1998 10-K ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 10-K [X] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended October 2, 1998 or [ ] 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: 1-8827 ARAMARK CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 23-2319139 (State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) ARAMARK Tower 1101 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 (Address of principal executive offices) Telephone Number: 215-238-3000 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates: $851 million Common stock outstanding at October 30, 1998 Class A Common stock 2,524,993 shares Class B Common stock 62,725,606 shares Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1999 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report. ================================================================================ As used herein, references to the "Company" shall mean ARAMARK Corporation and its subsidiaries (including ARAMARK Services, Inc.) unless the context otherwise requires. References to "ARAMARK" shall mean ARAMARK Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires. PART I Item 1. Business Description of Business Segments The Company is engaged in providing or managing services, including food and support services, uniform and career apparel and educational resources. ARAMARK was organized in 1959 in Delaware. The Company was formed in September 1984 by the management of ARAMARK and acquired ARAMARK in December 1984 through a merger. The Company provides most of its services in the United States. The Company also conducts operations, primarily the management of food services, in Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom. Financial information by business segment and geographic area appears in note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. The businesses of the Company have been grouped into the segments described below. Food and Support Services The Company provides food, refreshment, specialized dietary and support services (including facility maintenance and housekeeping) to businesses, and to educational, governmental and healthcare institutions. Food, lodging and merchandise services are also provided at sports and entertainment facilities such as convention centers, stadiums, parks, arenas, race tracks and other recreational facilities. Food, refreshment, specialized dietary and support services are operated at customer locations generally under contracts of indefinite duration which may be subject to termination by either party. However, food and related services at sports and entertainment facilities generally are for fixed contract terms well in excess of one year. The Company's food and support services are performed under various financial arrangements including management-fee and profit-and-loss based agreements. At most customer food service locations, the equipment and facilities used in providing these services are owned by the customer. Vending machines and related equipment, however, are generally owned by the Company. At most sports and entertainment facilities, the equipment is owned by the Company. There is a high level of competition in the food and support services business from local, regional, national and international companies as well as from businesses and institutions which operate their own services. This competition takes a number of different forms, including pricing, maintaining high food and service standards, and innovative approaches to marketing with a strong emphasis on securing and retaining customer accounts. The Company believes that it is a significant provider of food and support services in the United States, Belgium, Canada, Germany and Spain, but that its volume of such business is small in relation to the total market. See note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for information relating to the seasonal aspects of this business segment. Uniform and Career Apparel The Company rents, sells, cleans, maintains and delivers personalized uniform and career apparel and other textile items for customers throughout the United States on a contract basis. Also provided are walk-off mats, cleaning cloths, disposable towels, and other environmental control items. The Company operates one of the largest direct marketers of personalized work clothing, uniforms and related accessories, primarily in the United States. The Company also operates one of the largest direct marketers of public safety equipment and public employee uniforms in the United States, and is a leading provider of uniform apparel to the hospitality and healthcare markets. Service contracts for the rental and laundering of work apparel and other textile items are for well in excess of one year and typically for an initial term of three to five years. Generally, the direct marketing business is conducted under an invoice arrangement with customers. The uniform rental services and sales business is highly competitive in the areas in which the Company operates, with numerous competitors in each major operating area. Although no one uniform rental services company is predominant in this industry, the Company believes that it is a significant competitor. Competition in the direct marketing of work clothing, career apparel, public safety equipment and related items is from numerous retailers and other direct marketers at local, regional and national levels. In this market, while the Company is a significant competitor, the Company's volume of sales is small in relation to the total market. The significant competitive factors in the uniform and career apparel business are the quality of services provided to customers and the prices charged for such services. Educational Resources The Company provides infant, toddler, pre-school, and school-age learning programs. The Company operates community-based child care centers, before and after school programs on the premises of elementary schools, private elementary schools, and employer on-site child care centers. These services are provided to, and are primarily paid for on a weekly or monthly basis directly by individual families under short-term agreements. The Company leases a significant number of its facilities under long-term arrangements. 2 The Company believes it is a significant provider of educational and child care services in the United States. Competition in all phases of this business segment is from both national and local providers of educational services as well as from private and public institutions which provide for their own educational services. Significant competitive factors in the Company's educational services business are the quality of care, reputation, physical appearance of facilities, the types of programs offered to the users of these services and the prices charged for such services. Distributive Services Effective in July 1998, the Company formed a joint venture for its distributive business with another leading magazine and book wholesaler. The Company contributed substantially all of its distribution segment's assets and liabilities to the venture in exchange for a minority interest in the venture. See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. General The Company employs approximately 150,000 persons, both full and part time, including approximately 40,000 employees outside the United States. Approximately 25,500 employees in the United States are represented by various labor unions. The Company believes it recognizes benefits from its corporate name recognition. Nonetheless, consistent with its businesses, the Company does not have any material trademarks or patents, and its research and development expenditures are not material in amount. Although the Company pursues strategies to increase the number and scope of the services it provides to existing customers, no single customer of the Company accounts for more than 5% of its revenues. While the Company focuses its purchasing on selected suppliers and vendors to realize pricing, quality and service benefits, generally, all materials and services that the Company purchases are available from more than one supplier, and the loss of any supplier would not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations. The Company's businesses are subject to various governmental environmental regulations, and the Company has adopted policies designed to comply with such regulations. Such compliance has not had a material impact on the Company's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. 3 Item 2. Properties The principal property and equipment of the Company are its service equipment and fixtures (including vehicles) and real estate. The service equipment and fixtures include vending, commissary, warehouse and janitorial and maintenance equipment used primarily by the Food and Support Services Group and laundry equipment used by the Uniform and Career Apparel Group. The vehicles include automobiles and delivery trucks used in the Food and Support Services and Uniform and Career Apparel Groups. The service equipment and fixtures represent 59% of the net book value of all fixed assets as of October 2, 1998. The Company's real estate is comprised of educational and child care facilities, of which a significant number are held under long-term operating leases. The Company also maintains other real estate and leasehold improvements which it uses in the Uniform and Career Apparel and Food and Support Services Groups. Additional information concerning property and equipment (including leases and noncancelable lease commitments) is included in notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements. No individual parcel of real estate owned or leased is of material significance to the Company's total assets. See note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for information concerning the identifiable assets of the Company's business segments. Item 3. Legal Proceedings The Company and its subsidiaries are not parties to any lawsuits (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business) which are material to the Company's business or financial condition. See note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information concerning legal proceedings. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Not Applicable. 4 Item 4A. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant Directors: Name Principal Occupation - ---- -------------------- Joseph Neubauer...................................... Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ARAMARK Corporation James E. Ksansnak.................................... Vice Chairman, ARAMARK Corporation Patricia C. Barron................................... Executive-in-Residence and Senior Fellow, Leonard N. Stern School of Business New York University Robert J. Callander.................................. Executive-in-Residence, Columbia University Retired Vice Chairman, Chemical Banking Corporation Ronald R. Davenport.................................. Chairman, Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation Lee F. Driscoll, Jr.................................. Corporate Director Mitchell S. Fromstein................................ Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Manpower Inc. Edward G. Jordan..................................... Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Consolidated Rail Corporation Thomas H. Kean....................................... President, Drew University Former Governor of New Jersey Reynold C. MacDonald................................. Retired Chairman, Acme Metals Incorporated James E. Preston..................................... Chairman, Avon Products, Inc. Officers: Officer Name (Age as of November 1, 1998) Office Held Since - ---------------------------------- ------------ ----- Joseph Neubauer (57)................................. Chairman and Director................................ 1979 James E. Ksansnak (58)............................... Vice Chairman and Director........................... 1986 William Leonard (50)................................. President............................................ 1992 Charles E. Kiernan (53).............................. Executive Vice President............................. 1998 Brian G. Mulvaney (42)............................... Executive Vice President............................. 1993 Martin W. Spector (60)............................... Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary........................ 1976 L. Frederick Sutherland (46)......................... Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.............................. 1983 Barbara A. Austell (45).............................. Senior Vice President and Treasurer........................................ 1996 Alan J. Griffith (44)................................ Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer............................. 1994 Dean E. Hill (47).................................... Vice President....................................... 1993 John P. Kallelis (60)................................ Vice President....................................... 1982 Michael R. Murphy (41)................................ Director of Audit and Controls....................... 1995 Donald S. Morton (50)................................ Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel............................ 1985 Richard M. Thon (43)................................. Assistant Treasurer.................................. 