RULE 424(b)(3)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 333-86273
PROSPECTUS
1,255,508 SHARES
SYSCO CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
This prospectus relates to an aggregate offering of 1,255,508 shares of
SYSCO common stock by the selling shareholders identified on page 6 of this
prospectus.
The selling shareholders will sell their shares as described in the
section of this prospectus entitled "Plan of Distribution." SYSCO will not
receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the
selling shareholders.
SYSCO's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "SYY." The last reported sale price of the common stock on October
18, 1999 was $33.9375 per share.
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THIS INVESTMENT INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4.
________________________________________________________________
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the
adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The date of this prospectus is October 19, 1999
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
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SYSCO Corporation..............................................................2
Recent Developments............................................................3
Risk Factors...................................................................4
Use of Proceeds................................................................7
Selling Shareholders...........................................................7
Plan of Distribution...........................................................8
Legal Matters..................................................................9
Experts........................................................................9
Where You Can Find More Information............................................9
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
information different from that contained in this prospectus. You should assume
that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on
the front cover of this prospectus only, regardless of the time of delivery of
this prospectus or of any sale of the common stock. In this prospectus, "SYSCO,"
"we," "us," and "our" refer to SYSCO Corporation and its subsidiaries.
SYSCO CORPORATION
SYSCO Corporation, together with its subsidiaries and divisions, is the
largest U.S. distributor of food and related products to the foodservice or
"away-from-home-eating" industry. SYSCO provides its products and services to
approximately 300,000 customers, including:
o restaurants;
o healthcare and educational facilities;
o lodging establishments; and
o other foodservice customers throughout the entire continental United
States, as well as portions of Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
Since SYSCO's formation in 1969, annual sales have grown from approximately
$115 million to over $17 billion in fiscal 1999. SYSCO's innovations in food
technology, packaging and transportation provide customers with quality products
delivered on time, in excellent condition and at reasonable prices.
Products distributed by SYSCO include:
o a full line of frozen foods, such as meats, fully prepared entrees,
fruits, vegetables and desserts;
o a full line of canned and dry goods;
o fresh meats;
o imported specialties; and
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o fresh produce.
SYSCO also supplies a wide variety of nonfood items, including:
o paper products such as disposable napkins, plates and cups;
o tableware such as china and silverware;
o restaurant and kitchen equipment and supplies;
o medical and surgical supplies; and
o cleaning supplies.
SYSCO distributes both nationally-branded merchandise and products packaged
under its own private brands.
SYSCO estimates that it purchases from thousands of independent sources,
none of which accounts for more than 5% of SYSCO's purchases. These sources
consist generally of large companies selling brand name and private label
merchandise and independent private label processors and packers. Generally,
purchasing is carried out on a decentralized basis through centrally developed
purchasing programs and direct purchasing programs established by SYSCO's
various operating subsidiaries and divisions. SYSCO continually develops
relations with suppliers but has no material long-term purchase commitments with
any suppliers.
Our principal executive offices are located at 1390 Enclave Parkway,
Houston, Texas 77077-2099, and our telephone number is (281) 584-1390.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On August 27, 1999, SYSCO acquired by merger Doughtie's Foods, Inc.,
located in Portsmouth, Virginia. Doughtie's distributes a wide variety of meat
and seafood products and other food items, including fruits and vegetables.
On August 20, 1999, SYSCO acquired substantially all of the assets of the
Buckhead Beef Company, Inc. located in Atlanta, Georgia. Buckhead Beef
distributes custom-cut fresh steaks and other meats, seafood and poultry
products.
On July 9, 1999, SYSCO signed a merger agreement with Newport Meat Co.,
Inc. located in Irvine, California. Newport Meat distributes fresh aged beef and
other meats, seafood and poultry products to the southern California foodservice
market. The merger was completed on July 30, 1999.
None of the acquisitions described above will have a material impact on
SYSCO's business, financial condition or results of operations.
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information in this prospectus, the following risk
factors should be considered carefully in evaluating an investment in the common
stock offered hereby.
