Herbalife Ltd. Announces Record Fourth-Quarter and Full Year Results
Full Year 2007 Net Sales Increase 13.8 Percent to $2.1 Billion
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF) today reported fourth quarter net sales of $578.1 million, an increase of 18.6 percent compared to the same period of 2006. This record performance was attributable to double-digit growth in several of the company's top countries; the U.S. up 22.1 percent, Taiwan up 18.9 percent, Italy up 21.9 percent and China up 145.8 percent compared to the same period in 2006, coupled with the favorable impact from currency fluctuations. The company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. Johnson, said, "We are pleased to report our 16th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth and record net sales reflecting the strong performance of our independent distributor organization. Our margins and record bottom line performance reflects the strong top line growth coupled with our initiatives to continually leverage our infrastructure to improve profitability."
During the fourth quarter 2007, total Sales Leaders(1) increased 16.0 percent to 473,846 and new Sales Leaders increased 10.4 percent to 56,739 versus the fourth quarter of 2006. The company's President's Team membership increased 11.8 percent to 1,105 members and the company's prestigious Chairman Club increased to 32 members. Greg Probert, the company's president and chief operating officer, said, "The growth rate of new Sales Leaders in the fourth quarter was the highest of the year, reflecting the tremendous momentum in our distributor organization."
Financial Performance
For the quarter ended December 31, 2007, the company reported net income of $53.8 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, compared to $41.7 million, or $0.56 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2006. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to double-digit net sales growth and expansion in operating profit margins. Excluding the impact of realignment for growth costs and certain other items(2), fourth quarter 2007 net income increased 24 percent to $55.1 million or $0.79 per diluted share, compared to $0.59 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2006. The company's share repurchase program had an accretive impact on diluted earnings per share.
During the fourth quarter, the company repurchased 3.9 million shares of its common stock through open market transactions at an average price of $41.56 for an aggregate cost of $161.8 million. Since this share repurchase program was authorized in April 2007, through early January 2008, the company has repurchased 9.5 million shares at an aggregate cost of $383.5 million, which is 85 percent of the $450 million authorization, and 13 percent of its outstanding common stock. The company used excess cash along with debt to fund the repurchase.
During the fourth quarter, the company invested $17.0 million in capital expenditures, primarily related to enhancements to its management information systems and additional infrastructure investments to improve distributor service levels in high growth markets.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the company reported net sales of $2.15 billion, an increase of 13.8 percent compared to $1.89 billion in 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the company reported net income of $191.5 million, or $2.63 per diluted share, compared to $143.1 million, or $1.92 per diluted share in 2006. Excluding the impact of expenses related to the company's realignment for growth initiative and other items(2), fiscal year 2007 net income increased 28.0 percent to $196.7 million, or $2.71 per diluted share, compared to $2.06 per diluted share in 2006.
(1) See Schedule titled "Total Sales Leaders by Region" for more detail
(2) See Schedule A - "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more detail
Fourth Quarter 2007 Business Highlights
The company supported the development and training of its distributors during the fourth quarter by hosting multiple events including over 7,000 distributors at the North America Herbalife University and Latino Development Weekend and over 6,000 distributors at the northeast Brazil Extravaganza.
In late 2007, the company realigned its regional structure from seven to five regions. The North America, Mexico & Central America, and EMEA regions remain essentially unchanged. The South America region now includes Brazil, and the former Southeast Asia, North Asia and Greater China regions have been combined into an Asia Pacific region.
"We continue to align company resources to better support our distributors and their daily methods of operation," said Greg Probert. "This updated regional structure allows us to better support the geographic reach of the distributor leadership and enhance sales, marketing and product synergies within the regions."
Regional Performance
Europe, Middle East and Africa region, the company's largest region, reported net sales of $144.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, an increase of 7.9 percent versus the same period of 2006. However, excluding the benefit of currency fluctuations, net sales decreased 3.5 percent. The EMEA region realized net sales growth in several of its top markets during the fourth quarter of 2007, including France up 34.3 percent; Spain up 26.0 percent; Italy up 21.9 percent; and Russia up 14.7 percent, in each case compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. These net sales gains were partially offset by declines in other markets including Germany down 19.2 percent, and the Netherlands down 17.8 percent versus the comparable period of 2006. Total Sales Leaders in the region, as of December 31, 2007, decreased 5.6 percent versus December 31, 2006 to 89,821.
