Exhibit 99.1
[BROWN-FORMAN LOGO] NEWS RELEASE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
PHIL LYNCH T.J. GRAVEN
VICE PRESIDENT ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR CORPORATE DIRECTOR INVESTOR
COMMUNICATIONS RELATIONS
AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
502-774-7928 502-774-7442
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION REPORTS RECORD THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS
FEBRUARY 22, 2005, LOUISVILLE, KY - Brown-Forman Corporation reported diluted
earnings per share of $0.78 for its third quarter ended January 31, 2005, up 19%
over the same period last year. Results for the quarter include a gain of
approximately $0.39 per share from the sale of the company's investment in
Glenmorangie plc and a $0.32 per share charge for asset impairments associated
with Lenox, Inc.'s retail business and a minority interest in a small Mexican
tequila company. Excluding these items, earnings growth in the quarter was
driven by solid growth for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort,
and Finlandia Vodka, and benefits from stronger foreign currencies. These gains
were partially offset by higher advertising and SG&A expenses in the company's
Beverages segment.
Excluding the Glenmorangie gain, the impairment charges, and favorable foreign
exchange, the company's quarterly earnings per share grew 8%, as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
Q3
----
REPORTED DILUTED EPS GROWTH 19%
Glenmorangie gain (59%)
Asset impairments 49%
Foreign currency benefit (6%)
All other, net 5%*
ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS GROWTH 8%
</Table>
*Includes net earnings impact associated with incremental pension and incentive
compensation expense; partially offset by restructuring expenses in the prior
year.
For the first nine months of the fiscal year, diluted earnings per share were
$2.05, up 25% over the same period last year. Year-to-date growth was driven in
part by the Glenmorangie gain, favorable foreign exchange trends, strong
earnings growth for our global spirits brands, and the absence of litigation
expenses incurred in the prior year. These increases were partially offset by
the asset impairment charges, higher compensation and pension expense, and lower
operating profits from Consumer Durables. Adjusting for the
Glenmorangie gain, the asset impairment charges, favorable foreign exchange, and
the prior year litigation expenses, diluted earnings per share for the nine
months grew 8%, as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
YTD
-----
REPORTED DILUTED EPS GROWTH 25%
Glenmorangie gain (24%)
Asset impairments 20%
Foreign currency benefit (9%)
Absence of prior year litigation expense (4%)
ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS GROWTH 8%
</Table>
BEVERAGES
In the third quarter, revenues and gross profit for the Beverages segment were
up 13% and 14%, respectively. This growth was driven by stronger foreign
currencies and continued volume growth and price increases for the company's
global spirits brands. Advertising expenses were up 20%, reflecting both the
company's desire to invest aggressively in the current robust global spirits
environment and the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar on the company's costs. SG&A
expenses increased 19% in the quarter, reflecting higher compensation and
pension expense and the negative impact of foreign exchange.
Global depletions* for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey continued to grow
impressively in the quarter, with high single-digit gains in the United States
and double-digit increases in international markets. Southern Comfort continued
its strong performance in the quarter as global depletions were up in the high
single-digits. Global depletions and shipments also grew at double-digit rates
for Finlandia Vodka, driven by continued strength in Eastern Europe and the
return to growth in the U.S. which is partially attributable to the introduction
of a new flavor.
As previously announced, on December 31, 2004 the company acquired the remaining
20% of the capital stock of Finlandia Vodka Worldwide Ltd. from Altia
Corporation of Finland for E46.8 million (or approximately $64 million.)
CONSUMER DURABLES
Net sales for Consumer Durables declined 4% in the quarter, as the benefit from
liquidation sales related to the previously-announced closing of Dansk retail
outlets was insufficient to fully offset continued softness in the
direct-to-consumer channel. Although segment gross profit declined $5 million
during the quarter, operating income (excluding the impairment charge) improved
$4 million due to reductions in operating expenses, the absence of restructuring
charges incurred in the prior year, improved profits at Hartmann, and a gain on
the sale of a closed distribution facility.
The $37 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in the quarter is a result
of the
continued disappointing performance of Lenox's retail stores through this
holiday season and management's conclusion that the retail chain should not be
operated in its current configuration in the future. As a result, management has
revised both its strategy and long-term outlook for its retail business.
* Depletions are shipments from wholesale distributors to retailers, and are
commonly used in the wine and spirits industry as an approximation of consumer
demand.
In a separate news release also issued today, Brown-Forman announced that it is
exploring strategic alternatives for Lenox, Inc., including a possible sale.
