Aramark Services (NYSE: ARMK) reported Q1 EPS of ($0.31), $0.10 better than the analyst estimate of ($0.41). Revenue for the quarter came in at $2.7 billion versus the consensus estimate of $2.73 billion.

"The resilience of our business through this dynamic period is rooted in the exceptional performance of our people on the front-lines, serving clients—many of which are essential businesses—across the globe," said John Zillmer, Aramark's Chief Executive Officer. "It has been remarkable to watch our team pull together in the face of such adversity, and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve as a result. Our ability to stabilize revenue, improve cash flow and maintain a steadfast commitment to cost discipline, has enabled us to navigate the COVID environment with a strong liquidity position and we believe Aramark is poised for success as the recovery across our business segments occurs."

2021 OUTLOOK
The Company provides its expectations for organic revenue growth, Adjusted Operating Income and Free Cash Flow on a non-GAAP basis, and does not provide a reconciliation of such forward-looking non-GAAP measures to GAAP due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliations, including adjustments that could be made for the impact of the change in fair value related to certain gasoline and diesel agreements, severance and other charges and the effect of currency translation. The fiscal 2021 outlook reflects management\'s current assumptions regarding the continued impact of COVID-19 on Aramark and its clients. The extent to which COVID-19 continues to impact business, operations, and financial results, including the duration and magnitude of such impact, will depend on numerous evolving factors that are difficult to accurately predict, including those discussed in the Risk Factors set forth in the Company\'s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For the balance of fiscal 2021, Aramark will continue to leverage its resilient and flexible operating model, while managing the business with a cost-disciplined, long-term mindset. The Company believes it is well-positioned to navigate the ever-changing environment with current performance expectations as follows:

• Organic revenue improvement over the course of the fiscal year;
• Updated Adjusted Operating Income (AOI) drop-through rate of 18%-22% in the second quarter as a result of improved operating efficiencies, while driving client reopenings and growth investments;
• Free Cash Flow lifted to a range of neutral to $200 million generation for fiscal 2021, dependent on the pace of recovery and timing of underlying growth. The Company previously stated an expected range of $100 million use to $200 million generation. Comparatively, Free Cash Flow was a use of $188 million in fiscal 2020.

"Our priorities remain focused on continuing to execute on our growth strategies that leverage our flexible and proven platform, drive innovation to help our clients' success, emphasize cost-discipline and build on lessons learned," Zillmer added. "As we focus on our extraordinary future, we have aligned our people, values and performance to capitalize on the extensive opportunities ahead. Our belief in the Company\'s success has never been stronger."

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