Media Contact:
|
Investor Contact: | |
Barbara Henderson SVP, Worldwide Corp. Comm. (310) 410-9600 ext. 32736 |
Erin Gehan Sr. Director Investor Relations (310) 410-9600 ext. 32862 |
HERBALIFE LTD. ANNOUNCES THIRD-QUARTER NET SALES
OF $529.5 MILLION AND RECORD NET INCOME OF $48.3 MILLION
LOS ANGELES, November 6, 2007 Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF) today reported third quarter net sales of $529.5 million, an increase of 11.1 percent compared to the same period of 2006. This record performance was largely attributable to double-digit growth in several of the companys top countries, including the U.S. up 20.4 percent, Taiwan up 23.6 percent and China up 89.3 percent, versus the third quarter of 2006. The companys Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. Johnson, said, We are pleased to report our 15th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth and another record quarter for net income. Our strong performance reflects the strength of our independent distributor organization, their confidence in the company, and the foundation weve built with our products, business opportunity, brand and image.
During the third quarter 2007, total supervisors increased 16.6 percent to 418,735 and new supervisors of 52,982 increased 4.7 percent versus the third quarter of 2006. The companys Presidents Team membership increased 11.3 percent to 1,066 members.
Financial Performance
For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the company reported net income of $48.3 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, compared to $26.5 million, or $0.36 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2006. Excluding the impact of refinancing charges and other items1 in third quarter of 2006, adjusted diluted net income per share was $0.51, resulting in a $0.16 improvement in third quarter 2007. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to double-digit net sales growth, expansion in operating profit margins, and a reduction in interest expense during the period1.
During the third quarter, the company invested $9.2 million in capital expenditures, primarily related to enhancements to its management information systems and additional infrastructure investments to improve distributor service levels.
On August 23, 2007, the companys Board of Directors approved an increase of $150 million to its
previously authorized share repurchase program of $300 million raising the total value of company
common shares authorized to be repurchased to $450 million. During the third quarter, the company
repurchased
1See Schedule A Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for more detail
1.7 million shares of its common stock through open market transactions at an average price of $39.23 for an aggregate cost of $65.1 million. The company used excess cash along with debt to fund the repurchase. Since this share repurchase program was authorized in April 2007, the company has repurchased 5.2 million shares at an aggregate cost of $203.9 million.
For year to date September 30, 2007, the company reported net sales of $1,567.7 million an increase of 12.1 percent compared to $1,398.2 million in the comparable period in 2006. For the year to date September 30, 2007, the company reported net income of $ 137.6 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, compared to $101.5 million, or $1.37 per diluted share in the comparable period for 2006. Excluding the impact of favorable tax settlements in international markets in 2006 and 2007, recapitalization expenses and tax benefits on refinancing transactions in 2006, as well as 2007 expenses related to the companys realignment for growth initiative1, year to date September 30, 2007 net income increased 29.4 percent to $141.6 million, or $1.92 per diluted share, compared to $1.47 per diluted share in the comparable period in 2006.
Third Quarter 2007 Business Highlights
The company experienced record-breaking attendance at its distributor extravaganza events around the world. Over 10,000 distributors attended the North America regional event in Dallas, Texas. Over 17,000 distributors attended the EMEA regional event in Cologne, Germany. Over 15,000 distributors attended the South East Asia and North Asia regions combined Asia Pacific Extravaganza in Singapore. Over 17,000 distributors attended our Mexico and Central America regional event in Mexico City. These events are important to allow distributors a venue to train and network, and for the company to introduce new products and recognize distributor success.
The company continued its support of distributor business methods by sharing best practices globally. We continue to encourage sharing of distributor best practices as we focus our company resources on supporting the distributors daily methods of operations, said Greg Probert, the companys president and chief operating officer.
