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Aramark (ARMK) Fundamental Analysis & AI Grade 2026

ARMK NYSE Retail-Eating Places DE CIK: 0001584509
Updated This Month • Analysis: May 14, 2026 • SEC Data: 2026-04-03
Combined AI Grade
C
81% Confidence
STRONG AGREEMENT
C
78% Conf
C
84% Conf

📊 ARMK Key Takeaways

Revenue: $9.7B
Net Margin: 2.0%
Free Cash Flow: $-605.4M
Current Ratio: 1.21x
Debt/Equity: 1.85x
EPS: $0.74
AI Grade: C with 78% confidence
Aramark (ARMK) receives a C fundamental grade with 81% confidence from our AI analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $9.7B, net profit margin of 2.0%, and return on equity (ROE) of 6.0%, Aramark demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Consumer sector. Below is our complete ARMK stock analysis for 2026.

Is Aramark (ARMK) a Good Investment?

Claude

Aramark exhibits deteriorating operational health masked by modest revenue growth. Most critically, the company generates negative operating cash flow (-$381.9M) and negative free cash flow (-$605.4M) despite positive net income, signaling acute working capital stress and unsustainable cash burn. Combined with elevated leverage (1.85x D/E) and dangerously weak interest coverage (1.5x), the company faces meaningful refinancing risk.

ChatGPT

Aramark shows modest top-line growth, but that growth is not converting into stronger underlying profitability or cash generation. Margins remain thin, leverage is high, and negative operating/free cash flow combined with sub-1x interest coverage materially weakens the fundamental profile. The business appears operationally stable enough to avoid the most severe rating, but fundamentals currently skew unfavorable.

Aramark Key Strengths (ARMK)

Claude
  • + Revenue growth of 6.4% YoY indicates market demand in food service sector
  • + Positive operating income of $437.3M demonstrates core business generates profits
  • + Cash position of $475.7M provides near-term operational buffer
ChatGPT
  • + Revenue grew 6.4% year over year, indicating continued demand and contract volume expansion
  • + Operating income remained positive with a 4.5% operating margin, showing the core business is still profitable before financing costs
  • + Liquidity appears adequate near term with a 1.27x current ratio and over $439M in cash

ARMK Stock Risks: Aramark Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Operating cash flow of -$381.9M and free cash flow of -$605.4M indicate company is burning cash and not converting sales to actual cash despite profitability
  • ! Debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85x combined with interest coverage of only 1.5x creates significant refinancing and solvency risk
  • ! Flat net income growth (-0.1% YoY) despite 6.4% revenue growth indicates deteriorating operational efficiency and margin compression
  • ! Razor-thin operating margin (4.5%) and net margin (2.0%) leave minimal buffer for adverse business conditions
  • ! Negative FCF margin of -6.2% demonstrates structural cash consumption at scale
ChatGPT
  • ! Operating cash flow of negative $782.20M and free cash flow of negative $904.36M indicate weak cash conversion and poor growth quality
  • ! High leverage with debt-to-equity of 1.94x and $6.21B of long-term debt limits financial flexibility
  • ! Interest coverage of 0.8x suggests earnings are not comfortably covering interest expense, raising balance-sheet risk

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Operating cash flow trend and drivers of working capital deterioration
  • * Interest coverage ratio sustainability given debt obligations
  • * Operating margin trend and ability to achieve pricing power
  • * Free cash flow path to positive territory
ChatGPT
  • * Operating cash flow and free cash flow recovery
  • * Interest coverage and net debt reduction

Aramark (ARMK) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$9.7B
Net Income
$198.1M
EPS (Diluted)
$0.74
Free Cash Flow
$-605.4M
Total Assets
$13.8B
Cash Position
$475.7M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Aramark presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.

