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 September 30, 2006

OR

o  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.          000-03389

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia

 

11-6040273

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

 

 

11 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10010

(Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

 

(212) 589-2700

 

 

 

(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     o

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 Ruler 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer      x                Accelerated Filer     o     Non Accelerated Filer    o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes      o                                                                                            No     x

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 31, 2006 was 97,375,965.

 




WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity/(Deficit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

 




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT
(IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

58,806

 

$

31,476

 

Receivables, net

 

39,311

 

28,040

 

Inventories, net

 

25,475

 

31,678

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

29,427

 

25,638

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,483

 

10,878

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

154,502

 

127,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

25,847

 

20,775

 

Franchise rights acquired

 

629,665

 

555,604

 

Goodwill

 

51,311

 

51,305

 

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net

 

17,407

 

8,837

 

Deferred income taxes

 

47,714

 

61,917

 

Deferred financing costs and other noncurrent assets

 

8,652

 

9,343

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

935,098

 

$

835,491

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Portion of long-term debt due within one year

 

$

14,648

 

$

4,700

 

Accounts payable

 

26,784

 

19,714

 

Dividend payable

 

17,029

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

99,509

 

82,025

 

Income taxes payable

 

7,001

 

13,710

 

Deferred income taxes

 

7,250

 

7,250

 

Deferred revenue

 

54,815

 

38,489

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

227,036

 

165,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

802,392

 

741,425

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

26

 

Other

 

8,939

 

8,803

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

1,038,367

 

916,142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend to Artal Luxembourg S.A.

 

(304,835

)

(304,835

)

Common stock, $0 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 111,988 shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 14,680 shares at September 30, 2006 and 11,410 shares at
December 31, 2005

 

(541,099

)

(390,864

)

Retained earnings

 

736,148

 

609,053

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

6,517

 

5,995

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

(103,269

)

(80,651

)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

$

935,098

 

$

835,491

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2




 

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Meeting fees, net

 

$

166,845

 

$

152,377

 

Product sales and other, net

 

84,815

 

77,380

 

Online revenues

 

33,093

 

27,726

 

Revenues, net

 

284,753

 

257,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of meetings, products and other

 

120,713

 

108,916

 

Cost of online subscriptions

 

8,317

 

6,395

 

Cost of revenues

 

129,030

 

115,311

 

Gross profit

 

155,723

 

142,172

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing expenses

 

30,678

 

27,851

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

32,756

 

29,658

 

Operating income

 

92,289

 

84,663

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

13,169

 

5,308

 

Other (income)/expense, net

 

(76

)

126

 

Income before income taxes

 

79,196

 

79,229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

28,581

 

29,777

 

Net income

 

$

50,615

 

$

49,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.48

 

Diluted

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

97,425

 

103,227

 

Diluted

 

98,036

 

104,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.18

 

$

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

3




 

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Meeting fees, net

 

$

552,671

 

$

532,911

 

Product sales and other, net

 

297,228

 

284,795

 

Online revenues

 

97,961

 

82,375

 

Revenues, net

 

947,860

 

900,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of meetings, products and other

 

396,502

 

379,652

 

Cost of online subscriptions

 

22,651

 

20,116

 

Cost of revenues

 

419,153

 

399,768

 

Gross profit

 

528,707

 

500,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing expenses

 

125,492

 

127,365

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

101,428

 

137,770

 

Operating income

 

301,787

 

235,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

35,931

 

14,469

 

Other (income)/expense, net

 

(821

)

1,899

 

Early extinguishment of debt

 

1,321

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

265,356

 

218,810

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

99,827

 

83,258

 

Net income

 

$

165,529

 

$

135,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.67

 

$

1.32

 

Diluted

 

$

1.66

 

$

1.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

99,152

 

103,046

 

Diluted

 

99,872

 

104,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.53

 

$

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

4




 

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
(IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

Dividend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

to Artal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Treasury Stock

 

Comprehensive

 

Luxembourg

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Income

 

S.A.

 

Earnings

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2005

 

111,988

 

$

 

9,575

 

$

(222,547

)

$

5,794

 

$

 

$

413,192

 

$

196,439

 

Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

174,402

 

174,402

 

Translation adjustment, net of taxes of $853

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,272

)

 

 

 

 

(1,272

)

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges, net of taxes of ($942)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,473

 

 

 

 

 

1,473

 

Total Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

174,603

 

Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans

 

 

 

 

 

(1,897

)

7,663

 

 

 

 

 

(3,951

)

3,712

 

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,770

 

26,770

 

Exercise of WeightWatchers.com warrants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,261

)

(4,261

)

Dividend to Artal Luxembourg S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(304,835

)

 

 

(304,835

)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

3,732

 

(175,980

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(175,980

)

Compensation expense on restricted stock awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,901

 

2,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

111,988

 

$

 

11,410

 

$

(390,864

)

$

5,995

 

$

(304,835

)

$

609,053

 

$

(80,651

)

Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

165,529

 

165,529

 

Translation adjustment, net of taxes of $(383)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

708

 

 

 

 

 

708

 

Change in fair value of derivatives accounted for as hedges, net of taxes of $177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(186

)

 

 

 

 

(186

)

Total Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

166,051

 

Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans

 

 

 

 

 

(357

)

1,443

 

 

 

 

 

1,801

 

3,244

 

Tax benefit of restricted stock units vested and stock options exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,329

 

3,329

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

3,627

 

(151,678

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(151,678

)

Compensation expense on share-based awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,711

 

8,711

 

Dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(51,787

)

(51,787

)

Secondary offering fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(488

)

(488

)

Balance at September 30, 2006

 

111,988

 

$

 

14,680

 

$

(541,099

)

$

6,517

 

$

(304,835

)

$

736,148

 

$

(103,269

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

5




 

WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

234,033

 

$

255,788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(10,227

)

(9,434

)

Capitalized software expenditures

 

(8,355

)

(1,797

)

Website development expenditures

 

(3,633

)

(2,222

)

Cash paid for acquisitions

 

(74,597

)

(75,997

)

Other items, net

 

(213

)

9

 

Cash used for investing activities

 

(97,025

)

(89,441

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in short-term borrowings

 

(832

)

238

 

Proceeds from new term loan

 

350,000

 

 

Proceeds/(repayments) from revolver

 

160,000

 

(105,000

)

Payments of long-term debt

 

(439,085

)

(2,250

)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

4,090

 

4,384

 

Tax benefit from restricted stock units vested and stock options exercised

 

3,329

 

 

Repurchase of treasury stock

 

(151,678

)

(42,551

)

Costs of public equity offering

 

(280

)

 

Payment of dividends

 

(34,758

)

 

Deferred financing costs

 

(1,744

)

 

Cash used for financing activities

 

(110,958

)

(145,179

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash/cash equivalents and other

 

1,280

 

(3,283

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

27,330

 

17,885

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

31,476

 

35,156

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

58,806

 

$

53,041

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

6




WEIGHT WATCHERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

1.                                      Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Weight Watchers International, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, which effective December 16, 2005 includes WeightWatchers.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “WW.com”).  The term “the Company” as used throughout this document is used to indicate Weight Watchers International, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  The term “WWI” as used throughout this document is used to indicate Weight Watchers International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries other than WW.com.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.  While all available information has been considered, actual amounts could differ from those estimates.  The consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the interim results presented. 

These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, which includes additional information about the Company, its results of operations, its financial position and its cash flows.

