adidas-Salomon 2003 results: Net Income Rises 14% to euro 260
Million Currency-neutral Sales Up 5% HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, March
10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- * Gross margin of 44.9%; highest ever
* Income before taxes grows 12% * Net borrowings reduced by euro
552 million; financial leverage of 70% lowest since the acquisition
of Salomon and TaylorMade * Key performance metrics expected to
improve further in 2004 Currency-neutral sales up 5% in 2003 In
2003, currency-neutral sales for the adidas-Salomon Group grew 5%.
In euro terms, sales declined 4% to reach euro 6.267 billion in
2003 from euro 6.523 billion in 2002. Brand adidas leads segment
growth in 2003 From a brand perspective, adidas posted the most
substantialgains with sales up 5% on a currency-neutral basis.
Primary contributors to this growth were the Sport Performance
running and training categories. Salomon sales were up 2% on a
currency-neutral basis, mainly as a result of higher sales of Mavic
cycling components, outdoor footwear and Salomon apparel.
TaylorMade-adidas Golf sales grew 4% on a currency-neutral basis.
Strong increases in the TaylorMade iron and putter categories as
well as at adidas Golf more than offset the negative sales effect
fromthe non-renewal of a licensing and distribution agreement with
Slazenger Golf at the end of 2002 as well as lower metalwood and
golf ball sales. Currency effects from a strong euro, especially
versus the US dollar, negatively impacted sales in euro terms. At
brand adidas, sales in euro terms declined 3% to euro 4.950 billion
in 2003 from euro 5.105 billion in 2002. Salomon sales in euros
were down 4% to euro 658 million from euro 684 million in the prior
year, and TaylorMade-adidas Golf sales in euroterms declined by 10%
to euro 637 million from euro 707 million in 2002. 2002 2003 Change
y-o-y Change y-o-y euro in euro in in euro terms currency-neutral
millions millions in % in % adidas 5,105 4,950 (3) 5 Salomon 684
658 (4) 2 TaylorMade- adidas Golf 707 637 (10) 4 Total 6,523 6,267
(4) 5 adidas-Salomon sales by brand in 2003, "Total" includes
HQ/Consolidation Currency-neutral sales growth in all regions
except North America On a regional basis, currency-neutral sales
for adidas-Salomon in Europe grew 8%. The major drivers of this
growth were strong increases in Italy and the UK as well as
continued solid performance in France and the emerging markets. In
North America, Group sales declined 6% on a currency-neutral basis,
reflecting a weakness in demand for most adidas product lines. In
Asia, sales increased 7% on a currency-neutral basis driven by
stronger sales in Japan, China and India. Latin America was the
fastest growing region for the Group in 2003 with currency-neutral
sales up 35%, reflecting particularly strong performance in Brazil
and Argentina. Once again, the strong euro negatively impacted
sales in euro terms. Sales in euros for adidas-Salomon in Europe
increased 5% toeuro 3.365 billion in 2003 from euro 3.200 billion
in 2002. In North America, sales in euros declined 20% to euro
1.562 billion in 2003 versus euro 1.960 billion in the prior year.
In euro terms, sales in Asia were down 4% to euro 1.116 billion
from euro 1.166 billion in 2002, and in Latin America sales in
euros grew 10% to reach euro 179 million in 2003 versus euro 163
million in 2002. 2002 2003 Change y-o-y Change y-o-y euro in euro
in in euro terms currency-neutral millions millions in % in %
Europe 3,200 3,365 5 8 North America 1,960 1,562 (20) (6) Asia
1,166 1,116 (4) 7 Latin America 163 179 10 35 Total 6,523 6,267 (4)
5 adidas-Salomon sales by region in 2003, "Total" includes
HQ/Consolidation Group gross margin at record level of 44.9% The
adidas-Salomon gross margin grew 1.7 percentage points to 44.9% of
sales in 2003, up from 43.2% in 2002. This is the highest level
ever and reflects the impact of increased adidas own-retail
activities, an improving product mix and the stronger euro. As a
result of this development, the Group's gross profit remained
virtually unchanged at euro 2.814 billion versus euro 2.819 billion
in 2002 despite lower sales ineuro terms. Operating expenses
reduced Operating expenses, including selling, general and
administrative expenses (SG&A) and depreciation and
amortization (without goodwill), declined by 1% to euro 2.324
billion in 2003 from euro 2.343 billion in 2002. As a percentage of
sales, however, operating expenses increased 1.2 percentage points
to 37.1% in 2003 (2002: 35.9%). The main contributors to this
increase were the continued expansion of own-retail activities and
the extension of promotion and advertising contracts with
renegotiated conditions. As a result of these developments,
operating profit for the Group increased 3% to euro 490 million in
2003 from euro 477 million in 2002 and operating margin increased
0.5 percentage points to 7.8% in 2003from 7.3% in 2002. Income
before taxes increases 12% Income before taxes grew 12% to euro 438
million in 2003, compared to euro 390 million in the prior year.
