10-Q 1 d10q.htm ARAMARK CORPORATION--FORM 10-Q Aramark Corporation--Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2006

Commission file number 001-16807

ARAMARK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   23-3086414

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

ARAMARK Tower

1101 Market Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  19107
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(215) 238-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x                    Accelerated filer  ¨                    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ¨  No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date.

Class A common stock outstanding at April 28, 2006: 58,116,549 shares

Class B common stock outstanding at April 28, 2006: 121,287,341 shares

 



PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

 

     March 31,
2006
    September 30,
2005
 
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 55,964     $ 56,066  

Receivables

     807,519       808,531  

Inventories, at lower of cost or market

     484,346       485,834  

Prepayments and other current assets

     112,803       92,796  
                

Total current assets

     1,460,632       1,443,227  
                

Property and Equipment, net

     1,172,116       1,211,454  

Goodwill

     1,701,770       1,682,749  

Other Intangible Assets

     264,292       274,584  

Other Assets

     574,415       545,086  
                
   $ 5,173,225     $ 5,157,100  
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current Liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term borrowings

   $ 27,034     $ 46,363  

Accounts payable

     555,906       585,014  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     807,348       887,303  
                

Total current liabilities

     1,390,288       1,518,680  
                

Long-Term Borrowings

     1,876,087       1,794,522  

Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

     493,067       518,434  

Shareholders’ Equity:

    

Class A common stock, par value $.01

     774       803  

Class B common stock, par value $.01

     1,531       1,475  

Capital surplus

     1,176,854       1,108,251  

Earnings retained for use in the business

     1,454,656       1,328,174  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     22,135       11,307  

Treasury stock

     (1,242,167 )     (1,124,546 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,413,783       1,325,464  
                
   $ 5,173,225     $ 5,157,100  
                

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

 

1


ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

     For the Three Months Ended    For the Six Months Ended
     March 31,
2006
  

April 1,

2005

   March 31,
2006
  

April 1,

2005

Sales

   $ 2,829,495    $ 2,659,142    $ 5,755,423    $ 5,389,375
                           

Costs and Expenses:

           

Cost of services provided

     2,580,379      2,428,549      5,221,972      4,902,589

Depreciation and amortization

     83,614      78,897      165,511      156,552

Selling and general corporate expenses

     41,913      35,814      85,732      70,388
                           
     2,705,906      2,543,260      5,473,215      5,129,529
                           

Operating income

     123,589      115,882      282,208      259,846

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

     35,072      33,360      69,161      64,635
                           

Income before income taxes

     88,517      82,522      213,047      195,211

Provision for Income Taxes

     29,886      29,428      61,295      69,671
                           

Net income

   $ 58,631    $ 53,094    $ 151,752    $ 125,540
                           

Earnings Per Share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.32    $ 0.28    $ 0.83    $ 0.67

Diluted

   $ 0.32    $ 0.28    $ 0.82    $ 0.66

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

 

2


ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

 

     For the Six Months Ended  
     March 31,
2006
    April 1,
2005
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 151,752     $ 125,540  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     165,511       156,552  

Income taxes deferred

     (19,205 )     (3,370 )

Changes in noncash working capital

     (130,672 )     (121,817 )

Net proceeds from sale of receivables

     15,300       36,000  

Other operating activities

     1,049       (17,814 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     183,735       175,091  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment and client contract investments

     (142,526 )     (150,358 )

Disposals of property and equipment

     39,722       7,705  

Acquisition of certain businesses, net of cash acquired

     (37,186 )     (102,541 )

Other investing activities

     3,697       19,909  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (136,293 )     (225,285 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from additional long-term borrowings

     76,672       148,743  

Payment of long-term borrowings

     (22,314 )     (5,253 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     30,142       28,315  

Repurchase of stock

     (108,460 )     (94,642 )

Payment of dividends

     (25,270 )     (20,216 )

Other financing activities

     1,686       (2,603 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (47,544 )     54,344  
                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (102 )     4,150  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     56,066       45,319  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 55,964     $ 49,469  
                

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

 

3


ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(1) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period classification. The effect of such reclassifications was not material. In the opinion of the Company, the statements include all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) required for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year, due to the seasonality of some of our business activities and the possibility of changes in general economic conditions.

 

(2) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

The Company made interest payments of $71.0 million and $63.5 million and income tax payments of $83.8 million and $51.0 million during the first six months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Pension expense related to defined benefit plans was not material for the first three and six month periods of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively, and funding requirements for such plans will not be material for fiscal 2006.

Cash flow from other investing activities in the first six months of fiscal 2005 includes approximately $14.1 million representing a special distribution of proceeds from a real estate sale by 50%-owned equity affiliate.

 

(3) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” comprehensive income includes all changes to shareholders’ equity during a period, except those resulting from investment by and distributions to shareholders. Components of comprehensive income include net income, changes in foreign currency translation adjustments, changes in minimum pension liability and changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (net of tax). Total comprehensive income was $67.7 and $162.6 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2006, respectively, and $57.6 million and $136.0 million for the three and six months ended April 1, 2005, respectively.

 

(4) CAPITAL STOCK:

During the first six months of fiscal 2006, 2.6 million options were granted to purchase common stock under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (2001 EIP). The options vest ratably over four years, with an exercise price equal to the fair market value at the date of grant. During the first six months of fiscal 2006, employees, through stock option exercises, purchased approximately 2.4 million shares of common stock for $34.3 million, of which $4.2 million was satisfied through the exchange of previously-owned shares. Also, during the first six months of fiscal 2006, approximately 3.6 million Class A shares were converted to Class B shares.

During the first six months of fiscal 2006, the Company issued 0.5 million restricted stock units under the 2001 EIP, which vest ratably over four years. Compensation expense related to restricted stock unit grants is recognized ratably over the vesting period based on the fair value of the shares at date of grant, and totaled $3.0 million during the first six months of fiscal 2006.

During the first six months of fiscal 2006, the Company repurchased 4.1 million shares of Class B common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $113.4 million, leaving approximately $138.1 million available for common stock repurchases under the existing Board of Directors authorization.

During each of the first two quarters of fiscal 2006, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.07 per share, which totaled $25.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2006. At its May 9, 2006 meeting, the Board of Directors declared a dividend in the amount of $0.07 per share, payable on June 9, 2006 to holders of record of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock at the close of business on May 19, 2006.

 

4


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(5) SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION:

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” and related interpretations and began expensing the grant-date fair value of employee stock options. Prior to October 1, 2005, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized in net income for employee stock options, as options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective transition method and therefore has not restated prior periods. Under this transition method, compensation cost associated with employee stock options recognized in fiscal 2006 includes amortization related to the remaining unvested portion of stock option awards granted prior to October 1, 2005, and amortization related to new awards granted on or after October 1, 2005.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company presented tax benefits resulting from share-based compensation as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. SFAS No. 123R requires that cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized in the financial statements be classified as financing cash flows. For the first six months of fiscal 2006, $10.7 million of tax benefits were included in “Other financing activities.”

The Company has various share-based compensation programs, which include stock options and restricted stock units. As of March 31, 2006, the Company has reserved approximately 55.7 million shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its employee ownership and benefit programs. Under all programs, the terms of the awards are fixed at the grant date.

The compensation cost charged against income in the three and six months ended March 31, 2006 for share-based compensation programs was $5.6 million, before taxes of $2.1 million, and $12.2 million, before taxes of $4.7 million, respectively. The compensation cost recognized is classified as “Selling and general corporate expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. No cost was capitalized during fiscal 2006.

Information on the valuation and accounting for the various programs is provided below.

Stock Options

Under various plans, executives, employees and outside directors receive awards of options to purchase common stock. The exercise price equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Options under the plans generally vest ratably over four years, and remain exercisable for ten years from the date of grant. Options issued to directors are fully vested and exercisable immediately upon grant.

The fair value of options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that used the assumptions noted in the table below. Expected volatility and expected dividend yield are based on actual historical experience of the Company’s stock. The expected life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding and was calculated using the simplified method prescribed by the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury security with terms equal to the expected time of exercise as of the grant date.

 

      Fiscal 2006  

Expected volatility

   20.00 %

Expected dividend yield

   1.10 %

Expected life (in years)

   6.25  

Risk-free interest rate

   4.35% - 4.82 %

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the first six months of fiscal 2006 was $6.94 per option.

 

5


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(5) SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED):

 

A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

 

Options

   Shares
(000s)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value
($000s)

Outstanding at September 30, 2005

   12,109     $ 21.35   

Granted

   2,558       25.52   

Exercised

   (2,394 )     14.34   

Forfeited/Cancelled

   (565 )     17.66   
                   

Outstanding at March 31, 2006 (weighted-average remaining term of 7.7 years)

   11,708     $ 23.88    $ 66,323
                   

Exercisable at March 31, 2006

   5,021     $ 23.47    $ 30,480
                   

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the first six months of fiscal 2006 was $30.3 million.

Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services. Approximately $4.1 million and $9.1 million was charged to expense during the three and six months ended March 31, 2006, respectively. The Company has applied a forfeiture assumption of 8.7% per annum in the calculation of such expense.

As of March 31, 2006, there was approximately $46 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years.

