EX-99.1 2 f37974exv99w1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1

LEVI
STRAUSS
   & Co.
  NEWS
1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111


         
 
  Investor Contact:   Moira Conlon
The Abernathy MacGregor Group
(213) 630-6550
 
       
 
  Media Contact:   Jeff Beckman
Levi Strauss & Co.
(415) 501-3317
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. ANNOUNCES FOURTH-QUARTER AND
FISCAL-YEAR 2007 FINANCIAL RESULTS
    Net Revenues Up 2% in the Fourth Quarter and 4% in the Fiscal-Year
 
    Fiscal-Year Net Income Increases 93% Driven by $215 Million Tax Benefit
SAN FRANCISCO (February 12, 2008) — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&CO.) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended November 25, 2007.
Net revenues for the fourth quarter improved 2 percent to $1.3 billion compared to the same period last year, and increased 4 percent to $4.4 billion for fiscal 2007 compared with the previous year on a reported basis. Excluding currency effects, net revenues decreased by 2 percent in the quarter compared with the same period in 2006, reflecting declining sales in North America. For the fiscal year, net revenues increased 1 percent excluding currency effects compared to 2006, driven by sales growth in Asia-Pacific emerging markets, Europe and the U.S. Levi’s® brand.
Income before income tax increased 9 percent to $376 million for fiscal 2007 compared with $345 million in fiscal 2006. Net income increased in the fourth quarter by 179 percent or $171 million to $267 million compared to the same period last year. For the full fiscal year, net income grew to $460 million, a 93 percent gain over the prior year. Increases in both periods were primarily driven by an approximately $215 million non-recurring, non-cash reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowances in the fourth quarter. The reversal was the result of improvements in business performance and revised income tax expectations as part of the ongoing review of open tax years with the IRS.
“In 2007 we continued to make good progress on growing the Levi’s® brand around the world, upgrading our Levi’s® and Dockers® products, and expanding our retail network,” said John Anderson, president and chief executive officer. “I’m particularly pleased with the solid performance of our European business. Although the company had a challenging fourth quarter, we improved our financial strength in 2007.
“Looking ahead, we anticipate a difficult retail environment in several markets around the world. We will focus on product innovation, retail expansion and optimizing our global presence in more than 110 countries.”
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LS&CO. FY 2007 Results/Add One
February 12, 2008
Fourth Quarter 2007 Highlights
  §   Net revenues in the fourth quarter in North America decreased 3 percent compared to the same period of 2006, mostly due to declines in the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ business in the United States. Fourth quarter net revenues in Europe increased 16 percent year over year on a reported basis, and 5 percent excluding the positive currency impact. Net revenues in Asia Pacific grew 3 percent on a reported basis, and declined 4 percent excluding the positive currency impact.
 
  §   Gross profit in the fourth quarter increased to $595 million compared with $593 million for the same period of 2006. Gross margin decreased to 47.4 percent of revenues for the fourth quarter compared with 48.0 percent of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2006, primarily reflecting higher levels of sales allowances and discounts in North America and Asia Pacific.
 
  §   Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $403 million for the fourth quarter from $422 million in the same period of 2006. Lower expenses in the 2007 period are attributable to decreases in incentive compensation and advertising and promotion expenses, and a postretirement benefit plan curtailment gain, partially offset by increased expenses related to company-operated retail stores.
 
  §   Operating income for the fourth quarter increased to $190 million compared to $170 million for the same period of 2006, reflecting higher net revenue and lower SG&A.
 
  §   Interest expense for the fourth quarter decreased 21 percent to $49 million compared to $62 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower debt levels and lower average interest rates during the quarter due to the company’s debt refinancing actions taken since 2006.
 
  §   Net income for the fourth quarter was $267 million compared to $96 million in the same period of 2006. This result reflects a non-recurring, non-cash tax benefit of approximately $215 million, as well as a reduction of interest expenses of $13 million, partially offset by a $42 million higher loss on early extinguishment of debt.
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LS&CO. FY 2007 Results/Add Two
February 12, 2008
Fiscal Year 2007 Highlights
  §   For the fiscal year, the 4 percent increase in net revenues reflected growth in Europe and Asia Pacific, with stability in North America. Net revenues increased by 1 percent before the benefit of favorable currency exchange rates. Growth was driven by Asia Pacific emerging markets, the European region, and the U.S. Levi’s® brand, which all benefited from incremental sales in brand-dedicated stores worldwide.
 