Regional Performance
Europe, Middle East and Africa region, the companys largest region, reported net sales of $133.8 million in the third quarter, an increase of 5.0 percent versus the same period of 2006. However, excluding the benefit of currency fluctuations, net sales decreased 2.4 percent. The EMEA region realized net sales growth in several of its top markets, including Spain which was up 35.4 percent; France, up 27.2 percent; Russia up 17.7 percent; and Italy up 15.8 percent, in each case compared to the third quarter of 2006. These net sales gains were partially offset by declines in other core markets including Germany down 13.3 percent, and the Netherlands down 18.9 percent versus the comparable period of 2006. Total supervisors in the region, as of September 30, 2007, decreased 6.0 percent versus the same period in 2006. Formula 1 single-serve sachets were introduced at the EMEA July extravaganza to support distributor sampling efforts.
The North America region reported net sales of $110.8 million in the third quarter, up 20.3 percent versus the same period of 2006, driven by U.S. sales up 20.4 percent versus third quarter 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales increased 19.9 percent. Total supervisors in the region, as of September 30, 2007, increased 18.8 percent versus the same period in 2006.
The Mexico and Central America region reported net sales of $92.9 million in the third quarter, down 9.8 percent versus the same period of 2006, led by Mexico, which was down 12.8 percent. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales for the region decreased 9.8 percent. Total supervisors in the region, as of September 30, 2007, increased 26.6 percent as compared to the same period in 2006.
The South America/Southeast Asia region reported net sales of $76.2 million in the third quarter, up 47.7 percent versus the same period of 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales increased 41.6 percent. The growth in the region was primarily attributable to double and triple digit growth in the regions top markets Venezuela up 379.4 percent; Singapore up 45.7 percent; Bolivia up 44.1 percent; Colombia up 42.7 percent; and Argentina up 21.3 percent, coupled with growth in Peru, which opened in December 2006. Total supervisors in the region, as of September 30, 2007, increased 43.4 percent versus the same period in 2006.
The Greater China region reported net sales of $51.7 million in the third quarter, up 42.8 percent versus the same period of 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales increased 40.3 percent. The increase is attributable to sales growth in China, up 89.3 percent, and Taiwan, up 23.6 percent, as sales in Hong Kong were essentially flat. Total supervisors in the region, as of September 30, 2007, increased 50.7 percent versus the same period in 2006. Herbalife currently operates 90 stores/service centers in 28 provinces in China.
The North Asia region reported net sales of $34.5 million in the third quarter, up 3.6 percent versus the same period of 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales increased 3.2 percent. The increase came from both South Korea and Japan, up 6.6 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively. Total supervisors in the region, as of September 30, 2007, increased 1.3 percent versus the same period in 2006.
The Brazil region reported net sales of $29.6 million in the third quarter, a decline of 9.8 percent versus the same period of 2006. Excluding currency fluctuations, net sales decreased 20.3 percent. Total supervisors, as of September 30, 2007, decreased 4.8 percent versus the same period in 2006.
Fourth Quarter 2007 and Full Year 2008 Guidance
Fourth Quarter 2007
Based on its current business trends, the company is raising its full year 2007 diluted earnings per share guidance to be in a range of $2.62 to $2.64. The company is providing guidance for the fourth quarter of 2007 in the range of $0.72 to $0.74 for diluted earnings per share. Additionally, fourth quarter investment in capital expenditures are expected in the range of $16 million $18 million.
Full Year 2008
Based upon current business trends coupled with the anticipated impact from investment initiatives, the company anticipates revenue growth to be in the range of 7 percent to 10 percent and earnings per share guidance to be in a range of $3.17 to $3.23. Additionally, the company anticipates that its capital spending will be in the range of $85 million $95 million as the company implements Oracle ERP worldwide during 2008.
Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call
Herbalifes third quarter earnings conference call will be conducted on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 8 a.m. PT (11 a.m. ET). 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 companys 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 Herbalifes 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 more than 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;
risk of 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;
risk of 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 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
there can be no assurance that we will purchase any of our shares in the open market or
otherwise.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Herbalife Ltd.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Quarter Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | 9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America |
$ | 92,252 | $ | 110,807 | $ | 266,662 | $ | 329,263 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mexico & Cen Am |
102,959 | 92,933 | 280,982 | 286,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brazil |
32,843 | 29,635 | 99,447 | 95,193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SAMSEA |
51,541 | 76,218 | 142,495 | 190,993 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EMEA |
127,428 | 133,788 | 414,075 | 423,024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Greater China |
36,172 | 51,705 | 92,489 | 139,447 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Asia |
33,179 | 34,457 | 101,999 | 103,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Worldwide net sales |
476,374 | 529,543 | 1,398,149 | 1,567,742 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of Sales |
97,159 | 105,886 | 281,165 | 324,531 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Profit |
379,215 | 423,657 | 1,116,984 | 1,243,211 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Royalty Overrides |
168,658 | 186,497 | 501,307 | 555,266 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SGA |
146,070 | 158,864 | 421,995 | 460,449 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income |
64,487 | 78,296 | 193,682 | 227,496 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense net |
25,869 | 2,740 | 36,839 | 7,218 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
38,618 | 75,556 | 156,843 | 220,278 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes |
12,151 | 27,226 | 55,354 | 82,660 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ | 26,467 | $ | 48,330 | $ | 101,489 | $ | 137,618 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic Shares |
71,179 | 68,513 | 70,593 | 70,282 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted Shares |
74,257 | 71,657 | 74,173 | 73,543 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic EPS |
$ | 0.37 | $ | 0.71 | $ | 1.44 | $ | 1.96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted EPS |
$ | 0.36 | $ | 0.67 | $ | 1.37 | $ | 1.87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Herbalife Ltd.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
December 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2006 | 2007 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash & cash equivalents |
$ | 154,323 | $ | 160,845 | ||||
Inventory, net |
146,036 | 126,547 | ||||||
Other current assets |
155,348 | 187,866 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
455,707 | 475,258 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
105,266 | 114,078 | ||||||
Other Assets |
30,931 | 33,999 | ||||||
Goodwill |
113,221 | 111,392 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
311,808 | 310,060 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 1,016,933 | $ | 1,044,787 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 39,990 | $ | 32,267 | ||||
Royalty Overrides |
116,896 | 122,882 | ||||||
Accrued expenses |
149,575 | 187,575 | ||||||
Current portion of long term debt |
5,599 | 3,831 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
11,432 | 9,086 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
323,492 | 355,641 | ||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion |
179,839 | 229,543 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
159,712 | 164,402 | ||||||
Total Liabilities |
663,043 | 749,586 | ||||||
Shareholders equity: |
||||||||
Common shares |
143 | 136 | ||||||
Additional paid in capital |
132,755 | 157,725 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(782 | ) | (367 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings |
221,774 | 137,707 | ||||||
Total Shareholders Equity |
353,890 | 295,201 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
$ | 1,016,933 | $ | 1,044,787 | ||||
Herbalife Ltd
Total Supervisors by Region
(Unaudited)
Region |
9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | $chg | |||||||||
EMEA |
87,762 | 82,506 | -6 | % | ||||||||
North America |
66,640 | 79,150 | 19 | % | ||||||||
Mexico and Central America |
66,097 | 83,711 | 27 | % | ||||||||
SAM/SEA |
50,723 | 72,726 | 43 | % | ||||||||
Brazil |
38,857 | 37,003 | -5 | % | ||||||||
Greater China |
28,176 | 42,463 | 51 | % | ||||||||
North Asia |
20,913 | 21,176 | 1 | % | ||||||||
Worldwide |
359,168 | 418,735 | 17 | % | ||||||||
Herbalife Ltd
Volume Points by Region
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Region |
9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | % chg | 9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | % chg | ||||||||||||||||||