Cash received from option exercises during the first six months of fiscal 2006 was $30.1 million. The total tax benefit generated from options granted prior to October 1, 2005, which were exercised during the first six months of fiscal 2006, was approximately $10.6 million, which was credited to “Capital surplus.”

Restricted Stock Units

The grant-date fair value of restricted stock units is based on the market price of the stock, and compensation cost is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services.

Since fiscal 2004, the Company has issued restricted stock units to certain employees. Participants are entitled to additional restricted stock units, with a value equivalent to any cash dividends. The unvested units are subject to forfeiture if employment is terminated other than due to death, disability or retirement, and the units are nontransferable while subject to forfeiture.

 

Restricted Stock Units

   Units
(000s)
   

Weighted Average

Grant Date Fair
Value

Nonvested at September 30, 2005

   575     $ 25.59

Granted

   524     $ 25.92

Vested

   (146 )   $ 25.48

Forfeited

   (39 )   $ 25.92
            

Nonvested at March 31, 2006

   914     $ 25.78
            

The compensation cost charged against income during the three and six months ended March 31, 2006 for restricted stock unit awards was approximately $1.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2006, there was approximately $23 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock unit awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years.

 

6


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(6) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Goodwill, allocated by reportable segment, follows (in thousands):

 

     September 30, 2005    Acquisitions    Translation
and Other
    March 31, 2006

Food and Support Services – United States

   $ 1,062,244    $ 698    $ —       $ 1,062,942

Food and Support Services – International

     277,455      22,463      (6,000 )     293,918

Uniform and Career Apparel – Rental

     233,631      1,860      —         235,491

Uniform and Career Apparel – Direct Marketing

     109,419      —        —         109,419
                            
   $ 1,682,749    $ 25,021    $ (6,000 )   $ 1,701,770
                            

The increase in goodwill resulted principally from (i) increased ownership in our Chilean subsidiary, (ii) the acquisition of a food service company in China, and (iii) the acquisition of a regional uniform rental company. These amounts may be revised upon final determination of the purchase price allocations. The other change relates principally to an adjustment to deferred income taxes resulting from a 2005 acquisition.

Other intangible assets consist of (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2006    September 30, 2005
     Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Amount
   Gross
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Amount

Customer relationship assets

   $ 530,938    $ (267,244 )   $ 263,694    $ 517,607    $ (243,969 )   $ 273,638

Other

     19,195      (18,597 )     598      19,195      (18,249 )     946
                                           
   $ 550,133    $ (285,841 )   $ 264,292    $ 536,802    $ (262,218 )   $ 274,584
                                           

Other intangible assets are amortizable and consist primarily of contract rights, customer lists and non-compete agreements. The intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, 3 to 20 years. Intangible assets of approximately $12.9 million were acquired through business combinations during the first six months of fiscal 2006. Amortization of intangible assets for the first six months of fiscal 2006 was approximately $23.5 million. Amortization for the first six months of fiscal 2005 was approximately $23.9 million.

 

7


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(7) EARNINGS PER SHARE:

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share.” Earnings applicable to common stock and common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share follow:

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
     March 31,
2006
   April 1,
2005
   March 31,
2006
   April 1,
2005
     (in thousands, except per share data)

Earnings:

           

Net income

   $ 58,631    $ 53,094    $ 151,752    $ 125,540
                           

Shares:

           

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in basic earnings per share calculations

     183,465      187,388      183,581      186,506

Impact of restricted stock units and potential exercise of stock options under the ARAMARK Ownership and Equity Incentive Plans

     1,756      2,195      1,785      2,709
                           

Total common shares used in diluted earnings per share calculations

     185,221      189,583      185,366      189,215
                           

Basic earnings per common share:

   $ 0.32    $ 0.28    $ 0.83    $ 0.67
                           

Diluted earnings per common share:

   $ 0.32    $ 0.28    $ 0.82    $ 0.66
                           

Options to purchase 274,649 shares were outstanding at March 31, 2006, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months then ended, as the effect would have been antidilutive. Options to purchase 420,239 shares were outstanding at March 31, 2006, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the six months then ended, as the effect would have been antidilutive.

Options to purchase 401,620 shares were outstanding at April 1, 2005, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months then ended, as the effect would have been antidilutive. Options to purchase 2,765,411 shares were outstanding at April 1, 2005, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the six months then ended, as the effect would have been antidilutive.

 

8


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(7) EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED):

 

Through fiscal 2005, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense for stock options was recognized. If compensation cost for these plans had been determined using the fair-value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company’s net income and earnings per share for the three and six months ended April 1, 2005 would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three Months
Ended
    Six Months
Ended
 

Net income, as reported

   $ 53,094     $ 125,540  
                

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     566       922  

Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (4,418 )     (8,404 )
                

Net income, pro forma

   $ 49,242     $ 118,058  
                

Earnings per share

    

As reported:

    

Basic

   $ 0.28     $ 0.67  

Diluted

   $ 0.28     $ 0.66  

Pro forma:

    

Basic

   $ 0.26     $ 0.63  

Diluted

   $ 0.26     $ 0.62  

The fair value of options granted during the first six months of fiscal 2005 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that used the assumptions noted in the table below.

 

Expected volatility

   27.00 %

Expected dividend yield

   0.95 %

Expected life (in years)

   5.00  

Risk-free interest rate

   3.36% - 4.13 %

 

(8) ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

The Company follows the provisions of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” Derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, forward exchange contract agreements and natural gas swap agreements are used to manage changes in market conditions related to debt obligations, foreign currency exposures and exposure to fluctuating natural gas prices. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value at the end of each quarter. The counterparties to the Company’s derivative agreements are generally major international banks. The Company continually monitors its positions and the credit ratings of its counterparties, and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.

As of March 31, 2006, the Company had $300 million and 93 million British pounds of interest rate swap agreements, which are designated as cash flow hedging instruments, fixing the rate on a like amount of variable rate borrowings and $100 million of swap agreements designated as fair-value hedging instruments. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as and meets all the required criteria for a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. Amounts reclassified into earnings related to interest rate swap agreements are included in interest expense. During the first six months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, credits of approximately $8.0 million (net of tax) and $3.0 million (net of tax) related to interest rate swaps were recorded in comprehensive income, respectively. As of March 31, 2006, approximately $8.1 million of net unrealized gains and $3.0 million of realized losses related to interest rate swaps were included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income.” Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as and meets all the required criteria for a fair value hedge are recognized currently in earnings, offset by recognizing currently in earnings the change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item. As of March 31, 2006, approximately $3.5 million has been included in “Other Noncurrent Liabilities,” with an offsetting decrease in “Long-Term Borrowings” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet related to fair value hedges. The hedge ineffectiveness for cash flow and fair value hedging instruments for the first six months of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was not material.

 

9


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(8) ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED):

 

As of March 31, 2006, the Company had foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding, with notional amounts of 8.8 million Euros, 6.0 million GBP and 2.0 million Mexican Pesos, to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on short-term intercompany loans to certain international subsidiaries. Gains and losses on these foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in income currently, substantially offsetting currency transaction gains and losses on the short-term intercompany loans. As of March 31, 2006, the fair-value of these foreign exchange contracts was $0.1 million. Net foreign currency transaction gains and losses were not material during the periods presented.

During October 2005, the Company terminated $200 million of pay floating /receive fixed interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges. The realized loss of approximately $6.5 million has been deferred and will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the bonds due in February 2008.

During November 2005, the Company entered into a series of pay fixed/receive floating natural gas swap agreements based on a NYMEX price in order to limit its exposure to price increases for natural gas, primarily in the Uniform and Career Apparel – Rental segment. As of March 31, 2006, the Company has contracts for approximately 102,000 MMBtu’s outstanding for the remainder of fiscal 2006. The contracts, designated as cash flow hedging instruments, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. Amounts reclassified into earnings related to the natural gas swap agreements are included in cost of services provided. The total realized loss reclassified into earnings during the first six months of fiscal 2006 was approximately $0.9 million. As of March 31, 2006, an unrecognized loss of approximately $0.3 million is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income.” There was no hedge ineffectiveness for the first six months of fiscal 2006. Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company entered into additional natural gas swap agreements for fiscal 2006 and 2007. The additional contracts entered into for fiscal 2006 and 2007 total 55,000 MMBtu’s and 347,000 MMBtu’s, respectively.

Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge manufacturing costs in Mexico denominated in Pesos. The manufacturing costs are primarily for the Uniform and Career Apparel – Rental and Direct Marketing segments. The contracts were entered into to protect the Company’s exposure from currency fluctuations and totaled 78.6 million Mexican Pesos.

 

(9) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION:

The Company has an agreement (the Receivables Facility) with several financial institutions whereby it sells on a continuous basis an undivided interest in all eligible trade accounts receivable, as defined in the Receivables Facility. Pursuant to the Receivables Facility, the Company formed ARAMARK Receivables, LLC, a wholly-owned, consolidated, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. ARAMARK Receivables, LLC was formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling receivables generated by certain subsidiaries of the Company. Under the Receivables Facility, certain subsidiaries of the Company transfer without recourse all of their accounts receivable to ARAMARK Receivables, LLC. ARAMARK Receivables, LLC, in turn, has sold and, subject to certain conditions, may from time to time sell an undivided interest in these receivables up to $225 million. The Company has retained collection and administrative responsibility for the participating interest sold, and has retained an undivided interest in the transferred receivables of approximately $239 million and $292 million at March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively, which is subject to a security interest. This two-step transaction is accounted for as a sale of receivables following the provisions of SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities—a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125.” At March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively, $206 million and $190 million of accounts receivable were sold and removed from the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The loss on the sale of receivables was $5.3 million and $2.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively, and is included in “Interest and Other Financing Costs, net.”