2.                                      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment” on January 1, 2006.  This standard requires the Company to recognize the cost of all share-based awards based on their grant-date fair value over the related service period of such awards.  Determining the fair value of options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise, the associated volatility and the expected dividends.  Prior to adopting SFAS No. 123(R), the Company applied the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related Interpretations, in accounting for its share-based compensation plans.  All employee stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market price as determined in accordance with our Stock Plans (as defined in Note 8).  Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized for stock option grants in prior periods.  In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), judgment is required in estimating the amount of share-based awards expected to be forfeited prior to vesting.  If actual forfeitures differ significantly from these estimates, share-based compensation expense could be materially impacted.

For a discussion of the Company’s other significant accounting policies, see “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” beginning on page F-8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. 

3.                                      Acquisitions

Summary

The acquisitions of certain franchisees have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, earnings have been included in the consolidated operating results of the Company since their dates of acquisition.  Details of these franchise acquisitions are outlined below.

Pursuant to a merger agreement effective July 2, 2005, WWI increased its ownership interest in WW.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% for a total cash outlay of $136,385, including $107,900 paid to WW.com.  Further to this, on December 16, 2005, WW.com redeemed all of the equity

7




 

interest in WW.com owned by Artal Luxembourg S.A. (together with its affiliates, “Artal”) for the aggregate cash consideration of $304,835.  As a result of this redemption, WW.com became a wholly-owned subsidiary of WWI.  See further discussion below for the accounting treatment of this transaction.

Franchise Acquisitions

On August 17, 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of the Canadian franchisee, Walmar (Eastern Canada) Limited (“Walmar”), and of Vale Printing Limited (“Vale”, and collectively with Walmar, “Eastern Canada”).  The net purchase price was approximately $49,800, the majority of which has been preliminarily allocated to franchise rights acquired.  Due to the timing of this acquisition, the Company has not yet finalized the purchase price allocation.  Pro forma results of operations, assuming this acquisition had been completed at the beginning of each period presented, would not differ materially from the reported results.

On July 27, 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Indiana franchisee, Weight Watchers of Greater Indiana, Inc., for a purchase price of approximately $24,900, the majority of which has been preliminarily allocated to franchise rights acquired.  Due to the timing of this acquisition, the Company has not yet finalized the purchase price allocation.  Pro forma results of operations, assuming this acquisition had been completed at the beginning of each period presented, would not differ materially from the reported results.

Acquisition of WW.com

On June 13, 2005, WWI entered into an agreement to acquire its affiliate WW.com. As a result, WWI increased its ownership interest in WW.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% as follows: on July 1, 2005, WWI exercised its 6,395 warrants to purchase WW.com common stock for a total price of $45,660; and on July 2, 2005, WWI acquired through a merger of a subsidiary of WWI with WW.com (the “Merger”), 1,126 shares of WW.com common stock owned by the employees of WW.com and other parties not related to Artal for a total price of $28,383, and acquired an additional 2,759 shares of WW.com common stock, representing outstanding stock options then held by WW.com employees, for a total price of $62,342.

The acquisition of the 1,126 shares represented shares owned outright by the employees of WW.com and other parties not related to Artal. This component of the transaction has been accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” (“FAS 141”). The acquisition of these shares resulted in an increase to goodwill of $26,185 and an increase to finite-lived intangible assets of $1,161, primarily customer relations and information technology. These amounts represent the excess of the purchase price of $28,383 over the net book value of the assets acquired plus transaction costs.

The acquisition of the 2,759 shares of WW.com stock represented vested and unvested options owned by employees of WW.com. Because at the time of the acquisition of these shares Artal owned approximately 47% of WW.com and is the majority shareholder of WWI, the acquisition of these shares is considered to be a transaction between entities under common control, and therefore, the provisions of FAS 141 are not applicable. Under the guidance of FASB Interpretation No. 44, “Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation,” (“FIN 44”), and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-23, “Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 and FIN 44,” (“EITF 00-23”), the Company was required to record a compensation charge related to the 2,293 vested options of $39,647 in the second quarter 2005. This amount represents the difference between the purchase price per share and the exercise price per share of the vested options. The 466 unvested options were exchanged for 134 restricted stock units of WWI, resulting in deferred compensation of $7,214, which is being recorded as compensation expense in future periods as the restricted stock units vest.

8




 

In connection with the acquisition of the WW.com shares, WWI also purchased and canceled all 103 outstanding WW.com options held by WWI employees for a total settlement price of $2,415. Under the guidance of FIN 44 and EITF 00-23, the Company was required to record the full settlement price as a compensation charge in the second quarter of 2005. This charge, coupled with the aforementioned $39,647 compensation charge recorded in connection with the vested options held by WW.com employees, resulted in a total compensation charge of $42,062, which was recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2005.

 

On June 13, 2005, WW.com entered into a redemption agreement with Artal (the “Redemption”) to purchase the 12,092 shares of WW.com then owned by Artal.  Pursuant to the Redemption on December 16, 2005, WW.com redeemed the remaining 47% of its outstanding shares of common stock held by Artal for the aggregate cash consideration of $304,835, the same purchase price per share as that paid by WWI in the Merger.  The Redemption was funded with cash on hand of approximately $89,800 and the proceeds from its two credit facilities (see Note 5) which totaled $215,000.  In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity,” because at the time of the Redemption Artal owned approximately 47% of WW.com and is the majority shareholder of WWI, the Redemption was considered to be a transaction between entities under common control.  Therefore, the Redemption was recorded as a dividend to Artal in the shareholders’ deficit section of the balance sheet.

4.                                      Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company no longer amortizes goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets, primarily franchise rights acquired.  The Company performed its annual fair value impairment testing as of December 31, 2005 on its goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets and determined that no impairment existed.  Unamortized goodwill is due mainly to the acquisition of the Company by the H.J. Heinz Company in 1978 and the aforementioned transactions with WW.com.  Franchise rights acquired are due mainly to acquisitions of the Company’s franchised territories.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the change in goodwill is due to foreign currency fluctuations, while the increase in franchise rights acquired is primarily due to the acquisition of our Canadian franchisee and our Indiana franchisee as explained in Note 3.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, aggregate amortization expense for finite lived intangible assets was recorded in the amounts of $1,193 and $3,777 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.  Aggregate amortization expense was $991 and $2,655 for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2005, respectively.

The carrying amount of the amortized intangible assets as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 was as follows:

 

September 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Deferred software costs

 

$

16,007

 

$

5,828

 

$

7,435

 

$

4,280

 

Trademarks

 

8,337

 

7,570

 

8,112

 

7,352

 

Non-compete agreement

 

1,200

 

1,200

 

1,200

 

1,200

 

Web site development costs

 

13,631

 

8,400

 

9,998

 

6,661

 

Other

 

5,385

 

4,155

 

5,382

 

3,797

 

 

 

$

44,560

 

$

27,153

 

$

32,127

 

$

23,290

 

 

9




 

Estimated amortization expense of existing finite lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years is as follows:

Remainder of 2006

 

$

1,075

 

2007

 

$

5,686

 

2008

 

$

5,068

 

2009

 

$

3,277

 

2010

 

$

140

 

 

5.                                      Long-Term Debt

WWI Credit Facility

WWI’s Credit Agreement dated as of January 16, 2001 and amended and restated as of January 21, 2004, as supplemented on October 19, 2004 and as amended on June 24, 2005 (the “WWI Credit Agreement”) consisted of a Term Loan B, Additional Term Loan B and a revolving line of credit.

