United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JANUARY 31, 2007
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission File No. 002-26821
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware 61-0143150
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky 40210
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(502) 585-1100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No |_|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
Large accelerated filer |X| Accelerated filer |_| Non-accelerated filer |_|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes | | No |X|
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date: February 28, 2007
Class A Common Stock ($.15 par value, voting) 56,870,147
Class B Common Stock ($.15 par value, nonvoting) 66,263,375
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
Index to Quarterly Report Form 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Page
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three months ended January 31, 2006 and 2007 3
Nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2007
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
April 30, 2006 and January 31, 2007 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2007 5
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6 - 17
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 18 - 26
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 26
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 27
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 28 - 29
Item 1A. Risk Factors 29 - 30
Item 6. Exhibits 30
Signatures 31
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
2006 2007 2006 2007
------- ------- -------- --------
Net sales $ 627.6 $ 754.8 $1,827.1 $2,115.4
Excise taxes 132.8 172.7 345.9 446.1
Cost of sales 164.0 194.8 495.8 550.4
------- ------- -------- --------
Gross profit 330.8 387.3 985.4 1,118.9
Advertising expenses 84.7 94.2 243.2 267.2
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 113.3 129.2 328.5 378.1
Other (income), net (32.5) (4.9) (46.7) (20.1)
------- ------- -------- --------
Operating income 165.3 168.8 460.4 493.7
Interest income 4.6 5.6 9.7 14.2
Interest expense 4.3 8.1 13.4 19.6
------- ------- -------- --------
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes 165.6 166.3 456.7 488.3
Income taxes 45.5 54.7 136.8 157.4
------- ------- -------- --------
Income from continuing operations 120.1 111.6 319.9 330.9
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of income taxes 0.4 (6.5) (77.8) (8.2)
------- ------- -------- --------
Net income $ 120.5 $ 105.1 $ 242.1 $ 322.7
======= ======= ======== ========
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations $ 0.984 $ 0.907 $ 2.621 $ 2.694
Discontinued operations 0.003 (0.052) (0.637) (0.066)
------- ------- -------- --------
Total $ 0.987 $ 0.855 $ 1.984 $ 2.628
======= ======= ======== ========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations $ 0.972 $ 0.898 $ 2.594 $ 2.664
Discontinued operations 0.003 (0.052) (0.631) (0.066)
------- ------- -------- --------
Total $ 0.975 $ 0.846 $ 1.963 $ 2.598
======= ======= ======== ========
Shares (in thousands) used in
the calculation of earnings (loss)
per share:
Basic 122,116 122,964 122,027 122,810
Diluted 123,558 124,230 123,321 124,189
Cash dividends per common share:
Declared $0.5600 $0.6050 $1.0500 $1.1650
Paid $0.2800 $0.3025 $0.7700 $0.8625
See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)
April 30, January 31,
2006 2007
-------- --------
Assets
------
Cash and cash equivalents $ 474.8 $ 253.9
Short-term investments 159.9 149.8
Accounts receivable, net 322.8 485.2
Inventories:
Barreled whiskey 274.2 293.4
Finished goods 93.7 163.6
Work in process 106.2 132.6
Raw materials and supplies 37.4 111.0
-------- --------
Total inventories 511.5 700.6
Current portion of deferred income taxes 79.6 79.6
Current assets held for sale 26.3 16.8
Other current assets 34.1 28.3
-------- --------
Total current assets 1,609.0 1,714.2
Property, plant and equipment, net 425.3 496.7
Prepaid pension cost 142.3 133.4
Goodwill 191.8 664.7
Other intangible assets 324.9 684.6
Noncurrent assets held for sale 13.4 6.8
Other assets 21.6 30.4
-------- --------
Total assets $2,728.3 $3,730.8
======== ========
Liabilities
-----------
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 289.4 $ 363.8
Accrued income taxes 48.5 55.0
Dividends payable -- 37.2
Short-term borrowings 225.0 875.8
Current liabilities held for sale 6.3 5.9
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 569.2 1,337.7
Long-term debt 349.4 369.3
Deferred income taxes 132.8 126.5
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits 77.5 82.1
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale 2.5 2.5
Other liabilities 33.8 23.5
-------- --------
Total liabilities 1,165.2 1,941.6
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
--------------------
Common stock:
Class A, voting
(57,000,000 shares authorized;
56,882,000 shares issued) 8.5 8.5
Class B, nonvoting
(100,000,000 shares authorized;
69,188,000 shares issued) 10.4 10.4
Additional paid-in capital 44.8 52.4
Retained earnings 1,609.1 1,796.2
Accumulated other comprehensive income 18.0 27.0
Treasury stock
(3,565,000 and 2,962,000 shares at
April 30 and January 31, respectively) (127.7) (105.3)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 1,563.1 1,789.2
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,728.3 $3,730.8
======== ========
See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)
Nine Months Ended
January 31,
2006 2007
------- -------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 242.1 $ 322.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by (used for) operations:
Net loss from discontinued operations 77.8 8.2
Depreciation and amortization 31.4 31.8
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment (2.3) (11.4)
Stock-based compensation expense 6.5 5.9
Deferred income taxes (11.7) (2.0)
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding
the effects of businesses acquired or sold:
Accounts receivable (18.1) (63.0)
Inventories (47.2) (44.2)
Other current assets 4.7 7.9
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (3.0) 0.1
Accrued income taxes 0.1 6.4
Noncurrent assets and liabilities (15.1) 6.5
Net cash (used for) provided by operating
activities of discontinued operations (21.8) 8.7
------- -------
Cash provided by operating activities 243.4 277.6
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired -- (1,045.5)
Acquisition of distribution rights -- (25.0)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations 196.5 --
Purchase of short-term investments (229.7) (246.7)
Sale of short-term investments -- 256.8
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (32.9) (39.1)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant,
and equipment 7.0 14.6
Computer software expenditures (0.1) (6.4)
Net cash used for investing activities
of discontinued operations (2.7) (0.5)
------- -------
Cash used for investing activities (61.9) (1,091.8)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings (30.0) 666.1
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 12.7 25.6
Excess tax benefits from stock options 4.3 6.2
Acquisition of treasury stock (3.2) --
Dividends paid (94.0) (106.1)
------- -------
Cash (used for) provided by
financing activities (110.2) 591.8
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents -- 1.5
------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents 71.3 (220.9)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 294.9 474.8
------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 366.2 $ 253.9
======= =======
See notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
In these notes, "we," "us," and "our" refer to Brown-Forman Corporation.
