10-Q 1 h53572e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q - QUARTERLY REPORT e10vq
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 29, 2007
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 1-6544
SYSCO CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  74-1648137
(IRS employer
identification number)
1390 Enclave Parkway
Houston, Texas 77077-2099
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 584-1390
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 þ     No o
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 þ     Accelerated Filer o     Non-accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yes o     No þ
603,579,579 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding as of January 26, 2008.
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
        Page No.
   
 
       
Part I. Financial Information
       
   
 
       
Item 1.       1  
Item 2.       18  
Item 3.       31  
Item 4.       31  
   
 
       
Part II. Other Information
       
   
 
       
Item 1.       33  
Item 1A.       33  
Item 2.       33  
Item 3.       34  
Item 4.       34  
Item 5.       35  
Item 6.       35  
   
 
       
Signatures     38  
 Letter re Appointment of New Trustee
 Amended and Restated 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan
 First Amended and Restated Board of Directors Deferred Compensation Plan
 Fourth Amended and Restated Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
 Amended and Restated 2004 Cash Performance Unit Plan
 Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement
 Report from Ernst & Young LLP
 Acknowledgment Letter from Ernst & Young LLP
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification Pursuant to Section 906
 Certification Pursuant to Section 906

 


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1

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except for Share Data)
                         
    Dec. 29, 2007     June 30, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
    (unaudited)             (unaudited)  
 
                       
ASSETS
                       
Current assets
                       
Cash
  $ 168,786     $ 207,872     $ 185,862  
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances of $54,541, $31,841 and $50,593
    2,754,339       2,610,885       2,551,114  
Inventories
    1,896,557       1,714,187       1,717,978  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    64,798       123,284       69,785  
Prepaid income taxes
          19,318        
 
                 
Total current assets
    4,884,480       4,675,546       4,524,739  
Plant and equipment at cost, less depreciation
    2,841,229       2,721,233       2,593,874  
Other assets
                       
Goodwill
    1,408,061       1,355,313       1,324,014  
Intangibles, less amortization
    91,329       91,366       92,759  
Restricted cash
    95,511       101,929       112,453  
Prepaid pension cost
    403,064       352,390       412,310  
Other assets
    229,153       221,154       257,231  
 
                 
Total other assets
    2,227,118       2,122,152       2,198,767  
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 9,952,827     $ 9,518,931     $ 9,317,380  
 
                 
 
                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities
                       
Notes payable
  $ 4,500     $ 18,900     $ 10,040  
Accounts payable
    2,000,419       1,981,190       1,888,178  
Accrued expenses
    773,216       922,582       745,892  
Income taxes
    264,863             282,208  
Deferred taxes
    222,629       488,849       211,832  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    3,056       3,568       105,077  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    3,268,683       3,415,089       3,243,227  
Other liabilities
                       
Long-term debt
    2,135,547       1,758,227       1,755,982  
Deferred taxes
    567,235       626,695       700,182  
Other long-term liabilities
    651,299       440,520       381,342  
 
                 
Total other liabilities
    3,354,081       2,845,442       2,837,506  
Commitments and contingencies
                       
Shareholders’ equity
                       
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share
                       
Authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued none
                 
Common stock, par value $1 per share
                       
Authorized 2,000,000,000 shares, issued 765,174,900 shares
    765,175       765,175       765,175  
Paid-in capital
    684,091       637,154       589,380  
Retained earnings
    5,731,024       5,544,078       5,253,486  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    71,765       (4,061 )     62,143  
 
                 
 
    7,252,055       6,942,346       6,670,184  
Less cost of treasury stock, 160,126,587, 153,334,523 and 147,698,956 shares
    3,921,992       3,663,946       3,433,537  
 
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    3,330,063       3,278,400       3,236,647  
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 9,952,827     $ 9,518,931     $ 9,317,380  
 
                 
Note: The June 30, 2007 balance sheet has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except for Share and Per Share Data)
                                 
    26-Week Period Ended     13-Week Period Ended  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006     Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
 
                               
Sales
  $ 18,645,349     $ 17,240,820     $ 9,239,505     $ 8,568,748  
Cost of sales
    15,086,427       13,918,115       7,471,725       6,915,259  
 
                       
Gross margin
    3,558,922       3,322,705       1,767,780       1,653,489  
Operating expenses
    2,655,277       2,507,849       1,318,768       1,230,967  
 
                       
Operating income
    903,645       814,856       449,012       422,522  
Interest expense
    55,286       53,772       28,915       28,006  
Other income, net
    (11,375 )     (12,413 )     (8,343 )     (3,375 )
 
                       
Earnings before income taxes
    859,734       773,497       428,440       397,891  
Income taxes
    328,597       296,811       164,292       151,353  
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 531,137     $ 476,686     $ 264,148     $ 246,538  
 
                       
 
                               
Net earnings:
                               
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.87     $ 0.77     $ 0.43     $ 0.40  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.86       0.76       0.43       0.39  
 
                               
Average shares outstanding
    609,489,326       619,642,963       608,169,202       619,158,876  
 
                               
Diluted shares outstanding
    615,893,115       626,777,041       614,620,234       628,429,841  
 
                               
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.41     $ 0.36     $ 0.22     $ 0.19  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
                                 
    26-Week Period Ended     13-Week Period Ended  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006     Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
 
Net earnings
  $ 531,137     $ 476,686     $ 264,148     $ 246,538  
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    49,896       (22,689 )     8,971       (22,135 )
Amortization of cash flow hedge
    213       214       107       107  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    1,888             945        
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses (gains), net
    1,002             501        
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    47             23        
 
                       
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    53,046       (22,475 )     10,547       (22,028 )
 
                       
 
Comprehensive income
  $ 584,183     $ 454,211     $ 274,695     $ 224,510  
 
                       
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)
                 
    26-Week Period Ended  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net earnings
  $ 531,137     $ 476,686  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
               
Share-based compensation expense
    43,118       53,653  
Depreciation and amortization
    180,640       178,871  
Deferred tax provision
    301,276       271,473  
Provision for losses on receivables
    16,087       15,417  
Gain on sale of assets
    (653 )     (5,326 )
Additional investment in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:
               
(Increase) in receivables
    (136,544 )     (81,371 )
(Increase) in inventories
    (166,259 )     (113,283 )
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets
    58,939       (10,832 )
Increase in accounts payable
    1,277       10,040  
(Decrease) in accrued expenses
    (165,581 )     (24,942 )
(Decrease) in accrued income taxes
    (260,725 )     (195,621 )
(Increase) in other assets
    (8,019 )     (24,841 )
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities and prepaid pension cost, net
    9,240       (5,180 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    (3,029 )     (4,564 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    400,904       540,180  
 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Additions to plant and equipment
    (277,552 )     (314,497 )
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment
    4,711       11,555  
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (34,729 )     (44,618 )
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
    1,418       (12,679 )
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (306,152 )     (360,239 )
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Bank and commercial paper borrowings (repayments), net
    361,954       112,169  
Other debt borrowings
    3,340       3,603  
Other debt repayments
    (4,303 )     (6,197 )
Debt issuance costs
    (7 )      
Common stock reissued from treasury
    84,352       127,522  
Treasury stock purchases
    (352,832 )     (225,177 )
Dividends paid
    (232,130 )     (210,528 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
    3,029       4,564  
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (136,597 )     (194,044 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rates on cash
    2,759       (1,932 )
 
           
Net decrease in cash
    (39,086 )     (16,035 )
Cash at beginning of period
    207,872       201,897  
 
           
Cash at end of period
  $ 168,786     $ 185,862  
 
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 55,670     $ 54,092  
Income taxes
    277,455       220,406  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


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SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
  1.   Basis of Presentation
 
      Unless this Form 10-Q indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “SYSCO,” or “the company” as used in this Form 10-Q refer to Sysco Corporation together with its consolidated subsidiaries and divisions.
 
      The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the company, without audit, with the exception of the June 30, 2007 consolidated balance sheet which was taken from the audited financial statements included in the company’s Fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial statements include consolidated balance sheets, consolidated results of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated cash flows. Certain amounts in the prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2008 presentation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for all periods presented have been made.
 
      These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the company’s Fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
      A review of the financial information herein has been made by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, in accordance with established professional standards and procedures for such a review. A report from Ernst & Young LLP concerning their review is included as Exhibit 15.1 to this Form 10-Q.
 
  2.   Changes in Accounting
 
      SFAS 158
 
      As of June 30, 2007, SYSCO early adopted the measurement date provision of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). The measurement date provision requires an employer to measure a plan’s assets and benefit obligations as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year. As a result, beginning in fiscal 2008, the measurement date for SYSCO’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans corresponds with fiscal year-end rather than the May 31st measurement date previously used. The company performed measurements as of May 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007 of the plan assets and benefit obligations. SYSCO recorded a charge to beginning retained earnings on July 1, 2007 of $3,572,000, net of tax, for the impact of the difference in our pension expense between the two measurement dates. The company also recorded a benefit to beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on July 1, 2007 of $22,780,000, net of tax, for the impact of the difference in the recognition provision between the two measurement dates.
 
