Sodexo confirms First Half Fiscal 2017-2018 Results

Sodexo confirms First Half Fiscal 2017-2018 Results

Issy-les-Moulineaux, April 12, 2018 - Sodexo (NYSE Euronext Paris FR 0000121220-OTC: SDXAY). At its meeting of April 10, 2018, chaired by Sophie Bellon, the Board of Directors approved the consolidated financial statements for the First Half Fiscal 2017-2018 and Denis Machuel, Chief Executive Officer, presented the performance for First Half Fiscal 2017-2018, which ended February 28, 2018.

Financial performance for First Half Fiscal 2017-2018:

Sodexo CEO, Denis Machuel, said:

 "Sodexo's fundamentals remain solid but these results clearly identify areas where we must improve. We are acting decisively both to recover performance in the short term and drive growth in the longer term. We are highly focused on delivering efficiency and productivity improvements. At the same time, we are strengthening our performance-based and client-focused culture, and reinvigorating our client portfolio. While pursuing our global multiservice contracts strategy, we must reinforce our focus on winning local contracts, mid-sized contracts, and food services contracts. We will reinforce our basics and take a disciplined approach to investing in our capabilities to ensure that we are best placed to take advantage of the multiple growth opportunities that are available to us, thanks to our Quality of Life positioning."

Highlights of the period

• First Half Fiscal 2018 Revenues of 10.3 billion euro were down -3.2% on the previous period, including a negative currency impact of -6.2%. Net acquisitions contributed +1.3%, with Centerplate consolidated for the first time as of January. Organic growth in the first half was +1.7%, or +1.9% excluding the 53^rd week impact in North America. Outside North America, On-site organic growth was +4.4%.
• Organic growth of On-Site Services was +1.6%:
  • In Business & Administrations, organic growth was +4.5% with a solid performance in all regions. In particular, there was a sharp increase in airport lounge business and a modest recovery in France. The Energy & Resources segment remained buoyant thanks to the contribution of contract ramp-ups and in spite of continuing challenges in the North Sea.
  • The Health Care & Seniors segment was stable at -0.1%. Activity in North America remained weak due to a low development rate and a lack of growth at existing sites, even though client retention held up. In Europe, revenues were stable. Contract wins in the United Kingdom broadly compensated for contract losses elsewhere in Europe. In Asia and Brazil, robust development is continuing as well as same store sales across a number of sites.
  • In Education, organic growth declined by -2.7%. In North America, the segment felt the impact of one less day in the half year and low client retention in Universities in the previous fiscal year, while growth at existing sites remained solid for Schools and Universities. Europe benefited from two additional days in Italy and France, while in Asia, the development was strong.
• In First Half Fiscal 2017-2018, organic growth in the Benefits & Rewards Services segment was  +2.9%. In Europe, Asia and the United States, growth of +7.1% was driven by Central Europe, as well as a solid performance by the Incentive & Recognition segment in the United Kingdom. In Latin America, organic growth was down by -2.0%, impacted by the continued weakness in Brazil.
• At constant exchange rates, underlying operating profit decreased by -7.4% and the margin decreased by 70 basis points, spread evenly across three trends:
  • Approximately one third of the margin decline was a result of expected factors such as lower interest rates in Brazil and the deconsolidation of certain activities and in particular Vivabox which is seasonally significant in the first half.
  • A shortfall in Education and Health Care in North America due to delays in the execution of planned measures to increase efficiencies.
  • A further shortfall resulted from the slower than expected ramp-up of profitability in a small number of significant contracts.
• Net profit was up by +6.9%, or +13.9% excluding currency effects, at 372 million euro, benefiting from lower exceptional charges than the previous year and a significant reduction in the tax charge. Underlying net profit was 397 million euro, down by -13.4% or -7.6% excluding currency effects. Overall this was in line with the trend in underlying operating profit.
• The Group continues to generate substantial free cash flow and the balance sheet remains strong with a net debt ratio of 1.1x.

• Changes in the Executive Committee:
  • Denis Machuel succeeded Michel Landel as Chief Executive Officer at the end of the General Shareholders' Meeting of January 23, 2018.
  • Satya-Christophe Menard was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Schools and Universities worldwide on April 1, 2018.
  • Sean Haley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Service Operations worldwide on April 1, 2018.
• Sodexo's Corporate Responsibility commitments led to the Group being ranked number-one in its sector in RobecoSAM's "Sustainability Yearbook 2018" for the 11^th consecutive year. Sodexo has also been named Supplier Engagement Leader by CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) for its strategy to reduce carbon emissions throughout its supply chain.
• Confident in the Group's future prospects and given the strength of the balance sheet, the Board approved the implementation of a share buyback program amounting to 300 million euro.

Outlook

For Fiscal 2018, the Group now expects to deliver organic revenue growth of between +1% and +1.5%, excluding the 53^rd week impact, and an underlying profit margin of around 5.7%.

This revised guidance for Fiscal 2018 reflects the soft revenue growth and margin decline in the first half, and the compounded effect of delayed efficiency ramp-ups on the second half.  Revenue growth in the second half will be impacted by a relatively low level of recent new contract wins; continued weakness in North America, particularly in Health Care and Seniors; a negative calendar effect in Education in the third quarter; the impact of contract losses in the UK; and the end of significant ramp-ups in Energy & Resources. The weak revenue growth in the second half, combined with the impact of the delayed efficiency ramp-ups and a further deterioration expected in North America Health Care, has led to our revised margin guidance.

As previously announced in our trading update on 29 March, immediate action plans have been put in place to address these issues, particularly in North America but also selectively across the rest of the Group, to improve our operational and financial performance. In the immediate term we are actively implementing a series of efficiency initiatives which are based on the following areas.

