In a February 8th release, Aramark Inc. (ARMK) posted financial results for the 1st quarter of fiscal 2022. This Company can be regarded as a bellwether as a participant in the institutional segment of the food industry with a concentration on educational institutions. Along with competitors Sysco and US Foods, all are subject to the risks of currency fluctuation, increased costs for products, labor and transport in a competitive environment still restrained by COVID.

For the 1st Quarter of FY 2022 ending December 31st 2021, net income was $42.6 million on total revenue of $3,948 million.  Comparable figures for the 1st quarter quarter of FY 2021 ending January 1st 2021 were a net loss of $(81.2) million on total revenue of $2,743 million.  EPS rose from a loss of $(0.32) for the 1st quarter of fiscal 2021 to $0.17 for the most recent quarter.

In commenting on results John Zillmer CEO stated,  "I am grateful to the Aramark team around the world and their commitment to our hospitality culture," He added "Their ongoing dedication is evident in our financial performance, with organic revenue reaching 92 percent of pre-COVID levels in the first quarter, while effectively managing through a heightened inflationary environment."

Guidance for FY 2022 included revenue growth of 25 percent

On December 31st 2021 Aramark posted assets of $14,466 (including $7,556 million in goodwill and intangibles) against long-term debt of $7,982 million. The Company had an intraday market capitalization of $8,990 million on December 31st 2021. ARMK trades with a forward P/E of 27.4 and has ranged over a 52-week period from $31.22 to $43.12 with a 50-day moving average of $35.22.  Twelve-month trailing operating margin was 1.6 percent and profit margin -0.8 percent.  Return on assets over the past twelve months was 0.8 percent and the return on equity -3.4 percent. At market close on February 8th ARMK was priced at $37.53 up 2.6 percent from the morning release and up 3.9 percent from the close on February 7th.