1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
We prepared these unaudited condensed consolidated statements using our
customary accounting practices as set out in our annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended April 30, 2006 (the "2006 Annual Report"). We made all of the
adjustments (which include only normal, recurring adjustments, unless otherwise
noted) needed for a fair statement of this data. Prior period amounts have been
recast to reflect Hartmann, Inc. as a component of discontinued operations and
net assets held for sale (see Note 4).
We condensed or omitted some of the information found in financial statements
prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). You
should read these financial statements together with the 2006 Annual Report,
which does conform to GAAP.
2. Inventories
We use the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method to determine the cost of most of
our inventories. If the LIFO method had not been used, inventories at current
cost would have been $121.1 million higher than reported as of April 30, 2006,
and $127.0 million higher than reported as of January 31, 2007. Changes in the
LIFO valuation reserve for interim periods are based on a proportionate
allocation of the estimated change for the entire fiscal year.
3. Income Taxes
Our consolidated quarterly effective tax rate is based upon our expected annual
operating income, statutory tax rates, and tax laws in the various jurisdictions
in which we operate. Significant or unusual items, including adjustments to
accruals for tax uncertainties, are recognized in the quarter in which the
related event occurs. The effective tax rate of 32.2% for continuing operations
for the nine months ended January 31, 2007, is based on an expected effective
tax rate of 32.4% on ordinary income for the full fiscal year, and was affected
by an approximate 3% tax rate on the gain on the sale of a wine production
facility in September 2006 (see Note 13).
4. Discontinued Operations
We sold our wholly-owned subsidiary Lenox, Inc. ("Lenox") during fiscal 2006. In
connection with the sale, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $59.5
million in July 2005. The impairment charge represented the excess of the
carrying value of the net assets sold over the expected sales proceeds. We also
incurred transaction costs related to the sale, including legal, tax and
actuarial expenses, transaction success payments, and investment banking fees.
6
Lenox's results of operations and the impairment charge and other transaction
costs have been classified as discontinued operations, net of income taxes, in
the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended
January 31, 2006.
After the sale of Lenox, we retained ownership of Brooks & Bentley, a former
subsidiary of Lenox, located in the United Kingdom. We signed a contract to sell
Brooks & Bentley in March 2007. Also, on November 16, 2006, the Board of
Directors, after reviewing various strategic alternatives, decided to pursue a
sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Hartmann, Inc. ("Hartmann"). Accordingly,
the assets and liabilities of Brooks & Bentley and Hartmann are classified as
held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and their
operating results are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations. The results of discontinued operations
for the three-month and nine-month periods ended January 31, 2007, include a
$9.4 million impairment charge. The majority of this impairment relates to the
decision made in the third quarter by our Board of Directors to sell Hartmann
and to focus our efforts entirely on our beverage business. The $6.9 million
pre-tax impairment charge associated with Hartmann consisted of a goodwill
impairment of $3.6 million and an impairment charge of $3.3 million that
represented the excess of the carrying value of the net assets to be sold over
the expected sales proceeds, net of estimated costs to sell.
Before we decided to sell Hartmann, no impairment charge was recorded because we
believed its operations would generate sufficient future cash flows to enable us
to fully recover its carrying amount. The decision to sell Hartmann reflects the
Board's opinion that the sum of the price to be obtained from the sale and the
strategic value of focusing entirely on our beverage business is greater than
the value of continuing to operate Hartmann.
There was also $2.5 million pre-tax impairment charge recorded during the
quarter for Brooks & Bentley. This impairment charge reflected a revision to its
estimated fair value and costs to sell, based on the negotiations that resulted
in our reaching an agreement to sell Brooks & Bentley in March 2007.
7
A summary of discontinued operations follows:
(Dollars in millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
2006 2007 2006 2007
------ ------ ------ ------
Net sales $ 17.8 $ 16.0 $150.6 $ 40.8
Operating expenses (16.4) (15.6) (165.2) (42.7)
Impairment charges -- (9.4) (59.5) (9.4)
Transaction costs (0.7) -- (10.3) --
------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) before income taxes 0.7 (9.0) (84.4) (11.3)
Income tax (expense) benefit (0.3) 2.5 6.6 3.1
------ ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss) from
discontinued operations $ 0.4 $ (6.5) $(77.8) $ (8.2)
====== ====== ====== ======
The net assets held for sale consist of the following:
(Dollars in millions) April 30, January 31,
2006 2007
------ ------
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, net $ 11.0 $ 8.4
Inventories 14.7 7.9
Other 0.6 0.5
------ ------
26.3 16.8
------ ------
Noncurrent assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net 3.3 1.7
Goodwill 3.6 --
Other 6.5 5.1
------ ------
13.4 6.8
------ ------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 6.3 5.4
Accrued income taxes -- 0.5
------ ------
6.3 5.9
------ ------
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt 2.2 2.2
Accrued postretirement benefits 0.3 0.3
------ ------
2.5 2.5
------ ------
Net assets held for sale $ 30.9 $ 15.2
====== ======
8
5. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the
dilutive effect of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options,
stock-settled stock appreciation rights ("SSARs"), and non-vested restricted
stock. Stock-based awards for approximately 325,000 common shares were excluded
from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the periods ended January
31, 2007, because the exercise price of the awards was greater than the average
market price of the shares. No stock-based awards were excluded from the
calculation of diluted earnings per share for the periods ended January 31,
2006.
The following table presents information concerning basic and diluted earnings
per share:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2006 2007 2006 2007
------- ------- ------- -------
Basic and diluted net income (loss):
Continuing operations $120.1 $111.6 $319.9 $330.9
Discontinued operations 0.4 (6.5) (77.8) (8.2)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total $120.5 $105.1 $242.1 $322.7
======= ======= ======= =======
Share data (in thousands):
Basic average common shares outstanding 122,116 122,964 122,027 122,810
Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted stock 33 62 28 55
Dilutive effect of stock options and SSARs 1,409 1,204 1,266 1,324
------- ------- ------- -------
Diluted average common shares outstanding 123,558 124,230 123,321 124,189
======= ======= ======= =======
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations $0.984 $0.907 $2.621 $2.694
Discontinued operations 0.003 (0.052) (0.637) (0.066)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total $0.987 $0.855 $1.984 $2.628
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations $0.972 $0.898 $2.594 $2.664
Discontinued operations 0.003 (0.052) (0.631) (0.066)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total $0.975 $0.846 $1.963 $2.598
======= ======= ======= =======
9
6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table shows the changes in the amounts recorded as goodwill during
the nine months ended January 31, 2007:
(Dollars in millions)
Balance as of April 30, 2006 $191.8
Acquisition of Chambord (Note 10) 126.9
Acquisition of Casa Herradura (Note 11) 344.2
Foreign currency translation adjustment 1.8
------
Balance as of January 31, 2007 $664.7
======
As of April 30, 2006, our other intangible assets consisted of trademarks and
brand names, with indefinite useful lives. As of January 31, 2007, our other
intangible assets consisted of:
Gross Carrying Accumulated
(Dollars in millions) Amount Amortization
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationships $ 5.3 $ --
Distribution rights 25.0 (0.1)
------ ------
$30.3 $(0.1)
====== ======
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks and brand names $654.4 --
There was no amortization expense related to intangible assets during the
three-month and nine-month periods ended January 31, 2006. Amortization expense
related to intangible assets was $0.1 million for both the three-month and
nine-month periods ended January 31, 2007. The projected amortization expense
for the remainder of fiscal 2007 is $1.3 million. Amortization expense of
approximately $5.1 million is projected for each of the next five fiscal years.