Operational progress was enhanced by significantly lower financial
expenses which declined 44%. Lower average debt levels and interest
rates contributed to the better result. In addition, financial
expenses in 2002 included non-recurring negative currency effects
from devaluations of foreign currencies in Brazil, Turkey and
Argentina. These were not repeated in 2003. Net income grows 14% to
highest ever level Net income increased by 14% to a record level of
euro 260 million in 2003 from euro 229 million in 2002. Basic and
diluted earnings per share, both at euro 5.72 in comparison to
euro5.04 in 2002, were at the upper end of the Group's targeted
earnings range. Minority interests, which declined by 17%, and a
fairly stable tax rate at 38.0% (2002: 37.9%) supported the Group's
favorable net income level. adidas-Salomon Chairman and CEO Herbert
Hainer stated: "Despite tough market conditions due to global
uncertainties and exchange rate differentials, which widened
throughout the year, our financials clearly indicate that we have
made major headway in the past twelve months. We grew our currency-
neutral sales in 2003 by 5%, delivered a record gross margin and
posted our highest earnings ever. These achievements reflect our
Group's commitment and ability to continuously deliver high-quality
financial performance." Net borrowings reduced by euro 552 million
Net borrowings at December 31, 2003 were euro 946 million, down 37%
or euro 552 million versus euro 1.498 billion at the end of the
prior year. This represents the largest reduction in the Group's
history, supported by continued strict working capital management.
In addition, positive currency effects and the equity increase
related to the Group's convertible bond issue positively impacted
net borrowings. As a consequence, the Group's financial leverage
improved 69 percentage points to 70% in 2003 versus 139% in the
prior year. Successful working capital management continues As a
result of focused working capital reduction initiatives undertaken
throughout 2003, inventories were reduced by 2% to euro 1.164
billion in 2003 from euro 1.190 billion in 2002 with improvements
at all brands within the Group. On a currency-neutral basis,
inventories increased 5%, which is in line with sales growth
expectations for 2004. Receivables were reduced by 17% to euro
1.075 billion versus euro 1.293 billion in the prior year. On a
currency- neutral basis, the decline was 10% reflecting strict
discipline in the Group's trade terms management as well as
concerted collection efforts at all brands. In addition, year-end
receivables development was positively impacted by lower fourth
quarter revenues in North America compared to the particularly
strong sales in the region during the same period in the prior
year. Recommended dividend of euro 1.00 per share The
adidas-Salomon Executive and Supervisory Boards will recommend a
dividend of euro 1.00 per share for the 2003 fiscal year at the
Annual General Meeting on May 13, 2004. With a total payout of over
euro 45 million the proposal represents a payout ratio of 17% of
net income and reflects adidas- Salomon's continued commitment to
improve the Group's financial position while also creating
substantial value for the shareholders. This proposal is in line
with the Group's dividend policy, which recommends a payout ratio
of between15 and 20% of consolidated net income. Fourth quarter
sales at euro 1.354 billion currency-neutral In the fourth quarter
of 2003, adidas-Salomon sales declined by 4% on a currency-neutral
basis mainly as a result of unfavorable comparisons with the prior
year period, where sales in North America and at TaylorMade-adidas
Golf were particularly strong. In euro terms, sales decreased 10%
to euro 1.354 billion in 2003 from euro 1.511 billion in 2002.