 

10


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(10) SEGMENT INFORMATION:

Sales and operating income by reportable segment follow:

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  

Sales

   March 31,
2006
   

April 1,

2005

    March 31,
2006
   

April 1,

2005

 
     (in thousands)  

Food and Support Services—United States

   $ 1,785,622     $ 1,705,705     $ 3,668,069     $ 3,482,236  

Food and Support Services—International

     641,955       569,283       1,265,113       1,121,293  

Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental

     299,276       280,800       594,997       556,974  

Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing

     102,642       103,354       227,244       228,872  
                                
   $ 2,829,495     $ 2,659,142     $ 5,755,423     $ 5,389,375  
                                
     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  

Operating Income

   March 31,
2006
   

April 1,

2005

    March 31,
2006
   

April 1,

2005

 
     (in thousands)  

Food and Support Services—United States

   $ 73,922     $ 77,608     $ 184,145     $ 172,282  

Food and Support Services—International

     33,614       17,693       58,246       38,834  

Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental

     31,335       29,400       64,451       60,026  

Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing

     (335 )     1,249       6,650       9,559  
                                
     138,536       125,950       313,492       280,701  

Corporate

     (14,947 )     (10,068 )     (31,284 )     (20,855 )
                                

Operating Income

     123,589       115,882       282,208       259,846  

Interest Expense, net

     35,072       33,360       69,161       64,635  
                                

Income Before Income Taxes

   $ 88,517     $ 82,522     $ 213,047     $ 195,211  
                                

In the first and second fiscal quarters, within the “Food and Support Services—United States” segment, historically there has been a lower level of activity at the higher margin sports, entertainment and recreational food service operations which is partly offset by increased activity in the educational operations. However, in the third and fourth fiscal quarters, historically there has been a significant increase at sports, entertainment and recreational accounts which is partially offset by the effect of summer recess on the educational accounts. In addition, there is a seasonal increase in volume of directly marketed work clothing during the first fiscal quarter.

Fiscal 2006 operating income for the “Food and Support Services—United States” segment includes approximately $6.2 million of insurance proceeds related to business disruptions in the Gulf Coast region caused by Hurricane Katrina.

The National Hockey League Collective Bargaining Agreement expired in September 2004 and the National Hockey League (“NHL”) and the NHL Players’ Association failed to agree on the terms of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. On September 17, 2004, the owners of the NHL teams locked out the NHL players. As a result, the “Food and Support Services—United States” segment results for the six months ended April 1, 2005 do not include operating results from NHL venues. In July 2005, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association announced an agreement which is effective for the 2005/2006 hockey season, and segment results for the first six months of fiscal 2006 include operating results from NHL venues.

“Food and Support Services—United States” operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 includes a gain of approximately $9.7 million representing the Company’s share of the gain from a real estate sale by a 50%-owned equity affiliate.

 

11


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(10) SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED):

 

“Food and Support Services—International” operating income for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 includes a charge of approximately $7.4 million related to withdrawing from the offshore oil service business in West Africa and management separation costs in the UK.

The increase in fiscal 2006 Corporate expenses reflects the expensing of stock options, which commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

 

(11) NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

On March 30, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations,” which clarifies the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” The Interpretation is effective for ARAMARK no later than the end of fiscal 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the Interpretation, but has not yet determined what effect adoption will have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

(12) ACQUISITIONS:

During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company increased its ownership in its Irish food service company from 45% to 90%, for approximately $61 million in cash. Also, during fiscal 2005, the Company acquired three regional uniform rental companies for a total of approximately $40 million in cash. The Company’s pro forma results of operations for the first six months of fiscal 2005 would not have been materially different than reported, assuming that these acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal period.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company increased its ownership in its Chilean subsidiary from 51% to 80%, for approximately $28 million in cash. Additionally, the Company completed the acquisition of a food service company in China and a regional uniform company. The Company’s pro forma results of operations for the first six months of fiscal 2005 and 2006 would not have been materially different than reported, assuming that these acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of the respective fiscal periods. Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company acquired the stock of a food services company and a refreshment services company for approximately $80 million and future consideration of up to $85 million, to be determined based upon operating results of one of the acquired companies during the next five years.

 

(13) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Certain of the Company’s operating lease arrangements, primarily vehicle leases, with terms of one to eight years, contain provisions related to residual value guarantees. The maximum potential liability to ARAMARK under such arrangements was approximately $72.1 million at March 31, 2006 if the terminal fair value of vehicles coming off lease was zero. Consistent with past experience, management does not expect any significant payments will be required pursuant to these arrangements. No amounts have been accrued for guarantee arrangements at March 31, 2006.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company reduced the provision for income taxes by approximately $14.9 million, based upon the settlement of certain of its open tax years.

The Company may be exposed to liability resulting from the non-performance of certain indemnification obligations by an entity currently in bankruptcy from which the Company acquired a business in fiscal 2000. The amount of such exposure cannot be quantified at the present time due to uncertainty with respect to the number and amount of claims, if any, originating from or relating to, the pre-acquisition period. The Company has $25 million of insurance coverage for such exposure with a $5 million retained loss limit.

From time to time, we are a party to various legal actions involving claims incidental to the conduct of our business, including actions by clients, customers, employees and third parties, including under federal and state employment laws, wage and hour laws, customs, import and export control laws and dram shop laws. Based on information currently available, advice of counsel, available insurance coverage, established reserves and other resources, we do not believe that any such actions are

 

12


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(13) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED):

 

likely to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the event of unexpected further developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, or other similar matters, if unfavorable, may be materially adverse to our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On July 21, 2004, agents of the United States Department of Commerce, among others, executed a search warrant at the Lexington, Kentucky facilities of Galls, a division of the Company, to gather records in connection with record keeping and documentation of certain export sales. In the Fall of 2004, the Company also provided records in response to grand jury subpoenas. The investigation surrounds the possible failure to obtain proper export licenses or prepare accurate shipping declarations in connection with the export of Galls products. Galls is cooperating fully in the investigation. The Company can give no assurance as to the outcome of this investigation.

On January 18 and 19, 2005, a New Jersey jury found ARAMARK Corporation and certain affiliates liable for approximately $30 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages in connection with an automobile accident caused by an intoxicated driver who attended a professional football game at which certain affiliates of the Company provided food and beverage service. The Company and its affiliates appealed the judgment to the Appellate Division of Superior Court of New Jersey on April 13, 2005. This process is likely to take considerable time. The Company believes that it has adequate insurance and other resources to address this matter. Based on the information currently available, and acknowledging the uncertainty of litigation, the March 31, 2006 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects the amount awarded and the related expected recovery should such liability be confirmed. Such amounts are included in “Other Noncurrent Liabilities” and “Other Assets,” respectively.

 

(14) SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On May 1, 2006, Joseph Neubauer, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ARAMARK Corporation, announced that he has, together with funds managed by GS Capital Partners, J.P. Morgan Partners, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Warburg Pincus LLC (the Sponsors), submitted a proposal to the Board of Directors of ARAMARK Corporation to acquire all of the outstanding Class A and Class B common stock of ARAMARK at a price of $32.00 per share in cash. The transaction would be financed through a combination of (1) equity from the four Sponsors and equity investments by Joseph Neubauer and members of the ARAMARK senior management team, and (2) approximately $6.25 billion of debt financing. The Board of Directors has established a special committee of independent directors that is authorized to retain independent financial and legal advisors to consider such proposal. The Company can give no assurance as to the outcome of this proposed transaction.

On May 1, 2006, two cases were filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in New Castle County against ARAMARK Corporation and each of the Company’s directors. The two cases are putative class actions brought by shareholders alleging breaches of the duty of loyalty by the Company’s directors in connection with a proposal from a group of investors led by Joseph Neubauer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company. The cases make claims for monetary damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees and expenses.

 

(15) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES:

The following condensed consolidating financial statements of ARAMARK Corporation and subsidiaries have been prepared pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.

These condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared from the Company’s financial information on the same basis of accounting as the condensed consolidated financial statements. ARAMARK Services, Inc. is the borrower under the Credit Agreement and certain other senior debt and incurs interest expense thereunder. The interest expense and certain administrative costs are only partially allocated to all of the other subsidiaries of the Company. The Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed certain debt obligations of ARAMARK Services, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, which totaled $1.8 billion as of March 31, 2006. The other subsidiaries do not guarantee any registered securities of the Company or ARAMARK Services, Inc., although certain other subsidiaries guarantee, along with the Company, certain other unregistered debt.