• Improving food management, particularly in North America, through a combination of SKU rationalization, greater discipline in supplier and product compliance and accelerating synergies from acquisitions
• Enhancing labor productivity through more efficient demand-based scheduling processes and more disciplined approach to managing overtime and temporary labor.
• Optimizing SG&A with an immediate reduction in discretionary spend and adopting a longer-term approach to right-sizing the organization and consolidating back offices.
• Addressing underperforming contracts with detailed action plans, more proactive client renegotiations and close monitoring by a dedicated member of the Executive Committee for each contract.

We are actively addressing the execution issues in North America and are revitalizing the management team there, bringing some of our most experienced senior people from within the Group as well as external hires who will bring new ideas and new ways of doing things.
These action plans will deliver benefits in Fiscal 2018 and they will also support further margin improvement over time. These measures are embedded in a long-term strategic agenda which will refocus the Group on delivering improved Operational Excellence.

The guidance for Fiscal 2018 has been revised to reflect the challenges Sodexo is currently facing. At the same time, the Board of Directors and Executive Committee remain highly confident in the attractive long-term growth opportunities for Sodexo. The Group will provide an update on its short-term action plans and long-term strategy at its Capital Markets Day on September 6, 2018.

Conference call

Sodexo will hold a conference call (in English) today at 9:00 a.m. (Paris time), 8:00 a.m. (London time), to comment on the results of First Half Fiscal 2018.

Those who wish to connect from the USA may dial +1 323 794 2093, from the UK or other countries outside France may dial +44 (0) 330 336 9411 or from France +01 76 77 22 57, followed by the passcode 8426254.

The press release, presentation and webcast will be available on the Group's website www.sodexo.com in both the "Latest News" section and the "Finance - Financial Results" section.

Financial calendar

About Sodexo

Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve Quality of Life, an essential factor in individual and organizational performance. Operating in 80 countries, Sodexo serves 100 million consumers each day through its unique combination of On-site Services, Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Through its more than 100 services, Sodexo provides clients an integrated offering developed over 50 years of experience: from food services, reception, maintenance and cleaning, to facilities and equipment management; from services and programs fostering employees' engagement to solutions that simplify and optimize their mobility and expenses management, to in-home assistance, child care centers and concierge services. Sodexo's success and performance are founded on its independence, its sustainable business model and its ability to continuously develop and engage its 427,000 employees throughout the world.

Sodexo is included in the CAC 40 and DJSI indices.

Key figures (as of August 31, 2017)

20.7 billion euro in consolidated revenues
427,000 employees
19^th largest employer worldwide
80 countries
100 million consumers served daily
11.8 billion euro in market capitalization (as of April 11, 2018)

Contacts

1

FISCAL 2018 FIRST HALF ACTIVITY REPORT
(September 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018)

Revenue Analysis

Fiscal 2018 first half consolidated revenues amounted to 10.3 billion euro, down -3.2% on the previous year period. Currencies had a negative impact of -6.2% due to the weakness of the main currencies against the euro, and in particular, the US dollar and the Brazilian Real. The net contribution of acquisitions and disposals was +1.3%. The impact of the deconsolidation of Vivabox, particularly significant in the first half due to seasonality, and some activities in New Caledonia and in the Middle East and Africa region last year, was more than offset by the first-time contributions from The Good Eating Company, Morris Corporation, Centerplate and Kim Yew.

Organic revenue growth was +1.7%, or +1.9% excluding the impact of the 53^rd week, representing 1 less day in the first half.

On-site services were up +1.6%, resulting from a solid performance in Business & Administrations, flat sales in Health Care & Seniors, and a decline in Education primarily due to the negative net new business last year in North America. Benefits & Rewards services revenues generated organic growth of +2.9%. Strong growth in Europe and the USA more than offset weakness in Brazil which was impacted by declining interest rates and the lack of improvement in unemployment trends.

Analysis of organic revenue growth in On-site Services

Business & Administrations

First half Fiscal 2018 Business & Administrations revenues totaled 5.3 billion euro, up +4.5% compared with the first half of Fiscal 2017. This performance reflects growth in all regions, strong progress in the sub-segment of airport lounges, and modest growth in France. Energy & Resources continued to show strong growth, despite the continued decline in the offshore sub-segment, due to the contribution of last year's new business.

Organic growth in North America was +2.7%. New airline lounge contracts and strong demand for additional facilities management services among corporate clients continued to drive growth. The first quarter also benefited from significant project-work while the second quarter was impacted by a major site closure in the onshore activity.

Europe was up +1.2%. France has returned to growth with the recovery of tourism in Paris, some improvement in net new business and same site sales growth in Sports & Leisure. Government & Agencies is benefiting from several major contract wins. However, in the UK, the army contract losses will start to impact revenues in the second half. Energy & Resources continued to remain very weak, down -17% during the period.

In Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East, organic growth remained strong at +12.4%, reflecting the ramp-up of new contracts signed last year in Energy & Resources. Corporate Services growth also remained robust due to both the extension of contracts with existing clients and start-ups for significant new client mandates.

Health Care & Seniors

In Health Care & Seniors, revenues totaled 2.4 billion euro, quasi flat on the previous year.

Organic growth in North America was -1.6% due to a lack of new signatures and low same site sales growth since the beginning of the year. On the other hand, client retention has remained solid.

In Europe, sales were flat. Contract wins in the UK did not compensate contract losses elsewhere. However, retention remains high and same site sales growth has been good.

In Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East, growth is particularly strong at +16.6%¹ due to a significant number of contract start-ups in Brazil and strong same site sales growth in Asia and Brazil.