On May 8, 2006, WWI entered into a refinancing to reduce its effective interest rate while increasing its borrowing capacity and extending the maturities of borrowings under the WWI Credit Agreement (as refinanced, the “WWI Credit Facility”).  In connection with the refinancing, WWI’s Term Loan B and Additional Term Loan B in the aggregate amount of $294,375 were repaid and replaced with a new Term Loan A in the amount of $350,000 (the “Term Loan A”).  The additional funds of $55,625 were used to pay down the revolving line of credit.  Also, in connection with this refinancing, WWI’s then existing revolving line of credit was repaid and replaced with a new revolving line of credit (the “Revolver”) which increased borrowing capacity from $350,000 to $500,000.  At September 30, 2006, WWI had $226,400 of availability under the Revolver.  The WWI Credit Facility has a maturity date of June 30, 2011.

In connection with the early extinguishment of debt resulting from this refinancing, the Company recorded a charge of $1,321 in the second quarter of 2006 relating to the write-off of a portion of the deferred financing costs associated with its old debt.

WWI’s Term Loan A and the Revolver bear interest at an initial rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.875% per annum or, at WWI’s option, the alternate base rate (as defined in the WWI Credit Facility).  In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the WWI Credit Facility, WWI is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolver with respect to the unused commitments at an initial rate equal to 0.175% per annum.

The WWI Credit Facility contains customary covenants including covenants that in certain circumstances restrict WWI’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell its assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of its assets.  The WWI Credit Facility also requires WWI to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests.  At September 30, 2006, WWI complied with all of the required financial ratios and also met all of the financial condition tests and is expected to continue to do so.  The WWI Credit Facility contains customary events of default.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the WWI Credit Facility, the lenders thereunder may cease making loans and declare amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.  The WWI Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future subsidiaries, other than WW.com. Substantially all the assets of WWI collateralize the WWI Credit Facility.

On June 13, 2006, Standard & Poor’s confirmed its “BB” rating for WWI’s corporate credit and assigned a “BB+” rating to the WWI Credit Facility.  On September 22, 2006, Moody’s assigned a “Ba1” rating to WWI’s corporate credit and the WWI Credit Facility.

10




 

WW.com Credit Facilities

On December 16, 2005, WW.com borrowed $215,000 pursuant to two credit facilities (the “WW.com Credit Facilities”), consisting of (i) a five year, senior secured first lien term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $170,000 (the “First Lien Term Credit Facility”) and (ii) a five and one-half year, senior secured second lien term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $45,000 (the “Second Lien Term Credit Facility”). The WW.com Credit Facilities are governed by two credit agreements among WW.com, Credit Suisse, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.

The First Lien Term Credit Facility bears an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, or, at WW.com’s option, the alternate base rate, (as defined in the First Lien Term Credit Facility), plus 1.25% per annum. The Second Lien Term Credit Facility bears an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.75% per annum or, at WW.com’s option, the alternate base rate, (as defined in the Second Lien Term Credit Facility), plus 3.75% per annum.

Loans outstanding under the WW.com Credit Facilities (i) must be prepaid with certain percentages of excess cash flow and net cash proceeds of asset sales, issuances, offerings or placements of debt obligations of WW.com and issuances of equity securities of WW.com, and (ii) may be voluntarily prepaid at any time in whole or in part without premium or penalty, with certain exceptions depending upon the date of payment. The rights and priorities of the lenders under the WW.com Credit Facilities are governed by an inter-creditor agreement.

The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary covenants, including affirmative and negative covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict WW.com’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell WW.com assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of WW.com’s assets. The WW.com Credit Facilities also require WW.com to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests, which become more restrictive over time.  At September 30, 2006, WW.com complied with all of the required financial ratios and also met all of the financial condition tests and is expected to continue to do so.  The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the WW.com Credit Facilities, the lenders thereunder may cease making loans and declare amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.  Each of WW.com’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the WW.com Credit Facilities and the WW.com Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of WW.com and these subsidiaries. WWI has not guaranteed the WW.com Credit Facilities.

On November 4, 2005, Standard & Poor’s assigned its “B+” corporate credit rating to WW.com. In addition, Standard & Poor’s assigned ratings of “B+” to the First Lien Term Credit Facility and “B-” to the Second Lien Term Credit Facility. On September 22, 2006, Moody’s assigned ratings of “Ba2” to the First Lien Term Credit Facility and “B2” to the Second Lien Term Credit Facility.

6.             Treasury Stock

On October 9, 2003, the Company, at the direction of WWI’s Board of Directors, authorized a program to repurchase up to $250,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  On June 13, 2005, the Company, at the direction of WWI’s Board of Directors, authorized adding an additional $250,000 to this program.  On May 25, 2006, the Company, at the direction of WWI’s Board of Directors, authorized adding an additional $250,000 to this program.

The repurchase program allows for shares to be purchased from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.  No shares will be purchased from Artal under the program. 

11




 

From October 9, 2003 through December 31, 2005, the Company purchased 9,184 shares of common stock in the open market for a total cost of $381,877.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, the Company purchased 3,627 and 888 shares of common stock, respectively, in the open market at a total cost of $151,678 and $42,551, respectively. 

7.             Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) computations are calculated utilizing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.  Diluted EPS is calculated utilizing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the effect of dilutive common stock equivalents. 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

50,615

 

$

49,452

 

$

165,529

 

$

135,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares

 

97,425

 

103,227

 

99,152

 

103,046

 

Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents

 

611

 

1,109

 

720

 

1,564

 

Denominator for diluted EPS-Weighted-average shares

 

98,036

 

104,336

 

99,872

 

104,610

 

EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.48

 

$

1.67

 

$

1.32

 

Diluted

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.47

 

$

1.66

 

$

1.30

 

 

The number of anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares for diluted EPS was 1,762 and 12 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively, and 1,282 and 58 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively.

8.                                      Stock Plans

On May 12, 2004 and December 16, 1999, respectively, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) and the 1999 Stock Purchase and Option Plan (the “1999 Plan,” and together with the 2004 Plan, the “Stock Plans”).  These plans are designed to promote the long-term financial interests and growth of the Company by attracting and retaining management with the ability to contribute to the success of the business.  The Board of Directors or a committee thereof administers the plans.

Under the 2004 Plan, grants may take the following forms at the committee’s sole discretion: non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and other share-based awards.  The maximum number of shares available for grant under the 2004 Plan is 2,500 as of the plan’s effective date.

12




 

Under the 1999 Plan, grants may take the following forms at the committee’s sole discretion: non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, purchase stock, dividend equivalent rights, performance units, performance shares and other share-based grants.  The maximum number of shares available for grant under this plan was 5,647 shares of authorized common stock as of the plan’s effective date.  In 2001, the number of shares available for grant was increased to 7,058 shares.

Through December 31, 2005, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company applied the recognition and measurement principles of APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for these plans.  As such, for all periods presented through fiscal 2005, no compensation expense for employee stock options was reflected in earnings as all options were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market price as determined in accordance with our Stock Plans.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and diluted earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

  October 1, 2005  

 

  October 1, 2005  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

49,452

 

$

135,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

Total share-based employee compensation as recorded under FIN 44 and APB 25, net of related tax effect

 

861

 

25,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deduct:

 

 

 

 

 

Total share-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method for all stock option awards, net of related tax effect

 

(1,863

)

(28,162

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro forma net income

 

$

48,450

 

$

132,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic-as reported

 

$

0.48

 

$

1.32

 

Basic-pro forma

 

$

0.47

 

$

1.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted-as reported

 

$

0.47

 

$

1.30

 

Diluted-pro forma

 

$

0.46

 

$

1.27

 

 

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” on January 1, 2006.  Upon adopting this standard, the Company began recognizing the cost of all share-based awards based on their grant-date fair value over the related service period of such awards.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the impact of adopting SFAS 123(R) was to reduce income before income taxes by $1,603 and $4,556, respectively and net income by $978 and $2,779, respectively, with a corresponding reduction in basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.01 and $0.03, respectively.  In accordance with SFAS 123(R), the Company has elected to apply the modified prospective transition method to all past awards outstanding and unvested as of the date of adoption and has begun to recognize the associated expense over the remaining vesting period based on the fair values previously determined and disclosed as part of its pro forma disclosures.  The Company has not restated the results of prior periods.

