Investors interested in Business Services stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Has Aramark (ARMK) been one of those stocks this year? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Business Services peers, we might be able to answer that question.Aramark is a member of our Business Services group, which includes 260 different companies and currently sits at #2 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different ...

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher," contrasting with traditional strategies of "buying low and selling high" [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Characteristics - Momentum investing can be risky as stocks may lose momentum when their valuations exceed future growth potential, leading to potential losses for investors [2] - A safer approach may involve investing in bargain stocks that are experiencing recent price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify such opportunities [3] Group 2: Aramark (ARMK) Analysis - Aramark (ARMK) has shown a price increase of 7.4% over the past four weeks, indicating growing investor interest [4] - Over the past 12 weeks, ARMK's stock has gained 29.9%, demonstrating its ability to deliver positive returns over a longer timeframe [5] - ARMK has a beta of 1.28, suggesting it moves 28% more than the market in either direction, indicating fast-paced momentum [5] - The stock has a Momentum Score of A, suggesting it is an opportune time to invest [6] - ARMK has received a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which typically attract more investor interest [7] - The stock is trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.63, indicating it is relatively undervalued, as investors pay only 63 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 3: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides ARMK, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, presenting additional investment opportunities [8] - The Zacks Premium Screens offer over 45 different strategies tailored to help investors find winning stock picks [9]

Market Overview - The global convenience services market was valued at USD 28.20 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 42.20 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.95% [1][21]. Competitive Landscape - The market is characterized by intense competition and moderate fragmentation, driven by established service aggregators, innovative digital platforms, and agile hyperlocal startups [2][3]. - Leading players like Canteen Vending Services, Aramark Refreshment Services, and 365 Retail Markets are leveraging advanced technologies such as AI for customer behavior analysis and optimizing logistics [3][4]. Consumer Trends - There is a significant shift towards contactless payment options, with 85% of North American consumers preferring these methods at convenience service points in 2024 [6][7]. - Major brands like Starbucks and McDonald's have reported substantial increases in contactless payment usage, enhancing transaction efficiency and customer convenience [8][9]. Food Service Enhancements - Convenience retailers are enhancing food service offerings to meet evolving consumer expectations for quality, variety, and customization [11][16]. - Examples include 7-Eleven's app feature for customizable sandwich orders, leading to a 10-15% increase in transaction values [12]. Geographical Insights - North America dominates the convenience services market, driven by high consumer demand for innovative solutions and widespread adoption of contactless payments [17]. - APAC's rapid urbanization and Europe's commitment to sustainability are also significant growth drivers in their respective regions [18][20]. Future Outlook - Success in the convenience services market will depend on technological innovation, logistics optimization, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences [5][10].

Core Insights - Venu Holding Corporation (VENU) has formed a strategic partnership with Aramark Sports + Entertainment to enhance its operations and redefine the live entertainment experience [1][2] - The partnership includes Aramark becoming the exclusive provider of food, beverage, retail, and facility operations for VENU's flagship Ford Amphitheater and upcoming venues in Texas and Oklahoma, supported by a $10.125 million equity investment from Aramark [2][3] Company Strategy - VENU aims to open over 20 venues in the next 48-60 months, necessitating a logistics-savvy operator like Aramark to efficiently manage large-scale operations [4][7] - The partnership is designed to create a modern guest experience through app-connected systems, mobile ordering, AI-powered menu optimization, and real-time guest analytics [4][6] Guest Experience Focus - Both VENU and Aramark share a commitment to enhancing the guest experience, with VENU's upscale, fan-centric venues aligning with Aramark's expertise in delivering high-impact experiences across various entertainment venues [3][4] - Aramark's ability to integrate local flavors and regional partnerships into its operations will further enhance VENU's appeal and brand loyalty [7]

Core Insights - Venu Holding Corporation has formed a strategic partnership with Aramark Sports + Entertainment to enhance the live entertainment experience through improved hospitality and facility operations [1][2][3] Company Overview - Venu Holding Corporation operates premium live music venues and is focused on expanding its national footprint [1][6] - The company employs a capital-light growth strategy, utilizing a 40/40/20 capital model to finance its expansion without relying on dilutive equity [6] Partnership Details - Aramark will manage food & beverage concessions, retail, and facility operations at Venu's flagship amphitheaters, which includes an equity investment in Venu [2][3] - The partnership aims to elevate fan experiences and operational efficiency, aligning both companies around a long-term vision [2][3] Expansion Plans - Venu plans to expand to 16 operating venues and over 79,000 seats by the end of 2026, transitioning from a regional developer to a national player in high-performance entertainment infrastructure [7] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Venu reported $38.7 million in fractional suite sales and a 19% increase in total assets, indicating the scalability of its business model [6]

Aramark (ARMK) 2025 Conference June 05, 2025 11:25 AM ET Speaker0 All right. Cool. All right. Hi, everyone. Welcome to the next session of Baird's Global Consumer Technology and Services Conference. We're really happy to have everyone join us. I'm Andy Wittmann. I cover the facility services stocks here at Baird. And really happy to be joined again this year by Aramark. Jim Tarantulo is up on stage with me. He's the company's CFO. We have about a half an hour to go through the company, the story. I'm going ...