 

13


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, 2006

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services,
Inc. and
Subsidiaries
   Other
Subsidiaries
    ARAMARK
Corporation
   Eliminations     Consolidated
ASSETS             

Current Assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 46.2    $ 9.8     $ —      $ —       $ 56.0

Receivables

     587.3      220.2       —        —         807.5

Inventories, at lower of cost or market

     124.8      359.5       —        —         484.3

Prepayments and other current assets

     74.5      38.3       —        —         112.8
                                    

Total current assets

     832.8      627.8       —        —         1,460.6
                                    

Property and Equipment, net

     413.5      755.8       2.8      —         1,172.1

Goodwill

     1,165.0      536.8       —        —         1,701.8

Intercompany Receivables

     1,805.5      —         —        (1,805.5 )     —  

Investment in Subsidiaries

     —        —         3,258.4      (3,258.4 )     —  

Other Intangible Assets

     212.8      51.5       —        —         264.3

Other Assets

     345.2      226.7       2.5      —         574.4
                                    
   $ 4,774.8    $ 2,198.6     $ 3,263.7    $ (5,063.9 )   $ 5,173.2
                                    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY             

Current Liabilities:

            

Current maturities of long-term borrowings

   $ 19.1    $ 7.9     $ —      $ —       $ 27.0

Accounts payable

     456.6      89.0       10.3      —         555.9

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     588.9      208.5       9.9      —         807.3
                                    

Total current liabilities

     1,064.6      305.4       20.2      —         1,390.2
                                    

Long-Term Borrowings

     1,846.2      29.9       —        —         1,876.1

Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

     230.4      238.5       24.2      —         493.1

Intercompany Payable

     494.5      (494.5 )     1,805.5      (1,805.5 )     —  

Shareholders’ Equity

     1,139.1      2,119.3       1,413.8      (3,258.4 )     1,413.8
                                    
   $ 4,774.8    $ 2,198.6     $ 3,263.7    $ (5,063.9 )   $ 5,173.2
                                    

 

14


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

September 30, 2005

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services,
Inc. and
Subsidiaries
   Other
Subsidiaries
    ARAMARK
Corporation
   Eliminations     Consolidated
ASSETS             

Current Assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 46.9    $ 9.2     $ —      $ —       $ 56.1

Receivables

     590.5      218.0       —        —         808.5

Inventories, at lower of cost or market

     130.4      355.4       —        —         485.8

Prepayments and other current assets

     60.9      31.3       0.6      —         92.8
                                    

Total current assets

     828.7      613.9       0.6      —         1,443.2
                                    

Property and Equipment, net

     437.1      772.3       2.1      —         1,211.5

Goodwill

     1,148.7      534.0       —        —         1,682.7

Intercompany Receivables

     1,733.4      —         —        (1,733.4 )     —  

Investment in Subsidiaries

     —        —         3,095.9      (3,095.9 )     —  

Other Intangible Assets

     220.4      54.2       —        —         274.6

Other Assets

     323.3      219.3       2.5      —         545.1
                                    
   $ 4,691.6    $ 2,193.7     $ 3,101.1    $ (4,829.3 )   $ 5,157.1
                                    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY             

Current Liabilities:

            

Current maturities of long-term borrowings

   $ 34.9    $ 11.5     $ —      $ —       $ 46.4

Accounts payable

     480.6      98.4       6.0      —         585.0

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     633.5      242.0       11.8      —         887.3
                                    

Total current liabilities

     1,149.0      351.9       17.8      —         1,518.7
                                    

Long-Term Borrowings

     1,769.8      24.7       —        —         1,794.5

Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities

     257.5      236.5       24.4      —         518.4

Intercompany Payable

     483.2      (483.2 )     1,733.4      (1,733.4 )     —  

Shareholders’ Equity

     1,032.1      2,063.8       1,325.5      (3,095.9 )     1,325.5
                                    
   $ 4,691.6    $ 2,193.7     $ 3,101.1    $ (4,829.3 )   $ 5,157.1
                                    

 

15


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the three months ended March 31, 2006

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services, Inc.
and
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
   ARAMARK
Corporation
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Sales

   $ 2,201.2     $ 628.3    $ —      $ —       $ 2,829.5

Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries

     —         —        58.6      (58.6 )     —  

Management Fee Income

     —         —        15.1      (15.1 )     —  
                                    
     2,201.2       628.3      73.7      (73.7 )     2,829.5

Costs and Expenses:

            

Cost of services provided

     2,054.3       541.7      —        (15.6 )     2,580.4

Depreciation and amortization

     51.0       32.5      —        0.1       83.6

Selling and general corporate expenses

     16.3       10.1      15.1      0.4       41.9
                                    
     2,121.6       584.3      15.1      (15.1 )     2,705.9
                                    

Operating income

     79.6       44.0      58.6      (58.6 )     123.6

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net:

            

Interest expense, net

     34.6       0.5      —        —         35.1

Intercompany interest, net

     (14.9 )     14.9      —        —         —  
                                    

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

     19.7       15.4      —        —         35.1
                                    

Income before income taxes

     59.9       28.6      58.6      (58.6 )     88.5

Provision for Income Taxes

     18.6       11.3      —        —         29.9
                                    

Net income

   $ 41.3     $ 17.3    $ 58.6    $ (58.6 )   $ 58.6
                                    

 

16


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the six months ended March 31, 2006

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services, Inc.
and
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
   ARAMARK
Corporation
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Sales

   $ 4,437.0     $ 1,318.4    $ —      $ —       $ 5,755.4

Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries

     —         —        151.8      (151.8 )     —  

Management Fee Income

     —         —        30.7      (30.7 )     —  
                                    
     4,437.0       1,318.4      182.5      (182.5 )     5,755.4

Costs and Expenses:

            

Cost of services provided

     4,132.5       1,120.9      —        (31.4 )     5,222.0

Depreciation and amortization

     100.4       65.0      —        0.1       165.5

Selling and general corporate expenses

     34.3       20.0      30.7      0.6       85.6
                                    
     4,267.2       1,205.9      30.7      (30.7 )     5,473.1
                                    

Operating income

     169.8       112.5      151.8      (151.8 )     282.3

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net:

            

Interest expense, net

     68.3       0.9      —        —         69.2

Intercompany interest, net

     (29.9 )     29.9      —        —         —  
                                    

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

     38.4       30.8      —        —         69.2
                                    

Income before income taxes

     131.4       81.7      151.8      (151.8 )     213.1

Provision for Income Taxes

     34.2       27.1      —        —         61.3
                                    

Net income

   $ 97.2     $ 54.6    $ 151.8    $ (151.8 )   $ 151.8
                                    

 

17


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the three months ended April 1, 2005

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services, Inc.
and
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
   ARAMARK
Corporation
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Sales

   $ 2,085.7     $ 573.4    $ —      $ —       $ 2,659.1

Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries

     —         —        53.1      (53.1 )     —  

Management Fee Income

     —         —        9.2      (9.2 )     —  
                                    
     2,085.7       573.4      62.3      (62.3 )     2,659.1

Costs and Expenses:

            

Cost of services provided

     1,959.0       479.3      —        (9.7 )     2,428.6

Depreciation and amortization

     47.4       31.5      —        —         78.9

Selling and general corporate expenses

     15.5       10.5      9.2      0.5       35.7
                                    
     2,021.9       521.3      9.2      (9.2 )     2,543.2
                                    

Operating income

     63.8       52.1      53.1      (53.1 )     115.9

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net:

            

Interest expense, net

     33.0       0.4      —        —         33.4

Intercompany interest, net

     (20.8 )     20.8      —        —         —  
                                    

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

     12.2       21.2      —        —         33.4
                                    

Income before income taxes

     51.6       30.9      53.1      (53.1 )     82.5

Provision for Income Taxes

     18.4       11.0      —        —         29.4
                                    

Net income

   $ 33.2     $ 19.9    $ 53.1    $ (53.1 )   $ 53.1
                                    

 

18


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the six months ended April 1, 2005

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services, Inc.
and
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
   ARAMARK
Corporation
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Sales

   $ 4,185.1     $ 1,204.3    $ —      $ —       $ 5,389.4

Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries

     —         —        125.5      (125.5 )     —  

Management Fee Income

     —         —        18.9      (18.9 )     —  
                                    
     4,185.1       1,204.3      144.4      (144.4 )     5,389.4

Costs and Expenses:

            

Cost of services provided

     3,914.5       1,007.9      —        (19.8 )     4,902.6

Depreciation and amortization

     94.0       62.6      —        —         156.6

Selling and general corporate expenses

     31.6       19.0      18.9      0.9       70.4
                                    
     4,040.1       1,089.5      18.9      (18.9 )     5,129.6
                                    

Operating income

     145.0       114.8      125.5      (125.5 )     259.8

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net:

            

Interest expense, net

     64.0       0.6      —        —         64.6

Intercompany interest, net

     (41.5 )     41.5      —        —         —  
                                    

Interest and Other Financing Costs, net

     22.5       42.1      —        —         64.6
                                    

Income before income taxes

     122.5       72.7      125.5      (125.5 )     195.2

Provision for Income Taxes

     41.9       27.8      —        —         69.7
                                    

Net income

   $ 80.6     $ 44.9    $ 125.5    $ (125.5 )   $ 125.5
                                    

 

19


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended March 31, 2006

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services, Inc.
and
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    ARAMARK
Corporation
    Eliminations    Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 103.8     $ 60.7     $ 19.3     $ —      $ 183.8  

Cash flows from investing activities:

           

Purchases of property and equipment and client contract investments

     (97.7 )     (44.1 )     (0.7 )     —        (142.5 )