However, actual amounts of future amortization expense may differ due to
additional intangible asset acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets,
accelerated amortization of intangible assets, purchase price reallocations, and
other events.
10
7. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The following table shows the components of the pension and other postretirement
benefit expense recognized during the periods covered by this report:
(Dollars in millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
2006 2007 2006 2007
------ ------ ------ ------
Pension Benefits:
Service cost $3.0 $3.1 $9.1 $ 9.3
Interest cost 5.3 5.9 15.9 17.6
Expected return on plan assets (7.6) (7.7) (23.0) (23.0)
Amortization of:
Unrecognized prior service cost 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.5
Unrecognized net loss 2.1 2.8 6.3 8.5
------ ------ ------ ------
Net expense $2.9 $4.3 $8.7 $12.9
====== ====== ====== ======
Other Postretirement Benefits:
Service cost $0.3 $0.3 $0.8 $0.8
Interest cost 0.6 0.7 1.9 2.2
Amortization of unrecognized net loss 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3
------ ------ ------ ------
Net expense $1.0 $1.1 $2.9 $3.3
====== ====== ====== ======
8. Contingencies
We operate in a litigious environment, and we get sued in the normal course of
business. Sometimes plaintiffs seek substantial damages. Significant judgment is
required in predicting the outcome of these suits and claims, many of which take
years to adjudicate. We accrue estimated costs for a contingency when we believe
that a loss is probable and we can make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and
adjust the accrual as appropriate to reflect changes in facts and circumstances.
A law firm has sued Brown-Forman and many other manufacturers and marketers of
spirits, wines, and beer in a series of nine very similar class action lawsuits
seeking damages and injunctive relief from alleged marketing of beverage alcohol
to underage consumers. The suits allege that the defendants engage in deceptive
and negligent marketing practices targeting underage consumers. They seek to
recover on behalf of parents those funds that their children spent on the
illegal purchase of alcohol as well as disgorgement of all profits from the
alleged illegal sales. Brown-Forman is vigorously defending these cases. Six of
the suits have been dismissed by trial court and are being appealed. One case
remains pending on a motion to dismiss. Two others were voluntarily withdrawn.
We cannot yet predict the outcome of these claims, including whether we will
incur related losses or the amount of such losses. Since we cannot estimate the
amount of possible loss, no amounts have been accrued. However, an unfavorable
result in these or similar class action lawsuits could have a material adverse
impact on our business.
11
9. Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is a broad measure of the effects of all transactions and
events (other than investments by or distributions to shareholders) that are
recognized in stockholders' equity, regardless of whether those transactions and
events are included in net income. The following table adjusts the Company's net
income for the other items included in the determination of comprehensive
income:
(Dollars in millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
January 31, January 31,
2006 2007 2006 2007
------ ------ ------ ------
Continuing operations:
Net income $120.1 $111.6 $319.9 $330.9
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss (gain) on cash flow hedges (1.2) 1.5 1.1 2.0
Net gain on securities -- -- 0.1 --
Foreign currency translation adjustment 2.3 4.2 (10.5) 6.3
------ ------ ------ ------
1.1 5.7 (9.3) 8.3
------ ------ ------ ------
Comprehensive income 121.2 117.3 310.6 339.2
------ ------ ------ ------
Discontinued operations:
Net income (loss) 0.4 (6.5) (77.8) (8.2)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Pension liability adjustment -- -- 27.6 --
Foreign currency translation adjustment -- 0.2 (0.9) 0.7
------ ------ ------ ------
-- 0.2 26.7 0.7
------ ------ ------ ------
Comprehensive income (loss) 0.4 (6.3) (51.1) (7.5)
------ ------ ------ ------
Total comprehensive income $121.6 $111.0 $259.5 $331.7
====== ====== ====== ======
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following:
(Dollars in millions) April 30, January 31,
2006 2007
------ ------
Pension liability adjustment $ (4.6) $ (4.6)
Cumulative translation adjustment 23.8 30.8
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge contracts (1.4) 0.6
Unrealized gain on securities 0.2 0.2
------ ------
$ 18.0 $27.0
====== ======
12
10. Acquisition of Chambord Liqueur
Effective May 31, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Chambord Liqueur and all
related assets from Chatam International Incorporated and its operating
subsidiary, Charles Jacquin et Cie Inc., for $250.6 million, including
transaction costs. We believe that Chambord, which is positioned in the
super-premium spirits category, fits well with our approach to brand building.
With the close of the transaction, we acquired the Chambord trademark, French
manufacturing operations where the brand is produced, and the services of
employees who work at the facility.
The acquisition consists primarily of the Chambord brand name and goodwill, to
which we have preliminarily allocated $116.5 million and $126.9 million of the
purchase price, respectively. The transaction provides valuable strategic
opportunities, which we believe will enable us to leverage our strong brand
building skills and our current distribution network, allowing us to grow sales
of this super-premium priced product around the world. We also believe that the
brand will provide us with additional distributor influence and that it
complements several other brands in our portfolio, allowing for cross-selling,
merchandising, and promotion, which will lead to overall increased sales. These
factors contributed to a purchase price that resulted in the recognition of
$126.9 million of goodwill. The entire amount allocated to goodwill is
deductible for income tax purposes. The initial allocation of the purchase price
was based on preliminary estimates and may be revised as asset valuations are
finalized. The operating results of Chambord have been consolidated with our
financial statements since the acquisition date. Consolidated pro forma
operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended January 31,
2006 and 2007 would not have been materially different from the actual amounts
reported for those periods.
