REVENUE RECOGNITION:
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents revenue disaggregated by revenue source (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ended
October 3, 2025September 27, 2024September 29, 2023
United States:
Uniforms$957,042 $1,037,608 $1,067,825 
Workplace Supplies1,532,334 1,518,314 1,507,527 
Total United States2,489,376 2,555,922 2,575,352 
Canada:
Uniforms$91,565 $96,864 $100,403 
Workplace Supplies153,898 153,034 149,531 
Total Canada245,463 249,898 249,934 
Total Revenue$2,734,839 $2,805,820 $2,825,286 
Contract Balances
The Company defers sales commissions earned by its sales force that are considered to be incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract. The deferred costs are amortized using the portfolio approach on a straight-line basis over the average period of benefit, approximately nine years, and are assessed for impairment on a periodic basis. Determination of the amortization period and the subsequent assessment for impairment of the contract cost asset requires judgment. The Company expenses sales commissions as incurred if the amortization period is one year or less. As of October 3, 2025 and September 27, 2024, the Company had $107.1 million and $105.8 million, respectively, of employee sales commissions recorded as assets within “Other Assets” and “Other Current Assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2025, fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, the Company recorded $22.3 million, $21.1 million and $20.1 million, respectively, of expense related to employee sales commissions within “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income.

About Revenue Disclosures

Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.

Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.