UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
   
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 30, 2006March 31, 2007
OR
   
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                    to                    
Commission file number 1-6544
SYSCO CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware74-1648137

(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS employer

incorporation or organization)
 74-1648137
(IRS employer
identification number)
1390 Enclave Parkway
Houston, Texas 77077-2099
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 584-1390
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesþ Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filerþ      Accelerated Filero       Non-accelerated Filero
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yeso Noþ
616,987,398617,956,215 shares of common stock were outstanding as of January 27,April 28, 2007.
 
 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
  Page No.
  
 Financial Statements1
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 1918
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 3331
 Controls and Procedures3332
   
  
   
 Legal Proceedings3433
 Risk Factors3433
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 38
Defaults Upon Senior Securities 3938
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 3938
 Other Information4039
 Exhibits4039
   
 41
42First Amendment to 2004 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan
 Report from Ernst & Young LLP
 Acknowledgment Letter from Ernst & Young LLP
 Certification of CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification of CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification of CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906
 Certification of CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906


1

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements
SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands Except for Share Data)
                        
 Dec. 30, 2006 July 1, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 July 1, 2006 Apr. 1, 2006 
 (unaudited) (unaudited)  (unaudited) (unaudited) 
ASSETS
  
Current assets  
Cash $185,862 $201,897 $253,938  $180,943 $201,897 $205,605 
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances of $50,593, $29,100 and $53,229 2,551,114 2,483,720 2,360,132 
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances of $60,105, $29,100 and $62,012 2,634,273 2,483,720 2,467,308 
Inventories 1,717,978 1,608,233 1,672,908  1,693,084 1,608,233 1,601,250 
Prepaid expenses 69,785 59,154 65,273  66,939 59,154 72,049 
Prepaid income taxes  46,690    46,690  
              
Total current assets 4,524,739 4,399,694 4,352,251  4,575,239 4,399,694 4,346,212 
Plant and equipment at cost, less depreciation 2,593,874 2,464,900 2,344,423  2,649,708 2,464,900 2,399,345 
Other assets  
Goodwill 1,324,014 1,302,591 1,263,609  1,329,745 1,302,591 1,292,527 
Intangibles, less amortization 92,759 95,651 83,375  89,977 95,651 97,733 
Restricted cash 112,453 102,274 102,723  101,105 102,274 103,301 
Prepaid pension cost 412,310 388,650 428,005  423,607 388,650 408,183 
Other assets 206,249 238,265 235,801  257,940 238,265 236,787 
              
Total other assets 2,147,785 2,127,431 2,113,513  2,202,374 2,127,431 2,138,531 
              
Total assets $9,266,398 $8,992,025 $8,810,187  $9,427,321 $8,992,025 $8,884,088 
              
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
Current liabilities  
Notes payable $10,040 $29,300 $31,814  $10,500 $29,300 $12,000 
Accounts payable 1,888,178 1,891,357 1,813,247  1,982,126 1,891,357 1,839,477 
Accrued expenses 745,892 745,781 689,048  810,216 745,781 736,798 
Income taxes 282,208  189,593  119,919  47,647 
Deferred taxes 211,832 453,700 208,224  357,629 453,700 346,980 
Current maturities of long-term debt 105,077 106,265 209,247  104,882 106,265 208,570 
              
Total current liabilities 3,243,227 3,226,403 3,141,173  3,385,272 3,226,403 3,191,472 
Other liabilities  
Long-term debt 1,755,982 1,627,127 1,827,586  1,633,091 1,627,127 1,787,155 
Deferred taxes 700,182 723,349 727,084  688,239 723,349 692,176 
Other long-term liabilities 381,342 362,862 403,087  385,198 362,862 413,455 
              
Total other liabilities 2,837,506 2,713,338 2,957,757  2,706,528 2,713,338 2,892,786 
Contingencies 
Commitments and contingencies 
Shareholders’ equity  
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share Authorized 1,500,000 shares, issued none        
Common stock, par value $1 per share Authorized 2,000,000,000 shares, issued 765,174,900 shares 765,175 765,175 765,175  765,175 765,175 765,175 
Paid-in capital 589,380 525,684 470,274  618,087 525,684 498,322 
Retained earnings 5,202,504 4,999,440 4,766,135  5,357,045 4,999,440 4,849,518 
Other comprehensive income 62,143 84,618 21,980  67,441 84,618 19,870 
              
 6,619,202 6,374,917 6,023,564  6,807,748 6,374,917 6,132,885 
Less cost of treasury stock, 147,698,956, 146,279,320 and 146,656,748 shares 3,433,537 3,322,633 3,312,307 
 
Less cost of treasury stock, 148,014,133, 146,279,320 and 146,967,829 shares 3,472,227 3,322,633 3,333,055 
              
Total shareholders’ equity 3,185,665 3,052,284 2,711,257  3,335,521 3,052,284 2,799,830 
              
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $9,266,398 $8,992,025 $8,810,187  $9,427,321 $8,992,025 $8,884,088 
              
Note: The July 1, 2006 balance sheet has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


2

SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)(unaudited)
(In Thousands Except for Share and Per Share Data)
                                
 26-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended  39-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
Sales $17,240,820 $15,981,545 $8,568,748 $7,971,061  $25,813,781 $24,119,361 $8,572,961 $8,137,816 
  
Costs and expenses 
Cost of sales 13,918,115 12,915,546 6,915,259 6,434,753 
Costs and expenses Cost of sales 20,856,982 19,517,648 6,938,867 6,602,102 
Operating expenses 2,519,096 2,348,125 1,240,819 1,171,469  3,757,800 3,541,395 1,249,951 1,193,270 
Interest expense 53,772 51,473 28,006 29,227  79,472 80,914 25,700 29,441 
Other, net  (12,413)  (5,335)  (3,375)  (2,220)  (14,949)  (6,154)  (2,536)  (819)
                  
Total costs and expenses 16,478,570 15,309,809 8,180,709 7,633,229  24,679,305 23,133,803 8,211,982 7,823,994 
                  
  
Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting changeEarnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change762,250 671,736 388,039 337,832  1,134,476 985,558 360,979 313,822 
Income taxes 296,811 268,344 151,353 133,650  436,791 393,627 139,980 125,283 
                  
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change 465,439 403,392 236,686 204,182  697,685 591,931 220,999 188,539 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  (39,735) 9,285     9,285   
                  
Net earnings $425,704 $412,677 $236,686 $204,182  $697,685 $601,216 $220,999 $188,539 
                  
  
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change:  
Basic earnings per share $0.75 $0.65 $0.38 $0.33  $1.13 $0.95 $0.36 $0.30 
Diluted earnings per share 0.74 0.64 0.38 0.33  1.11 0.94 0.35 0.30 
  
Net earnings:  
Basic earnings per share 0.69 0.66 0.38 0.33  1.13 0.97 0.36 0.30 
Diluted earnings per share 0.68 0.65 0.38 0.33  1.11 0.95 0.35 0.30 
  
Average shares outstanding 619,642,963 623,470,638 619,158,876 620,137,592  618,988,223 621,995,157 617,678,739 618,973,143 
Diluted shares outstanding 626,777,041 631,396,186 628,429,841 627,147,814  626,507,744 629,661,119 625,750,925 625,101,592 
  
Dividends declared per common share $0.36 $0.32 $0.19 $0.17  $0.55 $0.49 $0.19 $0.17 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3

SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)(unaudited)
(In Thousands)
                                
 26-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended  39-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
Net earnings $425,704 $412,677 $236,686 $204,182  $697,685 $601,216 $220,999 $188,539 
  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:  
Foreign currency translation adjustment  (22,689) 28,474  (22,135)  (37)  (17,497) 26,257 5,191  (2,217)
Change in fair value of forward-starting interest rate swap  7,064     7,064   
Amortization of cash flow hedge 214 119 107 107  320 226 107 107 
                  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)  (22,475) 35,657  (22,028) 70   (17,177) 33,547 5,298  (2,110)
                  
  
Comprehensive income $403,229 $448,334 $214,658 $204,252  $680,508 $634,763 $226,297 $186,429 
                  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


4

SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)(unaudited)
(In Thousands)
                
 26-Week Period Ended  39-Week Period Ended 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
Operating activities:  
Net earnings $425,704 $412,677  $697,685 $601,216 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:  
Cumulative effect of accounting change 39,735  (9,285)   (9,285)
Share-based compensation expense 49,916 74,168  69,510 101,944 
Depreciation and amortization 178,871 169,558  270,236 251,955 
Deferred tax provision 271,473 261,766  405,228 365,548 
Provision for losses on receivables 15,417 16,654  23,251 22,508 
(Gain) loss on sale of assets  (5,326) 380   (5,791) 908 
Additional investment in certain assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired:  
(Increase) in receivables  (81,371)  (57,632)  (170,145)  (158,778)
(Increase) in inventories  (113,283)  (193,578)  (86,722)  (118,535)
(Increase) in prepaid expenses  (10,832)  (4,716)  (7,933)  (11,333)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 10,040  (8,753)
(Decrease) in accrued expenses  (21,205)  (30,287)
Increase in accounts payable 101,707 11,452 
Increase in accrued expenses 54,167 15,387 
(Decrease) in accrued income taxes  (195,621)  (311,809)  (352,399)  (449,976)
(Increase) in other assets  (13,594)  (14,046)  (26,976)  (18,040)
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities and prepaid pension cost, net  (5,180) 9,534 
(Increase) decrease in prepaid pension cost and other long-term liabilities, net  (12,621) 39,724 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements  (4,564)  (3,080)  (7,032)  (5,484)
          
Net cash provided by operating activities 540,180 311,551  952,165 639,211 
          
  
Investing activities:  
Additions to plant and equipment  (314,497)  (232,559)  (457,174)  (363,909)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment 11,555 12,211  14,119 13,493 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired  (44,618)  (54,776)  (48,534)  (109,423)
Increase in restricted cash  (12,679)  (992)  (1,331)  (1,570)
          
Net cash used for investing activities  (360,239)  (276,116)  (492,920)  (461,409)
          
  
Financing activities:  
Bank and commercial paper borrowings (repayments ), net  (19,260) 342,024   (10,235) 282,460 
Other debt borrowings 135,032 499,987  4,480 500,436 
Other debt repayments  (6,197)  (206,698)  (7,418)  (209,625)
Debt issuance costs   (3,955)  (7)  (3,998)
Cash paid for termination of interest rate swap   (21,196)   (21,196)
Common stock reissued from treasury 127,522 76,215  184,950 104,782 
Treasury stock purchases  (225,177)  (473,181)  (329,342)  (527,616)
Dividends paid  (210,528)  (188,159)  (328,029)  (293,535)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements 4,564 3,080  7,032 5,484 
          
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities  (194,044) 28,117 
Net cash used for financing activities  (478,569)  (162,808)
          
  
Effect of exchange rates on cash  (1,932)  (1,292)  (1,630)  (1,067)
          
  
Net (decrease) increase in cash  (16,035) 62,260   (20,954) 13,927 
Cash at beginning of period 201,897 191,678  201,897 191,678 
          
Cash at end of period $185,862 $253,938  $180,943 $205,605 
          
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:  
Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest $54,092 $47,664  $86,733 $80,064 
Income taxes 220,406 313,493  383,076 472,063 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


5

SYSCO CORPORATION and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
 1. Basis of Presentation
 
   The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the company, without audit, with the exception of the July 1, 2006 consolidated balance sheet, which was taken from the audited financial statements included in the company’s Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial statements include consolidated balance sheets, consolidated results of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated cash flows. Certain amounts in the prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2007 presentation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for all periods presented, have been made.
 
   These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the company’s Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
   A review of the financial information herein has been made by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, in accordance with established professional standards and procedures for such a review. A report from Ernst & Young LLP concerning their review is included as Exhibit 15.1.
 
 2. Changes in Accounting
 
   FSP FTB 85-4-1 Adoption
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position No. FTB 85-4-1, “Accounting for Life Settlement Contracts by Third-Party Investors” (FSP FTB 85-4-1), in March 2006. FSP FTB 85-4-1 allows an investor to account for its investments in a life settlement contract using either the investment method or the fair value method. The investment method requires the initial investment to be recognized at the transaction price, while the fair value method requires the initial investment to be recognized at its transaction price and remeasured to fair value each subsequent reporting period. The election of the investment method or fair value method is irrevocable and should be made on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Previously, only the fair value method was available. FSP FTB 85-4-1 became effective for SYSCO in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Prospective application was required for all new investments in life settlement contracts, and a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings was made at the date of adoption to recognize the impact of adjusting the existing life settlement contract investments to historical cost.
SYSCO has corporate-owned life insurance policies on key individuals that are used to fund obligations under non-qualified executive retirement plans. SYSCO adopted FSP FTB 85-4-1 in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 using the investment method, which resulted in a cumulative change in accounting principle charge of $39,735,000.