11. Acquisition of Casa Herradura
On January 18, 2007, we completed the acquisition contemplated in the Asset
Purchase Agreement dated as of August 25, 2006 among Jose Guillermo Romo de la
Pena, Luis Pedro Pablo Romo de la Pena, Grupo Industrial Herradura, S.A. de C.V.
("Casa Herradura"), certain of their respective affiliates, Brown-Forman and
Brown-Forman Tequila Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V., a subsidiary of Brown-Forman,
as amended (the "Purchase Agreement"). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, we
acquired substantially all of the assets of Casa Herradura and its affiliates
relating to its tequila business, including the Herradura and el Jimador
tequilas, the New-Mix tequila-based ready to drink brand, the trade names and
trademarks associated with such brands and other acquired brands, as well as
related production facilities and sales and distribution organization in Mexico.
13
We believe this acquisition provides us with several strategic opportunities,
including the ownership of two strong, established brands, Herradura and el
Jimador, that compete at the super-premium and premium levels, respectively, in
the world's largest tequila markets - the U.S. and Mexico. In addition, we
believe the growth potential for these brands is very attractive based on the
fact that tequila is the fastest growing spirits category in both markets. We
expect these brands will help advance our entire business within the Hispanic
population, which is the fastest growing demographic segment in the United
States, and increase our participation in the popular cocktail culture of the
United States, where the tequila-based margarita is the most frequently
called-for mixed drink. We also believe the infrastructure in Mexico will give
us a strong business platform to advance our entire portfolio in an important
international market where we have had very little presence historically. We
expect to leverage our current distribution network outside of Mexico, allowing
us to grow sales of these super-premium and premium brands in the U.S. and to
expand the brands' presence in the rest of the world where the opportunities for
growth appear numerous given the virtual non-existence of tequila. Finally, by
further expanding and diversifying our portfolio, we believe that these brands
will provide us with additional clout with our distributors and that the brands'
performance will benefit significantly from our strong brand building skills.
These factors contributed to a purchase price that resulted in the recognition
of the goodwill shown below.
The cost of the acquisition was $794.9 million, consisting of the purchase price
of $778.1 million and transaction costs of $16.8 million. The purchase price is
subject to customary post-closing working capital adjustments. The cost of the
acquisition has been preliminarily allocated based on management's estimates and
independent appraisals as follows:
(Dollars in millions)
Accounts receivable:
Trade $ 51.8
Other 46.9
Inventories 140.8
Property, plant, and equipment 63.0
Deferred income taxes 4.3
Goodwill 344.2
Other intangible assets 216.6
------
Total assets 867.6
------
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 71.2
Long-term debt 0.2
Other noncurrent liabilities 1.3
------
Total liabilities 72.7
------
Net assets acquired $794.9
======
14
A preliminary valuation of the acquired intangible assets was performed by a
third party valuation specialist to assist us in determining the fair value of
each identifiable intangible asset. Standard valuation procedures were used in
determining the fair value of the acquired intangible assets. The following
table summarizes the identified intangible asset categories and their weighted
average amortization period, where applicable:
Weighted Average
Amortization Period Fair Value
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationships 37.0 years $5.3
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks and brand names $211.3
Goodwill 344.2
The initial allocation of the cost of the acquisition was based on preliminary
estimates and will be revised as asset valuations are finalized and further
information is obtained on the fair value of liabilities. The entire preliminary
goodwill amount of $344.2 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
We financed the acquisition with approximately $115 million of cash and
approximately $680 of commercial paper, some of which we expect to replace with
long-term debt by the end of the fiscal year. In connection with the financing,
we obtained an $800 million bridge facility that backs up our commercial paper
and matures in December 2007. We also expect to replace our existing $400
million revolving credit facility with a larger credit facility by the end of
the fiscal year.
The operating results of Casa Herradura have been consolidated with our
financial statements since the acquisition date. Consolidated pro forma
operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended January 31,
2006 and 2007 would not have been materially different from the actual amounts
reported for those periods.
12. Acquisition of Distribution Rights
Prior to our acquisition of Casa Herradura, it had granted to a third party the
rights to distribute the Herradura brand in the United States through December
31, 2011. Upon completing the acquisition of Casa Herradura, we acquired those
distribution rights from that third party at a cost of $25.0 million. That
amount, which is included in other intangible assets in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2007, will be amortized on a
straight-line basis over the period ending December 31, 2011.
15
13. Other Income
During July 2005, we entered into an agreement with LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis
Vuitton for the early termination of our long-term importing and marketing
agreements for Glenmorangie products in the United States, Canada, and certain
countries in Europe and Asia. We received approximately $13.5 million for the
early termination, which is included in "other income" for the nine months ended
January 31, 2006, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
During January 2006, we received proceeds of $24.8 million as compensation for
Pernod Ricard assuming the distribution of its brands from Swift+Moore, an
Australian distribution company co-owned by Pernod Ricard (following its
purchase of Allied-Domecq) and Brown-Forman. This amount is recorded in "other
income" for the periods ended January 31, 2006. Pernod Ricard surrendered its
ownership interest in Swift+Moore to Brown-Forman effective February 1, 2006,
resulting in Brown-Forman becoming 100% owner of Swift+Moore as of that date.
Swift+Moore will continue to distribute our brands in Australia.
During January 2006, we sold winery land and buildings in California for $7.0
million, resulting in a gain of $4.6 million that is included in "other income"
for the periods ended January 31, 2006.
During September 2006, we entered into an agreement with Gruppo Italiano Vini
(GIV) for the production of Bolla Italian wines. Under the agreement, we also
sold our main Bolla wine production facility in Pedemonte, Italy to GIV, which
now produces Bolla Italian Wines for us. We recognized a gain on the sale of
$11.1 million, which is included in "other income" for the nine months ended
January 31, 2007, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The
agreement also named GIV as Bolla's distributor in the Italian domestic market.
We maintained worldwide ownership of the Bolla trademark and continue to sell
Bolla Wines in the brand's other markets.
14. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB
Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" (FIN 48), which clarifies the
accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This Interpretation requires that
we recognize in our financial statements the benefit of a tax position if that
position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the
technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 become effective as
of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the
change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained
earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact that FIN 48 will have on our
financial statements.