SYSCO IS IN A LOW MARGIN BUSINESS AND ITS PROFITABILITY MAY BE NEGATIVELY
IMPACTED DURING PERIODS OF FOOD PRICE DEFLATION
The foodservice distribution industry is characterized by relatively high
inventory turnover with relatively low profit margins. SYSCO makes a significant
portion of its sales at prices that are based on the cost of products it sells
plus a percentage markup. As a result, SYSCO's profit levels may be negatively
impacted during periods of food price deflation, even though SYSCO's gross
profit percentage may remain relatively constant. The foodservice industry is
sensitive to national and economic conditions. SYSCO's operating results also
are sensitive to, and may be adversely affected by other factors, including
difficulties with the collectability of accounts receivables, inventory control,
competitive price pressures, severe weather conditions and unexpected increases
in fuel or other transportation-related costs. Although such factors have not
had a material adverse impact on SYSCO's past operations, there can be no
assurance that one or more of these factors will not adversely affect future
operating results.
SYSCO'S SIGNIFICANT INDEBTEDNESS COULD INCREASE ITS VULNERABILITY TO COMPETITIVE
PRESSURES, NEGATIVELY AFFECT ITS ABILITY TO EXPAND AND DECREASE THE MARKET VALUE
OF ITS COMMON STOCK
Because historically a substantial part of SYSCO's growth has been the
result of acquisitions and capital expansion, SYSCO's continued growth depends,
in large part, on its ability to continue this expansion. As a result, its
inability to finance acquisitions and capital expenditures through borrowed
funds could restrict its ability to expand. Moreover, any default under the
documents governing the indebtedness of SYSCO could have a significant adverse
effect on the market value of SYSCO's common stock. Further, SYSCO's leveraged
position may also increase its vulnerability to competitive pressures.
BECAUSE SYSCO SELLS FOOD PRODUCTS, IT FACES THE RISK OF EXPOSURE TO PRODUCT
LIABILITY CLAIMS
SYSCO, like any other seller of food, faces the risk of exposure to product
liability claims in the event that the use of products sold by it causes injury
or illness. With respect to product liability claims, SYSCO believes it has
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 liabilities. SYSCO generally seeks
contractual indemnification and insurance coverage from parties supplying its
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 SYSCO's net income and
earnings per share.
BECAUSE SYSCO HAS FEW LONG-TERM CONTRACTS WITH SUPPLIERS AND DOES NOT CONTROL
THE ACTUAL PRODUCTION OF ITS PRODUCTS, SYSCO MAY BE UNABLE TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE
SUPPLIES OF ITS PRODUCTS
SYSCO obtains all of its foodservice products from other suppliers. For the
most part, SYSCO does not have long-term contracts with any supplier committing
it to provide products to SYSCO. Although SYSCO's purchasing volume can provide
leverage when dealing with suppliers, suppliers may not provide the foodservice
products and supplies needed by SYSCO in the quantities requested. Because SYSCO
does not control the actual production of its products, it is also subject to
delays caused by interruption in production based on conditions outside its
control. These conditions include:
o job actions or strikes by employees of suppliers;
o weather;
o crop conditions;
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o transportation interruptions; and
o natural disasters or other catastrophic events.
SYSCO's inability to obtain adequate supplies of its foodservice products
as a result of any of the foregoing factors or otherwise, could mean that SYSCO
could not fulfill its obligations to customers, and customers may turn to other
suppliers.
IF SYSCO CANNOT RENEGOTIATE ITS UNION CONTRACTS, ITS PROFITABILITY MAY DECREASE
BECAUSE OF WORK STOPPAGES
As of July 3, 1999, 7,641 SYSCO employees were members of 45 different
local unions associated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and
other labor organizations, at 34 operating companies. In fiscal 2000, 18
agreements covering 2,557 employees will expire. Failure to effectively
renegotiate these contracts could result in work stoppages. Although SYSCO has
not experienced any significant labor disputes or work stoppages to date, and
believes it has satisfactory relationships with its unions, a work stoppage due
to failure to renegotiate a union contact, or otherwise, could have a material
adverse effect on SYSCO.
IF SYSCO CANNOT INTEGRATE ACQUIRED COMPANIES WITH ITS BUSINESS, ITS
PROFITABILITY MAY DECREASE
If SYSCO is unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully and
realize anticipated economic, operational and other benefits in a timely manner,
its profitability may decrease. Integration of an acquired business may be more
difficult when SYSCO acquires a business in a market in which it has limited or
no expertise, or with a corporate culture different from SYSCO's. If SYSCO is
unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully, it may incur substantial
costs and delays in increasing its customer base. In addition, the failure to
integrate acquisitions successfully may divert management's attention from
SYSCO's existing business and may damage SYSCO's relationships with its key
customers and suppliers.