6

Pro forma net earnings and earnings per share adjusted for the effect of retroactive application of the investment method for life settlement contract investments are as follows:
         
  26-Week Period Ended  13-Week Period Ended 
  Dec. 31, 2005  Dec. 31, 2005 
Reported net earnings $412,677,000  $204,182,000 
Retroactive effect  (8,126,000)  (3,518,000)
       
Pro forma net earnings $404,551,000  $200,664,000 
       
         
Basic earnings per share:        
Reported net earnings $0.66  $0.33 
Retroactive effect  (0.01)  (0.01)
       
Pro forma net earnings $0.65  $0.32 
       
         
Diluted earnings per share:        
Reported net earnings $0.65  $0.33 
Retroactive effect  (0.01)  (0.01)
       
Pro forma net earnings $0.64  $0.32 
       
EITF 04-13 Adoption
 
   In September 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on Issue No. 04-13, “Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory With the Same Counterparty,” which requires that two or more inventory transactions with the same counterparty (as defined) should be viewed as a single nonmonetary transaction if the transactions were entered into in contemplation of one another. Exchanges of inventory between entities in the same line of business should be accounted for at fair value or recorded at carrying amounts, depending on the classification of such inventory. This guidance was effective for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 for SYSCO. SYSCO has certain transactions where finished goods are purchased from a customer or sourced by that customer for warehousing and distribution and resold to the same customer. These transactions are evidenced by title transfer and are separately invoiced. Historically, the company has recorded such transactions in the Consolidated Results of Operations for purchases within “Cost of Sales” and sales within “Sales.” In fiscal 2007, the company recorded the net effect of such transactions in the Consolidated Results of Operations within “Sales” by reducing sales and cost of sales in the amount of $177,006,000$253,724,000 for the first 2639 weeks and $85,474,000$76,718,000 for the secondthird quarter. Prior to the adoption of EITF 04-13, the amounts included in the Consolidated Results of Operations on a gross basis within “Cost of Sales” for the 2639 week and 13 week periods ended December 31, 2005April 1, 2006 were $191,973,000$279,746,000 and $90,182,000,$87,772,000, respectively. Such amounts were not restated when the new standard was adopted because only prospective treatment is required.was allowed.
 
   Pension Measurement Date Change
 
   Beginning in fiscal 2006, SYSCO changed the measurement date for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans from fiscal year-end to May 31st, which represented a change in accounting. The one-month acceleration of the measurement date allows additional time for management to evaluate and report the actuarial pension measurements in the year-end


6

financial statements and disclosures within the accelerated filing deadlines of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting was an increase to earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 of $9,285,000, net of tax.


7

 3. New Accounting Standards
 
   FIN 48
 
   In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 (SFAS 109). FIN 48 clarifies the application of SFAS 109 by defining criteria that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position to be recognized in the financial statements. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on the measurement, derecognition, classification and disclosure of tax positions, along with accounting for the related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. SYSCO is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 
   SFAS 157
 
   In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of SFAS 157.
 
   SFAS 158
 
   In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize a plan’s funded status in its statement of financial position, measure a plan’s assets and obligations as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year and recognize the changes in a defined benefit postretirement plan’s funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS 158’s requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and new disclosure requirements are effective as of the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 158 will have on its consolidated financial statements. The effect of adoption at June 30, 2007, SYSCO’s adoption date, or any other future date, cannot be determined, since the impact is dependent upon on the measurements of each plan’s assets and obligations at such date. However, if this standard had been applied at July 1, 2006, the result would have been an increase in current liabilities of approximately $10,000,000, an increase in other long-term liabilities of approximately $145,000,000, a decrease in prepaid pension cost of approximately $160,000,000, a decrease in deferred taxes of approximately $120,000,000 and a decrease in shareholders’ equity of approximately $195,000,000.


87

SFAS 159
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 159 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 4. Restricted Cash
 
   SYSCO is required by its insurers to collateralize a part of the self-insured portion of its workers’ compensation and liability claims. SYSCO has chosen to satisfy these collateral requirements by depositing funds in insurance trusts.
 
   In addition, for certain acquisitions, SYSCO has placed funds into escrow to be disbursed to the sellers in the event that specified operating results are attained or contingencies are resolved. EscrowedDuring the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2007, $4,000,000 was placed into escrow related to a new acquisition, and escrowed funds in the amount of $2,500,000 related to certain acquisitions were released to sellers of acquired businesses duringbusinesses. In addition, escrowed funds of $12,121,000 were released from escrow related to an acquisition for which the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007.contingent consideration period expired without the additional consideration being earned.
 
   A summary of restricted cash balances appears below:
                        
 Dec. 30, 2006 July 1, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 July 1, 2006 Apr. 1, 2006 
Funds deposited in insurance trusts $91,333,000 $82,653,000 $81,402,000  $92,105,000 $82,653,000 $81,980,000 
Escrow funds related to acquisitions 21,120,000 19,621,000 21,321,000  9,000,000 19,621,000 21,321,000 
              
Total $112,453,000 $102,274,000 $102,723,000  $101,105,000 $102,274,000 $103,301,000 
              
 5. Debt
 
   In September 2006, the termination date on the revolving credit facility supporting the company’s U.S. and Canadian commercial paper programs was extended from November 4, 2010 to November 4, 2011 in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
 
   As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, SYSCO had uncommitted bank lines of credit which provide for unsecured borrowings for working capital of up to $145,000,000, of which $10,040,000$10,500,000 was outstanding as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007.
 
   As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, SYSCO’s outstanding commercial paper issuances were $530,997,000$408,133,000 and were classified as long-term debt since the company’s commercial paper programs are supported by its long-term revolving credit facility in the amount of $750,000,000.
 
   During the 26-week39-week period ended December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, the aggregate of commercial paper issuances and short-term bank borrowings ranged from approximately $372,762,000$356,804,000 to $703,072,000.


8

   Included in current maturities of long-term debt at December 30, 2006March 31, 2007 are the 7.25% senior notes due April 2007 totaling $100,000,000. It is the company’s intention to fund the repayment ofIn April 2007, SYSCO repaid these senior notes at maturity through issuancesutilizing a combination of cash flow from operations and commercial paper senior notes or a combination thereof.issuances.


9

 6. Employee Benefit Plans
 
   The components of net benefit cost for the 26-week39-week periods presented are as follows:
                                
 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Plans  Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Plans 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
Service cost $42,328,000 $50,014,000 $226,000 $256,000  $63,492,000 $75,021,000 $339,000 $384,000 
Interest cost 45,656,000 41,802,000 266,000 236,000  68,484,000 62,703,000 399,000 354,000 
Expected return on plan assets  (58,372,000)  (52,088,000)     (87,558,000)  (78,132,000)   
Amortization of prior service cost 2,843,000 2,466,000 101,000 101,000  4,264,000 3,699,000 151,000 151,000 
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 4,844,000 23,102,000  (66,000)  (8,000) 7,266,000 34,653,000  (99,000)  (12,000)
Amortization of net transition obligation   76,000 76,000    114,000 114,000 
                  
Net periodic benefit cost $37,299,000 $65,296,000 $603,000 $661,000  $55,948,000 $97,944,000 $904,000 $991,000 
                  
   The components of net benefit cost for the 13-week periods presented are as follows:
                                
 Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Plans  Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Plans 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
Service cost $21,164,000 $25,007,000 $113,000 $128,000  $21,164,000 $25,007,000 $113,000 $128,000 
Interest cost 22,827,000 20,901,000 133,000 118,000  22,828,000 20,901,000 133,000 118,000 
Expected return on plan assets  (29,186,000)  (26,044,000)     (29,186,000)  (26,044,000)   
Amortization of prior service cost 1,423,000 1,233,000 51,000 51,000  1,421,000 1,233,000 50,000 50,000 
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain) 2,422,000 11,551,000  (33,000)  (4,000) 2,422,000 11,551,000  (33,000)  (4,000)
Amortization of net transition obligation   38,000 38,000    38,000 38,000 
                  
Net periodic benefit cost $18,650,000 $32,648,000 $302,000 $331,000  $18,649,000 $32,648,000 $301,000 $330,000 
                  
   SYSCO’s contributions to its defined benefit plans were $45,491,000$68,168,000 and $69,117,000$71,538,000 during the 26-week39-week periods ended December 30,March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively.
 
   Although contributions to its qualified pension plan (Retirement Plan) are not required to meet ERISA minimum funding requirements, the company anticipates it will make voluntary contributions of approximately $80,000,000 during fiscal 2007 of which $60,000,000 have been made in the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2007. The company’s contributions to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and other post-retirement plans are made in the amounts needed to fund current year benefit payments. The estimated fiscal 2007 contributions to fund benefit payments for the SERP and other post-retirement plans are $10,300,000 and $300,000, respectively.


109

 7. Earnings Per Share
 
   The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
                                
 26-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended  39-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005  Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
Numerator:  
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change $465,439,000 $403,392,000 $236,686,000 $204,182,000  $697,685,000 $591,931,000 $220,999,000 $188,539,000 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  (39,735,000) 9,285,000     9,285,000   
                  
Net earnings $425,704,000 $412,677,000 $236,686,000 $204,182,000  $697,685,000 $601,216,000 $220,999,000 $188,539,000 
                  
  
Denominator:  
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding 619,642,963 623,470,638 619,158,876 620,137,592  618,988,223 621,995,157 617,678,739 618,973,143 
Dilutive effect of employee and director stock options 7,134,078 7,925,548 9,270,965 7,010,222  7,519,521 7,665,962 8,072,186 6,128,449 
                  
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 626,777,041 631,396,186 628,429,841 627,147,814  626,507,744 629,661,119 625,750,925 625,101,592 
                  
  
Basic earnings per share:  
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change $0.75 $0.65 $0.38 $0.33  $1.13 $0.95 $0.36 $0.30 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  (0.06) 0.01     0.02   
                  
Net earnings $0.69 $0.66 $0.38 $0.33  $1.13 $0.97 $0.36 $0.30 
                  
  
Diluted earnings per share:  
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change $0.74 $0.64 $0.38 $0.33  $1.11 $0.94 $0.35 $0.30 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  (0.06) 0.01     0.01   
                  
Net earnings $0.68 $0.65 $0.38 $0.33  $1.11 $0.95 $0.35 $0.30 
                  
   The number of options that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was approximately 23,000,00022,000,000 and 25,000,000 for both the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and 2006.2006, respectively. The number of options that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive was approximately 14,000,000 and 29,000,00035,000,000 for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 8. Share-Based Compensation
 
   SYSCO provides compensation benefits to employees and non-employee directors under several share-based payment arrangements including the 2004 Stock Option Plan, the 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan and the Management Incentive Plans.
 
   SYSCO accounts for share-based compensation using the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)), which it adopted using the modified-prospective transition method effective July 3, 2005.


1110

   Stock Option Plans
 
   SYSCO’s 2004 Stock Option Plan was adopted in fiscal 2005 and reserved 23,500,000 shares of SYSCO common stock for grants of options and dividend equivalents to directors, officers and other employees of the company and its subsidiaries at the fair market value (as defined in the plan) at the date of grant. Options to purchase 6,504,200 and 4,827,500 shares were granted to employees in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
   SYSCO’s 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan was adopted in fiscal 2006 and reserved 550,000 shares of common stock for grants to non-employee directors in the form of options, stock grants, restricted stock units and dividend equivalents. In the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007, options to purchase 35,000 shares and 30,00042,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to non-employee directors. Of the 42,000 shares of restricted stock granted to non-employee directors, 12,000 shares in the aggregate were issued to two new non-employee directors as one-time retainer awards. In the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006, options to purchase 31,500 shares and 27,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to non-employee directors.
 
   The fair value of each option award is estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant-date fair value per share of options granted during the 26-week39-week periods ended December 30,March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006 and December 31, 2005 was $6.85 and $7.83, respectively.
 
   Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan
 
   SYSCO’s Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan permits employees to invest by means of periodic payroll deductions in SYSCO common stock at 85% of the closing price on the last business day of each calendar quarter. Shares of SYSCO common stock purchased by plan participants during the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and 2006 were 900,9871,286,176 and 910,623,1,386,124, respectively.
 
   The weighted average fair value per share of employee stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan was $4.79$5.00 and $5.03$4.91 during the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. The fair value of the stock purchase rights was calculated as the difference between the stock price and the employee purchase price.
 
   Management Incentive Compensation
 
   SYSCO’s Management Incentive Plans compensate key management personnel for specific performance achievements. The bonuses earned and expensed under these plans during a fiscal year are paid in the following fiscal year in both cash and stock, and a portion of the cash bonus may be deferred for payment in future years at the election of each participant.
 
   A total of 323,822 shares and 617,637 shares at a fair value per share of $30.56 and $36.25, respectively, were issued pursuant to these plans in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, for bonuses earned in the preceding fiscal years.
 
   All Share-Based Payment Arrangements
 
   The total share-based compensation cost that has been recognized in results of operations was $49,916,000$69,510,000 and $74,168,000$101,944,000 for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in results of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $8,901,000$13,065,000 and $11,370,000$14,186,000 for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively.


11

   The total share-based compensation cost that has been recognized in results of operations was $20,295,000$19,594,000 and $32,888,000$27,776,000 for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006,


12

respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in results of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $5,631,000$4,164,000 and $5,370,000$2,816,000 for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively.
 
  
As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, there was $114,343,000$98,139,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of three years.
 
 9. Income Taxes
 
   Reflected in the changes in the net deferred tax liability and prepaid/accrued income tax balances from July 1, 2006 to December 30, 2006March 31, 2007 is the reclassification of deferred tax liabilities to accrued income taxes related to supply chain distributions. This reclassification reflects the tax payments to be made during the next twelve months related to previously deferred supply chain distributions.
 
   The effective tax rate for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 was 38.9%38.5%, a decrease from the effective tax rate of 40.0%39.9% for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to lower share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2007. SYSCO recorded a tax benefit of $8,901,000,$13,065,000, or 17.8%18.8% of the total $49,916,000$69,510,000 in share-based compensation expense recorded in the 26-week39-week period ended December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. SYSCO recorded a tax benefit of $11,370,000,$14,186,000, or 15.3%13.9% of the total $74,168,000$101,944,000 in share-based compensation expense recorded in the 26-week39-week period ended December 31, 2005.April 1, 2006.
 