Education

In Education, revenues for the first half of Fiscal 2018 amounted to 2.2 billion euro, down -2.7% on an organic basis, due mainly to poor prior year retention and also a negative 53^rd week impact of 1 day in North America.

The organic decline in sales in North America of -4.1% was driven by lower prior year retention in Universities and a negative calendar impact of 1 day in both Schools and Universities during the first half. Same site sales growth remained solid in both Schools and Universities, and even though it is still relatively early in the selling season, the retention rate in Universities at the end of the first half is better than at the same time last year.

In Europe, organic growth was +2.7% with the UK benefitting from strong new business signed last year and France and Italy benefitting from two extra school days each which boosted same site sales growth in southern Europe.

In Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and the Middle East, organic growth remained strong with the ramp-up of several new School contracts in China, Singapore and India, at +15.8¹%.

On-site Services Revenues by region

Organic growth outside North America was +4.4%.

Benefits & Rewards Services

Benefits & Rewards Services revenue amounted to 413 million euro, down -9.6%. Currencies contributed -7.3% to this decline, due principally to the weakness of the Brazilian real. The sale of Vivabox in the USA (last quarter of Fiscal 2017) also weighed on sales due to its strong seasonality in the first quarter. Net disposals accounted for - 5.1%. As a result, organic revenue growth was +2.9%, compared to organic growth in total issue volume of +5.6%.

Issue volume

Revenues

In Europe, Asia and USA, organic growth in issue volume and revenues was strong in the first half, despite a strong comparative base, at +5.9% and +7.1% respectively. This performance was driven by solid growth in issue volume in Europe in many countries, and in particular by double digit growth in Central Europe. Activity in India was temporarily impacted by the mandatory transfer from paper to card and the loss of a large client. Revenue growth was stronger than issue volumes growth, due to the continued growth in the Incentive and Recognition activities, particularly in the UK this period, which do not generate issue volume.

Organic growth in Latin America was slower than in recent quarters. While issue volume remains strong at +5.3%, revenue growth turned negative at -2.0%. This is explained by the environment in Brazil where growth in face values is being offset by lower interest rates, currently around 6.5%, and a very competitive market due to the lack of any improvement in unemployment. On the other hand, as in previous quarters, growth remains strong in Chile and Mexico.

Underlying operating profit

First Half Fiscal 2018 Underlying operating profit amounted to 627 million euro, down -15.0%, or -7.4% excluding the currency effect. The underlying operating margin was 6.1%, down -80 bps, or -70 bps excluding the currency mix effect of the weakness of the Real, in particular.

• The -70 bps decline in Underlying operating profit margin is spread evenly between the following factors:
  • Approximately one third was expected due to the deconsolidation of Vivabox, particularly significant in the first half, other scope changes, as well as the weakness in Benefits and Rewards due to the lower interest rates in Brazil.
  • A shortfall in Education and Health Care in North America due to delays in the execution of planned measures to increase efficiencies which were aimed at compensating anticipated weak sales. These measures included optimizing SKU management and demand-based scheduling processes. While improvements have been made recently, the delays will continue to impact performance in the second half.
  • A further shortfall resulted from the slower than expected ramp-up of profitability in a small number of significant contracts.

On the other hand, productivity gains from the Adaptation and Simplification program have been delivered in line with the plan amounting to annualized savings of 195 million euro, or 45 million euro more in the first half Fiscal 2018. The plan is on track to deliver 220 million euro of annual savings by the end of the fiscal year. As planned, these savings have been reinvested into the business to accelerate the launch of new offers and in our IT and digital capabilities, as presented in November 2017.

Underlying Operating profit by activity

Excluding the currency impact, Onsite Services Underlying operating profit was down -4.6% and the underlying margin declined by -50 basis points. Performance by segment excluding currency impact, is as follows:

• Business & Administrations underlying operating profit decreased by -2.2% and the operating margin was down -40 basis points, reflecting the loss of some high margin contracts and the slower than expected ramping up of profitability of a small number of recent large contracts.
• In Health Care & Seniors, the underlying operating profit was down -1.3% and the margin was
  -20 basis points lower at 6.1%. This compares to a particularly strong first half in 2017. The year-on-year decline is due to weaker-than-expected performance on some large contracts and the delay in the implementation of an SKU rationalization program in North America which is now expected to start contributing in the third quarter. The program is ongoing and will provide upside over the next 18 months.
• In Education, underlying operating profit fell by -8.9% and the margin declined by -60 basis points, reflecting the decline in revenues in North America. The fall in revenues was exacerbated by a sharp increase in labor inflation and poor execution of the performance improvement plan. During the second quarter, there was a significant focus placed on improving the implementation of the performance improvement plan and the early results are reassuring but this was not enough to offset the issues experienced during the first quarter.

In Benefits & Rewards Services, the underlying operating profit was down -11.5%, after adjusting for the currency impact, in particular, the negative effect of the weakness in the Brazilian Real. The margin was down -320 basis points on a constant currency basis. As expected, about one half of the decline reflects the investments in diversification, and in particular, the cost of developing the new Mobility and Expense management end-to-end platforms. The other half is due to the movement in interest rates in Brazil, flowing directly through into reduced underlying operating profit, and the card migration project costs in India and the Czech Republic, in particular.

Finally, Corporate expenses were up +13.6% principally due to some of the investments, as presented in November 2017.

Group net profit

Other income and expenses in the first half Fiscal 2018 were down 52% to -73 million euro against - 153 million euro last year. First half Fiscal 2018 includes losses related to perimeter changes, impairment of certain intangible assets and further restructuring costs. This compares to substantially higher restructuring costs linked to the second tranche of the Adaptation and simplification program in the figures last year.