PROVISIONS IN SYSCO'S CHARTER AND STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN MAY INHIBIT A TAKEOVER
OF SYSCO
Under its 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. No shares of preferred stock are currently outstanding.
Issuance of these shares would make it more difficult for anyone to acquire
SYSCO without approval of the Board of Directors because more shares would have
to be acquired to gain control. If anyone attempts to acquire SYSCO without
approval of the Board of Directors of SYSCO, the stockholders of SYSCO have the
right to purchase preferred stock of SYSCO, which also means more shares would
have to be acquired to gain control. Both of these devices may deter hostile
takeover attempts that might result in an acquisition of SYSCO that would have
been financially beneficial to SYSCO's stockholders.
IF SYSCO FAILS TO ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE, IT MAY LOSE REVENUE OR
INCUR ADDITIONAL COSTS
Many existing computer programs use only two digits to identify a year in
the date field. These programs were designed and developed without considering
the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not corrected, many
computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by or at the year
2000.
As a result, SYSCO may suffer the following consequences:
o SYSCO may experience a significant number of operational
inconveniences and inefficiencies for it and its customers that may
divert time and attention and financial and human resources from its
ordinary business activities.
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o SYSCO may suffer serious system failures that may require significant
efforts by it or its customers to prevent or alleviate material
business disruptions.
o SYSCO may experience a significant loss of revenues or incur a
significant amount of unanticipated expenses.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information in this prospectus contains forward-looking
statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify
these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "will," "expect,"
"anticipate," "believe," "estimate" and "continue" or similar words. You should
read statements that contain these words carefully for the following reasons:
o the statements discuss our future expectations;
o the statements contain projections of our future results of operations
or of our financial condition; and
o the statements state other "forward-looking" information.
We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our
investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not
accurately able to predict or over which we have no control. The risk factors
listed in this section, as well as any cautionary language in this prospectus,
provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual
results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our
forward-looking statements. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be
aware that the occurrence of any of the events described in these risk factors
and elsewhere in this prospectus could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. In such case, the
trading price of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of
your investment.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
This prospectus relates to the offer and sale of our common shares by the
selling shareholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the
common shares, but we will pay all expenses related to the registration of the
common shares other than underwriting discounts and commissions and fees of
counsel to the selling shareholders.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The SYSCO common stock to which this prospectus relates is being offered by
former shareholders of Newport Meat Co., Inc. On July 30, 1999, SYSCO issued
1,575,635 shares of common stock to the selling shareholders in connection with
the merger between a wholly owned subsidiary of SYSCO and Newport Meat. In
connection with the merger, we entered into a registration rights agreement with
the selling shareholders of Newport Meat, under which we agreed to register for
sale certain of the shares of common stock issued by SYSCO to the selling
shareholders.
The following table states the name of each of the selling shareholders,
the number of shares of common stock of SYSCO beneficially owned by each selling
shareholder as of July 30, 1999, the number of shares which may be sold for the
account of the selling shareholders and the number of shares of common stock
beneficially owned by each selling shareholder after the completion of the
offering, including the percentage of SYSCO common stock owned by each selling
shareholder as of July 30, 1999 and owned by each selling shareholder after the
completion of the offering.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
PRIOR TO THE OFFERING (1) AFTER THE OFFERING (1) (2)
NAME OF ------------------------- NUMBER OF --------------------------
SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES PERCENTAGE SHARES OFFERED SHARES PERCENTAGE
- ------------------- ------ ---------- -------------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard A. Nicholas, as Trustee
of The R/C Nicholas Family
Trust (3) 1,331,088 * 1,055,778 275,310 *
Richard A. Nicholas, as Trustee
of the R. Nicholas 1999 Trust (3) 117,472 * 99,865 17,607 *
Richard A. Nicholas, as Trustee
of the C. Nicholas 1999 Trust (3) 117,472 * 99,865 17,607 *
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* Less than 1% of outstanding shares.
(1) The percentage is calculated based on the number of shares of SYSCO
common stock beneficially owned. As of July 30, 1999, 329,455,167
shares of SYSCO common stock were outstanding.
(2) Assumes all offered SYSCO common stock will be sold.