Disposals of property and equipment

     34.1       5.6       —         —        39.7  

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (32.4 )     (4.8 )     —         —        (37.2 )

Other investing activities

     3.7       —         —         —        3.7  
                                       

Net cash used in investing activities

     (92.3 )     (43.3 )     (0.7 )     —        (136.3 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities:

           

Proceeds from additional long-term borrowings

     76.7       —         —         —        76.7  

Payment of long-term borrowings

     (16.9 )     (5.4 )     —         —        (22.3 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —         —         30.1       —        30.1  

Repurchase of stock

     —         —         (108.5 )     —        (108.5 )

Payment of dividends

     —         —         (25.3 )     —        (25.3 )

Other financing activities

     1.7       —         —         —        1.7  

Change in intercompany, net

     (73.7 )     (11.4 )     85.1       —        —    
                                       

Net cash used in financing activities

     (12.2 )     (16.8 )     (18.6 )     —        (47.6 )
                                       

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (0.7 )     0.6       —         —        (0.1 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     46.9       9.2       —         —        56.1  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 46.2     $ 9.8     $ —       $ —      $ 56.0  
                                       

 

20


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended April 1, 2005

(In Millions)

 

     ARAMARK
Services, Inc.
and
Subsidiaries
    Other
Subsidiaries
    ARAMARK
Corporation
    Eliminations    Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 146.0     $ 25.4     $ 3.8     $ —      $ 175.2  

Cash flows from investing activities:

           

Purchases of property and equipment and client contract investments

     (94.6 )     (55.7 )     (0.1 )     —        (150.4 )

Disposals of property and equipment

     5.7       2.0       —         —        7.7  

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (61.2 )     (41.3 )     —         —        (102.5 )

Other investing activities

     3.0       16.7       0.2       —        19.9  
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (147.1 )     (78.3 )     0.1       —        (225.3 )
                                       

Cash flows from financing activities:

           

Proceeds from additional long-term borrowings

     148.7       —         —         —        148.7  

Payment of long-term borrowings

     (2.0 )     (3.3 )     —         —        (5.3 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —         —         28.3       —        28.3  

Repurchase of stock

     —         —         (94.6 )     —        (94.6 )

Payment of dividends

     —         —         (20.2 )     —        (20.2 )

Other financing activities

     (3.0 )     —         0.4       —        (2.6 )

Change in intercompany, net

     (134.4 )     52.2       82.2       —        —    
                                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     9.3       48.9       (3.9 )     —        54.3  
                                       

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     8.2       (4.0 )     —         —        4.2  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     33.8       11.4       0.1       —        45.3  
                                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 42.0     $ 7.4     $ 0.1     $ —      $ 49.5  
                                       

 

21


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition for the three and six months ended March 31, 2006 and April 1, 2005 should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, and the notes to those statements, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005. Our discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, opinions, expectations, anticipations, intentions and beliefs. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in those forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. In the following discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition, certain financial measures may be considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules. These rules require supplemental explanation and reconciliation, which is provided in Exhibit 99.1 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and is incorporated by reference herein.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in our fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. As described in such notes, the Company recognizes sales in the period in which services are provided pursuant to the terms of our contractual relationships with our clients.

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

Asset Impairment Determinations

As a result of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is no longer amortized. Under this accounting standard, goodwill is subject to an impairment test that we conduct at least annually, using a discounted cash flow technique.

With respect to our other long-lived assets, we are required to test for asset impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We apply SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” in order to determine whether or not an asset was impaired. This standard requires an impairment analysis when indicators of impairment are present. If such indicators are present, the standard indicates that if the sum of the future expected cash flows from the asset, undiscounted and without interest charges, is less than the carrying value, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. The amount of the impairment is the difference between the fair value of the asset and the carrying value of the asset.

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

 

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

 

    Comparable market valuations of businesses similar to ARAMARK’s business segments.

 

    Industry specific economic conditions.

 

    Competitor activities and regulatory initiatives.

 

    Client and customer preferences and behavior patterns.

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

 

22


Environmental Loss Contingencies

Accruals for environmental loss contingencies (i.e., environmental reserves) are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can reasonably be estimated. Management views the measurement of environmental reserves as a critical accounting estimate because of the considerable uncertainty surrounding estimation, including the need to forecast well into the future. We are involved in legal proceedings under state, federal and local environmental laws in connection with operations of our uniform rental segment or businesses conducted by our predecessors or companies that we have acquired. The calculation of environmental reserves is based on the evaluation of currently available information, prior experience in the remediation of contaminated sites and assumptions with respect to government regulations and enforcement activity, changes in remediation technology and practices, and financial obligations and credit worthiness of other responsible parties and insurers.

Litigation and Claims

The Company is a party to various legal actions and investigations including, among others, employment matters, compliance with government regulations, including import and export controls and customs laws, federal and state employment laws, including wage and hour laws, dram shop laws, environmental laws, contractual disputes and other matters, including matters arising in the ordinary course of business. These claims may be brought by, among others, the government, clients, customers, employees and third parties. Management considers the measurement of litigation reserves as a critical accounting estimate because of the significant uncertainty in some cases relating to the outcome of potential claims or litigation and the difficulty of predicting the likelihood and range of potential liability involved, coupled with the material impact on our results of operations that could result from litigation or other claims. In determining legal reserves, management considers, among other issues:

 

    Interpretation of contractual rights and obligations.

 

    The status of government regulatory initiatives, interpretations and investigations.

 

    The status of settlement negotiations.

 

    Prior experience with similar types of claims.

 

    Whether there is available insurance.

 

    Advice of counsel.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We encounter risks associated with sales and the collection of the associated accounts receivable. We record a provision for accounts receivable that are considered to be uncollectible. In order to calculate the appropriate provision, management analyzes the creditworthiness of specific customers and the aging of customer balances. Management also considers general and specific industry economic conditions, industry concentrations, such as exposure to the non-profit healthcare sector and the airline industry, and contractual rights and obligations.

Management believes that the accounting estimate related to the allowance for doubtful accounts is a critical accounting estimate because the underlying assumptions used for the allowance can change from time to time and uncollectible accounts could potentially have a material impact on our results of operations.

Inventory Obsolescence

We record an inventory obsolescence reserve for obsolete, excess and slow-moving inventory, principally in the uniform and career apparel segments. In calculating our inventory obsolescence reserve, management analyzes historical data regarding customer demand within specific product categories and makes assumptions regarding economic conditions within customer specific industries, as well as style and product changes. Management believes that its accounting estimate related to inventory obsolescence is a critical accounting estimate because customer demand in certain of our businesses can be variable and changes in our reserve for inventory obsolescence could materially affect our financial results.

 

23


Income Taxes

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

Share-Based Compensation

On October 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.” Information regarding the application of SFAS No. 123R to our financial statements is contained in Note 5 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. In adopting SFAS No. 123R, we applied the modified prospective transition method and therefore have not restated prior periods.

Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we elected to value our employee stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation method that uses the assumptions described in our financial statements. These assumptions relate to the expected volatility of our stock, the expected dividend yield of our stock, the expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate.

The expected term of stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding. The expected term was calculated using the simplified method permitted under SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. We used historical volatility in deriving the expected volatility assumption. The selection of the historical, rather than the implied, volatility approach was based upon the paucity of relevant information relating to traded options on our stock. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the rate applicable to the U.S. Treasury security with a maturity equal to the expected term of the option on the grant date. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history of dividend payouts.

As share-based compensation expense recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2006 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on our historical experience.

Management believes that the accounting estimate related to the expense of stock options is a critical accounting estimate because the underlying assumptions can change from time to time and, as a result, the compensation expense that we record in future periods under SFAS No. 123R may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period with respect to similar instruments.

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

 

24


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

These tables present our sales and operating income, and related percentages attributable to each operating segment, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2006 and April 1, 2005.

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     March 31, 2006     April 1, 2005     March 31, 2006     April 1, 2005  

Sales by Segment

   $     %     $     %     $     %     $     %  
     (dollars in millions)  

Food and Support Services - United States

   $ 1,785.6     63 %   $ 1,705.7     64 %   $ 3,668.1     64 %   $ 3,482.2     65 %

Food and Support Services - International

     642.0     23 %     569.3     21 %     1,265.1     22 %     1,121.3     21 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Rental

     299.3     10 %     280.8     11 %     595.0     10 %     557.0     10 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Direct Marketing

     102.6     4 %     103.4     4 %     227.2     4 %     228.9     4 %
                                                        
   $ 2,829.5     100 %   $ 2,659.2     100 %   $ 5,755.4     100 %   $ 5,389.4     100 %
                                                        
     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     March 31, 2006     April 1, 2005     March 31, 2006     April 1, 2005  

Operating Income by Segment

   $     %     $     %     $     %     $     %  
     (dollars in millions)  

Food and Support Services - United States

   $ 73.9     60 %   $ 77.6     67 %   $ 184.1     65 %   $ 172.3     66 %

Food and Support Services - International

     33.6     27 %     17.7     15 %     58.2     21 %     38.8     15 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Rental

     31.4     25 %     29.4     25 %     64.5     23 %     60.0     23 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Direct Marketing

     (0.3 )   0 %     1.2     1 %     6.7     2 %     9.6     4 %
                                                        
     138.6     112 %     125.9     108 %     313.5     111 %     280.7     108 %

Corporate

     (15.0 )   -12 %     (10.0 )   -8 %     (31.3 )   -11 %     (20.9 )   -8 %
                                                        
   $ 123.6     100 %   $ 115.9     100 %   $ 282.2     100 %   $ 259.8     100 %
                                                        

Consolidated Overview

Sales of $2.8 billion for the fiscal 2006 second quarter and $5.8 billion for the six-month period represented an increase of 6% and 7%, respectively over the prior year periods. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency translation, consolidated sales increased 6% for both the three and six-month periods. Operating income was $123.6 million for the fiscal 2006 second quarter and $282.2 million for the six-month period, an increase of 7% and 9%, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. While the effect of acquisitions, divestitures and currency translation was not significant, fiscal 2006 operating income includes a charge for stock option expense of approximately $4.1 million and $9.1 million for the three and six-month periods, respectively. The 2005 second quarter operating income included $9.7 million ($7.8 million net of tax) representing our share of the gain on a real estate sale by a 50%-owned equity affiliate. The 2005 second quarter also included a charge of $7.4 million ($4.8 million net of tax) which included the effects of our decision to exit the West African oil services business and UK severance costs.