      FIN 48
 
      Effective July 1, 2007, SYSCO adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS 109). FIN 48 clarifies the application of SFAS 109 by defining criteria that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the


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      benefit of that position to be recognized in the financial statements. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on the measurement, derecognition, classification and disclosure of tax positions, along with accounting for the related interest and penalties. The impact of adopting this standard is discussed in Note 9, Income Taxes.
 
  3.   New Accounting Standards
 
      In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in a business combination. This statement also establishes recognition and measurement principles for the goodwill acquired in a business combination and disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The statement will be effective for SYSCO primarily for business combinations beginning in fiscal 2010. Earlier application of the standard is prohibited.
 
  4.   Restricted Cash
 
      SYSCO is required by its insurers to collateralize a part of the self-insured portion of its workers’ compensation and liability claims. SYSCO has chosen to satisfy these collateral requirements by depositing funds in insurance trusts or by issuing letters of credit.
 
      In addition, for certain acquisitions, SYSCO has placed funds into escrow to be disbursed to the sellers in the event that specified operating results are attained or contingencies are resolved. Escrowed funds in the amount of $5,000,000 related to certain acquisitions were released to sellers of acquired businesses during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008.
 
      A summary of restricted cash balances appears below:
                         
    Dec. 29, 2007     June 30, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
Funds deposited in insurance trusts
  $ 91,511,000     $ 92,929,000     $ 91,333,000  
Escrow funds related to acquisitions
    4,000,000       9,000,000       21,120,000  
 
                 
Total
  $ 95,511,000     $ 101,929,000     $ 112,453,000  
 
                 
  5.   Debt
 
      In September 2007, an agreement was signed on the revolving credit facility supporting the company’s U.S. and Canadian commercial paper programs, which increased the facility amount to $1,000,000,000. In addition, the termination date on the facility was extended from November 4, 2011 to November 4, 2012.
 
      As of December 29, 2007, SYSCO had uncommitted bank lines of credit which provided for unsecured borrowings for working capital of up to $145,000,000, of which $4,500,000 was outstanding as of December 29, 2007.
 
      As of December 29, 2007, SYSCO’s outstanding commercial paper issuances were $908,180,000 and were classified as long-term debt since the company’s commercial paper programs are supported by its long-term revolving credit facility in the amount of $1,000,000,000.


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      During the 26-week period ended December 29, 2007, the aggregate of commercial paper issuances and short-term bank borrowings ranged from approximately $532,045,000 to $1,133,241,000.
 
  6.   Employee Benefit Plans
 
      The components of net benefit cost for the 26-week periods presented are as follows:
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Plans  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006     Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
 
                               
Service cost
  $ 45,284,000     $ 42,328,000     $ 242,000     $ 226,000  
Interest cost
    50,609,000       45,656,000       285,000       266,000  
Expected return on plan assets
    (67,672,000 )     (58,372,000 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    2,992,000       2,843,000       72,000       101,000  
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)
    1,705,000       4,844,000       (78,000 )     (66,000 )
Amortization of net transition obligation
                76,000       76,000  
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 32,918,000     $ 37,299,000     $ 597,000     $ 603,000  
 
                       
      The components of net benefit cost for the 13-week periods presented are as follows:
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Plans  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006     Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
Service cost
  $ 22,642,000     $ 21,164,000     $ 121,000     $ 113,000  
Interest cost
    25,304,000       22,827,000       143,000       133,000  
Expected return on plan assets
    (33,836,000 )     (29,186,000 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    1,496,000       1,423,000       36,000       51,000  
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)
    853,000       2,422,000       (39,000 )     (33,000 )
Amortization of net transition obligation
                38,000       38,000  
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 16,459,000     $ 18,650,000     $ 299,000     $ 302,000  
 
                       
      SYSCO’s contributions to its defined benefit plans were $45,648,000 and $45,491,000 during the 26-week periods ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
      Although contributions to its qualified pension plan (Retirement Plan) are not required to meet ERISA minimum funding requirements, the company anticipates it will make voluntary contributions of approximately $80,000,000 during fiscal 2008, of which $40,000,000 have been made through December 29, 2007. The company’s contributions to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and other post-retirement plans are made in the amounts needed to fund current year benefit payments. The estimated fiscal 2008 contributions to fund benefit payments for the SERP and other post-retirement plans are $12,221,000 and $268,000, respectively.


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  7.   Earnings Per Share
 
      The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
                                 
    26-Week Period Ended     13-Week Period Ended  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006     Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
 
                               
Numerator:
                               
Net earnings
  $ 531,137,000     $ 476,686,000     $ 264,148,000     $ 246,538,000  
 
                       
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding
    609,489,326       619,642,963       608,169,202       619,158,876  
Dilutive effect of employee and director stock options
    6,403,789       7,134,078       6,451,032       9,270,965  
 
                       
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
    615,893,115       626,777,041       614,620,234       628,429,841  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.87     $ 0.77     $ 0.43     $ 0.40  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.86     $ 0.76     $ 0.43     $ 0.39  
 
                       
      The number of options that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was approximately 16,500,000 and 23,000,000 for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. The number of options that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was approximately 16,000,000 and 14,000,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
  8.   Share-Based Compensation
 
      SYSCO provides compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors under several share-based payment arrangements including the 2007 Stock Option Plan, the 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan and the 2005 Management Incentive Plan.
 
      SYSCO accounts for share-based compensation using the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)).
 
      Stock Option Plans
 
      SYSCO’s 2007 Stock Option Plan was adopted in November 2007 and reserved up to 30,000,000 shares of SYSCO common stock for share-based awards to directors, officers and other employees of the company and its subsidiaries at the fair market value (as defined in the plan) at the date of grant. Under the 2007 Stock Option Plan, grants may be made of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other types of stock-based awards. In the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008, options to purchase 6,415,800 shares were granted to employees from this plan.
 
      Options to purchase 6,504,200 shares were granted to employees in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007 from the 2004 Stock Option Plan. No further grants will be made from the 2004 Plan, which was replaced by the 2007 Stock Option Plan discussed above.


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      In the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008, 47,920 shares of restricted stock were granted to non-employee directors from the 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan. In the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007, 30,000 shares of restricted stock and options to purchase 35,000 shares were granted to non-employee directors from the 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan.
 
      The fair value of each option award is estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant-date fair value per share of options granted during the 26-week periods ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 was $6.50 and $6.85, respectively.
 
      Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan
 
      In November 2007, the SYSCO Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan was amended to reserve an additional 6,000,000 shares of SYSCO common stock for issuance under the plan.
 
      Shares of SYSCO common stock purchased by plan participants under the SYSCO Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and 2007 were 833,605 and 900,987, respectively.
 
      The weighted average fair value per share of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan was $5.14 and $4.79 during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. The fair value of the stock purchase rights was calculated as the difference between the stock price and the employee purchase price.
 
      Management Incentive Compensation
 
      A total of 588,143 shares and 323,822 shares at a fair value per share of $32.99 and $30.56, respectively, were issued pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively, for bonuses earned in the preceding fiscal years.
 
      All Share-Based Payment Arrangements
 
      The total share-based compensation cost that has been recognized in results of operations was $43,118,000 and $53,653,000 for the first 26 weeks of each of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.
 
      The total share-based compensation cost that has been recognized in results of operations was $27,925,000 and $22,172,000 for the second quarter of each of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.
 
      As of December 29, 2007, there was $91,379,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.01 years.
 
  9.   Income Taxes
 
      SYSCO is subject to income tax primarily in the United States and Canada. As discussed in Note 2, Changes in Accounting, the company adopted FIN 48 effective July 1, 2007. As a result of this adoption, the company recognized, as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, a $91,635,000 decrease related to FIN 48 in its beginning retained earnings on its July 1, 2007 balance sheet.


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      As of July 1, 2007, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $82,639,000, which represents all tax jurisdictions. The company generally does not anticipate that settlement of the liabilities will require payment of cash within the next twelve months. As of July 1, 2007, the gross amount of accrued interest liabilities was $126,795,000 related to unrecognized tax benefits. The company does not have any accrued liabilities for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent interest and penalties may be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income tax, estimated amounts required under FIN 48 have been accrued and are classified as a component of income taxes in the consolidated results of operations. This was the company’s accounting policy prior to the adoption of FIN 48, and SYSCO elected to continue this accounting policy post-adoption.
 
      If SYSCO were to recognize all unrecognized tax benefits recorded as of July 1, 2007, approximately $56,034,000 of the $82,639,000 reserve would reduce the effective tax rate. As of the date of adoption of FIN 48 and as of December 29, 2007, the company does not anticipate that any of its unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. The company does not anticipate accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits to be material for fiscal 2008.
 
      SYSCO is currently in appeals as it relates to certain adjustments from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in relation to its audit of the company’s 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns. See further discussion in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, under the caption “BSCC Cooperative Structure.” The IRS is also auditing SYSCO’s 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns; however, the company does not believe these audits will conclude in fiscal 2008. SYSCO’s tax returns in the majority of the state and local jurisdictions are no longer subject to audit for years before 2003; however, some jurisdictions have audits open prior to 2003, with the earliest dating back to 1996. Several of the company’s subsidiaries are open to examination in Canada dating back to 2003. Although the outcome of tax audits is generally uncertain, the company believes that adequate amounts of tax, including interest and penalties, have been provided for any adjustments that may result from those years.
 