As a result, first half Fiscal 2018 Operating profit was 554 million euro against 586 million in the same period last year, up +4.1% excluding currency impacts.

Net financial expense decreased by 11 million euro to 44 million euro for the First Half Fiscal 2018.

Net borrowing costs were down 3 million euro to 38 million euro. The blended cost of debt at February 28, 2018, remained broadly stable at 2.2% versus 2.4% at August 31,2017. First half Fiscal 2017 included an early redemption indemnity of 11 million euro. First half Fiscal 2018 includes 7 million euro of one-off interest income related to the reimbursement of past dividend taxes.

The effective tax rate fell to 25.9% from 32.6% in First Half Fiscal 2017 due in part to a positive one-off from the reimbursement of past dividend taxes, partly offset by a negative one-off linked to the reduction in the income tax rate in the USA, related to the realignment of deferred taxes and the deemed repatriation tax. The tax rate for the year is expected to be around 28%.

The share of profit of other companies consolidated by the equity method was 1 million euro against 2 million euro the previous year. Profit attributed to non-controlling interests was at 7 million euro against 12 million euro the previous year.

As a result, Group net profit was 372 million euro, up +6.9% or +13.9% excluding currency impacts.

Basic Earnings per share (EPS) amounted to 2.51 euro, up +7.9% relative to the previous year. The small accretion relative to the change in net profit (+6.9%) is due to the reduction of the average share count by 0.9% to 148.5 million shares. This is the result of the share buy-back programs in Fiscal 2017 partially offset by a reduction in treasury shares held for the employee free share plans.

Underlying Group net profit amounted to 397 million euro, down -13.4%, or -7.6% excluding currency impacts, in line with the Underlying operating margin performance. Adjustments to reach normalized net profit include all Other income and Expenses and corresponding tax impact, interest income linked to exceptional tax reimbursements and the net exceptional elements of the tax charge. In the previous year, Underlying net profit was adjusted for all other income and expenses and reimbursement indemnities, net of income taxes. Basic Underlying EPS was 2.67 euro, down -12.6%, or -6.8% excluding currency impact.

Consolidated financial position

Cash flows

Cash flows for the period were as follows:

* Excluding change in financial assets in Benefits & Rewards of €(73)m in H1'18 and €(38)m in H1'17. Total Change in working capital as reported in Consolidated accounts: H1'18 of €(475)m = €(402)m + €(73)m and H1'17 of €(426)m = €(388)m + €(38)m

** Including 300m€ of the 2017 share buy-back program

The increase in Operating cash flow reflects the lower outflow of net taxes due to the reimbursement of dividend taxes paid in the last five years, the cashing in of a CICE receivable, as well as lower taxes in certain countries. Tax elements accounted for much of the improvement in operating cashflow.

The negative working capital variation is principally due to a seasonal impact of activity levels between end August and end February. Net capital expenditure and client investments, at 123 million euro, was up 17% on the previous year. As a result, operating free cash flow amounted to 125 million euro.

M&A activity increased markedly during the period resulting in a net amount spent of 674 million euro (see Acquisitions in the period section below). The combination of the capital expenditure, acquisitions net of disposals and the annual dividend payment of 411 million euro, resulted in an increase in net debt of 1 billion euro from August 31, 2017.

Acquisitions in the period

During First Half Fiscal 2018, the Group accelerated its M&A activity. The major acquisitions of the period include:

• The Good Eating Company - Urban food services offer in London
• Kim Yew - Technical FM in Singapore
• Morris - Mining remote site activity in Eastern Australia
• Centerplate - Sports and Convention centers, principally in North America

Total revenues generated by acquisitions contributed 2.4% to growth in the First half 2018. However, the combination of the sale of Vivabox in August 2017 and the exiting of several joint ventures and subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East, were offsetting factors. As a result, the net contribution from acquisitions during the first half was 1.3% of revenues. Net acquisitions are expected to contribute more than 2.5% to growth in Fiscal 2018.

Share buy-back program

The Sodexo Board has approved a 300 million euro share buy-back program, reflecting the Board's confidence in the future prospects of the Group and the strength of the balance sheet. At the closing share price on April 11, 2018 of €78.30, this represents the purchase of approximately 3.8 million shares, or 2.6% of the capital.

Condensed financial position

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position
at February 28, 2018

As of February 28, 2018, net debt was 1,663 million euro, representing 49% of shareholders' equity, compared to 34% at the end of First Half Fiscal 2017 and to 17% as at the year end, August 31, 2017. Despite the seasonally high level of debt at the end of the first half of the year and net acquisitions since year end of 674 million euro, the Group's financial position remains strong. At the end of the First Half Fiscal 2018, the Group had unused lines of credit totaling 1.4 billion euro.

The increase in gross borrowings was due to the acquisitions closed in this first half.

The operating cash position (which includes Benefits & Rewards Services cash investments and restricted cash) totaled €2,399 million, of which €2,002 million related to Benefits & Rewards Services, including 495 million euro of restricted cash and 465 million euro of financial assets (of more than 3 months).

Subsequent events

Beside the announcement of the change in the Fiscal 2018 annual guidance on March 29, no other significant event has been identified since the closing of the interim accounts on February 28, 2018, except those mentioned in Note 6.4.12 to the First Half Fiscal 2018 consolidated financial statements.  

Related party transactions

The main related party transactions are presented in Notes 6.4.10 and 6.4.11 to the First Half Fiscal 2018 consolidated financial statements.

