost of sales when the services performed in connection with the monies received 
are completed and when the related product has been sold by Sysco. 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. 

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 $3.0 billion, $3.5 billion and $3.6 billion in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

63

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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. Sysco has a wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary (the Captive) 
with the primary purpose to enhance Sysco’s risk financing strategies by providing Sysco the opportunity to negotiate insurance premiums in the non-retail 
insurance market. The Captive must maintain a sufficient level of cash to fund future reserve payments and secure the insurer’s obligations for workers’ 
compensation, general liability and auto liability programs. The Captive holds restricted assets in order to meet solvency requirements, including a restricted 
investment portfolio of marketable fixed income securities, which have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale, and cash and restricted cash 
equivalents held in a cash deposit account. Further, Sysco has letters of credit available to collateralize the remaining liabilities not covered by restricted 
cash, restricted cash equivalents and marketable securities. 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 performance share 
unit awards is determined based on the target number of shares of common stock and the company’s stock price on the date of grant and subsequently 
adjusted based on actual and forecasted performance compared to planned targets. 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. The method for estimating the fair value 
of stock options has not changed in the past three years.

During the vesting period, Sysco reduces share-based compensation expense for estimated forfeitures, which is based on analysis of historical trends 
reviewed on an annual basis. Sysco’s estimate of forfeitures is applied at the grant level. The estimate of forfeitures is trued up to actual forfeitures at the 
end of each vesting period.

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. The additional United States (U.S.) federal 
tax burden as a result of the global intangible low taxed income regime is accounted for as a periodic cost.

The determination of the company’s provision for income taxes requires judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex 
tax laws. The company’s provision for income taxes 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 preliminarily 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. Subsequent 
changes to preliminary amounts are made prospectively. 

Basis of Presentation

The financial statements include consolidated balance sheets, consolidated results of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, 
changes in consolidated shareholders’ equity and consolidated cash flows. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring 
adjustments, except as otherwise disclosed, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows 
for all periods presented have been made.

64

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KSysco has interests in various jointly owned foodservice operations in Mexico, Panama and Sweden for which it consolidates the results of the operations; 
therefore, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for these companies have been included in Sysco’s consolidated financial statements. 
The value of the noncontrolling interest in each entity is considered redeemable due to certain features of the investment agreement and has, therefore, 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.

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Reclassifications

Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, certain items have been grouped as other financing activities. These primarily includes cash paid for 
shares withheld to cover taxes from share-based compensation and debt issuance costs.

The following table sets forth the company’s reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash(1)
TOTAL CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH SHOWN  
IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Jun. 27, 2020
6,059,427
$
36,143 

Jun. 29, 2019
$

513,460 
18,785 

Jun. 30, 2018
$

552,325 
163,519 

$

6,095,570 

$

532,245 

$

715,844 

(1)  Restricted cash primarily represents cash and cash equivalents of the Captive, restricted for use to secure the insurer’s obligations for workers’ compensation, general liability and auto liability 

programs. Restricted cash is located within Other assets in each consolidated balance sheet.

NOTE 2 

Changes in Accounting

Guarantor Reporting

In March 2020, the SEC issued a final rule, Financial Disclosures About Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities 

Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities, that simplifies the disclosure requirements related to registered securities under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The rule 

replaces the requirement to provide condensed consolidating financial information with a requirement to present summarized financial information of the 

issuers and guarantors. It also requires qualitative disclosures with respect to information about guarantors, the terms and conditions of guarantees and 

the factors that may affect payment. These disclosures may be provided outside the footnotes to the company’s consolidated financial statements. Sysco 

early adopted the reporting requirements of the rule in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and elected to provide these disclosures in Item 7, “Management’s 

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (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 and timing of cash flows arising from a 

lease. The amended guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases currently classified as 

operating leases. In addition, Topic 842 expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Sysco adopted this ASU and related amendments 

as of June 30, 2019, the first day of fiscal 2020, under the modified retrospective approach, and elected certain practical expedients permitted under the 

transition guidance, including to retain the historical lease classification, as well as relief from separating and allocating consideration across all categories 

of leases to lease and non-lease components of an agreement. For leases subject to index or rate adjustments, the most current index or rate adjustments 

were included in the measurement of operating lease obligations at adoption.

The adoption of this ASU and related amendments resulted in Sysco recognizing $647.2 million and $657.9 million of operating lease right-of-use (ROU) 

assets and operating lease liabilities, respectively, as of June 30, 2019. There were no other significant impacts to the company’s consolidated financial 

statements. Updated accounting policies and additional lease disclosures as a result of the adoption of this ASU are described in Note 14, “Leases.” 

65

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 3 

New Accounting Standards

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit 

Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which introduces a forward-looking approach, based on expected losses, to 

estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The estimate of expected credit losses will require entities to 

incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This ASU also expands the disclosure 

requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. 

This guidance is effective for fiscal years-and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, which is the first quarter of fiscal 

2021 for Sysco, with early adoption permitted.

The company has substantially completed its assessment of the accounting required under Topic 326. Sysco does not expect that the implementation of 

the new standard will have a material effect on the company’s financial statements. The company will adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 

using the modified retrospective method.

Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is 

a Service Contract, which aligns the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the 

guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. The guidance amends Accounting Standards Codification 

(ASC) 350 to include in its scope implementation costs of a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract and clarifies that a customer should 

apply ASC 350 to determine which implementation costs should be capitalized in such a cloud computing arrangement. This guidance is effective for 

fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, which is the first quarter of fiscal 2021 for Sysco, with early 

adoption permitted.

The company has substantially completed its assessment of the accounting required under ASU 2018-15. Sysco does not expect that the implementation 

of the new standard will have a material effect on the company’s financial statements. The company will adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 

2021 on a prospective basis.

NOTE 4 

Revenue

Disaggregation of Sales

The following tables present our sales disaggregated by reportable segment and sales mix for the company’s principal product categories for the periods 

presented:

52-Week Period Ended Jun. 27, 2020

US Foodservice 
Operations

International 
Foodservice 
Operations

Other

SYGMA

$

$

(In thousands)
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
Other(1)
TOTAL SALES
(1)  Other sales relate to non-food products, including textiles and amenities for our hotel supply business, equipment and subscription sales for our Sysco Labs business, and other janitorial 

7,276,675
6,603,902 
5,019,696 
3,885,771 
3,749,786 
3,425,558 
2,616,184 
2,186,208 
940,534 
1,069,832 
36,774,146  $

1,339,340  $
1,940,506 
1,831,950 
1,021,195 
718,753 
834,056 
336,199 
407,179 
413,315 
829,697 
9,672,190  $

1,509,375  $
121,646 
979,480 
545,985 
774,629 
236,408 
646,920 
102,082 
540,545 
98,856 
5,555,926  $

10,125,390
8,666,054 
7,831,126 
5,452,951 
5,243,168 
4,496,022 
3,656,462 
2,695,469 
1,962,787 
2,763,881 
52,893,310

-
-
-
-
-
-
57,159 
-
68,393 
765,496 
891,048

$

$

$

Total

products, medical supplies and smallwares.

66

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

52-Week Period Ended Jun. 29, 2019

US Foodservice 
Operations

International 
Foodservice 
Operations

Other

SYGMA

$

$

$

(In thousands)
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
Other(1)
TOTAL SALES
(1)  Other sales relate to non-food products, including textiles and amenities for our hotel supply business, equipment and subscription sales for our Sysco Labs business, and other janitorial 

1,627,392
2,326,584 
2,074,991 
1,243,773 
833,844 
1,022,503 
369,329 
717,703 
531,247 
745,674 
11,493,040  $

1,520,907  $
270,651 
1,194,944 
604,624 
892,316 
241,602 
731,511 
113,746 
563,401 
110,626 
6,244,328

11,570,425 
9,941,250 
8,977,965 
6,113,717 
5,847,527 
5,065,933 
3,960,269 
3,381,973 
2,309,194 
2,945,669 
60,113,922

8,422,126
7,344,015 
5,708,030 
4,265,320 
4,121,367 
3,801,828 
2,797,521 
2,550,524 
1,127,701 
1,149,756 
41,288,188

-
-
-
-
-
-
61,908
-
86,845 
939,613 
1,088,366

$

$

$

$

$

Total

products, medical supplies and smallwares.

52-Week Period Ended Jun. 30, 2018

US Foodservice 
Operations

International 
Foodservice 
Operations

Other

SYGMA

$

$

(In thousands)
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
Other(1)
TOTAL SALES
(1)  Other sales relate to non-food products, including textiles and amenities for our hotel supply business, equipment and subscription sales for our Sysco Labs business, and other janitorial 

8,123,565  $
7,093,691 
5,327,020 
4,136,973 
4,020,340 
3,642,247 
2,639,280 
2,449,741 
1,107,574 
1,101,832 
39,642,263  $

1,666,247
2,367,921 
2,538,265 
1,260,354 
833,917 
1,031,796 
400,345 
726,010 
196,379 
497,331 
11,518,565  $

1,523,029  $
327,785 
1,160,369 
640,482 
1,125,085 
255,192 
739,074 
104,459 
576,359 
105,199 
6,557,033  $

-
-
-
-
-
-
59,166 
-
84,868 
865,429 
1,009,463  $

11,312,841 
9,789,397 
9,025,654 
6,037,809 
5,979,342 
4,929,235 
3,837,865 
3,280,210 
1,965,180 
2,569,791 
58,727,324

$

$

Total

products, medical supplies and smallwares.

Credit Risk

Sysco is potentially subject to group concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable, as large amounts of the company’s trade receivables 

are concentrated on customers within the food-away-from-home industry across North America and Europe. The prolonged disruption of Sysco’s customers’ 

businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional bad debt risk for the company. See Note 8, “Allowance for Doubtful Accounts,” for 

additional disclosures regarding the provision for bad debt. 

NOTE 5 

Acquisitions

During fiscal 2020, the company paid cash of $142.8 million for acquisitions. These acquisitions did not have a material effect on the company’s operating 

results, cash flows or financial position. Certain acquisitions involve contingent consideration that may include earnout agreements that are typically 

payable over periods of up to three years in the event that certain operating results are achieved. As of June 27, 2020, aggregate contingent consideration 

outstanding was $26.0 million, of which $23.0 million was recorded as earnout liabilities. Earnout liabilities are measured using unobservable inputs that 

are considered a Level 3 measurement.

67

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 6 

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 cash deposits, 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.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 • Cash deposits included in cash equivalents are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. These are included within cash equivalents as 

a Level 1 measurement in the tables below.

 • 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 as Level 1 measurements in the tables below.

 • Fixed income securities are 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.

 • The interest rate swap agreements 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.

 • The foreign currency swap agreements, including cross-currency swaps, are valued using a swap valuation model that utilizes an income approach 
applying observable market inputs, including interest rates, LIBOR swap rates for United States dollars, Canadian dollars, pound sterling and euro 

currencies, and credit default swap rates.

 • Foreign currency forwards are valued based on exchange rates quoted by domestic and foreign banks for similar instruments.

 • Fuel swap contracts are valued based on observable market transactions of forward commodity prices.

The fair value of the company’s marketable securities are all measured using inputs that are considered a Level 2 measurement, as they rely on quoted 
prices in markets that are not actively traded or observable inputs over the full term of the asset. The location and the fair value of the company’s marketable 
securities in the consolidated balance sheet are disclosed in Note 7, “Marketable Securities.” The fair value of the company’s derivative instruments are all 
measured using inputs that are considered a Level 2 measurement, as they are not actively traded and are valued using pricing models that use observable 
market quotations. The location and the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities designated as hedges in the consolidated balance sheet are disclosed 

in Note 11, “Derivative Financial Instruments.”

The following tables present the company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of Jun. 27, 2020
Level 1

Level 3

Level 2

Total

5,245,487  $
36,143 
5,281,630  $

300,200  $

- 

300,200  $

- $
-
- $

5,545,687 
36,143 
5,581,830 

(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents
Other assets(1)

$

TOTAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE
(1)  Represents restricted cash balance recorded within other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

$

68

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents
Other assets(1)

$

TOTAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE
(1)  Represents restricted cash balance recorded within other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

$

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value as of Jun. 29, 2019
Level 1

Level 3

Level 2

Total

72,824  $
18,785 
91,609  $

200  $
- 
200  $

- $
-
- $

73,024 
18,785 
91,809 

The carrying values of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated their respective fair values due to their short-term maturities. The fair value 

of Sysco’s total debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the company for new 

debt with the same maturities as existing debt, and is considered a Level 2 measurement. The fair value of total debt was approximately $16.3 billion and 

$8.6 billion as of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively. The carrying value of total debt was $14.4 billion and $8.2 billion as of June 27, 2020 

and June 29, 2019, respectively.

NOTE 7 

Marketable Securities

Sysco invests a portion of the assets held by our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary in a restricted investment portfolio of marketable fixed income 

securities, which have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. The company includes fixed income securities maturing in less than twelve 

months within Prepaid expenses and other current assets and includes fixed income securities maturing in more than twelve months within Other assets 

in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The company records the amounts at fair market value, which is determined using quoted market 

prices at the end of the reporting period. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. 