      Reflected in the changes in the net deferred tax liability and prepaid/accrued income tax balances from June 30, 2007 to December 29, 2007 is the reclassification of deferred tax liabilities to accrued income taxes related to supply chain distributions. This reclassification reflects the tax payments to be made during the next twelve months related to previously deferred supply chain distributions.
 
      The effective tax rate was 38.2% for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and 38.4% for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007. Included in the effective tax rate for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 was a tax benefit of approximately $7,700,000 resulting from the recognition of a net operating loss deferred tax asset which arose due to a recently enacted state tax law and a decrease in tax provision for a foreign tax liability of approximately $1,600,000, primarily due to a reduction in future tax rates.
 
      The effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was 38.3%, an increase from the effective tax rate of 38.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was primarily due to reduced gains in the carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance policies to their cash surrender values as compared to higher gains related to these policies in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
 
      The determination of the company’s overall effective tax rate requires the use of estimates. The effective tax rate reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state, as well as Canadian federal and provincial, jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases/decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, tax credits


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      and the company’s change in earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.
 
  10.   Acquisitions
 
      During the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008, the company paid $34,729,000 for acquisitions made during fiscal 2008 and for contingent consideration related to operations acquired in previous fiscal years. In addition, escrowed funds in the amount of $5,000,000 were released to sellers of previously acquired businesses during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008.
 
      Some of the company’s acquisitions involve contingent consideration typically payable only in the event that specified operating results are attained or certain outstanding contingencies are resolved. Aggregate contingent consideration amounts outstanding as of December 29, 2007 included $72,228,000 in cash, which, if distributed, could result in the recording of additional goodwill. Such amounts are to be paid out over periods of up to four years from the date of acquisition if the contingent criteria are met.
 
  11.   Commitments and Contingencies
 
      SYSCO is engaged in various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. Management believes these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the company when ultimately concluded.
 
      Product Liability Claim
 
      In October 2007, an arbitration judgment against the company was issued related to a product liability claim from one of SYSCO’s former customers, which formalized a preliminary award by the arbitrator in July 2007. As of the year ended June 30, 2007, the company had recorded $50,296,000 on its consolidated balance sheet within accrued expenses related to the accrual of this loss and a corresponding receivable of $48,296,000 within prepaid expenses and other current assets, which represented the estimate of the loss less the $2,000,000 deductible on SYSCO’s insurance policy, as the company anticipated recovery from various parties. In December 2007, the company paid its deductible on its insurance policy and made arrangements with its insurance carrier and other parties who paid the remaining amount of the judgment in excess of the company’s deductible. The company no longer has any remaining contingent liabilities related to this claim.
 
      Multi-Employer Pension Plans
 
      SYSCO contributes to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. SYSCO does not directly manage these multi-employer plans, which are generally managed by boards of trustees, half of whom are appointed by the unions and the other half by other employers contributing to the plan. Based upon the information available from plan administrators, management believes that several of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. In addition, the Pension Protection Act, enacted in August 2006, will require underfunded pension plans to improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of their underfunding, perhaps beginning as soon as calendar 2008. As a result, SYSCO expects its contributions to these plans to increase in the future.
 
      Under current law regarding multi-employer defined benefit plans, a plan’s termination, SYSCO’s voluntary withdrawal, or the mass withdrawal of all contributing employers from any


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      underfunded multi-employer defined benefit plan would require SYSCO to make payments to the plan for SYSCO’s proportionate share of the multi-employer plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. Based on the information available from plan administrators, SYSCO estimates that its share of withdrawal liability on all the multi-employer plans it participates in could be as much as $135,000,000 based on a voluntary withdrawal. In addition, if a multi-employer defined benefit plan fails to satisfy certain minimum funding requirements, the IRS may impose a nondeductible excise tax of 5% on the amount of the accumulated funding deficiency for those employers contributing to the fund. Of the plans in which SYSCO participates, one plan is more critically underfunded than the others. During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, SYSCO obtained information that this plan failed to satisfy minimum funding requirements for certain periods and believes it is probable that additional funding will be required as well as the payment of excise tax. As a result, SYSCO recorded a liability of approximately $9,500,000 related to its share of the minimum funding requirements and related excise tax for these periods. Currently, management cannot estimate when the payment of this contribution will be required.
 
      BSCC Cooperative Structure
 
      SYSCO’s affiliate, Baugh Supply Chain Cooperative (BSCC), is a cooperative taxed under subchapter T of the United States Internal Revenue Code. SYSCO believes that the deferred tax liabilities resulting from the business operations and legal ownership of BSCC are appropriate under the tax laws. However, if the application of the tax laws to the cooperative structure of BSCC were to be successfully challenged by any federal, state or local tax authority, SYSCO could be required to accelerate the payment of all or a portion of its income tax liabilities associated with BSCC that it otherwise has deferred until future periods, and in that event, SYSCO would be liable for interest on such amounts. As of December 29, 2007, SYSCO has recorded deferred income tax liabilities of $734,468,000, net of federal benefit, related to the BSCC supply chain distributions. If the IRS and any other relevant taxing authorities determine that all amounts since the inception of BSCC were inappropriately deferred, and the determination is upheld, SYSCO estimates that in addition to making a current payment for amounts previously deferred, as discussed above, the company may be required to pay interest on the cumulative deferred balances. These interest amounts could range from $240,000,000 to $265,000,000, prior to federal and state income tax benefit, as of December 29, 2007. SYSCO calculated this amount based upon the amounts deferred since the inception of BSCC applying the applicable jurisdictions’ interest rates in effect in each period. The IRS, in connection with its audit of the company’s 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns, proposed adjustments related to the taxability of the cooperative structure. The company is vigorously protesting these adjustments. The company has reviewed the merits of the issues raised by the IRS, and, while management believes it is probable the company will prevail, the company concluded the measurement model of FIN 48 required an accrual for a portion of the interest exposure.
 
      Fuel Commitments
 
      From time to time, SYSCO may enter into forward purchase commitments for a portion of its projected diesel fuel requirements. As of December 29, 2007, no outstanding forward diesel fuel purchase commitments existed; however, as of January 26, 2008, outstanding forward diesel fuel purchase commitments total approximately $47,227,000 at a fixed price through the end of fiscal 2008. These agreements meet the definition of a derivative. However, the company elected to use the normal purchase and sale exemption available under relevant accounting literature, which allows SYSCO to account for these agreements on an accrual basis and thus they are not recorded at fair value.


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  12.   Business Segment Information
 
      The company has aggregated its operating companies into a number of segments, of which only Broadline and SYGMA are reportable segments as defined in SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” Broadline operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to both traditional and chain restaurant customers. SYGMA operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to certain chain restaurant customer locations. “Other” financial information is attributable to the company’s other operating segments, including the company’s specialty produce, custom-cut meat and lodging industry segments and a company that distributes to internationally located chain restaurants.
 
      The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those disclosed by SYSCO. Intersegment sales represent specialty produce and meat company products distributed by the Broadline and SYGMA operating companies. The segment results include allocation of centrally incurred costs for shared services that are eliminated upon consolidation. Centrally incurred costs are allocated based upon the relative level of service used by each operating company.
 
      The company does not allocate to its segments share-based compensation expense related to stock option grants, issuances of stock pursuant to the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan and stock grants to non-employee directors. The decrease in unallocated corporate expenses for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 is primarily attributable to reduced share-based compensation expense partially offset by reduced gains recorded related to the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies. The increase in unallocated corporate expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 is primarily attributable to increased share-based compensation expense and losses recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 related to the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies compared to gains recorded in fiscal 2007.

 


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    26-Week Period Ended     13-Week Period Ended  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006     Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
Sales (in thousands):
                               
Broadline
  $ 14,830,471     $ 13,554,116     $ 7,333,071     $ 6,709,294  
SYGMA
    2,233,033       2,158,171       1,098,326       1,086,094  
Other
    1,817,386       1,761,616       929,825       892,801  
Intersegment sales
    (235,541 )     (233,083 )     (121,717 )     (119,441 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 18,645,349     $ 17,240,820     $ 9,239,505     $ 8,568,748  
 
                       
                                 
    26-Week Period Ended     13-Week Period Ended  
    Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006     Dec. 29, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
Earnings before income taxes (in thousands):
                               
Broadline
  $ 896,906     $ 819,997     $ 456,866     $ 408,891  
SYGMA
    4,528       5,781       1,742       4,334  
Other
    64,340       61,808       34,064       33,343  
 
                       
Total segments
    965,774       887,586       492,672       446,568  
Unallocated corporate expenses
    (106,040 )     (114,089 )     (64,232 )     (48,677 )
 
                       
Total
  $ 859,734     $ 773,497     $ 428,440     $ 397,891  
 
                       
                         
    Dec. 29, 2007     June 30, 2007     Dec. 30, 2006  
Assets (in thousands):
                       
Broadline
  $ 5,906,764     $ 5,573,079     $ 5,448,037  
SYGMA
    409,156       385,470       377,048  
Other
    1,016,770       929,573       906,145  
 
                 
Total segments
    7,332,690       6,888,122       6,731,320  
Corporate
    2,620,137       2,630,809       2,586,150  
 
                 
Total
  $ 9,952,827     $ 9,518,931     $ 9,317,380  
 
                 


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13.   Supplemental Guarantor Information
 
    SYSCO International, Co. is an unlimited liability company organized under the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada and is a wholly owned subsidiary of SYSCO. In May 2002, SYSCO International, Co. issued, in a private offering, $200,000,000 of 6.10% notes due in 2012. These notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by SYSCO.
 