Goldman Sachs & Co. has been retained to assist in these efforts, and Cavendish
Corporate Finance, Ltd. in the U.K. will provide advice regarding Lenox's
British operations. "Lenox, Inc. has some of the strongest and most recognizable
brands in its industry and a large number of highly talented employees," said
Owsley Brown II, Brown-Forman's chairman and chief executive officer. "It is
consistently profitable and generates significant cash flow from a portfolio of
extraordinary products, many of which have been long time leaders in their
respective categories. After careful thought, however, we have determined that
the best path to creating value for our shareholders is to focus even more
sharply on growing our core beverage business."
FULL YEAR OUTLOOK
Following strong growth in earnings through January, only moderate growth is
expected for the remainder of the fiscal year. Continued solid consumer demand
for several of the company's beverage brands is projected to be partially offset
by increases in advertising investments and reductions in global trade inventory
levels related to both supply chain efficiency initiatives and potential
distribution changes in continental Europe. Additionally, the company intends to
adopt FAS 123(R) related to the expensing of stock options during the fourth
quarter of this fiscal year which will reduce full year diluted earnings by
approximately $0.033 per share. The company is increasing its full year outlook
to a range of $2.47 to $2.51 per share. Excluding the Glenmorangie gain and the
asset impairment charges, diluted earnings per share are expected to be in a
range of $2.41 to $2.45, reflecting growth of 16-18% for the full fiscal year.
CONFERENCE CALL
Brown-Forman will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter fiscal
2005 results today at 10:00 a.m. EST. All interested parties in the U.S. are
invited to join the conference by dialing 888-624-9285 and asking for the
Brown-Forman call. International callers should dial 706-679-3410. No password
is required. The company suggests that participants dial in approximately ten
minutes in advance of the 10:00 a.m. start of the conference call. A live audio
broadcast of the conference call will also be available by accessing
Brown-Forman's Internet Web site, www.brown-forman.com, and then clicking on the
"Investor Information" icon.
For those unable to participate in the live call, a replay will be available two
hours after
completion of the conference by calling 800-642-1687 (U.S.) or 706-645-9291
(international). The identification code is 3584444. A recording of the
conference call will also be available on the Web site approximately one hour
after the conclusion of the conference call. The replays will be available for
at least thirty days after the conference call.
Brown-Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality
consumer products, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka,
Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bolla Wines, Korbel California Champagnes, Lenox,
Dansk, and Gorham tableware and giftware and Hartmann Luggage.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This news release contains statements, estimates, or projections that constitute
"forward-looking statements" as defined under U.S. federal securities laws.
Generally, the words "expect," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "will,"
"anticipate," and "project," and similar expressions identify a forward-looking
statement, which speaks only as of the date the statement is made. Except as
required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
We believe that the expectations and assumptions with respect to our
forward-looking statements are reasonable. But by their nature, forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
in some cases are out of our control. These factors could cause our actual
results to differ materially from Brown-Forman's historical experience or our
present expectations or projections. Here is a non-exclusive list of such risks
and uncertainties:
- changes in general economic conditions, particularly in the
United States where we earn the majority of our profits;
- a strengthening U.S. dollar against foreign currencies,
especially the British Pound;
- reduced bar, restaurant, hotel and travel business in wake of
other terrorist attacks, such as occurred on 9/11;
- developments in the class action lawsuits filed against
Brown-Forman and other spirits, beer and wine manufacturers
alleging that our advertising causes illegal consumption of
alcohol by those under the legal drinking age, or other
attempts to limit alcohol marketing, through either litigation
or regulation;
- a dramatic change in consumer preferences, social trends or
cultural trends that results in the reduced consumption of our
premium spirits brands;
- tax increases, whether at the federal or state level;
- increases in the price of grain and grapes;
- continued depressed retail prices and margins in our wine
business because of our excess wine inventories, existing
grape contract obligations, and a world-wide oversupply of
grapes; and
- the effects on our Consumer Durables business of the general
economy, department store business, response rates in our
direct marketing business, and profitability of mall outlet
operations.