The following table presents the company’s available-for-sale marketable securities as of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019:

(In thousands)
Fixed income securities:

Corporate bonds
Government bonds
TOTAL MARKETABLE 
SECURITIES

(In thousands)
Fixed income securities:

Corporate bonds
Government bonds
TOTAL MARKETABLE 
SECURITIES

Amortized Cost 
Basis

Gross Unrealized 
Gains

Gross Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

Short-Term 
Marketable 
Securities

Long-Term 
Marketable 
Securities

Jun. 27, 2020

$

$

78,651  $
28,633  

4,064  $
4,919 

107,284  $

8,983  $

82,715  $
33,552   

18,233  $

- 

64,482 
33,552 

116,267  $

18,233  $

98,034 

-
-

-

$

$

Jun. 29, 2019

Amortized Cost 
Basis

Gross Unrealized 
Gains

Gross Unrealized 
Losses

Fair Value

Short-Term 
Marketable 
Securities

Long-Term 
Marketable 
Securities

$

$

87,540  $
28,900  

1,734  $
1,845 

116,440  $

3,579  $

-
-

-

$

$

89,274  $
30,745   

12,006  $

- 

77,268 
30,745 

120,019  $

12,006  $

108,013 

The fixed income securities held at June 27, 2020 had effective maturities ranging from less than one year to approximately ten years. There were no 

significant realized gains or losses in marketable securities during fiscal 2020.

NOTE 8 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Sysco determines the past due status of trade receivables based on contractual terms with each customer, evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable 

and determines the appropriate reserve for doubtful accounts or the uncollectible receivables to be written off. Many of Sysco’s customers, including 

those in the restaurant, hospitality and education segments, are closed or operating at a substantially reduced volume due to governmental requirements 

for closures or other social-distancing measures. Some of these customers have ceased paying their outstanding receivables, creating uncertainty as 

to their collectability. In fiscal 2020, Sysco recorded a provision for losses on receivables totaling $404.2 million, a large portion of which was associated 

with the COVID-19 pandemic impact to its customers. To calculate the ending reserve needed as of June 27, 2020, the company estimated uncollectible 

amounts by applying write-off percentages based on historical loss experience, including loss experience during times of local and regional disasters and 

the company’s current collection experience. The COVID-19 pandemic is more widespread and longer in duration than historical disasters impacting our 

business, and it is possible actual uncollectible amounts will differ.

69

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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 9 

Plant and Equipment

2020

2019

2018

$

$

28,176  $

404,158 
(83,915)
(13,609)
334,810  $

25,768  $
62,946 
(64,219)
3,681 
28,176  $

31,059 
21,448 
(27,120)
381 
25,768 

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

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

Estimated 
Useful Lives

$

493,694  $

4,854,307 
3,561,500 
1,258,980 
10,168,481 
(5,709,914)
4,458,567  $

$

498,180 
4,545,099 
3,697,008 
1,213,942 
9,954,229 
(5,452,524)
4,501,705 

10-30 years
3-10 years
3-7 years

Depreciation expense, including amortization of capital leases, was $705.2 million in 2020, $656.6 million in 2019 and $614.8 million in 2018.

As of June 27, 2020, Sysco had eight properties (land and facilities) located in Texas, Indiana, Florida, Louisiana and Illinois that qualified to be classified 

as held for sale. The carrying amount of these properties was determined to be higher than fair value and was written down to fair value less cost to sell, 
which resulted in an impairment loss of $55.9 million reported within Other expense (income), net in fiscal 2020. As of June 27, 2020, the aggregate net 

book value of assets held for sale was $30.9 million.

In fiscal 2020, Sysco recognized $74.4 million in accelerated depreciation, including facilities and equipment, due to restructuring in Europe and certain 

enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and software platforms. In fiscal 2019, Sysco recognized $39.3 million in accelerated depreciation, including 

facilities and equipment, due to restructuring in Europe and certain ERP systems and software platforms.

NOTE 10 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years presented are as follows:

(In thousands)

Carrying amount as of June 30, 2018

Goodwill acquired during year

Currency translation/other

CARRYING AMOUNT AS OF JUNE 29, 2019
Goodwill acquired during year

Impairment

Currency translation/other

U.S. 
Foodservice 
Operations
$ 1,260,900  $ 2,440,821  $

International 
Foodservice 
Operations

SYGMA

Other

Total

32,607  $

221,157  $ 3,955,485 

10,428 

(5,843)

9,127 

(74,016)

- 

- 

$ 1,265,485  $ 2,375,932  $

32,607  $

90,477 

- 

2,162 

- 

(169,007)

(53,164)

- 

- 

- 

- 

1,045 

19,555 

(78,814)

222,202  $ 3,896,226 
90,477 

- 

(34,199)

(26)

(203,206)

(51,028)

CARRYING AMOUNT AS OF JUNE 27, 2020

$ 1,358,124  $ 2,153,761  $

32,607  $

187,977  $ 3,732,469 

Amortizable intangible assets acquired during fiscal 2020 were $39.9 million, with a weighted-average amortization period of 6.0 years. Amortizable 

intangible assets acquired during fiscal 2020 by category were customer relationships and non-compete of $26.6 million and $13.3 million respectively, 
with a weighted-average amortization period of 7.0 years and 5.0 years respectively.

70

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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:

(In thousands)
Customer relationships
Non-compete agreements
Trademarks
Other
TOTAL AMORTIZABLE 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Gross Carrying 
Amount

Jun. 27, 2020
Accumulated 
Amortization

$

1,048,702  $
23,252  
13,691  
-  

(434,262) $

(10,182)
(5,816)
- 

Net

Gross Carrying 
Amount

614,440  $
13,070 
7,875 
- 

1,052,608  $
11,827   
14,785   
185   

Jun. 29, 2019
Accumulated 
Amortization

(358,592) $
(8,556)
(5,736)
(148)

Net

694,016 
3,271 
9,049 
37 

$

1,085,645  $

(450,260) $

635,385  $

1,079,405  $

(373,032) $

706,373 

The table below presents the company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets by category as follows:

(In thousands)
Trademarks
Licenses
TOTAL INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

$

$

143,820  $

966   

144,786  $

149,962 
966 
150,928 

Amortization expense for 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $95.3 million, $92.3 million and $114.7 million, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense 

for the next five fiscal years on intangible assets outstanding as of June 27, 2020 is shown below:

(In thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

Goodwill impairment

$

Amount

96,877
95,042 
91,867 
88,022 
79,739 

The Company had approximately $3.7 billion of goodwill at June 27, 2020. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually in our fiscal fourth 

quarter, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that they could be impaired. Potential impairment indicators include (but are not limited to) 

macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, other relevant entity-specific events, specific 

events affecting the reporting unit or sustained decrease in share price.

During the second half of fiscal 2020, the company experienced significant deterioration of macroeconomic conditions and declines in equity valuations, 

as well as regulatory restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the company determined that 

certain reporting units were more sensitive than others to these declines and the company performed interim quantitative goodwill impairment tests for 

these reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple models. As part of the annual test in the fiscal fourth 

quarter, the company performed further quantitative goodwill impairment tests, updating the estimates and assumptions of long-term impact resulting from 

the pandemic that had been applied in the fiscal third quarter tests, where necessary. As a result, in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 the company recorded 

impairments to goodwill for the Pacific Star and Cake reporting units of $34.9 million and $34.2 million, respectively, which represented the full balance of 

goodwill for those reporting units. During the fiscal fourth quarter, the company recorded partial impairments to goodwill for the France Group and Fresh 

Direct reporting units of $108.7 million and $25.4 million respectively, for total fiscal 2020 impairment charges of $203.2 million, which are included within 

operating expenses in the consolidated results of operations.

In the annual fiscal 2020 assessment, impairment charges would have been applicable for two reporting units if our estimates of fair value were decreased 

by ranges of 17% to 29%, with goodwill of $369.5 million in the aggregate as of June 27, 2020, recorded for these reporting units.

The company estimated the fair value of these reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow and earnings or revenue multiple models. For 

the purposes of the discounted cash flow models, fair value was determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an 

appropriate risk adjusted rate. The fair value conclusions as of June 27, 2020 for the reporting units are highly sensitive to changes in the assumptions 

used in the income approach, which include forecasted revenues, perpetual growth rates, and long-term discount rates, among others, all of which require 

significant judgments by management. Fair value of the reporting unit is therefore determined using significant unobservable inputs, or level 3 in the fair 

value hierarchy. The company has used recent historical performance, current forecasted financial information, and broad-based industry and economic 

statistics as a basis to estimate the key assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model. These key assumptions are inherently uncertain and require 

a high degree of estimation and judgment and are subject to change based on future changes, industry and global economic and geo-political conditions, 

and the timing and success of the implementation of current strategic initiatives. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on estimated future cash flows is 

uncertain and will largely depend on the outcome of future events, which could result in further goodwill impairments going forward. 

71

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 11 

Derivative Financial Instruments

Sysco uses derivative financial instruments to enact hedging strategies for risk mitigation purposes; however, the company does not use derivative financial 

instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Hedging strategies are used to manage interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and fuel price risk.

Hedging of interest rate risk

Sysco manages its debt portfolio with interest rate swaps from time to time to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates.

Hedging of foreign currency risk

Sysco enters into cross-currency swap contracts to hedge the foreign currency transaction risk of certain intercompany loans. There are no credit-risk 

related contingent features associated with these swaps, which have been designated as cash flow hedges. The company uses euro-bond denominated 

debt to hedge the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in certain foreign operations. In the third quarter of fiscal 2020, Sysco settled some of 

its previously held cross-currency swap contracts used in net investment hedges, which resulted in a gain of $56.7 million recorded in other comprehensive 

income (loss). Additionally, Sysco’s operations in Europe have inventory purchases denominated in currencies other than their functional currency, such as the 

euro, United States dollar, Polish zloty and Danish krone. These inventory purchases give rise to foreign currency exposure between the functional currency 

of each entity and these currencies. The company enters into foreign currency forward swap contracts to sell the applicable entity’s functional currency and 

buy currencies matching the inventory purchase, which operate as cash flow hedges of the company’s foreign currency-denominated inventory purchases.

Hedging of fuel price risk

Sysco uses fuel commodity swap contracts to hedge against the risk of the change in the price of diesel on anticipated future purchases. These swaps 

have been designated as cash flow hedges.

None of the company’s hedging instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features. Details of outstanding hedging instruments as of June 27, 

2020 are presented below:

Maturity Date of the Hedging Instrument

Currency / Unit of Measure

Notional Value

(In millions)

Hedging of interest rate risk

October 2020
July 2021
June 2023
March 2025

Hedging of foreign currency risk

Various (June 29, 2020 to August 2020)
Various (July 2020 to February 2021)
July 2021
June 2023

Hedging of fuel risk

U.S. Dollar
U.S. Dollar
Euro
U.S. Dollar

Swedish Krona
British Pound Sterling
British Pound Sterling
Euro

Various (June 30, 2020 to December 2021)

Gallons

750
500
500
500

133
14
234
500

54

72

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KThe location and the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedges in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 are 

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

as follows:

(In thousands)
Fair Value Hedges:
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps
Cash Flow Hedges:

Fuel swaps
Foreign currency forwards
Fuel swaps
Cross currency swaps
Fuel swaps
Foreign currency forwards
Fuel swaps

Net Investment Hedges:
Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency swaps

Balance Sheet location

Other current assets
Other assets
Other long-term liabilities

Other current assets
Other current assets
Other assets
Other assets
Other current liabilities
Other current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities

Other assets
Other long-term liabilities

Derivative Fair Value

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

$

$

$

$

1,388
69,782 
- 

233  $

1,063 
1,173 
19,614 
28,242 
222 
- 

-
37,396 
9,285 

154
624 
136 
8,592 
6,537 
162 
239 

$

-
-

18,614 
9,973 

Gains or losses recognized in the consolidated results of operations for cash flow hedging relationships are not significant for each of the periods presented. 