Interest and other financing costs, net, for the three and six-month periods of fiscal 2006 increased approximately $1.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively, from the prior year periods due principally to higher year-over-year interest rates. The effective income tax rate for the fiscal 2006 six-month period was 28.8% compared to 35.7% in fiscal 2005. The favorable adjustment ($14.9 million) in the 2006 first quarter, related to the settlement of certain open tax years, and higher employment related and other tax credits reduced the 2006 effective rate.

Net income for the three and six-months of fiscal 2006 was $58.6 million and $151.8 million, compared to $53.1 million and $125.5 million in the prior year periods, an increase of 10% and 21%, respectively. Second quarter 2006 diluted earnings per share were $0.32, on a weighted average share base of 185.2 million shares, an increase of 14% over the $0.28 per share reported last year on a share base of 189.6 million shares. For the six-month periods, diluted earnings per share were $0.82 in 2006 (which includes $0.08 due to the reduction in the provision for income taxes noted above) and $0.66 in 2005 on a weighted average share base of 185.4 million and 189.2 million, respectively.

 

25


Segment Results

The following tables present a fiscal 2006/2005 comparison of segment sales and operating income together with the amount of and percentage change between periods.

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     March 31,
2006
    April 1,
2005
    Change     March 31,
2006
   

April 1,

2005

    Change  

Sales by Segment

       $     %         $     %  
     (dollars in millions)  

Food and Support Services - United States

   $ 1,785.6     $ 1,705.7     $ 79.9     5 %   $ 3,668.1     $ 3,482.2     $ 185.9     5 %

Food and Support Services - International

     642.0       569.3       72.7     13 %     1,265.1       1,121.3       143.8     13 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Rental

     299.3       280.8       18.5     7 %     595.0       557.0       38.0     7 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Direct Marketing

     102.6       103.4       (0.8 )   -1 %     227.2       228.9       (1.7 )   -1 %
                                                    
   $ 2,829.5     $ 2,659.2     $ 170.3     6 %   $ 5,755.4     $ 5,389.4     $ 366.0     7 %
                                                            
     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     March 31,
2006
    April 1,
2005
    Change     March 31,
2006
   

April 1,

2005

    Change  

Operating Income by Segment

       $     %         $     %  
     (dollars in millions)  

Food and Support Services - United States

   $ 73.9     $ 77.6     $ (3.7 )   -5 %   $ 184.1     $ 172.3     $ 11.8     7 %

Food and Support Services - International

     33.6       17.7       15.9     90 %     58.2       38.8       19.4     50 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Rental

     31.4       29.4       2.0     7 %     64.5       60.0       4.5     7 %

Uniform and Career Apparel - Direct Marketing

     (0.3 )     1.2       (1.5 )   n/a       6.7       9.6       (2.9 )   -30 %

Corporate

     (15.0 )     (10.0 )     (5.0 )   48 %     (31.3 )     (20.9 )     (10.4 )   50 %
                                                    
   $ 123.6     $ 115.9     $ 7.7     7 %   $ 282.2     $ 259.8     $ 22.4     9 %
                                                            

Food and Support Services—United States Segment

Food and Support Services—United States segment sales for the three and six-month periods of fiscal 2006 increased 5%, respectively, over the prior year periods primarily due to growth in the Sports & Entertainment, Education, Corrections and Refreshment businesses. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures, sales increased 6% for both the three and six-month periods. For the second quarter, sales growth in the Business Services sector was in the low single digits, resulting from growth in the Corrections and Refreshment Services businesses. Business dining services sales declined compared to the prior year period. The Education sector experienced high single digit sales growth as a result of base business growth and the timing of the Easter holiday, which is in the third quarter of this year but was in last year’s second quarter. The Healthcare sector reported flat sales as the impact of prior year lost business substantially offset base business growth. The Sports & Entertainment sector experienced high-teen sales growth driven principally by the return of hockey, despite the lingering impact of the hurricanes on our Convention Center business. The National Hockey League Collective Bargaining Agreement expired in September 2004 and the National Hockey League (“NHL”) and the NHL Players’ Association failed to agree on the terms of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. On September 17, 2004, the owners of the NHL teams locked out the NHL players. As a result, the Food and Support Services—United States segment results for the 2005 three and six-month periods did not include operating results from NHL venues. In July 2005, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association announced an agreement which is effective for the 2005/2006 hockey season, and segment results for the 2006 three and six-month periods include operating results from NHL venues.

Segment operating income was $73.9 million compared to $77.6 million in the 2005 second quarter which included approximately $9.7 million representing our share of the gain from a real estate sale by a 50%-owned equity affiliate. Excluding the gain, operating income increased 9%, reflecting higher sales volume, particularly sales at NHL venues. Insurance proceeds of approximately $2.5 million in the 2006 quarter substantially mitigated the ongoing negative impact of last year’s hurricanes, most notably on our Convention Center business. Excluding the fiscal 2005 real estate gain, the operating income margin increased 16 basis points to 4.1%.

 

26


Food and Support Services—International Segment

Sales in the Food and Support Services—International segment for the three and six-month periods increased 13%, respectively, compared to the prior year due to acquisitions (approximately 7% and 8%, respectively), net new accounts (approximately 3% in each respective period), and increased volume (approximately 6% and 5%, respectively), which were partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation (approximately 3% in each respective period). This increase was driven by strong growth in Canada, Germany and Chile, and also reflects the positive effect of the Easter holiday timing.

Second quarter operating income increased from $17.7 million in the prior year period to $33.6 million. The fiscal 2005 quarter included a charge of $7.4 million representing the estimated cost of exiting the West African oil services business and a management separation charge in the UK. The growth was driven principally by continued improvement in our UK operations as well as good performance in Canada and Germany.

Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental Segment

Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental segment sales increased 7% for the three and six-month periods compared to the prior year periods. Sales growth, excluding the effects of acquisitions and divestitures, was 5% for the second quarter due to new business sold (13%), lost business (-8%), price increases (2%) and a decline in base business (-2%).

Operating income increased 7% in the respective three and six-month periods, due principally to the increased sales. Second quarter operating income margins were stable at 10.5%, despite the current high energy costs which negatively affected the margin by approximately 80 basis points compared to the prior year, and the ongoing investment in the sales force.

Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing Segment

Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing segment sales decreased 1% from the prior year quarter to $103 million, reflecting continued softness at Galls and Wearguard-Crest healthcare. The segment reported a small loss in the quarter as results were negatively affected by lower volumes and margin erosion at both Galls and Wearguard-Crest. Management is presently evaluating improvement initiatives for portions of the Direct Marketing segment. While no decisions have been finalized, future changes could involve changes in product offering, alternative sourcing arrangements and other cost reductions. Such actions, if initiated, could result in future adjustments to asset carrying amounts or other accounting adjustments. Management anticipates completing its assessment during the second half of fiscal 2006.

Corporate

Corporate expenses, those administrative expenses not allocated to the business segments, were $15.0 million and $31.3 million for the three and six-month periods of fiscal 2006, compared to $10.0 million and $20.9 million for the comparable prior year periods. The increase was due principally to the expensing of stock options, which commenced in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

OUTLOOK

Looking forward for the balance of the fiscal year, we expect energy prices to continue to pressure operating margins, particularly in the Uniform and Career Apparel—Rental segment, and the continuing impact of Hurricane Katrina to affect our Convention Center operations. We also expect the Uniform and Career Apparel—Direct Marketing segment to continue to be affected by lower than historical sales growth and margin pressure. Finally, we expect interest expense to remain at levels higher than last year due to higher interest rates.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Reference to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows will facilitate understanding of the discussion that follows.

Cash provided by operating activities was $184 million and $175 million during the first six months of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. The principal components (in millions) of the net change were –

 

•      Increase in net income and noncash charges, including share-based compensation expense

   $ 32  

•      Reduction in accounts receivable sale proceeds

     (21 )

•      Increased working capital requirements

     (9 )

•      Other, net

     7  
        
   $ 9  
        

 

27


Accounts receivable proceeds in the prior year were higher than normal as a result of the December 2004 amendment increasing the size of the facility. Working capital requirements increased slightly, reflecting growth in the business and the timing of disbursements.