  §   Gross profit in the fiscal year increased by 3 percent to $2,042 million compared with $1,976 million in 2006. Gross margin decreased to 46.8 percent of revenues for the year compared with 47.1 percent of revenues in 2006.
 
  §   Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 3 percent to $1,387 million for 2007 compared to the prior year. Excluding the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, SG&A would have decreased slightly for the year. Lower incentive compensation expenses and a higher benefit plan curtailment gain were offset by increased selling expenses across all business segments, reflecting additional company-operated stores and Asia Pacific’s business growth.
 
  §   Operating income increased $27 million to $641 million compared to $614 million in 2006. The operating margin for 2007 was consistent with the prior year at 14.7 percent compared to 14.6 percent in 2006.
 
  §   Interest expense for the year decreased 14 percent to $216 million compared to $251 million in 2006. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower debt levels and lower average interest rates in 2007 following the company’s refinancing and debt reduction activities in 2007 and 2006. In 2007, the company reduced its debt balance by more than $250 million.
 
  §   Net income for 2007 was $460 million compared to $239 million in the prior year. The increase in net income was primarily due to the approximately $215 million non-recurring, non-cash reduction in tax expense recorded in 2007, as well as lower interest expense and the higher benefit plan curtailment gain compared to the prior year.
 
  §   Strong operating cash flow in 2007 is attributable to improved inventory management, lower contributions to pension plans and lower income tax payments.
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LS&CO. FY 2007 Results/Add Three
February 12, 2008
“We continued to improve our financial strength in 2007, delivering solid operating margins while investing in our brands and systems. We also reduced debt by more than $250 million and secured lower interest rates in our debt restructuring actions taken during the year, helping us further reduce interest expense,” said Hans Ploos van Amstel, Chief Financial Officer. “In 2008, we are continuing to focus on cash flow and building our brands. Our improved financial strength will help us as we face the economic uncertainty ahead.”
Investor Conference Call
The company’s full-year 2007 and fourth-quarter investor conference call will be available through a live audio Webcast at http://levistrauss.com/news/webcast.htm today, February 12, 2008, at 1 p.m. PST/4 p.m. EST. A replay is available on the Web site the same day and will be archived for one month. A telephone replay also is available through February 19 at 800-642-1687 in the United States and Canada, or 706-645-9291 internationally; I.D. No. 32616149.
This news release contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. We use words like “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Investors should consider the information contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 2007, especially in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on our future results, performance or achievements. In light of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this news release may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated, or if no date is stated, as of the date of this news release. We are not under any obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of future events even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized.
# # #

 


 

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    November 25,     November 26,  
    2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
ASSETS
               
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 155,914     $ 279,501  
Restricted cash
    1,871       1,616  
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,805 and $17,998
    607,035       589,975  
Inventories:
               
Raw materials
    17,784       13,543  
Work-in-process
    14,815       13,479  
Finished goods
    483,265       523,041  
 
           
Total inventories
    515,864       550,063  
Deferred tax assets, net
    133,180       101,823  
Other current assets
    75,647       86,292  
 
           
Total current assets
    1,489,511       1,609,270  
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $605,859 and $530,513
    447,340       404,429  
Goodwill
    206,486       203,989  
Other intangible assets, net
    42,775       42,815  
Non-current deferred tax assets, net
    511,128       457,105  
Other assets
    153,426       86,457  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 2,850,666     $ 2,804,065  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Short-term borrowings
  $ 10,339     $ 11,089  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    70,875        
Current maturities of capital leases
    2,701       1,608  
Accounts payable
    243,630       245,629  
Restructuring liabilities
    8,783       13,080  
Other accrued liabilities
    248,159       194,601  
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
    218,325       261,234  
Accrued interest payable
    30,023       61,827  
Accrued income taxes
    9,420       14,226  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    842,255       803,294  
Long-term debt
    1,879,192       2,206,323  
Long-term capital leases, less current maturities
    5,476       3,086  
Postretirement medical benefits
    157,447       379,188  
Pension liability
    147,417       184,090  
Long-term employee related benefits
    113,710       136,408  
Long-term income tax liabilities
    35,122       19,994  
Other long-term liabilities
    48,123       46,635  
Minority interest
    15,833       17,138  
 
           
Total liabilities
    3,244,575       3,796,156  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
               
Temporary equity
    4,120       1,956  
 
           
 