   The effective tax rate for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 was 39.0%38.8%, a decrease from the effective tax rate of 39.6%39.9% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to lower share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2007. SYSCO recorded a tax benefit of $5,631,000,$4,164,000, or 27.7%21.3% of the total $20,295,000$19,594,000 in share-based compensation expense recorded in the 13-week period ended December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. SYSCO recorded a tax benefit of $5,370,000,$2,816,000, or 16.3%10.1% of the total $32,888,000$27,776,000 in share-based compensation expense recorded in the 13-week period ended December 31, 2005.April 1, 2006.
 
   The determination of the company’s overall effective tax rate requires the use of estimates. The effective tax rate reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state, as well as Canadian federal and provincial, jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases/decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, tax credits and the company’s change in earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.
 
   As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, the company’s 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns were under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The company has recorded a liability ofaccrued approximately $13,000,000$14,000,000 for its best estimate of the adjustment onadditional liability required related to certain positions which have been challenged by the IRS.IRS on which the company believes it is probable that it will not prevail. This represents an increase of $3,000,000$4,000,000 from the liability of $10,000,000 recorded as of July 1, 2006. WhileSYSCO has received the final summary of proposed adjustments from the IRS, which include, among other items, a current assessment of taxes for which the company believes that it has appropriate supportrecorded a deferred tax liability related to SYSCO’s affiliate, Baugh Supply Chain Cooperative (BSCC), plus related interest. The company has reviewed the merits of the issues raised by the IRS. The company has not recorded a liability for the other positions taken on these returns, ifinterest portion of the assessment proposed by the IRS disagrees with positions taken byrelated to BSCC, nor has it accrued tax or interest related to other disputed assessments, as the company on its tax returns, SYSCO could have additional tax liability, including interest and penalties in addition todoes not believe the amounts already recorded.loss is probable. See


1312

further discussion related to BSCC in Note 11 Commitments and Contingencies under the caption “BSCC Cooperative Structure”.
 10. Acquisitions
 
   During the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007, the company paid cash of $44,618,000$48,534,000 for acquisitions made during fiscal 2007 and for contingent consideration related to operations acquired in previous fiscal years. In addition, escrowed funds in the amount of $2,500,000 related to certain acquisitions were released to sellers of previously acquired businesses during the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007.
 
   Certain acquisitions involve contingent consideration typically payable only in the event that specified operating results are attained or certain outstanding contingencies are resolved. Aggregate contingent consideration amounts outstanding as of December 30, 2006March 31, 2007 included $126,347,000$113,803,000 in cash, which, if distributed, could result in the recording of additional goodwill. Such amounts are to be paid out over periods of up to four years from the date of acquisition if the contingent criteria are met.
 
 11. Commitments and Contingencies
 
   SYSCO is engaged in various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. These proceedings, in the opinion of management, will not have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial statements of the company when ultimately concluded.
 
   Multi-Employer Pension Plans
 
   SYSCO contributes to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. Approximately 10% of SYSCO’s current employees are participants in such multi-employer plans. In fiscal 2006, total contributions to these plans were approximately $29,796,000. During the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007, total contributions to these plans were approximately $15,735,000.$24,205,000.
 
   SYSCO does not directly manage these multi-employer plans, which are generally managed by boards of trustees, half of whom are appointed by the unions and the other half by other contributing employers to the plan. Based upon the information available from plan administrators, management believes that some of these multi-employer plans are under-funded due partially to a decline in the value of the assets supporting these plans, a reduction in the number of actively participating members for whom employer contributions are required, and the level of benefits provided by the plans. In addition, the Pension Protection Act, enacted in August 2006, will require under-funded pension plans to improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of their under-funding, perhaps beginning as soon as 2008. As a result, SYSCO’s required contributions to these plans may increase in the future.
 
   Under current law regarding multi-employer defined benefit plans, a plan’s termination, SYSCO’s voluntary withdrawal, or the mass withdrawal of all contributing employers from any under-funded multi-employer defined benefit plan would require SYSCO to make payments to the plan for SYSCO’s proportionate share of the multi-employer plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. SYSCO does not believe that it is probable that there will be a mass withdrawal of employers from the plan or that any of the plans will terminate in the near future. In addition, if a multi-employer defined benefit plan fails to satisfy certain minimum funding requirements,


13

the Internal Revenue ServiceIRS may impose a nondeductible excise tax of 5% on the amount of the accumulated funding deficiency for those employers contributing to the fund.


14

   Based on the information available from plan administrators, SYSCO estimates that its share of withdrawal liability on all the multi-employer plans it participates in could be as much as $130,000,000.$120,000,000.
 
   BSCC Cooperative Structure
 
   SYSCO’s affiliate, BSCC, is a cooperative for income tax purposes.and taxed under subchapter T of the United States Internal Revenue Code. SYSCO believes that the deferred tax liabilities resulting from the business operations and legal ownership of BSCC are appropriate under the tax laws. However, if the application of the tax laws to the cooperative structure of BSCC were to be successfully challenged by any federal, state or local tax authority, SYSCO could be required to accelerate the payment of all or a portion of its income tax liabilities associated with BSCC that it otherwise has deferred until future periods and be liable for interest on such amounts. As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, SYSCO has recorded deferred income tax liabilities of $680,000,000$825,000,000 related to the BSCC supply chain distributions. This amount represents the income tax liabilities related to BSCC that were accrued, but for whichthe payment had been deferred as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. In addition, if it waswere determined that all amounts since the inception of BSCC were inappropriately deferred or that BSCC should have been a taxable entity, SYSCO estimates that in addition to making a current payment for amounts previously deferred (as discussed above), the total interestcompany may have additional liability (representing interest) that would be payable on the cumulative deferred balances could be as much as $185,000,000,ranging from $160,000,000 to $180,000,000, prior to federal income tax benefit, as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. SYSCO calculated this amount based upon the amounts deferred since the inception of BSCC applying the IRSapplicable jurisdictions’ interest rates in effect in each period. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, as a part of the IRS’s audit of the 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns, the IRS proposed adjustments related to the taxability of BSCC. The company plans to vigorously protest these adjustments. The company has reviewed the merits of the issues raised by the IRS and based upon such review, SYSCO believes that the resulting interest is not a probable liability and accordingly, has not recorded any related amount in any period.
 
Fuel Commitments
From time to time, SYSCO may enter into forward purchase commitments for a portion of its projected diesel fuel requirements. As of March 31, 2007, outstanding forward diesel fuel purchase commitments total approximately $67,000,000 at a fixed price through the end of calendar year 2007. These agreements meet the definition of a derivative. However, the company elected to use the normal purchase and sale exemption available under relevant accounting literature, which allows SYSCO to account for these agreements on an accrual basis and thus they are not recorded at fair value.


14

 12. Business Segment Information
 
   The company has aggregated its operating companies into a number of segments, of which only Broadline and SYGMA are reportable segments as defined in SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” Broadline operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to both traditional and chain restaurant customers. SYGMA operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-food products to some of the chain restaurant customer locations. “Other” financial information is attributable to the company’s other segments, including the company’s specialty produce, custom-cut meat and lodging industry segments and a company that distributes to internationally located chain restaurants.
Intersegment sales represent specialty produce and meat company products distributed by the Broadline and SYGMA operating companies. The segment results include allocation of centrally incurred costs for shared services that are eliminated upon consolidation. Centrally incurred costs are allocated based upon the relative level of service used by each operating company. The company does not allocate to its segments share-based compensation expense related to stock option grants, issuances of stock pursuant to the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan and restricted stock grants.
                 
  39-Week Period Ended  13-Week Period Ended 
  Mar. 31, 2007  Apr. 1, 2006  Mar. 31, 2007  Apr. 1, 2006 
Sales (in thousands):                
Broadline $20,270,627  $19,098,232  $6,716,512  $6,386,905 
SYGMA  3,240,706   3,062,546   1,082,534   1,035,287 
Other  2,648,772   2,246,939   887,156   815,812 
Intersegment sales  (346,324)  (288,356)  (113,241)  (100,188)
             
Total $25,813,781  $24,119,361  $8,572,961  $8,137,816 
             
                 
  39-Week Period Ended  13-Week Period Ended 
  Mar. 31, 2007  Apr. 1, 2006  Mar. 31, 2007  Apr. 1, 2006 
Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change (in thousands):                
Broadline $1,195,941  $1,093,501  $375,944  $346,284 
SYGMA  9,858   (699)  4,077   2,601 
Other  93,438   86,733   31,631   28,832 
             
Total segments  1,299,237   1,179,535   411,652   377,717 
Unallocated corporate expenses  (164,761)  (193,977)  (50,673)  (63,895)
             
Total $1,134,476  $985,558  $360,979  $313,822 
             
             
  Mar. 31, 2007  July 1, 2006  Apr. 1, 2006 
Assets (in thousands):            
Broadline $5,543,427  $5,248,223  $5,237,766 
SYGMA  378,481   359,116   342,704 
Other  934,794   832,223   829,013 
          
Total segments  6,856,702   6,439,562   6,409,483 
Corporate  2,570,619   2,552,463   2,474,605 
          
Total $9,427,321  $8,992,025  $8,884,088 
          


15

                 
  26-Week Period Ended  13-Week Period Ended 
  Dec. 30, 2006  Dec. 31, 2005  Dec. 30, 2006  Dec. 31, 2005 
Sales (in thousands):                
Broadline $13,554,116  $12,711,327  $6,709,294  $6,307,760 
SYGMA  2,158,171   2,027,259   1,086,094   1,018,821 
Other  1,761,616   1,431,127   892,801   746,155 
Intersegment sales  (233,083)  (188,168)  (119,441)  (101,675)
             
Total $17,240,820  $15,981,545  $8,568,748  $7,971,061 
             
                 
  26-Week Period Ended  13-Week Period Ended 
  Dec. 30, 2006  Dec. 31, 2005  Dec. 30, 2006  Dec. 31, 2005 
Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change (in thousands):                
Broadline $819,997  $747,217  $408,891  $370,753 
SYGMA  5,781   (3,300)  4,334   (513)
Other  61,808   57,901   33,343   33,204 
             
Total segments  887,586   801,818   446,568   403,444 
Unallocated corporate expenses  (125,336)  (130,082)  (58,529)  (65,612)
             
Total $762,250  $671,736  $388,039  $337,832 
             
             
  Dec. 30, 2006  July 1, 2006  Dec. 31, 2005 
Assets (in thousands):            
Broadline $5,448,037  $5,248,223  $5,187,216 
SYGMA  377,048   359,116   339,463 
Other  906,145   832,223   750,118 
          
Total segments  6,731,320   6,439,562   6,276,797 
Corporate  2,535,168   2,552,463   2,533,390 
          
Total $9,266,398  $8,992,025  $8,810,187 
          


16
13. Supplemental Guarantor Information
 
  SYSCO International, Co. is an unlimited liability company organized under the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYSCO. In May 2002, SYSCO International, Co. issued, in a private offering, $200,000,000 of 6.10% notes due in 2012. These notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by SYSCO.
 
  The following condensed consolidating financial statements present separately the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the parent guarantor (SYSCO), the subsidiary issuer (SYSCO International) and all other non-guarantor subsidiaries of SYSCO (Other Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries) on a combined basis and eliminating entries.
                                        
 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet 
 December 30, 2006  March 31, 2007 
 SYSCO Other Non-Guarantor Consolidated  SYSCO Other Non-Guarantor Consolidated 
 SYSCO International Subsidiaries Eliminations Totals  SYSCO International Subsidiaries Eliminations Totals 
 (In thousands)  (In thousands) 
Current assets $179,844 $12 $4,344,883 $ $4,524,739  $164,981 $2 $4,410,256 $ $4,575,239 
Investment in subsidiaries 11,939,935 317,203 150,730  (12,407,868)   12,255,418 320,454 148,061  (12,723,933)  
Plant and equipment, net 187,257  2,406,617  2,593,874  149,780  2,499,928  2,649,708 
Other assets 701,312  1,446,473  2,147,785  755,940  1,446,434  2,202,374 
                      
Total assets $13,008,348 $317,215 $8,348,703 $(12,407,868) $9,266,398  $13,326,119 $320,456 $8,504,679 $(12,723,933) $9,427,321 
                      
  
Current liabilities $408,181 $1,018 $2,834,028 $ $3,243,227  $388,834 $4,070 $2,992,368 $ $3,385,272 
Intercompany payables (receivables) 7,486,181 16,994  (7,503,175)    7,787,418 27,058  (7,814,476)   
Long-term debt 1,482,019 233,094 40,869  1,755,982  1,367,978 223,920 41,193  1,633,091 
Other liabilities 532,062  549,462  1,081,524  537,318  536,119  1,073,437 
Shareholders’ equity 3,099,905 66,109 12,427,519  (12,407,868) 3,185,665  3,244,571 65,408 12,749,475  (12,723,933) 3,335,521 
                      
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $13,008,348 $317,215 $8,348,703 $(12,407,868) $9,266,398  $13,326,119 $320,456 $8,504,679 $(12,723,933) $9,427,321 
                      
                     
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet 
  July 1, 2006 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Current assets $162,177  $35  $4,237,482  $  $4,399,694 
Investment in subsidiaries  11,282,232   317,812   125,433   (11,725,477)   
Plant and equipment, net  174,020      2,290,880      2,464,900 
Other assets  711,056      1,416,375      2,127,431 
                