The Asia Pacific region reported net sales of $126.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, up 25.8 percent versus the same period of 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales increased 19.6 percent. The increase is attributable to net sales growth in China up 145.8 percent; South Korea up 26.7 percent; and Taiwan up 18.9 percent. Total Sales Leaders as of December 31, 2007 increased 22.5 percent versus December 31, 2006 to 111,250. This includes China sales employees, which increased 188.2% to 22,291.
The North America region reported net sales of $109.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, up 20.4 percent versus the same period of 2006, driven by growth in the US of 22.1 percent versus fourth quarter 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales increased 19.8 percent. Total Sales Leaders in the region, as of December 31, 2007, increased 19.9 percent versus December 31, 2006 to 89,282.
The South America region reported net sales of $99.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, up 50.9 percent versus the same period of 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales increased 39.7 percent. The growth in the region was primarily attributable to double and triple digit growth in key markets including Venezuela up 349.0 percent, Bolivia, up 147.0 percent, and Argentina, up 38.3 percent, coupled with growth in Peru, which opened in December 2006. This was offset by declines in Brazil, down 2.6 percent. Total Sales Leaders in the region, as of December 31, 2007, increased 26.1 percent versus December 31, 2006 to 91,052.
The Mexico and Central America region reported net sales of $97.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, up 2.1 percent versus the same period of 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales for the region increased 1.5 percent. Mexico, the largest market in the region, had a sales decline of 1.4 percent. Total Sales Leaders in the region, as of December 31, 2007, increased 22.1 percent as compared to the same period in 2006 to 92,441.
First Quarter 2008 and Full Year 2008 Guidance
Based on its current business trends, the company is raising its full year 2008 diluted earnings per share guidance to be in a range of $3.25 to $3.30. The company is providing guidance for the first quarter of 2008 in the range of $0.77 to $0.79 for diluted earnings per share. Additionally, first quarter investment in capital expenditures is expected in the range of $25 million - $30 million.
Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call
Herbalife's fourth quarter earnings conference call will be conducted on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 8 a.m. PST (11 a.m. EST). The dial-in number for this conference call for domestic callers is (866) 219-5268. Live audio of the conference call will be simultaneously webcast in the Investor Relations section of the company's Web site at http://ir.herbalife.com. An audio replay will be available following the completion of the conference call in MP3 format or by dialing (866) 837-8032 (domestic callers) and (703) 925-2474 (international callers) and entering access code 1109438. The webcast of the teleconference will be archived and available on Herbalife's Web site.
About Herbalife Ltd.