Gross margin increased 5.4 percentage points versus the prior year
to 47.8% of sales (2002: 42.5%). Fourth quarter operating profit
decreased 37% to euro 42 million in 2003 from euro 66 million in
2002. Net income reached euro 27 million. This equates to basic
earnings per share of euro 0.58 and represents a decrease of 9%
versus the prior year (2002: euro 29 million or euro 0.64 per
share). Year-end order backlogs reflect mixed development adidas
currency-neutral order backlogs at the end of 2003 grew 2% versus
the prior year. This increase was mainly driven by apparel backlog
growth of 13% which represents the highest apparel order increase
in more than four years and highlights the strength of the adidas
"Apparel Breakthrough" initiative. Footwear orders declined 7%,
reflecting weakness in NorthAmerica due to declines in all major
categories except football. In euro terms, brand adidas order
backlogs declined 5%. Footwear Apparel Total Change in euros
currency- in euros currency- in euroscurrency- y-o-y neutral
neutral neutral in % Europe 1 4 11 13 6 9 North America (38) (26)
(17) (2) (31) (18) Asia (8) 1 28 40 8 18 Total (14) (7) 6 13 (5) 2
adidas order backlogs by product category and region as at December
31, 2003 Net income growth of at least 10% expected for 2004 Based
on early market indications, as well as backlog development and
feedback from retailers, the Group expects currency-neutral sales
growth of around 3 to 5% in 2004. Higher sales at key brands,
coupled with higher gross marginsand an improving operating margin,
are expected to produce net income growth of at least 10% versus
the prior year. Herbert Hainer continued: "We are now concentrating
all our efforts on strengthening our position in 2004. The European
Football Championships in Portugal and the Summer Olympics in
Athens are events which will enthuse athletes and consumers the
world over. Our products and brands will be center stage and,
propelled by our new "Impossible is Nothing" brand campaign, we are
looking to deliver top- and bottom-line growth in 2004 and beyond."
Please visit our corporate website: http://www.adidas-salomon.com/
adidas-Salomon CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (IFRS) 4th QUARTER
2003 euro IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002 NET SALES 1,354
1,511 (10.4)% COST OF SALES 706 869 (18.7)% GROSS PROFIT 648 642
0.9% (% OF NET SALES) 47.8% 42.5% 5.4PP SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 583 548 6.3% (% OF NET SALES) 43.0% 36.3%
6.8PP DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (EXCL. GOODWILL) 23 28 (16.3)%
OPERATING PROFIT 42 66 (36.5)% (% OF NET SALES) 3.1% 4.4% (1.3)PP
GOODWILL AMORTIZATION 11 11 (2.5)% ROYALTY AND COMMISSION INCOME 11
12 (9.3)% FINANCIAL EXPENSES, NET 5 18 (72.1)% INCOME BEFORE TAXES
AND MINORITY INTERESTS 37 49 (24.8)% (% OF NET SALES) 2.7% 3.2%
(0.5)PP INCOME TAXES 12 17 (32.3)% (% OF INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND
MINORITY INTERESTS) 32.1% 35.6% (3.5)PP MINORITY INTERESTS 2 (2)
(161.9)% NET INCOME 27 29 (8.8)% (% OF NET SALES) 2.0% 1.9% 0.0PP
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN euros) 0.58 0.64 (8.8)% NET SALES euro
IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002 adidas 933 1,055 (11.6)%
Salomon 268 260 2.9% TaylorMade-adidas Golf 150191 (21.5)% EUROPE
688 660 4.4% NORTH AMERICA 313 477 (34.4)% ASIA 299 325 (8.1)%
LATIN AMERICA 48 42 14.7% ROUNDING DIFFERENCES MAY ARISE IN
PERCENTAGES AND TOTALS FOR FIGURES PRESENTED IN MILLIONS AS
CALCULATION IS ALWAYS BASED ON THE FIGURES STATED IN THOUSANDS.