Total assets $12,329,485  $317,847  $8,070,170  $(11,725,477) $8,992,025 
                
                     
Current liabilities $331,417  $1,022  $2,893,964  $  $3,226,403 
Intercompany payables (receivables)  7,207,923   38,308   (7,246,231)      
Long-term debt  1,358,452   224,247   44,428      1,627,127 
Other liabilities  487,858      598,353      1,086,211 
Shareholders’ equity  2,943,835   54,270   11,779,656   (11,725,477)  3,052,284 
                
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $12,329,485  $317,847  $8,070,170  $(11,725,477) $8,992,025 
                


16

                     
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet 
  April 1, 2006 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Current assets $150,938  $6  $4,195,268  $  $4,346,212 
Investment in subsidiaries  10,879,188   303,341   141,222   (11,323,751)   
Plant and equipment, net  149,924      2,249,421      2,399,345 
Other assets  727,605      1,410,926      2,138,531 
                
Total assets $11,907,655  $303,347  $7,996,837  $(11,323,751) $8,884,088 
                
                     
Current liabilities $444,645  $4,201  $2,742,626  $  $3,191,472 
Intercompany payables (receivables)  6,692,232   14,064   (6,706,296)      
Long-term debt  1,502,833   238,976   45,346      1,787,155 
Other liabilities  555,102      550,529      1,105,631 
Shareholders’ equity  2,712,843   46,106   11,364,632   (11,323,751)  2,799,830 
                
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $11,907,655  $303,347  $7,996,837  $(11,323,751) $8,884,088 
                
                     
  Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations 
  For the 39-Week Period Ended March 31, 2007 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Sales $  $  $25,813,781  $  $25,813,781 
Cost of sales        20,856,982      20,856,982 
Operating expenses  156,120   96   3,601,584      3,757,800 
Interest expense (income)  303,451   9,059   (233,038)     79,472 
Other, net  (8,129)     (6,820)     (14,949)
                
Total costs and expenses  451,442   9,155   24,218,708      24,679,305 
                
Earnings (losses) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (451,442)  (9,155)  1,595,073      1,134,476 
Income tax (benefit) provision  (182,032)  (3,572)  622,395      436,791 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries  967,095   12,377      (979,472)   
                
Net earnings $697,685  $6,794  $972,678  $(979,472) $697,685 
                
                     
  Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations 
  For the 39-Week Period Ended April 1, 2006 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Sales $  $  $24,119,361  $  $24,119,361 
Cost of sales        19,517,648      19,517,648 
Operating expenses  175,486   81   3,365,828      3,541,395 
Interest expense (income)  274,951   8,439   (202,476)     80,914 
Other, net  (1,920)     (4,234)     (6,154)
                
Total costs and expenses  448,517   8,520   22,676,766      23,133,803 
                
Earnings (losses) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (448,517)  (8,520)  1,442,595      985,558 
Income tax (benefit) provision  (144,151)  (3,195)  540,973      393,627 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries  896,297   4,273      (900,570)   
                
Net earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change  591,931   (1,052)  901,622   (900,570)  591,931 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  9,285            9,285 
                
Net earnings $601,216  $(1,052) $901,622  $(900,570) $601,216 
                


17

                     
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet 
  December 31, 2005 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Current assets $200,162  $12  $4,152,077  $  $4,352,251 
Investment in subsidiaries  10,581,888   304,541   139,897   (11,026,326)   
Plant and equipment, net  128,456      2,215,967      2,344,423 
Other assets  746,014      1,367,499      2,113,513 
                
Total assets $11,656,520  $304,553  $7,875,440  $(11,026,326) $8,810,187 
                
                     
Current liabilities $458,886  $32,886  $2,649,401  $  $3,141,173 
Intercompany payables (receivables)  6,440,775   23,961   (6,464,736)      
Long-term debt  1,582,053   199,592   45,941      1,827,586 
Other liabilities  552,753      577,418      1,130,171 
Shareholders’ equity  2,622,053   48,114   11,067,416   (11,026,326)  2,711,257 
                
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $11,656,520  $304,553  $7,875,440  $(11,026,326) $8,810,187 
                
                     
  Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations 
  13-Week Period Ended March 31, 2007 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Sales $  $  $8,572,961  $  $8,572,961 
Cost of sales        6,938,867      6,938,867 
Operating expenses  54,999   33   1,194,919      1,249,951 
Interest expense (income)  103,727   3,019   (81,046)     25,700 
Other, net  (961)     (1,575)     (2,536)
                
Total costs and expenses  157,765   3,052   8,051,165      8,211,982 
                
Earnings (losses) before income taxes  (157,765)  (3,052)  521,796      360,979 
Income tax (benefit) provision  (63,286)  (1,195)  204,461      139,980 
Equity in earnings of Subsidiaries  315,478   585      (316,063)   
                
Net earnings $220,999  $(1,272) $317,335  $(316,063) $220,999 
                
                                        
 Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations  Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations 
 For the 26-Week Period Ended December 30, 2006  13-Week Period Ended April 1, 2006 
 SYSCO Other Non-Guarantor Consolidated  SYSCO Other Non-Guarantor Consolidated 
 SYSCO International Subsidiaries Eliminations Totals  SYSCO International Subsidiaries Eliminations Totals 
 (In thousands)  (In thousands) 
Sales $ $ $17,240,820 $ $17,240,820  $ $ $8,137,816 $ $8,137,816 
Cost of sales   13,918,115  13,918,115    6,602,102  6,602,102 
Operating expenses 112,368 63 2,406,665  2,519,096  56,592 14 1,136,664  1,193,270 
Interest expense (income) 199,724 6,040  (151,992)  53,772  98,607 3,066  (72,232)  29,441 
Other, net  (7,168)   (5,245)   (12,413)  (688)   (131)   (819)
                      
Total costs and expenses 304,924 6,103 16,167,543  16,478,570  154,511 3,080 7,666,403  7,823,994 
                      
Earnings (losses) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (304,924)  (6,103) 1,073,277  762,250 
Earnings (losses) before income taxes  (154,511)  (3,080) 471,413  313,822 
Income tax (benefit) provision  (118,746)  (2,377) 417,934  296,811   (50,341)  (1,155) 176,779  125,283 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 651,617 11,792   (663,409)  
Equity in earnings of Subsidiaries 292,709 125   (292,834)  
                      
Net earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change 465,439 8,066 655,343  (663,409) 465,439 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  (39,735)     (39,735)
Net earnings (loss) $188,539 $(1,800) $294,634 $(292,834) $188,539 
                      
Net earnings $425,704 $8,066 $655,343 $(663,409) $425,704 
           
                     
  Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations 
  For the 26-Week Period Ended December 31, 2005 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Sales $  $  $15,981,545  $  $15,981,545 
Cost of sales        12,915,546      12,915,546 
Operating expenses  118,894   67   2,229,164      2,348,125 
Interest expense (income)  176,344   5,373   (130,244)     51,473 
Other, net  (1,232)     (4,103)     (5,335)
                
Total costs and expenses  294,006   5,440   15,010,363      15,309,809 
                
Earnings (losses) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change  (294,006)  (5,440)  971,182      671,736 
Income tax (benefit) provision  (93,810)  (2,040)  364,194      268,344 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries  603,588   4,148      (607,736)   
                
Net earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change  403,392   748   606,988   (607,736)  403,392 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  9,285            9,285 
                
Net earnings $412,677  $748  $606,988  $(607,736) $412,677 
                
                 
  Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows 
  39-Week Period Ended March 31, 2007 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor  Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Net cash provided by (used for):                
                 
Operating activities $(107,737) $(2,500) $1,062,402  $952,165 
Investing activities  (1,531)     (491,389)  (492,920)
Financing activities  (474,423)  (327)  (3,819)  (478,569)
Effect of exchange rate on cash        (1,630)  (1,630)
Intercompany activity  577,074   2,827   (579,901)   
             
Net decrease in cash  (6,617)     (14,337)  (20,954)
Cash at the beginning of the period  131,275      70,622   201,897 
             
Cash at the end of the period $124,658  $  $56,285  $180,943 
             
                 
  Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows 
  39-Week Period Ended April 1, 2006 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor  Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Net cash provided by (used for):                
                 
Operating activities $(143,620) $(2,430) $785,261  $639,211 
Investing activities  (48,627)     (412,782)  (461,409)
Financing activities  (164,580)  6,418   (4,646)  (162,808)
Effect of exchange rate on cash        (1,067)  (1,067)
Intercompany activity  347,206   (3,988)  (343,218)   
             
Net (decrease) increase in cash  (9,621)     23,548   13,927 
Cash at the beginning of the Period  125,748      65,930   191,678 
             
Cash at the end of the Period $116,127  $  $89,478  $205,605 
             


18
                     
  Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations 
  13-Week Period Ended December 30, 2006 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Sales $  $  $8,568,748  $  $8,568,748 
Cost of sales        6,915,259      6,915,259 
Operating expenses  49,504   31   1,191,284      1,240,819 
Interest expense (income)  101,446   3,316   (76,756)     28,006 
Other, net  (739)     (2,636)     (3,375)
                
Total costs and expenses  150,211   3,347   8,027,151      8,180,709 
                
Earnings (losses) before income taxes  (150,211)  (3,347)  541,597      388,039 
Income tax (benefit) provision  (58,611)  (1,306)  211,270      151,353 
Equity in earnings of Subsidiaries  328,286   6,116      (334,402)   
                
Net earnings $236,686  $4,075  $330,327  $(334,402) $236,686 
                
                     
  Condensed Consolidating Results of Operations 
  13-Week Period Ended December 31, 2005 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor      Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Eliminations  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Sales $  $  $7,971,061  $  $7,971,061 
Cost of sales        6,434,753      6,434,753 
Operating expenses  59,228   39   1,112,202      1,171,469 
Interest expense (income)  91,686   2,156   (64,615)     29,227 
Other, net  (555)     (1,665)     (2,220)
                
Total costs and expenses  150,359   2,195   7,480,675      7,633,229 
                
Earnings (losses) before income taxes  (150,359)  (2,195)  490,386      337,832 
Income tax (benefit) provision  (49,423)  (823)  183,896      133,650 
Equity in earnings of Subsidiaries  305,118   920      (306,038)   
                
Net earnings (loss) $204,182  $(452) $306,490  $(306,038) $204,182 
                
                 
  Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows 
  26-Week Period Ended December 30, 2006 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor  Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Net cash provided by (used for):                
                 
Operating activities $(44,879) $(3,707) $588,766  $540,180 
Investing activities  (42,050)     (318,189)  (360,239)
Financing activities  (199,243)  8,847   (3,648)  (194,044)
Effect of exchange rate on cash        (1,932)  (1,932)
Intercompany activity  274,448   (5,140)  (269,308)   
             
Net decrease in cash  (11,724)     (4,311)  (16,035)
Cash at the beginning of the period  131,275      70,622   201,897 
             
Cash at the end of the period $119,551  $  $66,311  $185,862 
             
                 
  Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows 
  26-Week Period Ended December 31, 2005 
      SYSCO  Other Non-Guarantor  Consolidated 
  SYSCO  International  Subsidiaries  Totals 
  (In thousands) 
Net cash provided by (used for):                
                 
Operating activities $(75,383) $(3,640) $390,574  $311,551 
Investing activities  (20,062)     (256,054)  (276,116)
Financing activities  32,330   (1,152)  (3,061)  28,117 
Effect of exchange rate on cash        (1,292)  (1,292)
Intercompany activity  101,283   4,792   (106,075)   
             
Net increase in cash  38,168      24,092   62,260 
Cash at the beginning of the period  125,748      65,930   191,678 
             
Cash at the end of the period $163,916  $  $90,022  $253,938 
             


19

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unless this Form 10-Q indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” or “SYSCO” as used in this Form 10-Q refer to Sysco Corporation together with our consolidated subsidiaries and divisions. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements as of July 1, 2006, and for the fiscal year then ended, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2006.
Highlights
Results of Operations
Sales increased 7.9%7.0% in the first 2639 weeks and 7.5%5.3% in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year periods. Accounting pronouncement EITF 04-13 (see below) negatively impacted sales growth in fiscal 2007 by 1.1% in the first 2639 weeks and 1.1%0.9% in the secondthird quarter and also affects the comparison of gross margins, operating expenses and earnings as a percentage of sales between the periods. Gross margins as a percentage of sales were 19.3%19.2% in the first 2639 weeks and 19.3%19.1% in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007. Operating expenses as a percentage of sales for the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 decreased from the comparable prior year periods. The comparison of the two periods is impacted by decreasedreflecting efficiencies in our operating activities. Decreases in pension and share-based compensation expense and decreased pension costs,expenses were largely offset by increased costs related to our strategy initiative,higher corporate expenses, including management incentive bonus accruals. Additionally, the comparison of the two periods was affected by the recognition of gainsaccruals and investments in the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2006 related to the cash surrender value of life insurance policies with no comparable adjustment in the first 26 weeks and second quarter of fiscal 2007 due to our adoption of FSP FTB 85-4-1 (see below).strategic business initiatives. Earnings before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased 15.4%17.9% for the first 2639 weeks and 15.9%17.2% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year period. Diluted earnings per share before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased 15.6%18.1% for the first 2639 weeks and 15.2%16.7% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year period.
Accounting Changes
We have recently adopted several new accounting rules that impact the comparison of our operating results between periods.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we adopted FASB Staff Position No. FTB 85-4-1, “Accounting for Life Settlement Contracts by Third-Party Investors” (FSP FTB 85-4-1). FSP FTB 85-4-1 allows a company to account for its investments in a life settlement contract using either the investment method or the fair value method. We have corporate-owned life insurance policies on key individuals that are used to fund obligations under non-qualified executive retirement plans. We adopted this standard using the investment method, which resulted in a cumulative change in accounting principle charge in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 of $39,735,000, which represents the reversal of the cumulative amount of gains recorded on existing agreements in years prior to fiscal 2007.
In the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we adopted accounting pronouncement EITF 04-13 “Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty,” (EITF 04-13). The accounting standard requires certain transactions, where inventory is purchased by us from a customer and then resold at a later date to the same customer (as


20

defined), to be presented in the income statement on a net basis. This situation primarily arises for SYSCO when our customer has a proprietary item which they have either manufactured or sourced, but they require our distribution and logistics capabilities to get the product to their locations. The impact of adopting this new standard resulted in sales being reduced by $177,006,000$253,724,000 for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and $85,474,000$76,718,000 in the secondthird quarter of 2007. Cost of sales were also reduced by the same amount and thus net earnings are unaffected by the adoption of this standard. We adopted this accounting pronouncement beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and will apply it to similar transactions prospectively. Prior period’speriod sales and cost of sales have not been restated. Therefore, the calculation of sales growth and the comparison of gross margins, operating expenses and earnings as a percentage of sales between the periods are affected.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, we changed the measurement date for pension and other postretirement benefit plans from fiscal year-end to May 31st to assist us in meeting accelerated SEC filing dates. As a result of this change, we recorded a cumulative effect of a change in accounting, which increased net earnings for fiscal 2006 by $9,285,000, net of tax.