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
January 31,
2004 2005 Change
------------------ ------ ------
Net Sales $ 695.7 $ 758.3 9%
Beverages 529.7 598.3 13%
Consumer Durables 166.0 160.0 (4%)
Gross Profit $ 343.6 $ 375.3 9%
Beverages 264.9 301.3 14%
Consumer Durables 78.7 74.0 (6%)
Advertising Expenses $ 87.5 $ 96.9 11%
Beverages 63.6 76.3 20%
Consumer Durables 23.9 20.6 (14%)
Selling, General, and
Administrative Expenses $ 131.7 $ 146.2 11%
Beverages 88.2 104.8 19%
Consumer Durables 43.5 41.4 (5%)
Goodwill Impairment
Consumer Durables -- 37.0
Other Expense (Income), net $ (2.5) $ 0.5
Beverages (4.3) 1.6
Consumer Durables 1.8 (1.1)
Operating Income (Loss) $ 126.9 $ 94.7 (25%)
Beverages 117.4 118.6 1%
Consumer Durables 9.5 (23.9) N/M
Gain on Sale of Investment in Affiliate -- 73.5
Interest Expense, net 4.9 2.0
Income Before Income Taxes $ 122.0 $ 166.2 36%
Taxes on Income 41.5 70.1
Net Income $ 80.5 $ 96.1 19%
Earnings Per Share
- Basic $ 0.66 $ 0.79 19%
- Diluted $ 0.66 $ 0.78 19%
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Nine Months Ended
January 31,
2004 2005 Change
------------------ ---- ------
Net Sales $1,951.8 $2,116.0 8%
Beverages 1,496.3 1,692.3 13%
Consumer Durables 455.5 423.7 (7%)
Gross Profit $ 979.1 $1,073.8 10%
Beverages 765.2 878.6 15%
Consumer Durables 213.9 195.2 (9%)
Advertising Expenses $ 260.0 $ 278.9 7%
Beverages 192.4 218.4 14%
Consumer Durables 67.6 60.5 (11%)
Selling, General, and
Administrative Expenses $ 392.5 $ 418.9 7%
Beverages 267.4 297.8 11%
Consumer Durables 125.1 121.1 (3%)
Goodwill Impairment
Consumer Durables -- 37.0
Other Expense (Income), net $ 8.8 $ 1.2
Beverages 4.1 (0.8)
Consumer Durables 4.7 2.0
Operating Income (Loss) $ 317.8 $ 337.8 6%
Beverages 301.3 363.2 21%
Consumer Durables 16.5 (25.4) N/M
Gain on Sale of Investment in Affiliate -- 72.3
Interest Expense, net 15.0 11.6
Income Before Income Taxes $ 302.8 $ 398.5 32%
Taxes on Income 102.9 147.9
Net Income $ 199.9 $ 250.6 25%
Earnings Per Share
- Basic $ 1.65 $ 2.06 25%
- Diluted $ 1.64 $ 2.05 25%
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions)
April 30, January 31,
2004 2005
--------- ----------
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 67.7 $ 289.5
Accounts receivable, net 348.6 357.1
Inventories 557.2 573.7
Other current assets 110.0 90.6
-------- --------
Total current assets 1,083.5 1,310.9
Property, plant, and equipment, net 515.2 500.5
Prepaid pension cost 118.2 129.9
Trademarks and brand names 246.6 334.4
Goodwill 314.6 282.8
Other assets 97.9 63.7
-------- --------
Total assets $2,376.0 $2,622.2
======== ========
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 271.5 $ 314.3
Dividends payable -- 29.8
Short-term borrowings 49.5 32.5
Accrued taxes on income 48.0 112.6
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 369.0 489.2
Long-term debt 630.0 600.8
Deferred income taxes 122.2 113.2
Accrued postretirement benefits 136.7 143.6
Other liabilities 33.0 34.2
-------- --------
Total liabilities 1,290.9 1,381.0
Stockholders' equity 1,085.1 1,241.2
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,376.0 $2,622.2
======== ========
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
Nine Months
Ended
January 31,
2004 2005
------------ --------
Cash provided by operating activities $ 248.2 $ 343.3
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of investment in affiliate -- 92.7
Acquisition of minority interest of subsidiary -- (63.6)
Additions to property, plant, and equipment (42.8) (32.2)
Other (3.9) 6.6
-------- --------
Cash provided by (used for)investing activities (46.7) 3.5
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net decrease in debt (100.0) (47.0)
Dividends paid (71.3) (81.6)
Other 7.9 3.6
-------- --------
Cash used for financing activities (163.4) (125.0)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 38.1 221.8
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 72.0 67.7
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 110.1 $ 289.5
======== ========
BROWN-FORMAN CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months
Ended
January 31,
2004 2005
------------ ----
Depreciation and amortization $ 14.3 $ 14.9
Excise taxes $ 103.1 $ 127.8
Effective tax rate 34.0% 42.2%
Cash dividends paid per common share $ 0.2125 $ 0.2450
Shares (in thousands) used in the
calculation of earnings per share
- Basic 121,385 121,755
- Diluted 122,114 122,482
Nine Months
Ended
January 31,
2004 2005
------------ ----
Depreciation and amortization $ 41.7 $ 43.8
Excise taxes $ 272.9 $ 319.4
Effective tax rate 34.0% 37.1%
Cash dividends paid per common share $ 0.5875 $ 0.6700
Shares (in thousands) used in the
calculation of earnings per share
- Basic 121,305 121,723
- Diluted 121,886 122,432
These figures have been prepared in accordance with the company's customary
accounting practices.