adidas-Salomon CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (IFRS) YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2003 euro IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002 NET
SALES 6,267 6,523 (3.9)% COST OF SALES 3,453 3,704 (6.8)% GROSS
PROFIT 2,814 2,819 (0.2)% (% OF NET SALES) 44.9% 43.2% 1.7PP
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 2,228 2,245 (0.8)% (%
OF NET SALES) 35.6% 34.4% 1.1PP DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
(EXCL. GOODWILL) 96 97 (1.7)% OPERATING PROFIT 490 477 2.8% (% OF
NET SALES) 7.8% 7.3% 0.5PP GOODWILL AMORTIZATION 45 45 (1.3)%
ROYALTY AND COMMISSION INCOME 42 46 (8.4)% FINANCIAL EXPENSES, NET
49 87 (43.6)% INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS 438 390
12.3% (% OF NET SALES) 7.0% 6.0% 1.0PP INCOME TAXES 167 148 12.7%
(% OF INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS) 38.0% 37.9% 0.1PP
MINORITY INTERESTS (11) (14) (16.7)% NET INCOME 260 229 13.8% (% OF
NET SALES) 4.2% 3.5% 0.6PP BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (IN euros) 5.72
5.04 13.6% NET SALES euro IN MILLIONS 2003 2002 Change 2003/2002
adidas 4,950 5,105 (3.0)% Salomon 658 684 (3.8)% TaylorMade-adidas
Golf 637 707 (10.0)% EUROPE 3,365 3,200 5.2% NORTH AMERICA 1,562
1,960 (20.3)% ASIA 1,116 1,166 (4.3)% LATIN AMERICA 179 163 9.9%
ROUNDING DIFFERENCES MAY ARISE IN PERCENTAGES AND TOTALS FOR
FIGURES PRESENTED IN MILLIONS AS CALCULATION IS ALWAYS BASED ON THE
FIGURES STATED IN THOUSANDS. adidas-Salomon CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEET (IFRS) euro IN MILLIONS Dec. 31 Dec. 31 Change 2003 2002 CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 190 67 180.9% SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS 89 9
951.8% ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 1,075 1,293 (16.8)% INVENTORIES 1,164
1,190 (2.2)% OTHER CURRENT ASSETS 259 267 (3.0)% TOTAL CURRENT
ASSETS 2,777 2,826 (1.7)% PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 345
366 (5.8)% GOODWILL, NET 591 639 (7.5)% OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS,
NET 104 115 (10.1)% LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS 88 87 1.1% DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS 178 170 5.2% OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 105 58 81.4% TOTAL
NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,411 1,435 (1.7)% TOTAL ASSETS 4,188 4,261
(1.7)% ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 592 668 (11.4)% INCOME TAXES 158 112 40.3%
ACCRUED LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS 455 451 0.8% OTHER CURRENT
LIABILITIES 139 149 (6.6)% TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,344 1,381
(2.7)% LONG-TERM BORROWINGS 1,225 1,574 (22.2)% PENSIONS AND
SIMILAR OBLIGATIONS 105 99 6.4% DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES 66 51
28.0% OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 35 19 86.6% TOTAL NON-CURRENT
LIABILITIES 1,432 1,743 (17.9)% MINORITY INTERESTS 57 56 1.9%
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 1,356 1,081 25.4% TOTAL LIABILITIES, MINORITY
INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 4,188 4,261 (1.7)% ADDITIONAL
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION OPERATION WORKING CAPITAL 1,646 1,814
(9.2)% WORKING CAPITAL 1,433 1,445 (0.8)% NET TOTAL BORROWINGS 946
1,498 (36.8)% FINANCIAL LEVERAGE 69.8% 138.5% ROUNDING DIFFERENCES
MAY ARISE IN PERCENTAGES AND TOTALS FOR FIGURES PRESENTED IN
MILLIONS AS CALCULATION IS ALWAYS BASED ON THE FIGURES STATED IN
THOUSANDS. DATASOURCE: adidas-Salomon CONTACT: Media, Jan Runau,
Head of Corporate PR, +49-9132-84-3830, Anne Putz, Corporate PR
Manager, +49-9132-84-2964; or Investors, Natalie M. Knight, Head of
Investor Relations, +49-9132-84-3584, Dr. Charlotte Brigitte Loos,
Investor Relations Manager, +49-9132-84-2187, or Hendric Junker,
Investor Relations Manager, +49-9132-84-4989, all of
adidas-Salomon; or U.S. Media Relations, Doug Donsky of Edelman
Financial, +1-212-704-4473, for adidas-Salomon Web site:
http://www.adidas-salomon.com/
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