    The following condensed consolidating financial statements present separately the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the parent guarantor (SYSCO), the subsidiary issuer (SYSCO International) and all other non-guarantor subsidiaries of SYSCO (Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries) on a combined basis and eliminating entries.
                                         
    Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  
    December 29, 2007  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor             Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
Current assets
  $ 161,933     $     $ 4,722,547     $     $ 4,884,480  
Investment in subsidiaries
    13,408,552       388,751       102,030       (13,899,333 )      
Plant and equipment, net
    205,278             2,635,951             2,841,229  
Other assets
    698,086       1,463       1,527,569             2,227,118  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 14,473,849     $ 390,214     $ 8,988,097     $ (13,899,333 )   $ 9,952,827  
 
                             
 
                                       
Current liabilities
  $ 321,830     $ 932     $ 2,945,921     $     $ 3,268,683  
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    8,574,425       98,257       (8,672,682 )            
Long-term debt
    1,877,939       213,997       43,611             2,135,547  
Other liabilities
    552,989             665,545             1,218,534  
Shareholders’ equity
    3,146,666       77,028       14,005,702       (13,899,333 )     3,330,063  
 
                             
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 14,473,849     $ 390,214     $ 8,988,097     $ (13,899,333 )   $ 9,952,827  
 
                             
                                         
    Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  
    June 30, 2007  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor             Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
Current assets
  $ 244,441     $     $ 4,431,105     $     $ 4,675,546  
Investment in subsidiaries
    12,675,360       349,367       126,364       (13,151,091 )      
Plant and equipment, net
    170,288             2,550,945             2,721,233  
Other assets
    654,287             1,467,865             2,122,152  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 13,744,376     $ 349,367     $ 8,576,279     $ (13,151,091 )   $ 9,518,931  
 
                             
 
                                       
Current liabilities
  $ 371,149     $ 1,034     $ 3,042,906     $     $ 3,415,089  
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    8,251,239       44,757       (8,295,996 )            
Long-term debt
    1,471,428       243,786       43,013             1,758,227  
Other liabilities
    505,660             561,555             1,067,215  
Shareholders’ equity
    3,144,900       59,790       13,224,801       (13,151,091 )     3,278,400  
 
                             
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 13,744,376     $ 349,367     $ 8,576,279     $ (13,151,091 )   $ 9,518,931  
 
                             


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    Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  
    December 30, 2006  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor             Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
Current assets
  $ 179,844     $ 12     $ 4,344,883     $     $ 4,524,739  
Investment in subsidiaries
    11,939,935       317,203       150,730       (12,407,868 )      
Plant and equipment, net
    187,257             2,406,617             2,593,874  
Other assets
    752,294             1,446,473             2,198,767  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 13,059,330     $ 317,215     $ 8,348,703     $ (12,407,868 )   $ 9,317,380  
 
                             
 
                                       
Current liabilities
  $ 408,181     $ 1,018     $ 2,834,028     $     $ 3,243,227  
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    7,486,181       16,994       (7,503,175 )            
Long-term debt
    1,482,019       233,094       40,869             1,755,982  
Other liabilities
    532,062             549,462             1,081,524  
Shareholders’ equity
    3,150,887       66,109       12,427,519       (12,407,868 )     3,236,647  
 
                             
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 13,059,330     $ 317,215     $ 8,348,703     $ (12,407,868 )   $ 9,317,380  
 
                             
                                         
    Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations  
    For the 26-Week Period Ended December 29, 2007  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor             Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
Sales
  $     $     $ 18,645,349     $     $ 18,645,349  
Cost of sales
                15,086,427             15,086,427  
 
                             
Gross margin
                3,558,922             3,558,922  
Operating expenses
    97,959       74       2,557,244             2,655,277  
 
                             
Operating income
    (97,959 )     (74 )     1,001,678             903,645  
Interest expense (income)
    224,082       5,958       (174,754 )           55,286  
Other income, net
    (5,433 )           (5,942 )           (11,375 )
 
                             
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    (316,608 )     (6,032 )     1,182,374             859,734  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (121,010 )     (2,305 )     451,912             328,597  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    726,735       14,865             (741,600 )      
 
                             
Net earnings
  $ 531,137     $ 11,138     $ 730,462     $ (741,600 )   $ 531,137  
 
                             
                                         
    Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations  
    For the 26-Week Period Ended December 30, 2006  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor             Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
Sales
  $     $     $ 17,240,820     $     $ 17,240,820  
Cost of sales
                13,918,115             13,918,115  
 
                             
Gross margin
                3,322,705             3,322,705  
Operating expenses
    101,121       63       2,406,665             2,507,849  
 
                             
Operating income
    (101,121 )     (63 )     916,040             814,856  
Interest expense (income)
    199,724       6,040       (151,992 )           53,772  
Other income, net
    (7,168 )           (5,245 )           (12,413 )
 
                             
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    (293,677 )     (6,103 )     1,073,277             773,497  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (118,746 )     (2,377 )     417,934             296,811  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    651,617       11,792             (663,409 )      
 
                             
Net earnings
  $ 476,686     $ 8,066     $ 655,343     $ (663,409 )   $ 476,686  
 
                             


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    Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations  
    For the 13-Week Period Ended December 29, 2007  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor             Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
Sales
  $     $     $ 9,239,505     $     $ 9,239,505  
Cost of sales
                7,471,725             7,471,725  
 
                             
Gross margin
                1,767,780             1,767,780  
Operating expenses
    62,467       41       1,256,260             1,318,768  
 
                             
Operating income
    (62,467 )     (41 )     511,520             449,012  
Interest expense (income)
    113,473       3,207       (87,765 )           28,915  
Other income, net
    (4,610 )           (3,733 )           (8,343 )
 
                             
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    (171,330 )     (3,248 )     603,018             428,440  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (65,641 )     (1,244 )     231,177             164,292  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    369,837       8,522             (378,359 )      
 
                             
Net earnings
  $ 264,148     $ 6,518     $ 371,841     $ (378,359 )   $ 264,148  
 
                             
                                         
    Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations  
    For the 13-Week Period Ended December 30, 2006  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor             Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     Totals  
    (In thousands)  
Sales
  $     $     $ 8,568,748     $     $ 8,568,748  
Cost of sales
                6,915,259             6,915,259  
 
                             
Gross margin
                1,653,489             1,653,489  
Operating expenses
    39,652       31       1,191,284             1,230,967  
 
                             
Operating income
    (39,652 )     (31 )     462,205             422,522  
Interest expense (income)
    101,446       3,316       (76,756 )           28,006  
Other income, net
    (739 )           (2,636 )           (3,375 )
 
                             
Earnings (losses) before income taxes
    (140,359 )     (3,347 )     541,597             397,891  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (58,611 )     (1,306 )     211,270             151,353  
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    328,286       6,116             (334,402 )      
 
                             
Net earnings
  $ 246,538     $ 4,075     $ 330,327     $ (334,402 )   $ 246,538  
 
                             
                                 
    Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows  
    26-Week Period Ended December 29, 2007  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor     Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Totals  
            (In thousands)          
Net cash provided by (used for):
                               
Operating activities
  $ (105,286 )   $ 9,574     $ 496,616     $ 400,904  
Investing activities
    (52,093 )           (254,059 )     (306,152 )
Financing activities
    (107,836 )     (29,790 )     1,029       (136,597 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash
                2,759       2,759  
Intercompany activity
    245,888       20,216       (266,104 )      
 
                       
Net decrease in cash
    (19,327 )           (19,759 )     (39,086 )
Cash at the beginning of the period
    135,877             71,995       207,872  
 
                       
Cash at the end of the period
  $ 116,550     $     $ 52,236     $ 168,786  
 
                       
                                 
    Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows  
    26-Week Period Ended December 30, 2006  
            SYSCO     Other Non-Guarantor     Consolidated  
    SYSCO     International     Subsidiaries     Totals  
            (In thousands)          
Net cash provided by (used for):
                               
Operating activities
  $ (44,879 )   $ (3,707 )   $ 588,766     $ 540,180  
Investing activities
    (42,050 )           (318,189 )     (360,239 )
Financing activities
    (199,243 )     8,847       (3,648 )     (194,044 )
Effect of exchange rate on cash
                (1,932 )     (1,932 )
Intercompany activity
    274,448       (5,140 )     (269,308 )      
 
                       
Net decrease in cash
    (11,724 )           (4,311 )     (16,035 )
Cash at the beginning of the period
    131,275             70,622       201,897  
 
                       
Cash at the end of the period
  $ 119,551     $     $ 66,311     $ 185,862  
 
                       