19

Overview
SYSCO distributes food and related products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers. Our operations are located throughout the United States and Canada and include broadline companies, specialty produce companies, custom-cut meat operations, hotel supply operations, SYGMA (our chain restaurant distribution subsidiary) and a company that distributes to internationally located chain restaurants.
We estimate that we serve about 14% of an approximately $232 billion annual market that includes the North American foodservice market and North American hotel amenity, furniture and textile markets.market. According to industry sources, the foodservice, or food-prepared-away-from-home, market represents approximately one-half of the total dollars spent on food purchases made at the consumer level. This share grew from about 37% in 1972 to about 50% in 1998 and has not changed materially since that time.
General economic conditions and consumer confidence can affect the frequency of purchases and amounts spent by consumers for food-prepared-away-from-home and, in turn, can impact our sales. Historically, we have grown at a faster rate than the overall industry and have grown our market share in this fragmented industry. We intend to continue to expand our market share and grow earnings by focusing on sales growth, brand management, productivity gains, sales force effectiveness and supply chain management.
National Supply Chain Project
We expect our National Supply Chain project to lower inventory, operating costs, working capital requirements and future facility expansion needs at our operating companies while providing greater value to our suppliers and customers. The first regional distribution center (RDC), the Northeast RDC located in Front Royal, Virginia, opened during the third quarter of fiscal 2005.
In January 2006, we completed the purchase of land in Alachua, Florida for the future site of our second RDC, which will service our five broadline operating companies in Florida. PreparationConstruction of the building site is completein progress and this facility is expected to be operational in fiscal 2008. In February 2006,March 2007, we signed a memorandum of understanding to purchasepurchased the site for construction of a third RDC in Hamlet, Indiana.


2120

Strategy InitiativeStrategic Business Initiatives
OurIn fiscal 2006, our executive team, with the approval of the Board of Directors, is undergoing a strategic planning process of the businesses and processes at SYSCO. This undertaking is a disciplined study of our current businesses and what initiatives may be required to help ensure our continued growth.
We have established a strategy team which is examiningto examine many aspects of our businesses with an initial emphasis on five strategic focus areas established to help us achieve our long-term vision of becoming the global leader of the efficient, multi-temperature food product value chain. These five areas will serve as the foundation in our efforts to ensure a sustainable future and identify areas for growth. Each area is staffed with full-time associates who are focused on the following:
  The Sourcing Team is focusing on lowering our cost of goods sold by leveraging SYSCO’s purchasing power and procurement expertise. The Sourcing Team recently rolled out an implementation process for centrally sourced items and is currently in the middle of implementing the second group of products to be purchased in a more coordinated effort.
 
  The Integrated Delivery Team’s objective is working to optimize our current infrastructure in order to reduce costs and provide a growth platform in North America. Currently, the Integrated Delivery Team is pilot-testing processes to optimize warehouse and delivery activities and energy consumption to achieve a more efficient delivery of products to our customers.
 
  The Demand Team is developing strategies to better understand and more profitably sell to and service SYSCO’s customers. The Demand Team is focusing on developing targeted go-to-market strategies and better tools and techniques for selling.
 
  The Organizational Capabilities Team is working to align management reporting systems and metrics with the new strategic priorities.
 
  The New Growth Team is exploring potential new markets and acquisitions and enhancing the processes for evaluating and integrating them with existing operations.
Our primary focus will beis on growing and optimizing the core foodservice distribution business in North America. To a lesser extent, we will also explore and identify opportunities to grow our global capabilities over time.capabilities.
During the quarter, we began to take our strategic growth plans from initiative to implementation and announced new responsibilities for several executives. Over time, the teams will be integrated into our business and a strategic management function will remain to help put strategic plans into action.
We are in the process of testing the firstwill continue to use our strategic business initiatives over the next several quarters. The Sourcing team recently began a trial of sourcing a relatively small number ofto help us grow by leveraging our market leadership position to continuously improve how our associates buy, handle and market products in order to better understand the outcomes and practices required for us to procure product in a more coordinated effort. The Integrated Delivery team is pilot-testing processes to optimize warehousing and delivery activities to achieve a more efficient delivery of products to our customers.


2221

Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the components of the Results of Operations expressed as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated:
                                
 26-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended 39-Week Period Ended 13-Week Period Ended 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
Sales  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
 
Costs and Expenses  
Cost of sales 80.7 80.8 80.7 80.7  80.8 80.9 80.9 81.1 
Operating expenses 14.6 14.7 14.5 14.7  14.6 14.7 14.6 14.7 
Interest expense 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4  0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 
Other, net 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0   (0.1) 0.0 0.0 0.0 
                  
Total costs and expenses 95.6 95.8 95.5 95.8  95.6 95.9 95.8 96.2 
                  
  
Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.2  4.4 4.1 4.2 3.8 
Income taxes 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7  1.7 1.6 1.6 1.5 
                  
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change 2.7 2.5 2.8 2.6  2.7 2.5 2.6 2.3 
Cumulative effect of accounting change  (0.2) 0.1        
                  
Net earnings  2.5%  2.6%  2.8%  2.6%  2.7%  2.5%  2.6%  2.3%
                  


2322

The following table sets forth the change in the components of the Results of Operations expressed as a percentage increase or decrease over the comparable period in the prior year:
                
 26-Week Period 13-Week Period 39-Week Period 13-Week Period 
Sales  7.9%  7.5%  7.0%  5.3%
 
Costs and Expenses  
Cost of sales 7.8 7.5  6.9 5.1 
Operating expenses 7.3 5.9  6.1 4.8 
Interest expense 4.5  (4.2)  (1.8)  (12.7)
Other, net 132.7 52.0  142.9 209.6 
          
Total costs and expenses 7.6 7.2  6.7 5.0 
          
  
Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change 13.5 14.9  15.1 15.0 
Income taxes 10.6 13.2  11.0 11.7 
          
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change 15.4 15.9  17.9 17.2 
Cumulative effect of accounting change      
          
Net earnings  3.2%  15.9%  16.0%  17.2%
          
  
Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change:  
Basic earnings per share  15.4%  15.2%  18.9%  20.0%
Diluted earnings per share 15.6 15.2  18.1 16.7 
  
Net earnings:  
Basic earnings per share 4.5 15.2  16.5 20.0 
Diluted earnings per share 4.6 15.2  16.8 16.7 
  
Average shares outstanding  (0.6)  (0.2)  (0.5)  (0.2)
Diluted shares outstanding  (0.7) 0.2   (0.5) 0.1 


2423

Sales
Sales increased 7.9%7.0% for the first 2639 weeks and 7.5%5.3% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable periods of the prior year. The application of EITF 04-13 negatively impacted sales growth in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 by 1.1%, or $177,006,000,$253,724,000, and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 by 1.1%0.9%, or $85,474,000.$76,718,000. Acquisitions contributed 1.0%0.8% to the overall sales growth rate for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and 1.0%0.5% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007. Estimated product cost increases, an internal measure of inflation, were 2.5%2.6% during the first 2639 weeks and 2.6%2.9% during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, as compared to 0.4%0.9% during the first 2639 weeks and 0.6%2.0% during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006.
We believe that our continued focus on customer account penetration through the use of business reviews with customers and the continued investment in increasing the number of customer contact personnel contributed to the sales growth in fiscal 2007. The number of customer contact personnel has increased by approximately 150335 since the end of fiscal 2006.2006 and by 480 since the end of the comparable prior year period.
Gross Margins
Gross margins as a percentage of sales were 19.3%19.2% for both the first 2639 weeks and 19.1% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, as compared to 19.2%19.1% for the first 2639 weeks and 19.3%18.9% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006. The impact of EITF 04-13 contributed 0.2% to the increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales in both the first 2639 weeks and secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007. We believe that the decline in grossGross margins as a percentage of sales, prior to the benefit obtained from the impact of EITF 04-13, was primarily driven by estimated product cost increases of 2.5% during the first 26 weeks and 2.6% during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Product cost increases have the impact of reducing gross margins as a percentage of sales overwere comparable prior year periods, as gross profit dollars are earned on a higher sales dollar base.across periods.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses as a percentage of sales were 14.6% for both the first 2639 weeks and 14.5% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, as compared to 14.7% for each of the comparable periods in the prior year. The impact of EITF 04-13 increased operating expenses as a percentage of sales by 0.2%0.1% for both the first 2639 weeks and 0.1% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007. The decreasedecline in operating expenses as a percentage of sales, prior to the effect of the impact of EITF 04-13, was primarily attributabledue to decreasesefficiencies obtained at the operating company level. Decreases in pension and share-based compensation expense and pension costsexpenses were offset by increases inhigher corporate expenses, including various management incentive bonus accruals and investments in our strategystrategic business initiatives. Also impacting the expense comparisons are gains recorded in fiscal 2006 related to the cash surrender value of corporate owned life insurance and additional hurricane related expenses incurred in fiscal 2006.
Share-based compensation expense decreased $24,252,000$32,434,000 and $12,593,000$8,182,000 in the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year periods, due primarily to the completion of expense recognition in fiscal 2006 of a significant number of options granted in fiscal 2002. Net pension costs decreased $27,997,000$41,996,000 and $13,998,000$13,999,000 in the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year periods, due primarily to the increase in the discount rate used to determine fiscal 2007 pension costs. Net pension costs for fiscal 2007 are expected to decrease by approximately $55,000,000 over the prior year. The non-stock portion of various management incentive bonus accruals increased $24,000,000$53,380,000 and $9,000,000$19,875,000 in the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year periods, due primarily to improved operating results over last year. Investments in strategystrategic business initiatives were $21,015,000increased $20,546,000 and $11,571,000$3,054,000 in the first 2639 weeks and third quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year periods.


2524

weeks and the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Amounts in the prior comparable periodsOperating expenses were minimal.
In addition, the comparison of expenses in fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2006 is affectedreduced by the recognition of $8,126,000a gain of $15,005,000 in the first 39 weeks and $3,518,000$3,758,000 in income, as a reductionthe third quarter of operating expenses,fiscal 2007 to adjust the carrying value of life insurance assets to their cash surrender valuevalue. This compared to the recognition of a gain of $12,230,000 in the first 2639 weeks and $4,103,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006, respectively, with no comparable adjustments2006.
Due to improved operating results in fiscal 2007, we believe that incentive compensation will be $25,000,000 to $30,000,000 million higher in the fiscal 2007, due to our adoption of FSP FTB 85-4-1 (See Note 2, Changes in Accounting beginning on page 5 for further discussion).
Expense control measures and operating efficiencies reduced operating expenses as a percentage of sales. We also believe that product cost increases had some impact of reducing operating expenses as a percentage of sales over comparable prior year periods. Product cost increases have the effect of increasing sales whereas operating expenses do not increase at the same rate, resulting in a reduction in the expense ratio as compared to the prior year.
As a percentage of sales, fuel costs for the first 26 weeks and the secondfourth quarter of fiscal 2007 were comparable to the same prior year periods. In order to partially manage the volatility and uncertainty of fuel costs, from time to time, we may enter into forward purchase commitments for a portion of our projected diesel fuel requirements. As of December 30, 2006, outstanding forward diesel fuel purchase commitments total approximately $89,000,000, which will fix the price on a significant portion of our fuel purchases through the end of calendar year 2007. These agreements meet the definition of a derivative. However, we elected to use the normal purchase and sale exemption available under relevant accounting literature, which allows us to account for these agreements on an accrual basis and thus they are not recorded at fair value.
Interest Expense
The increase in interest expense in the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2007 over the fourth quarter last year.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was comparable for the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2007 and the comparable period in fiscal 2006 was due to increased borrowing levels as well as increased interest rates.2006.
The decrease in interest expense in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable period in fiscal 2006 was due to decreased borrowingsborrowing levels.
Other, Net
Changes between the periods result from fluctuations in various activities. The increase in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior year period is primarily due to a gain of approximately $5,800,000 on the sale of land.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 was 38.9%38.5%, a decrease from the effective tax rate of 40.0%39.9% for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006. The effective tax rate for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 was 39.0%38.8%, a decrease from the effective tax rate of 39.6%39.9% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006. The decreases in the effective tax rates were primarily due to lower share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2007.