Total debt increased $62 million from fiscal year end due principally to the normal seasonal working capital needs and stock repurchases.

During the first six months of fiscal 2006, the Company repurchased 4.1 million shares of Class B common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $113.4 million, leaving approximately $138.1 million available for common stock repurchases under the existing Board of Directors authorization.

During each of the first two quarters of fiscal 2006, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.07 per share, which totaled $25.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2006. At its May 9, 2006 meeting, the Board of Directors declared a dividend in the amount of $0.07 per share, payable on June 9, 2006 to holders of record of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock at the close of business on May 19, 2006.

At April 28, 2006, there was approximately $670 million of unused committed credit availability under our U.S. Credit Facility. Additionally, the Company has a shelf registration statement on file with the SEC for the issuance of up to $150 million of debt securities. The Company currently expects to fund acquisitions, capital expenditures, dividends and additional share repurchases and other liquidity needs from cash provided from operating activities, normal disposals of property and equipment, and borrowings available under our credit facilities or registered or private note issuances. As of March 31, 2006, there was approximately $468 million outstanding in foreign currency borrowings.

The following table summarizes the Company’s future obligations for debt repayments, capital leases, future minimum rental and similar commitments under noncancelable operating leases as well as contingent obligations related to outstanding letters of credit and guarantees as of September 30, 2005.

 

     Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations as of September 30, 2005

   Total    Less than
1 year
   1-3 years    3-5 years    More than
5 years

Long-term borrowings

   $ 1,792,686    $ 33,948    $ 827,245    $ 676,522    $ 254,971

Capital lease obligations

     48,199      12,415      17,395      11,197      7,192

Operating leases

     576,170      157,103      133,115      98,657      187,295

Purchase obligations (1)

     189,440      113,043      43,977      12,988      19,432

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet (2)

     103,216      9,000      —        —        94,216
                                  
   $ 2,709,711    $ 325,509    $ 1,021,732    $ 799,364    $ 563,106
                                  

Other Commercial Commitments as of September 30, 2005

   Total
Amounts
Committed
   Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
      Less than
1 year
   1-3 years    3-5 years   

Over 5

years

Letters of credit

   $ 134,797    $ 134,797    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Guarantees

     —        —        —        —        —  
                                  
   $ 134,797    $ 134,797    $ —      $ —      $ —  
                                  

 

(1) Represents capital commitments in connection with several long-term concession contracts, client contract commitments and commitments to increase our ownership in our Chilean and Irish subsidiaries.

 

(2) Includes certain unfunded employee retirement obligations.

 

28


During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company increased its ownership in its Chilean subsidiary from 51% to 80%, for approximately $28 million in cash. Debt levels have increased during the quarter and the Company increased its letters of credit, primarily in support of insurance arrangements, by approximately $46 million. Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company acquired the stock of a food services company and a refreshment services company for approximately $80 million and future consideration of up to $85 million, to be determined based upon operating results of one of the acquired companies during the next five years. Other than these changes, since September 30, 2005, there has been no material change in the Company’s future obligations.

The Company has an agreement (the Receivables Facility) with several financial institutions whereby it sells on a continuous basis an undivided interest in all eligible trade accounts receivable, as defined in the Receivables Facility. Pursuant to the Receivables Facility, the Company formed ARAMARK Receivables, LLC, a wholly-owned, consolidated, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. ARAMARK Receivables, LLC was formed for the sole purpose of buying and selling receivables generated by certain subsidiaries of the Company. Under the Receivables Facility, certain subsidiaries of the Company transfer without recourse all of their accounts receivable to ARAMARK Receivables, LLC. ARAMARK Receivables, LLC, in turn, has sold and, subject to certain conditions, may from time to time sell an undivided interest in these receivables up to $225 million. The Company has retained collection and administrative responsibility for the participating interest sold, and has retained an undivided interest in the transferred receivables of approximately $239 million and $292 million at March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively, which is subject to a security interest. This two-step transaction is accounted for as a sale of receivables following the provisions of SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities—a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125.” At March 31, 2006 and September 30, 2005, respectively, $206 million and $190 million of accounts receivable were sold and removed from the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company’s business activities do not include the use of unconsolidated special purpose entities, and there are no significant business transactions that have not been reflected in the accompanying financial statements. ARAMARK may be exposed to liability resulting from the non-performance of certain indemnification obligations by an entity currently in bankruptcy from which ARAMARK acquired a business in fiscal 2000. The amount of such exposure cannot be quantified at the present time due to uncertainty with respect to the number and amount of claims, if any, originating from or relating to the pre-acquisition period. ARAMARK has $25 million of insurance coverage for such exposure with a $5.0 million retained loss limit. The Company is self-insured for a limited portion of the risk retained under its general liability and workers’ compensation arrangements. When required, self-insurance reserves are recorded based on actuarial analyses.

On January 18 and 19, 2005, a New Jersey jury found ARAMARK Corporation and certain affiliates liable for approximately $30 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages in connection with an automobile accident caused by an intoxicated driver who attended a professional football game at which certain affiliates of the Company provided food and beverage service. The Company and its affiliates appealed the judgment to the Appellate Division of Superior Court of New Jersey on April 13, 2005. This process is likely to take considerable time. The Company believes that it has adequate insurance and other resources to address this matter. Based on the information currently available, and acknowledging the uncertainty of litigation, the March 31, 2006 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects the amount awarded and the related expected recovery should such liability be confirmed. Such amounts are included in “Other Noncurrent Liabilities” and “Other Assets,” respectively.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

On March 30, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations,” which clarifies the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” The Interpretation is effective for ARAMARK no later than the end of fiscal 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the Interpretation, but has not yet determined what effect adoption will have on the consolidated financial statements.

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” and related interpretations and began expensing the grant-date fair value of employee stock options. Prior to October 1, 2005, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized in net income for employee stock options, as options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective transition method and therefore has not restated prior periods. Under this transition method, compensation cost associated with employee stock options recognized in fiscal 2006 includes amortization related to the remaining unvested portion of stock option awards granted prior to October 1, 2005, and amortization related to new awards granted on or after October 1, 2005.

 

29


Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company presented tax benefits resulting from share-based compensation as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. SFAS No. 123R requires that cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized in the financial statements be classified as financing cash flows. For the first six months of fiscal 2006, $10.7 million of tax benefits were included in “Other financing activities.”

The Company has various share-based compensation programs, which include stock options and restricted stock units. As of March 31, 2006, the Company has reserved approximately 55.7 million shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its employee ownership and benefit programs. Under all programs, the terms of the awards are fixed at the grant date.

The compensation cost charged against income in the three and six months ended March 31, 2006 for share-based compensation programs was $5.6 million, before taxes of $2.1 million, and $12.2 million, before taxes of $4.7 million, respectively. The compensation cost recognized is classified as “Selling and general corporate expenses” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. No cost was capitalized during fiscal 2006.

Information on the valuation and accounting for the various programs is provided below.

Stock Options

Under various plans, executives, employees and outside directors receive awards of options to purchase common stock. The exercise price equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant. Options under the plans generally vest ratably over four years, and remain exercisable for ten years from the date of grant. Options issued to directors are fully vested and exercisable immediately upon grant.

The fair value of options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that used the assumptions noted in the table below. Expected volatility and expected dividend yield are based on actual historical experience of the Company’s stock. The expected life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding and was calculated using the simplified method prescribed by the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury security with terms equal to the expected time of exercise as of the grant date.

 

     Fiscal 2006  

Expected volatility

   20.00 %

Expected dividend yield

   1.10 %

Expected life (in years)

   6.25  

Risk-free interest rate

   4.35% - 4.82 %

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the first six months of fiscal 2006 was $6.94 per option.

A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

 

Options

   Shares
(000s)
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value
($000s)

Outstanding at September 30, 2005

   12,109     $ 21.35   

Granted

   2,558       25.52   

Exercised

   (2,394 )     14.34   

Forfeited/Cancelled

   (565 )     17.66   
               

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

(weighted-average remaining term of 7.7 years)

   11,708     $ 23.88    $ 66,323
                   

Exercisable at March 31, 2006

   5,021     $ 23.47    $ 30,480
                   

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the first six months of fiscal 2006 was $30.3 million.

Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services. Approximately $4.1 million and $9.1 million was charged to expense during the three and six months ended March 31, 2006, respectively. The Company has applied a forfeiture assumption of 8.7% per annum in the calculation of such expense.

 

30


As of March 31, 2006, there was approximately $46 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years.

Cash received from option exercises during the first six months of fiscal 2006 was $30.1 million. The total tax benefit generated from options granted prior to October 1, 2005, which were exercised during the first six months of fiscal 2006, was approximately $10.6 million, which was credited to “Capital surplus.”

Restricted Stock Units

The grant-date fair value of restricted stock units is based on the market price of the stock, and compensation cost is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services.

Since fiscal 2004, the Company has issued restricted stock units to certain employees. Participants are entitled to additional restricted stock units, with a value equivalent to any cash dividends. The unvested units are subject to forfeiture if employment is terminated other than due to death, disability or retirement, and the units are nontransferable while subject to forfeiture.