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2007, and the fiscal year then ended, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, as well as our financial statements included within Item 1 in this Form 10-Q.
Highlights
First 26 Weeks
Fiscal 2008 continues to be a challenging operating environment, with high food cost inflation prevailing for the third consecutive quarter. Sales increased 8.1% in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 over the comparable prior-year period. Operating income increased 10.9% over the comparable prior-year period, increasing to 4.9% of sales. Net earnings and diluted earnings per share increased 11.4% and 13.2%, respectively, in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 over the comparable prior-year period. Estimated product cost increases of 5.9% and the corresponding increases in sales contributed to a 0.2 percentage point decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales and a 0.3 percentage point decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of sales from the corresponding period last year. The significant items which impacted comparability were reduced gains on corporate-owned life insurance policies, provisions related to multi-employer pension funds and share-based compensation expense. The effects on operating income of the reductions in these items largely offset each other in the 26-week period.
     Second Quarter
Sales increased 7.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over the comparable prior-year period. Operating income increased 6.3% over the comparable prior-year period, decreasing to 4.8% of sales. Net earnings and diluted earnings per share increased 7.1% and 10.3%, respectively, in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over the comparable prior-year period. Estimated product cost increases of 5.9% and the corresponding increases in sales contributed to a 0.2 percentage point decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales and a 0.1 percentage point decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of sales from the corresponding period last year. Operating expenses were negatively impacted by losses on the adjustment of the carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance policies to their cash surrender values and an increase in share-based compensation expense.
Overview
SYSCO distributes food and related products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers. Our operations are located throughout the United States and Canada and include broadline companies, specialty produce companies, custom-cut meat operations, hotel supply operations, SYGMA (our chain restaurant distribution subsidiary) and a company that distributes to internationally located chain restaurants.
We estimate that we serve about 15% of an approximately $225 billion annual market that includes the foodservice market and the hotel amenity, furniture and textile market both in the United States and Canada. According to industry sources, the foodservice, or food-prepared-away-from-home, market represents approximately one-half of the total dollars spent on food purchases made at the consumer level in the United States and Canada. This share grew from about 37% in 1972 to about 50% in 1998 and has not changed materially


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since that time.
General economic conditions and consumer confidence can affect the frequency of purchases and amounts spent by consumers for food-prepared-away-from-home and, in turn, can impact our sales. Historically, we have grown at a faster rate than the overall industry and have grown our market share in this fragmented industry. We intend to continue our efforts to expand our market share and grow earnings by focusing on sales growth, brand management, productivity gains, sales force effectiveness and supply chain management.
     Strategic Business Initiatives
Our strategic business initiatives are designed to help us grow by leveraging our market leadership position to continuously improve how our associates buy, handle and market products for our customers. The following areas, which are described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, generally comprise the initiatives that will serve as the foundation of our efforts to ensure a sustainable future:
    Sourcing and National Supply Chain
 
    Integrated Delivery
 
    Demand
 
    Organizational Capabilities
A major component of our National Supply Chain project entails the use of redistribution centers (RDCs). Construction of our second RDC site in Alachua, Florida, which will service our five broadline operating companies in Florida, is in progress and this facility is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.
As a part of our on going strategic analysis, we regularly evaluate business opportunities, including potential acquisitions and sales of assets and businesses, and our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources may be materially impacted by these transactions.
Accounting Changes
As of June 30, 2007, we early adopted the measurement date provision of FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). The measurement date provision requires an employer to measure a plan’s assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position. As a result, beginning in fiscal 2008, the measurement date for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans corresponds with our fiscal year-end rather than the May 31st measurement date previously used. We have performed measurements as of May 31, 2007 and June 30, 2007 of our plan assets and benefit obligations. We recorded a charge to beginning retained earnings on July 1, 2007 of $3,572,000, net of tax, for the impact of the cumulative difference in our pension expense between the two measurement dates. We also recorded a benefit to beginning accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on July 1, 2007 of $22,780,000, net of tax, for the impact of the difference in our balance sheet recognition provision between the two measurement dates.


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As of July 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS 109). FIN 48 clarifies the application of SFAS 109 by defining criteria that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position to be recognized in the financial statements. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on the measurement, derecognition, classification and disclosure of tax positions, along with accounting for the related interest and penalties. As a result of this adoption, we recognized, as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, a $91,635,000 decrease in our beginning retained earnings on our July 1, 2007 balance sheet.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the components of our results of operations expressed as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:
                                 
    26-Week Period Ended   13-Week Period Ended
    Dec. 29, 2007   Dec. 30, 2006   Dec. 29, 2007   Dec. 30, 2006
 
                               
Sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    80.9       80.7       80.9       80.7  
 
                               
Gross margin
    19.1       19.3       19.1       19.3  
Operating expenses
    14.2       14.5       14.3       14.4  
 
                               
Operating income
    4.9       4.8       4.8       4.9  
Interest expense
    0.3       0.3       0.3       0.3  
Other income, net
    (0.0 )     (0.0 )     (0.1 )     (0.0 )
 
                               
Earnings before income taxes
    4.6       4.5       4.6       4.6  
Income taxes
    1.7       1.7       1.7       1.7  
 
                               
Net earnings
    2.9 %     2.8 %     2.9 %     2.9 %
 
                               


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The following table sets forth the change in the components of our results of operations expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the comparable period in the prior year:
                 
    26-Week Period   13-Week Period
 
               
Sales
    8.1 %     7.8 %
Cost of sales
    8.4       8.0  
 
               
Gross margin
    7.1       6.9  
Operating expenses
    5.9       7.1  
 
               
Operating income
    10.9       6.3  
Interest expense
    2.8       3.2  
Other income, net
    (8.4 )     *  
 
               
Earnings before income taxes
    11.1       7.7  
Income taxes
    10.7       8.5  
 
               
Net earnings
    11.4 %     7.1 %
 
               
Basic earnings per share
    13.0 %     7.5 %
Diluted earnings per share
    13.2       10.3  
 
               
Average shares outstanding
    (1.6 )     (1.8 )
Diluted shares outstanding
    (1.7 )     (2.2 )
 
*   Other income, net was $8,343,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and $3,375,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
Sales
Sales were 8.1% greater in the first 26 weeks and 7.8% greater in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 than the comparable periods of the prior year. Inflation was a significant contributor to sales growth. Estimated product cost increases, an internal measure of inflation, were 5.9% during both the first 26 weeks and the second quarter of fiscal 2008, as compared to 2.5% during the first 26 weeks and 2.6% during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Non-comparable acquisitions contributed 0.1% to the overall sales growth rate for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008. Non-comparable acquisitions were not a material contributing factor to sales growth for the second quarter of fiscal 2008.
Our continued focus on sales growth through the use of business reviews and business development activities, continued investment in customer contact personnel and the efforts of our marketing associates and sales support personnel also contributed to our sales growth.
Operating Income
Operating income increased 10.9% in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and 6.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over the comparable periods of the prior year. We were able to continue to manage the current inflationary environment for both the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and the second quarter of fiscal 2008, resulting in gross margin dollars increasing 7.1% and 6.9% in those periods, respectively. Operating expenses increased 5.9% for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and 7.1% for the second quarter of fiscal 2008.
The high rate of product cost increases and the accompanying increases in sales in the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2008 impacts the comparison of gross margins and operating expenses as a percentage of sales between the periods. As sales prices increased,


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gross margin dollars were earned and operating expense dollars were incurred on a higher sales dollar base. In addition, operating expense dollars increased at a lower rate than sales growth aided by inflation and improvements in operating efficiencies.
We cannot predict if the high rate of product cost inflation will continue in future periods; however, in general, we believe prolonged periods of high inflation, such as the current rate, may have a negative impact on our customers and, as a result, on our sales, gross margins and earnings.
Operating expenses were reduced by the recognition of a gain of $5,023,000 in the first 26 weeks, and increased by a loss of $2,070,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, to adjust the carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance policies to their cash surrender values. This compared to the recognition of a gain of $11,247,000 in the first 26 weeks and $9,852,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
Share-based compensation cost in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 was $10,535,000 less than the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007. Share-based compensation cost in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $5,753,000 greater than the second quarter of fiscal 2007, primarily as a result of moving the annual grant date for stock options from the first quarter to the second quarter of the fiscal year.
We record a greater amount of share-based compensation expense in the quarter that options are granted. Certain individuals receiving option grants have reached the age and years of service thresholds which will result in their options continuing to vest upon retirement. The compensation expense related to each of these option grants is fully expensed at the grant date rather than over the vesting period. In fiscal 2007, stock option grants were made in the first quarter. In fiscal 2008, stock option grants were made in the second quarter. This timing difference resulted in lower share-based compensation expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and, conversely, higher share-based compensation expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Share-based compensation expense is expected to be approximately $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 lower in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, due primarily to the completion of expense recognition in fiscal 2007 of a significant number of options granted in fiscal 2003.
In addition, we recorded a provision of $9,410,000 in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 related to additional amounts that we expect to be required to contribute to an underfunded multi-employer pension fund. We recorded a provision of $4,700,000 in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007 related to our withdrawal from a multi-employer pension fund. See additional discussion of multi-employer pension plans at “Liquidity and Capital Resources, Other Considerations.”
We had fixed price forward diesel purchase contracts in place for approximately 60% of our fuel purchase requirements for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008. These agreements expired at the end of December 2007 and were generally at favorable prices as compared to market prices. These agreements helped us manage the impact of rising market fuel prices during the first half of fiscal 2008. New contracts were entered into for a 35% to 40% of our fuel purchase needs for the second half of fiscal 2008. These new contracts are at fixed prices greater than the same period last fiscal year. We estimate that fuel costs will be greater in the second half of fiscal 2008 over the prior year by $30,000,000 to $40,000,000. Our estimate is based upon both current market prices for diesel and the cost committed to in our forward fuel purchase agreements currently in place. While we have certain fuel surcharge