Herbalife Ltd. (www.herbalife.com) is a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in 65 countries through a network of 1.7 million independent distributors. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation (http://www.herbalifefamily.org/) and its Casa Herbalife program to bring good nutrition to children. Please visit Herbalife Investor Relations at http://ir.herbalife.com for additional financial information.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are "forward-looking statements." All statements other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words, "may," "will," "estimate," "intend," "continue," "believe," "expect," or "anticipate" and any other similar words.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed or incorporated by reference in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
-- our relationship with, and our ability to influence the
actions of, our distributors;
-- adverse publicity associated with our products or network
marketing organization;
-- uncertainties relating to interpretation and enforcement of
recently enacted legislation in China governing direct
selling;
-- our inability to obtain the necessary licenses to expand our
direct selling business in China;
-- adverse changes in the Chinese economy, Chinese legal system
or Chinese governmental policies;
-- improper action by our employees or international distributors
in violation of applicable law;
-- changing consumer preferences and demands;
-- loss or departure of any member of our senior management team
which could negatively impact our distributor relations and
operating results;
-- the competitive nature of our business;
-- regulatory matters governing our products, including potential
governmental or regulatory actions concerning the safety or
efficacy of our products, and network marketing program
including the direct selling market in which we operate;
-- risks associated with operating internationally, including
foreign exchange and devaluation risks;
-- our dependence on increased penetration of existing markets;
-- contractual limitations on our ability to expand our business;
-- our reliance on our information technology infrastructure and
outside manufacturers;
-- the sufficiency of trademarks and other intellectual property
rights;
-- product concentration;
-- our reliance on our management team;
-- uncertainties relating to the application of transfer pricing,
duties and similar tax regulations;
-- taxation relating to our distributors;
-- product liability claims; and
-- whether we will purchase any of our shares in the open markets
or otherwise.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Herbalife Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
Quarter Ended Twelve Months Ended
----------------------- -----------------------
12/31/2006 12/31/2007 12/31/2006 12/31/2007
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
North America $ 91,031 $ 109,556 $ 357,571 $ 438,689
Mexico & Central
America 95,787 97,828 376,891 384,626
South America 65,816 99,305 224,089 300,145
EMEA 134,055 144,688 548,178 567,712
Asia Pacific 100,696 126,720 378,805 454,667
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Worldwide Net Sales 487,385 578,097 1,885,534 2,145,839
Cost of Sales 99,173 113,851 380,338 438,382
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross Profit 388,212 464,246 1,505,196 1,707,457
Royalty Overrides 173,938 204,845 675,245 760,110
SGA 151,010 173,742 573,005 634,190
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating Income 63,264 85,659 256,946 313,157
Interest Expense - net 2,702 3,354 39,541 10,573
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income before Income
Taxes 60,562 82,305 217,405 302,584
Income Taxes 18,912 28,472 74,266 111,133
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Income 41,650 53,833 143,139 191,451
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic Shares 71,463 67,219 70,814 69,497
Diluted Shares 74,997 70,042 74,509 72,714
Basic EPS $ 0.58 $ 0.80 $ 2.02 $ 2.75
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted EPS $ 0.56 $ 0.77 $ 1.92 $ 2.63
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Herbalife Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
2006 2007
----------- -----------
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash & cash equivalents $ 154,323 $ 187,407
Inventory, net 146,036 128,648
Other current assets 155,348 171,041
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets 455,707 487,096
Property and equipment, net 105,266 121,027
Other Assets 30,931 37,583
Goodwill 113,221 111,477
Intangible assets, net 311,808 310,060
----------- -----------
Total Assets $1,016,933 $1,067,243
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable 39,990 35,377
Royalty Overrides 116,896 127,227
Accrued expenses 149,575 168,150
Current portion of long term debt 5,599 4,661
Income taxes payable - 28,604
Other current liabilities 11,432 11,599
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities 323,492 375,618
Long-term debt, net of current portion 179,839 360,491
Other long-term liabilities 159,712 148,890
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities 663,043 884,999
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares 143 129
Additional paid in capital 132,755 160,872
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (782) (3,947)
Retained earnings 221,774 25,190
----------- -----------
Total Shareholders' Equity 353,890 182,244
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
Equity $1,016,933 $1,067,243
=========== ===========
Herbalife Ltd.
Total Sales Leaders by Region
(Unaudited)
12/31/2006 12/31/2007 % chg
----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
EMEA 95,144 89,821 -5.6%
North America 74,482 89,282 19.9%
Mexico and Central America 75,688 92,441 22.1%
South America 72,200 91,052 26.1%
Asia Pacific (excluding China) 83,094 88,959 7.1%
----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Sub-total Supervisors 400,608 451,555 12.7%
China Sales Employees 7,735 22,291 188.2%
----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ------
Worldwide Sales Leaders 408,343 473,846 16.0%
========================================= ========== ========== ======
Note: We refer to supervisors who qualified in 64 countries under our traditional marketing plan plus China sales employees collectively as 'Sales Leaders'.
Herbalife Ltd.