(3) Since July 30, 1999, Richard A. Nicholas, the trustee for The R/C
Nicholas Family Trust, the R. Nicholas 1999 Trust and the C. Nicholas
1999 Trust has been the chief executive officer and chairman of the
Board of Directors of SYSCO Newport Meat Company, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of SYSCO. Mr. Nicholas beneficially owns 9,603 additional
shares of SYSCO common stock.
</TABLE>
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling shareholders may offer and sell shares of common stock
offered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more of the following
transactions:
o on the New York Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange that
lists the common stock for trading;
o in the over-the-counter market;
o in transactions other than on such exchanges or in the
over-the-counter market;
o in short sales of the common stock, in transactions to cover short
sales or otherwise in connection with short sales;
o by pledge to secure debts and other obligations or on foreclosure of a
pledge;
o through put or call options, including the writing of exchange-traded
call options, or other hedging transactions related to the common
stock; and
o in a combination of any of the above transactions.
The selling shareholders may sell their shares at market prices prevailing
at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, at
negotiated prices or at fixed prices. The transactions listed above may include
block transactions. We have been advised by the selling shareholders that they
have not made any arrangements relating to the distribution of the shares
covered by this prospectus.
The selling shareholders may use broker-dealers to sell their shares or may
sell their shares to broker-dealers acting as principals. If this happens,
broker-dealers will either receive discounts or commissions from the selling
shareholders, or they will receive commissions from purchasers of shares for
whom they acted as agents, or both. If a broker-dealer purchases shares as a
principal, it may resell the shares for its owns account under this prospectus.
We will pay all registration fees and expenses for the common stock offered by
this prospectus.
We have informed the selling shareholders that the anti-manipulation
provisions of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 may apply
to their sales of common stock.
The selling shareholders and any agent, broker or dealer that participates
in sales of common stock offered by this prospectus may be deemed "underwriters"
under the Securities Act of 1933 and any commissions or other consideration
received by any agent, broker or dealer may be considered underwriting discounts
or commissions under the Securities Act. We have agreed to indemnify the selling
shareholders against certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act from
sales of common stock. Selling shareholders may agree to indemnify any agent,
broker or dealer that participates in sales of common stock against liabilities
arising under the Securities Act from sales of common stock.
Instead of selling common stock under this prospectus, selling shareholders
may sell common stock in compliance with the provisions of Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, if available.
The term "selling shareholders" also includes persons who obtain common
stock from selling shareholders as a gift, on foreclosure of a pledge or in
another private transaction.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will
be passed upon for SYSCO by Arnall Golden & Gregory, LLP, Atlanta, Georgia.
Jonathan Golden , a partner of Arnall Golden & Gregory, LLP, is a director of
SYSCO. As of July 30, 1999, attorneys with Arnall, Golden & Gregory, LLP
beneficially owned an aggregate of approximately 66,000 shares of SYSCO's common
stock.
EXPERTS
The consolidated balance sheets of SYSCO as of July 3, 1999 and June 27,
1998, and the related statements of consolidated results of operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows and financial statement schedule for each of
the three years in the period ended July 3, 1999, incorporated by reference in
this prospectus have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the authority of Arthur
Andersen LLP as experts in giving said report.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
SYSCO files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and information
statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
You may read and copy any materials we file at the SEC's public reference room
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information regarding the public reference room.
SYSCO's SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC's web site at
http://www.sec.gov.
The SEC allows SYSCO to "incorporate by reference" information we file with
the SEC, which means that SYSCO can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents filed separately with the SEC. The information
incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, and later
information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede
information contained in this prospectus.
The following documents filed by SYSCO (File No. 1-06544) with the SEC are
incorporated by reference in and made a part of this prospectus:
o SYSCO's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 3,
1999; and
o The description of SYSCO's common stock contained in SYSCO's
registration statement filed under Section 12 of the Exchange Act,
including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating
such description.
We are also incorporating by reference any future filings we make with the
SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These
documents will be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and
to be a part of it from the date they are filed with the SEC.
You may obtain a copy of these filings, excluding all exhibits unless we
have specifically incorporated by reference an exhibit in this prospectus or in
a document incorporated by reference herein, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning:
SYSCO Corporation
Toni Spigelmyer
Assistant Vice President Investor Relations
1390 Enclave Parkway
Houston, Texas 77077-2099
Telephone: (281) 584-1390
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