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agreements with some customers, we may not be able to recover a significant portion of these increased costs.
Net Earnings
Net earnings increased 11.4% in the first 26 weeks and 7.1% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over the comparable periods of the prior year. The increases were due primarily to the factors discussed above.
In addition, other income decreased $1,038,000 in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 from the comparable prior year period, and increased $4,968,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over the second quarter of fiscal 2007. In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we recorded a gain of approximately $5,800,000 on the sale of land. In the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded a gain of approximately $3,700,000 on the sale of a small interest in a company that supported supplier relationships.
The effective tax rate was 38.2% for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and 38.4% for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007. Included in the effective tax rate for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 was a tax benefit of approximately $7,700,000 resulting from the recognition of a net operating loss deferred tax asset which arose due to a recently enacted state tax law and a decrease in tax provision for a foreign tax liability of approximately $1,600,000, primarily due to a reduction in future tax rates.
The effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was 38.3%, an increase from the effective tax rate of 38.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was primarily due to reduced gains to adjust the carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance policies to their cash surrender values as compared to higher gains related to these policies in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
      Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share increased 13.0% and 7.5% in the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2008, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. Diluted earnings per share increased 13.2% and 10.3% in the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2008, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. These increases were due primarily to the factors discussed above, as well as a net reduction in shares outstanding. The net reduction in average shares outstanding and diluted shares outstanding was primarily due to share repurchases.


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     Segment Results
The following table sets forth the change in the selected financial data of each of our reportable segments expressed as a percentage increase over the comparable period in the prior year and should be read in conjunction with Note 12, Business Segment Information:
                                 
    26-Week Period   13-Week Period
            Earnings before           Earnings before
    Sales   taxes   Sales   taxes
Broadline
    9.4 %     9.4 %     9.3 %     11.7 %
SYGMA
    3.5       *       1.1       * *
Other
    3.2       4.1       4.1       2.2  
 
*   SYGMA had earnings before taxes of $4,528,000 in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and $5,781,000 in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007.
 
**   SYGMA had earnings before taxes of $1,742,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and $4,334,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
The following tables set forth sales and earnings before income taxes of each of our reportable segments expressed as a percentage of the respective consolidated total and should be read in conjunction with Note 12, Business Segment Information:
                                 
    26-Week Period Ended
    Dec. 29, 2007   Dec. 30, 2006
            Earnings before           Earnings before
    Sales   taxes   Sales   taxes
Broadline
    79.5 %     104.3 %     78.6 %     106.0 %
SYGMA
    12.0       0.5       12.5       0.8  
Other
    9.7       7.5       10.2       8.0  
Intersegment sales
    (1.2 )           (1.3 )      
Unallocated corporate expenses
          (12.3 )           (14.8 )
 
                               
 
                               
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
                               
                                 
    13-Week Period Ended
    Dec. 29, 2007   Dec. 30, 2006
            Earnings before           Earnings before
    Sales   taxes   Sales   taxes
Broadline
    79.3 %     106.6 %     78.3 %     102.7 %
SYGMA
    11.9       0.4       12.7       1.1  
Other
    10.1       8.0       10.4       8.4  
Intersegment sales
    (1.3 )           (1.4 )      
Unallocated corporate expenses
          (15.0 )           (12.2 )
 
                               
 
                               
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
                               


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We do not allocate share-based compensation expense related to stock option grants, issuances of stock pursuant to the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan and restricted stock grants to non-employee directors. The decrease in unallocated corporate expenses for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 is primarily attributable to reduced share-based compensation expense partially offset by reduced gains recorded related to the cash surrender values of corporate-owned life insurance policies. The increase in unallocated corporate expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 is primarily attributable to increased share-based compensation expense and losses recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 related to the cash surrender values of corporate-owned life insurance policies compared to gains recorded in fiscal 2007.
      Broadline Segment
Sales were 9.4% greater in the first 26 weeks and 9.3% greater in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 than the comparable periods of the prior year. Inflation was a significant contributor to sales growth. Our continued focus on sales growth through the use of business reviews and business development activities, continued investment in customer contact personnel and the efforts of our marketing associates and sales support personnel also contributed to our sales growth. Non-comparable acquisitions did not have a material impact on the overall sales growth rate for the first 26 weeks or second quarter of fiscal 2008.
Marketing associate-served sales as a percentage of Broadline sales were 49.5% and 48.1% for the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2008, respectively, as compared to 49.9% and 48.7% for the comparable prior-year periods. The change in customer mix is primarily due to the addition of significant business with a contract customer.
The increases in earnings before income taxes in the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2008 were primarily due to increases in sales, gross margin dollar increases and effective expense management.
     SYGMA Segment
Sales were 3.5% greater in the first 26 weeks and 1.1% greater in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 than the comparable periods of the prior year. Non-comparable acquisitions contributed 0.7% to the overall sales growth rate for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008. Non-comparable acquisitions did not have a material impact on the overall sales growth rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Sales growth was primarily due to sales to new customers and sales growth in SYGMA’s existing customer base related to new locations added by those customers. Sales growth was partially offset by lost sales and transferring certain customers to Broadline operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
The decreases in earnings before income taxes in the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2008 were due to several factors. Some of SYGMA’s customers have experienced a slowdown in their business. This has resulted in lower cases per delivery and therefore reduced gross margin dollars per stop. In addition, SYGMA has experienced increased costs of labor; specifically, driver compensation, fuel costs, higher depreciation expense resulting from facility expansions and increased auto liability costs.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We may apply cash provided by operating activities, as supplemented by commercial paper issuances and bank borrowings, towards investments in facilities, fleet and other equipment; cash dividends; acquisitions consistent with our overall growth strategy; and our share repurchase program. As a part of our on going strategic analysis, we regularly evaluate business opportunities, including potential acquisitions and sales of assets and businesses, and our liquidity, borrowing capacity and capital availability may be materially impacted by these transactions.
We believe that our cash flows from operations, the availability of additional capital under our existing commercial paper programs and bank lines of credit and our ability to access capital from financial markets in the future, including issuances of debt securities under a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements over at least the next twelve months, while maintaining sufficient liquidity for normal operating purposes.
Operating Activities
We generated $400,904,000 in cash flow from operations in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008, as compared to $540,180,000 in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007. Cash flow from operations in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 was negatively impacted by increases in accounts receivable balances and inventory balances and a decrease in accrued expenses.
The increases in accounts receivable balances in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 were primarily due to changes in customer mix as sales to multi-unit customers represented a larger percentage of total SYSCO sales at the end of the first 26 weeks as compared to the end of the prior fiscal year. Payment terms for multi-unit customers are traditionally longer than the overall SYSCO average. To a lesser extent, sales with other customers with longer-than-average payment terms were greater in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 as compared to the end of fiscal 2007.
Inventory balances increased primarily due to product cost increases, changes in product mix and increases in on hand inventory due to current and anticipated sales volume. Historically, we have experienced elevated inventory levels during the holiday period which occurs at end of the second quarter. Sales in the last weeks of the quarter are at lower volumes due to the holiday period, which can build inventory levels. As well, purchasing levels are typically increased at the end of the quarter in anticipation of increased sales volumes from the re-opening of schools after the holiday period. Product mix also impacted the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008, as products held in inventory for a longer duration were a greater portion of our inventory at the end of the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 as compared to the end of fiscal year 2007.
Accounts payable balances are impacted by many factors, including changes in product mix, cash discount terms and changes in payment terms with vendors due to the use of more efficient electronic payment methods.
Cash flow from operations was negatively impacted by a decrease in accrued expenses of $165,581,000 for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and a decrease of $24,942,000 for the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007. These decreases were primarily due to the payment of prior-year annual incentive bonuses partially offset by accruals for current year incentives and to the payment of 401(k) matching contributions in the first quarter of each fiscal year.