1994 5 Except as set forth below, the principal occupation of each executive officer throughout the past five years has been the performance of the functions of the corporate offices shown above. Mr. Ksansnak was elected vice chairman of the Company in May 1997. From February 1991 to May 1997 he was executive vice president of the Company and chief financial officer from May 1986 to May 1997. Mr. Leonard has been president and chief operating officer of the Company since May 1997. He was executive vice president of the Company from May 1992 until May 1997. Mr. Kiernan was elected executive vice president of the Company in October 1998. Prior to that time he was president, Duracell North America and then in 1994, president and chief operating officer, Duracell International, Inc. Mr. Mulvaney was elected executive vice president of the Company in August 1996. He was senior vice president of the Company from February 1995 to August 1996 and vice president from February 1993 to February 1995. Mr. Sutherland became chief financial officer of the Company in May 1997. He was elected executive vice president in May 1993. Ms. Austell was elected senior vice president and treasurer of the Company in August 1996. Prior to joining the Company in July 1996, she was a managing director of J. P. Morgan & Co. Mr. Griffith was elected vice president of the Company in February 1995. In December 1993 he became controller and chief accounting officer. Mr. Murphy became director of audit and controls in September 1995. He joined the Company as senior audit manager in January 1993. Prior to that time he was a senior audit manager with Arthur Andersen LLP. Mr. Thon was elected assistant treasurer of the Company in August 1994. Previously he held various treasury analyst positions since joining the Company in 1987. 6 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters There are currently approximately 2,200 record holders of Class B common stock of the Company, all of whom are employees or directors of the Company (or members of their families or trusts created by them). There are currently 170 record holders of the Class A common stock of the Company, all of whom are institutional investors, Company benefit plans or individuals not employed by the Company. The Company has not paid a cash dividend during the last two fiscal years. From time to time, the Board of Directors may consider paying cash dividends in the future, based upon the Company's circumstances at that time. There is no established public trading market for the common stock of the Company. However, employees of the Company are able to sell shares of common stock through various programs maintained by the Company. See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the Company's shareholders' agreement. 7 Item 6. Selected Financial Data The following table presents summary consolidated financial data for the Company. The following data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition, each included elsewhere herein. ARAMARK Corporation and Subsidiaries --------------------------------------------------------------- Fiscal Year Ended on or near September 30 --------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997(1) 1996 1995 1994 -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- (in millions, except per share amounts and ratios) Income Statement Data: Revenues..................................................... $6,377.3 $6,310.4 $6,122.5 $5,600.6 $5,161.6 Earnings before depreciation and amortization, interest, and income taxes.................. 528.9 523.6 478.0 433.9 415.7 Earnings before interest and income taxes (2)...................................... 333.1 331.8 295.2 277.0 272.0 Interest expense, net........................................ 117.3 116.0 116.0 109.4 108.5 Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes (3).......................................... 133.7 146.1 112.2 100.2 95.0 Net income................................................... 129.2 146.1 109.5 93.5 86.1 Earnings per share: (4) Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes: (3) Basic................................................ $1.17 $1.16 $.84 $.71 $.67 Diluted.............................................. 1.10 1.10 .79 .67 .63 Net Income: Basic................................................ 1.14 1.16 .82 .66 .61 Diluted.............................................. 1.06 1.10 .77 .63 .57 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (5)....................... 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x 2.1x 2.1x Balance Sheet Data (at period end): Total assets................................................. $2,741.3 $2,753.6 $2,844.8 $2,643.3 $2,122.0 Long-term borrowings: (6) Senior.................................................... 1,678.3 1,084.9 1,160.8 1,109.4 691.5 Subordinated.............................................. 26.7 129.0 161.2 165.4 290.4 Common stock subject to potential repurchase (7)............................................ 20.0 23.3 18.6 19.1 20.8 Shareholders' equity (deficit) (8)........................... (78.9) 370.0 296.2 252.3 182.6 - ------------------- (1) Fiscal 1997 is a fifty-three week period. See note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. (2) See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. (3) See note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. (4) Fiscal 1994 through 1997 earnings per share amounts have been restated to reflect the 3 for 1 stock split effective September 1, 1998 and the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share" which was effective beginning in fiscal 1998. See Notes 1 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements. (5) For the purpose of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings include pre-tax income plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest). Fixed charges consist of interest on all indebtedness (including capitalized interest) plus that portion of operating lease rentals representative of the interest factor (deemed to be one-third of operating lease rentals). (6) See note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. (7) See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. (8) 1998 reflects the impact of the Common Stock Class A Tender Offer. See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. 8 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Fiscal 1998 Compared to Fiscal 1997 Overview. Revenues for the fiscal year ended October 2, 1998 were $6.4 billion, an increase of 1% over fiscal 1997, with increases in the Food and Support Services and Uniform and Career Apparel segments partially offset by decreases in the Health and Educational Resources and Distributive segments due to the sale of Spectrum in fiscal 1997 and the Distributive segment transaction in fiscal 1998 (see note 2 to the consolidated financial statements). Excluding the impact of the Spectrum and Distributive segment transactions, revenues increased 5% over the prior year. Operating income of $333.1 million increased $1.3 million over the prior year. Total Company operating income includes other expense of $5 million in fiscal 1998 and other income of $11.7 million in fiscal 1997 as described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Excluding other expense/income and the operating results of Spectrum and the Distributive segment, operating income increased 7% over the prior year, due to strong performances in the Food and Support Services and Educational Resources segments, partially offset by a decline in operating income in the Uniform and Career Apparel segment. Excluding other expense/income, the Company's operating income margin increased to 5.3% from 5.1%, due primarily to improved cost controls and leveraging of fixed costs. Interest expense increased $1.3 million or 1% over the prior year due primarily to increased debt levels including the impact of the Tender Offer in June 1998 (see note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). The fiscal 1998 effective tax rate was 38% which includes the favorable impact resulting from the September 1998 settlement of certain prior years' tax returns. The fiscal 1997 effective tax rate of 32% reflects the favorable impact of a permanent difference in the book and tax basis of Spectrum, net of the unfavorable permanent book/tax differences related to certain intangible asset write-offs. Fiscal 1998 net income also includes an extraordinary item for early extinguishment of debt of $4.5 million as described in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Segment Results. Food and Support Services segment revenues were 5% higher than the prior year due to new accounts (approximately 4%) and increased volume at existing accounts (approximately 2%), partially off-set by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation (approximately 1%). Uniform and Career Apparel segment revenues increased 4% due to increased volume in both the uniform rental and direct marketing businesses. Health and Educational Resources segment revenues, excluding the fiscal 1997 Spectrum operations, increased 9% over the comparable prior year period due to enrollment growth, pricing and new locations at Educational Resources. Distributive segment revenues decreased 21% from the prior year primarily due to the July 1998 transaction described below. Food and Support Services operating income increased 35% versus the prior year period. Fiscal 1997 operating income included charges of approximately $30 million (see notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements). Excluding the impact of these prior year charges, operating income increased 15% as a result of the revenue increases noted above, plus effective cost controls. Uniform and Career Apparel segment operating income decreased 6% versus the prior year. Excluding a fiscal 1998 gain from the sale of certain assets and fiscal 1997 other income, operating income decreased 7% as the direct 9 marketing businesses wrote down certain inventory to net realizable value and incurred increased operating costs which were partially offset by the impact of increased volume noted above. Excluding the impact of the Spectrum gain and its operating results in fiscal 1997 (see note 2 to the consolidated financial statements), operating income in the Health and Educational Resources segment increased 19% versus the prior year due to the revenue increases at Educational Resources noted above. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company contributed substantially all of its Distributive segment's assets and liabilities to a joint venture with another leading magazine and book wholesaler, in exchange for a minority interest in the venture. The Company will account for its interest in the venture on the cost basis. Operating losses in the Distributive segment were $20.3 million and $49.6 million in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively, and include charges of $5 million and $34 million in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively, as described in notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements. The increase in fiscal 1998 General Corporate and Other Expenses relate to costs associated with several corporate development and strategic initiatives. Fiscal 1997 Compared to Fiscal 1996 Overview. Revenues for the fiscal year ended October 3, 1997 were $6.3 billion, an increase of 3% over fiscal 1996, with increases in the Food and Support Services and Uniform and Career Apparel segments partially offset by a decline in revenues in the Distributive segment and the Health and Educational Resources segment reflecting the sale of Spectrum (see note 2 to the consolidated financial statements). Excluding Spectrum, revenues increased 10% over the prior year. Operating income of $331.8 million increased 12% compared to the prior year. Total Company operating income includes other income of $11.7 million and $2.9 million in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively, as described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Excluding other income and the operating results of Spectrum, operating income increased 16% over the prior year, due to strong performances in the Food and Support Services and Uniform and Career Apparel segments and Educational Resources, partially offset by increased operating losses in the Distributive segment. Excluding other income, the Company's operating income margin increased to 5.1% from 4.8%, due primarily to improved cost controls and leveraging of fixed costs. Interest expense was equal with the prior year, with the impact of lower rates being offset by increased debt levels to finance capital expenditures and working capital requirements. The effective income tax rate decreased to 32% in fiscal 1997 from 37% in fiscal 1996 due primarily to the favorable impact of a permanent difference in the book and tax basis of Spectrum, partially offset by unfavorable permanent book/tax differences related to certain intangible asset write-offs (see notes 2 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements). Fiscal 1996 net income also includes an extraordinary item for early extinguishment of debt of $2.8 million as described in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Segment Results. Food and Support Services segment revenues were 8% higher than the prior year due to new accounts (approximately 3%) and increased volume (approximately 6%), primarily in the United States food businesses, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation (approximately 1%). Uniform and Career Apparel segment revenues increased 19% due to the impact of recent acquisitions (approximately 11%) and increased volume in both the uniform rental and direct marketing businesses. Health and Educational Resources segment revenues, excluding the Spectrum operations, increased 15% over the comparable prior year period due to enrollment growth, pricing and new locations at Educational Resources. Distributive segment revenues decreased 3% from the comparable prior year period due to a decrease in base business of approximately 6%, partially offset by the impact of recent acquisitions. 