16
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements"
(FAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair
value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of
FAS 157 become effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We are
currently evaluating the impact that FAS 157 will have on our financial
statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 158, "Employer's Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB
Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)" (FAS 158). FAS 158 requires that
employers recognize the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other
postretirement plans on the balance sheet and recognize as a component of other
comprehensive income, net of tax, the plan-related gains or losses and prior
service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as
components of net periodic benefit cost. We will prospectively adopt FAS 158 on
April 30, 2007. Based on the funded status of our plans as of the date of our
most recent actuarial valuation, we expect the adoption of FAS 158 to reduce
reported stockholders' equity by approximately $100 million. However, the actual
impact of adopting FAS 158 is highly dependent on a number of factors, including
the discount rates in effect at the next measurement date, and the actual rate
of return on pension assets during fiscal 2007. These factors could
significantly increase or decrease the expected impact of adopting FAS 158.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year
Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial
Statements" (SAB 108), which addresses how to quantify the effect of financial
statement errors. The provisions of SAB 108 become effective as of the end of
our 2007 fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption of SAB 108 to have a
significant impact on our financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115" (FAS 159). FAS 159 permits companies to choose to measure
many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not
currently required to be measured at fair value and establishes presentation and
disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies
that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and
liabilities. The provisions of FAS 159 become effective as of the beginning of
our 2009 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact that FAS 159 will
have on our financial statements.
17
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion and analysis along with our 2006 Annual
Report. Note that the results of operations for the nine months ended January
31, 2007, do not necessarily indicate what our operating results for the full
fiscal year will be. In this Item, "we," "us," and "our" refer to Brown-Forman
Corporation.
Important Note on Forward-Looking Statements:
This report contains statements, estimates, or projections that constitute
"forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws.
Generally, the words "expect," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "will,"
"anticipate," and "project," and similar expressions identify a forward-looking
statement, which speaks only as of the date the statement is made. Except as
required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
We believe that the expectations and assumptions with respect to our
forward-looking statements are reasonable. But by their nature, forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
in some cases are out of our control. These factors could cause our actual
results to differ materially from Brown-Forman's historical experience or our
present expectations or projections. Here is a non-exclusive list of such risks
and uncertainties:
- changes in general economic conditions, particularly in the United States
where we earn a significant portion of our profits;
- lower consumer confidence or purchasing in the wake of catastrophic events;
- tax increases, whether at the federal or state level or in major
international markets and/or tariff barriers or other restrictions affecting
beverage alcohol;
- limitations and restrictions on distribution of products and alcohol
marketing, including advertising and promotion, as a result of stricter
governmental policies adopted either in the United States or globally;
- adverse developments in the class action lawsuits filed against Brown-Forman
and other spirits, beer and wine manufacturers alleging that our industry
conspired to promote the consumption of alcohol by those under the legal
drinking age;
- a strengthening U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, especially the
British Pound, Euro, Australian Dollar, and the Mexican Peso;
- reduced bar, restaurant, hotel and travel business, including travel retail,
in the wake of terrorist attacks;
- lower consumer confidence or purchasing associated with high energy prices;
- longer-term, a change in consumer preferences, social trends or cultural
trends that results in the reduced consumption of our premium spirits brands;
- changes in distribution arrangements in major markets that limit our ability
to market or sell our products;
- increases in the price of energy or raw materials, including grapes, grain,
wood, glass, and plastic;
- excess wine inventories or a world-wide oversupply of grapes;
- termination of our rights to distribute and market agency brands included in
our portfolio;
- counterfeit production of our products could adversely affect our
intellectual property rights, brand equity and operating results;
- adverse developments as a result of state investigations of beverage alcohol
industry trade practices of suppliers, distributors and retailers.
18
Results of Operations:
Third Quarter Fiscal 2007 Compared to Third Quarter Fiscal 2006
A summary of our operating performance (expressed in millions, except percentage
and per share amounts) is presented below. Continuing Operations consist of our
beverage business. Discontinued Operations consist of Lenox, Brooks & Bentley,
and Hartmann, which previously comprised our consumer durables business.
Three Months Ended
January 31,
CONTINUING OPERATIONS 2006 2007 Change
------ ------ ------
Net sales $627.6 $754.8 20%
Gross profit 330.8 387.3 17%
Advertising expenses 84.7 94.2 11%
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 113.3 129.2 14%
Other (income), net (32.5) (4.9)
Operating income 165.3 168.8 2%
Interest expense (income), net (0.3) 2.5
Income before income taxes 165.6 166.3 0%
Income taxes 45.5 54.7
Net income 120.1 111.6 (7%)
Gross margin 52.7% 51.3%
Effective tax rate 27.5% 32.9%
Earnings per share:
Basic 0.984 0.907 (8%)
Diluted 0.972 0.898 (8%)
Diluted earnings from continuing operations for the quarter ended January 31,
2007 of $0.90 per share dropped 8% from the $0.97 earned in the same prior year
period. The decline in earnings was driven by the absence of a net $0.14 per
share benefit related to changes in our Australian distribution joint venture
and a $0.04 per share gain on the sale of winery property, both recorded in last
year's third quarter. Excluding these two items, earnings improved for the
quarter, reflecting solid profit growth for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey,
Southern Comfort and Finlandia and strong performance for the Jack Daniel's &
Cola ready-to-drink product sold primarily in Australia. The effect of including
the operating results of Casa Herradura for the 13 days of the quarter for which
we owned the business was not significant to the overall sales for the quarter.
19
Net sales grew 20% and gross profit increased 17% in the quarter. The weaker
U.S. dollar accounted for about 4 points of the revenue and gross profit growth,
as sales of our brands outside the United States continued to benefit from
favorable foreign exchange trends. Net sales also benefited approximately 6
points due to a change in our distribution system in Australia that not only
temporarily interrupted the recognition of sales last year, but also resulted in
our becoming responsible for the collection and remittance of excise taxes in
that market.
Advertising investments behind our brands increased $9.5 million, or 11% in the
quarter. The weaker U.S. dollar contributed about 3 points to this growth while
the remaining increase reflected higher investments behind Jack Daniel's,
Finlandia and Chambord. SG&A expenses increased $15.9 million, or 14% in the
quarter. Approximately $4.9 million of this growth over the prior-year period
was related to the previously mentioned changes in our distribution arrangement
in Australia and approximately $3 million is due to transition expenses
associated with the Casa Herradura transaction.
Operating income increased $3.5 million in the quarter, up a modest 2% over the
same prior year period. The absence of a net $13.1 million benefit related to
changes in our Australian distribution joint venture and a $4.6 million gain,
due in part to the previously mentioned net gain on the sale on the sale of
winery property, both recorded in last year's third quarter, are making
operating income comparisons difficult for the third quarter of fiscal 2007.