13




 

The total compensation cost that has been charged against income for these plans was $2,931 and $8,711 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.  Such amount has been included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.  The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for all share-based compensation arrangements was $1,143 and $3,397 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively.  No compensation costs were capitalized.  As of September 30, 2006, there was $25,552 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted under the plans.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.

While the plans permit various types of awards, grants under the plans have historically been either stock options or RSUs.  The following describes some further details of these awards.

Stock Option Awards

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the weighted average assumptions noted in the following table.  Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock with certain time periods excluded due to historical events which are not expected to recur.  Since the Company’s option exercise history is limited, it has estimated the expected term of option grants to be the midpoint between the vesting period and the contractual term of each award, as is permitted under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment” (“SAB 107”).  The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant which corresponds to the expected term of the option.

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend yield

 

1.5

%

0

%

1.4

%

0

%

Volatility

 

26.6

%

28.1

%

27.2

%

28.3

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.9% - 5.0

%

4.0% - 4.2

%

4.3% - 5.2

%

3.3% - 4.3

%

Expected term (years)

 

7.5

 

5.8

 

7.5

 

5.2

 

 

A summary of option activity under the plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is presented below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Contractual

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Term (Yrs.)

 

Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

2,825

 

$

28.14

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

369

 

$

45.00

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(328

)

$

12.48

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled

 

(89

)

$

41.68

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2006

 

2,777

 

$

31.79

 

5.24

 

$

37,869

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2006

 

1,223

 

$

17.81

 

4.09

 

$

32,826

 

 

14




 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted was $15.41 and $15.46 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $11,375 and $77,829 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, respectively.

Cash received from options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $4,090.  The tax benefits realized from options exercised and RSUs vested resulting from tax deductions in excess of share-based employee compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations totaled $3,329 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  With the adoption of SFAS 123(R), this amount is now shown as a cash inflow from financing activities.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), this amount was shown as a cash inflow from operating activities.  Because the Company elected the modified prospective transition method of adoption, prior period financial statements have not been restated.

Restricted Stock Units

The fair value of RSUs is determined using the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  A summary of RSU activity under the plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 is presented below:

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Grant-Date

 

 

 

Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

181

 

$

48.77

 

Granted

 

178

 

$

48.88

 

Vested

 

(48

)

$

50.87

 

Forfeited

 

(21

)

$

49.72

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2006

 

290

 

$

48.40

 

 

The total fair value of RSUs vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $2,459.

9.             Income Taxes

Prior to December 16, 2005, WWI and WW.com were separate tax paying entities. Effective with the completion of the Redemption (see Note 3), WW.com is included in WWI’s consolidated federal tax return.

The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 was 36.1% and 37.6%, respectively.  The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2005 was 37.6% and 38.1%, respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 the primary differences between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate were state income taxes, offset by lower statutory tax rates in certain foreign jurisdictions, the reversal of $1,000 of tax reserves, primarily due to the resolution of an audit issue, and net operating loss carryforwards utilized by WW.com.  For the three and nine months ended October 1, 2005, the primary differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate and the Company’s effective tax rate were state income taxes, offset by lower statutory rates in certain foreign jurisdictions and net operating loss carryforwards utilized by WW.com.

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which prescribes accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions. This interpretation defines the criteria that must be met for the benefits of a tax position to be recognized in the financial statements and the

15




 

measurement of tax benefits recognized. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle to be recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on the consolidated financial statements.

10.          Legal

In March 2006, the Company agreed to settle a litigation filed on behalf of a purported class of employees under the California Labor Code and the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act for $2,300 plus other costs and expenses.  This settlement was accrued for in fiscal 2005 and is subject to approval and certification of the class status by the court.

On July 7, 2006, the Company filed an amended notice of appeal with the U.K. VAT and Duties Tribunal appealing Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ (“HMRC”) ruling that from April 1, 2005 Weight Watchers meetings fees in the U.K. should be fully subject to 17.5% standard rated value added tax (“VAT”).  For over a decade prior to April 1, 2005, HMRC had determined that Weight Watchers meetings fees in the U.K. were only partially subject to 17.5% VAT.  It is the Company’s view that this prior determination by HMRC should remain in effect and the Company intends to vigorously pursue this appeal.  The Company expects a hearing before the UK VAT and Duties Tribunal to occur during the first quarter of fiscal 2007.  In the event the Company’s appeal is unsuccessful, we may incur monetary liability in excess of reserves previously recorded, and our U.K. results of operations may be adversely affected in the future.

Due to the nature of its activities, the Company is also, at times, subject to pending and threatened legal actions that arise out of the normal course of business.  We have had and continue to have disputes with certain of our franchisees.  In the opinion of management, based in part upon advice of legal counsel, the disposition of all such matters is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

11.                               Derivative Instruments and Hedging

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to hedge a substantial portion of its variable rate debt.  These contracts are used primarily to reduce risk associated with variable interest rate debt obligations.  As of September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, the Company held contracts for interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $257,500 and $150,000, respectively.  The Company is hedging forecasted transactions for periods not exceeding the next three years.  At September 30, 2006, given the current configuration of its debt, the Company estimates that no derivative gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified to the Statement of Operations within the next 12 months.

As of September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, cumulative gains/(losses) for qualifying hedges were reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the amounts of $1,217, ($1,998 before taxes) and $1,220, ($1,999 before taxes), respectively.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005, there were no fair value adjustments recorded in the statement of operations since all hedges are considered qualifying.

16




 

12.          Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income for the Company includes net income, the effects of foreign currency translation and changes in the fair value of derivative instruments.  Comprehensive income is as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

September 30,

 

October 1,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

50,615

 

$

49,452

 

$

165,529

 

$

135,552

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

572

 

405

 

708

 

(597

)

Current period changes in fair value of derivatives

 

(887

)

673

 

(186

)

1,290

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

50,300

 

$

50,530

 

$

166,051

 

$

136,245

 

 

13.          Segment Data

The Company has two operating segments, each of which is a reportable segment: WWI and WW.com.  These are two separate and distinct businesses for which discrete financial information is available.  This discrete financial information is maintained and managed separately and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker.  All intercompany activity is eliminated in consolidation.