10 Fiscal 1997 operating income for the Food and Support Services segment includes charges of approximately $30 million due primarily to recognize an impairment of goodwill in a European operation and to reduce certain other assets to net realizable value as discussed in notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements. Excluding the impact of these charges, operating income increased 20% over the prior year period as a result of the revenue increases noted above, plus effective cost controls at both United States and international operations. Uniform and Career Apparel segment operating income includes gains on the sale of assets of $9 million in 1997 and $37 million in 1996 and charges related primarily to asset realization of $6 million and $5 million in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively (see notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements). Excluding the impact of these items, fiscal 1997 operating income increased 11% from the prior year period due to the revenue increases noted above plus effective cost controls in the direct marketing businesses, partially offset by increased operating costs in the uniform rental business. Health and Educational Resources fiscal 1997 operating income includes the gain on sale of Spectrum of $72 million and fiscal 1996 operating income includes charges of $13 million as discussed in notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements. Excluding the impact of these items, as well as the operating results of Spectrum, segment operating income increased 23% over the prior year due to the revenue increases at Educational Resources noted above. The Distributive segment incurred a fiscal 1997 operating loss of $49.6 million, which includes charges of approximately $34 million related to asset realization (see notes 2 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements) versus an operating loss of $6.0 million in fiscal 1996. Results continued to be severely impacted by higher operating expenses due to costs of servicing customers and reduced volume and margins resulting from the increased competition and consolidation in the magazine wholesale distribution industry. The decrease in fiscal 1997 General Corporate and Other Expenses is due to reserves established in fiscal 1996 for asset realization, legal, and other matters described in note 11 to the consolidated financial statements. FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY Cash provided by operating activities was $277 million. Debt increased by $497 million, primarily due to the Tender Offer described below. The Company expects to continue to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other liquidity needs from cash provided by operating activities, normal disposals of property and equipment and borrowings available under its credit facilities. As of October 2, 1998, the Company had capital commitments of approximately $37 million related to several long-term concession contracts. During fiscal 1998, the Company amended its credit facility, increasing availability to $1.4 billion, extending the maturity date to March 2005, and revising certain financial covenant and ratio requirements to reflect the impact of the Tender Offer discussed below. Subsequent to the Tender Offer and the issuance of the senior notes discussed below, the Company reduced the credit facility commitment to $1 billion. Currently, the Company has approximately $715 million of unused committed credit availability under its credit facilities. On June 15, 1998, the Company completed a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for outstanding shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $500 per share (pre-split). Pursuant to the Tender Offer, the Company repurchased 1,062,485 shares (pre-split) for an aggregate purchase price of $531.2 million plus transaction costs. The purchase price was financed through additional borrowings under the credit facility. Additionally, during fiscal 1998 the Company repurchased $79 million of its Class B common stock, with $18 million of subordinated installment notes issued as partial consideration. The Company also issued $22 million of Class B common stock to eligible employees, primarily through the exercise of installment stock purchase opportunities (see note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). 11 In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company issued $300 million of 6.75% senior notes due August 2004 and $300 million of 7% senior notes due July 2006. The proceeds from the note offerings were used to repay borrowings under the credit facility. During fiscal 1998, the Company exercised its option to redeem its $100 million 8.5% subordinated notes at a price of 104.25% of the principal amount and, also redeemed a $50 million 8% note due April 2002 for a premium. The redemptions were financed through additional borrowings under the credit facility. The resultant extraordinary charge on these transactions was $4.5 million (net of income taxes) or $0.04 per share (see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements). On August 11, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors declared, effective September 1, 1998, a three-for-one split of the Class B and Class A common stock effected in the form of a stock dividend to shareholders of record on September 1, 1998 (see note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). As discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in July 1998 the Company contributed substantially all of the Distributive segment's assets and liabilities to a joint venture. The transaction will not have a material impact on the Company's liquidity. YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE The Year 2000 issue exists because many computer systems and applications currently use two-digit date fields to designate a year. As a result, on or near the change of the century, date-sensitive systems may recognize the Year 2000 as 1900, or not at all, which may cause systems to fail or process financial and operational information incorrectly. The Company has developed plans to address its Year 2000 issues. The plans address three broad areas: (1) internal information technology systems - including financial and operational application systems, computer hardware and systems software; (2) non-information technology systems - such as communication systems, building systems and devices with embedded computer chips; and (3) third party compliance - which addresses Year 2000 compliance efforts of key vendors and suppliers. The project plans consist of the following phases: 1) Organizational awareness - general awareness of the Year 2000 issues, which has been completed, and ongoing communication of Year 2000 project status. 2) Inventory of current applications. 3) Risk assessment of inventoried systems, with identification of mission-critical systems. 4) Replacement/remediation of systems. 5) Year 2000 testing and conversion of systems. 6) Contingency planning. Program management offices, staffed with a combination of business unit personnel and external consultants, have been established to address Year 2000 issues. Additionally, a Corporate Compliance Task Force consisting of internal audit, information technology, legal and risk management personnel, as well as external consultants, was formed in 1997 to review and monitor the Year 2000 compliance programs. The Task Force meets regularly to review corporate-wide Year 2000 issues and progress. The Company's Year 2000 compliance effort is monitored by senior management on a regular basis and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors receives quarterly progress reports. 12 Internal information technology systems - As of November 23, 1998, the inventory and risk assessment phases for mission-critical systems have been substantially completed. Systems replacement/remediation is in process, with target completion dates ranging from December 1998 through June 1999. Testing and conversion plans have been, or are currently being, developed and implemented. The Company expects that mission-critical internal systems will be Year 2000 compliant by September 1999. Based on the current status of project plans, the Company believes that Year 2000 events caused by the Company's internal financial and operational systems would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's operations or financial condition. Non-information technology systems - The inventory and risk assessment phases are currently in process. Based on the results of these phases, replacement/remediation plans will be developed for mission-critical equipment and facilities, which are expected to be implemented by September 1999. Given the nature and geographic dispersion of the Company's business units, the Company believes that any events caused by Year 2000 failures of non-information technology systems would be short-term in nature and would not have a material adverse impact on the Company's operations or financial condition. Third party compliance - The Company has identified, and initiated communications with, key third party suppliers and customers to determine potential exposure to these third parties' failure to remediate their own Year 2000 issues. The Company expects to complete its third party reviews by March 1999 and will develop contingency plans to address potential third party Year 2000 failures. As discussed in the Business section of the Form 10-K, the basic materials required to operate the Company's businesses are generally available from a number of suppliers, and in the event of an inability of a key supplier to deliver product, the Company believes alternative sources will be available. However, an extended outage by utilities (electric, water, telephone, etc.), key third-party suppliers or financial institutions, while somewhat mitigated by the geographic dispersion of the Company's businesses, could have material adverse impacts on the Company's operations and financial condition. Contingency Plans Company resources to date have been focused primarily on Year 2000 remediation. The Company maintains contingency plans for computer failures, power outages, natural disasters, etc. Year 2000 contingency plans for mission-critical systems, in the areas discussed above, will be developed and integrated with the existing contingency plans where appropriate by December 1999. Costs The Company currently estimates spending approximately $15 to 20 million, excluding internal costs, to complete its Year 2000 compliance program, including approximately $8 million that has been expended through fiscal 1998. Year 2000 costs related to systems or equipment replacement are capitalized in accordance with the Company's accounting policies. Year 2000 remediation costs are expensed as incurred. The Company's ability to achieve Year 2000 compliance, the level of costs associated therewith and the resultant impact on operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted by, among other things, the availability and cost of applicable resources, vendors' ability to modify proprietary software, and unanticipated problems identified in the ongoing compliance program. 13 EURO CONVERSION On January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the European Union (the "participating countries") are scheduled to establish fixed conversion rates between their existing sovereign currencies and establish the euro as their common legal currency. Revenues and operating income of the Company's businesses in participating countries are less than 6% of the Company's consolidated results. The Company has established plans to address operational and information system issues related to the euro conversion. Based on the current status of existing plans, the Company does not expect the euro conversion to have a material adverse impact on the Company's operations or financial condition. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and manages this exposure through the use of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt and by utilizing interest rate swaps. The Company does not enter into contracts for trading purposes and does not use leveraged instruments. The information below summarizes the Company's market risks associated with debt obligations and other significant financial instruments as of October 2, 1998. Fair values were computed using market quotes, if available, or based on discounted cash flows using market interest rates as of the end of the period. The information presented below should be read in conjunction with note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related interest rates by expected fiscal year of maturity. Variable interest rates disclosed represent the weighted-average rates of the portfolio at October 2, 1998. For interest rate swaps, the table presents the notional amounts and related weighted-average interest rates by fiscal year of maturity. The variable rates presented are the average forward rates for the term of each contract. Expected Fiscal Year of Maturity (US$ equivalent in millions) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Thereafter Total Fair Value ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- ----- ---------- Debt: Fixed rate $104 $25 $75 $25 $985 (a) $1,214 $1,277 Average Interest Rate 9.3% 6.8% 7.6% 6.8% 7.3% 7.5% Variable Rate $24 $5 $32 $455 $516 $516 Average Interest Rate 6.0% 6.0% 6.3% 6.2% 6.2% Interest Rate Swaps: Receive Variable/ Pay Fixed $69 $75 $75 $(4) Average pay rate 5.7% 6.1% 6.0% Average receive rate 5.1% 4.9% 4.7% (a) Balance includes $600 million of senior notes callable by the Company at any time The Company uses foreign currency debt as a hedge for its investment in foreign subsidiaries. The table above includes $60 million of debt denominated in the functional currency of the Company's various subsidiaries, primarily the Canadian dollar and the German deutschemark. 