               
Stockholders’ deficit:
               
Common stock—$.01 par value; 270,000,000 shares authorized; 37,278,238 shares issued and outstanding
    373       373  
Additional paid-in capital
    92,650       89,837  
Accumulated deficit
    (499,093 )     (959,478 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    8,041       (124,779 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ deficit
    (398,029 )     (994,047 )
 
           
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ deficit
  $ 2,850,666     $ 2,804,065  
 
           
The notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements in our Form 10-K are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


 

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                         
    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
    November 25,     November 26,     November 27,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Net sales
  $ 4,266,108     $ 4,106,572     $ 4,150,931  
Licensing revenue
    94,821       86,375       73,879  
 
                 
Net revenues
    4,360,929       4,192,947       4,224,810  
Cost of goods sold
    2,318,883       2,216,562       2,236,962  
 
                 
Gross profit
    2,042,046       1,976,385       1,987,848  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,386,547       1,348,577       1,381,955  
Restructuring charges, net
    14,458       14,149       16,633  
 
                 
Operating income
    641,041       613,659       589,260  
Interest expense
    215,715       250,637       263,650  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    63,838       40,278       66,066  
Other income, net
    (14,138 )     (22,418 )     (23,057 )
 
                 
Income before income taxes
    375,626       345,162       282,601  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (84,759 )     106,159       126,654  
 
                 
Net income
  $ 460,385     $ 239,003     $ 155,947  
 
                 
The notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements in our Form 10-K are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 


 

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                         
    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
    November 25,     November 26,     November 27,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 460,385     $ 239,003     $ 155,947  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    67,514       62,249       59,423  
Asset impairments
    9,070             1,610  
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    444       (6,218 )     (5,750 )
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
    (7,186 )     (16,826 )     (16,504 )
Realized loss on foreign currency contracts not designated for hedge accounting
    16,137              
Postretirement benefit plan curtailment gains
    (52,763 )     (29,041 )      
Write-off of unamortized costs associated with early extinguishment of debt
    17,166       17,264       12,473  
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
    5,192       8,254       12,504  
Stock-based compensation
    4,977       2,985        
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    615       (1,021 )     4,858  
Deferred income taxes
    (150,079 )     39,452       1,827  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Trade receivables
    (18,071 )     46,572       (22,110 )
Inventories
    40,422       (6,095 )     3,130  
Other current assets
    19,235       (3,254 )     8,191  
Other non-current assets
    (10,598 )     1,730       (24,901 )
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
    16,168       18,536       (38,444 )
Income tax liabilities
    9,527       (14,918 )     (78,066 )
Restructuring liabilities
    (8,134 )     (2,855 )     (25,648 )
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
    (87,843 )     (41,433 )     (13,005 )
Long-term employee related benefits
    (32,634 )     (55,655 )     (79,329 )
Other long-term liabilities
    1,973       3,847       (827 )
Other, net
    754       (696 )     844  
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
    302,271       261,880       (43,777 )
 
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                       
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (92,519 )     (77,080 )     (41,868 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    3,881       9,139       11,528  
Acquisition of retail stores
    (2,502 )     (1,656 )     (2,645 )
Acquisition of Turkey minority interest
                (3,835 )
Cash inflow from net investment hedges
                2,163  
Foreign currency contracts not designated for hedge accounting
    (16,137 )            
 
                 
Net cash used for investing activities
    (107,277 )     (69,597 )     (34,657 )
 
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                       
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    669,006       475,690       1,031,255  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (984,333 )     (620,146 )     (979,253 )
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    (1,711 )     (63 )     (2,975 )
Debt issuance costs
    (5,297 )     (12,176 )     (24,632 )
Restricted cash
    (58 )     1,467       (1,323 )
Dividends to minority interest shareholders of Levi Strauss Japan K.K.
    (3,141 )            
 
                 
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
    (325,534 )     (155,228 )     23,072  
 
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    6,953       2,862       (4,650 )
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (123,587 )     39,917       (60,012 )
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
    279,501       239,584       299,596  
 
                 
Ending cash and cash equivalents
  $ 155,914     $ 279,501     $ 239,584  
 
                 
 
                       
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during the period for:
                       
Interest
  $ 237,017     $ 229,789     $ 238,683  
Income taxes
    52,275       83,492       197,315  
Restructuring initiatives
    13,322       16,998       43,112  
The notes accompanying our consolidated financial statements in our Form 10-K are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.