Adjusting for these items, operating income grew at a solid rate, reflecting
gross profit gains that more than offset increases in both SG&A and brand
investments.
Jack Daniel's global depletions continued to grow at a mid-single digit rate in
the quarter with volumes improving in the low-single digits in the U.S. and at a
double-digit rate internationally. Notable double-digit gains were recorded in
the brand's key international markets of the U.K., Germany, South Africa,
France, Australia, Japan, and Poland. Global volumes for Southern Comfort grew
at a mid-single digit rate in the quarter, led by strong growth in the U.K. and
South Africa. Finlandia volumes grew at a double-digit rate, fueled by continued
strong growth in Eastern Europe.
20
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
As discussed in Note 4 to the accompanying financial statements, we sold Lenox
during fiscal 2006, signed a contract to sell Brooks & Bentley in March 2007,
and expect to dispose of Hartmann by the end of fiscal 2007. As a result, we
have reported them as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial
statements.
Three Months Ended
January 31,
2006 2007
------ ------
Net income (loss) $ 0.4 $(6.5)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic 0.003 (0.052)
Diluted 0.003 (0.052)
For the three months ended January 31, 2007, we reported a net loss from
discontinued operations of $6.5 million versus net income of $0.4 million for
the same prior year period. This year's loss includes a pre-tax impairment
charge of $9.4 million. The majority of this impairment relates to the decision
made in the third quarter by our Board of Directors to sell Hartmann and to
focus our efforts entirely on our beverage business. The $6.9 million pre-tax
impairment charge associated with Hartmann consisted of a goodwill impairment of
$3.6 million and an impairment charge of $3.3 million that represented the
excess of the carrying value of the net assets to be sold over the expected
sales proceeds, net of estimated costs to sell.
Before we decided to sell Hartmann, no impairment charge was recorded because we
believed its operations would generate sufficient future cash flows to enable us
to fully recover its carrying amount. The decision to sell Hartmann reflects the
Board's opinion that the sum of the price to be obtained from the sale and the
strategic value of focusing entirely on our beverage business is greater than
the value of continuing to operate Hartmann.
There was also $2.5 million pre-tax impairment charge recorded during the
quarter for Brooks & Bentley. This impairment charge reflected a revision to its
estimated fair value and costs to sell, based on the negotiations that resulted
in our reaching an agreement to sell Brooks & Bentley in March 2007.
21
Results of Operations:
Nine Months Fiscal 2007 Compared to Nine Months Fiscal 2006
A summary of our operating performance (expressed in millions, except percentage
and per share amounts) is presented below. Continuing Operations consist of our
beverage business. Discontinued Operations consist of Lenox, Brooks & Bentley,
and Hartmann, which previously comprised our consumer durables business.
Nine Months Ended
January 31,
CONTINUING OPERATIONS 2006 2007 Change
------ ------ ------
Net sales $1,827.1 $2,115.4 16%
Gross profit 985.4 1,118.9 14%
Advertising expenses 243.2 267.2 10%
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 328.5 378.1 15%
Other (income), net (46.7) (20.1)
Operating income 460.4 493.7 7%
Interest expense, net 3.7 5.4
Income before income taxes 456.7 488.3 7%
Income taxes 136.8 157.4
Net income 319.9 330.9 3%
Gross margin 53.9% 52.9%
Effective tax rate 30.0% 32.2%
Earnings per share:
Basic $2.621 $2.694 3%
Diluted 2.594 2.664 3%
Net sales and gross profit increased 16% and 14%, respectively, reflecting solid
gains for most brands, but particularly Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Jack
Daniel's & Cola, and Finlandia. Also contributing to these increases were
positive benefits from foreign exchange, which accounted for about 3 points of
growth for both net sales and gross profit. Changes in our go-to-market
strategies in several markets, most notably Germany and Australia, added
approximately 5 points of the net sales growth through January.
Advertising expenses were up $24.0 million, or 10%, for the first nine months of
the fiscal year, reflecting incremental investments behind most brands in our
portfolio but most notably Jack Daniel's, Finlandia, Korbel Champagne, and
several developing super-premium brands, including Chambord.
SG&A expenses were up $49.6 million, or 15%, on for the first nine months of
fiscal 2007 compared to the same prior year period. Changes in our go-to-market
strategy in Australia and Germany as well as in the U.S. accounted for
approximately 7% of the year-to-year growth in SG&A through January. The
remaining increase reflects severance benefits for employees of the Pedemonte
facility in Italy, transition expenses associated with the integration of the
Casa Herradura business, higher pension and other postretirement costs, and
general inflation.
22
Operating income grew $33.3 million, or 7%, year-over-year. Volume gains and
margin improvements (when excluding the effect of excise taxes) for the majority
of our brands, but particularly Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, and Jack
Daniel's & Cola, partially offset by increased advertising and promotional
investments and higher levels of SG&A spending, fueled the gain in operating
income.
The increase in the effective tax rate from 30.0% to 32.2% largely reflects the
tax benefit achieved last year by offsetting various capital gain items (the
early termination of Glenmorangie marketing and distribution rights, the sale of
winery assets, and consideration received from changes in our Australian
distribution operation) against the capital loss resulting from the sale of
Lenox.
For the first nine months of the fiscal year, diluted earnings per share were
$2.66, up 3% from the $2.59 earned in the same period last year. Year-to-date
results benefited from solid growth for Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, and
improved volume and profits from the Jack Daniel's & Cola ready-to-drink product
that is sold primarily in Australia. Year-over-year comparisons were affected by
the following:
Recorded last year:
- profits associated with the early termination of Glenmorangie marketing and
distribution rights of approximately $0.11 per share;
- a net benefit received from changes in our Australian distribution operation
of approximately $0.14 per share; and
- a net gain on the sale of winery assets of approximately $0.04 per share.
Recorded this year:
- profits associated with the sale of an Italian winery of approximately $0.08
per share; and
- an $0.11 per share benefit of favorable foreign currency fluctuations.
23
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
As discussed in Note 4 to the accompanying financial statements, we sold Lenox
during fiscal 2006, signed a contract to sell Brooks & Bentley in March 2007,
and expect to dispose of Hartmann by the end of fiscal 2007. As a result, we
have reported them as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial
statements.
Nine Months Ended
January 31,
2006 2007
------ ------
Net loss $(77.8) $(8.2)
Loss per share:
Basic (0.637) (0.066)
Diluted (0.631) (0.066)
For the nine months ended January 31, 2007, we reported a net loss from
discontinued operations of $8.2 million versus a net loss of $77.8 million for
the same prior year period. Last year's loss included a non-cash impairment
charge and transaction costs totaling $69.8 million in addition to a loss from
the operations of Lenox incurred during the period prior to the sale. As
previously discussed, this year's loss includes a pre-tax $9.4 million
impairment charge related to Brooks & Bentley and Hartmann.