Main risks and uncertainties

The main risks and uncertainties are not materially different from those described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Fiscal 2017 Registration Document, filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on November 20, 2017 except for litigations mentioned in note 6.4.11 of the First Half Fiscal 2018 consolidated financial statements.

Currency effect

Exchange rate fluctuations do not generate operational risks, because each subsidiary bills its revenues and incurs its expenses in the same currency.

Note: Reference rate Fiscal 2017 is the average rate for Fiscal year 2017.

Sodexo operates in 80 countries. The percentage of total revenues and operating profit denominated in the main currencies are as follows:

The currency effect is determined by applying the previous year's average exchange rates to the current year figures except for countries with hyperinflationary economies, such as Venezuela where the Group has a strong presence in Benefits & Rewards Services.

During First Half Fiscal 2018, a number of currencies have continued to fall relative to the Euro. The U.S. dollar has fallen by -8.1% and the Brazilian real has by -8.7%, weighing on revenue growth and the profit contribution of the Benefits & Rewards activity, as the margins are higher than the onsite business. The decline in UK sterling against the euro is less significant during the period.

In terms of the Venezuelan Bolivar, the Group considers that the best estimate of the exchange rate at which funds from its activities in Venezuela could be repatriated is the DICOM rate. For the purpose of calculations at constant rate, all Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 figures in VEF have been converted at the exchange rate of USD 1 = VEF 35,280 vs. VEF 3,250 for FY 2017.

Alternative Performance Measures Definitions

Blended cost of debt

The blended cost of debt is calculated at period end and is the weighted average of financing rates on borrowings, (including derivative financial instruments) and cash pooling balances at period end.

Free cash flow

Please refer to Consolidated Financial position.

Growth excluding currency effect

Change excluding currency effect calculated converting H1 2018 figures at FY 2017 rates, except for countries with hyperinflationary economies. As a result, for Venezuelan Bolivar, H1 2018 and H1 2017 figures in VEF have been converted at the exchange rate of USD 1 = VEF 35,280 vs. VEF 3,250 for FY 2017.

Issue volume

Issue volume corresponds to the total face value of service vouchers, cards and digitally-delivered services issued by the Group (Benefits and Rewards Services activity) for beneficiaries on behalf of clients.

Net debt

Group gross borrowings at the balance sheet less operating cash.

Organic growth

Organic growth corresponds to the increase in revenue for a given period (the "current period") compared to the revenue reported for the same period of the prior fiscal year, calculated using the exchange rate for the prior fiscal year; and excluding the impact of business acquisitions and divestments, as follows:

• for businesses acquired (or gain of control) during the current period, revenue generated since the acquisition date is excluded from the organic growth calculation;
• for businesses acquired (or gain of control) during the prior fiscal year, revenue generated during the current period up until the first anniversary date of the acquisition is excluded;
• for businesses divested (or loss of control) during the prior fiscal year, revenue generated in the comparative period of the prior fiscal year until the divestment date is excluded;
• for businesses divested (or loss of control) during the current fiscal year, revenue generated in the period commencing 12 months before the divestment date up to the end of the comparative period of the prior fiscal year is excluded.

For countries with hyperinflationary economies all figures are converted at the latest closing rate for both periods.

As a result, for the calculation of organic growth, Benefits & Rewards figures for H1 2018 and H1 2017 in Venezuelan Bolivar, have been converted at the exchange rate of USD 1 = VEF 35,280 vs. VEF 3,250 for FY 2017.

Underlying Net Profit

Underlying Net profit presents a normalized net income excluding significant unusual and/or infrequent elements. Therefore, it corresponds to the Net Income Group share excluding Other Income and Expense and significant non-recurring elements in both Net Financial Expense and Income tax Expense.

In the first half of Fiscal 2018, the Underlying net profit excludes from the Net Income Group share the following items and the related tax impact where applicable:

• Other Income and Expense for -73M€
• Interests received in France on tax reimbursements for 7M€
• Reimbursement of the 3% tax on dividends received for 43M€
• One-off impacts resulting from changes in the US tax regulation for -23M€.

Underlying Operating margin

Underlying Operating profit divided by Revenues.

Underlying Operating margin at constant rate

Margin calculated converting H1 2018 figures at FY 2017 rates, except for countries with hyperinflationary economies.

Financial Ratio Definitions

Financial Ratio Reconciliation:

2

1 Consolidated income statement

⁽¹⁾ After reclassifications based on the new consolidated income statement presentation (see note 6.2.4)

⁽²⁾ Including 137 million euro in expenses recorded in the First Half of Fiscal 2017 in connection with the Adaptation and Simplification program, that have been reclassified in line with the new consolidated income statement presentation (see note 6.2.4) The total amount reported as "Other operating expenses" in the new presentation includes 51 million euro previously reported under "Cost of sales", 65 million euro previously reported under "Administrative and Sales Department costs", and 20 million euro reported under "Other operating expenses" in the old presentation.

2 Consolidated statement
of comprehensive income

3 Consolidated statement of financial position

Assets

Shareholders' equity and liabilities

4 Consolidated cash flow statement

5 Consolidated statement of changes
in shareholders' equity

⁽¹⁾ Including the effects of hyperinflation and recognition of commitments to repurchase non-controlling interests.

⁽¹⁾ Including the effects of hyperinflation.

The following notes are an integral part of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

6 Notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

Sodexo is a société anonyme (a form of limited liability company) domiciled in France, with its headquarters located in Issy-les-Moulineaux.

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six-month period from September 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018 were approved by the Board of Directors on April 10, 2018.