Revenue and Income - Revenue for the three months ended March 28, 2025, was $4,279,298, an increase of 1.9% compared to $4,199,913 for the same period in 2024[16] - Net income attributable to Aramark stockholders for the six months ended March 28, 2025, was $167,473, compared to $81,985 for the same period in 2024, representing a significant increase[16] - Earnings per share attributable to Aramark stockholders for the three months ended March 28, 2025, was $0.23, compared to $0.20 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a growth of 15%[16] - For the three months ended March 28, 2025, net income was $61,973,000, compared to $53,002,000 for the same period in 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 16.7%[41] - Comprehensive income for the six months ended March 28, 2025, was $133,780,000, significantly higher than $48,094,000 for the same period in 2024[41] Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets increased to $3,839,766 as of March 28, 2025, from $3,406,562 as of September 27, 2024, reflecting a growth of 12.7%[14] - Total liabilities decreased to $10,469,290 as of March 28, 2025, from $9,635,397 as of September 27, 2024, indicating a reduction of 8.5%[14] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $920,455 as of March 28, 2025, compared to $672,483 as of September 27, 2024, marking a rise of 36.8%[14] - The balance of retained earnings increased to $315,470,000 as of December 27, 2024, from $239,709,000 on September 27, 2024[24] Cash Flow and Financing Activities - The company reported a net cash used in operating activities of $331,204 for the six months ended March 28, 2025, compared to $435,797 for the same period in 2024, showing an improvement[21] - Cash flows from financing activities resulted in a net cash provided of $1,066,564 for the six months ended March 28, 2025, compared to a net cash used of $833,012 for the same period in 2024, demonstrating a positive shift[21] - Cash used in operating activities decreased by $104.6 million during the six month period of fiscal 2025 compared to the prior year, driven by higher net income and lower payments made to clients[150] - Cash flows used in investing activities increased by $192.6 million during the six month period of fiscal 2025, primarily due to higher acquisitions of certain businesses ($155.1 million)[152] Stockholder Equity and Dividends - Total stockholders' equity increased to $3,081,884,000 as of December 27, 2024, up from $3,038,974,000 on September 27, 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 1.4%[24] - The company declared dividends of $0.105 per share, totaling $29,858,000 for the quarter ending December 27, 2024[24] - The company declared a dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on May 28, 2025, to stockholders of record on May 14, 2025[99] Segment Performance - The company operates in two reportable segments: Food and Support Services United States and Food and Support Services International, with a significant market presence in the United States and 15 additional countries[31] - FSS United States segment revenue was $3,056.4 million for the three months ended March 28, 2025, compared to $3,043.4 million for the same period in 2024, reflecting a growth of 0.4%[108] - FSS International segment revenue increased to $1,222.9 million for the three months ended March 28, 2025, up from $1,156.5 million in the same period of 2024, representing a growth of 5.7%[108] Debt and Interest Management - As of March 28, 2025, total long-term borrowings net amounted to $6,109.1 million, an increase from $4,307.2 million as of September 27, 2024, representing a 42% increase[65] - The company issued €400.0 million of 4.375% Senior Notes due April 2033 on March 19, 2025, using proceeds to repay €325.0 million of 3.125% Senior Notes due April 2025[67] - The new U.S. Term B-8 Loans due 2030 amount to $1,395.0 million, which were used to repay $839.3 million of Term B-4 Loans due January 2027 and redeem $551.5 million of 5.000% Senior Notes due April 2025[73] - Interest expense for the three months ended March 28, 2025, was $89.7 million, slightly up from $86.3 million in the same period of 2024[109] Market and Economic Conditions - The company anticipates continued volatility in foreign currencies and inflationary costs due to recent developments in tariffs and global trade[121] - The company reported a foreign currency translation adjustment loss of $26,982,000 for the six months ended March 28, 2025, compared to a loss of $5,246,000 for the same period in 2024[41] Corporate Governance and Compliance - Certifications from the CEO and CFO were filed in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act[31.1][31.2] - The financial documents are filed with the SEC, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance[32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aramark's organic revenue grew to $4.3 billion, representing a 3% increase year-over-year, with record AOI profitability for any second quarter in global FSS history and over 20% adjusted EPS growth on a constant currency basis [10][21][24] - Operating income was $174 million, up 9.5% compared to the prior year, with adjusted operating income of $205 million, reflecting an 11% increase on a constant currency basis [21][22] - The adjusted EPS was $0.34, an increase of 22% versus the prior year on a constant currency basis [24] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., organic revenue increased to $3.1 billion, approximately 1% growth, affected by factors such as facility exits and calendar shifts [11][22] - The International segment reported organic revenue of $1.3 billion, a 10% year-over-year increase, with growth driven by countries like the UK, Spain, Chile, and Canada [13][14] - The U.S. segment experienced AOI growth of 5% with a margin improvement of 30 basis points, while the International segment had AOI growth of 26% and more than 60 basis points of margin improvement [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong client retention rate above 98%, which is atypical for this point in the fiscal calendar [7][32] - New client wins totaled $760 million year-to-date, with expectations of achieving net new growth of 4% to 5% in fiscal 2025 [9][27] - The company noted a monthly acceleration of revenue growth, with April showing a 6% increase [8][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Aramark is focused on