The location and amount of gains or losses recognized in the consolidated results of operations for fair value hedging relationships for each of the periods, 

presented on a pretax basis, are as follows:

Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the consolidated results of operations in which 
the effects of fair value hedges are recorded
Gain or (loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Interest rate swaps:
Hedged items
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

$

$

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

408,220

$

360,423

(101,255) $
44,489 

(143,711)
68,689 

The losses on the fair value hedging relationships associated with the hedged items as disclosed in the table above are comprised of the following 

components for each of the periods presented:

Interest expense
Increase in fair value of debt
Hedged items

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

$

$

(58,244) $
43,011 
(101,255) $

(62,443)
81,268 
(143,711)

The location and effect of cash flow and net investment hedge accounting on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the fiscal years 

ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, presented on a pretax basis, are as follows:

(In thousands)
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:

Fuel swaps

Foreign currency contracts

TOTAL
Derivatives in net investment hedging relationships:

Foreign currency contracts
Foreign denominated debt

TOTAL

Amount of Gain or 
(Loss) Recognized in 
Other Comprehensive 
Income on Derivatives

2020
Location of Gain or 
(Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated 
Other Comprehensive 
Income into Income

Amount of Gain or 
(Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated 
Other Comprehensive 
Income into Income

$

$

$

$

(16,586)

6,755  
(9,831)

51,354 
7,402 
58,756 

Operating expense
Cost of sales / Other 
income  

N/A
N/A

$

$

$

$

(22,058)

3,626  
(18,432)

-
-
-

73

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:

Fuel swaps

Foreign currency contracts

TOTAL
Derivatives in net investment hedging relationships:

Foreign currency contracts
Foreign denominated debt

TOTAL

Amount of Gain or 
(Loss) Recognized in 
Other Comprehensive 
Income on Derivatives

2019
Location of Gain or 
(Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated 
Other Comprehensive 
Income into Income

Amount of Gain or 
(Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated 
Other Comprehensive 
Income into Income

$

$

$

$

(22,100)

16,706 
(5,394)

42,488 
15,650 
58,138 

Operating expense
Cost of goods sold / 
Other income  

N/A
N/A

$

$

$

$

8,180

509  
8,689 

-
-
-

The location and carrying amount of hedged liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

(In thousands)
Balance sheet location:
Current maturities of long-term debt
Long-term debt

Jun. 27, 2020

Cumulative Amount of Fair 
Value Hedging Adjustments 
Included in the Carrying 
Amount of Hedged Assets 
(Liabilities)

Carrying Amount 
of Hedged Assets 
(Liabilities)

$

(749,924)
(1,563,636)

$

(1,388)
(70,239)

The location and carrying amount of hedged liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 29, 2019 are as follows:

(In thousands)
Balance sheet location:
Long-term debt

NOTE 12 

Self-Insured Liabilities

Jun. 29, 2019

Cumulative Amount of Fair 
Value Hedging Adjustments 
Included in the Carrying 
Amount of Hedged Assets 
(Liabilities)

Carrying Amount 
of Hedged Assets 
(Liabilities)

$

(2,311,636)

$

(28,616)

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

2020

2019

2018

$

$

297,817  $
502,315 
(470,484)
329,648  $

270,986  $
492,411 
(465,580)
297,817  $

245,811 
461,867 
(436,692)
270,986 

The long-term portion of the self-insured liability balance was $205.6 million and $183.6 million as of June 27, 2020, and June 29, 2019, respectively.

74

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 13 

Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

Sysco’s debt consists of the following:

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

$

-  $

(In thousands)
U.S. Commercial paper, interest at 2.56% as of June 29, 2019
U.K. Commercial paper, interest at 0.454%, maturing in fiscal 2021 
Senior notes, interest at 2.60%, maturing in fiscal 2021(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 2.50%, maturing in fiscal 2022(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 2.60%, maturing in fiscal 2022(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 1.25%, maturing in fiscal 2023(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 3.55%, maturing in fiscal 2025(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 3.65%, maturing in fiscal 2025(1)
Senior notes, interest at 5.65%, maturing in fiscal 2025(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 3.75%, maturing in fiscal 2026(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 3.30%, maturing in fiscal 2027(1)(2)
Debentures, interest at 7.16%, maturing in fiscal 2027(2)(3)
Senior notes, interest at 3.25%, maturing in fiscal 2028(1)(2)
Debentures, interest at 6.50%, maturing in fiscal 2029(2)(3)
Senior notes, interest at 2.40%, maturing in fiscal 2030(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 5.95%, maturing in fiscal 2030(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 5.375%, maturing in fiscal 2036(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 6.625%, maturing in fiscal 2039(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 6.60%, maturing in fiscal 2040(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 4.85%, maturing in fiscal 2046(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 4.50%, maturing in fiscal 2046(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 4.45%, maturing in fiscal 2048(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 6.60%, maturing in fiscal 2050(1)(2)
Senior notes, interest at 3.30%, maturing in fiscal 2050(1)(2)
Long-term revolving credit facility, interest at 2.125%, maturing in fiscal 2024(2)
Notes payable, capital leases, and other debt, interest averaging 4.53% and maturing at various dates to 
112,738 
fiscal 2046 as of June 27, 2020 and 4.99% and maturing at various dates to fiscal 2031 as of June 29, 2019
8,163,337 
Total debt
(37,322)
Less current maturities of long-term debt
(3,957)
Less notes payable
8,122,058 
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 

740,226 
751,312 
504,352 
448,336 
568,011 
551,756 
362,785 
745,241 
747,727 
993,978 
44,273 
744,046 
162,416 
495,273 
1,239,439 
382,190 
199,390 
740,188 
496,017 
494,338 
492,662 
1,233,666 
494,428 
694,951

132,081 
-
744,034 
494,814 
447,509 
576,771 
521,490 
379,658 
- 
747,330 
993,084 
44,272 
743,304 
162,150 
- 
- 
382,250 
199,198 
- 
495,860 
494,215 
492,579 
- 
- 
-

119,878 
14,446,879 
(1,542,128)
(2,266)
12,902,485

$

$

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)  Represents senior notes, debentures and borrowings under the company’s long-term revolving credit facility that are guaranteed by certain wholly owned U.S. Broadline subsidiaries of Sysco 

Corporation as discussed in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

(3)  This debenture is not subject to any sinking fund requirement and is no longer redeemable prior to maturity.

As of June 27, 2020, the principal payments required to be made during the next five fiscal years on total debt, excluding notes payable, are shown below:

(In thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

$

Amount

1,490,284 
950,000 
561,098 
700,000 
1,614,538 

The company has a $2.0 billion long-term revolving credit facility that expires on June 28, 2024, subject to extension. As of June 27, 2020, there were 

$700.0 million in borrowings outstanding under this facility. On May 20, 2020, Sysco entered into an amendment to the credit agreement providing for the 

long-term revolving credit facility. The amendment revises the existing credit agreement to (1) adjust the covenant requiring Sysco to maintain a certain ratio 

of consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to consolidated interest expense; (2) include a covenant requiring 

Sysco to maintain a certain level of liquidity until the earlier of September 2022 or the date on which Sysco has achieved a certain ratio of consolidated 

EBITDA to consolidated interest expense; (3) include additional pricing levels and a 0.75% interest rate floor; and (4) include a new covenant that restricts 

(a) increases to Sysco’s regular quarterly dividend and (b) repurchases of equity interests of Sysco, in each case, until the earlier of September 2022 or the 

date on which Sysco has achieved a certain ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense.

Sysco has a commercial paper program allowing the company to issue short-term unsecured notes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2.0 billion. 

As of June 27, 2020, there were no commercial paper issuances outstanding under this U.S. program. Any outstanding amounts are classified within 

long-term debt, as the program is supported by the long-term revolving credit facility. 

75

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Effective May 4, 2020, Sysco’s United Kingdom-based subsidiary, Brake Bros Limited, established a separate commercial paper program for the purpose of 

issuing short-term, unsecured Sterling-denominated notes that are eligible for purchase under the Joint HM Treasury and Bank of England Covid Corporate 

Financing Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed £600.0 million. As of June 27, 2020, there were £600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 

notes outstanding under this commercial paper program. The notes bear interest at a rate of 0.454% and will mature on May 7, 2021.

Effective May 20, 2020, Sysco established a 364-day credit facility in the amount of $750.0 million scheduled to expire on May 19, 2021. As of June 27, 

2020, there were no borrowings under this credit facility.

During fiscal 2020, aggregate outstanding commercial paper issuances, borrowings under our long-term revolving credit facility and short-term bank 

borrowings ranged from approximately $18.4 million to approximately $1.9 billion. 

Senior notes offering

On April 2, 2020, Sysco issued senior notes (Senior Notes) totaling $4.0 billion in aggregate principal amount in order to enhance the company’s liquidity 

position in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Details of the senior notes are as follows: 

Maturity Date
April 1, 2025 (the 5.650% Senior Notes due 2025)
April 1, 2030 (the 5.950% Senior Notes due 2030)
April 1, 2040 (the 6.600% Senior Notes due 2040)
April 1, 2050 (the 6.600% Senior Notes due 2050)

Par Value
(in millions)

Coupon Rate

Pricing
(percentage 
of par)

$

750 
1,250 
750 
1,250 

5.65 % 
5.95 
6.60 
6.60 

99.931 %
99.792 
99.802 
99.767 

Sysco used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to pay off its commercial paper borrowings and for other general corporate purposes. The 

company anticipates using an additional portion of the net proceeds from the offering to redeem its $750 million aggregate principal amount of Senior 

Notes due October 2020. The Senior 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 will be paid semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 

2020. 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 (1) the 

Senior Notes maturing in 2025 before the date that is one month prior to the maturity date, (2) the Senior Notes maturing in 2030 before the date that is 

three months prior to the maturity date, (3) the Senior Notes maturing in 2040 before the date that is six months prior to the maturity date or (4) the Senior 

Notes maturing in 2050 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 Senior Notes redeemed to the redemption date. The interest rate payable 

on each series of Senior Notes will be subject to adjustment from time to time if either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, 

a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. or Fitch Ratings (or, in either case, a substitute rating agency), downgrades (or subsequently upgrades) its 

rating assigned to the Senior Notes, as set forth in the supplemental indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued.

On February 13, 2020, Sysco issued senior notes (the Notes) totaling $1.0 billion. Details of the Notes are as follows:

Maturity Date
February 15, 2030 (the 2030 Notes)(1)
February 15, 2050 (the 2050 Notes)
(1)  The net proceeds from this issuance have been and will be used to fund, in whole or in part, “Eligible Projects.” “Eligible Projects” are investments and expenditures made by Sysco in new 
projects and projects that have received funding in the three years prior to the issuance of the 2030 notes, which meet one or more of the following categories of eligible criteria: (1) renewable 
energy; (2) energy efficiency; (3) clean transportation; (4) waste reduction; (5) sustainable water and wastewater management; (6) environmentally sustainable management of living natural 
resources and land use/food security; (7) aquatic biodiversity conservation/food security; and (8) socioeconomic advancement and empowerment. 

99.647 %
99.811 

2.40 % 
3.30 

500 
500 

$

Coupon Rate

Par Value
(in millions)

Pricing
(percentage 
of par)

The Notes initially are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Sysco’s direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries that guarantee Sysco’s other senior 

notes issued under the indenture governing the Notes or any of Sysco’s other indebtedness. Interest on the Notes will be paid semi-annually on February 

15 and August 15, beginning August 15, 2020. At Sysco’s option, any or all of the Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity. 

If Sysco elects to redeem (1) the 2030 Notes before the date that is three months prior to the maturity date or (2) the 2050 Notes 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 Notes to be redeemed or the sum 

of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed. If Sysco elects to redeem a series of 

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 Notes 

to be redeemed. Sysco will pay accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes redeemed to the redemption date.

As of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, letters of credit outstanding were $233.2 million and $226.0 million, respectively.

76

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 14 

Leases

Sysco leases certain of its distribution and warehouse facilities, office facilities, fleet vehicles, and office and warehouse equipment. The company determines 

if an arrangement is a lease at inception and recognizes a finance or operating lease liability and right-of-use (ROU) asset in the consolidated balance sheets 

if a lease exists. Lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement 

date. If the borrowing rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, Sysco uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at 

the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. 

The lease term is defined as the noncancelable period of the lease plus any options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the 

company will exercise one of these options. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in Sysco’s consolidated balance sheets, and 

the company recognizes expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or 

a rate, such as insurance and property taxes, are excluded from the measurement of the lease liability and are recognized as variable lease cost when the 

obligation for that payment is incurred. For leases in which the lease and non-lease components have been combined, the variable lease expense includes 

expenses such as common area maintenance, utilities, and repairs and maintenance. Sysco’s leases do not contain significant residual value guarantees 

and do not impose significant restrictions or covenants.

The following table presents the location of the finance lease ROU assets and lease liabilities in the company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 27, 2020:

(In thousands)
Finance lease right-of-use assets
Current finance lease liabilities
Long-term finance lease liabilities

Consolidated Balance Sheet Location
Plant and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation $
Current maturities of long-term debt
Long-term debt

Jun. 27, 2020

99,918
33,670 
68,942 

The following table presents lease costs for each of the presented periods ended June 27, 2020:

(In thousands)
Operating lease cost
Financing lease cost:

Amortization of right-of-use assets
Interest on lease obligations

Variable lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Net lease cost

Consolidated Results of Operations Location
Operating expenses

2020

$

123,269 

Operating expenses
Interest expense
Operating expenses
Operating expenses

38,285 
4,667 
7,606 
13,602 
187,429

$

Future minimum lease obligations under existing noncancelable operating and finance lease agreements by fiscal year as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

(In thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Thereafter
Total undiscounted lease obligations
Less imputed interest
Present value of lease obligations

Operating 
Leases

Finance 
Leases

$

$

120,815 
91,755 
75,845 
52,480 
46,746 
343,056 
730,697 
(100,034)
630,663

$

 $

37,218 
26,889 
19,916 
12,786 
7,828 
7,102 
111,739 
(9,127)
102,612 

77

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Other information related to lease agreements was as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Cash Paid For Amounts Included In Measurement of Liabilities:
Operating cash flows for operating leases
Operating cash flows for financing leases
Financing cash flows for financing leases
Supplemental Non-cash Information on Lease Liabilities:
Assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations
Assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations
Lease Term and Discount Rate:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases
Financing leases
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases
Financing leases

2020

124,040
4,666 
34,145 

64,968
17,019

$

$

11.54 years
4.03 years

2.37 %
4.24 %

NOTE 15 

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 pretax contribution on the first 6% 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 non-qualified, unfunded Management Savings Plan (MSP) available to key management personnel who are participants in the 

Management Incentive Plan (MIP). Participants may defer up to 50% of their annual salary and up to 90% 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 pretax contribution on the first 6% 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 $151.4 million in fiscal 2020, $150.4 million in fiscal 2019, and $151.0 million in fiscal 2018.