6.1   Significant events

During the First-Half of Fiscal 2018, the Group expanded its Sports & Leisure offer by acquiring Centerplate, Inc., which operates in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Canada. In addition, The Good Eating Company in the United Kingdom was acquired in the Corporate Services segment and Morris Corporation in Australia in the Energy & Resources segment. Strategic initiatives for the period included acquisition of control of FoodChéri in France, while the Group's expertise and technical offer were strengthened with the acquisition of Singapore-based Kim Yew.

Details of these business combinations' impact on the consolidated financial statements at February 28, 2018 are provided in note 6.4.2.

6.2   Basis of preparation of the financial statements

6.2.1. General principles

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended February 28, 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", as published by the IASB and adopted by the European Union. They do not include all of the disclosures required for complete annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Sodexo Group for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, except for certain interim reporting requirements.
Amounts in tables have been prepared in thousands of euro and are expressed and rounded to the nearest million (unless otherwise indicated).

6.2.2. Standards and interpretations

The accounting policies applied by the Group in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended February 28, 2018 are the same as those used in the annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, except for the adoption of a new definition of other operating income and expenses and its impact on the presentation of the income statement (see note 6.2.4).

The new standards, interpretations and amendments whose application was mandatory for the Group effective for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2017 had no material impact on the interim consolidated financial statements. The Group has not applied any IFRSs that had not yet been approved by the European Union as of February 28, 2018.

The Group has not elected to early adopt any standards or interpretations whose application is not mandatory in Fiscal 2018.

During the First Half of Fiscal 2018, the Group continued to analyze the impacts of applying IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" and IFRS 16 "Leases".

6.2.3. Specific interim reporting requirements

Income tax expense

Income tax expense (current and deferred) in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements is computed by applying an estimated average annual tax rate for the current fiscal year to each tax reporting entity's pre-tax profit for the First Half of the year as adjusted, where applicable, for the tax effect of any specific events that may have occurred during the period. The resulting deferred tax charge or benefit is recognized in deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Post-employment and other long-term employee benefits

The expense for post-employment and other long-term employee benefits is computed as one half of the annual charge estimated as of August 31, 2017. There were no material plan amendments in the First Half of Fiscal 2018.

6.2.4. Income statement presentation

In order to better focus the Group's financial communication on recurring operating profit and to simplify benchmarking with competitors, the consolidated income statement has changed as from Fiscal 2018 to include a new indicator, "Underlying operating profit", which corresponds to operating profit before "Other operating income" and "Other operating expenses".

Other operating income and expenses include gains and losses arising from changes in the scope of consolidation, gains and losses arising from changes in post-employment benefit obligations, restructuring and rationalization costs, M&A costs, amortization and impairment of client relationships and trademarks, impairment of non-current assets and other unusual or non-recurring items representing material amounts.

Underlying operating profit has replaced operating profit in the segment information, as it is now the main indicator reviewed regularly by the Executive Committee, which is the Group's main operating decision-maker.

The income statement and segment information for the First Half of Fiscal 2017 have been restated based on the new presentation.

In the new presentation of the income statement, the costs of the 18-month Adaptation and Simplification program launched in Fiscal 2016 have been reclassified under "Other operating expenses".

6.2.5. Use of estimates

The preparation of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements requires the management of Sodexo and its subsidiaries to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the amounts reported for assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities as of the date of preparation of the financial statements, and of revenues and expenses for the period.

These estimates and valuations are updated continuously based on past experience and on various other factors considered reasonable in view of current circumstances, and are the basis for the assessments of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.

Actual results may differ substantially from these estimates if assumptions or circumstances change.

Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions are the same as those described in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2017 (provisions and litigation, derivative financial instruments, post-employment defined benefit plan assets and liabilities, goodwill and other intangible assets, impairment of current and non-current assets, deferred taxes, and share-based payments).

6.2.6. Changes in principal currency exchange rates

The following table presents changes in exchange rates for the main currencies used to convert the financial statements of subsidiaries compared with the first half of the prior fiscal year.

6.3   Segment information

The segment information presented below has been prepared based on internal management data as monitored by the Group Executive Committee, which is Sodexo's chief operating decision maker. The Group's two business segments correspond to On-site Services and Benefits and Rewards Services.

On-site Services revenue and underlying operating profit are broken down by global client segment. These global client segments meet the definition of operating segments in IFRS 8.

Consequently, Sodexo's operating segments and groups of operating segments are as follows:

• On-site Services:
  • Business & Administrations, which includes Corporate Services, Energy & Resources, Government & Agencies, Sports & Leisure and other non-segmented activities,
  • Health Care, combined with Seniors,
  • Education, comprising Schools and Universities;
• Benefits and Rewards Services.

The operating segments that have been aggregated carry out similar operations - both in terms of type of services rendered and the processes and methods used to deliver the services - and have similar economic characteristics (notably in terms of the margins they generate).
Segment assets and liabilities are not presented as they are not included in the chief operating decision maker's measurement of segment performance.

⁽¹⁾ This is a new consolidated income statement indicator (see note 6.2.4) that includes the Group's share of profit of companies consolidated by the equity method that directly contribute to the Group's business but excludes other operating income and expenses.

⁽¹⁾ This is a new consolidated income statement indicator (see note 6.2.4) that includes the Group's share of profit of companies consolidated by the equity method that directly contribute to the Group's business but excludes other operating income and expenses.