26

Net Earnings
Earnings before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased 15.4% and 15.9% for the first 26 weeks and the second quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. The increase was due primarily to the factors discussed above.
Net earnings increased 3.2% and 15.9% for the first 26 weeks and the second quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable periods of the prior year. In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, SYSCO adopted FSP FTB 85-4-1 using the investment method to account for life settlement contracts, which resulted in a cumulative change in accounting principle charge of $39,735,000. In addition, in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, SYSCO recorded a cumulative effect of a change in accounting, due to a change in the measurement date for pension and other postretirement benefits, which increased net earnings for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006 by $9,285,000, net of tax.
Earnings before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased 17.9% and 17.2% for the first 39 weeks and the third quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. The increase was due primarily to the factors discussed above.
Net earnings increased 16.0% and 17.2% for the first 39 weeks and the third quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable periods of the prior year. The increase was due primarily to the factors discussed above and the cumulative effect of accounting change recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2006.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased 15.4%18.9% and 15.2%20.0%, in the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. Diluted earnings per share before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased 15.6%18.1% and 15.2%16.7%, in the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter


25

of fiscal 2007, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. These increases were due primarily to the factors discussed above.above and the reduction in shares outstanding due to share repurchases.
Basic earnings per share increased 4.5%16.5% and 15.2%20.0%, in the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. Diluted earnings per share increased 4.6%16.8% and 15.2%16.7%, in the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively, over the comparable periods of the prior year. In addition to the factors discussed above, the comparison of basic and diluted earnings per share for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 areis impacted by the amounts recorded related to the cumulative effects of accounting change in the first quartersquarter of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 (See Note 2, Changes in Accounting beginning on page 5 for further discussion).
Segment Results
The following table sets forth the change in the selected financial data of each of our reportable segments expressed as a percentage increase over the comparable period in the prior year and should be read in conjunction with Note 12, Business Segment Information beginning on page 14:
                                
 26-Week Period 13-Week Period 39-Week Period 13-Week Period 
 Earnings Earnings Earnings Earnings 
 before before before before 
 Sales taxes Sales taxes Sales taxes Sales taxes 
Broadline  6.6%  9.7%  6.4%  10.3%  6.1%  9.4%  5.2%  8.6%
SYGMA 6.5  (1) 6.6  (2) 5.8  (1) 4.6 56.7(2)
Other 23.1 6.7 19.7 0.4  17.9 7.7 8.7 9.8 
 
(1) SYGMA had earnings before taxes of $5,781,000$9,858,000 in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and a loss of $3,300,000$699,000 in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006.
 
(2) SYGMA had earnings before taxes of $4,334,000$4,077,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 and a loss of $513,000$2,601,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2006.


27

The following table sets forth sales and earnings before income taxes of each of our reportable segments expressed as a percentage of the respective consolidated total and should be read in conjunction with Note 12, Business Segment Information beginning on page 14:
                                
 26-Week Period Ended 39-Week Period Ended 
 Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 Mar. 31, 2007 Apr. 1, 2006 
 Earnings Earnings Earnings Earnings 
 before before before before 
 Sales taxes Sales taxes Sales taxes Sales taxes 
Broadline  78.6%  107.6%  79.5%  111.2%  78.5%  105.4%  79.2%  111.0%
SYGMA 12.5 0.7 12.7  (0.5) 12.5 0.9 12.7  (0.1)
Other 10.2 8.1 9.0 8.6  10.3 8.2 9.3 8.8 
Intersegment sales  (1.3)   (1.2)    (1.3)   (1.2)  
Unallocated corporate expenses   (16.4)   (19.3)   (14.5)   (19.7)
                  
Total  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
                  


                 
  13-Week Period Ended
  Dec. 30, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005
      Earnings     Earnings
      before     before
  Sales taxes Sales taxes
Broadline  78.3%  105.4%  79.1%  109.7%
SYGMA  12.7   1.1   12.8   (0.1)
Other  10.4   8.6   9.4   9.8 
Intersegment sales  (1.4)     (1.3)   
Unallocated corporate expenses     (15.1)     (19.4)
                 
Total  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
                 

26

                 
  13-Week Period Ended 
  Mar. 31, 2007  Apr. 1, 2006 
      Earnings      Earnings 
      before      before 
  Sales  taxes  Sales  taxes 
Broadline  78.4%  104.1%  78.5%  110.3%
SYGMA  12.6   1.1   12.7   0.8 
Other  10.3   8.8   10.0   9.2 
Intersegment sales  (1.3)     (1.2)   
Unallocated corporate expenses     (14.0)     (20.3)
             
Total  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
             
We do not allocate to our segments share-based compensation expense related to stock option grants, issuances of stock pursuant to the Employees’ Stock Purchase plan and restricted stock grants.
Broadline Segment
Broadline segment sales increased 6.6%6.1% for the first 2639 weeks and 6.4%5.2% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable periods of the prior year. The application of EITF 04-13 negatively impacted sales growth in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 by 0.8%, or $96,901,000 and the second quarter of fiscal 2007 by 0.7%, or $46,368,000.$131,076,000 and the third quarter of fiscal 2007 by 0.5%, or $34,174,000. Acquisitions did not have an impact to the overall sales growth rate for the first 2639 weeks or secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007. The sales increases were primarily due to increased sales to multi-unit customers and marketing associate-served customers.
Marketing associate-served sales as a percentage of broadline sales in the U.S. were 53.2%51.8% and 52.8%50.7% for the first 2639 weeks and secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively, as compared to 56.4%51.4% and 55.9%50.6%, respectively, for the comparable prior year periods. SYSCO Brand sales as a percentage of broadline sales in the U.S. were 46.2%45.8% and 45.8%45.0% for the first 2639 weeks and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively, as compared to 48.7%48.4% and 48.3%47.4%, respectively, for the comparable prior year periods.


28

Earnings before income taxes for the Broadline segment increased 9.7%9.4% for the first 2639 weeks and 10.3%8.6% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable periods of the prior year. These increases in earnings before income taxes were primarily due to increases in sales partially offset by lower margins on certain products primarily resulting from product cost increases.and operating efficiencies.
SYGMA Segment
SYGMA segment sales increased 6.5%5.8% for the first 2639 weeks and 6.6%4.6% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable periods of the prior year. The application of EITF 04-13 negatively impacted sales growth in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 by 3.9%4.0%, or $79,831,000$121,772,000 and the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 by 3.8%4.1%, or $38,869,000.$41,941,000. Acquisitions contributed 2.4% to the overall sales growth rate for both the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and 2.3% for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007. The increaseincreases in sales was primarilywere due to sales to new customers and sales growth in SYGMA’s existing customer base related to increased sales at existing locations as well as new locations added by those customers. In addition, certain customers were transferred from Broadline operations to be serviced by SYGMA operations, contributing to the sales increase.


27

Earnings before income taxes for the SYGMA segment increased to $5,781,000$9,858,000 for the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 from the comparable prior period loss of $3,300,000.$699,000. Earnings before income taxes for the SYGMA segment increased 56.7% to $4,334,000$4,077,000 for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007 over the comparable prior period lossearnings of $513,000.$2,601,000. These increases in earnings before income taxes were due to several factors, including sales growth, increased margins and improved operating efficiencies partially offset by costs of labor.labor and auto liability related expenses. In addition, the transfer of customers from Broadline operations referred to above also contributed to the increases in earnings before income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We may apply cash provided by operating activities, as supplemented by commercial paper issuances and other bank borrowings, towards investments in facilities, fleet and other equipment; cash dividends; acquisitions consistent with our overall growth strategy; and the share repurchase program.
We believe that our cash flows from operations, as well as the availability of additional capital under our existing commercial paper programs, bank lines of credit, debt shelf registration and our ability to access capital from financial markets in the future, will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements while maintaining proper liquidity for normal operating purposes.
Operating Activities
We generated $952,165,000 in cash flow from operations in the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2007, as compared to $639,211,000 in the first 39 weeks of fiscal 2006.
Cash flow from operations in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 was negatively impacted by increases in accounts receivable balances and inventory balances offset by an increase in accounts payable balances. Cash flow from operations in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006 was negatively impacted by increases in accounts receivable balances and inventory balances, and a decreasepartially offset by an increase in accounts payable balances.
The increase in accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable balances in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2007 waswere primarily due to sales growth and change in customer mix. Due to normal seasonal patterns, sales to multi-unit customers represented a larger percentage of total SYSCO sales at the end of the first 26 weeks as compared to the end of the prior fiscal year. Payment terms


29

for multi-unit customers are traditionally longer than the overall SYSCO average. Accounts receivablegrowth. March 2007 inventory days sales outstanding ratios for the two periods were comparable.
Inventory balances are impacted by many factors including current and anticipated sales volumes and changes in product mix, and purchases in anticipation of product availability and product cost increases. The company historically has experienced elevated inventory levels during the holiday period which occurs at end(using an average of the second quarter. Sales in the last five weeks of the quarter are at lower volumes duecost of sales) were improved as compared to the holiday period,March 2006 which can build inventory levels. In addition, purchasing levels are typically increased at the end of the quarter in anticipation of increased sales volumes from the re-opening of schools after the holiday period. These are the primary factors causing an increase in inventory balances from the end of the previous fiscal year to the end of the second quarter.
The amount that the inventory levels increased in fiscal 2007we believe was $80,295,000 lower than the increase experienced in fiscal 2006. We believe thatdriven by our inventory management efforts, together with the rollout of the Demand Planningefforts.
The increase in accounts receivable and Inventory Management System (DPR System), has aided in reducing inventory levels. Inventory days sales outstanding ratios were improved as of December 2006 as compared to December 2005 across the company’s operations, particularlybalances in the Northeast region as a resultfirst 39 weeks of the improved efficiencies of the Northeast RDC together with the operating companiesfiscal 2006 were primarily due to sales growth. The accounts payable balances did not increase in the region.
same manner as inventory increases. Accounts payable balances are impacted by many factors including changes in product mix and changes in payment terms with vendors due to conversion to more efficient electronic payment methods and to cash discount terms.
Cash flow from operations was also negatively impacted by the decrease in accruedAccrued expenses of $21,205,000 forincreased $54,167,000 during the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and a decrease of $30,287,000 for$15,387,000 during the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006. These decreasesincreases were primarily due to the payment of prior year annual incentive bonuses. These were partially offset by accruals for current year incentivesincentive bonuses due to improved operating results over last year.
Prepaid pension cost and to the payment of 401(k) matching contributions in the first quarter of each fiscal year.
Otherother long-term liabilities, and prepaid pension cost, net, decreased $5,180,000increased $12,621,000 during the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 and increased $9,534,000decreased $39,724,000 during the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006. The change in these accounts iswas primarily attributable to the recording of net pension costs and the timing of pension contributions. In the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007, we


28

recorded net pension costs of $37,299,000$55,948,000 and contributed $45,491,000$68,168,000 to our pension plans. In the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2006, we recorded net pension costs of $65,296,000$97,944,000 and contributed $69,117,000$71,538,000 to our pension plans.
Financing Activities
During the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007, a total of 6,638,7009,538,700 shares were repurchased at a cost of $225,177,000,$329,342,000, as compared to 14,187,80015,951,800 shares at a cost of $473,181,000$527,616,000 for the comparable period in fiscal 2006. AnThere were no additional 2,500,000 shares at a cost of $90,412,000 have been purchasedshare repurchases through January 27,April 28, 2007, resulting in 10,200,2009,800,200 shares remaining available for repurchase as authorized by the Board.Board as of that date.
Dividends paid in the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007 were $210,528,000,$328,029,000, or $0.34$0.53 per share, as compared to $188,159,000,$293,535,000, or $0.30$0.47 per share, in the comparable period of fiscal 2006. In November 2006,February 2007, we declared our regular quarterly dividend for the thirdfourth quarter of fiscal 2007, increasing it to $0.19 per share, which was paid in JanuaryApril 2007.


30

As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we had uncommitted bank lines of credit, which provide for unsecured borrowings for working capital of up to $145,000,000, of which $10,040,000$10,500,000 was outstanding at December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. Such borrowings were $5,255,000$8,500,000 as of January 27,April 28, 2007.
As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, our outstanding commercial paper issuances were $530,997,000.$408,133,000. Such borrowings were $627,681,000$638,883,000 as of January 27,April 28, 2007. During the 26-week39-week period ended December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, the aggregate of commercial paper and short-term bank borrowings ranged from approximately $372,762,000$356,804,000 to $703,072,000.
In September 2006, the termination date on the revolving credit facility supporting our U.S. and Canadian commercial paper programs was extended from November 4, 2010 to November 4, 2011 in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Included in current maturities of long-term debt at December 30, 2006March 31, 2007 are the 7.25% senior notes due April 2007 totaling $100,000,000. It is our intention to fund the repayment ofIn April 2007, SYSCO repaid these senior notes at maturity through issuancesutilizing a combination of cash flow from operations and commercial paper senior notes or a combination thereof.issuances.
Our long-term debt to capitalization ratio was 36.9%34.3% at December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. For purposes of calculating this ratio, long-term debt includes both the current maturities and long-term portions.
Other Considerations
As discussed in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, beginning on page 13,12, we contribute to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees.
Under current law regarding multi-employer defined benefit plans, a plan’s termination, our voluntary withdrawal or the mass withdrawal of all contributing employers from any under-funded multi-employer defined benefit plan would require us to make payments to the plan for our proportionate share of the multi-employer plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. Based on the information available from plan administrators, we estimate that our share of withdrawal liability on all the multi-employer plans we participate in, some of which appear to be under-funded, could be as much as $130,000,000.$120,000,000.