Volume Points by Region
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
Region 12/31/2006 12/31/2007 % chg 12/31/2006 12/31/2007 % chg
-------------- ---------- ---------- ----- ---------- ---------- -----
EMEA 132,207 127,611 -3.5% 558,911 529,744 -5.2%
North America 141,822 170,395 20.1% 551,389 680,900 23.5%
Mexico and
Central
America 148,637 152,154 2.4% 616,256 611,200 -0.8%
South America 85,008 124,740 46.7% 300,775 397,902 32.3%
Asia Pacific 109,690 124,507 13.5% 407,041 468,388 15.1%
-------------- ---------- ---------- ----- ---------- ---------- -----
Worldwide 617,364 699,407 13.3% 2,434,372 2,688,134 10.4%
============== ========== ========== ===== ========== ========== =====
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SCHEDULE A: RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
4Q 2006 vs. 4Q 2007
The following is a reconciliation of net income, presented and
reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles, to net income adjusted for certain items:
Three Months Ending
-------------------------
12/31/2006 12/31/2007
------------ ------------
Net income, as reported $ 41,650 $ 53,832
Adjustment to income tax accrual (2,200)
Expenses associated with realignment for
growth initiative 4,869 2,768
Tax benefit resulting from international
tax settlements - (1,470)
-------------------------
Net income, as adjusted $ 44,319 $ 55,130
=========================
The following is a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share,
presented and reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles, to diluted earnings per share adjusted for
certain items:
Three Months Ending
-------------------------
12/31/2006 12/31/2007
------------ ------------
Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 0.56 $ 0.77
Adjustment to income tax accrual (0.03)
Expenses associated with realignment for
growth initiative 0.06 0.04
Tax benefit resulting from international
tax settlements (0.02)
-------------------------
Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted $ 0.59 $ 0.79
=========================
Note: Amounts may not total due to rounding.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SCHEDULE A: RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
YTD 2006 vs. YTD 2007
The following is a reconciliation of net income, presented and
reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles, to net income adjusted for certain items:
YTD
-------------------------
12/31/2006 12/31/2007
------------ ------------
Net income, as reported $ 143,139 $ 191,451
Tax benefit resulting from international
tax audit settlement (3,693) (2,079)
Tax benefits on refinancing transactions (2,680)
Recapitalization expenses associated with
July 2006 debt restructuring 14,274
Adjustment to income tax accrual (2,200)
Expenses associated with the realignment
for growth initiative 4,869 3,757
Increase in tax reserves 3,565
-------------------------
Net income, as adjusted $ 153,709 $ 196,694
=========================
The following is a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share,
presented and reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles, to diluted earnings per share adjusted for
certain items:
YTD
-------------------------
12/31/2006 12/31/2007
------------ ------------
Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 1.92 $ 2.63
Tax benefit resulting from international
tax audit settlement (0.05) (0.03)
Tax benefits on refinancing transactions (0.04)
Recapitalization expenses associated with
July 2006 debt restructuring 0.19
Adjustment to income tax accrual (0.03)
Expenses associated with the realignment
for growth initiative 0.06 0.05
Increase in tax reserves 0.05
-------------------------
Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted $ 2.06 $ 2.71
=========================
Note: Amounts may not total due to rounding.
SCHEDULE B: FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
2008 Guidance
For the Three Months ending March 31, 2008 and Twelve Months Ending
December 31, 2008
Three Months Ending Twelve Months Ending
March 31, 2008 December 31, 2008
-------------------- --------------------
Low High Low High
---------- --------- ---------- ---------
Net sales growth vs. 2007 12% 14% 9% 11%
EPS (1) (2) $ 0.77 $ 0.79 $ 3.25 $3.30
Cap Ex ($ mm's) $ 25MM $ 30MM $ 85MM $95MM
(1) Excludes the impact of expenses expected to be incurred in 2008
relating to the company's realignment for growth initiative.
(2) Excludes any accretion/dilution impact should the company elect to
repurchase the remaining $67 million of its $450MM share repurchase
program
Source: Herbalife Ltd.
Released Feb 26, 2008 • 4:10pm EST