ARMK Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin N/A
Operating Margin 4.5%
Net Margin 2.0%
ROE 6.0%
ROA 1.4%
FCF Margin -6.2%

ARMK vs Consumer Sector: How Aramark Compares

How Aramark compares to Consumer sector averages

Net Margin
ARMK 2.0%
vs
Sector Avg 8.0%
ARMK Sector
ROE
ARMK 6.0%
vs
Sector Avg 18.0%
ARMK Sector
Current Ratio
ARMK 1.2x
vs
Sector Avg 1.5x
ARMK Sector
Debt/Equity
ARMK 1.8x
vs
Sector Avg 0.8x
ARMK Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Aramark Stock Overvalued? ARMK Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Aramark shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
6.0%
Sector avg: 18%
Net Profit Margin
2.0%
Sector avg: 8%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
1.85x
Sector avg: 0.8x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Aramark Balance Sheet: ARMK Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
1.21x
Quick Ratio
1.07x
Debt/Equity
1.85x
Debt/Assets
0.0%
Interest Coverage
1.55x
Long-term Debt
$6.1B

ARMK Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

ARMK 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $16.2B, Net Income $448.5M, EPS N/A. Year 2022: Revenue $16.3B, Net Income -$461.5M, EPS N/A. Year 2023: Revenue $18.9B, Net Income -$90.8M, EPS $-0.36. Year 2024: Revenue $17.4B, Net Income $194.5M, EPS $0.75. Year 2025: Revenue $18.5B, Net Income $674.1M, EPS $2.57.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Aramark's revenue has grown significantly by 14% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $2.57 reflects profitable operations.

ARMK Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
-6.2%
Free cash flow / Revenue

ARMK Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Aramark including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q2 2026 $4.3B $61.9M $0.23
Q1 2026 $4.6B $96.2M $0.36
Q3 2025 $4.4B $28.5M $0.22
Q2 2025 $4.2B $28.5M $0.20
Q1 2025 $4.4B $28.5M $0.11
Q3 2024 $4.1B $28.5M $0.22
Q2 2024 $3.9B $28.5M $0.20
Q1 2024 $3.9B $28.5M $0.11

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

Aramark Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
-$381.9M
Cash generated from operations
Stock Buybacks
$66.3M
Shares repurchased (TTM)
Capital Expenditures
$223.4M
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$63.1M
Returned to shareholders

ARMK SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Aramark (CIK: 0001584509)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
Jun 4, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1780612166.xml View →
Jun 4, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1780612118.xml View →
Jun 4, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1780612072.xml View →
Jun 4, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1780612030.xml View →
Jun 4, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1780611988.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about ARMK

What is the AI rating for ARMK?

Aramark (ARMK) has a Combined AI Grade of C from Claude (C) and ChatGPT (C) with 81% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are ARMK's key strengths?

Claude: Revenue growth of 6.4% YoY indicates market demand in food service sector. Positive operating income of $437.3M demonstrates core business generates profits. ChatGPT: Revenue grew 6.4% year over year, indicating continued demand and contract volume expansion. Operating income remained positive with a 4.5% operating margin, showing the core business is still profitable before financing costs.

What are the risks of investing in ARMK?

Claude: Operating cash flow of -$381.9M and free cash flow of -$605.4M indicate company is burning cash and not converting sales to actual cash despite profitability. Debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85x combined with interest coverage of only 1.5x creates significant refinancing and solvency risk. ChatGPT: Operating cash flow of negative $782.20M and free cash flow of negative $904.36M indicate weak cash conversion and poor growth quality. High leverage with debt-to-equity of 1.94x and $6.21B of long-term debt limits financial flexibility.

What is ARMK's revenue and growth?

Aramark reported revenue of $9.7B.

Does ARMK pay dividends?

Aramark pays dividends, with $63.1M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find ARMK SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Aramark (CIK: 0001584509) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is ARMK's EPS?

Aramark has a diluted EPS of $0.74.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

What is ARMK's fundamental grade?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Aramark has a C grade with 81% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.

Is ARMK stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for ARMK: ROE of 6.0% (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 2.0% (sector avg: 8%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

What is ARMK's AI grade for 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Aramark a combined C grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is ARMK's free cash flow?

Aramark's operating cash flow is $-381.9M, with capital expenditures of $223.4M. FCF margin is -6.2%.

How does ARMK compare to other Consumer stocks?

Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 2.0% (avg: 8%), ROE 6.0% (avg: 18%), current ratio 1.21 (avg: 1.5).

Is Aramark carrying too much debt?

ARMK has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.85x, which is above the Consumer sector average of 0.8x. However, the current ratio of 1.21 suggests adequate short-term liquidity.

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: May 14, 2026 | Data as of: 2026-04-03 | Powered by Claude AI