14 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data See Index to Financial Statements and Schedules at page S-1. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Not Applicable. PART III Items 10, 11, 12, and 13 of Part III are incorporated by reference to the Section titled "Election of Directors" in the registrant's Proxy Statement for its annual meeting of stockholders, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A (except for the stock price performance graph and the committee report on executive compensation in the Company's Proxy Statement). PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Index to Financial Statements See Index to Financial Statements and Schedules at page S-1. (b) Reports on Form 8-K None. (c) Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K See Index to Exhibits. (d) Financial Statement Schedules See Index to Financial Statements and Schedules at page S-1. Item 15. Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this Form 10-K are forward-looking statements. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, those discussed herein at Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition". 15 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. ARAMARK CORPORATION By: Alan J. Griffith ---------------------------- Alan J. Griffith Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer November 25, 1998 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on November 25, 1998. Signature Title - --------- ----- Joseph Neubauer Chairman and Director - -------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer) Joseph Neubauer L. Frederick Sutherland Executive Vice President - -------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer) L. Frederick Sutherland Alan J. Griffith Vice President, Controller - -------------------------- and Chief Accounting Officer Alan J. Griffith (Principal Accounting Officer) Patricia C. Barron Robert J. Callander Ronald R. Davenport Lee F. Driscoll, Jr. Directors Mitchell S. Fromstein Edward G. Jordan Thomas H. Kean James E. Ksansnak Reynold C. MacDonald James E. Preston Martin W. Spector - ------------------ Martin W. Spector Attorney-in-Fact 16 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES Page ---- Report of Independent Public Accountants S-2 Consolidated Balance Sheets: As of October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997 S-3 Consolidated Statements of Income: Fiscal Years 1998, 1997 and 1996 S-5 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Fiscal Years 1998, 1997 and 1996 S-6 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity: Fiscal Years 1998, 1997 and 1996 S-7 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements S-10 Consolidated Supporting Schedules Filed: Schedule Number - -------- I Condensed Financial Information of Registrant S-28 II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves S-32 All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes thereto. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To ARAMARK Corporation: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ARAMARK Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 2, 1998. These consolidated financial statements and the schedules referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ARAMARK Corporation and subsidiaries as of October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 2, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed in the index to financial statements are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania November 9, 1998 S-2 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997 (dollars in thousands, except share amounts) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,614 $ 27,352 Receivables (less allowances: 1998, $24,457; 526,506 517,035 1997, $23,158) Inventories 361,451 366,515 Prepayments and other current assets 60,734 67,314 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 969,305 978,216 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property and Equipment, at Cost: Land, buildings and improvements 526,888 507,775 Service equipment and fixtures 1,212,369 1,170,230 Leased property under capital leases 8,958 10,992 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,748,215 1,688,997 Less-Accumulated depreciation 873,822 821,821 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 874,393 867,176 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goodwill 603,937 623,841 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Assets 293,664 284,346 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $2,741,299 $2,753,579 ============================================================================================================================= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-3 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term borrowings $ 24,560 $ 18,517 Accounts payable 373,696 459,847 Accrued payroll and related expenses 174,710 156,216 Other accrued expenses and current liabilities 327,772 302,171 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 900,738 936,751 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Term Borrowings: Senior 1,701,125 1,100,819 Subordinated 26,689 129,027 Obligations under capital leases 1,795 2,615 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,729,609 1,232,461 Less-current portion 24,560 18,517 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total long-term borrowings 1,705,049 1,213,944 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred Income Taxes and Other Noncurrent Liabilities 194,388 209,583 Common Stock Subject to Potential Repurchase Under Provisions of Shareholders' Agreement 20,000 23,254 Shareholders' Equity/(Deficit) Excluding Common Stock Subject to Repurchase: Class A common stock, par value $.01; authorized: 25,000,000 shares; issued: 1998 - 2,516,081 shares; 1997 -1,961,413 shares 25 20 Class B common stock, par value $.01; authorized: 150,000,000 shares; issued: 1998 - 62,927,645 shares; 1997 - 20,450,100 shares 629 205 Earnings retained for use in the business (56,815) 394,090 Cumulative translation adjustment (2,715) (1,014) Impact of potential repurchase feature of common stock (20,000) (23,254) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total (78,876) 370,047 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $2,741,299 $2,753,579 ============================================================================================================================= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-4 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Fiscal Years Ended October 2, 1998, October 3, 1997 and September 27, 1996 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $ 6,377,276 $ 6,310,417 $ 6,122,500 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Costs and Expenses: Cost of services provided 5,760,697 5,715,402 5,565,038 Depreciation and amortization 195,770 191,732 182,785 Selling and general corporate expense 82,680 83,079 82,354 Other expense (income), net 5,000 (11,655) (2,850) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6,044,147 5,978,558 5,827,327 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 333,129 331,859 295,173 Interest Expense, net 117,357 116,012 116,014 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 215,772 215,847 179,159 Provision For Income Taxes 82,062 69,739 66,931 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income Before Extraordinary Item 133,710 146,108 112,228 Extraordinary Item Due to Early Extinguishment of Debt (net of income taxes of $2,982 in 1998 and $1,839 in 1996) 4,474 - 2,758 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income $ 129,236 $ 146,108 $ 109,470 ================================================================================================================================== Earnings Per Share: Income before extraordinary item Basic $1.17 $1.16 $0.84 Diluted $1.10 $1.10 $0.79 Net income Basic $1.14 $1.16 $0.82 Diluted $1.06 $1.10 $0.77 ================================================================================================================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-5 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Fiscal Years Ended October 2, 1998, October 3, 1997 and September 27, 1996 (in thousands) 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $129,236 $146,108 $109,470 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 195,770 191,732 182,785 Income taxes deferred 11,542 (11,049) (27,604) Extraordinary item 4,474 - 2,758 Changes in noncash working capital: Receivables (51,743) (19,934) (62,239) Inventories (9,240) (32,428) (9,734) Prepayments (754) (5,740) (209) Accounts payable (49,943) (61,348) 28,973 Accrued expenses 60,905 48,364 27,245 Changes in other noncurrent liabilities (3,914) (1,651) (461) Changes in other assets (8,934) (9,727) (9,217) Other, net (695) (14,261) (2,494) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash provided by operating activities 276,704 230,066 239,273 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (164,286) (197,835) (190,896) Disposals of property and equipment 22,204 27,641 13,099 Sale of investments 5,779 9,284 - Divestiture of certain businesses 31,116 119,152 51,285 Acquisition of certain businesses: Working capital other than cash acquired 9,550 (74) (29,042) Property and equipment (17,309) (4,163) (11,105) Additions to intangibles and other assets (35,199) (5,688) (72,616) Other (41,452) (8,020) (8,362) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash used in investing activities (189,597) (59,703) (247,637) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from additional long-term borrowings 658,820 127,323 155,510 Payment of long-term borrowings including premiums (167,942) (242,944) (95,510) Redemption of preferred stock - - (6,359) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 22,303 14,338 13,949 Repurchase of common stock (591,535) (65,463) (54,849) Payment of preferred stock dividend - - (1,067) Other (15,491) (1,548) (1,109) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (93,845) (168,294) 10,565 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (6,738) 2,069 2,201 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 27,352 25,283 23,082 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 20,614 $ 27,352 $ 25,283 ================================================================================================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-6 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 2, 1998 (in thousands) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Impact of Potential Class A Class B Cumulative Repurchase Common Common Capital Retained Translation Feature of Stock Stock Surplus Earnings Adjustment Common Stock ----- ----- ------- -------- ---------- ------------ Balance, October 3, 1997 $ 20 $ 205 $ -- $ 394,090 $ (1,014) $ (23,254) Net income 129,236 Issuance of Class A common stock to employee benefit plans 397 Issuance of Class B common stock 25 38,975 Retirement of common stock (12) (23) (39,372) (579,702) Common stock split 17 422 (439) Change during the period (1,701) 3,254 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance, October 2, 1998 $ 25 $ 629 $ -- $ (56,815) $ (2,715) $ (20,000) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-7 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 3, 1997 (in thousands) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Impact of Potential Class A Class B Cumulative Repurchase Common Common Capital Retained Translation Feature of Stock Stock Surplus Earnings Adjustment Common Stock ----- ----- ------- -------- ---------- ------------ Balance, September 27, 1996 $ 20 $ 227 $ -- $ 309,437 $ 5,131 $ (18,614) Net income 146,108 Issuance of Class A common stock to employee benefit plans 384 Issuance of Class B common stock 24 25,025 Retirement of common stock (46) (25,409) (61,455) Change during the period (6,145) (4,640) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance, October 3, 1997 $ 20 $ 205 $ -- $ 394,090 $ (1,014) $ (23,254) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-8 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1996 (in thousands) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Impact of Potential Series C Class A Class B Cumulative Repurchase Preferred Common Common Capital Retained Translation Feature of Stock Stock Stock Surplus Earnings Adjustment Common Stock --------- ----- ----- ------- -------- ---------- ------------ Balance, September 29, 1995 $ 14,965 $ 21 $ 235 $ -- $ 247,805 $ 8,318 $ (19,060) Net income 109,470 Dividends on preferred stock (769) Issuance of Class A common stock to employee benefit plans 5,728 Issuance of Class B common stock 25 30,519 Retirement of common and preferred stock (14,965) (1) (33) (36,247) (47,069) Change during the period (3,187) 446 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance, September 27, 1996 $ -- $ 20 $ 227 $ -- $ 309,437 $ 5,131 $ (18,614) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-9 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: FISCAL YEAR The Company's fiscal year is the fifty-two or fifty-three week period which ends on the Friday nearest September 30th. The fiscal years ended October 2, 1998, October 3, 1997 and September 27, 1996 are fifty-two, fifty-three and fifty-two week periods, respectively. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION, ETC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In fiscal 1999, the Company is required to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." The adoption of these standards will not have a material impact on results of operations or financial statement disclosures. In fiscal 2000, the Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." The Company is currently assessing the impact the adoption of these standards will have on the consolidated financial statements. USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. CURRENCY TRANSLATION Gains and losses resulting from the translation of financial statements of non-U.S. subsidiaries are reflected as a currency translation adjustment in shareholders' equity. Currency transaction gains and losses included in operating results for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 were not significant. CURRENT ASSETS The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (principally the first-in, first-out method) or market. The LIFO (last-in, first-out) method of determining cost is used to value directly marketed career apparel and public safety clothing and equipment. The stated value of inventories determined using the LIFO method is not significantly different from replacement or current cost. Personalized work apparel and linens in service are recorded at cost and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, approximately two years. S-10 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued) CURRENT ASSETS (Continued) The components of inventories are as follows: 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food 22.0% 21.1% Career apparel, safety equipment and linens 70.3% 64.5% Parts, supplies and novelties 7.7% 7.7% Magazines and books - 6.7% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100.0% 100.0% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Gains and losses on dispositions are included in operating results. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations currently, and replacements and significant improvements are capitalized. The estimated useful lives for the major categories of property and equipment are 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 10 years for service equipment and fixtures. Depreciation expense in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $144.3 million, $136.1 million and $129.1 million, respectively. GOODWILL Goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses, is being amortized on a straight-line basis principally over 40 years. The Company develops operating income projections for each of its lines of business and evaluates the recoverability and amortization period of goodwill using these projections. In fiscal 1997, the Company wrote off certain intangible assets as discussed in Note 2. Based upon management's current assessment, the estimated remaining amortization period of goodwill is appropriate and the remaining balance is fully recoverable. Accumulated amortization at October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997 was $181.2 million and $162.2 million, respectively. OTHER ASSETS Other assets consist primarily of investments in 50% or less owned entities, contract rights, customer lists, and long-term receivables. Investments in which the Company owns more than 20% but less than a majority are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company owns less than 20% are accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" or the cost method, as applicable. Contract rights and customer lists are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, 3 to 20 years. OTHER LIABILITIES Other noncurrent liabilities consist primarily of deferred compensation, insurance accruals, deferred gains arising from sale and leaseback transactions and subordinated installment notes arising from repurchases of common stock. The Company is self-insured for a limited portion of the risk retained under its general liability and workers' compensation arrangements. Self-insurance reserves are determined based on actuarial analyses. The self-insurance reserves for workers' compensation insurance are accrued on a present value basis using a discount rate which approximates a risk-free rate. S-11 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued) EARNINGS PER SHARE In fiscal 1998, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128, "Earnings per Share." Earnings per share is reported on a Common Stock, Class B equivalent basis (which reflects Common Stock, Class A shares converted to a Class B basis, ten for one). Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods, plus the common equivalent shares, if dilutive, that would result from the exercise of stock options. Earnings per share for prior periods have been restated to conform with the requirements of SFAS No. 128. Share and per share amounts have also been restated to reflect the three-for-one stock split in September 1998. See Note 7. Earnings applicable to common stock and common shares utilized in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows: 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- (in thousands, except per share data) Earnings: Income before extraordinary item $ 133,710 $ 146,108 $ 112,228 Preferred stock dividends -- -- (769) --------- --------- --------- Earnings available to common stock before extraordinary item $ 133,710 $ 146,108 $ 111,459 ========= ========= ========= Shares: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in basic earnings per share calculation 113,859 125,625 132,954 Impact of potential exercise opportunities under the ARAMARK Ownership Plan 8,096 6,813 7,364 --------- --------- --------- Total common shares used in diluted earnings per share calculation 121,955 132,438 140,318 ========= ========= ========= Basic earnings per common share $ 1.17 $ 1.16 $ 0.84 ========= ========= ========= Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.10 $ 1.10 $ 0.79 ========= ========= ========= S-12 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Continued) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION 1998 1997 1996 --------- --------- --------- (in millions) Interest Paid $109.5 $106.4 $108.1 Income Taxes Paid $54.9 $63.0 $91.4 Significant noncash investing and financing activities are as follows: o During fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company contributed $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $5.7 million, respectively, of Class A Common Stock to its employee benefit plans to fund previously accrued obligations. In addition, during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company contributed $1.9 million, $2.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of stock units to its stock unit retirement plan in satisfaction of its accrued obligations. See Note 5. o During fiscal 1998, the Company contributed assets and liabilities with a net book value of $14 million into a newly formed joint venture. See Note 2. o During fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company received $14.9 million, $10.5 million, and $7.2 million, respectively, of employee notes under its Deferred Payment program as partial consideration for the issuance of Common Stock, Class B. Also, during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company issued subordinated installment notes of $18.4 million, $21.9 million and $26.8 million, respectively, as partial consideration for repurchases of Common Stock. See Note 7. NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES, ETC.: In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company formed a joint venture between its distributive business and another leading magazine and book wholesaler, Anderson News Corporation. The Company contributed substantially all of its Distributive segment's assets and liabilities in exchange for a minority interest in the venture. In connection with the transaction, the Company recorded a $5 million pre-tax charge, which is reflected as "Other expense/income" in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The Company will account for its interest in the venture on the cost basis. S-13 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES, ETC.: (Continued) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company acquired Facilities Resource Management Co., a provider of energy and facilities management consulting services, for approximately $20 million in cash and common stock. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The Company's pro forma results of operations for fiscal 1998 and 1997 would not have been materially different assuming the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the respective periods. In the second quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company sold an approximate 83% interest in its Spectrum Healthcare Services, Inc. subsidiary (Spectrum). Total consideration was approximately $158 million and included cash ($125 million), notes and a warrant. The transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $72.4 million, net of transaction costs and reserves established for indemnification of certain matters related to insurance, legal and other matters ($20 million), and is included in "Other expense/income" in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. No income taxes were provided on the gain due to permanent differences in the underlying book and tax basis of Spectrum. In fiscal 1996, the business had approximately $500 million in annual revenues and a normalized operating margin of approximately 4%. Cash proceeds from the divestiture were used to repay borrowings under the credit facility. Also reflected in other expense/income are pre-tax charges of $69.8 million, primarily to write off certain intangible assets in the Food and Support Services and Distributive segments. These charges were partially offset by a gain of $9.1 million on the sale of an investment in Brylane, Inc., acquired in connection with the fiscal 1996 King-Size divestiture described below. The amount of the fiscal 1997 charges applicable to the Food and Support Services segment was approximately $30 million due primarily to recognize an impairment of goodwill in a European operation and to reduce certain other assets to net realizable value. The goodwill impairment was determined based on a discounted cash flow basis. The amount of charges applicable to the Distribution segment was $34 million, reflecting an asset writedown which was determined based on estimates of discounted future cash flows and an impairment loss on operations to be divested, which was determined based on preliminary indications of value for those operations. In the first quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company sold the King-Size division of its Uniform and Career Apparel business. The net selling price was approximately $51 million in cash plus "warrants" in Brylane, Inc. and resulted in a pre-tax gain of $37 million, which was offset by other charges related to asset realization ($20 million) and insurance, legal and other matters ($14 million), including a $2 million charge for environmental liabilities, and is reflected as "Other expense/income" in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The environmental liabilities related to several minor remediation projects involving properties no longer in service. These remediation projects will not have any material ongoing financial impact on the Company's financial statements. The King-Size operations were not material to the Company's consolidated revenues or operating income. S-14 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES, ETC.: (Continued) At fiscal 1996 yearend, the Company acquired Crest Uniform Company, a provider of uniform apparel to the hospitality and healthcare markets for cash of approximately $95 million. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The Company's pro forma results of operations for fiscal 1996 would not have been materially different assuming the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the period. NOTE 3. EXTRAORDINARY ITEM: During fiscal 1998, the Company exercised its option to redeem its $100 million 8.5% subordinated notes at a price of 104.25% of the principal amount and also redeemed a $50 million 8% note due April 2002 for a premium. The resultant extraordinary charge on these transactions was $4.5 million or $0.04 per share. During fiscal 1996, the Company redeemed its $80 million 8.25% senior notes for a premium. The debt extinguishment was financed through the issuance of a $125 million 6.79% senior note. Additionally, the Company replaced its credit facility with a new $1 billion credit facility (See Note 4), writing off the unamortized balance of financing costs related to the old credit facility. The resultant extraordinary charge on these transactions was $2.8 million or $0.02 per share. NOTE 4. BORROWINGS: Long-term borrowings at October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997 are summarized in the following table: 1998 1997 ---- ---- (in thousands) SENIOR: Credit facility borrowings $ 429,300 $ 370,000 Canadian credit facility 31,728 39,350 6.75% notes, due August 2004 298,520 -- 6.79% note, payable in installments through 2003 125,000 125,000 7.00% notes, due July 2006 299,921 -- 7.10% notes, due December 2006 124,846 124,827 7.25% notes and debentures due August 2007 32,160 32,160 8% notes, due April 2002 50,000 100,000 8.15% notes, due May 2005 150,000 150,000 10-5/8% notes, due August 2000 100,000 100,000 Other 59,650 59,482 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,701,125 1,100,819 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUBORDINATED: 8.5% subordinated notes, due June 2003 -- 100,000 10% exchangeable debentures and notes, due August 2000 26,689 26,689 Other -- 2,338 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26,689 129,027 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES 1,795 2,615 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,729,609 1,232,461 Less-current portion 24,560 18,517 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1,705,049 $1,213,944 =============================================================================================== S-15 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 4. BORROWINGS: (Continued) The non-amortizing $1.0 billion revolving credit facility ("Credit Agreement") is provided by a group of banks and matures in March 2005. Interest under the Credit Agreement is based on the Prime Rate, LIBOR plus a spread of .18% to .70% (as of October 2, 1998 - .30%) or the Certificate of Deposit Rate plus a spread of .28% to .80% (as of October 2, 1998 - .40%), at the option of the Company. There is a fee of .10% to .30% (as of October 2, 1998 - .15%) on the entire credit facility. The spread and fee margins are based on certain financial ratios as defined. The non-amortizing C$80 million Canadian revolving credit facility provides for either U.S. dollar or Canadian dollar borrowings and matures in June 2001. Interest on this facility is based on the Canadian Bankers Acceptance Rate, U.S. Prime Rate, Canadian Prime Rate or LIBOR plus a spread of up to 5/8%, as defined. As of October 2, 1998, all borrowings under this facility are payable in Canadian dollars, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.2%. There is a fee of .17% on the entire credit facility. The Company's ARAMARK Educational Resources, Inc. (AERI) subsidiary also has a $125 million revolving credit facility with a group of banks. The credit facility matures in August 2003, with quarterly commitment reductions of $5 million starting in September 2001, which increase to $6.25 million starting September 2002. Interest under the credit facility is based on the Prime Rate plus a spread of 0% to 1/4% or LIBOR plus a spread of 1/2% to 1%, at the option of AERI. There is a fee of .20% to .375% (as of October 2, 1998 - .20%) on the unborrowed portion of the credit facility. The spread and fee margins are based on certain financial ratios as defined. As of October 2, 1998 there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility. The 6.75% and 7.0% notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the Company's option. The redemption price equals the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount or (ii) an amount based on the discounted present value of scheduled principal and interest payments, as defined. The 6.79% note is payable in $25 million annual installments beginning January 1999, with a final maturity of January 2003. The 7.25% notes and debentures may be exchanged, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder, for 7.10% senior notes due December 2006. The Company has the right to redeem these notes and debentures, at par, upon being presented with a notice of conversion or at any time after June 2004. The 10-5/8% senior notes require a sinking fund payment of $50 million in August 1999 with a final maturity in August 2000. The 10% subordinated exchangeable debentures and notes may be exchanged at any time in whole or part, at the option of the holder, for 10-5/8% senior notes due August 2000 at an exchange ratio of .93. S-16 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 4. BORROWINGS: (Continued) Installment payments on the 6.79% and 10-5/8% notes due in fiscal 1999 have been classified as non-current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as the Company has the ability and intent to finance the repayments through additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement. Accrued interest on borrowings totaling $30.4 million at October 2, 1998 and $27.7 million at October 3, 1997 is included in current liabilities as "Other accrued expenses." The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swap and forward exchange agreements to manage changes in market conditions related to debt obligations and foreign currency exposures. At October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997, the Company has $219 million and $197 million, respectively, of interest rate exchange agreements fixing the rate on a like amount of borrowings under the Credit Agreement at an average effective rate of 6.4% and 6.7%, respectively. As of October 2, 1998, interest rate exchange agreements remain in effect for periods ranging from 1 to 28 months. All interest rate swaps are accounted for as hedges under the accrual method with the net payments under the terms of the swap agreements recognized currently in income as a component of interest expense. Gains or losses on the termination of interest rate swaps are deferred and amortized over the remaining life of the terminated swap agreement. Interest rate swaps, for which the designated debt instrument being hedged is extinguished, are accounted for on the fair value method from the extinguishment date, if not concurrently terminated, with gains and losses recognized currently in the consolidated statement of income. The Company has a $24 million foreign currency swap agreement maturing in August 2000. This swap hedges the currency exposure of its net investment in Spain and accordingly, gains and losses on the currency swap are recorded as a component of the cumulative translation adjustment. The counterparties to the above derivative agreements are major international banks. The Company continually monitors its positions and credit ratings of its counterparties, and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties. The following summarizes the fair value of the Company's financial instruments as of October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997. The fair values were computed using market quotes, if available, or based on discounted cash flows using market interest rates as of the end of the respective periods. 1998 1997 ------------------------------ --------------------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Asset/(Liability) in millions Amount Value Amount Value ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Long-term debt $(1,729.6) $(1,793.0) $(1,232.5) $(1,263.5) Interest rate swap agreements - (3.9) - (0.7) Foreign currency swap agreement 2.4 1.1 3.6 2.8 The Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants which provide, among other things, limitations on liens, dispositions of material assets and repurchases of capital stock. The terms of the Credit Agreement also require that the Company maintain certain specified minimum ratios of cash flow to fixed charges and to total borrowings and certain minimum levels of net worth (as defined). At October 2, 1998, the Company was in compliance with all of these covenants. Assets with a net book value of $2.2 million at October 2, 1998, are subject to liens under several of the Company's borrowing arrangements. S-17 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 4. BORROWINGS: (Continued) Long-term borrowings maturing in the next five years, excluding capital lease obligations, are as follows: Amount (in thousands) -------------- 1999 $ 23,962 2000 109,074 2001 57,020 2002 75,290 2003 25,259 NOTE 5. EMPLOYEE PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS: In the United States, the Company maintains qualified contributory and non-contributory retirement plans for eligible employees, with Company contributions to the plans based on earnings performance or salary level. Qualified non-contributory profit sharing plans are maintained by certain businesses, with annual contributions determined by management. The Company has a non-qualified stock unit retirement plan for certain employees. The total expense of the above plans for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $15.7 million, $15.5 million and $15.7 million, respectively. During fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company contributed 4,161 shares, 5,985 shares and 97,425 shares, respectively, of Common Stock, Class A to these plans to partially fund previously accrued obligations. In addition, during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company contributed to the stock unit retirement plan 163,873 stock units, 363,555 stock units and 314,814 stock units, respectively, which are convertible into Common Stock, Class B, in satisfaction of its accrued obligations. Shares contributed to these plans have been adjusted to reflect the stock split described in Note 7. The value of the stock units was credited to capital surplus. The Company participates in various multi-employer union administered pension plans. Contributions to these plans, which are primarily defined benefit plans, result from contractual provisions of labor contracts and were $14.8 million, $14.4 million and $13.6 million for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Additionally, the Company maintains several contributory and non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, primarily in Canada and the United Kingdom. The projected benefit obligation of these plans as of October 2, 1998, which is fully funded, was $51.8 million. Pension expense related to these plans is not material to the consolidated financial statements. NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES: The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS No. 109 requires deferred tax assets or liabilities to be recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities based on the enacted tax law and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to affect taxable income. In September 1998 and June 1996 the Company settled certain prior years' tax returns. S-18 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES: (Continued) The components of income before income taxes, including the effects of other expense/income (See Note 2), by source of income are as follows: 1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands) United States $ 188,132 $ 221,710 $ 172,572 Non-U.S 27,640 (5,863) 6,587 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 215,772 $ 215,847 $ 179,159 ================================================================================================================================= The provision for income taxes, including the effects of other expense/income (See Note 2), consists of: 1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands) Current: Federal $ 51,001 $ 60,370 $ 73,919 State and local 7,643 13,366 17,335 Non-U.S 11,876 7,052 3,281 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70,520 80,788 94,535 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred: Federal 9,369 (8,027) (23,210) State and local 2,171 (3,494) (5,379) Non-U.S 2 472 985 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11,542 (11,049) (27,604) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 82,062 $ 69,739 $ 66,931 ================================================================================================================================= The provision for income taxes varies from the amount determined by applying the United States Federal statutory rate to pre-tax income as a result of the following: 1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (% of pre-tax income) United States statutory income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Increase (decrease) in taxes, resulting from: State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit 3.9 3.0 4.3 Permanent book/tax difference related to the sale of Spectrum -- (11.3) -- Permanent book/tax differences, primarily resulting from purchase accounting 3.6 8.4 2.1 Favorable impact of tax settlements (3.2) -- (2.8) Tax credits and other (1.3) (2.8) (1.2) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effective income tax rate 38.0% 32.3% 37.4% ================================================================================================================================= S-19 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 6. INCOME TAXES: (Continued) As of October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997, the components of deferred taxes are as follows: 1998 1997 -------- -------- (in thousands) Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment $ 70,379 $ 57,720 Inventory 5,428 5,066 Investments 13,520 15,709 Other 11,061 11,928 -------- -------- Gross deferred tax liability 100,388 90,423 -------- -------- Deferred