Defined Benefit Plans

Sysco maintains various qualified pension plans that pay benefits to participating employees at retirement, using formulas based on a participant’s years 

of service and compensation. The U.S. pension plan (U.S. Retirement 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. Various defined benefit pension plans cover certain employees, 

primarily in the U.K., France and Sweden; however, the U.K. pension plan (U.K. Retirement Plan) is frozen to new plan participants and future accrual of 

benefits. The funding policy for each plan complies with the requirements of relevant governmental laws and regulations.

In addition to receiving benefits upon retirement under the company’s U.S. Retirement Plan, certain key management personnel who were participants in 
the MIP are entitled to receive benefits under the 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. These health care benefits represent Sysco’s unfunded 

other post-retirement medical plans. The plan had benefit obligations of $10.9 million as of June 27, 2020 and $10.8 million as of June 29, 2019.

78

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K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 “U.S. Pension Benefits” in the tables below includes both the U.S. 

Retirement Plan and the SERP. As Sysco’s fiscal 2020 year end is June 27, 2020, the company utilized a practical expedient permitting Sysco to measure 

its defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the month end closest to the fiscal year end, and has used June 30, 2020 as the measurement date 

of the plan assets and obligations disclosed herein.

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Amendments
Curtailments
Plan Combinations
Actuarial (gain) loss, net
Total disbursements
Exchange rate changes
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
Total disbursements
Exchange rate changes
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
FUNDED STATUS AT END OF YEAR

U.S. Pension Benefits

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

International Pension Benefits
Jun. 29, 2019

Jun. 27, 2020

$

$

4,537,648
15,532 
164,756 
(2,077)
- 
- 
464,475 
(140,616)
- 
5,039,718 

3,984,154 
533,676 
31,525 
(140,616)
- 
4,408,739 

$

(630,979) $

4,043,011   $
13,977  
172,213  
- 
- 
- 
439,082 
(130,635)
- 
4,537,648  

3,666,408  
418,789 
29,592  
(130,635)
- 
3,984,154  
(553,494)

$

406,697  
2,800  
8,681  
661 
(4,012)
- 
21,157 
(11,155) 
(10,723)
414,106  

264,746  
35,594 
7,141  
(11,155) 
(8,135)
288,191 
(125,915)

$

$

399,000 
2,790 
10,637 
3,050 
- 
173 
20,783 
(14,398)
(15,338)
406,697 

258,028 
23,765 
7,612 
(14,398)
(10,261)
264,746 
(141,951)

As of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, the SERP had benefit obligations of $474.9 million and $468.0 million, respectively. In order to meet a portion of 
its obligations under the SERP, Sysco has a rabbi trust that invests in Corporate-Owned Life Insurance 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 $94.0 million as of June 27, 2020 and $97.7 million as of June 29, 2019. 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)
Noncurrent assets (Other assets)
Current accrued benefit liability (Accrued expenses)
Noncurrent accrued benefit liability (Other long-term liabilities)
NET AMOUNT RECOGNIZED

U.S. Pension Benefits

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

$

$

$

-
(31,121)
(599,858)
(630,979) $

-
(31,652)
(521,842)
(553,494)

$

$

International Pension Benefits
Jun. 29, 2019
Jun. 27, 2020
$

-
(1,359)
(124,556)
(125,915)

$

-
(1,285)
(140,666)
(141,951)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) as of June 27, 2020 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

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension Benefits

$

$

1,176  $

1,687,105   
1,688,281  $

781  $

29,733 
30,514  $

Total

1,957 
1,716,838 
1,718,795 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) as of June 29, 2019 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

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension Benefits

$

$

10,790  $

1,599,539   
1,610,329  $

588   $

33,008 
33,596  $

Total

11,378 
1,632,547 
1,643,925 

79

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The accumulated benefit obligation, which does not consider any salary increases for the remaining active union employees in the U.S. Retirement Plan 

was $5.4 billion and $4.9 billion as of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, 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 June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 includes both the U.S. Retirement Plan and the SERP.

U.S. Pension Benefits(1)

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

$

5,025,168
4,408,739

$

4,524,513 
3,984,154 

$

International Pension Benefits
Jun. 29, 2019
Jun. 27, 2020
$

407,181 
288,191 

399,966 
264,746 

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 (credit)
Amortization of actuarial loss
Curtailment loss (gain)
Settlement loss (gain) recognized
NET PENSION (BENEFITS) COSTS $

2020

2019

2018

International 
Pension 
Benefits

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension 
Benefits

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension 
Benefits

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

15,531   $
164,756    
(196,249)
7,537 
39,483 

-    
-    
31,058  $

2,800   $
8,681    

(10,819)
597 
157 
(4,166)

13,977   $
172,213    
(180,624)
8,380 
35,537 
-  
-  

(2,750) $

49,483 $

2,790  $

10,637 
(11,072)
(202)
(98)
- 
109 
2,164  $

14,514   $
173,827    
(233,987)
9,460 
35,696 
-  
-  
(490) $

3,219 
10,667 
(11,653)
(2,003)
(67)
- 
16 
179 

The components of net company-sponsored pension costs other than the service cost component are reported in Other expense (income), net within the 

consolidated results of operations.

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 
(credit)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)
Prior service cost (credit) arising in 
current year
Effect of exchange rates on amounts 
in AOCI
Actuarial gain (loss) arising in current 
year
NET PENSION COST (INCOME)

2020

2019

2018

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension 
Benefits

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension 
Benefits

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension 
Benefits

$

7,537   $

39,483  

2,077 

-  

422  $
157  

8,380   $

35,537  

(202) $
11 

9,460   $
35,696    

(661)

784 

- 

-  

(3,050)

1,163 

- 

-  

(2003)
(51)

4,624 

(583)

(127,048)

$

(77,951) $

3,640 
4,342  $

(163,588) 
(119,671) $

(8,090)
(10,168) $

51,318  
96,474  $

10,406 
12,393 

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) as of June 27, 2020 that are expected to be recognized as components of net 

company-sponsored benefit cost during fiscal 2021 are:

(In thousands)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
Amortization of actuarial losses (gains)
TOTAL

Employer Contributions

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension Benefits

Total

$

$

729  $

42,288   
43,017  $

(67) $
237 
170  $

662 
42,525 
43,187 

The company made cash contributions to its company-sponsored pension plans of $38.7 million and $37.2 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. 

There were no contributions made to the U.S. Retirement Plan in fiscal 2020, as there were no required contributions to meet ERISA minimum funding 

requirements in fiscal 2020. There are no required contributions to the U.S. Retirement Plan to meet ERISA minimum funding requirements in fiscal 2021. 

The company’s contributions to the SERP plan are made in the amounts needed to fund current year benefit payments. The estimated aggregate fiscal 

2021 contribution to fund benefit payments for the SERP plan is $31.1 million. The estimated fiscal 2021 contributions to fund benefit payments for the 

international retirement plans are $7 million.

80

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated future benefit payments for vested participants, based on actuarial assumptions, are as follows:

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Subsequent five years

Assumptions

$

U.S. Pension 
Benefits

International 
Pension Benefits
11,831
12,127 
12,483 
13,312 
14,237 
74,274 

157,780  $
167,694 
178,050 
188,214 
197,783 
1,120,130 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of year-end were:

Discount rate - U.S. Retirement Plan
Discount rate - SERP
Discount rate - U.K. Retirement Plan
Rate of compensation increase - U.S. Retirement Plan

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

2.94 %
2.91 
1.60 
2.56 

3.70 %
3.62 
2.30 
2.56 

As benefit accruals under the SERP and U.K. Retirement Plan are frozen, future pay is not projected in the determination of the benefit obligation as of 

June 27, 2020 or June 29, 2019.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net company-sponsored pension costs for each fiscal year were:

Discount rate - U.S. Retirement Plan
Discount rate - SERP
Discount rate - U.K. Retirement Plan
Expected rate of return - U.S. Retirement Plan
Expected rate of return - U.K. Retirement Plan
Rate of compensation increase - U.S. Retirement Plan

2020

2019

2018

3.70 %
3.62 
2.30 
5.00 
4.55 
2.56 

4.28 %
4.41 
2.85 
5.00 
4.55 
2.62 

4.19 %
4.08 
2.60 
7.00 
4.55 
2.62 

For guidance in determining the discount rate for U.S. defined benefit plans, 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. Sysco uses an annualized corporate bond yield curve to estimate the rate at which pension benefits could effectively be settled to estimate 

a discount rate for the U.K. Retirement Plan. The discount rate assumption is updated annually and revised as deemed appropriate. The discount rates 

to be used for the calculation of fiscal 2021 net company-sponsored benefit costs for the U.S. Retirement Plan and U.K. Retirement Plan are 2.94% and 

1.60%, respectively. The discount rate to be used for the calculation of fiscal 2021 net company-sponsored benefit costs for the SERP is 2.91%.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the retirement plans are net return on assets assumption, representing gross return on 

assets less asset management expenses. Specific to the U.S. Retirement Plan, administrative expenses are also excluded from the gross return on assets. 

The expected return for the U.S. Retirement Plan 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 expected return for the U.K. Retirement Plan is derived 

from a long-term swap yield time horizon adjusted for the expected return based on the plan’s current asset allocation and historical results. 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 

2021 net company-sponsored benefit costs for the U.S. Retirement Plan and U.K. Retirement Plan are 4.75% and 2.55%, respectively.

Plan Assets

Investment Strategy

The company’s overall strategic investment objectives for the U.S. 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 using an investment strategy that closely aligns the duration of 

the U.S. Retirement Plan’s assets with the duration of its liabilities. In order to accomplish these objectives, the company oversees the U.S. 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 strategy results in an asset portfolio 

that more closely matches the behavior of the liability, thereby reducing the volatility of the U.S. Retirement Plan’s funded status. This structure ensures 

81

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. Retirement Plan’s target and actual investment allocation as of June 27, 2020 is as follows:

Growth assets
Liability hedging assets

U.S. Retirement Plan

Target Asset 
Allocation

Actual Asset 
Allocation

30%
70

28 %
72 
100 %

Sysco’s U.S. Retirement Plan investment strategy is implemented through a combination of balanced and specialized investment managers, passive 

investment funds and actively managed investment funds. Growth assets include, but are not limited to, equities, alternatives, real estate, and growth 

fixed income intended to generate returns in excess of the liability growth rate. The Liability Hedging assets will be comprised primarily of fixed income 

investments, including interest rate and credit derivatives, intended to reduce funded status volatility due to changes in interest rates and credit spreads, 

while generating returns consistent with the projected liability growth rate. The U.S. Retirement Plan’s portfolio includes investment funds which 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.

The day-to-day management of the assets of the U.K. Retirement Plan has been delegated by the plan trustee to a solvency manager who decides the 

composition of the asset portfolio in line with the objectives of the plan’s trustee and within specific investment guidelines agreed upon with the trustee. 

The primary objective for the U.K. Retirement Plan is to provide sufficient assets to pay benefits as they fall due. In fiscal 2020, the U.K. Retirement Plan 

had a return objective that was aimed to achieve a return on plan assets of 2.3% in excess of the return on the liability benchmark over rolling five-year 

periods. In fiscal 2021, this return objective aims to achieve a return on plan assets of 2.1% in excess of the return on the liability benchmark over rolling 

five-year periods. The liability benchmark is the portfolio of gilts, which are bonds issued by the British government, that best matches the liability profile of 

the U.K. Retirement Plan. The investment objective includes a risk statement that targets a level of investment tracking error versus the liability benchmark 

to be below 10% per year. The actual tracking error targeted may fluctuate over time as the composition of the portfolio changes and the levels of risk in 

markets change. The U.K. Retirement Plan’s Trustee and Solvency Manager seeks to achieve the Plan’s investment objectives by investing in a suitably 

diversified mix of assets. The U.K. Retirement Plan uses derivatives such as forwards, futures, swaps and options for risk management and for the efficient 

implementation of the investment strategy. 