29

For those plans that appear to be under-funded, we do not currently believe that it is probable that there will be a mass withdrawal of employers contributing to these plans or that any of the plans will terminate in the near future. However, required contributions to multi-employer plans could increase in the future as these plans strive to improve their funding levels. In addition, unforeseenthe Pension Protection Act, enacted in August 2006, will require under-funded pension plans to improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of their under-funding, perhaps beginning as soon as 2008. Unforeseen requirements to pay such increased contributions, withdrawal liability and excise taxes could cause us to raise additional capital through debt financing or the issuance of equity or we may be required to cancel planned capital expenditures or share repurchases or a combination of these items.
Our affiliate, BSCC, is a cooperative for income tax purposes.and taxed under subchapter T of the Unites States Internal Revenue Code. We believe that the deferred tax liabilities resulting from the business operations and legal ownership of BSCC are appropriate under the tax laws. However, if the application of the tax laws to the cooperative structure of BSCC were to be successfully challenged by any federal, state or local tax authority, we could be required to accelerate the payment of all or a portion of our income tax liabilities associated with BSCC that we otherwise have deferred until future periods and be liable for interest on such amounts. As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we have recorded deferred


31

income tax liabilities of $680,000,000$825,000,000 related to the BSCC supply chain distributions. This amount represents the income tax liabilities related to BSCC that were accrued, but for whichthe payment had been deferred as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. In addition, if it waswere determined that all amounts since the inception of BSCC were inappropriately deferred or that BSCC should have been a taxable entity, we estimate that in addition to making a current payment for amounts previously deferred (as discussed above), the total interestcompany may have liability (representing interest) that would be payable on the cumulative deferred balances could be as much as $185,000,000,ranging from $160,000,000 to $180,000,000, prior to federal income tax benefit, as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. We calculated this amount based upon the amounts deferred since the inception of BSCC applying the IRSapplicable jurisdictions’ interest rates in effect in each period. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the IRS proposed adjustments related to the taxability of BSCC. We plan to vigorously protest these adjustments. We have reviewed the merits of the issues raised by the IRS and based upon our review, we believe that the resulting interest is not a probable liability and accordingly, have not recorded any related amount in any period. Any unforeseen requirements to accelerate the payment of these deferred tax liabilities and to pay related interest, if any, could cause us to raise additional capital through debt financing or the issuance of equity or we may be required to cancelforego or defer planned capital expenditures or share repurchases or a combination of these items.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations. These policies require management’s most subjective judgments, often employing the use of estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. SYSCO’s most critical accounting policies include those that pertain to the allowance for doubtful accounts, self-insurance program, pension plans, income taxes, vendor consideration, accounting for business combinations and share-based compensation, which are described in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 1, 2006.
New Accounting Standards
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in accordance with FASB Statement


30

No. 109 (SFAS 109). FIN 48 clarifies the application of SFAS 109 by defining criteria that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position to be recognized in the financial statements. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on the measurement, derecognition, classification and disclosure of tax positions, along with accounting for the related interest and penalties. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of SFAS 157.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires an employer to recognize a plan’s funded status in its statement of financial position, measure a plan’s assets and obligations as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year and recognize the changes in a defined benefit postretirement plan’s funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS 158’s requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and


32

new disclosure requirements are effective as of the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 158 will have on our consolidated financial statements. The effect of adoption at June 30, 2007, our adoption date, or any other future date, cannot be determined, since the impact is dependent upon on the measurements of each plan’s assets and obligations at such date. However, if this standard had been applied at July 1, 2006, the result would have been an increase in current liabilities of approximately $10,000,000, an increase in other long-term liabilities of approximately $145,000,000, a decrease in prepaid pension cost of approximately $160,000,000, a decrease in deferred taxes of approximately $120,000,000 and a decrease in shareholders’ equity of approximately $195,000,000.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No .159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 159 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made herein are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include statements regarding expense trends; the impact of ongoing legal proceedings; the timing, expected cost savings and other long-term benefits of the National Supply Chain project and regional distribution centers; anticipated capital expenditures which may vary from projections; the ability to increase sales and market


31

share and grow earnings; continued competitive advantages and positive results from growth initiatives; the potential for future success; anticipated pension plan liabilities and contributions; the outcome of ongoing tax audits; the continuing impact of economic conditions on sales growth; growth strategies; SYSCO’s ability to refinance current maturities of long-term debt; and our ability to meet our cash requirements while maintaining proper liquidity. These statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on management’s current expectations and estimates; actual results may differ materially. Those risks and uncertainties that could impact these statements include the risks discussed at Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” including risks relating to the foodservice distribution industry’s relatively low profit margins and sensitivity to general economic conditions, including the current economic environment, increased fuel costs and consumer spending; SYSCO’s leverage and debt risks; the successful completion of acquisitions and integration of acquired companies as well as the risk that acquisitions could require additional debt or equity financing and negatively impact our stock price or operating results; the effect of competition on us and our customers; the ultimate outcome of litigation; potential impact of product liability claims; the risk of interruption of supplies due to lack of long-term contracts, severe weather, work stoppages or otherwise; labor issues; construction schedules; management’s allocation of capital and the timing of capital purchases; risks relating to the successful completion and operation of the national supply chain project including the Northeast Redistribution Center; the potential outcomerisk that the IRS will disagree with our tax positions and seek to impose interest or penalties; the risk that other sponsors of ongoingour multi-employer pension plans will withdraw or become insolvent; that the IRS may impose an excise tax audits;on the unfunded portion of our multi-employer pension plans; or that the Pension Protection Act could require that we make additional pension contributions; and internal factors such as the ability to increase efficiencies, control expenses and successfully execute growth strategies. The expected impact of option expensing is based on certain assumptions regarding the number and fair value of options granted, resulting tax benefits and shares outstanding. The actual impact of option expensing could vary significantly to the extent actual results vary significantly from assumptions.
In addition, share repurchases could be affected by market prices for the company’s securities as well as management’s decision to utilize our capital for other purposes. Interest paid is impacted by capital and borrowing needs and changes in interest rates. The effect of market risks could be impacted by future borrowing levels and economic factors such as interest rates. For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the risk factors discussion contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2006 and Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


33

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We do not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes. Our use of debt directly exposes us to interest rate risk. Floating rate debt, for which the interest rate fluctuates periodically, exposes us to short-term changes in market interest rates. Fixed rate debt, for which the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument, exposes us to changes in market interest rates reflected in the fair value of the debt and to the risk we may need to refinance maturing debt with new debt at higher rates.
We manage our debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates and may employ interest rate swaps as a tool to achieve that goal. The major risks from interest rate derivatives include changes in interest rates affecting the fair value of such instruments, potential increases in interest expense due to market increases in floating interest rates and the creditworthiness of the counterparties in such transactions.


32

At December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we had outstanding $530,997,000$408,133,000 of commercial paper issuances at variable rates of interest with maturities through March 23,June 25, 2007. Excluding commercial paper issuances, our long-term debt obligations at December 30, 2006March 31, 2007 were $1,330,062,000$1,329,840,000 and were primarily at fixed rates of interest.
In order to partially manage the volatility and uncertainty of fuel costs, from time to time, we may enter into forward purchase commitments for a portion of our projected diesel fuel requirements. As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, outstanding forward diesel fuel purchase commitments total approximately $89,000,000,$67,000,000, which will fixlock in the price on a substantial portion of our fuel purchases through the end of calendar year 2007.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
SYSCO’s management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, SYSCO’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2006March 31, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.reporting, except that SYSCO implemented a new financial consolidation system which was used to produce certain information contained in this quarterly report. The implementation was subject to various testing and review, including parallel testing in conjunction with the previous financial consolidation system. We believe that appropriate internal controls are in place with the new financial consolidation system.


3433

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are engaged in various legal proceedings which have arisen but have not been fully adjudicated. These proceedings, in the opinion of management, will not have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial statements of SYSCO when ultimately concluded.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Low Margin Business; Inflation and Economic Sensitivity
The foodservice distribution industry is characterized by relatively high inventory turnover with relatively low profit margins. We make a significant portion of our sales at prices that are based on the cost of products we sell plus a percentage markup. As a result, our profit levels may be negatively impacted during periods of product cost deflation, even though our gross profit percentage may remain relatively constant. Prolonged periods of product cost inflation also may have a negative impact on our profit margins and earnings to the extent such product cost increases are not passed on to customers due to resistance to higher prices and the timing needed to pass on such increases. The foodservice industry is sensitive to national and regional economic conditions. Inflation, fuel costs and other factors affecting consumer confidence and the frequency and amount spent by consumers for food prepared away from home may negatively impact our sales and operating results. SYSCO’s operating results are also sensitive to, and may be adversely affected by, other factors, including difficulties collecting accounts receivable, competitive price pressures, severe weather conditions and unexpected increases in fuel or other transportation-related costs. Although these factors have not had a material adverse impact on our past operations, there can be no assurance that one or more of these factors will not adversely affect future operating results.
Increased Fuel Costs
Increased fuel costs have recently had a negative impact on our results of operations. The high cost of fuel can negatively impact consumer confidence and discretionary spending and thus reduce the frequency and amount spent by consumers for food prepared away from home. The high cost of fuel can also increase the price paid by us for products as well as the costs incurred by us to deliver products to our customers. These factors in turn negatively impact our sales, margins, operating expenses and operating results.
Interruption of Supplies and Increases in Product Costs
We obtain substantially all of our foodservice and related products from third party suppliers. For the most part, we do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers committing them to provide products to us. Although our purchasing volume can provide leverage when dealing with suppliers, suppliers may not provide the foodservice products and supplies needed by us in the quantities and at the prices requested. Because we do not control the actual production of the products we sell, we are also subject to delays caused by interruption in production and increases in product costs based on conditions outside of our control. These conditions include work slowdowns, work interruptions, strikes or other job actions by employees of suppliers, weather, crop conditions, transportation interruptions, unavailability of fuel or increases in fuel costs, competitive demands and natural disasters or other catastrophic events (including, but not limited to, the outbreak of avian flu or


3534

similar food-borne illnesses in the United States and Canada). Our inability to obtain adequate supplies of our foodservice and related products as a result of any of the foregoing factors or otherwise could mean that we could not fulfill our obligations to customers, and customers may turn to other distributors.
Baugh Supply Chain Cooperative Structure
The National Supply Chain project involved the creation of the Baugh Supply Chain Cooperative (BSCC) which administers a consolidated product procurement program to develop, obtain and ensure consistent quality food and non-food products. BSCC is a cooperative for income tax purposes.and taxed under subchapter T of the United States Internal Revenue Code. We believe that the deferred tax liabilities resulting from the business operations and legal ownership of BSCC are appropriate under the tax laws. However, if the application of the tax laws to the cooperative structure of BSCC were to be successfully challenged by any federal, state or local tax authority, we could be required to accelerate the payment of all or a portion of our income tax liabilities associated with BSCC that we otherwise had deferred until future periods and be liable for interest on such amounts. As of December 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we have recorded deferred income tax liabilities of $680,000,000$825,000,000 related to the BSCC supply chain distributions. This amount represents the income tax liabilities related to BSCC that were accrued, but for whichthe payment had been deferred as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. In addition, if it waswere determined that all amounts since the inception of BSCC were inappropriately deferred or that BSCC should have been a taxable entity, we estimate that the total interestin addition to making a current payment for amounts previously deferred (as discussed above), we may have additional liability (representing interest) that would be payable on the cumulative deferred balances could be as much as $185,000,000,ranging from $160,000,000 to $180,000,000, prior to federal income tax benefit, as of December 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. We calculated this amount based upon the amounts deferred since the inception of BSCC applying the IRSapplicable jurisdictions’ interest rates in effect each period. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the IRS proposed adjustments related to the taxability of BSCC. We plan to vigorously protest these adjustments. We have reviewed the merits of the issues raised by the IRS and based upon such review, we believe that the resulting interest is not a probable liability and, accordingly, have not recorded any related amount in any period. If we were required to accelerate a significant portion of these deferred tax liabilities, we may be required to raise additional capital through debt financing or the issuance of equity or we may be required to forego or defer planned capital expenditures or share repurchases or a combination thereof and may be required to pay interest on amounts deferred.
Leverage and Debt Service
Because a substantial part of our growth historically has been the result of acquisitions and capital expansion, our continued growth depends, in large part, on our ability to continue this expansion. As a result, our inability to finance acquisitions and capital expenditures through borrowed funds could restrict our ability to expand. Moreover, any default under the documents governing the indebtedness of us could have a significant adverse effect on our cash flows, as well as the market value of our common stock. Further, our leveraged position may also increase our vulnerability to competitive pressures.