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Also affecting the decrease in accrued expenses and the decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 was the reversal of an accrual for a product liability claim of $50,296,000 and the corresponding receivable of $48,296,000 recorded in fiscal 2007, as our insurance carrier and other parties paid the full amount of the judgment in excess of our deductible. See further discussion of the product liability claim under Other Considerations.
Other long-term liabilities and prepaid pension cost, net, increased $9,240,000 during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 and decreased $5,180,000 during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007. The increase in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 was primarily attributable to an increase in deferred compensation from incentive compensation deferrals of prior-year annual incentive bonuses. This increase was partially offset by the recording of net pension costs and the timing of pension contributions to our company-sponsored plans. In the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008, we recorded net pension costs of $32,918,000 and contributed $45,648,000 to our pension plans. The decrease in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007 was related to the recording of net pension costs and the timing of pension contributions to our company-sponsored plans. In the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007, we recorded net pension costs of $37,299,000 and contributed $45,491,000 to our pension plans.
Financing Activities
During the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008, we repurchased a total of 10,723,700 shares of our common stock at a cost of $352,832,000, as compared to 6,638,700 shares at a cost of $225,177,000 for the comparable period in fiscal 2007. An additional 2,371,200 shares at a cost of $69,891,000 have been purchased through January 26, 2008, resulting in a remaining authorization by our Board of Directors to repurchase up to 10,012,800 shares, based on the trades made through that date.
Dividends paid in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2008 were $232,130,000, or $0.38 per share, as compared to $210,528,000, or $0.34 per share, in the comparable period of fiscal 2007. In November 2007, we declared our regular quarterly dividend for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, increasing it to $0.22 per share, which was paid in January 2008.
As of December 29, 2007, we had uncommitted bank lines of credit, which provide for unsecured borrowings for working capital of up to $145,000,000, of which $4,500,000 was outstanding at December 29, 2007. Such borrowings were $23,800,000 as of January 26, 2008.
As of December 29, 2007, our outstanding commercial paper issuances were $908,180,000. Such borrowings were $977,194,000 as of January 26, 2008. During the 26-week period ended December 29, 2007, the aggregate of commercial paper and short-term bank borrowings ranged from approximately $532,045,000 to $1,133,241,000.
In January 2008, the SEC granted our request to terminate our then existing shelf registration statement that was filed with the SEC in April 2005 for the issuance of debt securities. We intend to file a new well-known seasoned issuer shelf registration statement for the issuance of up to $1,000,000,000 in debt securities with the SEC in February 2008.
In September 2007, an agreement was signed on the revolving credit facility supporting our U.S. and Canadian commercial paper programs, which increased the facility amount to $1,000,000,000. In addition, the termination date on the facility was extended from November 4, 2011 to November 4, 2012 in accordance with the terms of the agreement.


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Our long-term debt to capitalization ratio was 39.1% at December 29, 2007. For purposes of calculating this ratio, long-term debt includes both the current maturities and long-term portions.
Other Considerations
Product Liability
In October 2007, an arbitration judgment was issued against us related to a product liability claim from one of our former customers. This judgment formalized a preliminary award by the arbitrator in July 2007. As of the year ended June 30, 2007, we had recorded $50,296,000 on our consolidated balance sheet within accrued expenses related to the accrual of this loss and a corresponding receivable of $48,296,000 within prepaid expenses and other current assets, which represented the estimate of the loss less the $2,000,000 deductible on SYSCO’s insurance policy as we anticipated recovery from various parties. In December 2007, we paid our deductible on our insurance policy and made arrangements with our insurance carrier and other parties who paid the remaining amount of the judgment in excess of our deductible. We no longer have any remaining contingent liabilities related to this claim.
Multi-Employer Pension Plans
As discussed in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, we contribute to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees.
Under current law regarding multi-employer defined benefit plans, a plan’s termination, our voluntary withdrawal or the mass withdrawal of all contributing employers from any underfunded multi-employer defined benefit plan would require us to make payments to the plan for our proportionate share of the multi-employer plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. Based on the information available from plan administrators, we estimate that our share of withdrawal liability on all the multi-employer plans we participate in, some of which appear to be underfunded, could be as much as $135,000,000 based on a voluntary withdrawal.
Required contributions to multi-employer plans could increase in the future as these plans strive to improve their funding levels. In addition, the Pension Protection Act, enacted in August 2006, will require underfunded pension plans to improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of their underfunding, perhaps beginning as soon as calendar 2008. Unforeseen requirements to pay such increased contributions, withdrawal liability and excise taxes could cause us to raise additional capital through debt financing or the issuance of equity or we may be required to cancel planned capital expenditures or share repurchases or a combination of these items. Of the plans in which SYSCO participates, one plan is more critically underfunded than the others. During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we obtained information that this plan failed to satisfy minimum funding requirements for certain periods and believe it is probable that additional funding will be required as well as the payment of excise tax. As a result, we recorded a liability of approximately $9,500,000 related to our share of the minimum funding requirements and related excise tax for these periods. Currently, we cannot estimate when the payment of this contribution will be required.


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BSCC Cooperative Structure
Our affiliate, BSCC, is a cooperative taxed under subchapter T of the United States Internal Revenue Code. We believe that the deferred tax liabilities resulting from the business operations and legal ownership of BSCC are appropriate under the tax laws. However, if the application of the tax laws to the cooperative structure of BSCC were to be successfully challenged by any federal, state or local tax authority, we could be required to accelerate the payment of all or a portion of our income tax liabilities associated with BSCC that we otherwise have deferred until future periods, and in that event, we would be liable for interest on such amounts. As of December 29, 2007, SYSCO has recorded deferred income tax liabilities of $734,468,000, net of federal benefit, related to the BSCC supply chain distributions. If the IRS and any other relevant taxing authorities determine that all amounts since the inception of BSCC were inappropriately deferred, and the determination is upheld, we estimate that in addition to making a current payment for amounts previously deferred, as discussed above, we may be required to pay interest on the cumulative deferred balances. These interest amounts could range from $240,000,000 to $265,000,000, prior to federal and state income tax benefit, as of December 29, 2007. SYSCO calculated this amount based upon the amounts deferred since the inception of BSCC applying the applicable jurisdictions’ interest rates in effect in each period. The IRS, in connection with its audit of our 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns, proposed adjustments related to the taxability of the cooperative structure. We are vigorously protesting these adjustments. We have reviewed the merits of the issues raised by the IRS, and while management believes it is probable we will prevail, we concluded the measurement model of FIN 48 required us to provide an accrual for a portion of the interest exposure. We do not expect that this matter will be resolved until after the end of the current fiscal year. If a taxing authority requires us to accelerate the payment of these deferred tax liabilities and to pay related interest, if any, we would be required to raise additional capital through debt financing or the issuance of equity or we may have to forego or defer planned capital expenditures or share repurchases or a combination of these items.
Contractual Obligations
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 contains a table that summarizes our obligations and commitments to make contractual future payments as of June 30, 2007. Since June 30, 2007, there have been two material changes to our contractual obligations table. First, the product liability claim has been paid by our insurance company and other various parties as described within Other Considerations. Second, we have added our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest due to our adoption of FIN 48 on July 1, 2007. As of December 29, 2007, we had a liability of $63,340,000 for unrecognized tax benefits for all tax jurisdictions and $133,036,000 for related interest that could result in cash payment. We do not anticipate that any of our unrecognized tax benefits and related interest will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. In addition, we do not anticipate that settlement of the liabilities will require payment of cash within the next 12 months. For further discussion of the impact of adopting FIN 48, see Note 9, Income Taxes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations. These policies require our most subjective or complex judgments, often employing the use of estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. SYSCO’s most critical accounting policies and estimates include those that pertain to the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, self-insurance programs,


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pension plans, income taxes, vendor consideration, accounting for business combinations and share-based compensation, which are described in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007.
New Accounting Standards
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in a business combination. This statement also establishes recognition and measurement principles for the goodwill acquired in a business combination and disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The statement will be effective for SYSCO primarily for business combinations beginning in fiscal 2010. Earlier application of the standard is prohibited.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made herein are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include statements regarding: expense trends; the impact of ongoing legal proceedings; the timing of the National Supply Chain project and regional distribution centers; the ability to increase sales and market share and grow earnings; continued competitive advantages and positive results from strategic business initiatives; the potential for future success; anticipated pension plan liabilities and contributions of various pension plans; the outcome of ongoing tax audits; the continuing impact of economic conditions on sales growth; growth strategies; and our ability to meet our cash requirements while maintaining sufficient liquidity. These statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on management’s current expectations and estimates; actual results may differ materially. Those risks and uncertainties that could impact these statements include the risks discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, including risks relating to: the foodservice distribution industry’s relatively low profit margins and sensitivity to general economic conditions, including inflation, the current economic environment, increased fuel costs and consumer spending; SYSCO’s leverage and debt risks; the successful completion of acquisitions and integration of acquired companies, as well as the risk that acquisitions could require additional debt or equity financing and negatively impact our stock price or operating results; the effects of competition on us and our customers; the ultimate outcome of litigation; potential impact of product liability claims; the risk of interruption of supplies due to lack of long-term contracts, severe weather, work stoppages or otherwise; labor issues; construction schedules; management’s allocation of capital and the timing of capital purchases; risks relating to the successful completion and operation of the national supply chain project including the Northeast Redistribution Center; the risk that the IRS or other taxing authorities will disagree with our tax positions and seek to impose interest or penalties; the risk that other sponsors of our multi-employer pension plans will withdraw or become insolvent; that the IRS may impose an excise tax on the unfunded portion of our multi-employer pension plans; or that the Pension Protection Act could require that we make additional pension contributions; and internal factors such as the ability to increase efficiencies, control expenses and successfully execute growth strategies. The expected impact of option expensing is based on certain assumptions regarding the number and fair value of options granted, resulting tax benefits and shares outstanding. The actual impact of option expensing could vary significantly to the extent actual results vary significantly from assumptions.


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In addition, share repurchases could be affected by market prices for the company’s securities as well as management’s decision to utilize our capital for other purposes. Interest paid is impacted by capital and borrowing needs and changes in interest rates. The effect of market risks could be impacted by future borrowing levels and economic factors such as interest rates.
For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the risk factors discussion contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
    We do not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes. Our use of debt directly exposes us to interest rate risk. Floating rate debt, for which the interest rate fluctuates periodically, exposes us to short-term changes in market interest rates. Fixed rate debt, for which the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument, exposes us to changes in market interest rates reflected in the fair value of the debt and to the risk we may need to refinance maturing debt with new debt at higher rates.
 