The U.K. Retirement Plan’s target and actual investment allocation as of June 27, 2020 is as follows:

Common contractual fund
Liability hedging assets

U.K. Retirement Plan

Target Asset 
Allocation

Actual Asset 
Allocation

60 %
40 

52 %
48 
100 %

The U.K. Retirement Plan’s investment strategy is implemented primarily through a common contractual investment fund and liability hedging assets both 

managed by the solvency manager. The pooled investment fund consists of investment types including (1) equity investments covering a range of geographies 

and including investment managers that hold long and short positions and private equity investments, (2) credit investments including global investment 

grade and high yield bonds, loans and other debt and derivative securities, (3) property investments including global direct or indirect real estate holdings, 

(4) macro-oriented funds that seek to generate return by going long and short in a variety of markets and operate strategies which focus on markets rather 

than individual stocks and often use derivatives rather than physical assets, and (5) multi-strategy funds which combine a range of different credit, equity 

and macro-orientated ideas and dynamically allocate funds across asset classes. Actual asset allocation is regularly reviewed and periodically rebalanced 

to the target allocation when considered appropriate.

82

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KAs discussed above, the retirement plans’ 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 trustee and solvency manager ensure diversification of plan assets across 

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

issuers, industries and countries. 

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 6, “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 plans 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 and Level 2 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, exchange-traded real estate securities, 

and common contractual funds which are valued at the net asset value (NAV) provided by the manager of each fund. The NAV for funds within the U.S. 

and U.K Retirement Plans 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 U.S. 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 

U.S. 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.

83

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following table presents the fair value of the U.S. Retirement Plan’s assets by major asset category as of June 27, 2020:

(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Growth assets:
U.S. equity(1)
International equity(1)
Hedge fund of funds(2)
Real estate funds(3)
Private equity funds(4)
Liability hedging assets:

Assets Measured at Fair Value as of Jun. 27, 2020

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

34,475 $

67,468 $

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Measured at NAV(6)
$

Total

- $

101,943 

575,035 
252,687 
233,792 
87,730 
74,631 

575,035  
252,687  
233,792  
87,730  
74,631  

-

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Corporate bonds
U.S. government and agency securities(1)
Other(5)

2,220,702  
834,394  
27,825  
4,408,739 
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 June 27, 2020. The remaining 
investments may be redeemed once per day with advanced written notice and subject to applicable limits.

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE
(1) 

2,220,702 
293,643 
27,825 
2,609,638 $

- 
540,751 
- 

1,764,626 $

34,475 $

- 
- 
- 
-

- 
- 
- 

$

$

(2)  There were no unfunded commitments as of June 27, 2020, and there were no redemption restrictions as of June 27, 2020. The investment may be redeemed once per quarter.
(3)  For investments in the funds listed in this category, total unfunded commitment as of June 27, 2020 was $2.0 million. Approximately 5% of the investments cannot be redeemed. The estimate 
of the liquidation period for these funds varies from 2020 to 2021. The remaining investments may be redeemed quarterly with advanced written notice and subject to applicable limits.
(4)  Total unfunded commitments in the funds listed in this category as of June 27, 2020 were $16.2 million. The investments cannot be redeemed, but the fund will make distributions through 

(5) 
(6) 

liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation period varies for each fund from 2020 to 2031.
Include foreign government and state and municipal debt securities.
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.

The following table presents the fair value of the U.K. Retirement Plan’s assets by major asset category as of June 27, 2020:

(In thousands)
Liability hedging assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
U.K. government securities
Derivatives, net(1)
Investment funds:

Common contractual fund(2)

Assets Measured at Fair Value as of Jun. 27, 2020

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Measured at NAV(3)

Total

$

2,510   $
-    
- 

-   $
135,318    
123    

$

-
- 
- 

- $
- 
- 

2,510 
135,318  
123  

Include interest rate swaps and zero coupon swaps. The fair value of asset positions totaled $6.8 million; the fair value of liability positions totaled $6.6 million.

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE
(1) 
(2)  There were $14.9 million of unfunded commitments as of June 27, 2020, and there were no redemption restrictions as of June 27, 2020. The investment may be redeemed twice per month. 
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 
(3) 
are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

$

$

- 
2,510 $

-    
135,441   $

- 
-

150,240 
150,240 $

150,240  
288,191 

84

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the fair value of the U.S. Retirement Plan’s assets by major asset category as of June 29, 2019:

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Growth assets:
U.S. equity(1)
International equity(1)
Hedge fund of funds(2)
Real estate funds(3)
Private equity funds(4)
Liability hedging assets:

Assets Measured at Fair Value as of Jun. 29, 2019

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

39,981 $

41,266 $

- 
95,296 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Measured at NAV(6)
$

Total

- $

81,247  

468,923 
107,197 
226,409 
93,592 
84,266 

468,923  
202,493  
226,409  
93,592  
84,266  

-

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Corporate bonds
U.S. government and agency securities(1)
Other(5)

1,987,964  
821,118  
18,142  
3,984,154  
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 June 29, 2019. The remaining 
investments may be redeemed once per day with advanced written notice and subject to applicable limits.

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE
(1) 

1,987,964 
298,629 
18,142 
2,346,001 $

- 
522,489 
- 

1,502,876 $

135,277 $

- 
- 
- 
-

- 
- 
- 

$

$

(2)  There were no unfunded commitments as of June 29, 2019, and there were no redemption restrictions as of June 29, 2019. The investment may be redeemed once per quarter.
(3)  For investments in the funds listed in this category, total unfunded commitment as of June 29, 2019 was $10.3 million. Approximately 15% of the investments cannot be redeemed. The 
estimate of the liquidation period for these funds varies from 2019 to 2021. The remaining investments may be redeemed quarterly with advanced written notice and subject to applicable limits.
(4)  Total unfunded commitment as of June 29, 2019 was $17.6 million. The investments cannot be redeemed, but the fund will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation 

(5) 
(6) 

period varies for each fund from 2019 to 2031.
Include foreign government and state and municipal debt securities.
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.

The following table presents the fair value of the U.K. Retirement Plan’s assets by major asset category as of June 29, 2019:

(In thousands)
Liability hedging assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
U.K. government securities
Derivatives, net(1)
Investment funds:

Common contractual fund(2)

Assets Measured at Fair Value as of Jun. 29, 2019

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Measured at NAV(3)

Total

$

13,372   $
-    
- 

-   $
63,363    
575    

$

-
- 
- 

- $
- 
- 

13,372 
63,363  
575  

Include interest rate swaps and zero coupon swaps. The fair value of asset positions totaled $9.3 million; the fair value of liability positions totaled $8.7 million.

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE
(1) 
(2)  There were $13.9 million of unfunded commitments as of June 29, 2019, and there were no redemption restrictions as of June 29, 2019. The investment may be redeemed once per week. 
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 
(3) 
are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

13,372 $

$

$

- 

-    
63,938   $

- 
-

187,436 
187,436 $

187,436  
264,746 

85

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 16  Multiemployer Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Sysco participates in several multiemployer defined benefit pension plans in the United States (U.S.) 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 employers 

contributing to the plan. Approximately 11% of Sysco’s current employees in the U.S. are participants in such multiemployer plans as of June 27, 2020.

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 in the U.S, 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 may impose a nondeductible excise tax of 5% on the amount 

of the accumulated funding deficiency for those employers contributing to the fund. However, under current law, this excise tax is unlikely to apply since 

multiemployer pension plans experiencing accumulated funding deficiencies are considered “critical” or “critical and declining,” and the excise tax does 

not apply to pension plans in critical or critical and declining status. 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.

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

Individually Significant Plans

2020

2019

2018

$

$

31,683  $
15,762   
47,445  $

31,669  $
16,876   
48,545  $

30,460 
15,915 
46,375 

The following information relates to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans that Sysco has determined to be individually significant to the company. As 

noted below, the company has determined only one plan – the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan – as currently being 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 the company’s potential withdrawal liability if it were to voluntarily withdraw 

from the plan.

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, together with information 

included in the annual return/reports filed by each plan with the U.S. Department of Labor. 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 Multiemployer Protection Act of 2014 created a new zone called “critical and declining.” Plans are generally considered “critical and declining” if 

they are projected to become insolvent within 15 years.

 • 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.

86

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 • 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 Fund
Western Conference of Teamsters  
Pension Plan

EIN-PN
91-6145047-001

Pension Protection Act
Zone Status
As of 12/31/20 As of 12/31/19
Green

Green

FIP/RP Status
N/A

Surcharge
Imposed
N/A

Expiration
Date(s)
of CBA(s)

9/26/20 to 
2/15/2026(1)

(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 17% of the total contributions 

Sysco is required to pay the fund.

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 on Schedule R of 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

2020

2019

2018

2019

2018

$

31,683 $

31,669 $

30,460 

No

No

Sysco Contributions

Sysco 5% of Total Plan  
Contributions

For the plan noted in the table above, minimum contributions outside of the agreed upon contractual rate are not required.

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

2020

2019

2018

$

215,475  $

1,674,271  $

1,430,766 

510,121,071   
3,904,903   
514,025,974   

516,890,581   
6,490,543   
523,381,124   

$
$

0.42  $
0.42  $

3.24  $
3.20  $

522,926,914 
6,162,940 
529,089,854 
2.74 
2.70 

The number of securities that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was 
approximately 4,833,000, 2,338,000 and 2,303,000 for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Dividends declared were $884.1 million, $793.2 million and $735.3 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Included in dividends declared for 

each year were dividends declared but not yet paid at year-end of approximately $228.7 million, $200.0 million and $187.4 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 

and 2018, respectively.

87

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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, changes in marketable securities, amounts related to certain hedging arrangements and amounts related to pension and other postretirement 

plans. Comprehensive income was $104.3 million, $1.5 billion and $1.5 billion for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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:
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments:

Location of Expense
(Income) Recognized
in Net Earnings

Before Tax
Amount

2020

Tax

Net of Tax
Amount

Net actuarial gain (loss), arising in the current year

$

(125,214)  $

(32,471)  $

(92,743)

Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss, net

Total reclassification adjustments
Foreign currency translation:

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Marketable securities:

Change in marketable securities(1)

Hedging instruments:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification 
adjustments:

Change in cash flow hedges
Change in net investment hedges(3)

Total other comprehensive income before reclassification 
adjustments
Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of cash flow hedges

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Other expense, net
Other expense, net

7,620 
49,284 
56,904 

1,908 
10,350 
12,258 

5,712 
38,934 
44,646 

N/A

N/A

(112,215)

-

(112,215)

5,403 

1,135 

4,268 

Operating expenses(2)
N/A

(9,831)
58,756 

48,925 

(2,574)
15,227 

12,653 

(7,257)
43,529 

36,272 

Interest expense

11,496 
(114,701) $

$

2,876 
(3,549) $

8,620 
(111,152)

(1)  Realized gains or losses on marketable securities are presented within Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Results of Operations; however, there were no significant gains or losses 

realized in fiscal 2020.

(2)  Amount partially impacts operating expense for fuel swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges.

(3)  Change in net investment hedges includes the termination of some net investment hedges, as described in Note 11, “Derivative Financial Instruments.”

(In thousands)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments:

Location of Expense
(Income) Recognized 
in Net Earnings

Before Tax
Amount

2019

Tax

Net of Tax
Amount

Net actuarial gain (loss), arising in the current year

$

(200,144)  $

(45,070)  $

(155,074)

Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss, net

Total reclassification adjustments
Foreign currency translation:

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Marketable Securities:

Change in marketable securities 

Hedging instruments:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification 
adjustments:

Other expense, net
Other expense, net

N/A

N/A

8,532
34,824
43,356

(119,126)

3,579

2,132
8,708
10,840

-

752

6,400
26,116
32,516

(119,126)

2,827

Change in cash flow hedges
Change in net investment hedges

Operating expenses(1)
N/A

(5,394)
58,138

(1,332)
14,299

(4,062)
43,839

Total other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification 
adjustments
Reclassification adjustments:

52,744  

12,967  

39,777

Amortization of cash flow hedges

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Interest expense

11,492
(208,099) $

$

2,872
(17,639) $

8,620
(190,460)

(1)  Amount partially impacts operating expense for fuel swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges.

88

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments:

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Location of Expense
(Income) Recognized
in Net Earnings

Before Tax
Amount

2018

Tax

Net of Tax
Amount

Net actuarial gain (loss), arising in the current year

$

69,476

$

16,965

$

52,511

Reclassification adjustments:

Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial loss, net

Total reclassification adjustments
Foreign currency translation:

Other expense, net
Other expense, net

9,636
35,044
44,680

2,731
9,934
12,665

6,905
25,110
32,015

Foreign currency translation adjustment

N/A

(22,987)

-

(22,987)

Hedging instruments:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments:

Change in cash flow hedges
Change in net investment hedges

Total other comprehensive income before reclassification 
adjustments
Reclassification adjustments:

Operating expenses(1)
N/A

23,872  
(2,443)

9,529  
(8,234)

21,429

1,295

Amortization of cash flow hedges

Interest expense

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

11,499
124,097

$

$

3,259
34,184

$

(1)  Amount partially impacts operating expense for fuel swaps accounted for as cash flow hedges.