OUTLOOK FOR CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Excluding the recent acquisition of Casa Herradura, and on a comparable basis
with prior guidance for this year, we have narrowed the range of our full-year
earnings outlook to $3.20 to $3.30 per share. This compares favorably to the
$3.14 to $3.30 per share guidance provided at the end of the second quarter.
This updated outlook continues to include an $0.08 per share gain from the sale
of the Italian winery and represents forecasted growth of 10% to 14% over
adjusted prior-year earnings of $2.90 per share. The revised outlook
anticipates, in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, an expected higher tax
rate versus the prior year period, further increases in spending behind our
premium global brands, higher grain costs, expected further reductions in global
distributor inventory levels, and additional benefits from a weaker U.S. dollar.
As previously communicated, we project the acquisition of Casa Herradura, which
closed on January 18, 2007, to be dilutive to earnings for this fiscal year in
the range of $0.14 to $0.18 per share, which includes $0.02 reported in the
third quarter.
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $220.9 million during the nine months
ended January 31, 2007, compared to an increase of $71.3 million during the same
period last year. Cash provided by operations grew from $243.4 million to $277.6
million, reflecting a $3.7 million increase in cash from continuing operations,
largely attributable to higher earnings, and a $30.5 million increase in cash
provided by discontinued operations. Cash used for investing activities
increased by $1,029.9 million, largely reflecting the acquisitions of Chambord
and Casa Herradura (discussed below) for a total of $1,045.5 million during
fiscal 2007. Cash used for financing activities increased by $702.0 million,
primarily reflecting the issuance of commercial paper to finance the acquisition
of Casa Herradura.
24
Effective May 31, 2006, we completed the acquisition of Chambord Liqueur and all
related assets from Chatam International Incorporated and its operating
subsidiary, Charles Jacquin et Cie Inc., for $250.6 million, including
transaction costs. The acquisition consists primarily of the Chambord brand name
and goodwill, to which we have preliminarily allocated $116.5 million and $126.9
million of the purchase price, respectively.
On January 18, 2007, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the
assets of Casa Herradura and its affiliates relating to its tequila business,
including the Herradura and el Jimador tequilas, the New-Mix tequila-based ready
to drink brand, the trade names and trademarks associated with such brands and
other acquired brands, as well as related production facilities and sales and
distribution organization in Mexico. The cost of the acquisition, including
transaction costs, was $794.9 million, which has been preliminarily allocated to
the acquired assets and liabilities (see Note 11 to the accompanying condensed
consolidated financial statements). We financed the acquisition with
approximately $115 million of cash and approximately $680 of commercial paper,
some of which we expect to replace with long-term debt by the end of the fiscal
year. In connection with the financing, we obtained an $800 million bridge
facility that backs up our commercial paper and matures in December 2007. We
also expect to replace our existing $400 million revolving credit facility with
a larger credit facility by the end of the fiscal year.
On November 16, 2006, the Board of Directors, after reviewing various strategic
alternatives, decided to pursue a sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Hartmann,
Inc. This process has been initiated. Prior period amounts have been recast to
reflect Hartmann, Inc. as a component of discontinued operations and net assets
held for sale.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB
Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" (FIN 48), which clarifies the
accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This Interpretation requires that
we recognize in our financial statements the benefit of a tax position if that
position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the
technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 become effective as
of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the
change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained
earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact that FIN 48 will have on our
financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements"
(FAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair
value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of
FAS 157 become effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We are
currently evaluating the impact that FAS 157 will have on our financial
statements.
25
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 158, "Employer's Accounting for
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB
Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)" (FAS 158). FAS 158 requires that
employers recognize the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other
postretirement plans on the balance sheet and recognize as a component of other
comprehensive income, net of tax, the plan-related gains or losses and prior
service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as
components of net periodic benefit cost. We will prospectively adopt FAS 158 on
April 30, 2007. Based on the funded status of our plans as of the date of our
most recent actuarial valuation, we expect the adoption of FAS 158 to reduce
reported stockholders' equity by approximately $100 million. However, the actual
impact of adopting FAS 158 is highly dependent on a number of factors, including
the discount rates in effect at the next measurement date, and the actual rate
of return on pension assets during fiscal 2007. These factors could
significantly increase or decrease the expected impact of adopting FAS 158.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year
Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial
Statements" (SAB 108), which addresses how to quantify the effect of financial
statement errors. The provisions of SAB 108 become effective as of the end of
our 2007 fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption of SAB 108 to have a
significant impact on our financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115" (FAS 159). FAS 159 permits companies to choose to measure
many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not
currently required to be measured at fair value and establishes presentation and
disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies
that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and
liabilities. The provisions of FAS 159 become effective as of the beginning of
our 2009 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact that FAS 159 will
have on our financial statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We hold debt obligations, foreign currency forward and option contracts, and
commodity futures contracts that are exposed to risk from changes in interest
rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, respectively.
Established procedures and internal processes govern the management of these
market risks. As of January 31, 2007, we do not consider the exposure to these
market risks to be material.
26
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of
Brown-Forman (its principal executive and principal financial officers) have
evaluated the effectiveness of the company's "disclosure controls and
procedures" (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the company's
disclosure controls and procedures: are effective to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by the company in the reports filed or submitted by it
under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within
the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms; and include controls
and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by
the company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the company's
management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure. During the quarter ended January 31,
2007, Brown-Forman acquired Casa Herradura, which was previously a privately
held company based in Mexico. See Note 11 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements included in Item 1 for a discussion of the acquisition and
related financial data. Brown-Forman is in the process of integrating the Casa
Herradura operations and will be incorporating these operations as part of our
internal controls. However, for purposes of this evaluation the disclosure
controls and procedures of the Casa Herradura operations were excluded.
There has been no change in the company's internal control over financial
reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or
is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over
financial reporting, other than with respect to the Casa Herrradura operations,
which have been excluded from management's evaluation as noted above.