EMEA |
129,730 | 125,237 | -3 | % | 426,704 | 402,133 | -6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
North America |
145,843 | 173,197 | 19 | % | 409,731 | 510,684 | 25 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Mexico and Central America |
170,224 | 149,048 | -12 | % | 467,454 | 458,867 | -2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
SAM/SEA |
73,934 | 99,075 | 34 | % | 191,527 | 257,655 | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Brazil |
40,959 | 33,456 | -18 | % | 126,264 | 111,099 | -12 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Greater China |
40,329 | 56,317 | 40 | % | 105,859 | 154,924 | 46 | % | ||||||||||||||||
North Asia |
29,576 | 30,678 | 4 | % | 89,468 | 93,366 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Worldwide |
630,596 | 667,008 | 6 | % | 1,817,008 | 1,988,728 | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SCHEDULE A: RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
3Q 2006 vs. 3Q 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 | ||||||||||||||||
9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | |||||||||||||||
Net income, as reported |
$ | 26,467 | $ | 48,330 | ||||||||||||
Tax benefits on refinancing transactions |
(2,680 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Recapitalization expenses associated with July 2006 debt restructuring |
14,274 | |||||||||||||||
Net income, as adjusted |
$ | 38,061 | $ | 48,330 | ||||||||||||
|
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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 | ||||||||||||||||
9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share, as reported |
$ | 0.36 | $ | 0.67 | ||||||||||||
Tax benefits on refinancing transactions |
(0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Recapitalization expenses associated with July 2006 debt restructuring |
0.19 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted |
$ | 0.51 | $ | 0.67 | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
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 | ||||||||||||||||
9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | |||||||||||||||
Net income, as reported |
$ | 101,489 | $ | 137,618 | ||||||||||||
Tax benefit resulting from an international income tax audit settlement |
(3,693 | ) | (609 | ) | ||||||||||||
Tax benefits on refinancing transactions |
(2,680 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Recapitalization expenses associated with July 2006 debt restructuring |
14,274 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses associated with the Realignment for Growth initiative |
989 | |||||||||||||||
Increase in tax reserves |
3,565 | |||||||||||||||
Net income, as adjusted |
$ | 109,390 | $ | 141,563 | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
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 | ||||||||||||||||
9/30/2006 | 9/30/2007 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share, as reported |
$ | 1.37 | $ | 1.87 | ||||||||||||
Tax benefit resulting from an international income tax audit settlement |
(0.05 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||||||
Tax benefits on refinancing transactions |
(0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Recapitalization expenses associated with July 2006 debt restructuring |
0.19 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses associated with the Realignment for Growth initiative |
0.01 | |||||||||||||||
Increase in tax reserves |
0.05 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted |
$ | 1.47 | $ | 1.92 | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Note: Amounts may not total due to rounding. |
SCHEDULE B: FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
2007 Guidance | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months ending December 31, 2007 and Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ending | Twelve Months Ending | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2007 | |||||||||||||||
Low | High | Low | High | |||||||||||||
Net sales growth vs. 2006
|
9.0 | % | 11.0 | % | 9.0 | % | 11.0 | % | ||||||||
Effective tax rate (1)
|
39.5 | % | 40.0 | % | 37.0 | % | 37.5 | % | ||||||||
EPS (1) (2)
|
$ | 0.72 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 2.62 | $ | 2.64 | ||||||||
Cap Ex ($ mms)
|
$ | 16.0 | $ | 18.0 | $ | 43.0 | $ | 45.0 | ||||||||
(1) Excludes the increase in tax reserves which was reported in the first quarter 2007 financial results and |
||||||||||||||||
tax benefit resulting from an international income tax audit settlements in 2007 and excludes the impact of |
||||||||||||||||
expenses expected to be incurred in 2007 relating to the companys realignment for growth initiative. |
||||||||||||||||
(2) Additionally, includes any potential accretion/dilution related to the companys $450MM share repurchase |
||||||||||||||||
program
|
2008 Guidance | ||||||||
For the Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2008 | ||||||||
Twelve Months Ending | ||||||||
December 31, 2008 | ||||||||
Low | High | |||||||
Net sales growth vs. 2007
|
7.0 | % | 10.0 | % | ||||
EPS(3)
|
$ | 3.17 | $ | 3.23 | ||||
Cap Ex ($ mms)
|
$ | 85.0 | $ | 95.0 | ||||
(3) Excludes expenses expected to be incurred in 2008 |
||||||||
relating to the companys realignment initiative. Also |
||||||||
includes any potential accretion/dilution related to |
||||||||
the companys $450MM share repurchase program |