tax assets: Insurance $ 8,694 $ 11,815 Employee compensation and benefits 41,318 36,077 Accruals and allowances 29,917 33,159 Intangibles 5,458 4,147 Other 1,943 2,414 -------- -------- Gross deferred tax asset 87,330 87,612 -------- -------- Net deferred tax liability $ 13,058 $ 2,811 ======== ======== NOTE 7. CAPITAL STOCK: There are two classes of common stock authorized and outstanding, Common Stock, Class A and Common Stock, Class B. Each Class A and Class B Share is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to shareholders, voting together as a single class except where otherwise required by law. Each Class A Share is entitled to ten times the dividends and other distributions payable on each Class B Share. Class B Shares may be held only by employees, directors and their family members, and upon termination of employment each Class B Share is automatically converted into 1/10 of a Class A Share. On June 15, 1998, the Company completed a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for outstanding shares of its Class A common stock at a price of $500 per share (pre-split). Pursuant to the Tender Offer, the Company repurchased 1,062,485 shares (pre-split) for an aggregate purchase price of $531.2 million plus transaction costs. The purchase price was financed through additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement. On August 11, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors declared, effective September 1, 1998, a three-for-one split of the Class B and Class A Common Stock effected in the form of a stock dividend to shareholders of record on September 1, 1998. The stated par value of $.01 per share of Class B and Class A common stock was not changed. During fiscal 1996, the Company redeemed, at par, all its outstanding Series C Preferred Stock for $6.4 million in cash and the issuance of $8.6 million of Common Stock, Class B. S-20 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 7. CAPITAL STOCK: (Continued) As of October 2, 1998, the Company's stock option plans provided for the issuance of up to 134,584,926 options to purchase shares of Common Stock, Class B. The Company granted installment stock purchase opportunities under its stock ownership program in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 which provide for the purchase of shares of Common Stock, Class B. Installment stock purchase opportunities are exercisable in six annual installments with the exercise price of each purchase opportunity equal to the current fair market value at the time the purchase opportunity is granted. The Company has a program to grant non-qualified stock options to additional qualified employees on an annual basis. Under the program, options vest after three years and may be exercised for a period of three years after vesting. The exercise price of each option is equal to the current fair market value at the date of grant. In fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company granted cumulative installment stock purchase opportunities under its existing stock ownership program which are similar to the installment stock purchase opportunities discussed above; however, any purchase opportunities not exercised during an installment period may be carried forward to subsequent installment periods. The Company has a Deferred Payment Program which enables holders of non-qualified stock options and installment purchase opportunities to defer a portion of the total amount required to exercise the options. Interest currently accrues on deferred payments at 8.25% compounded annually and is payable when the deferred payments are due. At October 2, 1998 and October 3, 1997, the receivables from individuals under the Deferred Payment Program were $35.7 million and $26.6 million, respectively, which are reflected as a reduction of Shareholders' Equity. The Company holds as collateral all shares purchased in which any portion of the purchase price is financed under the Deferred Payment Program until the deferred payment is received from the individual by the Company. Status of the options under the various ownership programs, adjusted to reflect the three-for-one stock split, follows: Number of Shares Average Option Price -------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ------------- ------------- ------ ------ ------- Outstanding at beginning of year 26,832,636 31,103,952 30,321,597 $4.74 $4.06 $3.49 Options granted 9,634,800 10,371,000 12,399,300 $7.47 $5.54 $4.92 Options exercised 7,228,446 7,289,349 5,814,426 $4.43 $3.23 $2.94 Canceled/Forfeited 4,537,785 7,352,967 5,802,519 $5.27 $4.31 $3.89 Outstanding at end of year 24,701,205 26,832,636 31,103,952 $5.78 $4.74 $4.06 Exercisable at end of year 81,840 193,176 1,619,160 $1.52 $2.96 $1.24 The exercise prices on outstanding options at October 2, 1998 range from $1.44 to $10.70 with a weighted average remaining life of approximately three years. The Company has reserved 26,805,387 shares of Common Stock, Class B at October 2, 1998 for issuance of stock pursuant to its employee ownership and benefit programs. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized related to the plans described above. If compensation cost for these plans had been determined using the fair-value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation," the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below. S-21 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 7. CAPITAL STOCK: (Continued) 1998 1997 1996 ---- ---- ---- Net Income As reported $129,236 $146,108 $109,470 Pro forma $125,658 $143,570 $108,199 Earnings per share As reported: Basic $1.14 $1.16 $0.82 Diluted $1.06 $1.10 $0.77 Pro forma: Basic $1.10 $1.14 $0.81 Diluted $1.03 $1.08 $0.77 Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options granted prior to fiscal 1996, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be representative of that to be expected in future years. The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $1.12, $0.88 and $0.82 per option, respectively, adjusted to reflect the three-for-one stock split. As the Company's stock is not publicly traded, the fair value of each option was estimated on the grant date using the minimum value method (which excludes a volatility assumption), with the following assumptions: 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ------------- ------------ Risk-free interest rate 5.3 - 5.9% 5.2 - 6.1% 5.4 - 5.9% Expected life in years 3.2 3.2 3.5 Dividend yield 0% 0% 0% The Company and its shareholders are parties to an Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, holders of common stock who are individuals, upon their death, complete disability or normal retirement, may cause the Company to repurchase up to 30% of their shares for cash at the then appraised value, but only to the extent such repurchase by the Company is permitted under the Credit Agreement. Under this Credit Agreement restriction, repurchases of capital stock cannot exceed an aggregate limit, which amount was $20 million at October 2, 1998 and $23.3 million at October 3, 1997. Pursuant to interpretations of its rules related to "Redeemable Preferred Stock," the Securities and Exchange Commission has requested that these amounts representing the Company's potential repurchase of its Common Stock be presented as a separate item and accordingly, the Company's Shareholders' Equity reflects this reclassification in the consolidated financial statements. Also, the Shareholders' Agreement provides that the Company may, at its option, repurchase shares from individuals who are no longer employees. Such repurchased shares may be resold to others including replacement personnel at prices equal to or greater than the repurchase price. Generally, payment for shares repurchased can be, at the Company's option, in cash or subordinated installment notes, which are subordinated to all other indebtedness of the Company. Interest on these notes is payable semi-annually and principal payments are made annually over varying periods not to exceed ten years. The noncurrent portion of these notes ($44.1 million as of October 2, 1998 and $50.9 million as of October 3, 1997) is included in the consolidated balance sheets as "Other Noncurrent Liabilities" and the current portion of these notes ($26.0 million as of October 2, 1998 and $19.9 million as of October 3, 1997) is included in the consolidated balance sheets as "Accounts Payable." S-22 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (in thousands) Facilities under capital leases $8,958 $10,992 Less-accumulated amortization 7,686 8,961 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ $1,272 $ 2,031 ======================================================================== Rental expense for all operating leases was $143.2 million, $129.7 million, and $128.6 million for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Following is a schedule of the future minimum rental commitments under all noncancelable leases as of October 2, 1998: Fiscal Year Operating Capital - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (in thousands) 1999 $146,478 $848 2000 83,860 632 2001 72,595 255 2002 56,248 128 2003 50,103 59 Subsequent years 122,504 55 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total minimum rental obligations $531,788 1,977 ============================================================================== Less-amount representing interest 182 Present value of capital leases 1,795 Less-current portion 598 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Noncurrent obligations under capital leases $1,197 ============================================================================== The Company has capital commitments of approximately $37 million at October 2, 1998 in connection with several long-term concession contracts. The Company is party to certain claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims and is of the opinion that adequate reserves have been provided for the ultimate resolution of these matters. S-23 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 9. ARAMARK SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES: The following financial information has been summarized from the separate consolidated financial statements of ARAMARK Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of ARAMARK Corporation) and the subsidiaries which it currently owns. ARAMARK Services, Inc. is the borrower under the Credit Agreement and certain other senior debt described in Note 4 and incurs the interest expense thereunder. This interest expense is only partially allocated to all of the other subsidiaries of ARAMARK Corporation. 1998 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- --------- (in thousands) Revenues $3,656,571 $3,464,051 $3,200,388 Cost of services provided 3,422,640 3,256,787 3,024,136 Net income 40,842 20,690 15,503 1998 1997 ----------- ---------- (in thousands) Current assets $ 451,050 $ 407,978 Noncurrent assets 2,079,782 1,558,010 Current liabilities 545,406 507,179 Noncurrent liabilities 1,823,868 1,333,759 S-24 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 10. QUARTERLY RESULTS (Unaudited): The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for fiscal 1998 and 1997: Fiscal Quarter ------------------------------------------------------ 1998 First Second Third Fourth(1) Year - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (in thousands, except earnings per share) Revenues $1,590,661 $1,592,214 $ 1,634,325 $1,560,076 $6,377,276 Cost of services provided 1,441,708 1,461,334 1,478,760 1,378,895 5,760,697 Income before extraordinary item 30,077 18,658 37,169 47,806 133,710 Extraordinary item (2) - 1,559 2,915 - 4,474 Net income 30,077 17,099 34,254 47,806 129,236 Diluted earnings per share: Income before extraordinary item $.23 $.14 $.30 $.49 $1.10 Net income $.23 $.13 $.27 $.49 $1.06 Fiscal Quarter ------------------------------------------------------ 1997 First Second(3) Third Fourth(4) Year - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands, except earnings per share) Revenues $1,686,751 $1,458,017 $1,531,614 $1,634,035 $6,310,417 Cost of services provided 1,540,226 1,336,421 1,384,834 1,453,921 5,715,402 Net income 27,655 87,952 30,134 367 146,108 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $.21 $.65 $.23 $ - $1.10 (1) Fiscal 1998 fourth quarter results reflect charges relating to the contribution of the Company's distributive business into a joint venture. See Note 2. (2) See Note 3. (3) Fiscal 1997 second quarter results reflect the sale of Spectrum. See Note 2. (4) Fiscal 1997 fourth quarter results reflect charges primarily related to asset realization. See Note 2. Also, fiscal 1997 was a fifty-three week year with the fourth quarter being a fourteen week period. In the first and second fiscal quarters, within the Food and Support Services segment there is a lower level of activity at the higher margin leisure and recreational food service operations which is partly offset by increased activity in the educational market. In addition, there is a seasonal increase in volume of directly marketed work clothing during the first quarter. Whereas in the third and fourth fiscal quarters, there is a significant increase at leisure and recreational accounts which is partially offset by the effect of summer closings in the educational market. S-25 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 11. BUSINESS SEGMENTS: The Company provides or manages services in the following business segments: Food and Support Services - Food, refreshment, specialized dietary