The following tables provide a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (AOCI) for the periods presented:

14,343
5,791

20,134

8,240
89,913

(In thousands)
Balance as of Jul. 1, 2017
Other comprehensive income before 
reclassification adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated 
other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified to retained 
earnings(1)
Balance as of Jun. 30, 2018
Other comprehensive income before 
reclassification adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated 
other comprehensive loss
Amounts reclassified to retained earnings(1)
Balance as of Jun. 29, 2019
Other comprehensive income before 
reclassification adjustments
Amounts reclassified from accumulated 
other comprehensive loss
Change in marketable securities
BALANCE AS OF JUN. 27, 2020

Pension 
and Other 
Postretirement 
Benefit Plans,
net of tax

Foreign 
Currency 
Translation

Hedging, net 
of tax

Marketable 
Securities

$

(974,232) $

(148,056) $

(140,449) $

52,511 

32,015 

(22,987)

20,134 

- 

8,240 

(205,353)
(1,095,059)

- 
(171,043)

(31,092)
(143,167)

(155,074)

(119,126)

39,777 

- 

- 

-

-
-

- 

32,516 
- 
(1,217,617)

- 
- 
(290,169)

8,620 
- 
(94,770)

- 
2,827 
2,827 

Total

$

(1,262,737)

49,658 

40,255 

(236,445)
(1,409,269)

(234,423)

41,136 
2,827 
(1,599,729)

(92,743)

(112,215)

36,272 

- 

(168,686)

44,646 
- 

- 
- 

8,620 
- 

$

(1,265,714) $

(402,384) $

(49,878) $

- 
4,268 
7,095 

$

53,266 
4,268 
(1,710,881)

(1)  Deferred taxes stranded in AOCI as a result of the Tax Act were reclassified to retained earnings as a result of early adopting Accounting Standards Update 2018-02.

89

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 under several share-based payment arrangements, including various long-term employee stock 

incentive plans and the 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Stock Incentive Plans

In November 2018, Sysco’s Omnibus Incentive Plan (2018 Plan) was adopted and reserved up to 51,500,000 shares of Sysco common stock for 

share-based awards to employees, non-employee directors and key advisors. Of the 51,500,000 authorized shares, the full 51,500,000 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, restricted stock units and performance share units under the 2018 Plan. Vesting requirements 

for awards under the 2018 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 2018 Plan are and will be no greater than 

ten years. As of June 27, 2020, there were 46,728,773 remaining shares authorized and available for grant in total under the 2018 Plan, of which the full 

46,728,773 shares may be issued as options or stock appreciation rights, or as a combination of up to 15,640,344 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 June 27, 2020. No new options will be issued under any of the prior plans, as future grants to employees will be made through the 2018 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 ten years. Sysco’s policy is to utilize treasury stock for issuing shares upon share option exercise or share 

unit conversion. 

Performance Share Units

During fiscal 2020 and 2019, 680,230 and 581,174 performance share units (PSUs), respectively, were granted to employees. Based on the jurisdiction 

in which the employee resides, some of these PSUs were granted with forfeitable dividend equivalents. The fair value of each PSU award granted with 

a dividend equivalent is based on the company’s stock price as of the date of grant. For PSUs granted without dividend equivalents, the fair value was 

reduced by the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period. The weighted average grant-date fair value per performance share unit 

granted during fiscal 2020 and 2019 was $73.37 and $74.86, respectively. The PSUs granted will vest and convert into shares of Sysco common stock 

at the end of the performance periods, which conclude at the end of fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively, based on financial performance targets 

consisting of Sysco’s compound annual growth rate on earnings per share and the average of adjusted return on invested capital.

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 United States 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

90

2020

2019

2018

2.4 %
18.3 %
1.5 %

2.5 %
16.9 %
2.8 %

2.6 %
17.5 %
2.0 %

7.0 years

7.0 years

7.0 years

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KThe following summary presents information regarding outstanding options as of June 27, 2020 and changes during the fiscal year then ended with regard 

to options under all stock incentive plans:

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Outstanding as of June 29, 2019

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired

Shares Under 
Option
14,989,277  $
3,286,943 
4,518,342 
1,809,674 
- 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 
Per Share

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term (in years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value  
(in thousands)

50.36 
73.15 
44.19 
62.52 
-
57.12 
65.83 
48.67 

6.98 $
8.22 $
5.77 $

45,574 
9,400 
36,012 

OUTSTANDING AS OF JUNE 27, 2020
VESTED OR EXPECTED TO VEST AS OF JUNE 27, 2020
EXERCISABLE AS OF JUNE 27, 2020

11,948,204  $
5,762,300  $
6,083,923  $

The total number of employee options granted was 3,286,943, 2,609,755 and 4,042,415 in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

During fiscal 2020, 1,554,566 and 1,732,377 options were granted to 12 executive officers and approximately 174 other key employees, respectively. 
During fiscal 2019, 657,341 and 1,952,414 options were granted to 9 executive officers and approximately 179 other key employees, respectively. 

During fiscal 2018, 955,344 and 3,087,071 options were granted to 10 executive officers and 181 other key employees, respectively.

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $10.57, $11.70 and $7.08, respectively. The total 

intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $11.6 million, $14.0 million and $17.7 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, 704,732, 617,685 and 660,923 restricted stock units, respectively, were granted to employees, 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $71.01, 

$63.91 and $55.81, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $30.4 million, $35.3 million 

and $40.4 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $35.7 million, $49.8 million and 

$56.4 million, respectively.

Non-Employee Director Awards

During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, 27,431, 30,870 and 35,672 restricted equity awards, respectively, were granted to non-employee directors (NEDs), 

which will vest over a one-year period. NEDs 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $74.17, $66.22 and $54.10, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock 
shares vested and deferred units distributed during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $2.0 million, $2.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Restricted 

stock shares are valued on their vesting date. Vested deferred units are valued on their subsequent conversion and distribution date.

NEDs may elect to receive up to 100% of their annual directors’ fees in Sysco common stock on either an annual or deferred basis. As a result of such 

elections, a total of 4,187, 10,672 and 21,478 shares with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $75.46, $67.45 and $54.69 per share were issued 

in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $0.2 million, $0.7 million and $1.2 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 June 27, 2020, there were 81,066 fully vested deferred units outstanding that will convert into shares of Sysco common stock upon dates selected 

by the respective NED.

91

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Summary of Equity Instruments Other Than Stock Options

The following summary presents information regarding outstanding non-vested awards as of June 27, 2020 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, 

restricted awards granted to non-employee directors and PSUs.

Non-vested as of June 29, 2019

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

NON-VESTED AS OF JUNE 27, 2020

2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Weighted 
Average Grant 
Date Fair Value 
Per Share

Shares

3,287,741  $
1,505,605 
(1,367,165)
(583,552)
2,842,629  $

58.40 
72.28 
54.44 
64.97 
66.31 

The Sysco ESPP 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 that may be sold pursuant to the ESPP may not exceed 79,000,000 shares, 

of which 5,149,259 remained available as of June 27, 2020. In order to enhance the company’s liquidity position in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 

Sysco will temporarily reduce the discount applied to the common stock to 5% commencing fiscal 2021.

During fiscal 2020, 1,089,296 shares of Sysco common stock were purchased by the participants, as compared to 986,631 shares purchased in fiscal 

2019 and 1,078,597 shares purchased in fiscal 2018. The weighted average fair value of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the ESPP 

was $10.03, $10.17 and $8.38 per share during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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 $42.2 million, $104.9 million and 

$93.8 million for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The company’s expense related to its PSUs decreased, as the performance metrics either resulted 

in a below target payment for fiscal 2020 or are trending below target for awards not yet paid. The total income tax benefit for share-based compensation 

arrangements was $7.0 million, $21.7 million and $19.4 million for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

As of June 27, 2020, there was $79.3 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost, which is expected to be recognized over a 

weighted-average period of 1.91 years.

Cash received from option exercises and ESPP participation was $227.6 million, $253.1 million and $268.8 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, 

respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $25.4 million, $32.4 million and $38.4 million during fiscal 

2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTE 20 

Income Taxes

Income Tax Provisions

For financial reporting purposes, earnings (loss) before income taxes consists of the following:

(In thousands)
U.S.
Foreign
TOTAL

The income tax provision for each fiscal year consists of the following:

(In thousands)
U.S. federal income taxes
State and local income taxes
Foreign income taxes
TOTAL

92

2020

742,332  $
(448,948)
293,384  $

2019
1,910,549  $
95,287 
2,005,836  $

2018
1,765,793 
190,431 
1,956,224 

2020
128,576  $
8,529 
(59,196)
77,909  $

2019
262,940  $

73,835 
(5,210)
331,565  $

2018
399,254 
62,670 
63,534 
525,458 

$

$

$

$

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The current and deferred components of the income tax provisions for each fiscal year are as follows:

(In thousands)
Current
Deferred
TOTAL

2020
269,226  $
(191,317)

77,909  $

2019
458,284  $
(126,719)
331,565  $

2018
337,550 
187,908 
525,458 

$

$

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 carryforwards
Pension
Receivables
Deferred compensation
Share-based compensation
Inventory
Self-insured liabilities
Other
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowances
Valuation allowances
Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Goodwill and intangible assets
Excess tax depreciation and basis differences of assets
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities

TOTAL NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS (LIABILITIES)

Jun. 27, 2020

Jun. 29, 2019

$

$

379,620 
184,616 
99,540 
31,603 
21,296 
17,069 
3,409 
41,820 
778,973 
(137,862)
641,111 

329,940 
169,920 
33,737 
533,597 
107,514 

$

$

274,231 
157,670 
17,383 
29,694 
39,218 
12,139 
16,496 
34,366 
581,197 
(127,807)
453,390 

358,847 
163,123 
22,892 
544,862 
(91,472)

The company’s deferred tax asset for net operating loss carryforwards as of June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 consisted of state and foreign net operating 

tax loss carryforwards. The state net operating loss carryforwards outstanding as of June 27, 2020 expire in fiscal years 2021 through 2039. The foreign 

net operating loss carryforward periods vary by jurisdiction, from 17 years to unlimited.

The company assesses the recoverability of its deferred tax assets each period by considering whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of 

the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The company considers all available evidence (both positive and negative) in determining whether a valuation 

allowance is required. As a result of the company’s analysis, it was concluded that, as of June 27, 2020, a valuation allowance of $137.9 million should be 

established against the portion of the deferred tax asset attributable to certain foreign and United States (U.S.) state losses. The company will continue to 

monitor facts and circumstances in the reassessment of the likelihood that net operating loss carryforwards will be realized.

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 income taxes
Uncertain tax position
Tax benefit of equity-based compensation
Nondeductible impairment charges
Impact of U.S. Tax Reform
Other
EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

2020

2019

2018

21.00 %
5.69 
(2.46)
(1.44)
(9.77)
17.65 
-
(4.12)
26.55 %

21.00 %
3.35 
(1.42)
(0.31)
(2.07)
- 
(4.64)
0.62 
16.53 %

28.00 %
2.48 
0.07 
(0.22)
(2.66)
- 
0.13 
(0.95)
26.85 %

93

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The effective tax rate of 26.55% for fiscal 2020 was impacted by the tax benefits attributable to equity compensation exercises. Our foreign operations are 

subject to their earnings being taxed at rates different than our domestic tax rate, as well as credits, local permanent differences and other minimum taxes 

which resulted in a net decrease in the effective tax rate. Nondeductible asset impairment charges have an unfavorable impact. Included within “Other” 

is the effect of certain non-deductible expenses in the U.S. jurisdiction as well as the impact of U.S. tax credits, return to accrual adjustments and U.S. 

taxes on foreign earnings.

The effective tax rate of 16.53% for fiscal 2019 was favorably impacted by the reduction of the statutory rate in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions, the 

excess tax benefits attributable to equity compensation exercises and the favorable impact of $95.1 million of foreign tax credits included within Impacts of 

U.S. Tax Reform. These credits fully offset our transition tax liability, as well as a reduction of the statutory tax rate in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. 

Foreign earnings taxed at rates different than our domestic tax rate had the impact of decreasing the effective tax rate.

The effective tax rate of 26.85% for fiscal 2018 was favorably impacted by the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to 

Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718), as well as a reduction of the statutory tax rate in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. Foreign 

earnings taxed at rates different than our domestic tax rate had the impact of increasing 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

2020

2019

26,109  $

- 
(2,974)
-
23,135  $

12,195 
20,508 
(6,086)
(508)
26,109 

$

$

As of June 27, 2020, the gross amount of liability for accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $4.1 million. As of June 29, 
2019, the gross amount of liability for accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was $4.6 million. The expense recorded for interest 

and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits was not material in any year presented. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax 

benefit with respect to certain of the company’s unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease in the next twelve months. At this time, an estimate 

of the range of the reasonably possible change cannot be made.