 

Restricted Stock Units

   Units (000s)    

Weighted Average

Grant Date Fair Value

Nonvested at September 30, 2005

   575     $ 25.59

Granted

   524     $ 25.92

Vested

   (146 )   $ 25.48

Forfeited

   (39 )   $ 25.92
            

Nonvested at March 31, 2006

   914     $ 25.78
            

The compensation cost charged against income during the three and six months ended March 31, 2006 for restricted stock unit awards was approximately $1.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2006, there was approximately $23 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock unit awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On May 1, 2006, Joseph Neubauer, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ARAMARK Corporation, announced that he has, together with funds managed by GS Capital Partners, J.P. Morgan Partners, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Warburg Pincus LLC (the Sponsors), submitted a proposal to the Board of Directors of ARAMARK Corporation to acquire all of the outstanding Class A and Class B common stock of ARAMARK at a price of $32.00 per share in cash. The transaction would be financed through a combination of (1) equity from the four Sponsors and equity investments by Joseph Neubauer and members of the ARAMARK senior management team, and (2) approximately $6.25 billion of debt financing. The Board of Directors has established a special committee of independent directors that is authorized to retain independent financial and legal advisors to consider such proposal. The Company can give no assurance as to the outcome of this proposed transaction.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current views as to future events and financial performance with respect to our operations. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “are confident,” “estimate,” “expect,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in conjunction with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.

These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include: unfavorable economic conditions; ramifications of any future terrorist attacks or increased security alert levels; increased operating costs, including labor-related and energy costs; shortages of qualified personnel or increases in labor costs; costs and possible effects of further unionization of our workforce; currency risks and other risks associated with international markets; risks associated with acquisitions, including acquisition integration issues and costs; our ability to integrate and derive the expected benefits from our recent acquisitions; competition; decline in attendance at client facilities; unpredictability of sales and expenses due to contract terms and terminations; the impact of natural disasters on our sales and operating results; the risk that clients may become insolvent; the contract intensive nature of our business, which may lead to client disputes; high leverage; claims relating to the provision of food services; costs of compliance with governmental regulations and government investigations; liability associated with noncompliance with governmental regulations, including regulations pertaining to food services, the environment, the Federal school lunch program, Federal and state employment

 

31


and wage and hour laws and import and export controls and customs laws; dram shop compliance and litigation; contract compliance and administration issues, inability to retain current clients and renew existing client contracts; determination by customers to reduce their outsourcing and use of preferred vendors; seasonality; and other risks that are set forth in the “Risk Factors” section, the “Legal Proceedings” section, the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” section and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the events or circumstances arising after the date as of which they are made. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this report or that may be made in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, us.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and manage this exposure through the use of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt and by utilizing interest rate swaps. We do not enter into contracts for trading purposes and do not use leveraged instruments. The market risk associated with debt obligations and other significant instruments as of March 31, 2006, has not materially changed from September 30, 2005 (See Item 7A of the Annual Report on Form 10-K).

During November 2005, the Company entered into a series of pay fixed/receive floating natural gas swap agreements based on a NYMEX price in order to limit its exposure to price increases for natural gas, primarily in the Uniform and Career Apparel – Rental segment. As of March 31, 2006, the Company has contracts for approximately 102,000 MMBtu’s outstanding for the remainder of fiscal 2006. As of March 31, 2006, the fair value of such agreements was approximately $0.3 million. Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company entered into additional natural gas swap agreements for fiscal 2006 and 2007. The additional contracts entered into for fiscal 2006 and 2007 total 55,000 MMBtu’s and 347,000 MMBtu’s, respectively.

Subsequent to March 31, 2006, the Company entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge manufacturing costs in Mexico denominated in Pesos. The manufacturing costs are primarily for the Uniform and Career Apparel – Rental and Direct Marketing segments. The contracts were entered into to protect the Company’s exposure from currency fluctuations and totaled 78.6 million Mexican Pesos.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, are functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. A controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

 

(c) Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

 

32


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are a party to various legal actions involving claims incidental to the conduct of our business, including actions by clients, customers, employees and third parties, including under federal and state employment laws, wage and hour laws, customs, import and export control laws and dram shop laws. Based on information currently available, advice of counsel, available insurance coverage, established reserves and other resources, we do not believe that any such actions are likely to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the event of unexpected further developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, or other similar matters, if unfavorable, may be materially adverse to our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On July 21, 2004, agents of the United States Department of Commerce, among others, executed a search warrant at the Lexington, Kentucky facilities of Galls, a division of the Company, to gather records in connection with record keeping and documentation of certain export sales. In the Fall of 2004, the Company also provided records in response to grand jury subpoenas. See Risk Factor “If we fail to comply with requirements imposed by applicable law or other governmental regulations, we could become subject to lawsuits and other liabilities and restrictions on our operations that could significantly and adversely affect our business” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In March 2000, Antonia Verni, by guardian ad litem, and Fazila Verni sued the Company and certain affiliates, along with Ronald Verni, David Lanzaro, the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, the N.Y. Giants, Harry M. Stevens, Inc. of New Jersey, Shakers, The Gallery, Toyota Motors of North America, Inc. and the National Football League, for monetary damages for injuries they suffered in connection with an automobile accident caused by an intoxicated driver who attended a professional football game at which certain affiliates of the Company provided food and beverage service. On January 18 and 19, 2005, a New Jersey jury found various ARAMARK entities liable for approximately $30 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages. The Company and its affiliates appealed the judgment to the Appellate Division of Superior Court of New Jersey on April 13, 2005. This process is likely to take considerable time. The Company believes that it has adequate insurance and other resources to address this matter.

On May 1, 2006, two cases were filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in New Castle County against ARAMARK Corporation and each of the Company’s directors. The two cases are putative class actions brought by shareholders alleging breaches of the duty of loyalty by the Company’s directors in connection with a proposal from a group of investors led by Joseph Neubauer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company. The cases make claims for monetary damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees and expenses.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(Second Quarter 2006)

 

Period

  

(a) Total
Number

of

Shares
Purchased(1)

   (b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
   (c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as a
result of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs(2)
   (d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value) of
Shares that May Yet be
Purchased Under the Plans or
Programs

Month 1

(December 31, 2005 – January 27, 2006)

   49,751    $ 27.00    0    $ 194,053,705

Month 2

(January 28, 2006 – February 24, 2006)

   648,596    $ 27.87    647,100    $ 176,019,831

Month 3

(February 25, 2006 – March 31, 2006)

   1,313,831    $ 28.85    1,313,700    $ 138,115,177

 

(1) The numbers in this column include shares of the Company’s common stock surrendered by stock option holders to pay the exercise price of stock options as follows: 49,751 for Month 1, 1,496 for Month 2 and 131 for Month 3.

 

(2)

On May 28, 2002, the Company announced the establishment of a Stock Repurchase Program. Under the Stock Repurchase Program, the Board of Directors approved the use of up to $200 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s Class A or Class B common stock. On May 8, 2003, the Company announced the addition of $150 million to the repurchase program and on February 3,

 

33


 

2004, the Company announced the addition of another $150 million to the repurchase program. On November 2, 2004, the Company announced the addition of $200 million to the repurchase program. On November 15, 2005, the Company announced an addition of another $200 million to the repurchase program. The repurchase program will expire when all monies authorized for use in the program have been utilized.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

ARAMARK Corporation’s annual meeting of stockholders (“2006 Annual Meeting”) was held on February 7, 2006. At the 2006 Annual Meeting, the stockholders voted upon the election of three directors. The results of that vote were as follows:

 

Name of Nominee

   For    Withheld    Broker non-votes

Patricia C. Barron

   638,789,054    7,926,459    N/A

Ronald R. Davenport

   638,211,390    8,504,123    N/A

Ronald L. Sargent

   625,908,226    20,807,287    N/A

The terms of the following directors of the Company continued after the 2006 Annual Meeting: Joseph Neubauer, Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., Leonard S. Coleman, Jr., Thomas H. Kean, James E. Ksansnak, James E. Preston and Karl M. von der Heyden.

ARAMARK’s stockholders also voted to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent public accountants for fiscal 2006. The results of that vote were as follows:

 

For

  

Against

  

Abstentions

  

Broker non-votes

640,839,212    2,754,943    3,121,358    N/A

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

On May 1, 2006, the Board of Directors of ARAMARK Corporation (the “Company”) formed a special committee of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”) consisting of Patricia C. Barron, Ronald R. Davenport (as chairman), James E. Preston, Ronald L. Sargent and Karl M. von der Heyden, to consider the proposal by a group of investors led by Joseph Neubauer, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to acquire all of the Company’s common stock at a price of $32 per share. The Board also approved the compensation of the Special Committee that will consist of $100,000 for the Chairman of the Special Committee and $75,000 for each other member. In addition, each of the members of the Special Committee will be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his or her responsibilities as a member of the Special Committee. These payments will be in addition to the compensation that members of the Special Committee receive for their service on the Board of Directors.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31.1    Certification of Joseph Neubauer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of L. Frederick Sutherland pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Joseph Neubauer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of L. Frederick Sutherland pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1    Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    ARAMARK CORPORATION
May 10, 2006     /s/ John M. Lafferty
    John M. Lafferty
   

Senior Vice President, Controller

and Chief Accounting Officer

 

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