17




 

Information about the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany

 

 

 

 

 

WWI

 

WW.com

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

251,243

 

$

33,510

 

$

 

$

284,753

 

Intercompany revenue

 

3,185

 

3,298

 

(6,483

)

 

Total revenue

 

254,428

 

36,808

 

(6,483

)

284,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,608

 

1,125

 

 

3,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

77,131

 

15,158

 

 

92,289

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,169

 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(76

)

Provision for taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,581

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

50,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,011,706

 

$

38,742

 

$

(115,350

)

$

935,098

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 1, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany

 

 

 

 

 

WWI

 

WW.com

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

229,757

 

$

27,726

 

$

 

$

257,483

 

Intercompany revenue

 

2,681

 

795

 

(3,476

)

 

Total revenue

 

232,438

 

28,521

 

(3,476

)

257,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,106

 

989

 

 

3,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

74,223

 

10,440

 

 

84,663

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,308

 

Other expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

126

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,777

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

49,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

918,988

 

$

114,814

 

$

(183,139

)

$

850,663

 

 

18




 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany

 

 

 

 

 

WWI

 

WW.com

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

848,514

 

$

99,346

 

$

 

$

947,860

 

Intercompany revenue

 

9,416

 

4,847

 

(14,263

)

 

Total revenue

 

857,930

 

104,193

 

(14,263

)

947,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

7,397

 

3,521

 

 

10,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

264,177

 

37,610

 

 

301,787

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,931

 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(821

)

Early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,321

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99,827

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

165,529

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

1,011,706

 

$

38,742

 

$

(115,350

)

$

935,098

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended October 1, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany

 

 

 

 

 

WWI

 

WW.com

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

817,706

 

$

82,375

 

$

 

$

900,081

 

Intercompany revenue

 

8,043

 

2,229

 

(10,272

)

 

Total revenue

 

825,749

 

84,604

 

(10,272

)

900,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,078

 

3,513

 

 

9,591

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

253,873

 

(18,695

)

 

235,178

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,469

 

Other expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,899

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,258

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

135,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

918,988

 

$

114,814

 

$

(183,139

)

$

850,663

 

 

19




 

14.          Other Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

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 provides interpretive guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment.  SAB 108 is effective as of the end of the Company’s 2006 fiscal year, allowing a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings as of January 1, 2006, for errors that were not previously deemed material, but are material under the guidance in SAB 108.  The Company has concluded the adoption of SAB 108 will not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

15.          Subsequent Event

On November 2, 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of its Suffolk County, New York franchise, Weight Watchers of Suffolk, Inc., for a net purchase price of approximately $24,200.  Due to the timing of this acquisition, the Company has not yet finalized the purchase price allocation.

20




ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 that includes additional information about us, our results of operations, our financial position and our cash flows, and with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”).  Except for historical information contained herein, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including, in particular, the statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  We have used the words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “intend,” and similar expressions in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the documents incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to identify forward-looking statements.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among other things:

·                  competition, including price competition and competition with self-help, pharmaceutical, surgical, dietary supplements and meal replacement products, and other weight-management brands, diets, programs and products;

·                  risks associated with the relative success of our marketing and advertising;

·                  risks associated with the continued attractiveness of our plans;

·                  risks associated with general economic conditions and consumer confidence; and

·                  the other factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 as updated under “Part II Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  You should understand that many important factors, including those discussed herein could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or suggested in any forward-looking statements.  Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment” on January 1, 2006.  This standard requires us to recognize the cost of all share-based awards based on their grant-date fair value over the related service period of such awards.  Determining the fair value of options at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise, the associated volatility and the expected dividends.  Prior to adopting SFAS No. 123(R), we applied the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related Interpretations, in accounting for our share-based compensation plans.  All employee stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market price as determined in accordance with our Stock Plans.  Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized for stock option grants in prior periods.  In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), judgment is required in estimating the amount of share-based awards expected to be forfeited prior to vesting.  If actual forfeitures differ significantly from these estimates, share-based compensation expense could be materially impacted.

For a discussion of the other critical accounting policies affecting us, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies”

21




beginning on page 29 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.  These critical accounting policies have not changed since December 31, 2005.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

Net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $284.7 million, an increase of $27.2 million or 10.6%, from $257.5 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005.  Revenues increased $27.2 million resulting from a $14.4 million increase in meeting fees, a $4.3 million increase in product sales, a $5.4 million increase in online revenues, and a $3.1 million increase in licensing revenues.  Net revenues were positively impacted by foreign currency exchange rates in the amount of $3.4 million or 1.3%.

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, total meeting fees were $166.8 million, versus $152.4 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $14.4 million or 9.4%.  While attendance volumes increased in the quarter in our North American company-owned region (“NACO”) compared to the prior year period, these gains were partially offset by declines in attendance in Continental Europe, resulting in total worldwide attendance of 13.9 million, down 0.3 million from the prior year level of 13.6 million.

In NACO, meeting fees for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $109.7 million, up $14.0 million or 14.6%, from $95.7 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005. Attendances grew 6.6% versus the prior year quarter to 8.1 million including the impact of acquisitions.  Meeting fee growth outpaced attendance growth in the quarter. The average meeting fee per attendee rose 7.5% over the prior year comparable period as we continue to benefit from the flow through of our price increases and from our Spring Season Pass, which ran through the end of August. With Season Pass, members pay in advance, in full, for 17 consecutive weeks of meetings at a discounted price. The increase in the average meeting fee arises because not all of the members who purchase Season Pass attend all 17 meetings.

International company-owned meeting fees were $57.1 million for the period ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $0.4 million or 0.7%, from $56.7 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005. On a local currency basis, meeting fee revenues declined 2.9% from the comparable prior year quarter. International meeting fees were negatively impacted by a 7.8% decline in Continental Europe attendance, from 2.5 million in 2005 to 2.3 million in 2006.  Attendance declines in Continental Europe were primarily driven by a disappointing September marketing campaign in Germany, our largest market in Continental Europe, due in part to the three years it has been since our last program innovation.

Worldwide product sales for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $64.4 million, up 7.2% from $60.1 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005.  NACO product sales posted strong growth, up 11.0% or $3.4 million to $34.3 million in the third quarter of 2006 with a 3.2% rise in in-meeting product sales per attendee.  Per attendee growth illustrates the continued resurgence of our consumables business as well as the introduction of new electronic products.  Internationally, product sales increased 3.1% or $0.9 million, to $30.1 million primarily due to the successful launch of new products in the UK. International in-meeting product sales per attendee increased 9.6%. On a local currency basis, international product sales declined 0.9%.

Online revenues grew $5.4 million or 19.5%, to $33.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $27.7 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005. This increase was primarily the result of an 18.4% increase in end of period active Weight Watchers Online subscribers, from 413 thousand in the third quarter of 2005 to 489 thousand in the third quarter of 2006.

Other revenue, comprised primarily of licensing revenues and our publications, was $16.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $3.5 million or 27.6%, from $12.7 million

22




for the three months ended October 1, 2005. Licensing revenues increased $3.1 million or 33.5% worldwide.  The U.S. licensing business grew at a faster rate than the worldwide rate on the strength of increased distribution of existing licenses including ice cream and cakes.  New licenses drove the increase in international licensing.  Advertising revenue increased $0.4 million primarily due to an increased level of advertising in our magazine.

Franchise royalties were $2.9 million in NACO and $1.3 million internationally for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  Total franchise royalties were $4.2 million, down 8.7% from $4.6 million in the prior year period as a result of our recent acquisitions of the assets of our Canadian franchisee in August 2006, and our Indiana franchisee in July 2006.  Excluding the impact of these acquisitions, NACO franchise royalties declined 3.8% while international franchise royalties declined 4.5%.

Cost of revenues was $129.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $13.7 million or 11.9%, from $115.3 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005. Gross profit margin of 54.7% of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compares to 55.2% of sales in the prior year, a 50 basis point decline.  The decrease in margin was primarily driven by lower average attendance per meeting in some of our markets and commissions paid in NACO for monthly pass sales when the initial sale is made.  Monthly pass was first introduced in August 2006 and enables our members to receive a discount on their meeting fee and free eTools, the online product designed for meeting members, by signing up for a commitment plan which renews automatically on a monthly basis until it is cancelled.

Marketing expenses increased $2.8 million or 10.0%, to $30.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, from $27.9 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005. The higher spending on marketing is partially the result of television campaigns and promotions in Continental Europe, and to cover our recently acquired territories.  As a percentage of net revenues, marketing expenses remained constant at 10.8% for both years.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $32.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to $29.6 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005, an increase of $3.1 million, or 10.5%, including an incremental $1.5 million in non-cash share-based compensation expense.  Excluding these expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 5.4% from the third quarter last year.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were 11.5% of revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2006, consistent with the same period last year.  On an adjusted basis, selling, general and administrative expenses were 11.0% of revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Operating income was $92.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $7.6 million or 9.0%, from $84.7 million for the three months ended October 1, 2005. The operating income margin for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was 32.4%, as compared to 32.9% for the comparable period last year, all a function of the gross margin decline.