If Sysco were to recognize all unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of June 27, 2020, approximately $22.4 million of the $23.1 million reserve would 

reduce the effective tax rate. If Sysco were to recognize all unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of June 29, 2019, approximately $24.8 million of the 

$26.1 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 jurisdictions 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. Sysco anticipates an immaterial 

decrease to the reserve within twelve months as a result of lapse of statutes.

Sysco’s federal tax returns for 2018 and subsequent tax years have statutes of limitations that remain open for audit. As of June 27, 2020, Sysco’s tax 

returns in the majority of the state and local and material foreign jurisdictions are no longer subject to audit for the years before 2012. 

Other

Sysco intends to indefinitely reinvest income of its foreign operations, and, as a result, no accruals have been made with respect to the tax effects of 

unremitted earnings, including impacts of outside basis differences, withholding taxes any distributions may be subject to or residual U.S. income taxes, 

if any. As a result of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, unremitted earnings prior to the effective date of the act have been subject to U.S. income tax. Any 

residual tax effects are immaterial to the financial statements. 

The determination of the company’s provision for income taxes requires judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex 

tax laws. The company’s provision for income taxes reflects income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state, as well as foreign jurisdictions. 

Tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent book versus tax basis differences, accruals or adjustments of accruals for unrecognized tax benefits 

or valuation allowances, and the company’s change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.

94

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
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 that have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. The likelihood of loss for these legal proceedings, 

based on definitions within contingency accounting literature, ranges from remote to reasonably possible to probable. When probable and reasonably 

estimable, the losses have been accrued. Although the final results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, based on estimates of the 

range of potential losses associated with these matters, management does not believe the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, either individually or 

in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the company.

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 2024. 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 June 27, 2020 

totaled approximately $6.1 billion. Minimum amounts committed to by year are as follows:

(In thousands)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

$

Amount

3,927,035 
1,402,700 
533,739 
253,533 
-

Sysco has contracts with various third-party service providers to receive information technology services. The services have been committed for periods 
up to fiscal 2026 and may be extended. As of June 27, 2020, the total remaining cost of the services over that period is expected to be approximately 

$321.7 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 2021, the estimated termination fees incurred in 

fiscal 2021 would be approximately $37.9 million.

NOTE 22  Business Segment Information

The company has aggregated certain of its operating segments into three reportable segments. “Other” financial information is attributable to the company’s 

other operating segments that do not meet the quantitative disclosure thresholds.

 • U.S. Foodservice Operations - primarily includes U.S. Broadline operations, which distribute a full line of food products, including custom-cut meat, 

seafood, specialty produce, specialty imports and a wide variety of non-food products;

 • International Foodservice Operations - includes operations in the Americas and Europe, which distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety 
of non-food products. The Americas primarily consists of operations in Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, as well as the company’s 

operations that distribute to international customers. The company’s European operations primarily consist of operations in the United Kingdom (U.K.), 

France, Ireland and Sweden;

 • SYGMA - the company’s U.S. customized distribution subsidiary; and

 • Other - primarily its hotel supply operations.

The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those disclosed by Sysco for its consolidated financial statements. Corporate expenses generally 

include all expenses of the corporate office and Sysco’s shared services center. These also include all share-based compensation costs. During the fourth 

quarter of fiscal 2020, Sysco revised the way performance is assessed for the U.S. Foodservice Operations segment. As a result of this change, charges 

incurred by the company’s corporate and shared services center, to provide direct support functions to the U.S. Foodservice Operations reportable 

segment, have been reclassified from Corporate expenses into the U.S. Foodservice reportable segment. The segment information disclosed for fiscal 

2020 reflects this change in reporting structure, and the fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 results reflect $201.0 million and $197.0 million of corporate expense 
reclassifications, respectively, to conform with the current year presentation.

95

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K2020

Fiscal Year

2019

36,774,146   $
9,672,190  
5,555,926  
891,048 
52,893,310  $

41,288,188  $
11,493,040 
6,244,328 
1,088,366 
60,113,922  $

2,003,159  $
(371,407)
36,880 
(21,361)
1,647,271 
(897,766)
749,505 
408,220 
47,901 
293,384  $

373,889  $
279,475 
34,785 
12,072 
700,221 
105,544 
805,765  $

263,943  $
217,694 
23,657 
21,000 
526,294 
194,129 
720,423  $

2,991,794  $
125,443 
27,780 
35,848 
3,180,865 
(850,715)
2,330,150 
360,423 
(36,109)
2,005,836  $

342,277  $
248,914 
35,473 
10,868 
637,532 
126,403 
763,935  $

327,005  $
249,527 
36,396 
25,003 
637,931 
54,460 
692,391  $

2018

39,642,263 
11,518,565 
6,557,033 
1,009,463 
58,727,324 

2,859,812 
193,864 
24,318 
39,485 
3,117,479 
(803,423)
2,314,056 
395,483 
(37,651)
1,956,224 

348,041 
258,156 
36,367 
9,599 
652,163 
113,335 
765,498 

262,887 
157,139 
45,132 
11,406 
476,564 
211,251 
687,815 

6,647,288  $
6,258,382 
685,184 
458,316 
14,049,170 
8,579,096 
22,628,266  $

7,238,309  $
5,888,275 
624,720 
477,038 
14,228,342 
3,738,180 
17,966,522  $

7,039,354 
6,112,666 
662,290 
452,426 
14,266,736 
3,803,668 
18,070,404 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following tables set forth certain financial information for Sysco’s business segments.

(In thousands)
Sales:
U.S. Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
TOTAL
Operating income (loss):
U.S. Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate
Total operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S. Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate
TOTAL
Capital Expenditures:
U.S. Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate
TOTAL
Assets:
U.S. Foodservice Operations
International Foodservice Operations
SYGMA
Other
Total segments
Corporate
TOTAL

96

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information concerning geographic areas is as follows:

(In thousands)
Sales:

United States
Canada
United Kingdom
France
Other
TOTAL
Long-lived assets:
United States
Canada
France
United Kingdom
Other
TOTAL

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

2020

Fiscal Year

2019

$

$ 

$ 

$

42,803,700  $
4,105,236 
2,481,712 
1,222,742 
2,279,920 
52,893,310  $ 

48,257,385  $
4,660,030   
3,133,793   
1,581,663   
2,481,051   
60,113,922  $ 

3,340,920  $ 
331,196 
308,983 
255,153 
222,315 
4,458,567  $

3,361,629  $ 
334,177 
329,923   
270,613   
205,363   
4,501,705  $

2018

46,812,297 
4,661,615 
3,176,069 
1,625,407 
2,451,936 
58,727,324 

3,448,164 
318,410 
240,507 
319,664 
194,915 
4,521,660 

The sales mix for the principal product categories by segment is disclosed in Note 4, “Revenue.”

NOTE 23  Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Sysco’s fiscal year includes four quarterly periods that are comprised of thirteen weeks each. Financial information for each 13-week period in the fiscal 

years ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 is set forth below:

(In thousands except for per share data)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses(1)
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net(2)
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
Per share:

Basic net earnings (loss)(3)
Diluted net earnings (loss)(3)
Dividends declared

September 28

December 28

March 28

June 27

Fiscal Year

Fiscal 2020 Quarter Ended

$

$

$

$

$

$

15,303,005
12,359,635 
2,943,370 
2,275,052 
668,318 
83,335 
3,112 
581,871 
128,090 
453,781

0.88
0.87 
0.39 

15,025,042  $
12,196,643 
2,828,399 
2,275,906 
552,493 
76,762 
(807)
476,538 
93,128 
383,410

$

13,698,699  $
11,134,459 
2,564,240 
2,503,966 
60,274 
83,854 
5,200 
(28,780)
(25,483)
(3,297) $

8,866,564  $
7,300,909 
1,565,655 
2,097,235 
(531,580)
164,269 
40,396 
(736,245)
(117,826)
(618,419) $

52,893,310 
42,991,646 
9,901,664 
9,152,159 
749,505 
408,220 
47,901 
293,384 
77,909 
215,475 

$

0.75
0.74 
0.45 

(0.01) $
(0.01)
0.45 

(1.22) $
(1.22)
0.45 

0.42 
0.42 
1.74 

(1)  Sysco’s results in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2020 included charges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as $323.4 million of excess bad debt expense and $203.2 million 

of goodwill impairment. 

(2)  Sysco’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 results included a $55.9 million impairment on assets held for sale. 

(3)  Quarterly basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts may not add up to the full fiscal year total presented due to rounding. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by 

dividing net earnings (loss) by basic and diluted shares outstanding, respectively.

97

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

(In thousands except for per share data)
Sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Other expense (income), net(1)
Earnings before income taxes
Income taxes(2)
NET EARNINGS
Per share:

Fiscal 2019 Quarter Ended

September 29

December 29

March 30

June 29

Fiscal Year

$

$

15,215,279  $
12,311,494 
2,903,785 
2,275,645 
628,140 
89,016 
1,132 
537,992 
106,950 
431,042  $

14,765,707  $
11,993,995 
2,771,712 
2,319,817 
451,895 
87,113 
10,197 
354,585 
87,205 
267,380  $

14,658,074  $
11,903,776 
2,754,298 
2,224,713 
529,585 
94,514 
4,120 
430,951 
(9,132)
440,083  $

15,474,862  $
12,495,670 
2,979,192 
2,258,662 
720,530 
89,780 
(51,558)
682,308 
146,542 
535,766  $

60,113,922 
48,704,935 
11,408,987 
9,078,837 
2,330,150 
360,423 
(36,109)
2,005,836 
331,565 
1,674,271 

BASIC NET EARNINGS(3)
DILUTED NET EARNINGS(3)
Dividends declared

0.52  $
0.51 
0.39 
(1)  Sysco’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 results included a $66.3 million gain on the sale of Iowa Premium, LLC.

0.83
0.81 
0.36 

$

$

0.86  $
0.85 
0.39 

1.04  $
1.03 
0.39 

3.24 
3.20 
1.53 

(2)  Sysco’s third quarter of fiscal 2019 results included the recognition of $95.1 million of foreign tax credits generated as a result of distributions to Sysco from its foreign operations at the end 

of fiscal 2018. See Note 20, “Income Taxes.”

(3)  Quarterly basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts may not add up to the full fiscal year total presented due to rounding. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by 

dividing net earnings (loss) by basic and diluted shares outstanding, respectively.

98

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9  Changes in and Disagreements with 

Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure

None.

PART II – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 9B Other Information

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 June 27, 2020. 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 June 27, 2020, 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 52.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange 

Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended June 27, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal 

control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B  Other Information

None.

99

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 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following captions, 

and is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Corporate Governance,” “Executive Officers,” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports,” “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 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following captions, 

and is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Report of the Compensation and Leadership Development 

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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the following caption, and 

is incorporated herein by reference thereto: “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

100

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART IV

ITEM 15   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(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 51 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 below are filed or furnished as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

101

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART IV
ITEM 15 Exhibit Index

Exhibit Index

Exhibits.
3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5#
10.1

10.2

10.3

— Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 

(File No. 1-6544).

— Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 3(e) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2003 (File No. 1-6544).

— Form of Amended Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 1-6544).

— Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sysco Corporation dated August 26, 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the 

Form 8-K filed on August 31, 2016 (File No. 1-6544).

— Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1995, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 

Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed June 6, 1995 (File No. 33-60023).

— Form of Guarantee of Indebtedness of Sysco Corporation under Exhibits 4.1 through 4.6 as executed by Sysco’s U.S. Broadline 

subsidiaries, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2011 (File No. 1-6544).

— Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, including form of Initial Guarantee, dated February 17, 2012 between Sysco Corporation, as 

Issuer, the Trustee and the Initial Guarantors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(o) to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed 
on February 17, 2012 (File No. 1-6544).

— Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated February 13, 2007, by and among Sysco Corporation and Sysco 

International Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sysco Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association and The Bank of New York Trust 
Company, N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on February 6, 2008 (File No. 
333-149086).

— Description of Sysco Corporation Securities.
— Credit Agreement dated as of June 28, 2019, among Sysco Corporation, Sysco Canada, Inc., Sysco EU II S.à r.l., JP Morgan Chase 
Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain lenders and guarantors party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 
the Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2019 (File No. 1-6544).

— Amendment dated as of May 20, 2020 to Credit Agreement dated as of June 28, 2019, among Sysco Corporation, Sysco Canada, 
Inc., Sysco EU II S.à r.l., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the 
lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2020 (File No. 1-6544).

— Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 2020, among Sysco Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, 
N.A., as administrative agent, Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank (USA), The Toronto-Dominion Bank, New York 
Branch, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agents, and BofA Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities, 
Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank (USA), TD Securities (USA) LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as joint bookrunners and 
lead arrangers, and the lenders party thereto, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2020 (File 
No. 1-6544). 

10.4

— Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2014, between Sysco Corporation and U.S. Bank National 

Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2014 filed on February 
2, 2015 (File No. 1-6544).

10.5

— Amended and Restated Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2014, between Sysco Corporation, as 

10.6

10.7

issuer, and JPMorgan Morgan Securities LLC, as Dealer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended December 27, 2014 filed on February 2, 2015(File No. 1-6544).

— Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2014, between Sysco Corporation, as issuer, and Goldman, Sachs 
& Co, as Dealer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2014 filed on 
February 2, 2015(File No. 1-6544).

— Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated as of January 18, 2017, between Sysco Corporation, as issuer, and Wells Fargo 
Securities, LLC, as Dealer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K for the year ended July 1, 2017 filed on 
August 30, 2017 (File No. 1-6544).

10.8

— Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2017, between Sysco Corporation, as issuer, and Merrill Lynch, 

Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Dealer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-K for the year ended July 
1, 2017 filed on August 30, 2017 (File No. 1-6544).

10.9

— Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement dated April 30, 2020 between Brake Bros. Limited, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank AG, 

London Branch, as Issuing and Paying Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March 28, 2020 filed on May 6, 2020 (File No. 1-6544).

10.10

— Dealer Agreement dated April 30, 2020 between Brake Bros. Limited, as Issuer, and Barclays Bank PLC, as Arranger, and Barclays 

Bank PLC, as Dealer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2020 filed on May 
6, 2020 (File No. 1-6544). 

10.11

— Demand Facility Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2011, between SFS Canada I, LP and The Toronto-Dominion Bank, incorporated 

by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 2011 filed on August 30, 2011 (File No. 1-6544).

10.12

— Guaranty Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2011, between Sysco Corporation and The Toronto-Dominion Bank, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 2011 filed on August 30, 2011 (File No. 1-6544).

10.13†

— Sixth Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 

to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 2010 filed on November 9, 2010 (File No. 1-6544).

10.14†

— First Amendment to the Sixth Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed on May 8, 2012 (File No. 1-6544).

10.15†

— Seventh Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2012 filed on February 4, 2013 (File No. 1-6544).

102

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART IV
ITEM 15 Exhibit Index

Exhibits.
10.16†

10.17†

10.18†

— Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, effective June 29, 2013, incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2013 filed on August 27, 2013 (File No. 1-6544).
— 2015-1 Amendment to the Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 2015 filed on August 25, 2015 (File No. 1-6544).
— Tenth Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.4 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 2010 filed on November 9, 2010 (File No. 1-6544).

10.19†

— First Amendment to Tenth Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-K for the year ended July 2, 2011 filed on August 30, 2011 (File No. 1-6544).

10.20†

— Second Amendment to Tenth Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed on May 8, 2012 (File No. 1-6544).

10.21†

— Eleventh Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2012 filed on February 4, 2013 (File No. 1-6544).

10.22†

10.23†

— Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, including the Amended and Restated Sysco 
Corporation MIP Retirement Program, attached as Appendix I, effective as of June 29, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.16 to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2013 filed on August 27, 2013 (File No. 1-6544).

— First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2014 filed on May 6, 2014 (File No. 1-6544).

10.24†

— Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation MIP Retirement Program, effective as of June 29, 2013, incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2013 filed on August 27, 2013 (File No. 1-6544).

10.25†

— First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation MIP Retirement Program, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2014 filed on May 6, 2014 (File No. 1-6544).

10.26†

— Sysco Corporation Management Savings Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 

December 29, 2012 filed on February 4, 2013 (File No. 1-6544).

10.27†

— Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Management Savings Plan, effective as of June 29, 2013, incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 2013 filed on August 27, 2013 (File No. 1-6544).

10.28†

— First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Management Savings Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2014 filed on May 6, 2014 (File No. 1-6544).

10.29†

— 2016-1 Amendment to the Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Management Savings Plan, adopted effective November 15, 
2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 filed on February 7, 
2017 (File No. 1-6544).

10.30†

— Amendment 2018-1 to the Sysco Corporation Management Savings Plan, adopted effective January 1, 2018, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2017 filed on February 6, 2018 (File No. 1-6544).

10.31†

— Amendment 2018-2 to the Sysco Corporation Management Savings Plan, adopted effective May 25, 2018, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2018 (File No. 1-6544).

10.32†

— Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Form S-8 filed on November 15, 

2013 (File No. 1-6544).

10.33†

— Amendment 2017-1 to the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the 

Form 10-K for the year ended July 1, 2017 filed on August 30, 2017 (File No. 1-6544).

10.34†

— Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement issued to executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 28, 2013 filed on February 4, 2014 (File 
No. 1-6544).

10.35†

— Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2016) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 26, 2015 filed on 
February 2, 2016 (File No. 1-6544).

10.36†

— Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2017) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-Term 

Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 filed on November 
7, 2016 (File No. 1-6544).

10.37†

10.38†

10.39†

10.40†

— Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2018) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-Term 
Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 filed on 
November 9, 2017 (File No. 1-6544).

— Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2019) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-Term 
Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2018 filed on 
November 6, 2018 (File No. 1-6544).

— Form of Performance Share Unit Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2018) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-
Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 filed on 
November 9, 2017 (File No. 1-6544).

— Form of Performance Share Unit Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2019) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2013 Long-
Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2018 filed on 
November 6, 2018 (File No. 1-6544).

10.41†

— Form of Sysco Protective Covenants Agreement, adopted August 25, 2016, issued to executive officers in connection with a 

Performance Share Unit Grant Agreement under the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to 
the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 2016 filed on November 7, 2016 (File No. 1-6544).

10.42†

— Sysco Corporation Fiscal 2020 Management Incentive Program (MIP) For Corporate MIP Bonus-eligible Positions adopted effective 
August 19, 2019, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 2019 filed on 
November 5, 2019 (File No. 1-6544).

10.43†

— Sysco Corporation 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Appendix II to the Sysco Corporation Proxy 

Statement filed October 5, 2018 (File No. 1-6544).

103

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-KPART IV
ITEM 16 Form 10-K Summary

Exhibits.
10.44†

10.45†

— Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2020) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2018 Omnibus Incentive 

Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2019 (File No. 1-6544).
— Form of Performance Share Unit Grant Agreement (Fiscal Year 2020) for executive officers under the Sysco Corporation 2018 

Omnibus Incentive Plan , incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2019 (File 
No. 1-6544).

10.46†

— Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Directors pursuant to the Sysco Corporation 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan, 

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2018 filed on February 5, 2019.

10.47†

— Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Directors pursuant to the Sysco Corporation 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (for 

directors who elect to defer receipt of shares under the 2009 Board of Directors Stock Deferral Plan), incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2018 filed on February 5, 2019.

10.48†

— Description of Sysco Corporation’s Executive Relocation Expense Reimbursement Policy, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 

to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2011 filed on February 8, 2011 (File No. 1-6544).

10.49†

— Sysco Corporation Non-Employee Directors Stock Election Policy, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for 

the quarter ended March 30, 2019 filed on May 7, 2019 (File No. 1-6544).

10.50†

— 2009 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Sysco Corporation Proxy Statement filed 

October 8, 2009 (File No. 1-6544).

10.51†

10.52†

10.53†

— Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement under the 2009 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan for those individuals who elected to 
defer receipt of shares under the 2009 Board of Directors Stock Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2011 filed on May 10, 2011(File No. 1-6544).

— Second Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation 2005 Board of Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.59 to the Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 2008 filed on August 26, 2008 (File No. 1-6544).
— First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation 2005 Board of Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, 

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed on May 8, 2012 (File No. 1-6544).

10.54†

— 2009 Board of Directors Stock Deferral Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 

December 26, 2009 filed on February 2, 2010 (File No. 1-6544).

10.55†#
10.56†

— Description of Compensation Arrangements with Non-Employee Directors.
— Form of Indemnification Agreement with Non-Employee Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Form 10-K for 

the year ended July 28, 2008 filed on August 26, 2008 (File No. 1-6544).

10.57

— Form of Severance Letter Agreement for Executive Vice Presidents, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed 

on July 17, 2020 (File No. 1-6544).

10.58

— Form of Sysco Protective Covenants Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2020 

(File No. 1-6544).

10.62†

— Letter Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2020, by and between Kevin P. Hourican and Sysco Corporation, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2020 (File No. 1-6544).

10.63†

— Separation Agreement, dated as of January 12, 2020, by and between Thomas L. Bené and Sysco Corporation, incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2020 (File No. 1-6544).

— Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
— Subsidiary Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities.
— Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
— CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
— CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
— CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
— CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

21.1#
22.1#
23.1#
31.1#
31.2#
32.1#
32.2#
101.SCH# — Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL# — Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF# — Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB# — Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE# — Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104#

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

† 
# 

Executive Compensation Arrangement pursuant to 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K
Filed Herewith

Note: Debt instruments of Sysco Corporation and its subsidiaries defining the rights of long-term debt holders in principal amounts not exceeding 10% 

of Sysco Corporation’s consolidated assets have been omitted and will be provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

ITEM 16  Form 10-K Summary

None.

104

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K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 25th day of August 2020. 

PART IV
SIgnaTurES

SYSCO CORPORATION
By:

/s/ KEVIN P. HOURICAN
Kevin P. Hourican
President and 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/ KEVIN P. HOURICAN
Kevin P. Hourican
/s/ JOEL T. GRADE
Joel T. Grade
/s/ ANITA A. ZIELINSKI
Anita A. Zielinski

/s/ DANIEL J. BRUTTO
Daniel J. Brutto
/s/ JOHN M. CASSADAY
John M. Cassaday
/s/ JOSHUA D. FRANK
Joshua D. Frank
/s/ LARRY C. GLASSCOCK
Larry C. Glasscock
/s/ BRADLEY M. HALVERSON
Bradley M. Halverson
/s/ JOHN M. HINSHAW
John M. Hinshaw
/s/ KEVIN P. HOURICAN
Kevin P. Hourican

President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer)

/s/ HANS-JOACHIM KOERBER
Hans-Joachim Koerber
/s/ STEPHANIE A. LUNDQUIST
Stephanie A. Lundquist
/s/ NANCY S. NEWCOMB
Nancy S. Newcomb
/s/ NELSON PELTZ
Nelson Peltz
/s/ EDWARD D. SHIRLEY
Edward D. Shirley
/s/ SHEILA G. TALTON
Sheila G. Talton

105

SYSCO CORPORATION - Form 10-K 
 
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Designed & published by

labrador-company.com

Stockholder Information

Corporate Offices

Sysco Corporation
1390 Enclave Parkway
Houston, TX 77077-2099
281.584.1390
www.sysco.com

Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

The 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders 
will be a virtual-only meeting (no physical 
location). The meeting will be held on Friday, 
November 20, 2020 at 10 a.m. Central time. 
To access the meeting, you will need your 16-digit 
control number found on your proxy card. Log 
in at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SYY2020.

Independent Accountants

Ernst & Young LLP
Houston, TX

Transfer Agent & Registrar

Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717
1.888.CALLSYY (1.888.225.5799)
www.shareholder.broadridge.com/syy

Investor Contact

Neil Russell
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
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 451 times in that period. 
The current quarterly cash dividend is $0.45 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, 
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. at 
1.888.225.5799.

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 fiscal year ended June 27, 2020, 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 2020 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.

Officers & Directors

Directors

Daniel J. Brutto
Former President,  
UPS International  
and Senior Vice President,  
United Parcel Service, Inc.

John M. Cassaday
Former President, CEO and Director  
of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Joshua D. Frank
Partner of Trian Fund Management L.P.

Larry C. Glasscock
Former Chairman of the Board of Directors,  
CEO and President of WellPoint, Inc.

Bradley M. Halverson
Independent Lead Director, 
Sysco Corporation and 
Former Group President, Financial Products 
and Corporate Services and Chief Financial 
Officer of Caterpillar Inc.

John M. Hinshaw
GMD Chief Operating Officer, 
HSBC Group Management Services, Ltd. 

Senior Officers

Greg D. Bertrand
Executive Vice President, U.S. Foodservice 
Operations

Michael P. Foster
Executive Vice President, Chief Information and 
Technology Officer

Joel T. Grade
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer

Kevin P. Hourican
President and Chief Executive Officer

J. Chris Jasper
Senior Vice President and President, U.S. 
Broadline Foodservice Operations

Eve M. McFadden
Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel 
and Corporate Secretary

Kevin P. Hourican
President and Chief Executive Officer, 
Sysco Corporation 

Hans-Joachim Koerber
Former chairman and CEO of 
METRO Group (Germany)

Stephanie A. Lundquist
President Food and Beverage  
of Target Corporation

Nancy S. Newcomb
Former Senior Corporate Officer,  
Risk Management, of Citigroup

Nelson Peltz
Chief Executive Officer and a Founding  
Partner of Trian Fund Management L.P.

Edward D. Shirley
Executive Chairman of the Board, 
Sysco Corporation

Sheila G. Talton
President and Chief Executive Officer  
of Gray Matter Analytics

Paul T. Moskowitz
Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Marie Robinson
Executive Vice President and Chief Supply 
Chain Officer

Edward D. Shirley
Executive Chairman

Brian R. Todd
Senior Vice President, Merchandising and 
Marketing

Anita A. Zielinski
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting 
Officer

1390 Enclave Parkway
Houston, TX 77077-2099

281.584.1390
www.sysco.com

For more information please visit:
www.investors.sysco.com