⁽²⁾ After reclassifications based on the new consolidated income statement presentation (see note 6.2.4)

6.4   Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements

6.4.1. Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity

As of February 28, 2018, the Group held 2,529,632 Sodexo shares with a carrying amount of 225 million euro, including (i) 2,428,132 shares (215 million euro) purchased to cover the Group's obligations for stock option and free share plans for Group employees, and (ii) 101,500 shares (10 million euro) held under the liquidity contract.
As of August 31, 2017, the Group held 2,205,010 Sodexo shares with a carrying amount of 177 million euro to cover its obligations under stock option and free share plans for Group employees. During the First Half of Fiscal 2018, Sodexo shares with a carrying amount of 17 million euro were delivered to employees upon exercise of stock options or under free share plans. During the First Half of Fiscal 2017, Sodexo shares with a carrying amount of 14 million euro were delivered to employees upon exercise of stock options.

Total dividends paid out in the First Half of Fiscal 2018, adjusted for treasury shares, amounted to 411 million euro, representing a dividend of 2.75 euro per share and, where applicable, a dividend premium of 0.275 euro per share.

6.4.2. Business combinations

Changes in goodwill were as follows in the First Half of Fiscal 2018:

During the First Half of Fiscal 2018, goodwill totaling 534 million euro was recognized on the acquisition of The Good Eating Company in the Corporate Services segment, Morris Corporation in the Energy & Resources segment, Centerplate, Inc. in the Sports & Leisure segment, Kim Yew in Schools, as well as on the acquisition of control of FoodChéri.

The table below shows the impact of newly consolidated entities. It includes the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as provisionally estimated at February 28, 2018, and the adjustments resulting from the final purchase price allocation of prior acquisitions.

⁽¹⁾ Out of which -20 million euro impact of purchase price allocation adjustments to certain assets acquired in business combinations carried out in prior years
⁽²⁾ Including provisions for risks and litigation in the United States and the United Kingdom
⁽³⁾ Price paid or payable in cash, including estimated contingent consideration for 9 million euro

Companies acquired during the First-Half of Fiscal 2018, that were consolidated from the date of acquisition, contributed 171 million euro to consolidated revenue and 6 million euro to consolidated underlying operating profit for the period.

The acquisition of Centerplate, which was the main business combination for the period, was completed on December 26, 2017. If Centerplate had been consolidated as from September 1, 2017, it would have contributed 293 million to consolidated revenues and 12 million euro more to underlying operating profit for the First Half of Fiscal 2018.

Intangible assets mainly include customer relationships and trademarks. The amortization period for customer relationships has been provisionally set by management at a maximum of 15 years, based on the estimated attrition rate. Goodwill primarily reflects the expertise and know-how of the acquired businesses' employees and the expected synergies between these companies and Sodexo.

6.4.3. Cash and cash equivalents

⁽¹⁾ Including 13 million euro allocated to the liquidity contract signed with an investment services provider, which complies with the Code of Conduct drawn up by the French financial markets association (Association française des marchés financiers - AMAFI) and approved by the French securities regulator (Autorité des Marchés Financiers - AMF), for the purpose of improving the liquidity of Sodexo shares and the regularity of the quotations.

⁽²⁾ The Group's international cash pool has negative cash positions in U.S. dollars for the equivalent of 606 million euro, in Canadian dollars for the equivalent of 67 million euro and in other currencies for the equivalent of 33 million euro, partly offset by a positive cash position in euro of 707 million euro.

Total marketable securities comprised:

6.4.4. Borrowings

⁽¹⁾ Including the proceeds of (i) two U.S. private placements (354 million U.S. dollars and 1,100 million U.S. dollars respectively as of February 28, 2018) and (ii) commercial paper issues (808 million euro and 140 million U.S. dollars as of February 28, 2018). The U.S. private placements are subject to financial covenants that the Group complied with as of February 28, 2018, August 31, 2017 and February 28, 2017.
⁽²⁾ Including 17 million euro as of February 28, 2018 corresponding to liabilities recognized in connection with commitments to repurchase the non-controlling interests in certain subsidiaries (17 million euro as of August 31, 2017).

Changes in borrowings during the First Half of Fiscal 2018 were as follows:

⁽¹⁾      As of February 28, 2018, the fair values of bond issues and bank borrowings were 1,968 million euro and 2,110 million euro respectively (1,990 million euro and 1,623 million euro respectively as of August 31, 2017). There were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy in the First Half of Fiscal 2018 compared with those presented in note 4.21 to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

As of February 28, 2018, approximately 46% of the Group's borrowings were denominated in U.S. dollars, after taking into account the effect of derivative financial instruments and the cash pooling system. As of February 28, 2018, approximately 78% of the Group's borrowings were at fixed rates of interest and the blended cost of debt at that date was 2.2%.

As of August 31, 2017, nearly 91% of the Group's borrowings were at fixed rates of interest and the blended cost of debt at that date was 2.4%.

July 2011 multi-currency confirmed credit facility
As of August 31, 2017 and February 28, 2018, the Group had a multi-currency confirmed credit facility for 531 million euro plus 709 million U.S. dollars, expiring in July 2022. No amounts had been drawn down on this facility as of either February 28, 2018 or August 31, 2017.

December 2017 bilateral confirmed lines of credit
On December 20, 2017, the Group obtained two 150 million euro bilateral confirmed lines of credit, one expiring in December 2018 and the other in December 2019. No amounts had been drawn down on these facilities as of February 28, 2018.

Commercial paper issues
On January 22, 2018, Sodexo Finance set up a 1.4 billion euro commercial paper program.
As of February 28, 2018, borrowings under the Sodexo SA and Sodexo Finance commercial paper programs totaled 923 million euro (808 million euro and 140 million U.S. dollars), compared with 331 million euro (100 million U.S. dollars and 246 million euro) as of August 31, 2017.

6.4.5. Operating expenses by nature

⁽¹⁾ Primarily payroll taxes, but also including costs associated with defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans and free share plans.