Net interest charges increased $7.9 million to $13.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to $5.3 million in the three months ended October 1, 2005. Our total outstanding debt rose $455.2 million from September 2005 as a result of the WW.com Credit Facilities (defined in Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements) that were put in place in December 2005, and as a result of a $259.0 million increase in our combined Term Loan A and Revolver borrowings utilized to fund 2006 franchise acquisitions and a portion of our share repurchase program.  We also experienced an increase in our effective interest rate from 5.08% in the third quarter 2005, to 6.53% in the third quarter 2006.

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was 36.1%, as compared to 37.6% for the three months ended October 1, 2005.  During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we recorded a tax benefit by reversing $1.0 million in tax reserves primarily due to the resolution of an audit issue.

23




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

The table below shows the consolidated income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005. As a result of the July 2, 2005 transaction, which increased WWI’s ownership in WW.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53%, our consolidated results for the nine months ended October 1, 2005 included certain transaction-related expenses in the amount of $46.4 million, as further explained in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The table below shows the consolidated income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and October 1, 2005 on a comparable basis adjusted for these 2005 transaction expenses.

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended October 1, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

Less

 

Results Less

 

 

 

 

 

Ended

 

Reported

 

Transaction

 

Transaction

 

Increase /

 

 

 

September 30, 2006

 

Results

 

Expenses

 

Expenses

 

(Decrease)

 

Revenues

 

$

948.0

 

$

900.1

 

$

 

$

900.1

 

$

47.9

 

Cost of revenues

 

419.3

 

399.8

 

 

399.8

 

19.5

 

Gross profit

 

528.7

 

500.3

 

 

500.3

 

28.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing expenses

 

125.5

 

127.4

 

 

127.4

 

(1.9

)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

101.4

 

137.7

 

46.4

 

91.3

 

10.1

 

Operating income

 

301.8

 

235.2

 

(46.4

)

281.6

 

20.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

35.9

 

14.5

 

 

14.5

 

21.4

 

Other (income)/expense, net

 

(0.7

)

1.9

 

 

1.9

 

(2.6

)

Early extinguishment of debt

 

1.3

 

 

 

 

1.3

 

Income before taxes

 

265.3

 

218.8

 

(46.4

)

265.2

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

99.8

 

83.2

 

(18.8

)

102.0

 

(2.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

165.5

 

$

135.6

 

$

(27.6

)

$

163.2

 

$

2.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted averge diluted common shares outstanding

 

99.9

 

104.6

 

104.6

 

104.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

 

$

1.66

 

$

1.30

 

$

(0.26

)

$

1.56

 

$

0.10

 

 

As the table shows, our reported net income was $165.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $29.9 million from $135.6 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. Our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 included $7.1 million of incremental expense related to non-cash share-based compensation, partially as a result of our January 2006 adoption of FAS 123(R). Net income for 2006 of $165.5 million, including these expenses, increased $2.3 million or 1.4% from $163.2 million, adjusted for the above transaction expenses.

Net revenues were $948.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $47.9 million or 5.3%, from $900.1 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. Net revenues were negatively impacted by foreign currency exchange rates in the amount of $7.5 million or 0.8%. The revenue increase of $47.9 million was driven by a $19.8 million increase in meeting fees, a $15.6 million increase in online revenues, a $7.8 million increase in licensing revenues, a $3.0 million increase in product sales and a $1.7 million increase in other revenues.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, total meeting fees were $552.7 million, versus $532.9 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $19.8 million or 3.7% including the negative impact of foreign currency translation. While attendance volumes in the period increased in NACO compared to the prior year period, these gains were offset by declines in attendance in the UK and Continental Europe, resulting in total worldwide attendance of 47.7 million, down 0.7% from the prior year level of 48.1 million.

24




In NACO, meeting fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $358.5 million, up $36.0 million or 11.2%, from $322.5 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. Attendances grew 4.5% versus the prior year period to 27.5 million including the impact of acquisitions.  Meeting fee growth outpaced attendance growth in the period.  The average meeting fee per attendee rose 6.4% over the prior year comparable period as a result of a one dollar price rise in approximately 30% of our markets and the positive impact of Season Pass, a commitment pricing plan which was first launched for our 2006 Winter diet season, and offered again in Spring. With Season Pass, members pay in advance, in full, for 17 consecutive weeks of meetings at a discounted price. The increase in the average meeting fee arises because not all of the members who purchase Season Pass attend all 17 meetings.

International company-owned meeting fees were $194.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, a decrease of $16.2 million or 7.7%, from $210.4 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. On a local currency basis, meeting fee revenues declined 5.6% from the comparable prior year period. International meeting fees were negatively impacted by a 10.6% decline in UK attendance in the period, from 10.3 million in 2005 to 9.2 million and in the first nine months of 2006. In the first quarter of 2006, UK attendances declined by 17.2%. In the second quarter of 2006, the UK attendance decline improved to a negative 11.6% and in the third quarter of 2006, the UK attendance returned to growth, up 0.4% from the prior year comparable period.

Worldwide product sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $231.9 million, up $3.0 million or 1.3% from $228.9 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005.  NACO product sales posted strong growth, up 12.3% or $14.1 million to $128.3 million in the first nine months of 2006. This increase is the result of higher attendances coupled with improved penetration of our in-meeting consumable product offerings. In addition, E-Commerce was launched in the US in late 2005 and generated $3.9 million of sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Internationally, product sales decreased 9.7% or $11.1 million, to $103.6 million due primarily to the decline in attendances and the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates. On a local currency basis, international product sales declined 7.4%.

Online revenues grew $15.6 million or 18.9%, to $98.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $82.4 million for nine months ended October 1, 2005. This increase was the result of an 18.4% increase in end of period active Weight Watchers Online subscribers, from 413 thousand at October 1, 2005 to 489 thousand at September 30, 2006.

Other revenue, comprised primarily of licensing revenues and our publications, was $49.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $9.3 million or 23.1%, from $40.2 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. Licensing revenues increased $7.8 million or 27.8% worldwide on the strength of both existing licenses and the addition of new categories, and publishing increased $0.8 million.

Franchise royalties were $10.4 million in NACO and $5.5 million internationally for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Total franchise royalties were $15.9 million, up 1.3% from $15.7 million in the prior year.  Excluding our recently acquired franchises, NACO franchise royalties rose 2.6% while international franchise royalties rose 3.9%.

Cost of revenues was $419.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $19.5 million or 4.9%, from $399.8 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. Gross profit margin of 55.8% of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 increased 20 basis points from 55.6% of sales in the prior year.

Marketing expenses decreased $1.9 million or 1.5%, to $125.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, from $127.4 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. The lower spending on marketing is partially the result of timing related to our winter diet season direct mail campaigns in some of our international markets. In 2005, expense for this campaign was incurred in the first quarter of 2005, when mailed, while mailing and expense for the 2006 winter diet season direct mail campaign occurred in the fourth quarter of 2005. In addition, UK marketing expense was higher in the first quarter 2005 to support the launch of the new Switch innovation. As a result of these factors, marketing as a percentage of revenues declined to 13.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to 14.2% in the same period last year.