capitalizing on growth opportunities through a resilient business model, strong supply chain, and a hospitality culture aimed at exceptional service [9][19] - The company is actively managing fluctuations in the marketplace and expects to be well-positioned regardless of macroeconomic conditions [9][19] - The strategy includes leveraging AI for operational efficiencies and enhancing supply chain capabilities [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial objectives for fiscal 2025 and beyond, citing positive trends and strong retention rates [7][27] - The company is monitoring macroeconomic trends, including tariffs, and believes its business model is insulated from volatility [18][27] - Management anticipates revenue growth to accelerate in the third quarter, driven by higher base business volume and new business expansion [27][28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 4 million shares, totaling about $140 million since the initiation of the program [20] - Aramark's leverage is expected to remain around three times by the end of the fiscal year, with over $1.6 billion in cash availability [20][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential for net new growth above 5% - Management indicated that they expect to be north of the multi-year growth range of 5% to 8% in the fourth quarter, driven by strong retention and new business [32][33] Question: Impact of inflation on Avendra - Management noted that Avendra is effectively managing supply chain disruptions and can pass through inflationary cost increases to clients [34][35] Question: Acceleration in operating metrics for the second half - Management highlighted strong performance in higher education and corrections, with visibility into growth rates due to secured new business [42][45] Question: Retention rates and seasonality - Management confirmed that the current retention rate of 98% is above the typical range and attributed it to proactive customer retention efforts [76][77] Question: Healthcare industry challenges - Management acknowledged ongoing cost management challenges in healthcare but emphasized their strong partnerships and ability to provide cost-effective services [84][100] Question: New business signings and market conditions - Management reported a robust pipeline and consistent selling process, with no significant delays in new business signings due to market uncertainty [103][106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aramark's organic revenue grew to $4.3 billion, representing a 3% increase, despite challenges such as facility exits and weather-related closures [8][20] - Operating income was $174 million, up 9.5% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income increasing to $205 million, reflecting an 11% rise on a constant currency basis [20][21] - Adjusted EPS was $0.34, a 22% increase compared to the prior year on a constant currency basis [23] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., organic revenue increased to $3.1 billion, approximately 1% growth, impacted by factors like facility exits [9][21] - The International segment reported organic revenue of $1.3 billion, a 10% year-over-year increase, with strong performance across multiple countries [12][13] - The U.S. segment's AOI growth was 5%, with margin improvement driven by supply chain efficiencies [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Client retention rate exceeded 98%, a level not typically seen at this point in the fiscal calendar [6][26] - New client wins totaled $760 million year-to-date, with expectations for net new business growth of 4% to 5% in fiscal 2025 [7][26] - The company experienced a monthly acceleration of revenue growth, reaching 6% in April [6][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Aramark is focused on leveraging its resilient business model to navigate market fluctuations and uncertainties [7][18] - The company aims to capitalize on growth opportunities in various sectors, including education, sports, and healthcare [12][18] - Continued investment in technology and supply chain optimization is a priority to enhance operational efficiency and client service [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving financial objectives for fiscal 2025, citing strong retention rates and a robust sales pipeline [6][26] - The company is monitoring macroeconomic trends, including tariffs, and believes its business model is well insulated from volatility [16][26] - Expectations for revenue growth to accelerate in the second half of the fiscal year, driven by new business and increased base business volume [26] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 4 million shares, totaling about $140 million, as part of its capital allocation strategy [19][24] - Aramark's leverage is expected to remain around three times by the end of the fiscal year, with enhanced financial flexibility achieved through debt maturity extensions [19][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential for net new business growth above 5% - Management indicated that they expect to exceed the multi-year growth range of 5% to 8% in the fourth quarter, driven by strong retention and new business [30][32] Question: Impact of inflation on Avendra and consumer behavior - Management confirmed that Avendra is effectively managing supply chain disruptions and can pass through inflationary costs, with no significant change in consumer behavior noted [34][36] Question: Expectations for pricing and margin expansion - Management expects pricing to align with inflation, with opportunities for incremental margin expansion driven by supply chain efficiencies and operational improvements [110]

Q2 Fiscal 2025 Highlights - Revenue increased by 2%[8] - Organic Revenue increased by 3%[8] - Operating Income increased by 9%[8] - Adjusted Operating Income (AOI) increased by 11%[8] - GAAP EPS increased by 15%[10] - Adjusted EPS increased by 22%[10] Revenue Growth Across Segments - Aramark's organic revenue growth was 3%[13] - FSS United States organic revenue growth was 1%[15] - FSS International organic revenue growth was 10%[17] Fiscal 2025 Outlook - The company anticipates organic revenue growth between 75% and 95%[35] - Adjusted Operating Income is expected to grow between 15% and 18%[35] - Adjusted EPS is projected to increase between 23% and 28%[35] - The target leverage ratio is approximately 30x by the end of the fiscal year[30, 35]