Aramark(ARMK) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]