35

Product Liability Claims
We, like any other seller of food, face the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of products sold by SYSCO causes injury or illness. With respect to product liability claims, we believe we have sufficient primary or excess umbrella liability insurance. However, this insurance may not continue to be available at a reasonable cost, or, if available, may not be adequate to cover all of our liabilities. We generally seek contractual indemnification and insurance coverage from parties supplying our products, but this indemnification or insurance coverage is limited, as a practical matter, to the creditworthiness of the indemnifying party and the insured limits of any insurance provided by suppliers. If SYSCO does not have adequate insurance or contractual indemnification available, product liability relating to defective products could materially reduce our net


36

earnings and earnings per share.
Reputation and Media Exposure
Maintaining a good reputation is critical to our business, particularly to selling SYSCO Brand products. Anything that damages that reputation (whether or not justified), including adverse publicity about the quality, safety or integrity of our products, could quickly affect our revenues and profits. Reports, whether true or not, of food-borne illnesses (such as e-coli, avian flu, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, hepatitis A, trichinosis or salmonella) and injuries caused by food tampering could also severely injure our reputation. If patrons of our restaurant customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, the customers could be forced to temporarily close restaurant locations and our sales would be correspondingly decreased. In addition, instances of food-borne illnesses or food tampering or other health concerns, even those unrelated to the use of SYSCO products, can result in negative publicity about the food service distribution industry and cause our sales to decrease dramatically.
Labor Relations and Availability of Qualified Labor
As of July 1, 2006, approximately 8,800 employees at 55 operating companies were members of 61 different local unions associated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and other labor organizations. In fiscal 2007, 16 agreements covering approximately 2,000 employees have expired or will expire. As of December 30, 2006, nineMarch 31, 2007, ten agreements have been successfully renegotiated. Failure of the operating companies to effectively renegotiate these contracts could result in work stoppages. Although our operating subsidiaries have not experienced any significant labor disputes or work stoppages to date, and we believe they have satisfactory relationships with their unions, a work stoppage due to failure of multiple operating subsidiaries to renegotiate union contracts could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our operations rely heavily on our employees, particularly drivers, and any shortage of qualified labor could significantly affect our business. Our recruiting and retention efforts and efforts to increase productivity gains may not be successful and there may be a shortage of qualified drivers in future periods. Any such shortage would decrease SYSCO’s ability to effectively serve our customers. Such a shortage would also likely lead to higher wages for employees and a corresponding reduction in our revenue and earnings.


36

Multi-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plans
We contribute to several multi-employer defined benefit pension plans based on obligations arising under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. Approximately 10% of our current employees are participants in such multi-employer plans. In fiscal 2006, our total contributions to these plans were approximately $29,796,000. During the first 2639 weeks of fiscal 2007, total contributions to these plans were approximately $15,735,000.$24,205,000.
We do not directly manage these multi-employer plans, which are generally managed by boards of trustees, half of whom are appointed by the unions and the other half by other contributing employers to the plan. Based upon the information available to us from plan administrators, we believe that some of these multi-employer plans are underfunded due partially to a decline in the value of the assets supporting these plans, a reduction in the number of actively participating members for whom employer contributions are required, and the level of benefits provided by the plans. In addition, the Pension Protection Act,


37

enacted in August 2006, will require under-funded pension plans to improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of their under-funding, perhaps beginning as soon as 2008. As a result, our required contributions to these plans may increase in the future.
Under current law regarding multi-employer defined benefit plans, a plan’s termination, our voluntary withdrawal, or the mass withdrawal of all contributing employers from any under-funded multi-employer defined benefit plan would require us to make payments to the plan for our proportionate share of the multi-employer plan’s unfunded vested liabilities. Based on the information available from plan administrators, , we estimate that our share of withdrawal liability on all the multi-employer plans we participate in, some of which appear to be under-funded, could be as much as $130,000,000.$120,000,000. In addition, if a multi-employer defined benefit plan fails to satisfy certain minimum funding requirements, the Internal Revenue ServiceIRS may impose a nondeductible excise tax of 5% on the amount of the accumulated funding deficiency for those employers contributing to the fund. Requirements to pay such increased contributions, withdrawal liability, and excise taxes could negatively impact our liquidity and results of operations.
Acquired Businesses
Historically, a portion of our growth has come through acquisitions. If we are unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully or realize anticipated economic, operational and other benefits and synergies in a timely manner, our earnings per share may decrease. Integration of an acquired business may be more difficult when we acquire a business in a market in which we have limited or no expertise, or with a culture different from SYSCO’s. A significant expansion of our business and operations, in terms of geography or magnitude, could strain our administrative and operational resources. Significant acquisitions may also require the issuance of material additional amounts of debt or equity, which could materially alter our debt to equity ratio, increase our interest expense and decrease earnings per share, and make it difficult for us to obtain favorable financing for other acquisitions or capital investments.


37

Charter and Preferred Stock
Under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, SYSCO’s Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 1.5 million shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval. Issuance of these shares could make it more difficult for anyone to acquire SYSCO without approval of the Board of Directors, depending on the rights and preferences of the stock issued. In addition, if anyone attempts to acquire SYSCO without approval of the Board of Directors of SYSCO, the existence of this undesignated preferred stock could allow the Board of Directors to adopt a shareholder rights plan without obtaining stockholder approval, which could result in substantial dilution to a potential acquiror. As a result, hostile takeover attempts that might result in an acquisition of SYSCO that could otherwise have been financially beneficial to our stockholders could be deterred.
Tax Audit
OurWe received the final summary of proposed adjustments for our 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns arewhich were under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We have recorded a liability foraccrued our best estimate of the adjustment onadditional liability required related to certain positions which have been challenged by the IRS.IRS on which we believe it is probable that we will not prevail. During the third quarter, the IRS proposed adjustments for the company’s position as it relates to SYSCO’s affiliate, BSCC, as a cooperative structure. See further discussion within this section under the caption “Baugh Supply Chain Cooperative Structure”. While we currently believe that we have appropriate support forwill prevail on defense of the other positions taken on these returns, if the IRS disagrees with positions taken by us on our tax returns, we could have additional tax liability, including interest and penalties in addition to the amounts already recorded. Paymentdisputed assessments, payment of such amounts


38

upon final adjudication of any disputes, if material, could have an adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows.
Reliance on Technology
Our ability to decrease costs and increase profits, as well as our ability to serve customers most effectively, depends on the reliability of our technology network. We use software and other technology systems to load trucks in the most efficient manner to optimize the use of storage space and minimize the time spent at each stop. Any disruption to these computer systems could adversely impact our customer service, decrease the volume of our business and result in increased costs. While SYSCO has invested and continues to invest in technology security initiatives and disaster recovery plans, these measures cannot fully insulate us from technology disruption that could result in adverse effects on operations and profits.


38

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We made the following share repurchases during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2007:
                 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
          (c) Total Number of  
          Shares Purchased as (d) Maximum Number
      (b) Average Part of Publicly of Shares that May Yet
  (a) Total Number of Price Paid per Announced Plans or Be Purchased Under
Period
 Shares Purchased(1) Share Programs the Plans or Programs
Month #1
Oct. 1 – Oct. 28
  2,043,108  $33.17   2,040,000   15,255,200 
                 
Month #2
Oct. 29 – Nov. 25
  305,300   34.41   280,000   14,975,200 
                 
Month #3
Nov. 26 – Dec. 30
  2,360,181   36.31   2,275,000   12,700,200 
                 
Total  4,708,589   34.83   4,595,000   12,700,200 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
                 
          (c) Total Number of    
          Shares Purchased as  (d) Maximum Number 
      (b) Average  Part of Publicly  of Shares that May Yet 
  (a) Total Number of  Price Paid per  Announced Plans or  Be Purchased Under 
Period Shares Purchased(1)  Share  Programs  the Plans or Programs 
Month #1 Dec. 31 — Jan. 27  2,189,894  $36.12   2,125,000   10,575,200 
Month #2 Jan. 28 — Feb. 24  776,119   35.40   775,000   9,800,200 
Month #3 Feb. 25 — Mar. 31  21,540   32.90      9,800,200 
Total  2,987,553   35.91   2,900,000   9,800,200 
 
(1) The total number of shares purchased includes 3,108, 25,30064,894, 1,119 and 85,18121,540 shares tendered by individuals in connection with stock option exercises in Month #1, Month #2 and Month #3, respectively.
On November 10, 2005, we announced that the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of 20,000,000 shares. Pursuant to this repurchase program, shares may be acquired in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors.
In July 2004, the Board of Directors authorized us to enter into agreements from time to time to extend our ongoing repurchase program to include repurchases during company announced “blackout periods” of such securities in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act. On September 19, 2006 we entered into a stock purchase plan with PNC Investments LLC to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of SYSCO common stock as authorized under the November 2005 repurchase program pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. A total of 2,802,500 shares were purchased between September 20, 2006 and October 31, 2006, including during company “blackout periods.” By its terms, the agreement terminated on October 31, 2006.


39

On December 15, 2006 we entered into a stock purchase plan with The Bank of New York to purchase up to 5,000,000 shares of SYSCO common stock as authorized under the November 2005 repurchase program pursuant to Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. A total of 3,775,000 shares were purchased between December 15, 2006 and January 31, 2007, including during company “blackout periods.” By its terms, the agreement terminated on January 31, 2007.
As of January 31,April 28, 2007, there were 9,800,200 shares remaining available for repurchase under the November 2005 repurchase program.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
We held our 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on November 10, 2006. Four directors, Jonathan Golden, Joseph A. Hafner, Jr., Nancy S. Newcomb, and Richard J. Schnieders, were elected for a three-year term. One director, Manuel A. Fernandez, was elected for a one-year term. Directors whose terms continued after the meeting included John M. Cassaday, Judith B. Craven, Richard G. Merrill, Phyllis S. Sewell, John K. Stubblefield, Jr., Richard S. Tilghman and Jackie M. Ward.
Other matters voted on included:
 RatificationSubmission of the appointmentMatters to a Vote of Ernst & Young LLP as SYSCO’s independent accountants for fiscal 2007 and
Stockholder proposal requesting that the Board of Directors implement a majority vote policy by taking certain specified actions.Security Holders
The final voting results were as follows:
                 
Matter Number of Votes Cast Broker
Voted Upon For Against/Withheld Abstain Non-Votes
Election of Directors                
Class II:                
Jonathan Golden  482,208,031   43,833,051   n/a   n/a 
Joseph A. Hafner, Jr.  494,447,491   31,593,591   n/a   n/a 
Nancy S. Newcomb  494,378,757   31,662,325   n/a   n/a 
Richard J. Schnieders  490,304,856   35,736,226   n/a   n/a 
                 
Class III:            
Manuel A. Fernandez  493,666,360   32,374,721   n/a   n/a 
                 
Ratification of Independent Accountants  514,500,619   7,497,248   4,042,910   304 
                 
Approval of Stockholder Proposal Requesting Implementation of Majority Vote Policy  271,466,918   93,399,225   69,093,179   92,081,759 
None


4039

Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits
   
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2000 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.3 Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2003 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.4 Form of Amended Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.5 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sysco Corporation dated February 8, 2002, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2001 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.1 Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1995, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed June 6, 1995 (File No. 33-60023).
   
4.2 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1996, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.3 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 25, 1997, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.4 Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 25, 1997, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.5 Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 27, 1998 between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 1998 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.6 Sixth Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated April 5, 2002 between Sysco Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly


40

(formerly First Union National Bank of North Carolina), as Trustee,


41

incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated April 5, 2002 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.7 Seventh Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated March 5, 2004 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly First Union National Bank of North Carolina), as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 2004 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.8 Eighth Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated September 22, 2005 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2005 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.9 Indenture dated May 23, 2002 between Sysco International, Co., Sysco Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed August 21, 2002 (File No. 333-98489).
   
†*10.1 First Amendment to the 2004 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan dated February 9, 2007.
   
†10.1Form of Retainer Stock Award Agreement under the 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2006 (File No. 1-6544).
*15.1 Report from Ernst & Young LLP dated February 5,May 10, 2007, re: unaudited financial statements.
   
*15.2 Acknowledgment letter from Ernst & Young LLP.
   
*31.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
*31.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
*32.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
*32.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Executive Compensation Arrangement pursuant to 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K
* Filed herewith.herewith


4241

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
       
  SYSCO CORPORATION
(Registrant)
  
       
  By /s/ RICHARD J. SCHNIEDERS  
       
    Richard J. Schnieders
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President
  
    Chairman of the Board,  
Date: February 8, 2007    Chief Executive Officer and President  
Date: May 10, 2007
       
  By /s/ JOHN K. STUBBLEFIELD, JR.
  
    John K. Stubblefield, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
  
    Executive Vice President, Finance and  
Date: February 8, 2007    Chief Financial Officer  
Date: May 10, 2007
       
  By /s/ G. MITCHELL ELMER
  
    G. Mitchell Elmer
Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
  
    Vice President, Controller and  
Date: February 8, 2007    Chief Accounting Officer  
Date: May 10, 2007


 

EXHIBIT INDEX
   
NO. DESCRIPTION
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 1, 2000 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.3 Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation increasing authorized shares, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 2003 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.4 Form of Amended Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 1-6544).
   
3.5 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sysco Corporation dated February 8, 2002, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2001 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.1 Senior Debt Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1995, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed June 6, 1995 (File No. 33-60023).
   
4.2 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1996, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 29, 1996 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.3 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 25, 1997, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.4 Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 25, 1997, between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 28, 1997 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.5 Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 27, 1998 between Sysco Corporation and First Union National Bank, Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 1998 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.6 Sixth Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated April 5, 2002 between Sysco Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly First Union National Bank of North Carolina), as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated April 5, 2002 (File No. 1-6544).


 

   
NO. DESCRIPTION
4.7 Seventh Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated March 5, 2004 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly First Union National Bank of North Carolina), as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 2004 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.8 Eighth Supplemental Indenture, including form of Note, dated September 22, 2005 between Sysco Corporation, as Issuer, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2 to Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2005 (File No. 1-6544).
   
4.9 Indenture dated May 23, 2002 between Sysco International, Co., Sysco Corporation and Wachovia Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed August 21, 2002 (File No. 333-98489).
   
*10.1 Form of Retainer Stock Award Agreement underFirst Amendment to the 2005 Non-Employee Directors Stock2004 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on November 15, 2006 (File No. 1-6544).dated February 9, 2007.
   
*15.1 Report from Ernst & Young LLP dated February 5,May 10, 2007, re: unaudited financial statements.
   
*15.2 Acknowledgment letter from Ernst & Young LLP.
   
*31.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
*31.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
*32.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
*32.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Executive Compensation Arrangement pursuant to 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K
* Filed herewith.herewith