    We manage our debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates and may employ interest rate swaps as a tool to achieve that goal. The major risks from interest rate derivatives include changes in interest rates affecting the fair value of such instruments, potential increases in interest expense due to market increases in floating interest rates and the creditworthiness of the counterparties in such transactions.
 
    At December 29, 2007, we had outstanding $908,180,000 of commercial paper issuances at variable rates of interest with maturities through March 17, 2008. Excluding commercial paper issuances, our long-term debt obligations at December 29, 2007 were $1,230,423,000, of which approximately 95% were at fixed rates of interest.
 
    In order to partially manage the volatility and uncertainty of fuel costs, from time to time we may enter into forward purchase commitments for a portion of our projected diesel fuel requirements. As of December 29, 2007, there were no outstanding forward diesel fuel purchase commitments; however, as of January 26, 2008, outstanding forward diesel fuel purchase commitments total approximately $47,227,000, which will lock in the price on 35% to 40% of our fuel purchases through the end of fiscal 2008. These new contracts are at fixed prices greater than the same period last fiscal year. We estimate that fuel costs will be greater in the second half of fiscal year 2008 over the prior year by $30,000,000 to $40,000,000. Our estimate is based upon both current market prices for diesel and the cost committed to in our forward purchase commitments.
Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
    SYSCO’s management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 29, 2007. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that


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    it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 29, 2007, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, SYSCO’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
 
    No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 29, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
 
    We are engaged in various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. These proceedings, in the opinion of management, will not have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial statements of SYSCO when ultimately concluded.
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
    The information set forth in this report should be read in conjunction with the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007, which could materially impact our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known by the company or that are currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
    We made the following share repurchases during the second quarter of fiscal 2008:
                                 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
                    (c) Total Number of   (d) Maximum Number
                    Shares Purchased as   of Shares that May
    (a) Total Number of           Part of Publicly   Yet Be Purchased
    Shares Purchased   (b) Average Price   Announced Plans or   Under the Plans or
Period   (1)   Paid per Share   Programs   Programs
 
 
                               
Month #1 Sept. 30 — Oct. 27
    1,527,420     $ 34.40       1,500,000       15,825,000  
Month #2 Oct. 28 — Nov. 24
    796,552       33.64       750,000       15,075,000  
Month #3 Nov. 25 — Dec. 29
    2,714,954       32.15       2,691,000       12,384,000  
Total
    5,038,926       33.07       4,941,000       12,384,000  
 
(1)   The total number of shares purchased includes 27,420, 46,552 and 23,954 shares tendered by individuals in connection with stock option exercises in Month #1, Month #2 and Month #3, respectively. All other shares were purchased pursuant to the publicly announced programs described below.
 
    On July 18, 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of 20,000,000 shares. Pursuant to this repurchase program, shares may be acquired in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors.
 
    In July 2004, our Board of Directors authorized us to enter into agreements from time to time to extend our ongoing repurchase program to include repurchases during company announced “blackout periods” of such securities in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
 
    On September 17, 2007 we entered into a stock purchase plan with Shields & Company to


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    purchase up to 3,400,000 shares of SYSCO common stock pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act and pursuant to SYSCO’s previously announced share repurchase program. A total of 2,775,000 shares were purchased between September 17, 2007 and November 6, 2007, including during company “blackout periods.” By its terms, the agreement terminated on November 6, 2007.
 
    On December 17, 2007 we entered into a stock purchase plan with BNY Convergex Execution Solutions to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of SYSCO common stock pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act and pursuant to SYSCO’s previously announced share repurchase program. A total of 3,000,000 shares were purchased between December 17, 2007 and January 24, 2008, including during company “blackout periods.” By its terms, the agreement terminated on January 29, 2008.
 
    As of January 26, 2008, there were 10,012,800 shares remaining available for repurchase under the publicly announced repurchase program.
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
    None
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
    We held our 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on November 9, 2007. Three directors, John M. Cassaday, Manual A. Fernandez and Jackie M. Ward, were elected for a three-year term. Directors whose terms continued after the meeting included Judith B. Craven, Jonathan Golden, Joseph A. Hafner, Jr., Richard G. Merrill, Nancy S. Newcomb, Richard J. Schnieders, Phyllis S. Sewell and Richard S. Tilghman.
 
    Other matters voted on included:
    Approval of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan
 
    Approval of the Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation 1974 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan and
 
    Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as SYSCO’s independent accountants for fiscal 2008.


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The final voting results were as follows:
                                 
Matter   Number of Votes Cast   Broker
Voted Upon   For   Against/Withheld   Abstain   Non-Votes
 
 
                               
Election of Directors
                               
Class III:
                               
John M. Cassaday
    486,105,497       30,472,641       921,213       n/a  
Manuel A. Fernandez
    489,746,514       26,435,209       1,317,627       n/a  
Jackie M. Ward
    489,790,899       33,509,083       1,199,368       n/a  
 
                               
Approval of 2007 Stock Incentive Plan
    360,638,346       39,301,669       22,398,646       95,160,690  
 
                               
Approval of Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation 1974 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan
    387,871,969       12,060,766       22,405,929       95,160,687  
 
                               
Ratification of Independent Accountants
    490,880,619       4,984,046       21,634,685       0  
Item 5.   Other Information
 
    None
Item 6.   Exhibits
  3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  3.2   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2000 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  3.3   Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2003 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  3.4   Form of Amended Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  3.5   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sysco Corporation dated May 11, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to Form 8-K filed on May 15, 2007 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  4.1   Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1995, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on June 6, 1995 (File No. 33-60023).


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  4.2   Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 25, 1997, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  4.3   Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 27, 1998 between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 1998 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  4.4   Seventh Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated March 5, 2004 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly First Union National Bank of North Carolina), as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 2004 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  4.5   Eighth Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated September 22, 2005 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2005 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  4.6   Indenture dated May 23, 2002 between Sysco International, Co., Sysco Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 21, 2002 (File No. 333-98489).
 
  4.7#    Letter from Sysco Corporation regarding appointment of new Trustee under the Senior Debt Indenture.
 
  10.1#    Amended and Restated 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan.
 
  10.2#    First Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Board of Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.
 
  10.3#    Fourth Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
 
  10.4#    Amended and Restated 2004 Cash Performance Unit Plan (formerly known as the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Cash Plan and the 2004 Mid-Term Incentive Plan).
 
  10.5   2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Sysco Corporation Proxy Statement filed on September 26, 2007 (File No. 1-6544).
 
  10.6#    Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement issued to executive officers under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
  15.1#    Report from Ernst & Young LLP dated February 4, 2008, re: unaudited financial statements.


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  15.2#    Acknowledgment letter from Ernst & Young LLP.
 
  31.1#    CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  31.2#    CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  32.1#    CEO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
  32.2#    CFO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
#   Filed herewith.


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SIGNATURES
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.
         
  SYSCO CORPORATION
(Registrant)
 
 
  By   /s/ RICHARD J. SCHNIEDERS    
    Richard J. Schnieders   
    Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President 
 
 
Date: February 4, 2008
         
     
  By   /s/ WILLIAM J. DELANEY    
    William J. DeLaney   
    Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
Date: February 4, 2008
         
     
  By   /s/ G. MITCHELL ELMER    
    G. Mitchell Elmer   
    Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer 
 
 
Date: February 4, 2008


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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
NO.   DESCRIPTION
3.1
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
3.2
  Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2000 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
3.3
  Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2003 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
3.4
  Form of Amended Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
3.5
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sysco Corporation dated May 11, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to Form 8-K filed on May 15, 2007 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
4.1
  Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1995, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on June 6, 1995 (File No. 33-60023).
 
   
4.2
  Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 25, 1997, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
4.3
  Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 27, 1998 between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 1998 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
4.4
  Seventh Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated March 5, 2004 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly First Union National Bank of North Carolina), as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 2004 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
4.5
  Eighth Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated September 22, 2005 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2005 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
4.6
  Indenture dated May 23, 2002 between Sysco International, Co., Sysco Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 21, 2002


Table of Contents

     
NO.   DESCRIPTION
    (File No. 333-98489).
 
   
4.7#
  Letter from Sysco Corporation regarding appointment of new Trustee under the Senior Debt Indenture.
 
   
10.1#
  Amended and Restated 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan.
 
   
10.2#
  First Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Board of Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.
 
   
10.3#
  Fourth Amended and Restated Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
 
   
10.4#
  Amended and Restated 2004 Cash Performance Unit Plan (formerly known as the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Cash Plan and the 2004 Mid-Term Incentive Plan).
 
   
10.5
  2007 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Sysco Corporation Proxy Statement filed on September 26, 2007 (File No. 1-6544).
 
   
10.6#
  Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement issued to executive officers under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
   
15.1#
  Report from Ernst & Young LLP dated February 4, 2008, re: unaudited financial statements.
 
   
15.2#
  Acknowledgment letter from Ernst & Young LLP.
 
   
31.1#
  CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2#
  CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1#
  CEO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2#
  CFO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
#   Filed herewith.