⁽²⁾ Other operating expenses mainly include operating lease expenses (191 million euro for the First Half of Fiscal 2018 and 165 million euro for the First Half of Fiscal 2017), professional fees, other purchases used for operations, sub-contracting costs and travel expenses.

6.4.6. Other operating income and expenses

⁽¹⁾ In the First Half of Fiscal 2017, this item corresponds to costs incurred for the Adaptation and Simplification program.

6.4.7. Financial income and expense

6.4.8. Income tax expense

The effective tax rate for the First Half of Fiscal 2018 was 25.9% compared with 32.6% for the First Half of Fiscal 2017. The decline was mainly due to the reimbursement of the tax on dividends in France, for 43 million euro, and to the effects of the tax reform in the United States.

Sodexo SA sold a receivable for an amount of 46 million euro of CICE tax credits, which has been derecognized because substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the credits have been transferred.

6.4.9. Earnings per share

The table below presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

All of the Group's stock option plans and free share plans had a dilutive impact in the First Half of both Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017.

6.4.10. Related party information

Non-consolidated companies

Transactions with non-consolidated companies are similar in nature to those described in note 4.25, "Related parties" to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

Principal shareholder

As of February 28, 2018, Bellon SA held 40.38% of the capital of Sodexo and 55.9% of the exercisable voting rights.

During the First Half of Fiscal 2018, Sodexo paid fees of 2 million euro (1.6 million euro for the First Half of Fiscal 2017) under the assistance and advisory services contract with Bellon SA.

Bellon SA received dividends of 167.7 million euro on its Sodexo SA shares in February 2018.

6.4.11. Other disclosures

Free share grants

On September 14, 2017, the Board of Directors decided to grant up to 14,000 shares to certain Group employees. The shares granted under this plan will only vest if the beneficiaries are still working for the Group on the vesting date, and some of the share grants are subject to a performance condition.

Members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, Chief Executive Officer

At the close of the Annual Shareholders' Meeting on January 23, 2018, Denis Machuel succeeded Michel Landel and officially took up the position of Chief Executive Officer of Sodexo.

There were no significant changes from the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 in relation to the nature of compensation, advances and commitments for pensions or similar benefits granted to members of Sodexo's Board of Directors or Executive Committee, or to the Chief Executive Officer.

Disputes and litigation

On October 9, 2015, Octoplus lodged a complaint with France's Competition Authority concerning the practices of several French meal voucher issuers, including Sodexo Pass France, and asked the authority to issue an interim order. After hearing arguments from the parties concerned, on October 6, 2016 the Competition Authority rejected the request for an interim order but decided that the investigation into the complaint should be pursued. The investigations are still in progress and in the absence of any estimate of the related risk at this stage in the procedure, no provision was booked at February 28, 2018.

During the First Half of Fiscal 2018, there has been no significant change in the litigation with the Brazilian tax authorities regarding to the deductibility for tax purposes of the amortization of goodwill recognized on the purchase of VR.

6.4.12. Subsequent events

On March 5, 2018, the Group obtained a new 150 million euro bilateral confirmed line of credit expiring in March 2019.

On March 29, 2018, Sodexo SA redeemed at maturity the 2011 U.S. private placement for 148 million U.S. dollars.

3

Statutory Auditors' review report
on the interim financial information

For the six months ended February 28, 2018

This is a free translation into English of the Statutory Auditors' review report issued in French and is provided solely for the convenience of English speaking readers. This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards applicable in France.

SODEXO
255 Quai de la Bataille de Stalingrad
92866 Issy-les-Moulineaux Cedex 9
France

To the Shareholders,

In compliance with the assignment entrusted to us by your Shareholders' Meeting and in accordance with the requirements of article L. 451-1-2 III of the French Monetary and Financial Code (Code monétaire et financier), we hereby report to you on:

• the review of the accompanying condensed interim consolidated financial statements of Sodexo for the six months ended February 28, 2018;
• the verification of the information contained in the interim management report.

These condensed interim consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Our role is to express a conclusion on these financial statements based on our review.

I - Conclusion on the financial statements

We conducted our review in accordance with professional standards applicable in France. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with professional standards applicable in France and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying condensed interim consolidated financial statements have not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 - "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

II - Specific verification

We have also verified the information given in the interim management report on the condensed interim consolidated financial statements subject to our review. We have no matters to report as to its fair presentation and its consistency with the condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

Neuilly-sur-Seine and Paris La Défense, April 11, 2018

The Statutory Auditors

4

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HALF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

Issy-les-Moulineaux, April 12, 2018

I hereby affirm that to the best of my knowledge the condensed financial statements presented for the half-year just ended have been prepared in accordance with the applicable accounting standards and provide a fair view of the assets, financial position, and profits of Sodexo, and of that of all of the companies included within the consolidation scope, and that the half year activity review included in the attached report presents a true view of the significant events which took place during the first six months of the full year period and of their impact on the half year financial statements; the principle transactions between related parties; and describes the main risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year.

Denis Machuel
Chief Executive Officer

255, quai de la Bataille de Stalingrad - 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux - France 
Tel.: +33 (0)1 30 85 75 00 - sodexo.com
Sodexo S A.au capital de 628 528 100 euros - 255 quai de la Bataille de Stalingrad - 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux - France - 301 940 219 RCS Nanterre

www.sodexo.com

^[1] Restated for internal transfers between segments

^[2] Including Sodexo Ventures investments in Wynd, Neo-Nomade and Life-Dojo, in H1 Fiscal 2017

Attachment

• PR Sodexo First-half Fiscal 2018 results EN.pdf