25




Selling, general and administrative expenses were $101.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to $137.7 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005, a decrease of $36.3 million or 26.4%. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are $46.4 million of transaction-related expenses in 2005. Excluding these transaction-related expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses were up $10.1 million, or 11.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 versus the comparable prior year period.  Approximately $7.1 million of this increase is attributable to higher non-cash share-based compensation expense, the majority of which is due to the expensing of stock options in accordance with FAS 123(R), which was adopted at the beginning of 2006.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were 10.7% of revenues for the first nine months of 2006 including the impact of incremental non-cash share-based compensation, as compared to 10.1% for the comparable period in 2005 after eliminating transaction expenses from that period. On a reported basis, selling, general and administrative expenses were 15.3% of revenues in the nine months ended October 1, 2005.

Operating income was $301.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $66.6 million or 28.3%, from $235.2 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. The operating income margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was 31.8%, as compared to 26.1% for the comparable period last year. Excluding transaction-related expenses in 2005 due to the WW.com acquisition, operating income increased $20.2 million, or 7.2%, from $281.6 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005. On a comparable basis, the operating income margin improved 50 basis points from 31.3% in the prior year period to 31.8% in the current year period.

Net interest charges increased $21.4 million to $35.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to $14.5 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2005.  Our total debt outstanding rose $455.2 million from September 2005 as a result of the WW.com Credit Facilities (as defined in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) that were put in place in December 2005, and as a result of a $259.0 million increase in our combined term loan and revolver borrowings to fund franchise acquisitions and a portion of our share buyback program.  We also experienced an increase in our effective interest rate from 4.66% in the first nine months of 2005, to 6.46% in the first nine months of 2006.

For the first nine months of 2006 we reported other income of $0.7 million as compared to other expense of $1.9 million for the first nine months of 2005. The variance of $2.6 million higher other income is primarily the result of the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on intercompany transactions.

In connection with the early extinguishment of debt resulting from the refinancing of the WWI Credit Facility (as further explained in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), we recorded a charge of $1.3 million relating to the write-off of a portion of the deferred financing costs associated with our old debt.

Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was 37.6%, as compared to 38.1% for the nine months ended October 1, 2005.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Sources and Uses of Cash

For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, cash and cash equivalents were $58.8 million, an increase of $27.3 million from December 31, 2005. Cash flows provided by operating activities in the nine months of 2006 were $234.0 million, including $32.2 million provided by WW.com’s operating activities. The cash provided by operations was driven by our net income of $165.5 million, changes in our working capital and permanent differences between book and cash taxes. Funds used for investing and financing activities combined totaled $208.0 million. Investing activities utilized $97.0 million, primarily for payments of $74.6 million for the purchase of Walmar, Vale and our Indiana franchise, capital expenditures of $10.2 million, software expenditures of $8.4 million and website development fees of $3.6 million. Cash used for financing activities totaled $111.0 million. This included the repurchase of 3.6 million shares of our common stock for $151.7 million, consistent with our stock repurchase program (See Part II, Item 2), and dividend payments of $34.8 million, offset by net proceeds from borrowings of $70.9 million.

26




For the nine months ended October 1, 2005, cash and cash equivalents were $53.0 million, an increase of $17.9 million from January 1, 2005.  Cash flows provided by operating activities in the nine months of 2005 were $255.8 million, including $39.6 million of cash utilized by WW.com’s operating activities. Funds used for investing and financing activities combined totaled $234.6 million. Investing activities utilized $89.4 million of cash, including $76.0 million for the acquisition of our increased ownership of WW.com and $9.4 million of capital expenditures.  Cash used for financing activities totaled $145.2 million.  This included the net paydown of debt of $107.3 million and the repurchase of 0.9 million shares of our common stock for $42.6 million, pursuant to our stock repurchase program (See Part II, Item 2).

Balance Sheet

Comparing the balance sheet at September 30, 2006 with that at December 31, 2005, our cash balance of $58.8 million has increased by $27.3 million as noted above. Our working capital deficit at September 30, 2006 was $72.5 million as compared to $38.2 million at December 31, 2005. Excluding cash, the working capital deficit increased by $61.6 million.

Approximately half of the increase in negative working capital is operational, largely the result of timing associated with the seasonality of the business which totaled approximately $25.3 million and affected such items as: deferred revenue for member prepayment purchases which grew $16.3 million, prepaid expenses, accrued expenses and payables which together increased by $14.1 million, inventory levels which declined $6.2 million, and accounts receivable, higher by $11.3 million.  In addition to these operational factors, we have a payable related to declaring but not yet paying our $17.0 million third quarter dividend for which there was no corresponding dividend declared in 2005. Other increases to negative working capital totaled $19.3 million, a combination of a $9.9 million increase in the current portion of our long-term debt, and $9.4 million of utilization of WW.com’s net operating loss carryforwards, which reduced our deferred taxes.

Long Term Debt

As of September 30, 2006, the WWI Credit Facility (as defined in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) consists of Term Loan A and the Revolver.  The WW.com Credit Facilities (as defined in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) consist of first and second lien term loans.  At September 30, 2006, WWI had debt of $620.9 million and had additional availability under its $500.0 million Revolver of $226.4 million. At September 30, 2006, WW.com had debt of $196.1 million. Our total debt outstanding was $817.0 million at September 30, 2006 and $746.1 million at December 31, 2005.

At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, our debt consisted entirely of variable-rate instruments. The average interest rate on our debt was approximately 6.8% and 6.1% per annum at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

The following schedule sets forth our long-term debt obligations and interest rates at September 30, 2006:

Long-Term Debt

At September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Interest

 

 

 

Balance

 

Rate

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

WWI Revolver due 2011

 

$

270.9

 

6.25

%

WWI Term Loan A due 2011

 

350.0

 

6.29

%

WW.com First Lien Term Loan

 

151.1

 

7.70

%

WW.com Second Lien Term Loan

 

45.0

 

10.36

%

Total Debt

 

817.0

 

 

 

Less Current Portion

 

14.6

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Debt

 

$

802.4

 

 

 

 

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The Term Loan A and the Revolver bear interest at an initial rate equal to LIBOR plus 0.875% per annum or, at WWI’s option, the alternate base rate (as defined in the WWI Credit Facility).  In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the WWI Credit Facility, WWI is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolver with respect to the unused commitments at an initial rate equal to 0.175% per year.

The WWI Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell our assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfers of all or substantially all of our assets.  The WWI Credit Facility also requires WWI to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests.  At September 30, 2006, WWI complied with all of the required financial ratios and also met all of the financial condition tests and is expected to continue to do so.  The WWI Credit Facility contains customary events of default.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the WWI Credit Facility, the lenders thereunder may cease making loans and declare amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.  The WWI Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain of our existing and future subsidiaries, other than WW.com. Substantially all the assets of WWI collateralize the WWI Credit Facility.

The WW.com First Lien Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, or, at WW.com’s option, the alternate base rate (as defined in the WW.com First Lien Term Loan), plus 1.25% per annum.  The WW.com Second Lien Term Loan bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.75% per annum or, at WW.com’s option, the alternate base rate (as defined in the WW.com Second Lien Term Loan), plus 3.75% per annum. Each of WW.com’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the WW.com Credit Facilities, which facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of WW.com and these subsidiaries. WWI has not guaranteed the WW.com Credit Facilities.

Loans outstanding under the WW.com Credit Facilities (i) must be prepaid with certain percentages of excess cash flow and net cash proceeds of asset sales, issuances, offerings or placements of debt obligations of WW.com and issuances of equity securities of WW.com, and (ii) may be voluntarily prepaid at any time in whole or in part without premium or penalty, with certain exceptions depending on the date of payment.