and support services, including maintenance and housekeeping, provided to business, educational, governmental and medical institutions and in recreational and other facilities serving the general public. Fiscal 1997 operating income includes charges of approximately $30 million related primarily to asset realization. See Note 2. Uniform and Career Apparel - Rental of personalized work apparel and linens for business and institutions on a contract basis and the direct marketing of work clothing, safety equipment and accessories. Fiscal 1997 operating income includes a $9 million gain on the sale of an investment and charges of approximately $6 million related primarily to asset realization. See Note 2. Fiscal 1996 operating income includes the $37 million gain on the sale of a division and charges of approximately $5 million related to changes in estimates regarding asset realization and environmental matters. See Note 2. Health and Educational Resources - Provider of educational and child care services at both company operated and customer facilities. In 1997 the Company sold an approximate 83% interest in Spectrum, a provider of general management and specialized services to emergency rooms, and other hospital specialties, and medical services to correctional institutions. See Note 2. The Spectrum operations contributed 29% and 63% of segment revenues and 4% and 32% of segment operating income in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively. Fiscal 1997 operating income includes the gain of $72 million from the sale of Spectrum. Fiscal 1996 operating income includes charges of approximately $13 million for insurance claims and real estate exposures. See Note 2. Distributive - Wholesale distribution of magazines and other published materials to retail locations patronized by the general public. Distributive Segment operating results were severely impacted by higher operating costs related to servicing customers and reduced margins resulting from increased competition and consolidation in the magazine wholesale distribution industry. Fiscal 1997 includes charges of approximately $34 million related to asset realization. See Note 2. In July 1998, the Company contributed substantially all of the Distributive segment operations into a joint venture and recorded a $5 million pre-tax charge in connection with the transaction. See Note 2. Revenues by segment are substantially comprised of services to unaffiliated customers and clients. Operating income reflects expenses directly related to individual segments plus an allocation of expenses applicable to more than one segment. General corporate expenses include expenses not specifically identifiable with an individual segment. Fiscal 1998 General Corporate expenses include costs related to several corporate development and strategic initiatives. Fiscal 1996 General Corporate expenses reflect reserves established for asset realization, legal and other matters. See Note 2. Direct selling expenses are approximately 1% of revenues for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996. Corporate assets consist principally of goodwill not allocable to any individual segment and other noncurrent assets. S-26 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 11. BUSINESS SEGMENTS: (Continued) Revenues Depreciation and Amortization ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 ----------- ----------- --------- -------- ------- -------- (in millions) Food and Support Services $4,342.3 $4,131.4 $3,816.0 $102.8 $100.2 $96.5 Uniform and Career Apparel 1,308.4 1,252.2 1,049.2 60.1 58.4 52.2 Health and Educational Resources 360.8 466.0 781.0 18.8 18.2 19.6 Distributive 365.8 460.8 476.3 12.0 12.3 8.3 Corporate - - - 2.1 2.6 6.2 -------- -------- -------- ------ ------ ------- Total $6,377.3 $6,310.4 $6,122.5 $195.8 $191.7 $182.8 ======== ======== ======== ====== ====== ======= Operating Income ------------------------------------------------------ (in millions) 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Food and Support Services $ 229.6 $ 170.4 $ 166.9 Uniform and Career Apparel 116.4 124.0 140.2 Health and Educational Resources 31.5 103.5 26.8 Distributive (20.3) (49.6) (6.0) ------ ------ ------ 357.2 348.3 327.9 General Corporate and Other Expenses (24.1) (16.4) (32.7) ------ ------ ------ Operating Income 333.1 331.9 295.2 Interest Expense, Net (117.3) (116.0) (116.0) ------ ------ ------ Income Before Income Taxes and Extraordinary Item $ 215.8 $ 215.9 $ 179.2 ====== ====== ====== Capital Expenditures Identifiable Assets --------------------------------- -------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- (in millions) Food and Support Services $ 97.7 $ 97.3 $99.5 $1,327.3 $1,258.8 $1,286.4 Uniform and Career Apparel 47.1 66.7 57.7 1,053.3 1,042.0 1,000.8 Health and Educational Resources 24.1 36.0 39.2 219.8 210.4 308.3 Distributive 12.0 1.5 4.6 28.7 138.0 174.1 Corporate .7 .5 1.0 112.2 104.4 75.2 ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- -------- $181.6 $202.0 $202.0 $2,741.3 $2,753.6 $2,844.8 ====== ====== ====== ======== ======== ======== Most services are provided in the United States, with operations also being conducted in Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom. The Company's non-U.S. operations for each year contributed approximately 15% of total revenues and 10% of total operating income (excluding the effect of other expense/income), and identifiable assets for these operations were approximately 9% of the total. S-27 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT ARAMARK CORPORATION BALANCE SHEETS OCTOBER 2, 1998 AND OCTOBER 3, 1997 (in thousands) ASSETS ------ 1998 1997 ------------- ------------ Current Assets: Receivables $ 933 $ 1,186 Inventories 23 23 Prepayments 1,565 2,880 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 2,521 4,089 ----------- ----------- Property & Equipment, net 2,947 5,671 Investment in Subsidiaries 1,214,682 977,599 Notes Receivable from ARAMARK Services, Inc. -- 100,000 Other Assets 1,669 2,274 ----------- ----------- $ 1,221,819 $ 1,089,633 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ------------------------------------ Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 29,963 $ 22,238 Accrued expenses 24,689 14,924 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 54,652 37,162 ----------- ----------- Long-Term Borrowings 26,701 129,029 Other Noncurrent Liabilities 59,342 65,264 Payable to Subsidiaries 1,140,000 464,877 Common Stock Subject to Potential Repurchase Under Provisions of Shareholders' Agreement 20,000 23,254 Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) Excluding Common Stock Subject to Repurchase: Class A common stock, par value $.01 25 20 Class B common stock, par value $.01 629 205 Earnings retained for use in the business (56,815) 394,090 Cumulative translation adjustment (2,715) (1,014) Impact of potential repurchase feature of common stock (20,000) (23,254) ----------- ----------- Total (78,876) 370,047 ----------- ----------- $ 1,221,819 $ 1,089,633 =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-28 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued) ARAMARK CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 1998, OCTOBER 3, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1996 (in thousands) 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ---------- ---------- Equity in Net Income of Subsidiaries $129,236 $146,108 $109,470 -------- -------- -------- Management Fee Income 34,853 35,342 49,677 -------- -------- -------- General and Administrative Expenses 24,885 27,320 39,425 -------- -------- -------- Interest (Income) Expense - Intercompany interest income (5,568) (8,663) (8,477) Interest expense 10,678 16,685 18,729 -------- -------- -------- Interest Expense, net 5,110 8,022 10,252 -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes 134,094 146,108 109,470 Provision for Income Taxes 1,943 - - -------- -------- -------- Income Before Extraordinary Item 132,151 146,108 109,470 Extraordinary Item Due to Early Extinguishments of Debt (net of income taxes of $1,943 in 1998) 2,915 - - -------- -------- -------- Net income $129,236 $146,108 $109,470 ======== ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-29 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued) ARAMARK CORPORATION STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 1998, OCTOBER 3, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1996 (in thousands) 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ---------- ---------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 129,236 $ 146,108 $109,470 Equity in net income of subsidiaries (129,236) (146,108) (109,470) Extraordinary item 2,915 - - Other, primarily noncash working capital 256 (6,204) 445 --------- --------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 3,171 (6,204) 445 --------- --------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (732) (469) (968) Other (117) (322) 3,474 --------- --------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (849) (791) 2,506 --------- ---------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Payment of long-term borrowings including premiums (106,563) (32,160) (4,225) Change in notes receivable from ARAMARK Services, Inc. 100,000 - - Change in intercompany payable to subsidiaries 573,473 90,280 49,600 Redemption of preferred stock - - (6,359) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 22,303 14,338 13,949 Repurchase of common stock (591,535) (65,463) (54,849) Payment of preferred stock dividend - - (1,067) --------- ---------- -------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (2,322) 6,995 (2,951) --------- ---------- -------- Change in cash $ - $ - $ - ========= ========== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. S-30 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued) ARAMARK CORPORATION NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto beginning on page S-3. Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Other noncurrent liabilities consist primarily of deferred compensation and subordinated installment notes arising from repurchases of common stock. Note 2. The Company has guaranteed certain debt obligations of ARAMARK Services, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, which totaled $1.7 billion on October 2, 1998. See Note 4 to the Company's consolidated financial statements. S-31 ARAMARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 1998, OCTOBER 3, 1997 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1996 Additions Reductions -------------------------- ----------------------------- Balance, Acquisition Divestiture Deductions Balance, Beginning of of Charged to of from End of Description Fiscal Year Businesses Income Businesses Reserves(1) Fiscal Year - ----------- ----------- ---------- ------ ---------- ----------- ----------- (in thousands) Fiscal Year 1998 - ---------------- Reserve for doubtful accounts, advances & current notes receivable $23,158 $ 779 $12,209 $ 3,739 $ 7,950 $24,457 ======= ======= ======= ========= ======= ======= Fiscal Year 1997 - ---------------- Reserve for doubtful accounts, advances & current notes receivable $16,973 $ 141 $16,287 $ 1,988 $ 8,255 $23,158 ======= ======= ======= ========= ======= ======= Fiscal Year 1996 - ---------------- Reserve for doubtful accounts, advances & current notes receivable $15,996 $ 831 $ 6,875 $ -- $ 6,729 $16,973 ======= ======= ======= ========= ======= ======= (1) Allowances granted and amounts determined not to be collectible. S-32 INDEX TO EXHIBITS 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation is incorporated by reference to the Company'squarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 3, 1998 3.2 Corporate By-Laws, as amended, are incorporated by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 3, 1998 3.3 Amendment to By-Laws dated November 10, 1998 4.1 Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement is incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994 4.2 Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement is incorporated by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 1988 Long-term debt instruments authorizing debt which does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of the Company are not filed herewithin but will be furnished on request of the Commission 10.1 Restated Employment Agreement dated November 13, 1991 with Joseph Neubauer is incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 1991 10.3 Agreement relating to employment and post-employment competition dated May 6, 1986 with James E. Ksansnak is incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 1989 10.4 Agreement relating to employment and post-employment competition dated October 4, 1991 with William Leonard is incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 1993 10.5 Agreement relating to employment and post-employment competition dated December 19, 1983 with Martin W. Spector is incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 1989 10.6 Agreement relating to employment and post-employment competition dated June 7, 1993 with L. Frederick Sutherland is incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 1996 10.8 Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated January 7, 1998 and amendments thereto dated May 7, 1998 and September 10, 1998 12 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 21 Subsidiaries of Registrant 23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants 24 Powers of Attorney 27 Financial Data Schedule