27
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Brown-Forman Corporation and many other manufacturers of spirits, wine, and beer
are defendants in a series of essentially similar class action lawsuits seeking
damages and injunctive relief for alleged marketing of beverage alcohol to
underage consumers. Nine lawsuits have been filed to date, the first three
against eight defendants, including Brown-Forman: "Hakki v. Adolph Coors
Company, et.al.," District of Columbia Superior Court No. CD 03-9183 (November
2003); "Kreft v. Zima Beverage Co., et.al.," District Court, Jefferson County,
Colorado, No. 04cv1827 (December 2003); and "Wilson v. Zima Company, et.al.,"
U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte
Division, No. 3:04cv141 ( January 2004). Two virtually identical suits with
allegations similar to those in the first three lawsuits were filed in
Cleveland, Ohio, in April and June, 2004, respectively, against the original
eight defendants as well as an additional nine manufacturers of spirits and
beer, and are now consolidated as "Eisenberg v. Anheuser-Busch," U.S. District
Court for the District of Northern Ohio, No. 1:04cv1081. Five similar suits were
filed in 2005: "Elizabeth H. Sciocchette v. Advanced Brands," Albany County, New
York Supreme Court No. 102205 (February 16, 2005); "Roger and Kathy Bertovich v.
Advanced Brands," Hancock County, West Virginia, Circuit Court No. 05-C-42M
(February 17, 2005); "Jacquelin Tomberlin v. Adolph Coors," Dane County
(Madison, Wisconsin) Circuit Court, (February 23, 2005); "Viola Alston v.
Advanced Brands," Wayne County, Michigan, Circuit Court No. 05-509294, (March,
30, 2005), and "Craig Konhauzer v. Adolph Coors Company," Broward County Florida
Circuit Court, No. 05004875 (March 30, 2005). In addition, Brown-Forman received
in February, 2004, a pre-lawsuit notice under the California Consumer Protection
Act indicating that the same lawyers intend to file a lawsuit there against many
industry defendants, including Brown-Forman, presumably on the same facts and
legal theories.
The suits allege that the defendants have engaged in deceptive marketing
practices and schemes targeted at underage consumers, negligently marketed their
products to the underage, and fraudulently concealed their alleged misconduct.
Plaintiffs seek class action certification on behalf of: (a) a guardian class
consisting of all persons who were or are parents of children whose funds were
used to purchase beverage alcohol marketed by the defendants which were consumed
without their prior knowledge by their children under the age of 21 during the
period 1982 to present; and (b) an injunctive class consisting of the parents
and guardians of all children currently under the age of 21.
The lawsuits seek: (1) a finding that defendants engaged in a deceptive scheme
to market alcoholic beverages to underage persons and an injunction against such
alleged practices; (2) disgorgement and refund to the guardian class of all
proceeds resulting from sales to the underage since 1982; and (3) judgment to
each guardian class member for a trebled award of actual damages, punitive
damages, and attorneys fees. The lawsuits, either collectively or individually,
if ultimately successful, represent significant financial exposure.
28
Brown-Forman, in coordination with other defendants, is vigorously defending
itself in these cases. Brown-Forman and the other defendants have successfully
obtained orders to dismiss six of the pending cases: Kreft (Colorado) in October
2005; Eisenberg (Ohio) in February 2006; Tomberlin (Wisconsin) in March 2006;
Hakki (D.C.) in March 2006; Alston (Michigan) in May 2006; and Bertovich (West
Virginia) in August 2006. Konhauzer (Florida) and Sciocchette (New York)
voluntarily withdrew their respective suits. Each involuntarily dismissal is
being appealed by the respective plaintiffs.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Other than with respect to the revision and additions below, there have been no
changes to "Item 1A: Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 2006 and filed on June 29, 2006. The revision and
additions below should be read together with the risk factors and information
disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The risk factor entitled "Demand for our products may be adversely affected by
changes in consumer preferences and tastes" is amended and restated in its
entirety as follows.
DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY CHANGES IN CONSUMER
PREFERENCES AND TASTES.
We operate in a highly competitive marketplace. Maintaining our competitive
position depends on our continued ability to offer products that have a strong
appeal to consumers. Consumer preferences may shift due to a variety of factors,
including changes in demographic and social trends, and changes in dining and
beverage consumption patterns. In addition, sales of a brand might diminish
because of a scare over product contamination or some other negative publicity
regarding the brand. If a product recall becomes necessary, that can affect our
business.
The following two risk factors constitute additions to the risk factors
disclosed in "Item 1A: Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
TERMINATION OF OUR RIGHTS TO DISTRIBUTE AND MARKET AGENCY BRANDS INCLUDED IN OUR
PORTFOLIO COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
In addition to the brands our company owns, we also market and distribute
products on behalf of other brand owners in selected markets, including the U.S.
Our rights to sell these agency brands are based on contracts with the various
brand owners, which have varying lengths, renewal terms, termination, and other
provisions. We earn a margin for these sales and also gain distribution cost
efficiencies in some instances. Therefore, the termination of our rights to
distribute agency brands included in our portfolio could adversely affect our
business.
29
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTION OF OUR PRODUCTS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS, BRAND EQUITY AND OPERATING RESULTS.
The beverage alcohol industry is experiencing problems with product
counterfeiting and other forms of trademark infringement, especially within the
Asian and Eastern European markets. Given our dependence on brand recognition,
we devote substantial resources on a worldwide basis to the protection of our
intellectual property rights. In addition, we have taken steps to reduce the
ability of others to imitate our products. Although we believe that our
intellectual property rights are legally supported in the markets in which we do
business, the protection of intellectual property rights varies greatly from
country to country. Confusingly similar, lower quality or even dangerous
counterfeit product could reach the market and adversely affect our intellectual
property rights, brand equity and/or operating results.
Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
31.2 CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002.
32 CEO and CFO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(not considered to be filed).
30
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Date: March 9, 2007 By: /s/ Phoebe A. Wood
Phoebe A. Wood
Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer
(On behalf of the Registrant and
as Principal Financial Officer)
31
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Paul C. Varga, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brown-Forman
Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant,
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others
within those entities, particularly during the period in which this
report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most
recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the
case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: March 9, 2007 By: /s/ Paul C. Varga
Paul C. Varga
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Phoebe A. Wood, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Brown-Forman
Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects
the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant,
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others
within those entities, particularly during the period in which this
report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most
recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the
case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably
likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: March 9, 2006 By: /s/ Phoebe A. Wood
Phoebe A. Wood
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Brown-Forman Corporation ("the
Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 31, 2007, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), each of
the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in the capacity as an
officer of the Company, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: March 9, 2007 By: /s/ Paul C. Varga
Paul C. Varga
President and Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Phoebe A. Wood
Phoebe A. Wood
Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
This certificate is being furnished solely for purposes of Section 906 and is
not being filed as part of the Periodic Report.