The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary covenants, including affirmative and negative covenants that, in certain circumstances, restrict WW.com’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on and redeem capital stock, make other restricted payments, including investments, sell WW.com assets and enter into consolidations, mergers and transfer of all or substantially all of WW.com’s assets. The WW.com Credit Facilities also require WW.com to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial condition tests, which become more restrictive over time. At September 30, 2006, WW.com complied with all of the required financial ratios and also met all of the financial condition tests and is expected to continue to do so.  The WW.com Credit Facilities contain customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the WW.com Credit Facilities, the lenders thereunder may cease making loans and declare amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

On June 13, 2006, Standard & Poor’s confirmed its “BB” rating for WWI’s corporate credit and assigned a “BB+” rating to the WWI Credit Facility.  On September 22, 2006, Moody’s assigned a “Ba1” rating to WWI’s corporate credit and Credit Facility.

On November 4, 2005, Standard & Poor’s assigned its “B+” corporate credit rating to WW.com.  In addition, Standard & Poor’s assigned ratings of “B+” to the WW.com First Lien Term Loan (as defined in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and “B-” to the WW.com Second Lien Term Loan (as defined in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  On September 22, 2006, Moody’s assigned ratings of “Ba2” to the WW.com First Lien Term Loan and “B2” to the WW.com Second Lien Term Loan.

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The following schedule sets forth our year-by-year debt obligations:

Total Debt Obligation
(Including Current Portion)
As of September 30, 2006
(in millions)

Remainder of 2006

 

$

0.4

 

2007

 

19.0

 

2008

 

36.5

 

2009

 

54.0

 

2010

 

216.2

 

Thereafter

 

490.9

 

Total

 

$

817.0

 

 

Debt obligations due to be repaid in the next 12 months are expected to be satisfied with operating cash flows.  We believe that cash flows from operating activities, together with borrowings available under our Revolver, will be sufficient for the next 12 months to fund currently anticipated capital expenditure requirements, debt service requirements and working capital requirements.

As a result of the refinancing of WWI’s Credit Facility (as more fully explained in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), the Company’s scheduled interest payments have changed significantly from the schedule of contractual obligations previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.  In particular for the periods 1-3 years, 3-5 years and more than 5 years, there has been an increase of approximately $14.5 million, $50.4 million and $13.4 million, respectively.  Due to the fact that all of our debt is variable rate based, we have assumed for purposes of this disclosure that the interest rate on all of our debt as of September 30, 2006 remains constant for all periods presented.

Dividends

On February 16, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share of our common stock, which corresponds to an annual dividend rate of $0.70 per share and declared the quarterly dividend for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 to be paid on April 7, 2006 to shareholders of record as of March 24, 2006.  On May 25, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a dividend for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 payable on July 14, 2006 to shareholders of record as of June 30, 2006.  On August 29, 2006, our Board of Directors declared a dividend for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 payable on October 13, 2006 to shareholders of record as of September 29, 2006.

As of September 30, 2006, the WWI Credit Facility provided that we are permitted to pay dividends so long as we are not in default.  However, we may be restricted in our ability to pay extraordinary dividends.  If investment grade rating has not been achieved and certain debt to earnings ratios contained in the WWI Credit Facility are equal to or greater than 2.50:1, payment of extraordinary dividends shall not exceed $150 million in any fiscal year.

Acquisitions

Pursuant to a merger agreement effective July 2, 2005, the last day of our second quarter of fiscal year 2005, WWI increased its ownership interest in WW.com from approximately 20% to approximately 53% for a total cash outlay of $136.4 million including $107.9 million paid to WW.com and $28.5 million paid to the non-Artal shareholders. Further to this, on December 16, 2005, WW.com redeemed all of the equity interests in WW.com owned by Artal for the aggregate cash consideration of $304.8 million. As a result of this redemption, WW.com is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WWI.

On July 27, 2006, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Indiana franchisee, Weight Watchers of Greater Indiana, Inc., for a purchase price of approximately $24.9 million.

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On August 17, 2006, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Canadian franchisee, Walmar, and of Vale for a net purchase price of approximately $49.8 million.

On November 2, 2006, we acquired substantially all of the assets of our Suffolk County, New York franchise, Weight Watchers of Suffolk, Inc., for a net purchase price of approximately $24.2 million.

Stock Transactions

On October 9, 2003, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $250.0 million of our outstanding common stock.  On June 13, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized adding an additional $250.0 million to this plan.  On May 25, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized adding an additional $250.0 million to this plan.  The repurchase program allows for shares to be purchased from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.  No shares will be purchased from Artal under the program.  From fiscal 2003 through fiscal 2005, we purchased 9.2 million shares of common stock in the open market for a total purchase price of $381.9 million.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we purchased 3.6 million shares of common stock in the open market for a total purchase price of $151.7 million.

Factors Affecting Future Liquidity

Any future acquisitions, joint ventures or other similar transactions could require additional capital and we cannot be certain that any additional capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Our ability to fund our capital expenditure requirements, interest, principal and dividend payment obligations and working capital requirements and to comply with all of the financial covenants under our debt agreements depends on our future operations, performance and cash flow. These are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS

As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

For a discussion of related party transactions affecting us, see “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” beginning on page 61 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.  Other than during the normal course of business, the related party transactions affecting us have not changed since December 31, 2005.

SEASONALITY

Our business is seasonal, with revenues generally decreasing at year end and during the summer months.  Our advertising schedule supports the three key enrollment-generating seasons of the year: winter, spring and fall, with winter having the highest concentration of advertising spending.  The timing of certain holidays, particularly Easter, which precedes the spring diet season and occurs between March 22 and April 25, may affect our results of operations and the year-to-year comparability of our results. For example, in 2006, Easter fell on April 16, which means that the pre-summer diet season began later than it did in 2005. Our operating income for the first half of the year is generally the strongest. While WW.com experiences similar seasonality in terms of new subscriber signups, its revenue tends to be less seasonal because it amortizes subscription revenue over the related subscription period.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Notes 9 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements

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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Since 100% of our debt is variable rate-based, any changes in market interest rates will cause an equal change in our interest expense associated with our long-term debt.  Accordingly we have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge a substantial portion of our variable rate debt, which mitigates a substantial portion of the associated market risk.

For a more detailed discussion of our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks that affect us, see Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” on page 46 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. Our exposure to market risks has not changed materially since December 31, 2005.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

In addition, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On July 7, 2006, we filed an amended notice of appeal with the U.K. VAT and Duties Tribunal appealing Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ (“HMRC”) ruling that from April 1, 2005 Weight Watchers meetings fees in the U.K. should be fully subject to 17.5% standard rated value added tax (“VAT”).  For over a decade prior to April 1, 2005, HMRC had determined that Weight Watchers meetings fees in the U.K. were only partially subject to 17.5% VAT.  It is our view that this prior determination by HMRC should remain in effect and we intend to vigorously pursue this appeal.  We expect a hearing before the UK VAT and Duties Tribunal to occur during the first quarter of fiscal 2007.  In the event our appeal is unsuccessful, we may incur monetary liability in excess of reserves previously recorded, and our U.K. results of operations may be adversely affected in the future.

Due to the nature of our activities, we are also at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions that arise out of the normal course of business. We have had and continue to have disputes with certain of our franchisees.  In the opinion of management, based in part upon advice of legal counsel, the disposition of all such matters is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations.

ITEM 1A.                    RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in the risk factors at September 30, 2006 from those detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.

ITEM 2.          UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Below is a summary of our stock repurchases during the quarter ended September 30, 2006:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approximate Dollar

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Total Number of

 

Value of Shares

 

 

 

Number of

 

Average

 

Shares Purchased

 

that May Yet Be

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price Paid

 

as Part of Publicly

 

Purchased Under